On Mic Podcast

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!

Beginners and professionals train with a champion! When it comes to boxing no one knows “the game” better than Dave Sullivan. Trained by the legendary Eddie Futch, Dave has a long record of hard fought wins and titles. Now, he gives back as a teacher and mentor to people of all ages and abilities. Join us as we talk pugilism and more with this dynamic gentleman of the ring!

Good friend Jimmy Tingle is a popular standup comic, actor, writer, producer and political satirist. From his work in comedy clubs to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to 60 Minutes 2, Jimmy has been a consistent presence on the national scene, bringing laughter and joy to millions. He has the rare distinction of winning Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” awards in two different categories-as a performer in the “stand-up comedy” category and the venue he founded and served as artistic director- producer Jimmy Tingle’s OFF BROADWAY, was named “best alternative theater” in 2007. He also founded a successful social enterprise entitled Humor for Humanity. As he says, “Our mission is to use comedy, commentary and conversation through social media, radio, television and live events to raise spirits, funds and awareness for non-profits, charities and social causes. Our Mission is Their Mission”

Meet Leah Rososvky, Director of the Boston Athenaeum, one of the country’s oldest and most distinguished independent libraries, with a circulating collection of over half a million books, from works published in the 1800s to the latest best sellers. Special collections include active research holdings of 100,000 rare books, maps and manuscripts, and 100,000 works of art, from paintings and sculpture to prints and photographs. The Boston Athenaeum isa national treasure - a unique combination of library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building.

Meet the author of “Rage of the Jinn,” an incredible heart-pounding thriller that sweeps up readers, taking us to dangerous hotspots where strong and dark mythical forces threaten all of humanity. Luckily there is an elite team of CIA agents out to save us. If it sounds exciting it certainly is. All thanks to the imaginative author Ox Devere, a pseudonym for the novel’s writing duo including my podcast guest Parker Jamison.

Benjamin Zander has been a groundbreaking leader in the classical music field for decades. Founder of the Boston Philharmonic and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Maestro Zander has an undying love and respect for classical music, having performed and recorded all over the world. We will be highlighting upcoming Boston Symphony Hall shows in our conversation today along with his adoration for Gustav Mahler and the impact of classical music on the soul, truly inspiring!

The Optical Heritage Museum in Southbridge, Massachusetts has thousands of fascinating items within their collections and displays including microscopes, Lensometers, and of courses glasses from every era. It features incredible science that has benefited our lives as well as a look at eyewear fashion trends over the last couple of centuries. Join us as we take you on a tour with Debbie Schiro from the Museum!

Meet Dr. Kedar Gupta and his wife Renu, immigrants originally from India who are a true American success story. Dr. Gupta is the author of “Carving My Destiny: Lessons From My Entrepreneurial Ventures.” Kedar shares valuable business and life lessons he’s learned while developing many successful companies. He and his colleagues are credited with playing a major role in sparking the solar energy revolution.

We welcome Dr. Letise Lafeir, The New England Aquarium’s first Chief Conservation and Stewardship Officer. An expert on ocean issues and ocean policy with aquarium experience, Dr. LaFeir comes to the Aquarium from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she served as Senior Advisor. Join us for a discussion about sea life and the need to safeguard a most precious resource -our oceans. Learn about the vital ongoing conservation work by the dedicated team at the New England Aquarium!

The Escape Room phenomenon is sweeping the country. And it is certainly popular here in our stomping grounds Boston. Today we feature Jason Loeb, one of the founders of Trapology Boston. The concept of solving puzzles to “escape” from any number of clever and entertaining scenarios brings people together for device-free entertainment, giving groups of friends an immersive, interactive, and FUN activity to do together!

On this episode meet The Tea Maestro, Bruce Richardson, Founder of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas of Kentucky. Bruce is a contributing editor to TEATIME Magazine, has written several books on the subject of tea and serves as the Tea Master for the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. He is undoubtedly one of the top authorities when it comes to tea. Bruce and I have brewed up quite an interesting conversation for you about the world’s most popular beverage. Now, did you want one lump or two?

Happy New Year to all! One of the smartest resolutions we can all make this time of year is to stop procrastinating. Today’s guest has fine advice as to how we can take command of our financial wellness and plan effectively for retirement. Financial advisor Aviva Sapers, along with co-author Andrew MacDougall, has written, “Someday Is Not a Day of the Week: Unlock Your Financial Potential Today.” Aviva explains in easy to understand language how to develop financial confidence and create a safer, more sustainable path to your future!

Anxiety. It is a seminal part of the human condition. We need it to survive and grow. But for millions of us anxiety takes a heavy toll. What if there was another way to think about anxiety, to actually experience anxiety in a way that can change your life for the better? Our guest is Dr. David H. Rosmarin, author of “Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You.” Listen to this episode and you just might come away with a whole new perspective on anxiety and a whole lot more!