Unprompted

We've all had those experiences that change our plans in life. This podcast thinks of them as unprompted moments, but the writers of a new book call them "life shifts." Sometimes they're subtle, sometimes they're more like a brick to the back of the head. The book "365 Life Shifts" explores the life-altering experiences of 250 writers from around the country. More than a dozen of the writers are from the Tri-State, and Chris Riva and Kathrine Nero talked with three of them to learn more about what happens when ... well, shift happens.

Phil Castellini is a member of the first family of Cincinnati baseball. The son of Reds majority owner has found his own niche in leading the organization on the business side. Castellini reflects on his decision to leave the produce business and venture into baseball, the time his family was part of the St. Louis Cardinals ownership group and why he was on a mission to eliminate a certain Reds mascot. Castellini also reveals the next 'big thing' fans will celebrate in years to come.

Clyde Gray, Carol Williams and Denny Janson ... they're WCPO legends. Heck, they’re Cincinnati legends. That's what we call them anyway. For decades, they brought us the news and sports on WCPO Channel 9, as they forged a friendship off the set. And now - they're embarking on the brave new world of retirement.

These guys haven't been at an anchor desk together since 2013, and we figured it's high time we fixed that.

Listen as they share stories of a different era of news - what they've learned, what they miss - and how Heywood Jablome made his Cincinnati debut (yes, it has to do with Denny).

Life and death has marked the year at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. From the tragedy of the death of Harambe to new life in baby hippo Fiona: Thane Maynard has led the zoo through it all. He reflects on his 40 years of lessons learned, how WCPO gave him his start in TV - and the one animal he wants to steer clear of.

You may think "passion" when you think about Pure Romance, the "relationship enhancement" business Patty Brisben started in 1993.

So does she. But hers is a different kind of passion. She employs hundreds of people in the greater Cincinnati area - and 35,000 female consultants nationwide. And those enhancements, she says, create empowerment: in the bedroom and the boardroom.

Hear how watching Phil Donahue changed the course of her life, what it's like starting uncomfortable conversations about her busines,s and why Pure Romance parties are for women only.

She'll take those snickers - and she'll change your mind. Patty Brisben is Unprompted.

The craft brew scene in Cincinnati is exploding, but it can trace its roots to a legacy hundreds of years old. But that legacy almost ended - until Greg Hardman stepped in. They call him the "Beer Baron," a name he happily accepts - and lives up to. Learn why he decided to give up great success in the beer industry to take a chance on bringing back Cincinnati's rich brewing heritage with Christian Moerlein. Greg Hardman is Unprompted.

Northern Kentucky’s Trey Grayson is one of those guys who can’t go anywhere without someone shaking his hand. That happens when you spend most of your adult life in the world of politics. He was the youngest Secretary of State in the nation when he was elected at age 31, but in the 13 years since, Grayson has seen his share of wins – and losses. He reflects on his time in Kentucky, in Boston, and in the political spotlight. Hear why this long-time Republican identifies with Hillary Clinton, and finds himself right in the middle of the national divide between her and President Donald Trump.