PLAYWRIGHT/PRODUCER JO MORELLO is a Philadelphia native and holds a B.S. from Villanova University and an M.S. from Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater. She has been a lifelong writer, having produced summer stock for three years. When she turned to drama, she won two national contests on her initial attempt. She also founded and was producing artistic director of Starlite Players in Sarasota, producing 61 new short plays in 15 months. She recently completed LIL & LOUIS, about Lil Hardin Armstrong and husband Louis Armstrong (starring Michael Kinsey as Louis and Renata Eastlick as his first (and I guess most important wife Lil Hardin Armstrong) along with two related short plays. She has had her work performed everywhere in North America and the UK. She has written extensively on American theater in the American Theatre magazine and in the Eugene O’Neill review. Today, and in addition to her writing, she operates Jo Morello, Inc., a small P.R. agency in Sarasota, Florida since 1986. It has served the Jazz Club of Sarasota for over two decades as well as other regional and international clients, including several Central Asian embassies.

El Presidente Megan Gepp was born and raised in Spring Lake New Jersey. That’s right, the one and only jersey shore. She is #4 of 9 siblings and has carried that tradition with her own family – her hometown husband is from Belmar the town next door and they also have 7 kids and 6 grandkids……like WOW. Besides raising seven children and 6 grandchildren, she has been serving her community for 17 years. Currently she is President of the Spring Lake First Aid Squad, serves her parish as a volunteer CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister. She earned both her real estate and Health insurance licenses to further her expertise in the business worlds and a different way to serve her community. This woman is the true superhero – she has done just about everything! In her youth she worked on river cruise boats and car dealerships all over Monmouth and Ocean County. Megan will not stop…. she has the energy of a twenty something and believes that we are here for a purpose – to be there for our friends, family, community. In her quest to stay young in spirit she has most recently joined an anti-aging skin care line that is blowing up social media. In her words “People love products that make a difference in their lives”. The world needs more Megans!

Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation.

Reading Queer: Poetry in Time of Chaos; book brings together 50 poets in a spirit and solidarity of poetry at its finest and fiercest.

Cheri shares her mother’s feelings about her husband (me) for the first time in 36 years. This is a great example of how perceptions impact behavior despite words to the contrary. We can’t hide our true feelings (sub-conscious), which supports Dr. Rosenthal’s pygmalion theory.

The Cannabis Reporter Radio Show is the first all-cannabis program to be nationally syndicated for broadcast on commercial and community radio network stations throughout North America! Listen in as host Snowden Bishop explores the potential for cannabis to transform the field of medicine, ways in which it can improve human health and reasons why cannabis regulation is good for our economy, environment and society at large. Each episode begins with a topical introduction followed by a “Medical Marijuana Minute” and engaging interviews featuring some of the industry’s most notable medical experts, lawmakers, celebrity advocates and other compelling guests.

Christopher G White has a PhD in Religious Studies from Harvard University. He studied religion and culture in modern Europe and America. His interest in religion & science, electronic media & pop culture, shaped his new book " Other Worlds " Spirituality and the Search for Invisible Dimensions examines the cultural history of the idea that the universe has hidden dimensions, spaces and worlds.

Elizabeth Hope Derby is a coach and collaborative copywriter for people struggling to write, speak, or sell their genius work. She’ll help you express your authentic self and resonate with perfect-fit clients—while living your life like the adventure it is.

An award-winning columnist and contributor to C-VILLE Weekly, an online and print magazine, she has interviewed artists like David Duchovny, Lord Huron, and the creator of Beyonce’s Super Bowl dress. She’s also a multiple story slam winner with Big Blue Door, a true storytelling group in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Elizabeth began her career in marketing at a Fortune 500 company, creating new product concepts and trend presentations for fast-moving brands like Febreze, Glade, and Bath & Body Works. An engaging speaker, she sold these ideas to brand managers and product developers across the country. During this time, her articles and essays on the quarter-life crisis were featured by USA Today, The College of William & Mary, and Cricket Magazine.

Now she helps coaches, consultants and creative entrepreneurs overcome confusion and self-doubt, put their genius into words, and grow into their next-level business. Clients have called her “my copy doula”, “a shot of antidote to my irrational anxiety”, and perhaps most importantly “funny as hell.”

When she’s not sending stories into the world, you can find Elizabeth road-tripping to the Jersey Shore, binge-watching The X-Files, or eating sprinkles by the spoonful.

Meet Elizabeth and unlock the power of your voice at ElizabethHopeDerby.com.

A journalist's journey through Syria, Life, Loss and Hope.