Talk! with Audrey

NAACP recently announced its historic Jamestown to Jamestown event partnership, marking the 400th year enslaved Africans first touched the shores of what would become America. NAACP President Derrick Johnson joins me to discuss this historic event and the issues still facing the African-American community.

In today's world of toxic dialogue and vitriolic political overload, too many of us spend time engaging negativity and giving away our power. What would it look like for us to lead where we are? Civil Rights Attorney and Activist Charles Coleman Jr. the founder and CEO of The Black SuperHero Project aims to do just that . . . by challenging himself and others to embrace the spirit of leading where you are.

Looking for a good book to read? Anthony Schneider joins me to talk about his latest novel, Lowdown-a Mafia romantic thriller. The story is set in Brooklyn and Sicily, spans three decades, and follows a twisting road strewn with sorrow and desire, deceit and ecstasy, shocking violence and intimate tenderness, to arrive at a surprising, bittersweet redemption.

Summer vacation for students is a time to enjoy the sun and recoup after 10 months of hard-work. While it is crucial to give our brains a break, research has found that over the summer students will experience 2 months of learning loss, the highest losses occurring in math and spelling. Joining me with tips to keep our students brains healthy and active in preparation for the upcoming school year, Nathan Hemmelgarn, Sr. Brand Director for Consumer Business at Carson Dellosa Education.

It's that time of year again when Mother's Day, Father's Day, and graduations are only days apart from one another. There is no need to go crazy waiting in lines to purchase your gifts . Because there are options. Gift cards! Joining me with the hottest trends in gift cards that work perfectly for every gifting occasion. Shelley Hunter, a.k.a. the Gift Card Girlfriend.

The BIO International Convention, the world's premier life sciences event, will return to Philadelphia, PA, from June 3-6 and is expected to attract more than 16,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors from 67 countries. The theme of this year's convention is "It Starts with One." Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization talks about the challenges, obstacles and future of biotechnology.

Whenever there is a crisis, our first responders put their own lives at risk to save others. These are individuals who answer the call, rush toward danger, and lead the way to safety. The Gary Sinise Foundation is an organization that serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand Development, Cooper Tiresand Elizabeth Fields, Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer for The Gary Sinise Foundation talk about their work and how you can support first responders.

From inventing the implantable cardiac pacemaker to helping develop the brain-computer interface, with numerous advances in treating chronic disease, spinal cord injury, mental health, and countless other conditions and diseases, VA Research has been improving the lives of all generations of Veterans for more than nine decades. Dr. Patricia a. Dorn, Director, Rehabilitation Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs joins me to discuss VA Research Week and their award-winning scientific discoveries.

When making purchases both large and small, today's American consumer is looking beyond product price and quality. They're also taking into account what a brand says, what it does and what it stands for, and ultimately buying from companies that have a strong purpose that aligns with their personal values and beliefs. Accenture Strategy's latest Global Consumer Pulse Research surveyed nearly 8,000 American consumers to gauge their expectations of brands and companies today. My guest is senior managing director at Accenture Strategy, Bill Theofilou.

As the 24-hour information cycle fills our airwaves and social media feeds, we are faced with a choice; give in to constant connectivity or take a time out to focus on what really matters. Life is Good Marks their 25th Anniversary by igniting a movement to Share Something Good. The Co-founders of Life is Good, Bert Jacobs, Chief Executive Optimist and John Jacobs, Chief Creative Optimist are my guests.