On Mic Podcast

Rick Steves is an internationally renowned travel expert, seen regularly on his popular PBS TV shows. He also has written countless books on travel including his latest, Europe Through the Back Door. We will chat about Europe post pandemic, how travel has evolved, state of affairs at airports, and how to get the most of out your European adventure!

Meet a master of the short story genre. Michael J, Atwood’s latest is called, Delirium Fades. It’s a collection of film noir stories with a hint of the Twilight Zone, stories promising to keep you engaged and reading through the night. A high school English teacher by day, Michael Atwood inspires his students to write and sets a fine example. Listen as we talk about the craft of short story writing and author’s love for tales with a twist.

Peter Altschul is a psychologist and writer with a message worth sharing—people with different points of view CAN learn to get along. His book of essays on the subject features many important touchpoints. We will talk about Riding Elephants: Creating Common Ground Where Contention Rules and what Peter has to say about human nature and how and why it’s critical we develop respect for one another.

Writer Joe O’Donnell, best known for his series of mysteries starring the rugged Boston private investigator Gallagher, returns to the podcast but he’s not alone. Introducing Steve Sachs, the subject of Joe’s new book, Living on the Fringe of the Mob. Through Steve’s eyes and life experiences Joe has compiled a riveting collection of true stories about the New York Mob from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Rather than being a “made man,” Steve is connected to some of the highest ranking and notorious mobsters in New York City by virtue of longstanding childhood friendships and legitimate business relationships. There are many encounters, some humorous, others downright terrifying. Here’s a look at what actual mobsters are like, both “on and off the job.”

She’s written a must-read novel right out of the gate! Meet first-time novelist Karen Winn who goes on-mic to talk about Our Little World, a superbly crafted coming of age story that works on multiple levels, with irresistible characters amidst a tragic mystery. Set in the mid 1980’s, it’s a relatable story of bedroom communities with a lot going on behind closed doors. Your host thinks it the best novel of its type in years. Enjoy!

We welcome the “King of Historical Thrillers,” William Martin back to the podcast. The international best-selling author of such classics as Back Bay, Harvard Yard, The Lincoln Letter, City of Dreams and so many more, brings us his latest, December ’41. It’s a World War II thriller that combines remarkable history with a fictionalized plot that has Nazis in America plotting to kill FDR on Christmas eve of that year. Bill is at the top of his game with this new book. Join us as we talk it up with one of America’s greatest novelists.

Award-winning author and historian Nancy Rubin Stuart joins us to talk about her new book, Poor Richard’s Women: Deborah Read Franklin and he Other Women Behind the Founding Father. Nancy does a terrific job uncovering the story of Ben Franklin’s romantic and flirtatious relationships with women. It’s a beautifully written snapshot of life in colonial times at the birth of a nation. The women of the era finally have their stories told and readers will come away with a new sense of understanding for them and for Dr. Franklin.

We devote today’s episode to the ongoing work of the Professional Center for Child Development locadte just north of Boston. Joining us is the executive director Chris Hunt, family liaison Ellen Waddill and Caroline Pounds, mom to a little boy currently receiving care and education at the Center. The focus is on its mission which is to provide children, of all abilities, with a solid foundation of life-long learning. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, the PCCD continues to shine as a national model for helping children achieve their full potential.

Tammy Gooler Loeb is a top rated career and executive coach with a new book that many will find helpful as they look to “reinvent themselves.” We explore some of the helpful info and lessons in Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You.

Today we talk about a taboo subject for many. It’s a conversation about death, transition and how trained, empathetic people like today’s guest Stephanie Garry, Executive VP for Communal Partnership at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel help people get through difficult life events. We then take a little detour and chat with Stephanie about what she does outside of her “day job.” She is an accomplished actor with many national television spots to her credit!

Meet the author of a different kind of war memoir. Tom Keating has written Yesterday’s Soldier about his experiences about his coming of age in the turbulent 1960’s. On his way to becoming an ordained priest, a series of life altering detours places him in Vietnam. There he is trained as a war-fighter, only to have a greater battle with his conscience. As he aptly says, “ My book is dedicated to all who object to waging war and do the hard work of waging peace.” It’s a tale well worth sharing.

Meet a thought and action leader who is tackling the challenges that women of color face in the corporate world head on. Deepa Purushothaman is co-founder of nFormation, a company for women of color by women of color. Her new book is entitled, The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America. We talk about how business must evolve and the important role women of color, who have the skills and talent to merit advancement, can and should evolve as key leaders.

Getting a chance to catch up with standup star Steve Sweeney is always fun. We chat about Steve’s work on stage as an impressionist and storyteller, how comedy has come under attack in some circles, what it is that makes Boston just a funny environment and more. Steve is standup royalty and it’s a kick getting a chance to chat with him!

Kim Dower’s poetry is powerful, moving and eminently readable . The Los Angeles Times describes her work as “sensual and evocative…seamlessly combining humor and heartache…” We know you’ll agree her poetry connects with audiences and is something special. We’ll discuss her latest anthology, perfect for Mother’s Day, I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom.

Meet the man that supervillains with megalomania have been waiting for! He’s the inimitable Ryan North, the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics who has also written for the comic series Adventure Time and Marvel Comics’ The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Ryan is a New York Times best-selling author who happens to be a pretty sharp science guy. His “sinister” masterpiece is his latest book, “How to Take Over the World: Practical Schemes and Scientific Solutions for the Aspiring Supervillain,” and it’s laugh out loud funny with the coolest approach to scientific possibilities. Of course, you’re best not to try any of Ryan’s scenarios at home!

The Star of Prairie Home Companion and Lake Wobegon’s most famous son is back to share stories, humor and wisdom. It’s a return appearance for Garrison Keillor, here to talk about two new book projects, “Boom Town: A Lake Wobegon Novel,” and Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80,” a funny and thoughtful treatise on aging. As always the conversation is lively and fun. Enjoy!

He’s back with another thriller and that’s all we need to know to welcome Brad Meltzer back to On Mic! Brad’s latest is entitled, “The Lightning Rod,” and wait to you read about more of America’s deepest secrets. As always, Brad researches and unveils hidden history in his latest novel. We suggest you hold on tight for an unbelievable ride!  

A creative force on Broadway and beyond, theatre producer Rashad Chambers joins us to talk about his work producing a variety of plays and musicals, including his latest off-Broadway production of “Little Girl Blue,” a musical about the life and times of Nina Simone. Rashad is a rising star in the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of theatre.

Meet one of this era’s finest jazz singers. Not only does Amanda Carr have a talented hold on the Great American Songbook, she is a musician of many talents, composing, play many instruments, recording, teaching and more. Amanda’s music touches the heart and soul of audiences. But she offers so much more as a person. Enjoy a conversation with a creative dynamo who we’re honored to call our friend!

Dr. Barry Taylor, ND is a naturopathic healer of the first order. Over many decades he has helped thousands with his “Love Your Body” program, a well balanced approached to healing and achieving vibrant health. His new book tells the story in depth We will talk with him about “Love Your Body: Your Path to Transformation, Health and Healing.” For those who are tired of merely treating symptoms or putting up with disease, Dr. Taylor offers healthy, science-based alternatives to healing.

A fascinating true crime story comes to life with acclaimed writer Ron Franscell joining us to talk about his new book, “ Shadow Man: An Elusive Psycho Killer and the Birth of FBI Profiling. Ron’s non-fiction reporting in this one will have readers on the edge of their seats as the FBI races to stop a murdered before he kills again!

Carmen Mariano is one of the most amiable chaps you’ll ever meet. Now in his seventies, he has been in school as a student, teacher, coach or administrator since he was 6. In that time, Carmen has earned his Bachelor’s Degree from The Catholic University of America, a Master’s degree from The Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Boston College. He developed long lasting friendships as teacher, mentor and coach. And Carmen is also a nifty collector of stories. Long and short tales that entertain, inspire and make one think. He’s crafted a terrific book on the subject called “The Strength of a Story,” the perfect guest for our podcast that celebrates conversation!

It’s the return of one of our favorites, a thriller writer and story teller of the first order Erica Ferencik. She’s taken us to the raging rivers of the Allagash Wilderness to the mysterious and deadly Amazon jungles and now in her latest book, “Girl in Ice” to the frozen tundra that is Greenland. Her novels are brimming with suspense and gripping characters, with Erica’s tales of researching her locales just as fascinating!    

After receiving a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (2004), Todd Kashdan founded the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University which has produced over 210 peer-reviewed journal articles on well-being and resilience, psychological flexibility, meaning and purpose in life, curiosity, and managing social anxiety. Todd has authored several books and today we talk about his latest entitled “The Art of Insubordination.” He offers practical ways to speak up for yourself and for what’s right, all of it based on hard science and humanity, not to mention a great sense of humor!

Meet retired Watertown, Massachusetts police officer Jeff Pugliese who served his community proudly for decades. Jeff went beyond the call of duty when he faced down one of the Boston Marathon terrorist bombers, likely saving many innocent lives. Jeff shares personal details about the night he engaged in the gun battle heard around the world.

We are thrilled to welcome back broadcast newsman and interviewer extraordinaire Bill Diehl, longtime ABC Radio Network star who has a terrific new book called “50 Years of Celebrity Chatter: (Or the Time I Interviewed a Porn Star Naked)” Intrigued by the title? Of course you are. So many celebrity stories coming your way as we chat with Bill!

A pleasure to welcome back movie maven John DiLeo, author of several wonderful books about film. His latest is called “There Are No Small Parts: 100 Outstanding Film Performances with Screen Time of 10 Minutes or Less.“ For anyone who loves movies, particularly those standout characters, grab some popcorn and enjoy the conversation!

Long-time broadcaster, writer and documentarian Bill Lichtenstein joins us to talk about the film and his accompanying book on the history of the groundbreaking radio station WBCN. The book is entitled, “WBCN and the American Revolution: How a Radio Station Defined Politics, Counterculture, and Rock and Roll.” For lovers of radio, music and history, settle in for a fascinating conversation! Learn more about this podcast and Jordan Rich here.

With diabetes at dangerously high levels around the globe, the need for more affordable and available insulin is greater than ever. Today’s guest is Eric Moyal who is tackling the problem head on with a grass roots nonprofit organization called Project Insulin. Eric and his colleagues are passionate about helping people get the medicines they need. We’re happy to promote this needed and uplifting movement! Learn more about this podcast and Jordan Rich here.

Enjoy a treat for listeners and a personal favorite of your humble host. We welcome the New York Times best-selling author Jackie Mitchard, with her new engaging novel “The Good Son.” From her first breakout novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club, to today, Jackie continues to shine as one of our culture’s finest storytellers.

Justin Spizman is an award-winning and bestselling author, ghostwriter, editor, and proposal writer with several fascinating non-fiction sports related books to his credit. Today we talk with Justin about his latest entitled, “ Coach: The Greatest Teachers in Sports and Their Lessons for Us All.” Prepare to be inspired! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com  

Today we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Arnold Arboretum in the City of Boston. Joining us is Tanya Holton, Director of Institutional Advancement , with exciting news about this thriving living museum of trees, flowers and plant species, one of nature’s crown jewels, part of the famed “Emerald Necklace.” On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Movie fans, we go to town with film buff Chris DiZio, host of the new podcast “The Cult Film Companion.” Find out what qualifies as cult and join us as we make a deep dive into favorites of many with the King of Cult Chris D! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

On today’s episode we talk theatre, going “backstage” with the talented Erica Daniels-Strater. Erica has spent many years in casting, producing and theatre management. Among her many accomplishments, she was Associate Artistic Director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, founded by actor Gary Sinese and has worked on several Broadway productions, as well as serving as the Theatre Department Coordinator at the William Morris Agency in New York. On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Meet one of the country’s top sports broadcast journalists who wears many hats these days. He’s Gary Tanguay, longtime TV and radio sports talk host and reporter who moonlights as an actor in major motion films produced in New England. Gary is also a fine writer who has just published his first novel “The Arm and the Fall,” a satirical, hysterically funny action-adventure mystery about the murder of a star quarterback right before the Super Bowl. Wait till you meet up with Gary’s cast of characters and hear his take on the sports world! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Kerri Maher is the highly acclaimed novelist whose stories shed light on fascinating aspects of 20th century history. Her first best-selling novel, “The Kennedy Debutante,” the story of JFK’s younger sister Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy coming of age in war torn London, arrived in 2018. Then came “The Girl in the White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly.” Her latest one, “The Paris Bookseller,” is about trailblazing entrepreneur Sylvia Beach, owner of the original Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, where Sylvia took on one of history’s most famous censorship cases. Join us as we take you to Paris of the 1920’s! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

We get a chance to share stories with another legendary music photographer. On today’s episode a conversation with the great Leo Gozbekian who has catalogues many iconic photos in a book called “All Access Concert & Backstage Photos: A Photo Essay of My Journey as a Music Photographer.” For music fans this is must reading with a fascinating story behind each pic! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com  

Meet one of the nicest guys in radio, veteran broadcaster Mike Morin, longtime morning man in Boston and new Hampshire. Mike has also worked his on-air magic in Washington, D.C., New York City, Detroit and Toledo. He’s an accomplished writer appearing regularly in the Nashua Telegraph as well as New Hampshire Magazine and the Boston Globe. He’s got several books under his belt with a new one coming out about the famed Red Arrow Diner in New Hampshire. Two radio vets sharing war stories is bound to be fun! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

TV news anchor and CEO and Founder of Brunner Communications Liz Brunner makes a return appearance to talk up her fabulous new book “Dare to Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams into Your Next Chapter.” Liz is all about breaking through with your best self and shares more of her personal journey, a fascinating and inspiring life! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Meet the walking, talking encyclopedia of politics! Rich Rubino is the go-to source for all things pertaining to civics, the U.S. politic infrastructure and of course the behind-the-scenes stories that make national and local politics so much fun. He’s written several cool books including his latest, “The Great American Political Trivia Challenge: Political Trivia on Steroids.” On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Julie Scolnik is an extraordinary musician who tells an enchanting story of romance, passion, heartbreak and resilience in her beautiful memoir “Paris Blue.” The book whisks readers away to Paris, where we experience the sights, sounds, tastes and art of the City of Lights through the eyes of a young American student swept away by her first love affair. An affair with an arc that doesn’t always mean happiness. On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

We welcome back the talented and irrepressible Linda Chorney, singer, songwriter, producer, actress and two time Grammy nominee. Today, Linda tells us about her latest nomination and like her first in 2012, this one is not without its share of controversy. Join us as we talk about award show politics, fighting for what’s right and how indie musicians deserve respect. Linda is an artist who walks the walk and doesn’t ever let “The Man” push her around! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Lynn Hightower is the international best-selling author of numerous mysteries including her popular Sonora Blair and Lena Padget series. She has also penned many standalone books including her latest called “The Enlightenment Project” a supernatural thriller involving demonic possession and cutting edge science. Best selling author Lee Child calls it ,”A spooky, suspenseful masterpiece. Super recommended!” We know you’ll find the conversation today fascinating! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

In our premier episode of 2022, we salute the U.S.foreign service officers who do so much to insure our nation’s security. Our guest is former state department official Gregory Hicks who served on many fronts including his pivotal mission in Libya before and during the Benghazi terror attacks in 2012. He reflects on lessons learned following that terrible incident as well as his numerous career highlights working overseas. Greg is currently communications director for Gemini Industries, a private firm working closely with the defense department in bolstering U.S. national security. Be sure to check out the earlier podcast interview with Gemini Founder Victoria Bondoc. On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Another friend joins us, this one a chronicler of our times with his great new book. Meet celebrity photographer Allan Dines, who over a thrilling 30 year career, has been in the presence of tons of famous stars. His book, “ Front Row Center: How I Met Everyone” takes readers on a fun journey behind the scenes at concerts, clubs and arenas where Allan plied his trade and took scores of iconic photos. There’s a story behind them all that he is happy to share! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 500 podcast episodes and currently hosting 20 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Talk about a guest who needs no introduction! Leonard Maltin is famous for so many things—his huge annual movie guides, abundant knowledge and cataloguing of all things Disney, character actors and legendary filmmakers, and critiques of thousands of movies. Now we get to read about his lifelong love affair with movies and the stars in his new memoir, “Star Struck.” Fans of film history and lore will enjoy hearing from this multifaceted chronicler of entertainment! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 16 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Meet James Murphy, an educator and writing coach who has garnered rave reviews and an international fan base with his frightening “Terror Trilogy” of novels. The series is set in Northern Ireland where James makes his home. It’s the backdrop for a terrific series of thrillers in which an unlikely group of newly minted detectives race to catch a wily killer. We share thoughts on true crime along with the joys of reading and writing crafty mystery stories. On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 16 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Meet Attorney and Novelist Mike Papantonio, senior partner at Levin Papantonio, one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated plaintiffs’ law firms. In court, Mike has taken on Big Pharma, the auto industry, tobacco, weapons manufacturers and more. His exciting new novel “Inhuman Traffic: A Legal Thriller,” tackles the international scourge of human trafficking for sex work and slave labor. It’s a super charged story based on actual experiences, impossible to put down! On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 16 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

A brand new IMAX film invites you to explore the world’s most remote and beautiful caves. “Ancient Caves” is a breathtaking documentary film featuring paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Earth’s climate in the most unlikely of places: caves. Joining us on the podcast to talk about the film is undersea photographer Jonathan Bird and writer/producer Art Cohen. On Air: My Fifty Year Love Affair with Radio,” now available at Amazon. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 16 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com

Dorie Clark has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and was recognized as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards. Dorie teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, and is a bestselling author with several books to her credit. Her latest is entitled, “ The Long Game: How to be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World.” Enjoy a conversation with one of the nation’s top coaches, a proven leader who has helped millions!