This Week in America with Ric Bratton

From the "This Week in America Best Of Files"

Best selling author Roland Lazenby discusses his book "Michael Jordan: The Life".

For all his fame and glory on the court, MJ also has a dark side—that of a ruthless competitor and lover of high stakes. There hasn’t been a biography about Michael Jordan that fully encompassed the dual nature of his character and drew such a complete portrait of the superstar until now. MICHAEL JORDAN: The Life by Roland Lazenby (Little, Brown and Company; May 6, 2014) reveals the fullest, most compelling story of the man who is Michael Jordan.

Basketball journalist Roland Lazenby has spent almost thirty years covering MJ’s time in college and the NBA. His intimate access to Jordan’s coaches, friends, teammates, and family members provided him a truly well-rounded perspective of the man, the myth, and the legend. He witnessed Jordan’s growth from a skinny rookie to the instantly recognizable global ambassador for basketball he is today, and in MICHAEL JORDAN: The Life he pulls back the curtain on many lesser-known aspects of Jordan’s life.

Roland also is author of "The Life of Kobe Bryant" and "The Life of Earvin "Magic" Johnson".

What if the key to reducing stress has been inside your own mind all along?

On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, psychiatrist R. Duncan Wallace, M.D., discusses The Great Little Book of Stress Release, a practical guide based on more than five decades of experience helping people better understand the psychological forces that shape their daily lives.

Drawing on 54 years as a physician specializing in the human psyche, Dr. Wallace explains how many of the beliefs, habits, and emotional patterns that influence our stress operate below the level of conscious awareness. By recognizing these hidden psychological truths, we can begin making wiser choices, reduce unnecessary stress, and improve our emotional well-being.

The conversation explores practical ways to better understand yourself, respond more effectively to life's challenges, and develop a healthier, more balanced perspective. Dr. Wallace also shares insights from his broader work on psychological truths and how greater awareness can lead to personal growth and a more thoughtful society.

In this episode you'll discover:

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton is heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide.

If you're interested in stress management, psychology, emotional wellness, personal development, or practical strategies for living a calmer and more fulfilling life, don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. R. Duncan Wallace. Discover how understanding the hidden psychological truths behind stress can help you create healthier habits, make better decisions, and improve your overall well-being.

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

R. Duncan Wallace, Duncan Wallace, Dr. R. Duncan Wallace, The Great Little Book of Stress Release, stress relief, stress management, reduce stress, anxiety relief, emotional wellness, mental wellness, psychology, psychological truths, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, personal growth, mindfulness, healthy mindset, mental health, coping with stress, resilience, emotional health, self-improvement, wellness podcast, author interview, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, syndicated radio interview, personal development

What does it mean to be different, and how can children learn to embrace the qualities that make them special?

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, children's author Danna Southwell joins us to discuss Bertha the Ordinary Chicken (Second Edition), a heartwarming story about individuality, self-confidence, kindness, and finding the courage to be yourself.

Through Bertha's journey, young readers discover that being ordinary doesn't mean being unimportant. Everyone has unique gifts, and sometimes the greatest strength comes from simply accepting who we are.

Danna shares the inspiration behind her book and explores important lessons for children, parents, and educators, including building self-esteem, celebrating differences, overcoming bullying, developing resilience, and treating others with compassion.

Bertha the Ordinary Chicken offers meaningful opportunities for families and classrooms to discuss inclusion, friendship, courage, and the importance of believing in yourself.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone who enjoys uplifting children's literature, this conversation offers a reminder that everyone deserves to feel valued and accepted.

About This Week in America

This Week in America with Ric Bratton is heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide.

Discover the inspiring message behind Danna Southwell's Bertha the Ordinary Chicken and learn how children's books can encourage confidence, kindness, emotional growth, and acceptance. Listen now to this engaging author interview with Ric Bratton.

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

Danna Southwell, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken Second Edition, children's books, children's author, books for kids, confidence, self-esteem, kindness, bullying, being different, inclusion, courage, social emotional learning, SEL, accepting differences, children's literature, parenting books, classroom books, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

What does it mean to be different, and how can children learn to embrace the qualities that make them special?

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, children's author Danna Southwell joins us to discuss Bertha the Ordinary Chicken (Second Edition), a heartwarming story about individuality, self-confidence, kindness, and finding the courage to be yourself.

Through Bertha's journey, young readers discover that being ordinary doesn't mean being unimportant. Everyone has unique gifts, and sometimes the greatest strength comes from simply accepting who we are.

Danna shares the inspiration behind her book and explores important lessons for children, parents, and educators, including building self-esteem, celebrating differences, overcoming bullying, developing resilience, and treating others with compassion.

Bertha the Ordinary Chicken offers meaningful opportunities for families and classrooms to discuss inclusion, friendship, courage, and the importance of believing in yourself.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone who enjoys uplifting children's literature, this conversation offers a reminder that everyone deserves to feel valued and accepted.

About This Week in America

This Week in America with Ric Bratton is heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide.

Discover the inspiring message behind Danna Southwell's Bertha the Ordinary Chicken and learn how children's books can encourage confidence, kindness, emotional growth, and acceptance. Listen now to this engaging author interview with Ric Bratton.

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

Danna Southwell, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken Second Edition, children's books, children's author, books for kids, confidence, self-esteem, kindness, bullying, being different, inclusion, courage, social emotional learning, SEL, accepting differences, children's literature, parenting books, classroom books, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

Author Matt Shea joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss The Casino Down the Street, a book that combines Shea’s three-year study of casinos with his own personal experience of falling into gambling addiction and ultimately finding a way out.

Shea examines how casinos operate, the different types of gamblers, the warning signs of addiction, and the provocative question of whether casinos intentionally employ strategies that encourage patrons to keep gambling. He also explores why people in their retirement years may be especially valuable customers for casinos.

The conversation also goes beyond traditional casinos. With gambling increasingly available through phones and computers, Shea has written extensively about online gambling, its potential dangers, its effects on families and health, and the broader social consequences of gambling.

Most importantly, Matt brings a personal perspective to the subject. He began gambling despite his father’s warnings and says he eventually fell into addiction himself. Spiritual intervention helped him break the cycle, and those experiences became the foundation for The Casino Down the Street.

It’s a candid discussion about what happens behind the lights and excitement of the casino floor, how to recognize when gambling is becoming a problem, and why understanding the risks may help gamblers and the people who love them.

Matt Shea is a developing author, having published sixteen books. He is greatly inspired by the writings of Andy Griffith and focuses on the common folk that small towns are made of. He credits the success of his first book, “The Groundskeeper And Other Short Stories” to his family. The values that were instilled throughout his childhood gave him the strong sense of justice that is conveyed through his writings. The Shea family is only an average American family from an average neighborhood. Their secret was that they were close knit and accepted others.

https://www.mattsheabooks.net/

This Week in America with Ric Bratton is a nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring conversations with authors, experts, innovators and newsmakers from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is distributed across more than 100 radio stations and 28 podcast platforms, with additional exposure through YouTube and social media.

Listen to This Week in America for insightful interviews with authors and experts covering books, health, wellness, personal development, current issues, business, lifestyle and the stories shaping our lives.

Our third if three interviews Matt Shea, author of The Casino Down the Street, coming up on This Week in America.

#GamblingAddiction #MattShea #ThisWeekInAmerica

YOUTUBE TAGS

Matt Shea, The Casino Down the Street, gambling addiction, casino addiction, problem gambling, gambling recovery, dangers of gambling, casino psychology, online gambling addiction, signs of gambling addiction, gambling help, casinos, compulsive gambling, senior gambling, gambling awareness, addiction recovery, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA

Keywords: Matt Shea, The Casino Down the Street, gambling addiction, problem gambling, casino addiction, gambling recovery, dangers of casinos, online gambling, online gambling addiction, casino psychology, compulsive gambling, signs of gambling addiction, senior citizens and gambling, addiction recovery, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

Are we losing our moral compass? Has modern society become so focused on personal gratification that we've forgotten the importance of faith, honesty, integrity, and spiritual purpose?

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, six-time Emmy Award-winning television veteran and author Chet Roberts discusses his thought-provoking book, Dialogues with Lucifer.

Through 28 short fictional dialogues, Roberts examines temptation, morality, spiritual warfare, cultural change, and the consequences of the choices we make.

Drawing on his experiences in television news, religious education, ministry, and personal caregiving, Chet explores why he believes reconnecting with faith and timeless values can help people find greater meaning in an increasingly complicated world.

It's a fascinating conversation about good and evil, personal responsibility, and the search for something greater than ourselves.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with bestselling authors, leading experts, innovators, and inspiring individuals from around the world. With more than 20,000 interviews conducted over a broadcasting career spanning six decades, Ric Bratton brings listeners engaging discussions covering health, wellness, personal development, relationships, business, books, and the issues that matter most.

The program is distributed through radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media, connecting audiences with compelling stories and valuable information.

Discover more healthcare interviews, patient advocacy advice, medical safety discussions, caregiving resources, health insurance insights, and expert conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

Dialogues with Lucifer invites readers to question the influences surrounding them and consider whether lasting peace and fulfillment can be found through a deeper spiritual connection.

#DialoguesWithLucifer #FaithAndSpirituality #ThisWeekInAmerica

YOUTUBE TAGS

Chet Roberts, Dialogues with Lucifer, spiritual warfare, faith and spirituality, good versus evil, Christian faith, moral values, morality, modern society, personal responsibility, spiritual growth, finding God, temptation, Christian authors, Christian books, faith based books, meaning of life, spiritual awakening, cultural change, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, author interview, religious discussion, Emmy Award winner

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

Chet Roberts, Dialogues with Lucifer, faith, spirituality, good versus evil, spiritual warfare, Christian books, morality, moral values, personal responsibility, spiritual growth, modern culture, Christian authors, religious education, finding purpose, meaning of life, temptation, Christian spirituality, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, author interviews, inspirational podcast

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, Gerald Lynn, C.M.R., author of Surviving the U.S. Healthcare System: The Patient's Playbook, reveals what patients and families need to know about navigating doctors, hospitals, medical mistakes, prescription drugs, insurance denials, and long-term care.

With 27 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and firsthand experience caring for his aging mother, Gerald shares practical strategies for preventing medical errors, asking the right questions, understanding healthcare costs, and becoming your own best patient advocate.

Whether you're managing your own healthcare or helping an aging parent, this conversation could help you make safer, more informed decisions.

Learn more: https://authorgeraldlynn.com/

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with bestselling authors, leading experts, innovators, and inspiring individuals from around the world. With more than 20,000 interviews conducted over a broadcasting career spanning six decades, Ric Bratton brings listeners engaging discussions covering health, wellness, personal development, relationships, business, books, and the issues that matter most.

The program is distributed through radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media, connecting audiences with compelling stories and valuable information.

Discover more healthcare interviews, patient advocacy advice, medical safety discussions, caregiving resources, health insurance insights, and expert conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

Gerald Lynn joins us on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

#Healthcare #PatientAdvocacy #ThisWeekInAmerica

YOUTUBE TAGS

Gerald Lynn, Surviving the U.S. Healthcare System, healthcare system, patient advocacy, medical errors, medical mistakes, health insurance, insurance denials, hospital safety, prescription drug interactions, healthcare costs, medical billing, patient rights, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, senior healthcare, elder care, caregiving, healthcare navigation, patient safety, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, healthcare podcast, author interview

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

Gerald Lynn, Surviving the U.S. Healthcare System, The Patient's Playbook, healthcare, patient advocacy, medical mistakes, hospital safety, prescription drug interactions, insurance denials, Medicare, medical billing, patient rights, healthcare costs, caregiving, elder care, senior health, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, health podcast, healthcare interviews

Erectile dysfunction affects more than physical health. It can impact confidence, relationships, emotional well-being, and self-esteem. But what if erectile dysfunction isn't a personal failure, but an important signal that something deserves attention?

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author and men's health advocate Seema Tangri discusses her book, The Only Way Is Up: Empowered Resilience to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction.

Drawing on her experiences working with patients at an erectile dysfunction clinic, Seema explores the physical, psychological, and emotional factors behind ED, including stress, anxiety, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and relationship challenges.

Discover why breaking the silence surrounding men's sexual health matters, how couples can communicate more openly, and why seeking professional guidance can be an important step toward restoring confidence and intimacy.

Seema Tangri is an author, publisher, and dedicated advocate for sexual health and wellness. As the founder of Seven Chapters Literacy, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, blending professional experience with a compassionate, no-nonsense approach to sensitive health topics.

Beyond her work as an author, Seema is a passionate advocate for equitable access to sexual health treatment, with plans to launch a charity dedicated to supporting low-income individuals in this space. Known for creating empowering, tongue-in-cheek content focused on body positivity and women's health, she is committed to helping others navigate their personal health journeys with confidence, resilience, and humor.

Learn more: https://seemtangritheonlywayisup.com/

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with bestselling authors, leading experts, innovators, and inspiring individuals from around the world. With more than 20,000 interviews conducted over a broadcasting career spanning six decades, Ric Bratton brings listeners engaging discussions covering health, wellness, personal development, relationships, business, books, and the issues that matter most.

The program is distributed through radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media, connecting audiences with compelling stories and valuable information.

Discover more inspiring author interviews, men's health discussions, relationship advice, wellness insights, and personal development conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

It's an important conversation about men's health, relationships, and breaking down the stigma that keeps too many people from seeking help.

Seema Tangri joins us on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

YOUTUBE TAGS

Seema Tangri, The Only Way Is Up, erectile dysfunction, ED treatment, men's health, sexual health, erectile dysfunction causes, men's mental health, relationship intimacy, overcoming erectile dysfunction, ED awareness, confidence and self esteem, sexual wellness, men's wellness, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, health interviews, performance anxiety, emotional resilience, relationship communication

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

Seema Tangri, The Only Way Is Up, erectile dysfunction, men's health, sexual wellness, ED awareness, relationship health, emotional resilience, sexual health education, erectile dysfunction causes, men's mental health, intimacy, performance anxiety, self esteem, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, author interviews, health and wellness podcast

On September 11, 2001, a blind man and his guide dog faced an unimaginable challenge: escaping the World Trade Center during the deadliest terrorist attack in American history.

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker Michael Hingson shares the extraordinary true story behind his book, Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero.

Born blind, Michael was working on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building. With his loyal guide dog Roselle beside him, Michael began an incredible journey down 78 flights of stairs to safety.

Their remarkable escape became one of the most inspiring stories of courage, teamwork, and survival to emerge from September 11.

But Thunder Dog is about much more than 9/11. It's a powerful reminder that preparation, trust, determination, and a positive attitude can help us overcome even life's greatest challenges.

In this inspiring conversation, Ric and Michael discuss:

Michael Hingson is an internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and advocate for disability inclusion. His remarkable story continues to inspire audiences worldwide to challenge limitations, confront fear, and recognize the extraordinary potential within us all.

Co-written with Susy Flory, Thunder Dog is an unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, and the remarkable relationship between humans and animals.

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, This Week in America features fascinating conversations with bestselling authors, health and wellness experts, thought leaders, and inspiring personalities. With more than 20,000 interviews throughout his broadcasting career, Ric brings listeners informative and entertaining discussions designed to educate, inspire, and enrich their lives.

Distributed through radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, This Week in America connects audiences with compelling stories and important ideas.

Learn more about Michael Hingson at https://michaelhingson.com/.

Discover more inspiring interviews on This Week in America with Ric Bratton, featuring extraordinary true stories, bestselling authors, personal growth, courage, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS / TAGS

Michael Hingson, Thunder Dog, Roselle guide dog, 9/11 survivor, September 11, World Trade Center, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, inspirational stories, true survival stories, overcoming adversity, courage, resilience, guide dogs, blindness awareness, disability inclusion, trust, human animal bond, bestselling authors, inspirational podcast

Four fascinating guests. Four important conversations. On this edition of This Week Ahead, Ric Bratton previews upcoming interviews on This Week in America featuring Seema Tangri, Gerald Lynn, Chet Roberts, and returning guest Matt Shea.

SEEMA TANGRI – THE ONLY WAY IS UP

Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men, yet embarrassment often prevents them from seeking help. Author Seema Tangri discusses The Only Way Is Up: Empowered Resilience to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction. Drawing on her experience working with patients, she explores the physical and emotional causes of ED, relationship challenges, and rebuilding confidence.

GERALD LYNN – SURVIVING THE U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Could the healthcare system itself put your health or finances at risk? Gerald Lynn shares insights from 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry and his experience caring for his aging mother. His book, Surviving the U.S. Healthcare System: The Patient's Playbook, explores medical mistakes, dangerous drug interactions, insurance denials, healthcare costs, and patient advocacy.

CHET ROBERTS – DIALOGUES WITH LUCIFER

Are we losing our moral compass? Six-time Emmy Award-winning television veteran Chet Roberts discusses Dialogues with Lucifer, exploring faith, temptation, personal responsibility, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. His book challenges readers to examine modern culture and rediscover the values that give life meaning.

MATT SHEA – THE CASINO DOWN THE STREET

Matt Shea returns for another installment of our continuing conversation about The Casino Down the Street. Drawing on personal experience and years studying casinos, Matt examines gambling addiction, casino psychology, online gambling, warning signs of compulsive behavior, and the impact gambling can have on families.

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts, and fascinating personalities. With more than 20,000 interviews over six decades in broadcasting, Ric explores health, wellness, relationships, personal development, books, and important issues.

The program reaches audiences through radio, 28 podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.

Discover more author interviews, men's health advice, healthcare insights, faith discussions, and gambling addiction awareness on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

PODOMATIC KEYWORDS

This Week Ahead, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, Seema Tangri, Gerald Lynn, Chet Roberts, Matt Shea, men's health, erectile dysfunction, healthcare, patient advocacy, medical mistakes, faith, spirituality, gambling addiction, casino gambling, author interviews