On Mic Podcast

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!

Today we introduce you to a model program that is making a real difference.  The Tufts University Prison Initiative of Tisch College (TUPIT) provides transformative educational experiences for incarcerated and on-campus students and faculty in an environment that encourages bold critical thinking, higher levels of civic engagement, and a greater sense of community. TUPIT aims to facilitate creative and collaborative responses to the problems of mass incarceration, fostering students’ and faculty members’ capacities to become active citizens of change. Joining us to tell more of the story is Dr. Hilary Binda, Founder and Executive Director of the Tufts University Prison Initiative (TUPIT). Hilary has a PhD in English Literature and teaches Literature, Gender Studies, and Carceral Studies at Tufts and in the degree program at MCI-Shirley and Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. David Delvalle is the Education and Reentry Director for TUPIT.  A true success story, he has become a leader in prison reform, education, and restorative justice, transforming his community after his own incarceration.

A strange object from deep space, known as 3I/ATLAS is making headlines all over the world. Is it just a big rock or something more?  This interstellar “traveler” has come a long way and with its weird trajectory and shape, it has some scientists suggesting it could be a probe of some kind sent by aliens. John Gertz, longtime SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) expert is the author of a fascinating new book entitled, “Reinventing SETI: New Directions in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life.”  Learn all about what scientists are saying about 3I/ATLAS, whether it is alien tech, and if so, is the planet earth ready for it.

Jay S. Winuk is co-founder and executive vice president of 9/11 Day, the nonprofit organization that annually organizes the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. On September 11, 2001, Jay’s brother Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney, volunteer firefighter and EMT, was killed in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. Inspired by his brother’s devotion to community service and courageous actions, Jay joined David Paine in 2002 as co-founder in helping to build the 9/11 Day Observance initiative. He has become a passionate advocate for volunteering and national service.  This day matters and here is a way for all of us to pitch in to commemorate those we lost and loved.

Sarah Gardner is the founder of the non-profit Yoga Reaches Out, which has raised millions for Boston Children’s Hospital.  She is a skilled yoga teacher who has inspired thousands with her knowledge and love for yoga.  In today’s episode, we chat with her about her book “Daily JAM: 366 Meditations, Daily Enlightenment in Just a Minute.” The “Daily JAM” offers simple words of wisdom that will help you live every day with greater purpose,love, patience and awe in the magic of being human. Take it from me, it works!  Namaste…