
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


How do documentary filmmakers turn real events into compelling stories? What makes a documentary powerful, memorable, and truthful?
On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, acclaimed writer and filmmaker Stephen Most joins Ric to discuss his book Stories Make the World and the fascinating art of documentary storytelling.
With an extraordinary career that includes writing credits on four Academy Award-nominated documentaries and five Emmy-winning films, Stephen Most brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. His work explores the relationship between storytelling, history, truth, and the human experience.
In Stories Make the World, Most examines how stories shape our understanding of reality, the creative decisions behind documentary filmmaking, and the responsibility storytellers have when representing real people and events.
During this engaging conversation, Ric and Stephen explore the challenges of transforming research and historical events into meaningful narratives, balancing dramatic storytelling with factual accuracy, and understanding why documentaries have become such an important part of modern media.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, writer, journalist, educator, or simply someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the creative process and the enduring influence of stories.
This Week in America with Ric Bratton features engaging conversations with bestselling authors, thought leaders, experts, and fascinating personalities from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program reaches audiences through more than 100 radio stations and podcast distribution across 28 platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Podomatic.
Discover more inspiring author interviews, documentary filmmaking insights, creative storytelling discussions, and thought-provoking conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.
PODOMATIC KEYWORDS
Stephen Most, Stories Make the World, documentary filmmaking, documentary films, documentary storytelling, nonfiction storytelling, screenwriting, filmmaking, media ethics, documentary production, Academy Award nominated documentaries, Emmy winning documentaries, creative nonfiction, journalism, filmmaker interview, documentary history, storytelling techniques, historical documentaries, film production, truth in storytelling, creative writing, author interview, podcast interview, This Week in America, Ric Bratton
How do documentary filmmakers turn real events into compelling stories? What makes a documentary powerful, memorable, and truthful?
On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, acclaimed writer and filmmaker Stephen Most joins Ric to discuss his book Stories Make the World and the fascinating art of documentary storytelling.
With an extraordinary career that includes writing credits on four Academy Award-nominated documentaries and five Emmy-winning films, Stephen Most brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. His work explores the relationship between storytelling, history, truth, and the human experience.
In Stories Make the World, Most examines how stories shape our understanding of reality, the creative decisions behind documentary filmmaking, and the responsibility storytellers have when representing real people and events.
During this engaging conversation, Ric and Stephen explore the challenges of transforming research and historical events into meaningful narratives, balancing dramatic storytelling with factual accuracy, and understanding why documentaries have become such an important part of modern media.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, writer, journalist, educator, or simply someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the creative process and the enduring influence of stories.
This Week in America with Ric Bratton features engaging conversations with bestselling authors, thought leaders, experts, and fascinating personalities from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program reaches audiences through more than 100 radio stations and podcast distribution across 28 platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Podomatic.
Discover more inspiring author interviews, documentary filmmaking insights, creative storytelling discussions, and thought-provoking conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.
PODOMATIC KEYWORDS
Stephen Most, Stories Make the World, documentary filmmaking, documentary films, documentary storytelling, nonfiction storytelling, screenwriting, filmmaking, media ethics, documentary production, Academy Award nominated documentaries, Emmy winning documentaries, creative nonfiction, journalism, filmmaker interview, documentary history, storytelling techniques, historical documentaries, film production, truth in storytelling, creative writing, author interview, podcast interview, This Week in America, Ric Bratton
Join Ric Bratton on This Week in America for an inspiring conversation with author Matt Shea about his book The Spiritual Sharpshooter.
Through the character of Abner Willis Fowler, Shea explores the importance of faith, justice, forgiveness, redemption, and the extraordinary difference ordinary people can make in their communities.
Drawing inspiration from the warmth and small-town values of classic television shows like The Andy Griffith Show, Shea brings readers a story celebrating kindness, compassion, family values, and moral courage.
The conversation explores what it means to stand up for others, particularly those who are overlooked or misunderstood, and how faith and simple acts of kindness can transform lives.
This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts, and fascinating personalities sharing stories, ideas, and insights that inform, entertain, and inspire. The program is heard on more than 100 radio stations, with podcast episodes distributed across 28 platforms.
PODOMATIC KEYWORDS
Matt Shea, The Spiritual Sharpshooter, Christian fiction, inspirational fiction, faith, faith in action, justice, forgiveness, redemption, everyday heroes, small town America, family values, compassion, courage, hope, inspirational books, spiritual books, Christian author, uplifting novels, senior citizens, community, Andy Griffith inspiration, wholesome fiction, book interview, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, religious fiction, moral courage, character driven fiction, kindness, volunteerism, overcoming adversity, book podcast, new books, inspirational storytelling.
Join Ric Bratton on This Week in America for an inspiring conversation with author Matt Shea about his book The Spiritual Sharpshooter.
Through the character of Abner Willis Fowler, Shea explores the importance of faith, justice, forgiveness, redemption, and the extraordinary difference ordinary people can make in their communities.
Drawing inspiration from the warmth and small-town values of classic television shows like The Andy Griffith Show, Shea brings readers a story celebrating kindness, compassion, family values, and moral courage.
The conversation explores what it means to stand up for others, particularly those who are overlooked or misunderstood, and how faith and simple acts of kindness can transform lives.
This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts, and fascinating personalities sharing stories, ideas, and insights that inform, entertain, and inspire. The program is heard on more than 100 radio stations, with podcast episodes distributed across 28 platforms.
PODOMATIC KEYWORDS
Matt Shea, The Spiritual Sharpshooter, Christian fiction, inspirational fiction, faith, faith in action, justice, forgiveness, redemption, everyday heroes, small town America, family values, compassion, courage, hope, inspirational books, spiritual books, Christian author, uplifting novels, senior citizens, community, Andy Griffith inspiration, wholesome fiction, book interview, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, religious fiction, moral courage, character driven fiction, kindness, volunteerism, overcoming adversity, book podcast, new books, inspirational storytelling.
What really happens when casual gambling becomes an addiction—and how much of the casino experience is designed to keep you playing?
Author Matt Shea joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss his book The Casino Down the Street, based on Shea’s three-year study of casinos and his own personal experience with gambling addiction.
After ignoring his father’s warnings and beginning to gamble himself, Shea says he eventually found himself caught in addiction. His experience—and what he describes as spiritual intervention that helped him break free—inspired him to investigate how casinos operate and why gambling can become so difficult to walk away from.
Matt and Ric discuss the different types of gamblers, warning signs of addiction, the psychology behind casinos, the risks associated with online gambling, and why older adults can be particularly vulnerable. Shea also shares what he learned from his own journey and why he hopes the book can help people recognize a problem before gambling costs them far more than money.
It’s an eye-opening conversation about the business of gambling, addiction, recovery, and what every gambler—and their family—should know.
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.
Matt Shea, author of The Casino Down the Street, coming up on This Week in America.
www.mattsheabooks.net
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638681406?ref_=ast_author_ofdp
#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
Can someone overcome years of addiction, broken relationships, and destructive choices to completely rebuild their life?
On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Shawn Lemison shares his remarkable journey from addiction to redemption, as told in his powerful memoir, One Man’s Journey: From Addiction to Redemption.
Growing up, Shawn idolized his father. But as family relationships fractured, he searched for acceptance in the wrong places, beginning a destructive 15-year struggle involving substance abuse, crime, and personal loss.
In this inspiring conversation, Shawn discusses the emotional toll of addiction, the difficult road to recovery, the role of faith and perseverance, and what it takes to reclaim a life that once seemed beyond repair.
His story offers encouragement to anyone struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one in recovery, or searching for hope and a second chance.
Discover how healing, accountability, and determination can open the door to lasting personal transformation.
This Week in America with Ric Bratton features engaging conversations with bestselling authors, thought leaders, experts, and fascinating personalities from around the world. With more than 60 years in broadcasting and over 20,000 interviews, Ric Bratton brings experience, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation to subjects ranging from health and wellness to personal development, relationships, business, and inspirational life stories. The program is distributed through more than 100 radio stations and is available across 28 podcast platforms.
Shawn Lemison joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to share his remarkable journey from addiction to redemption—and the lessons that could help others find their own second chance.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY5XVN23
www.ShawnLemisonAuthor.com
YOU TUBE TAGS
Shawn Lemison, One Man's Journey, From Addiction to Redemption, Shawn Lemison interview, addiction recovery, overcoming addiction, addiction memoir, recovery story, substance abuse recovery, faith and recovery, redemption story, life after addiction, personal transformation, inspirational interviews, overcoming adversity, addiction and family, second chances, healing from addiction, recovery journey, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, author interview, inspirational books, recovery motivation
Keywords: Shawn Lemison, One Man’s Journey From Addiction to Redemption, addiction recovery, overcoming substance abuse, recovery memoir, faith and healing, inspirational true stories, addiction and family relationships, redemption, second chances, personal transformation, overcoming adversity, Ric Bratton, This Week in America.
Three fascinating guests. Three compelling stories. Here's what's coming up on This Week in America with Ric Bratton!
In this edition of This Week Ahead, Ric previews conversations about overcoming addiction, suspenseful fiction, and the impact of gambling on individuals and families.
SHAWN LEMISON – ONE MAN'S JOURNEY: FROM ADDICTION TO REDEMPTION
Can someone rebuild their life after 15 years of addiction and destructive choices?
Author Shawn Lemison shares his powerful journey through substance abuse, crime, and broken relationships to a life of recovery, faith, and redemption.
His memoir, One Man's Journey: From Addiction to Redemption, offers an inspiring message about perseverance, healing, and second chances.
CARLOS MANUEL REYNOSA – CONSEQUENCES OF THE PHANTOM
Mystery, suspense, and unexpected consequences!
Carlos Manuel Reynosa discusses Consequences of the Phantom: Night of the Phantom Episode 2, the second installment in his suspense series.
We'll explore the inspiration behind his books, how the Phantom storyline continues to develop, and what readers can expect from this latest chapter.
MATT SHEA – THE CASINO DOWN THE STREET
What happens when gambling becomes an increasingly familiar part of everyday life?
Matt Shea joins us to discuss The Casino Down the Street, exploring gambling's impact on individuals, families, and communities.
We'll examine the financial and personal consequences of gambling and why this growing issue deserves attention.
ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, This Week in America features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, and thought leaders.
With more than 60 years in broadcasting and over 20,000 interviews, Ric explores books, health, personal development, business, and inspirational stories.
The program reaches more than 100 radio stations and is available across 28 podcast platforms.
This Week Ahead is our special preview of the guests and conversations coming soon to This Week in America.
Subscribe and follow so you don't miss the full interviews!
KEYWORDS
This Week Ahead, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, Shawn Lemison, addiction recovery, One Man's Journey From Addiction to Redemption, Carlos Manuel Reynosa, Consequences of the Phantom, Matt Shea, The Casino Down the Street, gambling, suspense novels, redemption, author interviews, inspirational stories, podcast preview.
What if getting older didn't have to mean slowing down? What can elite athletes teach the rest of us about staying stronger, healthier, and more active as we age?
On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, award-winning journalist and author Jeff Bercovici discusses his book Play On: The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age, exploring the revolutionary science, training techniques, and technologies helping athletes extend their careers and maintain peak performance well beyond what was once considered possible.
From Tom Brady and LeBron James to Serena Williams and other extraordinary competitors, professional athletes are challenging traditional assumptions about aging, endurance, recovery, and physical limitations.
Drawing on research and interviews with athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical experts, Bercovici reveals how advances in sports science are changing our understanding of human performance.
Discover:
Bercovici also examines the growing industries surrounding athletic performance, from high-intensity interval training and cryotherapy to virtual reality and anti-aging treatments, separating promising innovations from marketing hype.
Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, weekend warrior, or simply interested in healthy aging, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the science of performing better and living healthier for longer.
About This Week in America with Ric Bratton
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, This Week in America features engaging interviews with bestselling authors, leading experts, innovators, and thought leaders. With more than 20,000 interviews throughout his broadcasting career, Ric brings decades of experience to conversations covering health, wellness, science, technology, business, personal development, and entertainment. The program reaches audiences through syndicated radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.
Discover more compelling conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton, featuring expert interviews on healthy aging, longevity, fitness, sports science, peak performance, wellness, and the latest discoveries helping people live healthier, more active lives.
KEYWORDS
Jeff Bercovici, Play On, Play On The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age, athletic longevity, peak performance, healthy aging, sports science, fitness over 40, fitness over 50, aging athletes, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Serena Williams, sports medicine, injury prevention, exercise recovery, physical fitness, longevity science, anti-aging research, strength training, endurance training, nutrition and performance, brain science, cryotherapy, high intensity interval training, HIIT, athlete recovery, fitness technology, healthy lifestyle, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA podcast, author interview
What if getting older didn't have to mean slowing down? What can elite athletes teach the rest of us about staying stronger, healthier, and more active as we age?
On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, award-winning journalist and author Jeff Bercovici discusses his book Play On: The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age, exploring the revolutionary science, training techniques, and technologies helping athletes extend their careers and maintain peak performance well beyond what was once considered possible.
From Tom Brady and LeBron James to Serena Williams and other extraordinary competitors, professional athletes are challenging traditional assumptions about aging, endurance, recovery, and physical limitations.
Drawing on research and interviews with athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical experts, Bercovici reveals how advances in sports science are changing our understanding of human performance.
Discover:
Bercovici also examines the growing industries surrounding athletic performance, from high-intensity interval training and cryotherapy to virtual reality and anti-aging treatments, separating promising innovations from marketing hype.
Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, weekend warrior, or simply interested in healthy aging, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the science of performing better and living healthier for longer.
About This Week in America with Ric Bratton
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, This Week in America features engaging interviews with bestselling authors, leading experts, innovators, and thought leaders. With more than 20,000 interviews throughout his broadcasting career, Ric brings decades of experience to conversations covering health, wellness, science, technology, business, personal development, and entertainment. The program reaches audiences through syndicated radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.
Discover more compelling conversations on This Week in America with Ric Bratton, featuring expert interviews on healthy aging, longevity, fitness, sports science, peak performance, wellness, and the latest discoveries helping people live healthier, more active lives.
KEYWORDS
Jeff Bercovici, Play On, Play On The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age, athletic longevity, peak performance, healthy aging, sports science, fitness over 40, fitness over 50, aging athletes, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Serena Williams, sports medicine, injury prevention, exercise recovery, physical fitness, longevity science, anti-aging research, strength training, endurance training, nutrition and performance, brain science, cryotherapy, high intensity interval training, HIIT, athlete recovery, fitness technology, healthy lifestyle, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA podcast, author interview
What does the future of entertainment look like? From virtual reality and artificial intelligence to interactive theme parks, museums, and cutting-edge attractions, technology is transforming the way we experience entertainment.
On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author and immersive entertainment expert Michael Mascioni discusses his book Expanding the Immersive Landscape in Leisure Facilities and explores the innovations reshaping the world of leisure and entertainment.
Discover how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality, artificial intelligence, projection mapping, drones, and haptic technology are creating extraordinary new experiences for audiences around the world.
Michael examines how theme parks, museums, escape rooms, entertainment centers, and other leisure destinations are moving beyond traditional attractions to create environments where visitors become active participants rather than passive spectators.
The conversation explores the growing importance of interactive storytelling, personalized entertainment, and social experiences, along with the opportunities and challenges facing businesses adopting these emerging technologies.
Whether you're fascinated by the future of technology, the evolution of entertainment, or the ways immersive experiences are changing our everyday lives, this conversation offers a compelling look at what's coming next.
About This Week in America
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, This Week in America features engaging conversations with bestselling authors, industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. With more than 20,000 interviews conducted throughout his broadcasting career, Ric brings decades of experience to discussions covering technology, health, business, personal development, entertainment, and more. The program is distributed through radio, podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.
Discover more fascinating interviews on This Week in America with Ric Bratton, featuring authors and experts discussing emerging technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, innovation, entertainment trends, and the ideas shaping our future.
KEYWORDS
Michael Mascioni, Expanding the Immersive Landscape in Leisure Facilities, immersive entertainment, immersive technology, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, artificial intelligence, AI entertainment, interactive experiences, themed entertainment, theme parks, museums, escape rooms, entertainment technology, location-based entertainment, experiential entertainment, projection mapping, future of entertainment, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, technology podcast, author interview
From the publisher's feed
This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's longest-running and most respected interview programs, featuring engaging conversations with bestselling authors, thought…
Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, each episode delivers practical advice, inspiring stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions on topics that matter most—including health, wellness, personal development, parenting, finance, business, history, technology, current events, and culture.
With more than 20,000 interviews conducted over a distinguished broadcasting career spanning six decades, Ric has earned a reputation for asking meaningful questions that uncover the stories, strategies, and life lessons behind every guest's success. His interview style has led legendary journalist Peter Jennings to describe him as "an author's best friend."
Whether you're looking for inspiration, expert guidance, or simply a fascinating conversation, This Week in America brings you trusted voices, fresh perspectives, and compelling stories every week.
New episodes released regularly. Subscribe and discover why listeners across America turn to This Week in America for conversations that inform, inspire, and entertain.