Close Up Radio

Guapo’s Tales is a children’s book series by Janet Zappala, a multiple Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and award-winning author. The books star Guapo, a real 3,000-pound steer and gentle giant who serves as the series’ goodwill ambassador. Each story draws on true animal rescue experiences to teach children kindness, compassion, patience and understanding, and to encourage a love of reading

M. Teresa Lawrence is a former attorney, author, and the founder of The Trueness Project. The Trueness Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Daniel, Wyoming. Its tagline is “Inspiring Authenticity Through the Leadership of Play.” She also is the sole author of “Gloriousness” and speaks widely on kindness and leadership

Ann Mracek has written symphonies, conducted them, and now built a book around one. ‘Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life’ recently won Author of the Year, Self-Help, at the 2026 International Impact Book Awards in Hollywood

Steve Gordy is a retired industrial trainer, training manager and technical writer who now works as a college instructor and creative writer in Aiken, South Carolina. He also is the founder of BLS Aiken

Laurie Hoeltzel is a forensic document examiner with offices serving California, Florida, Texas and Arizona

Cyndi Marcotte is the founder of Spruce and Stone Life Coaching, LLC, a practice she established in 2025. As a coach, she helps people utilize a variety of tools, which use the Wayfinder approach

Nancy Thompson is a board-certified nurse coach and the founder of Nancy Thompson Coaching, a Maine-based practice that works with women in perimenopause, including those navigating sobriety. She serves clients virtually across the United States and worldwide

Ann Mracek has written symphonies, conducted them, and now built a book around one. ‘Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life’ recently won Author of the Year, Self-Help, at the 2026 International Impact Book Awards in Hollywood

Lorri Jackson is a registered nurse who works in palliative and end-of-life care in Utah, where her role as a hospice case manager includes nurse educator, goals-of-care conversations with patients and families, and advance care planning

Guapo’s Tales is a children’s book series by Janet Zappala, a multiple Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and award-winning author. The books star Guapo, a real 3,000-pound steer and gentle giant who serves as the series’ goodwill ambassador. Each story draws on true animal rescue experiences to teach children kindness, compassion, patience and understanding, and to encourage a love of reading