Talk! with Audrey

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: My guest is OLYMPIAN, NOELLE PIKUS PACE and she shares her secret to juggling the Olympics and being a mom! While it's no secret that being a mother provides enormous joy, parenting can be a challenge. Most of today's mothers find themselves with not only the task of caring for children of all ages, but also trying to juggle and balance a career along with an endless list of family responsibilities. Noelle Pikus Pace is no exception . . . it's hard work!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: REVEREND KERON SADLER, NAACP National Health Program Manager is my guest. February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Did you know that the African American community bears the largest burden of the HIV epidemic over any other racial or ethnic group in the United States? Reverend Sadler has information about the NAACP's partnership with Black Church's to provide training for faith leaders and a first-of-its-kind manual to offer a framework to integrate HIV education in churches and seminaries.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: JONATHAN BLUM, Principal Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is my guest. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time when people with Medicare are encouraged to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and changes in costs and benefits that will take effect for 2014. This year's annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which began on October 15, is ending on December 7 so there isn't much time left. If you want to change your health and prescription drug coverage for next year, doing it during this period will ensure your new coverage can begin without interruption on January 1, 2014.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: DR. DEMETRIUS K. LOPES, Neurosurgeon and National Spokesperson, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is my guest. One in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. In the United States alone, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Thousands of service members have been returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with injuries that have been called the "signature wounds" of Iraq and Afghanistan. CRAIG ROBERTS, Spokesperson for The AMERICAN LEGION joins me to talk about issues of importance to veterans and military families and what The American Legion can do to help.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: ALLEGIANT is the highly anticipated final book in VERONICA ROTH's bestselling DIVERGENT trilogy. First published in May 2011, DIVERGENT was an instant best seller, immediately embraced by both teen readers and adults alike. The book series is poised to become a major pop culture phenomenon. VERONICA ROTH joins me on the show to talk about ALLEGIANT . . . Photo: Courtesy of Harper Collins. Subject to Copyright

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – CHANDINI PORTTEUS, MPH, Chief Mission Officer, Susan G. Komen Foundation is my guest. This is an ideal time to discuss what we have learned from more than 30 years of research and what that means in terms of prevention, screening, and treatment of breast cancer today, as well as the challenges still faced in the mission to end breast cancer forever.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY:BERTRAM SCOTT, President & CEO, Affinity Health Plan, Bronx, NYC is my guest. On October 1, the New York State Health Plan Marketplace opened under the Affordable Care Act and with 16 health insurers to choose from, understanding the differences between plan options will be critical to New York families. We talk about what every you need to know about navigating the health insurance marketplace.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: MARK VELLECA,Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is my guest. On October 1, 2013, as part of the new Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance exchanges opened for enrollment and millions of Americans who were previously uninsured now have the opportunity to purchase health insurance coverage effective in 2014. The new health care legislation poses some specific challenges for cancer patients, including those with a blood cancer.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: CLAUDIA CHAN is an inspirational women's leadership and lifestyle expert who has dedicated 12 years to entertaining and empowering women. Her mission is to empower and inspire a generation of women to dream and do big with passion and purpose and to do it with impact! Claudia joins me on the show this week to talk about S.H.E. SUMMIT WEEK, a Global Leadership and Lifestyle Event for Women, designed to inspire modern women personally and professionally.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Although everyone is aware of skin cancer and the role of sunscreen in helping to prevent it, the details that will save lives are often surprising even to savvy consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps on multiple fronts to protect consumers from the skin damage that can be caused by too much exposure to the sun. DR. REYNOLD TAN, FDA's Division of Nonprescription Regulation Development joins me with sun protection tips, how the FDA is helping protect consumers and to tell us all about NATIONAL DON'T FRY DAY.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Do you know someone affected by breast cancer? No doubt we all do, and sometimes it's hard to know how to help. FujiFilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. and the National Breast Cancer Foundation are working together to raise awareness and encourage all women to understand the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The partnership recently launched Images of Health, a campaign designed to provide educational resources and support for breast cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones. BETTY DEDON, is a Breast Cancer Survivor and the Product & Marketing Manager, Women's Health Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A. Inc.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: This week, I decided to go back to into my archives and because Mother's Day is Sunday, I thought my exclusive interviews with celebrity moms might be of interest to you.These interviews were recorded in 2007 to promote the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment's ( NABFEME) Annual Conference. Founded by former entertainment executive, JOHNNIE WALKER, NABFEME promotes the entry, development and advancement of women of color in music and entertainment. During each conference, Johnnie held a luncheon to honor the mother's of the industry. There wasn't a dry eye in the house! I spoke with Dr. Mahalia Hines, mother of Common; Sharon Benjamin Hodo, mother of Andre 3000; and if you like those; I also have Will Smith's mom! Check out my conversation with CAROLYN BRIGHT SMITH, the mother of WILL SMITH! Hear what she has to say about her life and her famous son!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: This week, I decided to go back to into my archives and because Mother's Day is Sunday, I thought my exclusive interviews with celebrity moms might be of interest to you.These interviews were recorded in 2007 to promote the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment's ( NABFEME) Annual Conference. Founded by former entertainment executive, JOHNNIE WALKER, NABFEME promotes the entry, development and advancement of women of color in music and entertainment. During each conference, Johnnie held a luncheon to honor the mother's of the industry. There wasn't a dry eye in the house! I spoke with Dr. Mahalia Hines, mother of Common; Sharon Benjamin Hodo, mother of Andre 3000; and Will Smith's mom, CAROLYN BRIGHT SMITH! Check out my conversation with SHARON BENJAMIN HODO, the mother of ANDRE 3000! Hear what she has to say about her life and her famous son!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: This week, I decided to go back to into my archives and because Mother's Day is Sunday, I thought my exclusive interviews with celebrity moms might be of interest to you.These interviews were recorded in 2007 to promote the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment's ( NABFEME) Annual Conference. Founded by former entertainment executive, JOHNNIE WALKER, NABFEME promotes the entry, development and advancement of women of color in music and entertainment. During each conference, Johnnie held a luncheon to honor the mother's of the industry. There wasn't a dry eye in the house! I spoke with Dr. Mahalia Hines, mother of Common; Sharon Benjamin Hodo, mother of Andre 3000; and if you like those; I also have Will Smith's mom! Check out my conversation with DR. MAHALIA HINES, the mother of one of the most respected and conscious rappers in hip-hop history, COMMON! Hear what she has to say about her life and her famous son!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: In May 2010, with her father's legacy of duty to country instilled in her heart, Marie-Yolaine, a Haitian-American took action. The January 12, earthquake that struck Haïti, killing over 300,000 people, some in her own family, and displacing more than 1 million people, compelled her to move. She resigned from her position at American Express and with her experience in communications and business management created Community2Community (C2C) to help rebuild her father's hometown of Petit Goâve. Her goal: to replicate the pilot project throughout Haïti, offering Haitians across the Diaspora and those with a heart for Haïti an opportunity to be a part of something greater then themselves.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: April is National Minority Health Month, a time to increase awareness of diseases and health conditions that disproportionately impact minorities and for African-Americans hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of them. Dr. David S. Kountz, President, International Society on Hypertension in Blacks (ISHIB), is here today to talk about the risk factors and cardiovascular disease prevention.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Almost everyone would agree that health care is expensive, more specifically that illness or injury can be exceedingly costly, even with major medical insurance. But what many people don't know is that even with medical coverage, serious medical conditions could result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, Personal Finance Expert, MANISHA THAKOR with information about how to prepare for the unexpected costs of illness and injury.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: One in two Americans suffers from diabesity, the condition of metabolic imbalance and disease that ranges from mild blood sugar imbalance to full-blown diabetes. Diabesity is the underlying cause that drives most chronic illness in the 21st century, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer, and the numbers of sick people keep growing. One in three children born today will have diabetes. We are now raising the first generation of Americans to live sicker and die younger than their parents. In The Blood Sugar Solution, Dr. Mark Hyman, Chairman of the Institute for Functional Medicine and founder and medical director of The UltraWellness Center, reveals the secret to losing weight and preventing diabesity.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Globalization is benefiting the medical field, opening the doors to adventures abroad for U.S. Educated critical care nurses who want to earn a great income and accelerate their career growth. ANN GRIFFIN, Senior Recruiting Specialist and Managing Director with Professional Connections joins me with information about how to apply for international nursing opportunities.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: For many schools, finding money in the budget for upgrades can seem impossible, especially if it means coming at the expense of the education offered and other necessities. Higher learning institutions across the country have been struggling with how to stretch this money as far as possible, and it's no different for the United States' 105 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). MELISSA GRAY BROWN, Manager, Multicultural Marketing, Home Depot joins me with information about The Home Depot Fourth Annual "Retool Your School" HBCU GRANT PROGRAM.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: New York Voices Against Gun Violence, a broad, newly-formed coalition of advocates, victims, youth organizations, health care workers, unions, elected officials, faith leaders and artists, announced today that they will hold a massive mobilization to promote the NY SAFE Act as a model for legislation at the federal level and in other states. Joining me on the show, Event Organizer and Community Advocate, APRIL TYLER and MARIE DELUS of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Thousands of people will gather in New York City, and others will speak out across the state, to focus attention on the human toll of the gun violence that is plaguing our nation on a daily basis. The coalition includes Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Doctors for America – NY State Chapter, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Million Moms March and many other groups.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: You've probably heard of hypertension or high blood pressure, but may not fully understand what it is or the risks it poses. To help us get to the heart of the matter, so to speak, DR. ANA STANKOVIC, a board certified nephrologist and medical director of nephrology at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, N.H. is my guest.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Ensuring that all academically-prepared high school students have access to rigorous course work that will prepare them to succeed in college is critical for the United States to remain competitive in a global economy. Recently,the College Board announced results from The 9th Annual AP Report to the Nation, highlighting the progress of America's public high schools in preparing students for college-level course work. PATOULA CHRESOMALES, Executive Director, Advanced Placement, for the College Board is my guest.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Health fraud scams can do more than waste your money. They can cause serious injury or even death. Gary Coody, R.Ph., FDA's National Health Fraud Coordinator, from the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations, Office of Regulatory Affairs joins me with information about National Consumer Protection Week.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: New York Times bestselling author CARL WEBER is back with another story of drama, mystery, scandal, and intrigue. Meet Darryl Graham, or as his new neighbors call him, The Man in 3B.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: As we have all heard, the United States Postal Service announced plans to transition to a new delivery schedule during the week of August 5, 2013. Ronald Stroman, Deputy Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service joins me to tell us all about the changes, I like to think of them as NO B.S. . . . No Bills Saturday's!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 27 million small businesses in the United States. Surprisingly, only 9 million of small businesses are active on social media. Joining me with tips for small businesses to maximize their online presence and get social, STEVE STRAUSS, Small Business Expert, USA Today Contributor.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: More than two-thirds of women are the primary breadwinners in their households, and more than half of supervisors and managers are women. Now that the workplace is transforming, what are the leadership skills that give women the edge? And how are women creating innovative career paths for the next generation? Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti,Vice President and Managing Director, Apollo Research Institute and Editor, Women Lead: Career Perspectives From Workplace Leaders.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: JAMES L. SWANSON is the Edgar Award winning author of the New York Times best seller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. Swanson joins me on the show to talk about his book BLOODY CRIMES:The Chase for Jefferson Davis -and the- Death Pageant for Lincoln's Corpse. It is the in depth and untold story of two fallen leaders and their final journeys, one vilified and marked for vengeance; one revered and mourned. In April 1865, as the Civil War drew to a close and the hunt for John Wilkes Booth transfixed the nation, two other men embarked on their own, dramatic, final journeys. Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, was on the run, desperate to save his family, his country, and his dignity. The body of Abraham Lincoln, the recently assassinated president of the United States, was on a train bound for home, the grave, and everlasting glory.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: With Valentine's Day come visions of flowers, chocolates and other tokens meant to demonstrate love and affection. However, no relationship comes without its own stresses. Joining top traditional couple-dom issues like work and finances as major causes of friction within marriages and serious relationships, computer and technology problems! JOHN GRAY, relationship expert, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus joins me with tips to give your relationship a reboot!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: From the archives . . . REVEREND LAURIE SUE BROCKWAY, the former editor for Beliefnet's Family and Inspiration pages spoke to me in 2010 about Beliefnet's Valentine's Day collection, how to find your soul mate and how to celebrate all the possibilities of love. She is widely recognized as an expert on interfaith, intercultural and nondenominational weddings. You can now find REVEREND LAURIE SUE BROCKWAY at Everyday Health.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Joining me with countless ways to shake off the pressure to be in love, and how to cope, maybe even have a good time, on the dumbest holiday of the year (V-Day.) Maryjane Fahey and Caryn Beth Rosenthal the authors of DUMPED, the ultimate post-breakup bible for women. It's a smart, sassy, and visually fun book that will inspire you to take charge of your lives, get over your exes, and get off your a-- and have fun!

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this year's flu season has been dominated by the influenza A (H3N2) strain. There are preventative measures we can take to reduce our risk of exposure and boost our immune systems; and joining me with Important Tips to Help you Survive this year's Flu Season is Registered Pharmacist and Nationally Recognized Medical Correspondent, JIM MORELLI.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Automakers purchased a significant amount of the ad time during the 2013 Super Bowl game; but which ones captured the attention of people actually shopping for a car? AutoTrader.com analyzed the activity of millions of consumers who visit the site to determine which ads worked, which didn't and why, JOHN KOVAC, Vice President of Consumer Marketing for AutoTrader.com joins me with the results.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: One of the world's leading experimental psychologists and an expert on the science of optimism, ELAINE FOX has spent more than twenty years studying how people interpret the world around them. Her research heralded discussion about a possible "optimism gene" and her work has been featured in a range of publications, including Nature, Science, New Scientist, The Economist, and the New York Times. In 2009, she appeared on-camera with Michael J. Fox in the documentary, "Adventures of an Incurable Optimist." In her book RAINY BRAIN, SUNNY BRAIN Fox explores the ways in which we can retrain our brains to view the world with a positive outlook.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Americans love a great steak no matter what time of year but especially during football season and for those of you ready to tackle the grill I called an expert, LongHorn Steakhouse Executive Chef KURT HANKINS to give us some tips and tricks for grilling a perfect steak.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: The U.S. Postal Service is known as the "Official Shipper of the Holidays" and they are expecting more than 15 billion cards, letters and packages to be sent between now and Christmas Eve this year! RONALD STROMAN, Deputy Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service has tips on how to send holiday cards and packages this season to ensure they arrive on time and help you avoid Holiday headaches.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: One of the most worrisome moments in any mom's life is when her child is diagnosed with a health issue that she is unsure about. A recent survey found that over three quarters of moms with children who suffered from eczema did not feel knowledgeable about the condition. As Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital, in San Diego, DR. LAWRENCE EICHENFIELD has spent his professional life researching and practicing pediatric and adolescent dermatology and tells us about a new Free Eczema App that provides a one-stop information and tracking resource for patients and parents.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: More than 50 million seniors and other beneficiaries have until December 7th to select their elect their Medicare coverage for 2013. RHONDA RANDALL, Chief Medical Officer, United Healthcare Medicare and Retirement, has information to you understand Medicare and how to compare your coverage options.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: 2012 is promising to be a landmark season for cutting-edge technology. Digital lifestyle and consumer technology expert MARIO ARMSTRONG joins me with a selection of the hottest new technologies hitting the market this fall.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: November is American Diabetes Month. A recent survey about oral health reveals a lack of awareness about the various health issues associated with diabetes. In support of American Diabetes Month®, Colgate Total® has partnered with health and wellness advocate, multi-GRAMMY® award-winning Gospel Artist YOLANDA ADAMS, to educate African Americans about the possible connection between diabetes and gum disease and to empower them to help take charge of their diabetes.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: If you've ever had one too many cups of coffee first thing in the morning, you know the almost uncontrollable urge that can suddenly stop you in your tracks: you have "TO GO" -- now! But for millions of Americans, that sudden urge isn't just a morning coffee issue - it happens all day and night at unexpected times. Some people are even afraid to leave home for fear of an embarrassing accident. Urologist DR. KATHLEEN KOBASHI joins me to tell us all about a campaign launched by the non-profit American Urological Association (AUA) Foundation to help millions find relief.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Joining me on the show this week to celebrate 87 years of successful entrepreneurship and to tell their story of The American Dream realized-ARLINGTON LEON EASTMOND the President and CEO of A. L. EASTMOND and SONS and his grandson,TYREN EASTMOND, company Vice President of EASCO BOILER CORP.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: The heart of our nation's economy is in our small businesses. According to US Census data, 99% of all businesses that exist in this country are classified as small businesses. Joining me with simple, affordable tips help you grow your business this holiday season and beyond is DAVID MASTERVICH, Manager, Catalogs and Saturation Mail, for the U.S. Postal Service.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: James Koutz, the National Commander of the American Legion recently testified before Congress on the Legion's legislative priorities which include improving job prospects for veterans, and asking for more congressional oversight on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is handling the huge backlog of disability claims for veterans, MARTY CALLAGHAN of The America Legion joins me to discuss some of the issues veterans and their families face. If you know a veteran, please share information about American Legion's Mobile App, CLAIMS COACH. The app, available for both iPhone and Android users, provides step-by-step guidance to help veterans and their families connect with a service officer and navigate the VA claims process.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: For many people, trouble falling asleep at night is nothing new. But it might surprise you to hear that out of several common causes of sleeplessness, aches and pains were cited as the #1 reason – according to a recent survey. Just in time for the clock change of Daylight Saving's Time, widely renowned sleep doctor and clinical psychologist DR. MICHAEL BREUS joins me to explain the top causes of sleeplessness and has tips to help you get a better night's sleep.

This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Daylight-saving time ends tomorrow, Sunday, November 4th, and marks the 25th anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, created by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), which reminds people to check, change and test the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors during the fall time change. FIRE CHIEF HANK CLEMMENSEN, President and Chairman of the International Association of Fire Chiefs shares fire safety tips and life-saving reminders!

This interview was recorded in March of this year and broadcast to my listeners in New York City and Sacramento. As you know, I live in New York City and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I thought it was important to share it with you. Today's conversation is all about Global Warming and the emotional and psychological impact of natural disasters that psychiatrists believe cannot be overlooked. Please continue to pray for the people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who have lost family members, homes and communities, who are without many of the necessities that we take for granted. This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Forensic Psychiatrist,DR. LISE VAN SUSTERN joins me to talk about the psychological effects of Global Warming. A team of psychiatrists is warning in a new study a climate that is likely to be unstable will cost the U.S. dearly in health costs and overwhelm the mental health system, adding significant costs to the already $317 billion in annual mental health care expenditures and lost productivity in the U.S. the report says. If climate change is not curtailed, extreme weather conditions like flooding, drought and sea level rise will steeply increase the incidence of mental and social disorders. As a result, 220 million people, are likely to experience direct adverse effects, including psychological distress from climate-related events, especially vulnerable are children, the elderly and the 60 million people with pre-existing mental health conditions.

This interview was recorded in August of this year and broadcast to my listeners in New York City and Sacramento. As you know, I live in New York City and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I thought it was important to share with it you on the site because we never know when or where disaster may strike, but we can be better prepared! Please continue to pray for the people in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who have lost family members, homes and communities, who are without many of the necessities that we take for granted. This week on TALK! with AUDREY: Americans and emergency management experts agree on one thing. Over the past few years, the U. S. has experienced a record number of natural disasters that have destroyed neighborhoods and cost lives. What is even more concerning is what people are doing – or not doing – in the wake of an approaching catastrophe. MICHAEL ROCHE, Executive Vice President, Claims, Allstate, has tips to make sure we are prepared.