Today’s conversation centers on a vital aspect  of our human experience. The enhancing richness and benefits of empathy. Meet Helen Riess, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Empathetics.com. Dr. Riess is a clinical professor and research psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who developed empathy education based on neuroscience research. Her groundbreaking  book, which is now in paperback, is entitled, “The Empathy Effect: 7 NEUROSCIENCE BASED KEYS  for Transforming the Way We LIVE, LOVE, WORK and CONNECT Across Differences.” In a fractured world, learning more about empathy could be just what we need!

Meet the man who helped revolutionize the coffee industry.  For decades George Howell has been fine tuning the art of brewing a better cup of coffee.

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including her latest  The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her research into history and ability as a master storyteller captivates readers from around the world.   Fiona is also opens up about how she deals with Parkinsons Disease, not allowing it to keep her from being incredibly productive and enjoying life!

Meet the creator of a fabulous new coffee-table book, “Rock to Baroque – Four Decades of Music Photography.”  The artist is celebrated photographer Eric Antoniou whose work transcends mere imagery.  For decades he has captured the essence of musicians in performance and beyond,  from rock to jazz, blues to classical.  David Bowie,  The Rolling Stones,  Roy Orbison, Etta James, Leonard Bernstein, K.D. Lang, Springsteen, Sinatra and  Dizzy Gillespy are just a few of the iconic photos Eric is proud to share!

Sarah Wragge is the founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness. As you’ll hear she is energetic, healthy and happy. But she wasn’t always that way. Her personal struggle to feel well brought her to a very important place, one in which she offers practical help to those looking to feel their best. Sarah and her team are committed to producing real results with philosophies that are simple and easy to understand: we have the power to transform our bodies through nutrition; it’s not about what we take out, but what we put in; being healthy is empowering!

Peter Cahill functioned as his wife’s devoted partner for forty-five years, and as her caregiver for thirty of those years. Andrea Cahill was a fighter, battling a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis. The couple formed a foundation to help search for a cure and treatments while Andrea was alive. After she passed, Peter set out to write a memoir entitled “Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive with a Rare brain Disease.” It’s a story told by a valiant caregiver, a tale of pain, challenge, humor and hope.

As paranormal investigator Michael J. Baker says, “Some questions lead you further in.  Others show you the way out.” Mike is the author of “Giving Up the Ghost: My 13-Year Journey with Ghosts, Gear and Getting Out.”  The book takes a rational,  scientific look at the many claims made by TV ghost hunters and the untested nature of much of their ghost sensing  gear.  It has turned into a cottage industry selling the idea of contacting  the spirit world solely  for  entertainment.  Still, there are unexplained phenomena that Mike continues to wonder about.  You may end wondering  as well!

Today’s episode features a conversation with writer and  Israel Defense Forces veteran Yishay Ishi Ron.  He has written an impactful novel called, “Dog.”  The story is of a combat officer and a lost dog who find each other in the shadows of trauma and addiction. “Dog” is a haunting, unflinching exploration of PTSD, told through the lens of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza.   The story is partly  biographical, one that offers deep insight into the pain faced by those with PTSD.  It also offers hope.

Today, we welcome actress and fellow voice-over artist Erika Mays to the podcast.   She is sharing what she has learned about the industry in a great new practical guide entitled, “From Broke to Booked: How to Launch a Voice Acting Career that Pays.”   Erika explains how her career in voice over began and shares practical tips on ways to move forward.   Tune in to hear two professionals discuss the ins and outs of voice acting and why having a passion for it matters!

In a audience attended fireside chat, we had a the chance to interview celebrated crime novelist Chuck Hogan.  He is talking about his latest book and first work of non-fiction “The Carpool Detective: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case.”  For those interested in true crime stories, and that is just about everyone these days, this one will captivate you!