In this episode of Chatting with Betsy, Rev. John Lee Hooker Jr. returns to discuss his powerful new gospel song Heaven Rules. The track delivers a message of faith, redemption, and personal accountability, inspired by today’s world and his own spiritual journey.Rev. Hooker previously joined Betsy in February to discuss his Amazon Best Seller in the Gospel category. Today, he returns to talk about his new, soul-stirring gospel song, “Heaven Rules,” co-written with Larry Batiste.✨

Heaven Rules by Rev. John Lee Hooker Jr. was inspired by today’s world—where narcissism runs high and moral clarity can feel elusive. Through powerful lyrics and a dynamic blend of preaching, singing, and rapping, the song reminds us that God is in control, worldly riches are fleeting, and Jesus is the true Judge.

🎶 Betsy and Rev. Hooker discuss the personal and spiritual inspiration behind Heaven Rules, the process of creating both the song and music video, and his past experiences being nominated for a Grammy Award. Betsy was especially moved by a surprising reference to the O.J. Simpson trial, which Rev. Hooker uses to emphasize a deeper message of personal accountability, stating that “there will be no excuses when we stand before Jesus.”💿 Heaven Rules is available on all major streaming platforms, and Betsy highly recommends taking a moment to listen. She describes the song as “original, inspiring, and deeply moving.”

📚 You can also purchase From the Shadow of the Blues on -Amazon   - or directly from Rev. Hooker’s website. For a signed copy of either the book or the new single, be sure to leave a note when ordering through his site requesting an autograph copy: 🌐 https://johnleehookerjr.com📺 Want to feel uplifted? Visit Rev. John Lee Hooker Jr.’s YouTube channel and immerse yourself in his powerful gospel music: https://youtube.com/@reverendjohnleehookerjr?feature=shared🙏 Betsy shares, “Rev. John Lee Hooker Jr. is a living testimony to how the power of God can transform a life. Betsy was honored and blessed to have him on the show.”📬 Visit johnleehookerjr.com to order your signed copy of Book and Album and connect with upcoming events

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

Betsy Wurzel” featuring Julie Wignall-  hereTo create this inspiring book, Julie interviewed 20 individuals who are actively changing lives through innovative and compassionate actions. She highlights:

• Favio Chavez, founder of the Cateura Orchestra of Recycled Instruments in Paraguay. This youth orchestra plays music on instruments made from trash—license plates, scrap metal, and more—and has performed with Metallica and Stevie Wonder.
• Lisa Ann Gershwin, a biologist and mental health advocate in Tasmania, known as the “Jellyfish Guru,” who also raises awareness for autism.
• Ronnie Abergel, founder of "The Human Library"®, who created a global movement for dialogue and understanding after losing a close friend to violence.

Each story in The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies shows how small actions, driven by passion and purpose, can create lasting global impact. Julie’s message is that with the right tools, we can all shine our light more brightly.Visit extraordinaryfireflies.com to sign up for her newsletter, receive Flying Lessons for Fireflies, or schedule a Free Discovery Call. Her site also features links to social media platforms for deeper connection.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This episode contains sensitive content related to mental illness, medication, and violent crime. It is intended for adult audiences (18+) only. The views expressed are those of the guest and host and are provided for informational purposes only. This episode does not constitute medical advice. Do not stop or adjust any prescribed medication without first consulting your licensed healthcare provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States or seek help from a mental health professional in your area.  In this interview, Betsy Wurzel explores the complex relationship between medication and mental illness with guest Edward L. Jones III, author of Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder. This deeply personal conversation highlights the tragedy of the Crespi family and the larger issues facing mental health care in America.Betsy Wurzel interviews Edward L. Jones III, author of Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins. This is Edward’s first book, and a deeply personal and investigative look into the tragedy that shook the Crespi family—and the wider conversation around antidepressants, SSRIs, and mental health in America. Edward’s book challenges readers to think critically about the intersection of medication and mental illness in today’s mental health system.Edward, an award-winning advertising and higher education writer, shares how he became drawn to the story of David Crespi, a respected businessman and father who committed a horrific act that shocked his community.

Together, Betsy and Edward explore how medication side effects and untreated warning signs may have contributed—and how families often don’t know what to watch for.They discuss the importance of understanding side effects, advocating for loved ones, and being alert to sudden changes in behavior. 
The conversation also touches on how other countries handle similar cases and what reforms might be needed in mental health care and medication transparency.Betsy reflects on how deeply this story moved her and praises Edward’s courage in writing a book that’s both eye-opening and emotionally powerful.

 She encourages listeners to learn more through Edward’s website and reading the book, which dives into not just a tragedy—but also a family's resilience and hope.The Crespi story raises powerful questions about how medication and mental illness are linked, especially when warning signs are missed..

 We understand this episode covers difficult and emotional topics. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, medication side effects, or mental health challenges, please know you're not alone. Help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to connect with a trained mental health counselor, or speak with your primary care provider about support options in your area.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

In this episode, Betsy Wurzel interviews author Helen Sheehy about her novel Just Willa, a story inspired by Helen’s own mother. Growing up on tenant farms in Oklahoma and Kansas, Helen’s family history shaped her deep curiosity about her mother’s life, which remained largely unknown to her until after her mother passed away when Helen was 36.Helen Sheehy, a long-time theatre professor at Southern Connecticut State University, has authored biographies of three theatre pioneers: Margo:

The Life and Theatre of Margo Jones, Eva Le Gallienne: A Biography, and Eleonora Duse: A Biography — with the latter two named New York Times notable books of the year. After years of writing nonfiction, Just Willa marks her first venture into fiction, returning to her love of storytelling.In

Just Willa, the fictional Willa Hardesty is modeled after Helen’s mother, Wilma. The novel follows Willa, the daughter of a homesteader, as she navigates the challenges of farm life, the Great Depression, and decades of personal and social hardships. Willa encourages her daughters to pursue education for a better life, showing strength, grit, and determination despite the difficulties of the 1930s and 40s. Her husband Jake, a tenant farmer, also earned money bootlegging whiskey at local dances.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

Betsy Wurzel, host of Chatting with Betsy, welcomes Dr. Henry Mahncke, neuroscientist and CEO of Brain HQ, for an eye-opening conversation on how Brain HQ brain health tools can support caregivers. In this episode, Dr. Mahncke shares practical insights into brain training, cognitive resilience, and the benefits of improving brain health through neuroplasticity.

Dr. Mahncke is also the developer behind Posit Science and has worked closely with Dr. Michael Merzenich, a renowned expert in brain science. Together, they’ve developed Brain HQ based on decades of research into how the brain changes and adapts—what’s known as neuroplasticity.During the interview, Betsy and Dr. Mahncke discussed compelling studies comparing caregivers who used Brain HQ exercises with those who didn’t. The results were striking: those who engaged in the training showed noticeable improvements in memory, focus, and emotional well-being. Brain HQ brain health strategies are especially useful for caregivers dealing with chronic stress, depression, or sleep deprivation—conditions that can take a heavy toll on cognitive function.Dr. Mahncke explained how these exercises help rewire the brain, making it more adaptive and resilient. Starting brain training early—even at the first signs of dementia—can offer significant benefits.

Betsy was particularly impressed to learn that even elite athletes like football legend Tom Brady have used Brain HQ to enhance their performance.This inspiring interview provides hope and practical tools for anyone looking to maintain or improve their brain health as they age. Betsy encourages listeners to explore the Brain HQ website, where they’ll find a variety of training programs, pricing information, and a free trial offer to try the exercises firsthand.🎵 Listen to the audio concerning Brain Health exercises that would especiallly helpful for caregivers dealing with chronic stress:  📌 Click here to Listen-Please share the Blog. Very much appreciate it.  

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

Betsy and Caroline reflect on how childhood trauma shapes adult lives, why people long to be truly heard, and the importance of offering love, attention, and time to others. Caroline also speaks about the transformative energy of words, the global mental health crisis, and the essence of trusting a higher power to reveal who we truly are.

They discuss Caroline’s books, It’s Time to Realize Light as the Cellular Structure of Your Body and The Real Cause of Suffering Mental Health Crisis Globally. Caroline donates proceeds from her books to support causes close to her heart. Her website is currently being updated, but you can connect with her via the links below.Caroline Kennedy healing interview sheds light on the global mental health crisis and offers hopeful, heart-centered approaches to emotional healing and spiritual well-being.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

Zen is the founder of Fear Free Human, a groundbreaking movement dedicated to helping people release fear, live with clarity, and find lasting inner peace. As a breast cancer survivor and successful entrepreneur, Zen brings both depth and compassion to her mission of helping others.

During the interview, Zen explains how she decoded the Internal Guidance System® to help individuals distinguish between mental fear and physical fear. She shares how releasing untrue thoughts opens us to our truth and ultimately, a life of peace, purpose, and satisfaction. With over 40,000 people helped since 1993, her work continues to impact people across the globe.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Betsy Wurtzel welcomes a special guest, Tammy Smith, MSW, LCSW, to address an issue affecting people of all ages—mental health stigmas.Tammy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in Teaneck, New Jersey. She’s also the owner of T.M. Smith Counseling, offering both in-person and virtual services for NJ residents. In this interview, she spoke with Betsy about how deeply rooted stigmas can prevent people from getting help—especially older adults who were raised not to “air their dirty laundry.”Betsy shared her own experiences, including her mother’s resistance for support after the loss of her son, and her own journey to counseling in 1974—a time when seeking help was often frowned upon.The conversation also touched on younger generations, such as college students, who are increasingly open about mental health and more likely to access services.  crisis, call 988.


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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

Lisa and Bremond’s friendship began in seventh grade, where their shared love for libraries, reading, and researching laid the foundation for what would become Quite Literally Books. Their passion for literature and preserving women’s voices shines through this heartwarming and insightful conversation.

They explain how Quite Literally Books was born from their desire to revive stories that explore themes still relevant today—racism, parenting, working outside the home, and societal limitations. These books, once forgotten, now offer readers a chance to reflect on both the past and present.

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.

During this heartfelt interview, Marcia opens up about her personal battle with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — a condition that affects one in five people over age 60 and kills more people than cancer. Marcia discusses how, after suffering pain for two years and undergoing procedures to save her right big toe, she ultimately had to face the difficult experience of a toe amputation. Despite these challenges, she has become a fierce advocate for PAD awareness.Recognizing the Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease:

Marcia shares the critical symptoms of PAD, which include:

• Cold feet
• Pain or tightness in the calves when walking
• Muscle spasms
• Discoloration in the toes or legs
• Loss of hair growth on the legs

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💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.