On Mic Podcast

What do shoes have to do with leadership? Quite a bit, according to Karen Hanks, author of the entertaining and informative new book “In Her Shoes: Walking the Leadership Walk.” From walking with confidence to stepping into the shoes of others, Karen uses shoes as a clever metaphor for the qualities of leadership we can all better develop. Karen Hanks is someone who ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to leadership!

On recent podcasts, I have talked about the fact that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Close to 90,000 Americans are diagnosed very year with this neurological condition with no cure that affects everyone differently. It is referred to therefore as the “snowflake” disease. Right now I am doing well focusing on key elements such as exercise, diet, rest and medication to keep symptoms at bay. Is it tough? Surely. Have I been challenged to adjust to this new unwanted life? Of course. Despite the pain, fatigue and associated symptoms I’ve learned how to better cope physically and emotionally. And how to be grateful for what I do have. So when asked to be the subject of a book offering a bit of inspiration to those with the disease, I agreed after doubting I was the right subject. I’m very happy I said yes. It is an honor to announce the publication of a book, written by a longtime friend and colleague John DiCicco, Ph.D. and the late Robert Cuomo, Ph.D. entitled, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength, and Hope with Parkinson’s.” Proceeds will be donated to various charities funding research and care for PD. The book is available online with an easy link at www.jordanrich.com. For anyone facing an uphill struggle, and that is most of us, you are not alone. We’re in the fight together.

Today’s conversation centers on a vital aspect of our human experience. The enhancing richness and benefits of empathy. Meet Helen Riess, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Empathetics.com. Dr. Riess is a clinical professor and research psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who developed empathy education based on neuroscience research. Her groundbreaking book, which is now in paperback, is entitled, “The Empathy Effect: 7 NEUROSCIENCE BASED KEYS for Transforming the Way We LIVE, LOVE, WORK and CONNECT Across Differences.” In a fractured world, learning more about empathy could be just what we need!

Meet the man who helped revolutionize the coffee industry. For decades George Howell has been fine tuning the art of brewing a better cup of coffee. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1996, for having raised specialty coffee quality standards to a new level through his Massachusetts based company The Coffee Connection (1974 – 1994). He had grown The Coffee Connection into 24 company-owned stores in the Northeast, and sold his high-quality popular coffee company to Starbucks in 1994. He returned to coffee-traveling world-wide, and in 1997 worked on models of economic sustainability for coffee farmers under the United Nations and the International Coffee Organization. This led directly to the founding of the precedent-setting Cup Of Excellence program in 1999; it established the world’s first international estate coffee competition and international internet auction that mightily contributed to breaking the commodity/price cycle for craftsman farmers in the specialty coffee industry. And when it comes to the perfect cup, George is one person’s opinion you can value!

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including her latest The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her research into history and ability as a master storyteller captivates readers from around the world. Fiona is also opens up about how she deals with Parkinsons Disease, not allowing it to keep her from being incredibly productive and enjoying life!

Meet the creator of a fabulous new coffee-table book, “Rock to Baroque – Four Decades of Music Photography.” The artist is celebrated photographer Eric Antoniou whose work transcends mere imagery. For decades he has captured the essence of musicians in performance and beyond, from rock to jazz, blues to classical. David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison, Etta James, Leonard Bernstein, K.D. Lang, Springsteen, Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespy are just a few of the iconic photos Eric is proud to share!

Sarah Wragge is the founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness. As you’ll hear she is energetic, healthy and happy. But she wasn’t always that way. Her personal struggle to feel well brought her to a very important place, one in which she offers practical help to those looking to feel their best. Sarah and her team are committed to producing real results with philosophies that are simple and easy to understand: we have the power to transform our bodies through nutrition; it's not about what we take out, but what we put in; being healthy is empowering!

Peter Cahill functioned as his wife’s devoted partner for forty-five years, and as her caregiver for thirty of those years. Andrea Cahill was a fighter, battling a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis. The couple formed a foundation to help search for a cure and treatments while Andrea was alive. After she passed, Peter set out to write a memoir entitled “Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive with a Rare brain Disease.” It’s a story told by a valiant caregiver, a tale of pain, challenge, humor and hope.

As paranormal investigator Michael J. Baker says, “Some questions lead you further in. Others show you the way out.” Mike is the author of “Giving Up the Ghost: My 13-Year Journey with Ghosts, Gear and Getting Out.” The book takes a rational, scientific look at the many claims made by TV ghost hunters and the untested nature of much of their ghost sensing gear. It has turned into a cottage industry selling the idea of contacting the spirit world solely for entertainment. Still, there are unexplained phenomena that Mike continues to wonder about. You may end wondering as well!

Today’s episode features a conversation with writer and Israel Defense Forces veteran Yishay Ishi Ron. He has written an impactful novel called, “Dog.” The story is of a combat officer and a lost dog who find each other in the shadows of trauma and addiction. “Dog” is a haunting, unflinching exploration of PTSD, told through the lens of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza. The story is partly biographical, one that offers deep insight into the pain faced by those with PTSD. It also offers hope.

Today, we welcome actress and fellow voice-over artist Erika Mays to the podcast. She is sharing what she has learned about the industry in a great new practical guide entitled, “From Broke to Booked: How to Launch a Voice Acting Career that Pays.” Erika explains how her career in voice over began and shares practical tips on ways to move forward. Tune in to hear two professionals discuss the ins and outs of voice acting and why having a passion for it matters!

In a audience attended fireside chat, we had a the chance to interview celebrated crime novelist Chuck Hogan. He is talking about his latest book and first work of non-fiction “The Carpool Detective: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case.” For those interested in true crime stories, and that is just about everyone these days, this one will captivate you!

We “geek” things up and your affable host has a ball interviewing JR, owner of JR’s Spooky Shack and his sidekick Scott Toomey. Both of these dudes love horror movies ---the good, the bad and the gory. From props to plots, monsters to maniacs, fiends to fan favorites, if you’re into movie monsters and jump scares you’ve come to the right place!

Meet a dynamo show business producer, one of the youngest ever to launch hit productions off-Broadway. Cooper Jordan does it all. He’s an actor, live entertainment creator, producer and trendsetter. Believe it of not, we’re here to promote his production of “Saw: The Musical.” Yep, it’s a musical parody based on the iconic suspense – horror movie franchise “Saw!” Listen to just how off the wall and creative this young theatrical firebrand is . It is a conversation perfect for Halloween or anytime!

Everyone has a favorite dish. The WISHDISH Project is a high-impact, grass roots organization making favorite dishes of the homeless communities in Boston and New Orleans. The goal is to engage in and cultivate authentic conversations about food and culture in our cities. The WISHDISH Project was founded by today’s guest Jeanie Gruber, owner of Miss Jeanies Catering and Events Co., an acclaimed Boston-based company providing full-service catering. Jeanie is also a licensed therapist who has published an accompanying cookbook, “Wishdish Boston: Food Memories from Boston’s Homeless.”

Meet former pro wrestler turned actor who has sent thrills and chills down the spines of many with his performances as psycho killer Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” films. Tyler has also portrayed Sabretooth in the X-Men film series along with countless other roles in film and television. He’s the creator of “The Last Spartan” graphic novel series and frequently meets his fans at conventions. Tyler is also greatly involved in the campaign to end human trafficking. He’s a well-rounded man, quite a big man, who offers up scares and action, while giving so much back!

Bob Waxler and David Beckman met as freshmen at Brown University in the early 1960’s. They discovered they had a lot in common including a fascination with language, literature, and the life of art. They kept in touch over the years and began sharing emails with Bob on the east coast, David out west. It ultimately led to a touching anthology of correspondence in the book “You Say, I Say: Staying Alive with Literature, Language and Friendship.” It offers a deep dive into life and its meaning through letters, celebrating the power of the written word.

Welcome to a milestone episode, # 500! Today’s guest portrays one of the giants of the 20th century. Meet British actor and producer David Payne who brings his one-man show “Churchill” to Boston October 7th through 12th. Churchill visited Boston several times between 1900 and 1949 making this production locally meaningful. David’s performance highlights Churchill’s wit, enthusiasm, unique relationship with American political leaders over the years, and his singular ability to help a war-weary public navigate the darkest of times.

Join us as we travel along Boston’s Freedom Trail to meet up with historian . Nat is the President and CEO of Revolutionary Spaces which brings people together to explore the American struggle to create and sustain a free society, singularly evoked by Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House. These two nationally relevant historic capture the essence of the American struggle to create and sustain a free society. Nat and his team steward these buildings as gathering spaces for the open exchange of ideas and the continuing practice of democracy, inspiring all who believe in the power of people to govern themselves. Enjoy some fascinating stories about America’s history where so much of it started!

We welcome artist and author David Sherwin Parker with his book, “Cringe Worthy: An AI Generated Character Assessment.” The character in question happens to be one of the famous personalities on planet earth, President Donald J. Trump. With immediate access to practically unlimited information, covering subjects from business to politics, legal matters to personal behavior, the author presents us with his AI driven findings on the character of the current occupant of the White House. But is it a totally unbiased assessment? How much does the wording of questions matter? And what is the impact of the endless stream of information available at the touch of a button on any of our lives going forward? Join us for a spirited and fascinating discussion!