On Mic Podcast

Mental illness is a serious worldwide problem with millions affected. Sadly, so many suffer in silence, fearing vulnerability and stigma. On today’s episode I team up once again with my good friend Larry Ruttman (a past guest here and host of his own podcast “A Life Lived Backwards”). We produced two pods on his platform about our respective encounters with depression. I thought it was worth producing a single ON MIC podcast to again share our individual stories of struggle , and more importantly, our paths to healing. If this motivates you or someone in need to seek help, then we will have accomplished something worthwhile. We are NOT dispensing medical advice, for that you should consult a qualified physician. What we are doing is as old as civilization itself; telling deeply personal stories that remind us we are all very much part of the human family.

On Mic takes to the road! We enjoyed a delightful two-week holiday in France recently and couldn’t help recording interviews with some fascinating people along the way. On today’s episode one of the most innovative restaurants in the world, a visit to the Champagne region, meeting up with a fellow podcaster at Radio France, the mayor of a picturesque French town that labored under the Nazis and a visit from Hitler, and a woman who has created a unique card game, certain to spark romance, so appropriate to play when in Paris!

Nick Gancitano is a best selling author, keynote speaker, private coach, soccer All-American, football National Champion, and Penn State University’s All-Time Most Accurate Place-Kicker. Over the last 25 years, he has mentored thousands globally who have attained personal and spiritual transformation under his guidance, including entrepreneurs, top athletes and coaches in virtually every sport. Enjoy a chat with Nick about his book and winning philosophy!

Daniel Ross has a voice that makes you smile. Correction…he has dozens of voices that elicit joy and laughter. Daniel is one of the nation’s top animation actors, and only the third person to be officially noted as the voice of Donald Duck. We’re very happy for Daniel winning an inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool Animated Program for his role as Donald Duck in “Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas.” Let’s go behind the animation studio scenes with a talented guy who loves his work!

For an adoptee, developing a satisfying, healthy life often follows self-reflection, therapy, and peer support — processes well understood by author Lisa Coppola of “Voices Unheard: A Reflective Journal for Adult Adoptees.” Lisa is a mental health counselor with Boston Post Adoption Resources. She shares a bit of her own story of adoption and how the techniques offered in her journal are doing a lot to help other adult adoptees.

Today’s guest is one talented and very funny guy. He’s actor, writer, producer and sensational impressionist Jim Meskimen. Jim’s work is highly respected and loved. His ability to mimic politicians and actors will blow your mind. We talk about the art of voice-acting, “capturing” the voice and mannerisms of the famous for fun and profit. Check out Jim’s work on any number of social media platforms to see him in action!

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner Joe Pike are back on the case in the new mystery/thriller “Racing the Light.” We are honored to have as our guest #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais. Bob’s insights on developing crime fiction are fascinating. We’ll talk with him about his career in film and television and how he has maintained a super successful franchise with characters millions of readers love!

Meet Landon Beach, a top notch writer of mystery-thrillers, who is keeping readers up at night with his latest called, “Narrator.” A talented but struggling actor is kidnapped by obsessed fans who demand he narrate their audiobook or suffer rather dire consequences. It’s a psychological chiller of the first order and a look behind the scenes into the world of voice-over narration.

Meet a Boston character who defines the character of Boston. He’s Mark Duffield, former commercial fisherman, broadcaster and store owner in the world famous neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Mark has written a new, beautifully illustrated book that will kindle wistful thoughts of serendipity. The book is entitled “As I Recall: Wings of Remembrance, “ and it’s penned by a true gentleman, the unofficial Mayor Duffield of Boston!

Valerie June is a talented Grammy nominated musician from Tennessee who can do it all. She’s a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose sound encompasses a mix of blues, soul, country, gospel and more. She has published a delightful children’s book entitled, “Somebody to Love,” and is intent on using her artistry to make the world a better place. Infectious energy and a positive spirit define this talented rising star!

Poet and novelist Dianne C. Braley joins us to talk about her terrific book, “The Silence in the Sound.” Dianne has written a poignant coming of age story that should greatly impact any reader. Because sometimes escaping the past isn’t as easy as it seems. Meet this scrappy New England author who is also a registered nurse and full-time mom. Dianne’s life experiences make for terrific read in her debut novel.

Jeffrey Deaver is one of the world’s most popular novelists with a line of winning thrillers led by his Lincoln Rhyme Series. The New York Times bestselling master of suspense is back with a riveting thriller entitled “Hunting Time,” with reward seeker Colter Shaw plunging into the woods and racing the clock in a case where nothing is quite what it seems. We will talk about his love of the craft, creating tantalizing villains and Jeffrey’s fascinating turn at writing a James Bond novel. Jeffrey Deaver is a “00” for sure with a license to write!

In another of our live audience podcast tapings from the Millennium Tower in Boston, we welcome T.J. Winick, author of the new book, “Reputation Capital: How to Navigate Crises and Protect Your Greatest Asset.” T.J. is a long time colleague from his days as a TV reporter in Boston and the ABC Network. Currently he leads the crisis practice at Issues management Group, an award-winning strategic communications firm. There is no one better at this critical job than T.J. and you’re about to learn why!

Joining me for a live taping at the Millennium Tower in downtown Boston is the lovely Lisa Lewtan, author of “Busy, Stressed and Food Obsessed.” Lisa is a health and life coach with a common sense approach to recovering life balance and feeling empowered. Listen in for tips on how you can look and perform better, improving your physical, mental and spiritual states of being. Lisa’s delightful sense of humor and nurturing manor is guaranteed to inspire and make you smile!

He’s a real radio guy, a Hall- of- Famer who sailed to the top of the ratings for decades in Southern California, forging a lasting broadcast legacy with his talented partner. We talk shop and more with Mark Thompson, who has penned a terrific memoir about his life and times in and out of radio. It’s entitled, “ Don’t Bump the Record, Kid: My Adventures with Mark and Brian.” Enjoy a ride-along with this radio veteran and yours truly who has a few war stories to share as well!

Meet Cat Burkey, a creative apparel designer who is giving back in a unique and inspiring way. She has been a key catalyst in a project called “Double Take,” a first-of-its-kind fashion show, with start-to-finish SMA ( spinal muscular atrophy) community involvement, that aims to increase disability visibility, break down stereotypes and champion adaptive fashion. You’re about to hear how this incredible event took shape in the hope of launching a better future, where all are valued and no one is ignored.

John Koblin is a journalist who covers media for the New York Times. He is also the co-author of a fascinating new book on the story of HBO entitled, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO.” Join us as we do a deep dive into the origins of Home Box Office and the state of television as a result.

She’s rock and roll royalty! Enjoy a conversation with legendary musician and composer Robin Lane. Robin is the subject of a new documentary entitled “When Things Go Wrong” and is famous for multiple hits with her group Robin Lane and the Chart Busters. She just cut a new album and has a non-profit organization that actively helps women and others suffering from trauma.

Rachel Silber Devlin has written the most in-depth biography or her late father, the towering figure John Silber. Her new memoir is entitled “Snapshots of My Father, John Silber,” and it tells the whole story of the man in Texas who overcame a physical handicap to become a leader in higher education. He was a complex public figure who provoked debate. But he was also a dedicated Dad and Husband to his devoted family. Rachel’s story is an eloquent account of an authentic man of principle who never backed down.

Meet Master Chef Giovanna Huyke, currently serving the most delicious Latin and Puerto Rican cuisine at a Boston area restaurant known as La Fabrica Central. Giovanna , dubbed The Julia Child of Puerto Rico, blazed a trail as the first female chef to host and co-produce the first TV cooking show on the island. She is helping us explore the wonders of Latin cuisine as she whest our appetites with endearing tales from the kitchen!

Joan Wallace-Benjamin is a woman of accomplishment and that is an understatement! She has served the public sector in a variety of leadership roles with The New England Home for Little Wanderers, the ABCD Head start Program, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and as Chief of Staff during the early months of the Governor Duval Patrick administration in Massachusetts. Through her many years of service she has exemplified good character and leadership traits that many have come to admire. We commemorate the publishing of her memoir, Leading a Life in Balance: Principles of Leadership from the Executive Suite to the Family Table with a conversation about what matters most in the board room and at home.

As a proud “Monster Kid,” ( and don’t worry we will define that term ) your fanboy host is proud to welcome Julian David Stone, a founding member of the MC club, to the podcast. Julian is a successful screenwriter and documentarian who spends much of his time these days writing books about the coolest of pop culture topics. His latest creation is called It’s Alive!, a novel about the making of the classic Universal horror film Frankenstein in 1931. You’ll enter the world of Junior Laemmle , Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and numerous other Hollywood legends and understand just how key “The Monster” was in forging the new Hollywood!

The multifaceted Michael Oren joins us today to talk about his thrilling new WWII novel Swann’s War. Michael is a respected historian, novelist, politician and military veteran who recently served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. He is also one fine storyteller who weaves an exciting tale about a rarely mentioned aspect of the Second World War. We’ll talk a little geopolitics as well with the Ambassador.

Today, we examine how people choose to look and feel better about themselves as we focus on the essence of beauty. Our guest is nurse practitioner Mary Dealy, owner /operator of BeautoxEtc, a cosmetic dermatology practice located near Boston. Mary shares with us the many safe and proven non-surgical options for looking younger as well as the visible emotional lift one receives.

We welcome back one of our favorite Renaissance men, the inimitable Larry Ruttman. Larry has penned books about baseball, and Jewish American history along with a fascinating memoir covering eight-plus decades of his rich life. His latest project is a book called Intimate Conversations: Face to Face with Matchless Musicians. We talk about conversations Larry has had with the world’s top classical artists, composers and conductors. His work offers fresh insights into the hearts and minds of musical geniuses. And together we celebrate the lasting beauty and significance of classical music.

Vincent Paterson is one of the top choreographers and directors in the nation, with a host of show business accomplishments and milestones. He tells us about working with countless superstars from Michael Jackson to Madonna. His memoir entitled Icons and Instincts: Choreographing and Directing Entertainment’s Biggest Stars chronicles the career highs and occasional setbacks of one of this era’s most innovative artists. Enjoy stories of Broadway, Hollywood and the exciting world of dance with a masterful storyteller.

Joining us today is celebrated film critic Ty Burr whose career has included long stints with Entertainment Weekly Magazine, HBO and many years as a top flight film critic for the Boston Globe. Now Ty Burr delivers reviews and movie news direct to you with Ty Burr’s Watchlist, a terrific source of info for movie lovers, all you need do is subscribe. Talking movies is one of my favorite passions and with someone of Ty Burr’s reputation, it is especially gratifying and fun. Enjoy!

Meet the energetic entrepreneur behind one of the area’s most successful distilleries. Rhonda Kallman and her colleagues are true artisans, crafting the finest in locally produced whiskey, gin, rum and distilled beer. She is becoming known nationwide for creating a solid brand with deep historic Boston roots. And her story of making it in a male-dominate industry is super impressive. Three cheers to Rhonda and the Boston Harbor Distillery. Be sure to drive and listen responsibly.

Meet the extraordinary Allison Blei, co-producer and co-writer of Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium arriving in Boston as part of a national tour. This irreverent traveling tented entertainment experience is in partnership with Harpoon Brewery while in our fair city. It’s a mind-bending variety and vaudeville-style show featuring acrobats, jugglers, contortionists and lots of laughs. Allison knows a thing or two about this kind of entertainment with her background in trapeze and circus performance. Lots of thrills and humor and a look behind the curtains as to how a show like hers has become a success.

Meet Michael Dispezio, this generation’s “Mr. Wizard.” Michael is well-respected science educator with writing and editing credits on hundreds of K-12 science texts. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and entertainer, making science understandable and a great deal of fun for audiences of all ages. He’s been featured on national platforms such as National Geographic and Discovery Channel.Michael’s enthusiasm for life and all of its wonders is inspiring!

Legacy is a gift we are all capable of giving. Capturing moments that crystalize one’s legacy is an honor. Especially when it’s someone I love and respect as much as I do. In this case, I get the chance to converse with my 93-year-old father. Marty Rich has led a full and productive life and he’s not done by any means. By launching this special edition of my podcast, I hope to inspire you to capture the thoughts and feelings of your elders, folks who have so much to offer!

Time for some straight talk about finance and investing from a man who has done it successfully for over four decades. Milton Ezrati, author of the book Bite Sized Investing: A Complete (and Jargon-Free) Guide to Your Investing Success, has made it his mission to explain practical economics and investing to all of us who have had it with confusing terminology. Milton has done a masterful job of keeping it simple as you’ll hear as he steps up to join us On Mic!

Meet one of the broadcast industry’s most innovative pioneers. Peter Smyth joins us to talk about his success as head of a major chain of radio stations, the advance of streaming and HD Radio in which he played a major part, and his long standing contributions to making radio better. Peter is the recipient of numerous awards including the “Giant of American Broadcasting” honor from the Library of American Broadcasting and Radio Ink Magazine’s prestigious “America’s Best Broadcaster” Award. A member of the Massachusetts Broadcast Hall of Fame, Peter believes strongly in giving back. We’ll talk specifically about his ongoing help with The Hundred Club of Massachusetts,supporting fallen police officers and other first responders and their families.

Historian, author and playwright David Kruh joins us with his own well-researched spin on a fascinating story steeped in myth and mystery. He’s written Inseparable: An Alcatraz Escape Adventure, a fictional account based on the famous escape by three men from “The Rock,” back in 1962. There is credible evidence that some of the escapees survived, perfect fodder for a thrilling novel you won’t want to put down!

Writer Ken Sheldon presents one of the most fascinating true crime stories you’ll read about, a murder that happened over a hundred years ago in a sleepy northern New England hamlet. You’re sure to be swept away by the gripping story in Deep Water -Murder, Scandal and Intrigue in a New England Town. The author does an incredible job researching the case and surmising a solution to a century old mystery!

Getting back to our roots with one of the nation’s top voice-over artists and mentors Dan Lenard. Dan is known as “The Knowledgeable Voice” and when you hear him speak you’ll understand why. He’s achieved a lot of success, paying it forward by helping others. One of his worthy projects is www.world-voices.org, an organization for and about voice actors of all levels. Dan has much to say and he says it well!

Accomplished novelist Peter Clenott joins us to talk about his latest historically based thriller, The Unwanted. It’s a World War II story about the Nazi eugenics programs and their systematic attempts to euthanize those not achieving “Aryan standards.” The Unwanted features an unlikely friendship between two young girls from opposite sides, an American political power broker, based loosely on patriarch Joseph Kennedy, and a post war murder case that will have you guessing through the last exciting pages!

She will appear magically before your very ears! Thrilled to welcome world-class illusionist Lyn Dillies. Lyn is an award winning stage magician and illusionist who has thrilled thousands with her craft. She also uses her entertaining talents to help others. Meet the lady who has broken through the magical “glass ceiling” and proven she’s got more than a few tricks up her sleeve!

Meet Elle Rueger, the energetic founder of Soledier Socks, a company producing premium American made socks founded on giving back to our troops. Hers is an inspiring story of successful entrepreneurism and generosity. The products are high quality and fun to wear with Elle and her team supporting our armed forces both here and abroad!

So, you start a podcast one day and before you know it you‘ve reached your 300th episode. (Stay tuned, we’re planning a live event to celebrate that milestone soon) But it’s totally apropos to welcome today’s guest and honor him with the coveted 300th spot. Chris Lumry is the author of Creativity Unlocked: An Inside-Out Approach to a Life of Joy and Purpose. Since this podcast is dedicated to the promotion of creative conversation, I thought Chris the perfect choice to share wisdom on the essence and power of creativity in improving one’s life. And when you hear how he redefines creativity, you’ll approach it in your life in an exciting new way!

Another good friend stops by for coffee and conversation. Richard Brody is a radio pro who has worked on and off the air for decades, achieving notoriety as one of the most successful and innovative radio account executives in the business. In his younger days we took his turns as disc jockey on many stations and formats throughout the northeast. He also helped produce and promote hundreds of concerts, working with some of the biggest stars in the music business. Rich is the closest thing to a radio historian you’re going to meet and his stories are always great fun!

Meet my friend “The Statistician!” Professor Donald Rubin is a world-renowned professor and expert in the field of statistics. He explains why stats matter and the important role they play in nearly every facet of life. Don is Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, has received stunning accolades from across the globe, none of which , he admits, holds a candle to the distinct honor of having a dish named for him at a local Chinese restaurant. That’s why he’s a friend and a hero of mine.

James Gavin is a writer and acclaimed music biographer with previous best sellers on the lives of Chet Baker, Peggy Lee and Lena Horne. His latest is an in-depth look at a pop superstar whose fall from the public’s grace was slow and tragic, following a rocketing ascendence to world-wide fame. In George Michael: A Life, Gavin has gone further than any other biographer, exploring all aspects of Michael’s professional career and those which led him along the path of self-destruction. It is a riveting story we invite you to check out!

Meet the founders of Personal Fav, a sexual wellness brand offering safer, plant-based sex products with the cleanest ingredients. Stephanie Elias and Hannah Hutton are looking to flip the male dominated sexual products industry on its head and are making strong inroads as young female entrepreneurs. And they are getting national attention in the process.

Wonderful to welcome back a fine novelist and radio guest of mine Bruce Ferber. Over the years we’ve spoken with Bruce about his days as a comedy writer and producer of such shows as Coach, Bosom Buddies, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and more. For over a decade now Bruce has focused on writing novels, each one a gem and quite funny. His previous two books worth checking out are Elevating Overman and Cascade Falls. On today’s podcast, we chat with him about his latest called I Buried Paul, a character rich take on Beatles cover bands and those musicians who never stop chasing the dream!

OK, it’s your friendly podcast host indulging himself in his passion for Space, the Final Frontier! We welcome sci-fi chronicler, writer, editor and pop-culture whiz Ryan Britt to talk up his fabulous new book, Phasers on Stun: How the Making (and Remaking) of Star Trek Changed the World. Two to beam up and you’re invited to hop aboard as well!

It’s an honor to welcome Brigadier General (Ret) Jack Hammond to the podcast. The General heads up the Home Base Program, dedicated to treating the invisible wounds of war. Thousands of our veterans are in desperate need of help for PTSD, addiction and other mental health issues caused by their wartime experiences. The Home Base Program is taking on this critical mission in bold innovative ways. And they are meeting with success. But more needs to be done. And you can help by clicking here! https://homebase.org

The Godfather is one of America’s most popular and iconic movie masterpieces. Meet Vanity Fair writer Mark Seal who tells the incredible true story of the making of The Godfather in Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. Insightful stories and exclusive interviews highlight this terrific book, out during the 50th anniversary of the film’s release. Movie lovers, you are in for a treat!

Meet the multi-faceted funny man Kevin Flynn. Kevin is a successful standup, actor, writer and producer who joins us to chat up his touring performance of Fear of Heights a funny and moving one-man show about an Irish-American kid’s phobias, family life, and the meaning of success. Kevin’s path to success is a neat one and you’ll likely agree that he’s a very funny fellow with a deep sense of heart and soul.

As the face of WCVB TV 5 in Boston, Natalie Jacobson earned the trust and admiration of countless New Englanders. The award-winning news anchor has penned her autobiography entitled, Every Life a Story: Natalie Jacobson Reporting. She relates many adventures during the pioneering days of television news in the 1970’s. Natalie also shares personal stories of her upbringing and family. This broadcast icon’s new book offers readers an intimate look at the behind the scenes world of television news. Learn more about Jordan Rich and the many ways he keeps “conversation alive and well”, here.