This Week in America with Ric Bratton

What happens when your life changes overnight with a diagnosis that seems impossible to overcome?

On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Janet McDowell shares the remarkable true story behind her memoir, Chasing a Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resilience in the Face of Unrelenting Medical Challenges.

Shortly after her 61st birthday, Janet was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia. What followed was a years-long battle that included two near-death experiences, a stem cell transplant, serious rejection complications, and countless setbacks. Yet through every obstacle, Janet refused to surrender hope. BookBaby

In this deeply personal conversation, Janet discusses receiving a life-changing leukemia diagnosis, enduring life-threatening medical complications, the emotional challenge of asking for help, the vital role her sister Susan played as caregiver, finding hope during overwhelming uncertainty, and the lessons she learned about resilience, courage, gratitude, and perseverance.

Whether you've faced illness yourself, cared for a loved one, or simply need encouragement during difficult times, Janet's story is a powerful reminder that hope can shine even in life's darkest moments.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton brings listeners compelling conversations with authors, thought leaders, medical experts, business innovators, and extraordinary individuals whose stories educate, inspire, and entertain.

If you're searching for inspiration through cancer recovery, leukemia survivor stories, medical memoirs, stem cell transplant experiences, caregiver support, resilience, hope, and overcoming life's greatest challenges, don't miss this moving conversation with Janet McDowell.

Keywords

Janet McDowell, Chasing a Light in the Darkness, leukemia survivor, lymphocytic leukemia, cancer survivor, cancer recovery, stem cell transplant, graft versus host disease, medical memoir, inspirational memoir, resilience, hope, perseverance, caregiver support, family caregiving, overcoming adversity, chronic illness, healing journey, cancer treatment, patient story, health podcast, inspirational author, memoir interview, medical challenges, surviving cancer, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, podcast interview, overcoming illness, hope after cancer

What happens when your life changes overnight with a diagnosis that seems impossible to overcome?

On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Janet McDowell shares the remarkable true story behind her memoir, Chasing a Light in the Darkness: A Story of Resilience in the Face of Unrelenting Medical Challenges.

Shortly after her 61st birthday, Janet was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia. What followed was a years-long battle that included two near-death experiences, a stem cell transplant, serious rejection complications, and countless setbacks. Yet through every obstacle, Janet refused to surrender hope. BookBaby

In this deeply personal conversation, Janet discusses receiving a life-changing leukemia diagnosis, enduring life-threatening medical complications, the emotional challenge of asking for help, the vital role her sister Susan played as caregiver, finding hope during overwhelming uncertainty, and the lessons she learned about resilience, courage, gratitude, and perseverance.

Whether you've faced illness yourself, cared for a loved one, or simply need encouragement during difficult times, Janet's story is a powerful reminder that hope can shine even in life's darkest moments.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton brings listeners compelling conversations with authors, thought leaders, medical experts, business innovators, and extraordinary individuals whose stories educate, inspire, and entertain.

If you're searching for inspiration through cancer recovery, leukemia survivor stories, medical memoirs, stem cell transplant experiences, caregiver support, resilience, hope, and overcoming life's greatest challenges, don't miss this moving conversation with Janet McDowell.

Keywords

Janet McDowell, Chasing a Light in the Darkness, leukemia survivor, lymphocytic leukemia, cancer survivor, cancer recovery, stem cell transplant, graft versus host disease, medical memoir, inspirational memoir, resilience, hope, perseverance, caregiver support, family caregiving, overcoming adversity, chronic illness, healing journey, cancer treatment, patient story, health podcast, inspirational author, memoir interview, medical challenges, surviving cancer, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, podcast interview, overcoming illness, hope after cancer

Affluence : Success. Wealth. Opportunity. We chase them. Define them. Measure our lives against them. But what if affluence means something more? When Janeshia receives a mysterious invitation to the prestigious Secret Knock, she steps into what she believes is a professional milestone. Instead, she embarks on a life-changing journey that challenges everything she thought she knew about success.

Blending inspiration, personal growth, and timeless wisdom, Affluence reminds us that real prosperity isn't measured by what we possess—it's measured by the life we intentionally create.
The Inheritance is a sweeping multigeneration story that follows the remarkable journey of Jacob Steele, a young man shattered by war, tested by loss, and ultimately transformed by faith, love, and purpose. Jacob teeters on the brink of despair, haunted by survivor's guilt, addiction and the ghosts of his past. Through faith, love and purpose, Jacob rises from the ashes of his suffering and unlocks a vision that will change the world-an invention that alters the course of global health and access forever. 

Best-Selling Author, Award-Winning Speaker, Life-Purpose Catalyst
Paul knows what it feels like to be without direction. Through years of trials, faith, and perseverance, he uncovered a calling far greater than conventional success: guiding others into a life of purpose. That experience is the foundation of everything he does today.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features compelling conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is heard on radio stations across the country and distributed through major podcast and digital platforms.

Listen as Paul Peters shares the message behind The Inheritance and Affluence and explores finding your calling, overcoming adversity, living intentionally, and creating a legacy that can continue long after you're gone.

AMAZON

https://paulpeters.online/about

https://booksidepress.com/

#TheInheritance #PaulPeters #FindingPurpose

YouTube Tags

Paul Peters, The Inheritance, The Inheritance Paul Peters, finding your purpose, life purpose, living with purpose, finding meaning in life, overcoming adversity, leaving a legacy, personal growth, inspirational books, motivational books, faith and purpose, faith and resilience, overcoming hardship, life lessons, personal transformation, building an extraordinary life, inspirational author, This Week in America, Ric Bratton

Keywords: Paul Peters, The Inheritance, Building an Extraordinary Life, life purpose, finding your purpose, overcoming adversity, leaving a legacy, faith, perseverance, personal growth, inspirational books, motivational books, living with purpose, finding meaning, transformation, philanthropy, family legacy, This Week in America, Ric Bratton

Author and Vietnam veteran Gerald “Jerry” Snodgrass joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss his new novel, The Cabin at Silver Ridge: Introducing Huckleberry the Friendly Moose.

High in the Colorado mountains, Jack and Marlene Whitaker have created a life at Silver Ridge filled with family, friendship, memories, laughter, heartbreak—and one very unusual companion.

Meet Huckleberry, a gentle, friendly and occasionally mischievous moose who becomes an unforgettable part of their world.

Jerry Snodgrass talks about creating this warm and humorous family story, why the quiet moments in life often become the ones we treasure most, and how his love of family, mystery, adventure and storytelling inspired his latest book.

A Vietnam veteran with decades of military and federal service, Snodgrass has turned a lifetime of experiences and travels into a prolific writing career. The Cabin at Silver Ridge takes his storytelling in a lighter direction, combining family, humor, the beauty of Colorado and one very memorable moose.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features compelling conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is heard on radio stations across the country and distributed through major podcast and digital platforms.

Discover a story about home, family, second chances, companionship and those seemingly small moments that ultimately become some of life's biggest memories.

AMAZON

https://outskirtspress.com/Huckleberry

#JerrySnodgrass #TheCabinAtSilverRidge #HuckleberryTheMoose

YouTube Tags

Jerry Snodgrass, Gerald Snodgrass, The Cabin at Silver Ridge, Huckleberry the Friendly Moose, Huckleberry the Moose, family fiction, humorous novels, Colorado fiction, Colorado mountains, animal stories, family stories, inspirational fiction, clean fiction, books for grandparents, books about family, moose story, wilderness fiction, Vietnam veteran author, new books 2026, Outskirts Press, This Week in America, Ric Bratton

Keywords: Jerry Snodgrass, Gerald Snodgrass, The Cabin at Silver Ridge, Huckleberry the Friendly Moose, family fiction, humorous fiction, Colorado fiction, animal stories, family relationships, second chances, family humor, clean fiction, inspirational fiction, Vietnam veteran author, Outskirts Press, This Week in America, Ric Bratton

A Life of Impact: The Remarkable Legacy of Transplant Pioneer Samuel L. Kountz, MD

Dr. Samuel L. Kountz rose from rural Arkansas in the segregated South to become an internationally recognized surgeon whose pioneering work helped transform kidney transplantation and save countless lives.

On This Week in America with Ric Bratton, David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP, discusses his book A Life of Impact: A Biography of Samuel L. Kountz, MD and the extraordinary story of his father—a physician, researcher, mentor, and medical innovator whose contributions to kidney transplantation deserve a prominent place in medical history.

David shares how Samuel Kountz overcame poverty, racial discrimination, and institutional barriers to pursue medicine and ultimately make important contributions to organ preservation, immunosuppression, and kidney transplantation. The conversation also explores the people who helped him along the way, his commitment to expanding access to medical care, and the personal qualities that allowed him to persevere.

But A Life of Impact is more than medical history. It is a son's effort to preserve his father's story and ensure that future generations understand both what Samuel Kountz accomplished and the resilience, faith, family, mentorship, and sense of purpose behind those accomplishments.

It is a powerful conversation about medicine, history, breaking barriers, and the lasting difference one person can make.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and newsmakers from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is distributed on radio and across leading podcast and digital platforms, bringing listeners informative and engaging conversations on books, health, history, personal development, business, and the issues shaping our lives.

Discover the remarkable life and medical legacy of pioneering transplant surgeon Samuel L. Kountz in this conversation with his son and biographer, Dr. David S. Kountz, on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

AMAZON

https://davidkountzmd.com

https://www.kingpagespress.com

#SamuelKountz #MedicalHistory #OrganTransplantation

YOUTUBE TAGS

Samuel L. Kountz, David S. Kountz, A Life of Impact, Samuel Kountz biography, kidney transplantation, transplant surgery, organ transplantation, medical history, Black medical pioneers, African American physicians, pioneering surgeons, kidney transplant history, medical innovation, healthcare history, organ preservation, immunosuppression, Black history, resilience, medical education, This Week in America, Ric Bratton

Keywords: David S. Kountz, Samuel L. Kountz, A Life of Impact, kidney transplantation, transplant surgery, organ transplantation, medical history, Black medical pioneers, African American physicians, medical innovation, organ preservation, immunosuppression, healthcare equity, resilience, medical education

Why do good people sometimes become bad managers—and what can organizations do about it?

Samuel A. Culbert, PhD, author of Good People, Bad Managers: How Work Culture Corrupts Good Intentions, joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to challenge some long-held assumptions about management and the workplace.

Culbert argues that many workplace problems aren't caused by inherently bad people, but by management systems and corporate cultures that encourage the wrong behaviors. Employees and managers can become trapped in environments where protecting themselves, pleasing the boss and following dysfunctional practices take priority over producing the best results.

In his conversation with Ric, Culbert explores how organizations can create healthier and more productive relationships between managers and employees. He discusses accountability, communication, trust and why managers need to understand what employees require to perform at their best.

Samuel A. Culbert is Professor Emeritus of Management and Organizations at UCLA's Anderson School of Management and a noted author and workplace management expert. His books include Good People, Bad Managers, Get Rid of the Performance Review!, Beyond Bullsht: Straight-Talk at Work* and Don't Kill the Bosses!

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts and fascinating people from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program explores books, business, health and wellness, personal development, family, lifestyle and more.

This Week in America is available on leading podcast and digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn, Podomatic and many more.

KEYWORDS

Sam Culbert, Samuel Culbert, Good People Bad Managers, bad managers, management, leadership, workplace culture, workplace communication, employee engagement, corporate culture, management mistakes, better managers, business leadership, UCLA Anderson, workplace relationships, leadership podcast, management podcast, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, author interview

Listen to Ric Bratton's conversation with Samuel A. Culbert, PhD, about Good People, Bad Managers and discover how workplace culture can undermine good intentions—and what managers and employees can do to build more productive working relationships.

Why do good people sometimes become bad managers—and what can organizations do about it?

Samuel A. Culbert, PhD, author of Good People, Bad Managers: How Work Culture Corrupts Good Intentions, joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to challenge some long-held assumptions about management and the workplace.

Culbert argues that many workplace problems aren't caused by inherently bad people, but by management systems and corporate cultures that encourage the wrong behaviors. Employees and managers can become trapped in environments where protecting themselves, pleasing the boss and following dysfunctional practices take priority over producing the best results.

In his conversation with Ric, Culbert explores how organizations can create healthier and more productive relationships between managers and employees. He discusses accountability, communication, trust and why managers need to understand what employees require to perform at their best.

Samuel A. Culbert is Professor Emeritus of Management and Organizations at UCLA's Anderson School of Management and a noted author and workplace management expert. His books include Good People, Bad Managers, Get Rid of the Performance Review!, Beyond Bullsht: Straight-Talk at Work* and Don't Kill the Bosses!

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts and fascinating people from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program explores books, business, health and wellness, personal development, family, lifestyle and more.

This Week in America is available on leading podcast and digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn, Podomatic and many more.

KEYWORDS

Sam Culbert, Samuel Culbert, Good People Bad Managers, bad managers, management, leadership, workplace culture, workplace communication, employee engagement, corporate culture, management mistakes, better managers, business leadership, UCLA Anderson, workplace relationships, leadership podcast, management podcast, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, author interview

Listen to Ric Bratton's conversation with Samuel A. Culbert, PhD, about Good People, Bad Managers and discover how workplace culture can undermine good intentions—and what managers and employees can do to build more productive working relationships.

What does it really mean to age gracefully? According to longtime This Week in America guest Susan Smith Jones, PhD, it isn't about turning back the clock. It's about moving forward with energy, enthusiasm, gratitude, purpose and joy.

Susan returns to This Week in America with Ric Bratton for an uplifting conversation about aging gracefully and creating a vibrant, joyful and purpose-filled life at any age.

Drawing on decades of experience in holistic health and wellness, Susan shares practical strategies for nurturing body, mind and spirit as we grow older. Her approach emphasizes six important areas: sleep, prayer, nutrition, exercise, nature and enthusiasm.

Susan also discusses the importance of gratitude, kindness, curiosity, humor and having something meaningful to look forward to. Aging well isn't simply about appearance. It's about continuing to learn, grow, contribute and appreciate the everyday moments that make life meaningful.

Susan Smith Jones, PhD, is a holistic health and lifestyle educator, motivational speaker and author who taught health and fitness at UCLA for 30 years. Her many books focus on healthy living, positive aging, wellness and creating a more balanced life.

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts and fascinating people from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program explores health and wellness, personal development, books, business, family, lifestyle and more.

This Week in America is available on leading podcast and digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn, Podomatic and many more.

KEYWORDS

Susan Smith Jones, Susan Smith Jones PhD, aging gracefully, healthy aging, positive aging, aging well, active aging, longevity, wellness, vibrant health, gratitude, purpose, healthy habits, nutrition, exercise, sleep, nature, holistic health, positive attitude, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, wellness podcast, healthy aging podcast

Listen to Ric Bratton's conversation with Susan Smith Jones, PhD, for practical ideas on aging gracefully, maintaining vibrant health, cultivating gratitude and purpose, and finding more joy at every stage of life.

What does it really mean to age gracefully? According to longtime This Week in America guest Susan Smith Jones, PhD, it isn't about turning back the clock. It's about moving forward with energy, enthusiasm, gratitude, purpose and joy.

Susan returns to This Week in America with Ric Bratton for an uplifting conversation about aging gracefully and creating a vibrant, joyful and purpose-filled life at any age.

Drawing on decades of experience in holistic health and wellness, Susan shares practical strategies for nurturing body, mind and spirit as we grow older. Her approach emphasizes six important areas: sleep, prayer, nutrition, exercise, nature and enthusiasm.

Susan also discusses the importance of gratitude, kindness, curiosity, humor and having something meaningful to look forward to. Aging well isn't simply about appearance. It's about continuing to learn, grow, contribute and appreciate the everyday moments that make life meaningful.

Susan Smith Jones, PhD, is a holistic health and lifestyle educator, motivational speaker and author who taught health and fitness at UCLA for 30 years. Her many books focus on healthy living, positive aging, wellness and creating a more balanced life.

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN AMERICA

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts and fascinating people from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program explores health and wellness, personal development, books, business, family, lifestyle and more.

This Week in America is available on leading podcast and digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn, Podomatic and many more.

KEYWORDS

Susan Smith Jones, Susan Smith Jones PhD, aging gracefully, healthy aging, positive aging, aging well, active aging, longevity, wellness, vibrant health, gratitude, purpose, healthy habits, nutrition, exercise, sleep, nature, holistic health, positive attitude, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, wellness podcast, healthy aging podcast

Listen to Ric Bratton's conversation with Susan Smith Jones, PhD, for practical ideas on aging gracefully, maintaining vibrant health, cultivating gratitude and purpose, and finding more joy at every stage of life.

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.

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.

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