For 79 years Orphan Trains took children across the nation to new families. It's a topic largely unheard of and one brought to light by author Christina Baker Kline in her compelling novel "Orphan Train." In our interview, she details the lives of children living on the East Coast who were sent by train out to the midwest to "populate" the area and work the farms as free labor. Being stripped of all they owned, even their very names, resulted in lifelong problems for the children. Infants, who were more adoptable, were sent on Mercy Trains to the midwest to new families. Currently there are about two dozen surviving Train children, and you can visit Christina's Facebook page to find out more about them. For more information on this subject or to learn more about the author please visit www.christinabakerkline.com.

For anyone who has experienced irrational fears, phobias, depression, and many other issues, which just about covers all of us, Dr. Richard Bandler has a easy, fast, positive solution available!  You CAN retrain your brain. Dr. Bandler discusses options and also delves into hypnosis to provide positive results. In addition to authoring many books, more information about Dr. Bandler's ideas on NLP can be found at www.richardbandler.com. Be sure to also check out his Iphone app too. Find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com

Do you find your life at the mercy of your emotions? Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or addictive behavior? Spencer Lord, author of "The Brain Mechanic: A Quick and Easy Way to Tune Up the Mind and Maximize Emotional Health," discusses the brain and how we CAN change the way we perceive things and react to them. Until recently, cognitive behavioral therapy has only been availble through professional therapy. Spencer demystifies CBT and puts you in control, harnessing the power to change the way we perceive and react to stress. Find out more about what you can do to reduce anger and anxiety at www.thebrainmechanic.com or www.spencerlord.com.  Find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com

What do women really want in the workplace?  Emily Bennington, author of "Who Says It's a Man's World: The Girls' Guide to Corporate Domination," offers insights for women who really want to excel in their careers. Find out what points are crucial to creating a personal foundation strong enough to carry you to your goals. Emily offers suggestions and examples on how to find a balance that allows you to achieve your goals and find personal satisfaction in them. Learn more at Emily's site: www.emilybennington.com.  Find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com

Did Vincent Van Gogh really commit suicide? How accurate is the Hollywood version of his life? Gregory White Smith and his writing partner Steven Naifeh wrote a compelling biography of van Gogh in "Van Gogh: The Life" that will rock your world about your perceptions of van Gogh's life. Find out what Smith and Naifeh think was really behind much of van Gogh's bizarre behavior, and why he was truly a troubled and desperately lonely man.  After sifting through thousands of documents, find out what Smith and Naifeh believe REALLY unfolded at the end of Vincent's life.  Find out more at www.vangoghbiography.com, and find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com.

Habit-forming? Habit-changing? Repetitive patterns control our lives. Charles Duhigg's book "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business" delves deep into our brains to find out what drives our behavior. With stories about how the military brought peace to a region in Iraq by understanding crowd habits, and how stores get us to buy more through habits, Duhigg explains why understanding habits is critical to business. Identifying more than simply the routine, Mr. Duhigg gives us the scientific understanding of habits, and the tools to take them and reroute them into more positive, rewarding patterns. The bottom line is that you CAN change your habits, and by doing so change your life! To find out more about habits, be sure to visit www.thepowerofhabit.com.

Terrified to speak or give presentations? Or do you need to hone your speaking abilities? Darlene Price, author of "Well Said!: Presentations and Conversations That Get Results", offers concise information that guarantees success! Learn about the six key points for presentations and how to avoid common pitfalls. To find out more, and order a copy of Darlene's book please be sure to visit her website www.wellsaid.com. Find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com.

Touted as the man with the largest photo collection of living people in the world, Patrick McMullan stops by to share his amazing life story. He shares about how cancer almost took away all his dreams. and how he wound up being mentored, by of all people, one of the greatest artists of the 60s. Patrick also gives tips on the key points to establishing a career and keeping it front and center for continued success. Learn more about this amazing photographer at www.patrickmcmullan.com and be sure to check out his online magazine at www.pmc-mag.com.  Find more fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com

In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Hollywood legend Carl Reiner, we hear how Carl met the very talented Steve Martin and what it was like working with him.  We also hear how in creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, legendary producer Sheldon Leonard gives Carl a crucial piece of advice that changes the entire spin of the show. And finally Carl clues us in to "Yenemvelt" (sung to the tune of Oh Tannenbaum). The laughs don't stop this week! (If you missed Part 1, it's still available! In it, Carl talks about the 2000 Year Old Man and Mel Brooks, and answers listener's questions)

Steven Maitland-Lewis uses his insider background in the world of international banking as a foundation for his newest novel, Ambition, a spellbinding financial thriller. Murder, embezzlement, sexual excess, and betrayal will leave you breathless as you speed through this riveting tale! Did stories like this really happen in the banking world?  He'll leave you guessing.... You'll find more about the author and his works at www.maitland-lewis.com.