We devote today’s episode to the ongoing work of the Professional Center for Child Development locadte just north of Boston.  Joining us is the executive director Chris Hunt, family liaison Ellen Waddill and Caroline Pounds, mom to a little boy currently receiving care and education at the Center.  The focus is on its mission which is to provide children, of all abilities, with a solid foundation of life-long learning.  As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, the  PCCD continues to shine as a national model  for helping children achieve their full potential.

Tammy Gooler Loeb is a top rated career and executive coach with a new book that many will find helpful as they  look to “reinvent themselves.” We explore some of the helpful info and lessons in Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You.

Today we talk about a taboo subject for many. It’s a conversation about death, transition and how trained, empathetic people like today’s guest Stephanie Garry, Executive VP for Communal Partnership at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel help people get through difficult life events. We then take a little detour and chat with Stephanie about what she does outside of her “day job.”  She is an accomplished actor with many national television spots to her credit!

Meet the author of a different kind of war memoir.  Tom Keating has written Yesterday’s Soldier about his experiences about his coming of age in the turbulent 1960’s.  On his way to becoming an ordained priest, a series of life altering detours places him in Vietnam.  There he is trained as a war-fighter, only to have a greater battle with his conscience.  As he aptly says, “ My book is dedicated to all who object to waging war and do the hard work of waging peace.”  It’s a tale well worth sharing.

Meet a thought and action leader who is tackling the challenges that women of color face in the corporate world head on. Deepa Purushothaman is co-founder of nFormation, a company for women of color by women of color. Her new book is entitled, The First, The Few, The Only:  How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America. We talk about how business must evolve and the important role women of color, who have the skills and talent to merit advancement, can and should evolve as key leaders.

Getting a chance to catch up with standup star Steve Sweeney is always fun. We chat about Steve’s work on stage as an impressionist and storyteller, how comedy has come under attack in some circles, what it is that makes Boston just a funny environment and more. Steve is standup royalty and it’s a kick getting a chance to chat with him!

Kim Dower’s poetry is powerful, moving and eminently readable .  The Los Angeles Times describes her work as “sensual and evocative...seamlessly combining humor and heartache...” We know you’ll agree her poetry connects with audiences and is something special.  We’ll discuss her latest anthology, perfect for Mother’s Day,  I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom.

Meet the man that supervillains with megalomania have been waiting for!  He’s the inimitable Ryan North, the creator and author of Dinosaur Comics who has also  written for the comic series Adventure Time and Marvel Comics’ The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.  Ryan is a New York Times best-selling author who happens to be a pretty sharp science guy.  His “sinister” masterpiece is his latest  book, “How to Take Over the World: Practical Schemes and Scientific Solutions for the Aspiring Supervillain,” and it’s laugh out loud funny with the coolest approach to scientific possibilities.  Of course, you’re best not to try any of Ryan’s scenarios at home!

The Star of Prairie Home Companion and Lake Wobegon’s most famous son is back to share stories, humor and wisdom.  It’s a return appearance for Garrison Keillor,  here to talk about two new book projects, “Boom Town: A Lake Wobegon Novel,” and Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80,” a funny and thoughtful treatise on aging. As always the conversation is lively and fun. Enjoy!

He’s back with another thriller and that’s all we need to know to welcome Brad Meltzer back to On Mic! Brad’s latest is entitled, “The Lightning Rod,” and wait to you read about more of America’s deepest secrets.  As always, Brad researches and unveils hidden history in his latest novel. We suggest you hold on tight for an unbelievable ride!