HAPPENING

Erika Engelhaupt, Science Journalist & Editor

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Throughout history and all around the world, people have long imagined some form of hell or underworld. It's written about in literature, shows up on the silver screen, and even travel destinations.

This episode is about Postcards From Hell, the scary places and spaces made up of awe-inspiring sights in the natural world, from lakes of fiery lava to dark caves and deep pools. 

Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and editor. Her latest work, Nat Geo’s Go to Hell" - A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations takes readers on a journey to more than 50 mysterious and mythical places.

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Engelhaupt has a smart and thoughtful approach to all things macabre, as she highlights hellscapes from all over the world. She invites readers to experience the chills and thrills offered by devilish destinations including spots in Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Japan, just to name a few.

She explains why the book begins in Greece with the Acheron, or “river of woe.” It sets the overall tone for people searching for doorways or pathways to an underworld of dark and shadowy places.

Engelhaupt explains the origin of Halloween to a cave in Ireland. To most, it appears to be a little hole in the ground. However, it is the entrance to a fantastic hidden cavernous world of pitch black. She talks about the “otherworld,” a land filled with supernatural beings.

From fire, darkness, to portals to spiritual worlds, Engelhaupt delights readers and listeners alike with tales of hells on Earth.

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Whether visiting a castle in Czechia, which was built to clog up a hole to hell, or stumbling upon a trapdoor to darkness deep in the heart of Pennsylvania, Engelhaupt teaches us a big life lesson—the scary spots are usually steeped in history, there may be a scientific reason for its fear factor, and there is also a good chance it is filled will beauty (think bioluminescent glowworms).

Sociologist, Dr. Margee Kerr reconsiders the physical and psychological effects of fear on the body to figure out exactly what it is about being scared that's just so fun.

The popularity of biking has grown over the past few years. There was a surge in ridership in the United States in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a 120% increase in sales when compared to the previous year.

Since then, the number of people riding bikes in America continues to go up. In 2022 alone, there were 55 million people hopping on a bike and cycling somewhere. Whether it’s for fun, sport, transportation, sightseeing or even food delivery, more and more of us are hitting the road by bike. This episode is all about Spokes & Spectacles: Epic Bike Journeys.

Roff Smith is an award-winning magazine writer and photographer, as well as a long-time contributor to National Geographic and many other high-profile outlets, like Time Magazine, Newsweek and Conde Nast Traveler, just to name a few.

Smith's latest work, NatGeo’s 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Cycling Experiences takes readers to six continents with an amazing list of bike rides.

He provides first-hand accounts to some of the world's most exciting and memorable bike paths, including his favorite, The Danube Cycle Path, which he describes as, “A waltz along the banks of Europe’s grandest river from the medieval town of Passau to the imperial grandeur of Vienna on a delightful purpose-built cycle path."

He lightlights a "showstopping feat of engineering," known as New Zealand's Lake Dunstan Trail. It is fairly new and has locals and visitors "over the moon" while venturing out on a bicycle path running along the face of a cliff. Smith even recommends going down the gully to grab a coffee, scone or burger on a floating pontoon.

Many of the most popular rides encourage readers to explore landmark locations while participating in what Smith labels, "Cycling Through History." The pages of his latest work are filled with pathways to the past. For instance, there's a ride that traces the journeys taken by thousands of freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad Route from Mobile, Alabama all the way through Ontario, Canada. It's a lengthy ride that often takes one to two months and is best completed during the summer months.

The ride along the Great Allegheny Passage is also steeped in history. Riders get to cross a bridge which was used to transport as much as 15% of U.S. steel during World War II. It just so happens this bike path is what is referred to as a "rail to trail," which is created when an agreement is established between a railroad company and a trail agency to allow the use of out-of-service rail corridors as a trail for walkers, runners and bikers.

Another favorite invites readers and riders alike to visit The Punta Olimpica in the Peruvian Andes, which was named after the 1936 Peruvian soccer team that beat Austria. Although a controversial decision followed the team's victory, a protest led to this breathtaking highway that zigzags down the mountains.

Whether descending into the the orange-painted Utah valleyscapes of The TranAmerica Trail, to feeling the bite of the cold air while cycling Glacier National Park in Montana, or bending down on one knee in Tuscany along one of the most romantic rides on the planet, there is a bike ride for anyone's bucket list.

In today’s world, biking has become one of the best ways to get from point A to point B. Whether it is for fun, transportation, or sport, millions of people are hopping on bikes and embarking on two-wheeled escapades. It's time to pick your next destination, put on a helmet and peddle your way to pure happiness.

Sybil Steele, Creative Director, S’eau Prima and Solento Organic Tequila

Jose Balaguer, CEO The Chicago Donut Company

Kanan Kapila shares a meditation for the season of sparking your creative energy

The creative spark... you never know when it’s going to happen. Some say it’s a fundamental aspect of being human, while others believe it to be our very own birthright. Simply put, creativity is in all of us! It's what we do in our everyday actions that determines if it sees the light of day.

There are more than 33-million small businesses in the United States. I’m a small businessman myself and I celebrate anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit. It takes a lot of courage to set out on your own to build anything, but if you have an idea, the resources, and a plan… big things can happen!

The U.S. Small Business Administration finds small businesses employ about 62-million Americans, that’s the majority of jobs created since the mid-90’s.

If starting and running a small business is a dream of yours, this episode is for you! It is packed with brave and bold people who trusted their guts and went for it! There are stories that will help inspire you to dig deep and get on your way.

Sybil Steele is a NYC-based creative director who develops brands and films. A couple of her big achievements include the launches of Solento Organic Tequila and most recently S’eau Prima, a foundational face mist. 

She shares the secrets to her success, including an approach to life that is filled with abundance and a never-ending belief in herself. She takes on the big question of, "What if you were to put yourself first?"

Sybil also talks about her favorite "P" words—purpose, profit, and pleasure. This creative force is not afraid to mix her heart with the source of her mighty dollar, and win all the way to the bank. Steele has a series of rituals and routines that start her day off in a positive way, ultimately setting her up for personal and professional growth.

The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics finds there are more than 4,000 food trucks in the United States. It is a growing industry, generating about 1.4 billion dollars each year. 

Jose Balaguer is the CEO of The Chicago Donut Company. For years he sold luxury vehicles, until he made a professional pivot. Now, his life is all about good vibes and donuts. 

Balaguer admits his thriving food truck business was born out of market research, connections, and a love of people. The passion for donuts came later, while working with other Chicago vendors, renovating a used truck, and lots and lots of taste-testing.

He does not believe in "Faking the Funk," and stays true to himself and his community. Jose also discusses the sacrifices it takes to achieve and maintain success, including saying goodbye to friendships that no longer serve you or your entrepreneurial spirit. Balaguer leaves us wondering if small biz ownership grows self-discipline, or is it the other way around, does our own discipline grow the business?

Whatever it takes, both Sybil and Jose agree having a plan is essential to long-term success. This often includes a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly approach to aligning dreams and realistic expectations in order to generate revenue.

Sparking Your Creative Genius is easier than you think, even in business. Sometimes all you have to do is shut out the noise and shift your perspective. Once you do that, it is time to own the possibility that great things will happen in your life. Now is the time to let your sparks fly!

Listen to HAPPENING to find out how Jacques Tassy ventured into the world of fashion, and how Alex inspires people with drawings of Marzi the chicken. Triad Brass photo courtesty ABC News (Above)

Laura Lindsay, global travel expert

Brian Osuch visiting the home from the television series, Full House

Brian Osuch visiting the home from the MTV television series, The Real World, San Francisco

Jacksonville, Florida is a top destination for families

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Travel” or “Vacation?”

Brian Osuch visiting Miami, Florida

For me, it’s the soft white sand that sneaks in-between my toes while walking along Miami Beach. I can close my eyes and immediately see the turquoise-colored water transforming into white ripples as it reaches the shoreline. The salty air makes my skin feel so much smoother and my hair… just a little rougher and coarser than usual… but, I like it. It comes with the territory—different place, different people, and a different state of mind. Isn’t that what travel is all about?

One of Laura’s favorite destinations is Puglia, Italy

As peak travel season sails into view many of us have our eyes set on dreamy destinations all around the world. What are you thinking up?

The deserts, wine country, and dramatic cliff tops of Western Australia? How about the brilliant blue waters, expansive coral reefs and hundreds of peaceful islands of Fiji? We can’t forget about the mouthwatering Southern fare of Charleston, South Carolina—where it’s all about red rice with sausage, fried chicken and lima beans.

No matter what strikes your fancy, we’re ready to go… 63% of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer. Wanderlust Unleashed! It’s time to embrace the magic of unplanned escapes.

This episode is all about the thrills and chills associated with travel. Laura Lindsay is a global travel expert for Skyscanner, a search engine and travel site. She’s a seasoned traveler who’s filled with stories from all over the globe, and shares some of her favorite spots, provides insights—like travel hacks for scoring the best airfare, and talks about the latest trend—spontaneous travel. 

Spontaneous travel is supposed to alleviate some of the pressures associated with vacation planning, because it eliminates certain expectations like picking the best hotel, eating dinner at that hard to reserve restaurant, and having an overly ambitious itinerary. 

The television series, Yellowstone, inspires Western Dude Ranch-style vacation getaways

Laura and I chat about our favorite vacation memories, destinations inspired by TV and film, and her three secret hot spots sure to motivate you to book a trip.

I also hit the streets of New York City to find out how our lives can be transformed by travel. One man shares his story about openly supporting gay rights in a place where being LGBTQ could lead to jail time or even death. We meet a woman who was in England during one of this year’s biggest news stories, and we’re going to answer the question… where in the world can we find the best schnitzel?

No matter near or far, embracing the magic of unplanned or planned escapes adds a sense of excitement and adventure to our lives. Whether following a detailed itinerary, or ditching the plan, grabbing your passport and letting the wind guide your way… one thing is certain, travel enriches our lives.

We spend a lot of time on our smart devices. On average, there are 6,000 tweets on Twitter every single second. When added up, all of them equal 350K per minute, 500M per day, and 200B per year. That's a whole lot of engagement going on and we’re not even counting Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and SnapChat. When we include those channels the overall numbers are astounding.

According to the latest data, the average amount of time spent on social media worldwide is set to hit about two and a half hours a day. That’s a lot of time to comment on, or like and share all types of content. It's in these moments we can make mistakes that could cost us pretty big—maybe lose some friends, offend colleagues, and possibly get fired from a job and miss out on future career opportunities.

This episode is all about taking responsibility for our online behavior. Stephanie Humphrey is a former engineer and technology expert. She is author of Don't Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In the Butt! and is currently a technology contributor for Good Morning America .

Stephanie is on a mission to help us become better digital citizens by being more mindful about what we post, comment on, and apps we download. Overall, she says it's important to be more considerate regarding all of our online activities. 

With Humphrey's innovative program, 'Til Death Do You Tweet!, she travels the country speaking to students and guides them through issues of cyber bullying while helping them understand how social media can shape their lives.

As technology continues to advance and 500M of us turn to social media each and every day, we can and should consider ourselves a Digital Citizen. 

Hear a story from a woman whose daughter got pulled into an unhealthy and dangerous digital world that could have destroyed her young life. It’s an important listen and if you’re a parent or care about a teen or tween in your life… don’t miss it!

I remember Sunday afternoons walking along the sidewalk to my grandmother’s house. As my brother and I neared the door, the aroma of rich and thick marinara sauce filled the air. I could actually taste the fresh basil, garlic, and pancetta the moment we stepped inside. That memory and many others have stayed with me for life. When I close my eyes, I can easily go back in time to that dinner table with a bowl of meatballs and a plate of rye bread at its center. I see the faces of loved ones—many long gone, but not forgotten.

I said it before and it bears repeating, I am on a journey filled of Culinary Rapture, being carried away by the execution, presentation, flavor and taste of food. On this episode, I highlight the community and camaraderie that comes with a table filled with smiling faces.

I mean, we have to cook for and eat with the favorite people in our lives. What are those meals and who are those people for you

Alex Hitz is an award-winning celebrity chef, culinary columnist, event designer, and tastemaker. He has a new book out called, Occasions to Celebrate – Cooking and Entertaining with Style. Our conversation is packed with all types of recipes and memories that smell delicious.

Alex has prepared dream meals for some of the world’s most iconic people, including the Reagans and the Royals. He shares stories of his early days attending dinner parties with his parents, lazy Sunday afternoons with L.A. socialites, and how he ended up on the Orient Express with a birdcage hat on top of his head.

The Wall Street Journal calls him the very best host in the world, and by the end of our conversation you will be taken with his wit, style and charm.

It’s the time of year to think about those you prepare meals for and who you have around your table… the community… the camaraderie. Why not get lost together in a journey filled with new dishes, new ingredients, new cuisines, and new ways of preparing meals?

It's time to heat things up and make life interesting!

Nikita Burshteyn is set to play Orlando in As You Like It at San Francisco Playhouse (left), and starred as Romeo in the off-Broadway hit Romeo & Bernadette (above)

Listen to HAPPENING to find out how Eddy, Mike, and Patricia bring their creative genius to life (right)

The creative genius is a force like no other. It makes each of us unique, showing up in a variety of special talents—singing, dancing, and all those crazy things people dream up on Instagram and TikTok.

At times, we get caught up with fast-tracking and pop culture does not help. Popular shows like American Idol and The Voice offer pathways to big audiences. However, nothing is immediate, and the people we see on stages in local theaters or on Broadway in New York City, are people who have refined their talents over years and years. 

Nikita Burshteyn is an up-and-coming musical theater performer and breakout talent from the off-Broadway musical, Romeo & Bernadette.

He shares the secrets to his success, which is the accumulation of years of vocal training, tap and jazz dance classes, and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. Nikita explains what he does in the space between gigs, which offers him time to refresh and refocus his attention and intentions. 

He trusts his gut when it comes to auditioning for parts, but also knows his range—which has his eyes set on some very well known roles.

"P" is for passion, one thing Nikita felt the moment he started playing the violin in the second grade, which led him to musical theater. "P" is also for performance, something he makes look natural based on multiple hours of preparation. Finally, "P" is for process, how he decides on a role, develops a character, and brings it all to life under the warm inviting lights of the stage.

Sparking Your Creative Genius is something that comes naturally, and is easier to do if you stay motivated and have the courage to bring your ideas to life on a regular basis.

Brian Osuch before & after winning SNATCHED

An MFF exercise class celebrates one trainer’s love of salads, he even has a salad challenge. Yep, I’m dressed as a tomato.

It’s the time of year when Central Park is packed with runners prepping for the New York City Marathon—hundreds of people jogging the loops and reservoir.

Coach G & Yasmin prep for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon

26.2 miles requires a lot of moving which fills the body with endorphins, one our brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. 

However, there are other physical activities that can alter our moods and enrich our lives, like biking, swimming, and dancing—just think of all those TikTok videos.

I got into running more than 20 years ago. I even ran the New York City Marathon with a respectable time of 4:15:37. Crossing that finish line is something I’ll never forget.

In fact, it’s the inspiration behind this episode. I can’t help but think of the acronym (D.I.D.) Determination – Intensity – Dedication. Those three words are definitely part of the magical mixture making up what is called Movement: The Miracle Drug.

There’s no better person to talk to about how physical activity enhances our lives than the man who shares his name with one of New York City’s most popular gyms.

Mark Fisher began his career as a professional actor and musical theater performer, but became obsessed with fitness and fell in love with human physiology and the psychology of behavior change. That was the passion that opened the doors to Mark Fisher Fitness (MFF), also known as The Enchanted Ninja Clubhouse of Glory & Dreams.

Since its inception, Mark has helped thousands of people find their way to health and hotness, with something he calls "Serious Fitness for Ridiculous Humans." Through the many specialized programs of MFF, gym-goers lovingly called "Ninjas," learn to swing kettlebells, jump into burpees, and bear crawl their way to fitness glory.

On this episode, Mark explains why it is important to stay active. He also suggests finding a compelling "why,” saying a strong "why," made up of our emotions and value structure, can help us cross any finish line—whether it be a walk in the park, hiking a trail, or starting a weight resistance program. 

Movement is a miracle drug that can take us places we never dreamt physically possible. Who knows, maybe it’s a finish line at mile marker 26.2 in Central Park. 

The creative genius is powerful and shows up in many ways, shapes and forms.

Sometimes it is a romantic composition born of an upright piano in New York City. Other times, it is a podcast coming straight from my very own creative source. Then, there are other moments of genius, the ones that make us crack a smile, chuckle a bit, or break out in sidesplitting laughter.

On this episode of HAPPENING, Stand-Up Comic, Comedy Writer, Actress and Filmmaker, Kendra Cunningham, tells us how a joke is born and brought to the stage.

We discuss what it takes to fight the resistance that tries to keep us from getting creative, whether it is writing that book, starting that business, auditioning for that big role, or telling that joke.  

Ultimately, it comes down to a series of “P’s,” including the words “purpose”, “plan,” and “passion,” just to name a few.

What is it that you are trying to ignite and bring to life? Whatever it may be, requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and Sparking Your Creative Genius.

This is the first episode of a three-part series dedicated to making creative dreams a reality.

HAPPENING features an original piano composition by Chad Young - “Delusions”

Listen to HAPPENING to find out how Ashley, Toby, Aris, and Kaleb find peace and joy in their days

Jeff finds peace and happiness by skating in Central Park

One of my favorite moments of the day is when I walk my dog in Central Park. It is pretty early, usually a time between seven and nine o’clock in the morning.

The park is typically quiet, allowing me time to set personal intentions. I try my best to enjoy the surroundings, currently gorgeous blue skies, crisp fall air, and some crunchy leaves collecting along the walk paths.

This is my moment of peace and joy in the city. I call it The Sweet Spot.

How do you start your day? Where do you find peace and happiness? What’s your Sweet Spot?

For Kanan Kapila, it’s a series of poses, deep breaths and mindfulness. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University, she’s also a licensed therapist, and Founder of The Vastu Yoga , in the Tri-State area.

On this episode of HAPPENING, Kanan discusses the benefits of having a regular routine. She talks about her love of yoga and meditation, while describing the many ways her daily practice has enriched her life.

As a trainer, she has bear witness to those desperately seeking to transition from one stage of life onto the next. She has seen tears and wide smiles as those around her transcend.

Kanan says practice does make perfect—a perfect you. For those caught up in the commotion or chaos of life, there is a way to slow down and find peace and joy in the everyday. She says we are born with joy and just have to claim it.

Now is the time to embrace your thoughts, connect with your body and bring real change into your life.