On Mic Podcast

Get ready to meet an incredible young man named Noah Dines. He is without a doubt a dude on a mission, shattering records on his quest to ski 3 million vertical feet in one year! He’s doing it solely through self-powered climbs, without ski lifts, on mountains all over the world. It’s a story of motivation and determination guaranteed to inspire!

On today’s episode we meet the author of one of the most explosive thrillers of the year. Andrew Bridgeman has penned a suspenseful book entitled, “Fortunate Son,” which will have you reading well into the night. It’s a story of a vast conspiracy on the part of a powerful, secretive cult intent on overthrowing the American government. There are surprises around every corner as Bridgeman has crafted a novel centered around a rookie FBI agent, our heroine, who is certain to return in future novels!

Meet Claire Berger, one very funny and thoughtful lady. For over four decades, Claire Berger has been earning a living as a comedian, improv actor, speaker and writer. She began her career in Chicago with The Second City and found big laughs in Los Angeles, earning acclaim as a warm-up comedian on over sixty five of your favorite sitcoms, including Seinfeld. She is the author of a brand new memoir called, “How Much is Enough? Getting More by Living With Less.” Her innovative mashup of memoir and self-help genres invites audiences to join her in the search of Enough in all aspects of our lives. You will smile a lot along the way!

Today’s guest is a neighbor of mine in Boston who has as family name known to thousands of sports fans. Greg Agganis is a relative of the late Harry Agganis, “The Golden Greek,” a star college football player and a promising first baseman for the Boston Red Sox in the mid 1950’s. Harry’s life was tragically cut short in his mid-twenties. This revered player was beloved and upon his death was mourned nationwide, sadly robbed of a long life and surely a Hall of Fame future. Greg and the Agganis family honor Harry through the work of The Agganis Foundation, named for the legendary athlete from Lynn Classical High, Boston University and the Red Sox. The Foundation’s mission is simple: to provide college scholarships to deserving student-athletes.

Meet “Warrior Monk” Krishna Thapa whose life is a testament to service and resilience. Raised in the Nepal Himalaya beneath Annapurna, he joined the British Gurkha at 19, later becoming the first to pass selection from the Royal Gurkha Rifles ( RGR) into the vaunted British SAS (Special Air Service). With 26 years of front-line service in Afghanistan and Iraq, Thapa’s roles included mountain specialist and mental health advocate. He’s climbed Mt. Everest and K-2 and holds the Guiness World Record for leading the largest group to ever summit Mt. Everest. Hi path inspires people and organizations all over the world, promoting courage, control and connection. Enjoy my conversation with this extraordinary man of service!

It’s a joy to welcome long time friend Jenny Lynn Metevia to the podcast. Jenny is a beloved spiritual teacher and clairvoyant who since childhood has had the “second sight. “ She continues to nurture her relationship with the spirit world fulfilling her mission to “help the children of the stars.” We will talk about past lives, signs and symbols from the other side and Jenny’s belief in the healing power of The Universe. Learn more about Jenny Lynn at her website www.jennymetevia.com. Also on her website is a link to the guided meditation "State of Grace" produced by Jordan! Get ready for a fascinating conversation!

Lauren Birmingham who brings people to Italy in fine fashion with https://www.cooking-vacations.com/ has written a beautiful “espresso” table book destined to become a classic. Join us as we talk with her about “It’s a Dream Place: Stories and Recipes of Food, Love and the Amalfi Coast.” Beautiful photographs, recipes and heartwarming family stories set in a magical place!

I have invited my good friend Bill Powers back to the show to discuss key elements of the First Amendment, a newsworthy topic considering current national and world events. Bill is a retired Massachusetts State Police Officer with a stellar career in law enforcement. He’s the author of several books and hosts his own podcast highlighting celebrated investigations, police procedure and other aspects of criminal justice. Find out more at www.powersonpolicing.com.

If it is motivation you’re seeking, look no further than today’s guest. He’s Nick Klingensmith, author of the memoir, “Through the Fire: The Story of the 4-Time Cancer Survivor, Type-1 Diabetic, and Recovering Alcoholic Who Became an Obstacle Course Racer and Defied It All.” Nick shares his incredible story of success as a Spartan, overcoming daunting physical and mental challenges. He is an in-demand advocate for pushing forward and never giving up. Check out www.stridemotivation.com!

Ann Marie Sabath is a multi-talented communicator and writer. Her latest project is a book that explains money and investing in easy to understand language entitled, “The Wannabe Investor: 40 Must-Know Facts Before Buying Your First Stock.” Prepare to learn a lot and get excited about investing with our dynamic guest!

Meet Glenn Cort, author of “Letters to Mikey: Messages of Hope and Optimism.” We tell the story of a concerned loving parent who crafted a birthday letter to his son that evolved into an inspiring book. Glenn offers insight into what drove him to seek out, fully research and reintroduce the wisdom of leading historical figures, from the ancient philosophers to our Founding Fathers to bold leaders of today, all of whose ideas about life have set the framework for a thriving civilization. Glenn believes, and many agree, that today’s generation of young people are adrift, desperately searching for hope, optimism and direction. “Letters to Mikey” is one man’s mission to help his son and all children make sense of our world and better navigate the future!

It is always great to welcome back an old friend who loves movies as much as he does. Lon Davis returns to talk about his latest book, ‘Stumbling Into Film History,” a look back at his teenage years when he was lucky enough to meet and befriend many legends of the silent screen. Lon recalls time spent with actors, most of whom the current generation is in the dark about. Well, thanks to our friendly film historian Lon Davis who recounts stories of Hollywood in its infancy, these early stars jump off the page and come back to life. And for movie lovers, their stories will certainly strike a chord!

About one million Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year and in 2023, I joined the ranks with my own PD diagnosis. With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I thought it right to present an informative and inspiring podcast about Parkinson’s impact, the research and progress in the search for better treatments, and the attention to lifestyle changes ( nutrition, sleep and most importantly exercise) that can mitigate symptoms and lead to a more full and active life. My guests include Cathi Thomas, RN, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the Boston University Medical Campus and Brett Miller, founder of 110 Fitness Center in Rockland, Massachusetts. 110 Fitness is the first of its kind inclusive wellness center for individuals afflicted with Parkinson’s and other developmental or physical disability. Brett leads us in Rock Steady Boxing, a proven athletic therapy for PD, but there is a lot more to learn about what he and his team are doing to help the community. As always I wish you the very best and remember to be well, so you can do good! - JR. www.bumc.bu.ed/parkinsonsdisease/center, www.110fitness.org, www.parkinson.org, www.michaeljfox.org, www.davisphinneyfoundation.org

I’m so happy to welcome Mike Christian, who has brought his radio show What’s @ Risk back to the airwaves in Boston. Mike has also launched a podcast as well. He has a successful background in insurance and risk management with deep experience that allows him to delve into array of current social, economic, environmental, cultural and business topics in this uncertain time in the world. Mike also believes strongly in giving back. He and his wife founded the Someone Else’s Child Foundation, which addresses disparities by connecting young people with opportunities to help them live, learn, grow and engage as contributing members of their community. www.someoneelseschild.org

Dr. Elizabeth Comen, MD, is a highly esteemed oncologist and medical historian empowering women to lead healthy and joyful lives. She presents a fascinating history and examination of women’s health as it’s never been told before in her groundbreaking book, “All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Medicine Taught Us About Women’s Bodies and Why It Matters Today.” It is an honor to share this important research with my audience!

Meet independent film maker Raouf Zaki who writes, produces and directs meaningful, inspiring films that help bridge the gap between cultures. He is an award winning filmmaker whose work makes audiences think as it opens their hearts. His latest is entitled, “Dream,” having its world premiere at the Maynard Fine Arts Theatre in Maynard, Massachusetts on April 14, 2024. https://www.maynardfineartstheatre.com/events/

Melissa Fetter had a dream to build a classic stand-alone bookstore in the heart of downtown Boston. The Pandemic didn’t stop her, neither did the naysayers who said bookstores are a thing of the past. Beacon Hill Books is thriving, attracting scores of readers weekly. It’s a success story we are thrilled to share!

Today’s episode deals with the alarming rise of virulent antisemitism across the world and here at home, much of it in the U.S. unfolding in our classrooms and on college campuses. We take a close look at antisemitism as it is currently unfolding, the role social media plays in spreading lies and hate, the moral equivalency argument many in academia and government are making during current Israeli-Hama war, why antisemitism has had a resurgence particularly among younger demographics and positive ways to address the issue. We have two outstanding guests joining us. Scholar-Warrior Dr. Rachel Fish co-founded the nonprofit Boundless organization boundlessisrael.org, a think-action tank partnering with community leaders across North America to revitalize Israel education and take bold collective action to combat Jew-hatred. Robin Friedman is a co-founder of Tribe Talk www.tribetalk.org. Tribe Talk provides resources for high school seniors so they can research and compare Jewish life on multiple college campuses. Tribe Talk also provides critical resources and support for Jewish students encountering discrimination and antisemitism.

Brad Fawley is a first time novelist whose debut novel “The Frontrunner” is terrific! It’s the story of Russ Clayton, a distance runner who craves the secret to transcending pain. He teams up with a renegade running coach to take on the hardest challenge, both on and off the running track, in his young life. A human story of endurance and hope, this is novel that is sure to take hold.

Join us for a fascinating chat with one of the best music critics and interviewers in the business. Meet Jim Sullivan who has written for the Boston Globe and other prestigious publications. He’s gifted us with some of his best encounters with musical icons in “Backstage and Beyond: 45 Years of Classic Rock Chats and Rants,” Volumes 1 and 2. From Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Pete Townsend, Tina Turner and David Bowie to The Cars, The Ramones, U2, Leonard Cohen and more. Jim is a fabulous writer and one great storyteller as you’re about to discover!