Mayflower II – the replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620 and launched a nation – is seen by some 2.6 million visitors every year in Plymouth.  The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  But there is a lot more to the replica of the Mayflower launched in the middle 1950’s than meets the eye.  Researcher Richard A. Stone has written the definitive,  fascinating history of it all in a book entitled, “Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th-Century Replica,”  featuring  never- before – told stories of a great adventure that captivated the world!

In today’s conversation we meet Alan “Jake” Jacobson, founder of the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative, with the mission to help children and adults develop confidence, optimism, resilience and self-awareness through mindfulness.  The organization was named in honor of Alan’s late wife Flo who served her community as a decorated Boston police officer, mentoring countless people as a “Big Sister,” and volunteering for many causes. Officer Flo Creed  made it her life’s work to  give back to others with a sense of joy.  The Initiative successfully provides innovative educational programming that cultivates lifelong emotional intelligence and well-being!

In today’s conversation we meet Alan “Jake” Jacobson, founder of the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative, with the mission to help children and adults develop confidence, optimism, resilience and self-awareness through mindfulness.  The organization was named in honor of Alan’s late wife Flo who served her community as a decorated Boston police officer, mentoring countless people as a “Big Sister,” and volunteering for many causes. Officer Flo Creed  made it her life’s work to  give back to others with a sense of joy.  The Initiative successfully provides innovative educational programming that cultivates lifelong emotional intelligence and well-being!

Meet the irrepressible Linda Chorney, author of “It Ain’t Over Till the Indie Sings: Dedicated to Independent Musicians – The Unsigned, Unsung Heroes.”  Linda recently released the audiobook version, a vibrant, dramatic and often hilarious  account of how this independent artist and rebel upset the status quo music world after receiving not one but two Grammy nominations!  Along with her unforgettable and inspirational story, the audiobook offers a fine selection of Linda’s original music.  This underdog hero has performed on seven continents to hundreds of thousands and has worked with the likes of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow and more!

I welcome back a talented friend  Kerry Brett, author of Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love.  Kerry is one of the  top photographers in her field and host of the highly rated award-winning podcast “Shot At Love.”   We talk about the trials and tribulations of on-line dating, what Kerry has observed and learned through her personal experience and advice she has for anyone looking for love in the digital age.

Meet history professor James Hankins, author of the first of two volumes entitled, “The Golden Thread: The Ancient World and Christendom” which explores world history from antiquity to 1500.  It is a massive project ( the book is over 1200 pages) and in our discussion we focus on the need to educate our population more effectively, to learn from those who set the stage of civilization politically, religiously and culturally, to be curious about the ancient world where western values and traditions took hold.  It is an amazing academic achievement, highly readable and available to all.  The point is to never stop learning!

I welcome a returning guest Barrie A. Atkin, the lady that puts the fun back into football with her book, “Hate Football?  Fun Facts to Help You be Part of the Crowd.”  A diehard New England Patriots fan, Barrie provides tips and useful info to help you enjoy watching America’s most popular sport.  And you will certainly sound as though you know a lot more about football than anyone else in your huddle!

Dr. Nicholas Wright, MRCP, PhD is a neuroscientist who researches the brain, technology and security at University College London. Georgetown University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff.  His latest book is entitled “Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.”  In the book Dr. Wright takes us on a tour of the brain to show us how it shapes human behavior in conflict and war.

Meet celebrated NY Times columnist and author David Margolick whose latest project is a thorough and exceptional biography of one of the living legends of comedy.  David Margolick is the author of, “When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy.”  By the mid 1950’s Sid Caesar and “Your Show of Shows” captivated millions of American TV watchers.  As he rose to super- stardom,  Sid fostered the careers of several larger-than-life comedy disciples including Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, and Neil Simon among others.  Sid’s tumultuous personal life is examined closely.  Caesar was the quintessential sad clown whose climactic highs were often out done by crushing letdowns.  It’s a fascinating look at genius, a book that I found impossible to put down!

What do shoes have to do with leadership? Quite a bit, according to Karen Hanks, author of the entertaining and informative new book “In Her Shoes: Walking the Leadership Walk.” From walking with confidence to stepping into the shoes of others, Karen uses shoes as a clever metaphor for the qualities of leadership we can all better develop. Karen Hanks is someone who ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to leadership!