This Week in America with Ric Bratton

What is life really like behind the badge?

Author and former law enforcement officer Andrew Kincaid joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss his book My Life as a Reserve Deputy: If the Badge Could Talk, a firsthand account drawn from 21 years of service with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Kincaid dreamed of working in law enforcement from an early age and went on to experience a remarkable range of assignments—from patrol and off-road enforcement to commuter-train patrol and work as a rangemaster in the weapons training unit.

Along the way came unpredictable calls, dangerous situations, humorous moments, tragedy, friendships and unforgettable experiences—including rescue efforts during a major California wildfire.

Andrew shares some of those stories with Ric and discusses what they taught him about law enforcement, public service and the men and women who choose to protect their communities.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens beyond the uniform and the patrol car, this conversation offers a firsthand look from someone who spent more than two decades living it.

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.

Andrew Kincaid, author of My Life as a Reserve Deputy, coming up on This Week in America.

AMAZON

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#LawEnforcement #AndrewKincaid #ThisWeekInAmerica

YOUTUBE TAGS

Andrew Kincaid, My Life as a Reserve Deputy, If the Badge Could Talk, law enforcement, police memoir, reserve deputy, reserve deputy sheriff, San Diego County Sheriff, police stories, law enforcement stories, behind the badge, police officer experiences, first responder stories, public safety, California law enforcement, police career, law enforcement career, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA

Keywords: Andrew Kincaid, My Life as a Reserve Deputy, If the Badge Could Talk, law enforcement memoir, reserve deputy, reserve sheriff deputy, police stories, San Diego County Sheriff, California law enforcement, police career, behind the badge, first responders, public safety, law enforcement experiences, police officer memoir, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

What if the darkest chapters of your life could become the path to your greatest purpose?

Author Patricia Shannon joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss her deeply personal book, Redeemed from the Darkness: How God Turned My Pain into Purpose.

Through her own experiences with pain, uncertainty, faith, prayer, and healing, Patricia shares how the difficult seasons of her life ultimately brought her closer to God. What began as personal journaling became a testimony about learning to trust God's timing and discovering purpose even during life's darkest moments.

Patricia believes that the wilderness seasons of our lives are not necessarily punishment, but preparation. They can test our faith, shape our identity, strengthen our trust, and prepare us for what comes next.

In this conversation, Patricia discusses how writing helped her confront pain she had carried since childhood, the role prayer plays in her daily life, learning to trust God when answers don't come immediately, and why she believes our darkest chapter doesn't have to be the end of our story.

A teacher for more than two decades, Patricia has devoted much of her life to working with children with special needs. Now she hopes sharing her own journey will encourage others experiencing loss, loneliness, fear, uncertainty, or their own season of darkness.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and newsmakers from around the world. With more than 20,000 interviews during his broadcasting career, Ric brings decades of experience to conversations covering books, health, wellness, personal development, business, family, lifestyle, and the issues that matter to you.

This Week in America is distributed on more than 100 radio stations and across major podcast and digital platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Deezer, Audacy, Podomatic, YouTube and more.

Discover Redeemed from the Darkness: How God Turned My Pain into Purpose by Patricia Shannon and a powerful personal testimony about Christian faith, prayer, healing, hope, trusting God's timing, overcoming difficult seasons, and finding purpose through pain.

AMAZON

https://www.kingpagespress.com/

#ChristianBooks #Faith #PatriciaShannon

YouTube Tags:
Patricia Shannon, Redeemed from the Darkness, How God Turned My Pain into Purpose, Christian books, Christian author, faith books, books about faith, Christian testimony, trusting God, finding purpose, pain into purpose, faith through difficult times, prayer, power of prayer, Christian inspiration, spiritual growth, finding hope, God's timing, trusting God's plan, overcoming darkness, Christian encouragement, inspirational books, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

Podomatic Keywords:
Patricia Shannon, Redeemed from the Darkness, How God Turned My Pain into Purpose, Christian books, Christian author, Christian testimony, faith, prayer, trusting God, God's timing, finding purpose, pain into purpose, spiritual growth, Christian inspiration, Christian encouragement, finding hope, healing through faith, overcoming difficult times, wilderness season, God's plan, inspirational books, faith journey, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

What happens when the one person you’re told never to trust may be the person who deserves your trust the most?

Author William H. Hammes joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss his novel Forced to Trust: Someone You Shouldn’t Trust at All, a suspenseful legal drama about trust, prejudice, family and the search for truth.

Julie is a new lawyer fleeing an abusive husband with her five-year-old daughter, Zebra, when her car breaks down on a dark, deserted road. There she encounters Benny—the last person any mother would seemingly want around her young daughter.

But things aren’t always what they appear to be.

After talking with Benny—and seeing her daughter’s surprising ability to judge his character—Julie begins examining the court records behind his conviction. What she discovers are troubling contradictions and a community where deeply rooted bias makes finding the truth increasingly difficult.

Soon Julie is investigating Benny’s past, trusting him with the person most precious to her, and ultimately defending him in an uphill courtroom battle where the final revelation could change everything.

Hammes describes the story as having a Perry Mason-esque feel, with multiple themes building toward their own dramatic revelations.

Ric also talks with William about his unusual road to becoming a novelist—from working on extraordinary architectural projects in California to receiving encouragement to write from Murphy Brown creator Diane English.

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.

William H. Hammes and Forced to Trust, coming up on This Week in America.

AMAZON

https://www.whhammes.com/

https://inkstartmedia.com/

YOUTUBE TAGS

William H Hammes, William Hammes, Forced to Trust, Someone You Shouldn't Trust at All, legal thriller, courtroom drama, mystery novel, suspense novel, Perry Mason, courtroom mystery, legal fiction, trust and betrayal, wrongful conviction, prejudice, family drama, mystery books, suspense books, thriller author, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA

Keywords: William H. Hammes, William Hammes, Forced to Trust, Someone You Shouldn’t Trust at All, legal thriller, courtroom drama, courtroom mystery, mystery novel, suspense fiction, Perry Mason style mystery, wrongful conviction, trust, prejudice, justice, family drama, legal fiction, mystery author, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

The Healing Power of Hobbies: Why Joyful Pastimes Are Essential Medicine for Body, Mind & Spirit with Susan Smith Jones, PhD

If you have ever felt too busy, too tired, or too responsible to make time for something you love, today's program may completely change the way you think about leisure. Our guest is Susan Smith Jones, PhD—one of the nation's leading holistic health and lifestyle experts. For three decades, Susan taught healthy living at UCLA and has inspired people worldwide through her books, speaking, media appearances, and wellness programs.

Today, Susan will reveal why hobbies are not frivolous extras, but powerful allies for the body, mind, emotions, relationships, and spirit. We will explore how creative pursuits can ease stress, how active hobbies make movement enjoyable, how shared interests build friendship, and why it is never too late to begin something new. Her message is practical, hopeful, and wonderfully freeing: your hobby may look like play, but it may be doing serious healing work. Susan, welcome back to the program!

About Our Guest

For a woman blessed with three of America's most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has led an extraordinarily inspiring life. A renowned holistic health expert, motivational speaker, author, and lifestyle educator, Susan spent 30 years teaching students, staff, and faculty at UCLA how to live healthier, happier, and more balanced lives. Long before wellness became a global movement, she was helping people discover the life-changing power of healthy eating, positive thinking, stress reduction, spiritual connection, and joyful living.

Known for her warmth, wisdom, and uplifting spirit, Susan has appeared on radio and television programs around the world and is the author of numerous books on health, longevity, personal growth, and inspiration. Her latest books include A HUG IN A MUG, UPLIFTED, and her Gold-Medal Award-Winning inspirational novelette, JOY & THE BUTTERFLY—a heartwarming story for readers of all ages. Susan's mission is to help people create lives filled with vibrant health, inner peace, faith, purpose, and joy.

https://susansmithjones.com

X at SusanSmithJones
https://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphd

http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj149.mp3   

What if becoming truly well-nourished meant feeding more than just your body?

Andrea Lieberstein, MPH, RDN, author of Well Nourished: Mindful Practices to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Feed Your Whole Self, and End Overeating, joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to explore a more mindful and compassionate approach to food, eating, and overall well-being.

Andrea is a registered dietitian nutritionist, mindfulness teacher, and internationally recognized mindful-eating expert. In Well Nourished, she looks beyond traditional dieting and explores the many ways we seek nourishment—not only through food, but through relationships, movement, meaning, creativity, self-care, and connection.

During the conversation, Andrea discusses how mindfulness can help us recognize the difference between physical hunger and the other needs we may try to satisfy with food. She shares practical strategies designed to help break patterns of emotional and mindless eating, reduce food-related stress, and create a healthier relationship with eating.

Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or quick fixes, Well Nourished encourages readers to pay attention to what their bodies and lives genuinely need. Andrea explains how greater awareness and self-compassion can help people make more conscious choices and develop habits that support lasting well-being.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program reaches audiences through podcast, digital, social media, and radio platforms, bringing listeners informative and entertaining conversations covering books, health, wellness, business, personal development, and the issues that matter.

Listen as Andrea Lieberstein shares insights from Well Nourished and explains how mindful eating, self-awareness, and whole-person nourishment can help us change our relationship with food—and perhaps change the way we care for ourselves.

Keywords: Andrea Lieberstein, Well Nourished, mindful eating, emotional eating, overeating, relationship with food, mindfulness, intuitive eating, healthy eating, nutrition, registered dietitian, RDN, mindful eating practices, food cravings, emotional hunger, self-care, wellness, healthy lifestyle, mind body health, stress eating, eating habits, nutrition advice, mindfulness practices, whole person wellness, health and wellness podcast, author interview, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, TWIA

SEO Closing: Discover Andrea Lieberstein’s mindful approach to ending overeating, improving your relationship with food, and nourishing your whole self in this conversation with Ric Bratton on This Week in America.

What if becoming truly well-nourished meant feeding more than just your body?

Andrea Lieberstein, MPH, RDN, author of Well Nourished: Mindful Practices to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Feed Your Whole Self, and End Overeating, joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to explore a more mindful and compassionate approach to food, eating, and overall well-being.

Andrea is a registered dietitian nutritionist, mindfulness teacher, and internationally recognized mindful-eating expert. In Well Nourished, she looks beyond traditional dieting and explores the many ways we seek nourishment—not only through food, but through relationships, movement, meaning, creativity, self-care, and connection.

During the conversation, Andrea discusses how mindfulness can help us recognize the difference between physical hunger and the other needs we may try to satisfy with food. She shares practical strategies designed to help break patterns of emotional and mindless eating, reduce food-related stress, and create a healthier relationship with eating.

Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or quick fixes, Well Nourished encourages readers to pay attention to what their bodies and lives genuinely need. Andrea explains how greater awareness and self-compassion can help people make more conscious choices and develop habits that support lasting well-being.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program reaches audiences through podcast, digital, social media, and radio platforms, bringing listeners informative and entertaining conversations covering books, health, wellness, business, personal development, and the issues that matter.

Listen as Andrea Lieberstein shares insights from Well Nourished and explains how mindful eating, self-awareness, and whole-person nourishment can help us change our relationship with food—and perhaps change the way we care for ourselves.

Keywords: Andrea Lieberstein, Well Nourished, mindful eating, emotional eating, overeating, relationship with food, mindfulness, intuitive eating, healthy eating, nutrition, registered dietitian, RDN, mindful eating practices, food cravings, emotional hunger, self-care, wellness, healthy lifestyle, mind body health, stress eating, eating habits, nutrition advice, mindfulness practices, whole person wellness, health and wellness podcast, author interview, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, TWIA

SEO Closing: Discover Andrea Lieberstein’s mindful approach to ending overeating, improving your relationship with food, and nourishing your whole self in this conversation with Ric Bratton on This Week in America.

Why does every workplace seem to have office gossip, difficult coworkers, endless meetings, and enough drama to fill a reality TV show?

Award-winning author and screenwriter Julianna Newland joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss her entertaining and insightful book, All Up In Your Bizness: Managing Your Business Crap: And There's More Business Crap.

Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in business, government, nonprofit organizations and corporate America, Julianna takes a humorous but practical look at the situations almost everyone encounters during their working life. Her book tackles everything from interviews and office politics to performance reviews, promotions, workplace relationships and working from home. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

Whether you're entering the workforce, climbing the corporate ladder, managing a team or simply trying to survive your next staff meeting, this conversation offers practical advice, real-world experience and plenty of laughs.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is distributed through radio, podcast and digital platforms, bringing listeners informative and entertaining conversations covering books, health, business, personal development, current issues and more.

Listen as Julianna Newland shares the wit, wisdom and workplace lessons behind All Up In Your Bizness and explains how a little humor — along with some practical common sense — can make navigating the modern workplace a whole lot easier.

KEYWORDS

Julianna Newland, All Up In Your Bizness, Managing Your Business Crap, workplace humor, office politics, workplace drama, career success, workplace communication, business management, leadership, career development, professional growth, difficult coworkers, workplace relationships, conflict resolution, performance reviews, promotions, corporate culture, employee engagement, teamwork, business advice, career advice, workplace success, women in business, nonprofit leadership, government leadership, corporate America, workplace stress, author interview, business podcast, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, TWIA

Why does every workplace seem to have office gossip, difficult coworkers, endless meetings, and enough drama to fill a reality TV show?

Award-winning author and screenwriter Julianna Newland joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss her entertaining and insightful book, All Up In Your Bizness: Managing Your Business Crap: And There's More Business Crap.

Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in business, government, nonprofit organizations and corporate America, Julianna takes a humorous but practical look at the situations almost everyone encounters during their working life. Her book tackles everything from interviews and office politics to performance reviews, promotions, workplace relationships and working from home. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

Whether you're entering the workforce, climbing the corporate ladder, managing a team or simply trying to survive your next staff meeting, this conversation offers practical advice, real-world experience and plenty of laughs.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators and thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program is distributed through radio, podcast and digital platforms, bringing listeners informative and entertaining conversations covering books, health, business, personal development, current issues and more.

Listen as Julianna Newland shares the wit, wisdom and workplace lessons behind All Up In Your Bizness and explains how a little humor — along with some practical common sense — can make navigating the modern workplace a whole lot easier.

KEYWORDS

Julianna Newland, All Up In Your Bizness, Managing Your Business Crap, workplace humor, office politics, workplace drama, career success, workplace communication, business management, leadership, career development, professional growth, difficult coworkers, workplace relationships, conflict resolution, performance reviews, promotions, corporate culture, employee engagement, teamwork, business advice, career advice, workplace success, women in business, nonprofit leadership, government leadership, corporate America, workplace stress, author interview, business podcast, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, TWIA

What if the thing that makes you different is actually the thing that makes you special?

Author, educator, musician, and storyteller Danna Southwell joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss her heartwarming children's book, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken: Learning to Shine in Your Own Special Way (Second Edition).

Bertha is the smallest and most ordinary-looking of four little chicks. While her siblings seem to have obvious talents, Bertha struggles to discover what makes her special. Teased and left out by the other chickens, she holds onto her kindness, curiosity, and determination.

Then, when danger arrives at the chicken coop, the very thing that once made Bertha different becomes the gift that can save everyone.

Danna discusses the important lessons behind Bertha's story, including building children's confidence and self-esteem, dealing with teasing and exclusion, celebrating individuality, choosing kindness, finding courage, and recognizing that our differences can sometimes become our greatest strengths.

A lifelong educator and mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Danna Southwell draws upon decades of working with children and her own family's love of storytelling to create stories filled with warmth, humor, and meaningful lessons.

Discover why every child deserves to know: You don't have to be like everyone else to be special.

#ChildrensBooks #SelfEsteem #DannaSouthwel

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HGXZQSRM?lv=shuf&channelId=510&plpRedirect=mhFallback

https://authordannasouthwell.com/

https://inkspiremediahouse.com/

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features fascinating conversations with authors, experts, innovators, and newsmakers from around the world. With more than 20,000 interviews during his broadcasting career, Ric brings decades of experience to conversations covering books, health, wellness, personal development, business, family, lifestyle, and the issues that matter to you.

This Week in America is distributed on more than 100 radio stations and across major podcast and digital platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Deezer, Audacy, Podomatic, YouTube and more.

Discover Bertha the Ordinary Chicken by Danna Southwell and an uplifting children's story about kindness, self-esteem, courage, belonging, individuality, and discovering your own special way to shine.

YouTube Tags:
Danna Southwell, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken book, children's books, children's author, books for kids, kids books about confidence, self esteem for children, children's books about bullying, books about kindness, books about being different, children's books about inclusion, books about courage, social emotional learning, SEL books for kids, confidence for kids, accepting differences, children's book interview, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America

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

 Can you spot the clues, identify the suspect and solve the murder before the final reveal?

Award-winning mystery and thriller author Laura Burke joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss her Jolene Mystery Series, a collection of suspenseful cold-case investigations filled with murder, hidden motives, unexpected clues and twists designed to keep readers guessing.

Burke brings a unique perspective to crime fiction. After working as a nurse for 20 years, she became a private investigator, working closely with police officers and detectives on closed-case files. Her lifelong fascination with mysteries and unanswered cases eventually became inspiration for her fiction.

The Jolene Mystery Series follows determined investigator Jolene through cold cases and crimes that refuse to stay buried. From The Model Murders and The Toy Store Murders to Murder in Camouflage, Surgical Murders, Red Flag Murders and Timeless Innocence, the series challenges readers to examine the evidence, question the suspects and try to uncover the truth before Jolene does.

Burke has published 22 novels over the past 12 years, building a body of work that includes the Jolene Mystery Series, the Detective Roy Masson Series and other murder mysteries and thrillers.

In this conversation, Laura discusses her fascination with cold cases, how her experience as a private investigator influences her fiction, creating believable mysteries, planting clues without giving away the solution and why readers remain fascinated by cases that have gone unsolved for years.

Think you're a good detective?

See if you can solve Laura Burke's mysteries before the final pages reveal the truth.

Watch the conversation with Laura Burke on This Week in America with Ric Bratton.

This Week in America with Ric Bratton features conversations with authors, experts, innovators and fascinating people from around the world. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton, the program brings listeners informative and entertaining conversations covering books, health, business, personal development, current issues and much more.

Discover the Jolene Mystery Series by Laura Burke and go inside the mind of an author and former private investigator who turns cold cases, clues and unanswered questions into murder mysteries designed to keep readers guessing until the final pages.

https://authorlauraburke.com

https://inkspiremediahouse.com/

#LauraBurke #MysteryBooks #ColdCases

Keywords: Laura Burke, Laura B Burke, Jolene Mystery Series, Jolene Johnson, The Model Murders, The Toy Store Murders, Murder in Camouflage, Murder of Innocence, Surgical Murders, Red Flag Murders, Timeless Innocence, cold cases, cold case mysteries, cold case fiction, murder mysteries, murder mystery books, mystery novels, mystery books, crime fiction, crime novels, detective fiction, private investigator, private investigator author, female detective, female sleuth, suspense novels, thriller author, mystery author, author interview, book interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, TWIA