A Closer Look with Pam Atherton

International bestselling author Steve Berry stops by for a chat about his latest Cotton Malone thriller, The Atlas Maneuver. We find out if Steve is a plotter or a pantster, if his characters talk to him, and whether Yamashita's gold from WWII exists or not. We chat about his researching, where his ideas come from, and why remembering history is so very important. Plus - why we SHOULDN'T write about what we know!

How happy are you? Do you battle anxiety and depression, and wonder if your life has meaning? Enter Joy Strategist author Grace Harry to help change your life! Grace had an illustrious 30-year career as an exec at Def Jam and Jive Records, she managed Usher, and she's worked with some of the top names in the music and entertainment industry. And now she's turned her mind and heart towards helping people find joy. We'll find out what we can do to start the process of finding joy, and how doing the thing that scares us the most might just be the thing to change our life.

So how much do you really know about money?  Do you know the best way to pay down your debt? Do you have a budget? It's fair to say that most of us have a complicated relationship with money. Enter Berna Anat! The author of Money Out Loud shares with us all the financial stuff that no one taught us. In our chat today we learn our money habits are directly connected to what we experienced as young people, (starting at age 7!), why paying just the minimum on our credit cards is just putting us in debt hell, and how we can make budgets work for US! Listen in to our lively and informative conversation about how to become the CEO of our own lives and create a YES Plan to give us financial stability.

Are you ready for a masterclass from the premier Hollywood acting and success trainer? Whether you're a performer or not… we've got you covered!  Bernard Hiller shares insights from his latest book, The Revolutionary Guide to Acting: A Transformational Journey to Achieving Success in Show Business and Life. We learn how to become unstoppable, how to create “wow” in an interview or audition, and why Al Pacino has gone to an acting coach weekly for 35 years. Plus, he shares the three stages of success, the secret of life, and tells us that we may be wearing the wrong coat! Get a pen and paper because there is so many gems packed into this interview. AND he gives us homework!

How much do you understand about the economy? Do you know how it really affects your life? Most of us don't know more than what we're told by people we are told are experts.  But should we trust economists? And what's the biggest misunderstanding people have about the economy? When I ran across a book written by economist, attorney, and NYU professor Howard Yaruss called Understandable Economics – Because understanding our economy is easier than you think – and more important than you know, I thought - this I have to hear! I'll agree it's more important than we know… but easier than we think?!? So in our chat, we find out why the economy is more like psychology than civics, what inflation is, and why we are supposed to stop spending when businesses need us to spend to survive. Why do we give corporations bailouts to help them survive, but not the little guy? And who decides how much money is worth anyway? And oh yeah… Bitcoin?!?!  I promise, you will have a much better understanding of the economy after you hear this interview!

Have you ever wondered about cults? How do you get into one? How do you get out? Why don't you leave when things get abusive? Why do people stay? Spencer Schneider is a former member of a Manhattan Cult, who finally got away after 23 years in the cult. His new book “Manhattan Cult Story” covers the journey from how he got in, to how he got out, and all the sordid details in between. In our chat we learn how people were targeted, some of their internal vocabulary they use, and how he came to doubt himself. We talk about gaslighting, mind games, and how relationships were regulated. Plus, how Spencer finally was able to leave. It's a rare insider view to the world of cults and how they work, with a strong dose of hope at the end.

Bellen Woodard is 11 years-old and the CEO of More Than Peach, but her story started when she was 8, and everyone in her class kept asking for the Skin Color crayon, meaning the peach crayon. But Bellen isn't peach-colored. And she knew a lot of other kids weren't either. Now, at 11, she is the CEO of the world's first multicultural art brand and Kid/Woman/Black-owned business. She's the world's first Crayon Activist, and has transformed an entire industry with her global movement. And she's also the author of the children's book "More Than Peach." In our chat we get her advice on how to handle things when you get discouraged, and what some of the challenges are that she faces as an entrepreneur. Plus - how a major brand changed their product in the wake of Bellen's activism, why she wrote the book, and what she's working on for the future.

In this very vulnerable interview, actor Michael O'Neill shares insight into his characters and how it can affect an actor's mental health when a job is finished. In this interview taped right before the filming of BOUND, we find out how he felt about Council of Dads getting cancelled, why he went into therapy after one of his roles, and what it's like to work with Shonda Rhimes. Plus, why he liked the character of Butterfield on West Wing so much and how HE says I bring out the worst in him!

When my friend Richard suggested I read the book The Desecrated, I was a little hesitant because it had a supernatural bent and I'm a pure detective fan. But when he told me it was written by John Gray – I knew I had to open it up!  John Gray – the creator of the hit series The Ghost Whisperer. The director of Martin and Lewis with Sean Hayes and Jeremy Northam. The director of a ton of Grimm and Reckless episodes... Yeah, THAT John Gray. And I'm glad I did! I raced through the book that was set in a morgue and got caught up in all the twists and turns and quirky characters. I recoiled at some of the descriptions and laughed at some of the situations. All in all – I got caught up in the book that made me start thinking “this sounds like a great movie!” In our chat with John we find out why he delves into the supernatural, how he scared himself on a morgue set, and where he came up with some of his characters. Plus - we learn about the ghosts in his OWN home, how he turned the negative of the pandemic into a creative idea for a film, and what to expect from him next. Bonus pearl of wisdom – why it's so important to ask yourself: “Am I leading my career, or is my career leading me?”

You've seen Mike Pniewski in everything from The Sopranos to The Good Wife/Fight, Law and Order (just about every incarnation!) and now Hightown on STARZ. He's a face you don't forget.  He's also a writer and an author. And calls fellow actor Michael O'Neill one of his best friends.  So it was only natural that they would want to do a project together. When nothing right came along, they decided to create their own! Pniewski wrote the script for a 10-12 minute short film that featured just the two actors. In our first interview with Pniewski, we found out how dissecting human cadavers changed his career trajectory, how he found out he got a part on The Sopranos, and how people sometimes respond to him in public! Plus, insight into his character Ed on the show Hightown, a rapid-fire round of shows he's been in, and a question from listener Rebecca Griffith. Oh – and what it's like to act next to a Spit Bucket!

Anyone who is a spy history buff will know that American Intelligence caught three high-profile Russian spies in the 90s: Aldrich Ames and Edward Howard from the CIA, and Robert Hanssen from the FBI.  But did you know that there have always been rumblings that there was a fourth man? Bestselling author and intelligence analyst for CNN, (one of the most accomplished officers in CIA history), Robert Baer says it's time to talk about The Fourth Man (which happens to be the name of his new book!) – someone who may be the greatest traitor in American history – and who may still be alive. In our chat we find out how the intelligence organizations discovered the three moles within, and why there is credible belief that there was a fourth mole – the Fourth Man - and how these spies allowed Putin to come to power. In addition, we discover why people become spies, what the state of US spycraft is today, and what is the biggest danger in the world today. Plus – how he made ME part of the spy story!

What makes a book so hot that there are 11 publishing houses bidding in an auction for it? Today we find out as publishing professional and debut author Ebony LaDelle shares her experience as the author of a new YA novel - Love Radio. She tells us what actually makes a YA novel, and why music and Toni Morrison figure so prominently in the book. Plus – we talk about high school angst, the missing genre of books that her Love Radio fills – and why Shonda Rhimes needs to be dialing her up post haste!

Odds are you probably know someone in your life who deals with anxiety, or bipolar disorder.  Maybe someone who deals with delusions, or hears voices.  And maybe it's even you. For example, I get panic attacks when I drive on the freeway. But we haven't always done a good job in dealing with mental issues. We are only now starting to talk about it in any kind of meaningful way. It used to be that we only talked about it in whispers, or in private conversations, but never out in the open. Bestselling author Daniel Bergner says it's time to talk about the mind -and its mind of its own- and he does just that in his new book The Mind and the Moon. In our chat he talks about what we used to do to people dealing with mental challenges, what we know about drugs being used today (not much), and what exactly happens in a lobotomy. It's an eye-opening discussion that hopefully will encourage you to start a conversation with friends and family about mental health.

Lt. Bill Harris was a WWII hero you probably haven't heard of. Award-winning author and retired fighter pilot Dan Hampton plans to change that. His new book VALOR introduces us to the Saga of One Man's Defiance and Indomitable Spirit in a style that reads like an adventure novel. We chat with Dan about Lt. Harris, the power of resilience, why he thinks Ukrainian President Zelensky is so successful, and why the US Air Force is the best in the world. Join us for this fascinating and inspiring chat.

He's one of the most respected character actors in Hollywood, taking a one-day stint on The West Wing and turning into a 6-season job. MIchael O'Neill is one of those actors you see on the TV or movie screen and say "Oh, THAT guy!" We have a delightful chat talking about the very unusual way he was "discovered," what his two requirements were before he took on the part of the crazed gunman on Gray's Anatomy, and how he still lives with the insecurity of the acting business. Plus... his sex scene in Rectify, and how he didn't recognize Matthew McConaughey on the set of The Dallas Buyer's Club movie. You will LOVE this guy!

Do you feel like your life is messy? That things are often in chaos and sometimes life just seems so unfair? Cy Wakeman wrote a book to give us hope. Titled Life's Messy, Live Happy, she tells us that we are often the source of our own suffering, and how we can flip the switch from suffering to self-reflection. The subtitle is even more inspiring: Things Don't Have to Be Perfect for You to Be Content. We'll talk about how we're NOT a self-help project, she'll give us tips on avoiding the roller coaster of emotions, and we'll hear the story of Good, Bad, Who Knows? It's a fun chat with lots of good info tucked in to help you Life Happy, even if life IS messy!

When I was a little girl, all the astronauts were men. We would watch TV shows about Dr. Leakey, the archaeologist. And of course, we loved watching the shows with Jacques Cousteau. These were amazing people.  But where were the women? We never saw role models at the time in science and exploration to inspire us. Could we even BE scientists and explorers? Fortunately, now we are starting to hear more of the stories of the women who pioneered the way in those areas. And for young women, and girls, National Geographic brings us “No Boundaries… 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice.”  It's a wonderfully colorful book, filled with bits and pieces of wisdom, and backstories on these women scientists. In this episode, we talk with Gabby Salazar, one of the authors, and a nature and conservation photographer and social scientist, who has traveled the world, living in tropical rainforests and on tropical islands. We'll ask her how they chose the women to be included in the book, which story inspired her, and what she hopes girls and young women will take from this book. It's a conversation sure to inspire you – and the young girls in your life!

When you get on a plane to fly somewhere, do you think much about the pilots in the cockpit?  I mean, sure, you hope this isn't their first flight, and that their eyesight is good. But do you wonder if the pilot is white or black? Back in the 60s, you wouldn't have to wonder because the pilots were all white. That is, until David Harris came along. Pulitzer prize-winning author Michael H. Cottman takes us through the story of Harris, the first black commercial pilot, in his new book Segregated Skies: David Harris' Trailblazing Journey to Rise above Racial Barriers.. Written for young adults, the book is a good read for all ages. In our chat, we learn some of the things that David experienced as a black man in the military and at American Airlines in the 60s. We learn about David's tenacity, persistence, and doggedness and how he eventually became a role model for all pilots at American Airlines. Plus, how his swagger helped him change the status quo! In our chat, we also talk about how Michael himself was racially profiled, run off the road and called names. Listen in as we talk about an aviation pioneer, and find some life lessons we can ALL take from this book.

Of the 600+ people charged in the 1/6 insurrection, 12% had some sort of military experience. Both leading up to and in the wake of 1/6, a series of reports called attention to the potential threat posed by extremists in the military. Dr. Megan McBride, a research analyst on both domestic and international terrorism, co-wrote a CNA report about racial extremism in the military, and what needs to be done. How big is the problem? How does the culture of the military fit in to solving this problem? What needs to be done? Dr. McBride shares some surprising insight and reminds us that the sexual harassment/assault issue in the military hasn't been solved - but we can learn from the approach the military is taking. If you're worried about racial extremism in the military, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Explorer, oceanographer, and field scientist, Dr. Sylvia Earle has been advocating for the health of our ocean for decades. The author of National Geographic's  Ocean – A Global Odyssey, Dr. Earle navigates the deep for us and shares stories about everything from the personality of fish to what it was like to be an Aqua-Naughty! Former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -  NOAA (the first female to hold that job), the designer of underwater submersibles, and the founder of Mission Blue, Dr. Earle is Time's very first Hero for the Planet and is a pioneer for females in the study of oceanography. We talk about her time under the sea, why this book is so very important, and what over-fishing is doing to the ocean.

Many of us are intrigued with history and lost cities. National Geographic editor and archaeologist Ann Williams is one of those people who digs around and writes about discoveries from the past. She's often been on-hand to witness important discoveries – some that she talks about in the new book from Nat Geo called Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs… 100 Discoveries that Changed the World This book is a feast of pictures and information about astonishing discoveries – from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Lost City of the Monkey God. In our chat, we find out how technology affected archaeology, (we even get an explanation of how LIDAR works!)  accidental discoveries, amateur archaeologists, and the woman who tried on the jewelry of Troy. Plus -  how exciting it is to make “snapshot of a moment” finds.

Dr. Kara Cooney returns to discuss her new & provocative book The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World. The book covers 5 Egyptian pharaohs – or kings, if you will – and discusses the concepts surrounding power: how is it earned, who controls it, and why the many often give up power to the few.  Oh… and does any of that correlate to our modern life? Dr. Cooney tells us how authoritarianism starts, how that power is maintained, and if she is seeing signs of it in the world today. Plus - what people gain from aligning with corrupt leaders and why cognitive dissonance is important to allow corrupt leadership to continue. We also discuss how in the past women had equal power to men in some areas (would you believe Los Angeles, 300 years ago?!)  And why we are starting to ask what is power, what is value, and why is there so much sexual abuse. So. Much. Fascinating. Information.  Dr. Cooney will give you lots to think about, I promise.

Can you believe we are already 21 years into the new century? National Geographic is celebrating that with a beautiful new coffee table book - The 21st Century: Photographs from the Image Collection. We chat with NatGeo Editor in Chief Susan Goldberg about this fabulous book that is set up chronologically with 250 photos in 400 pages. We talk about some of the amazing photographs that are products not only of traditional photography, but also images from the innovations of digital, drone and smartphone photography. The book also answers our questions about what the photographer was thinking when he shot the photo and what the backstory is. We find out how Susan chose only 250 photos from almost 65 million images in the national Geographic Image Collection, and what makes an image iconic. Plus, we also talk about the NatGeo Instagram account – that has over 190 MILLION followers! (they are the largest brand on Instagram)

A pioneer in the LGBT community, and lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking ACLU Federal lawsuit for gay marriage rights in Florida, Arlene Goldberg shares her story from her book Simple Human Dignity, a personal and touching memoir. We hear firsthand about growing up gay in the late 50s and 60s, having to lie to the people most important in her life, and how she felt she let her parents down.  Arlene shares what areas we still need to work on, the surprising issues facing older LGBT Americans, and what allies can do to help the LGBT community.

I can't remember the last time I laughed this much in an interview – especially one that included carbuncles, cannibalism, and Thomas Jefferson's rear end. Bestselling author Michael Farquhar shares More Bad Days in History and reminds us that history is not all black and white – that complexities exist – and that we are all pretty much the same.  Michael tells us how General Patton's widow put a Hawaiian curse on her husband's mistress, how Joe DiMaggio gave Florence Kotz a doozy of a day, and how Colonial Massachusetts had some terminal consequences for disobedient children. Having a bad day? You won't feel so bad after listening to our chat!

How do you go from the crazy world of Wall Street to the chicken coops of Montana, and write a sweet book for children, after you have a bestselling novel for adults?  William C. Pack explains why he wrote "Never Kiss a Chicken" after the success of his adult novel "Bottom of the Sky."  We talk divisiveness, niceness, kindness (both active and passive) and why one should never kiss a chicken. And, it turns out, we both speak chicken! A delightful conversation with an interesting man.

At one time or another, we've all wished that somehow we could change our human capabilities,  whether it be ways to make the blind see again, get rid of diseases like cystic fibrosis, or simply just be taller or more athletic. Those wild and crazy science fiction ideas may not be that far away. We could, in effect, become superhuman - and in the near future! At least so says David Broyles! Director of Special Activities and Intelligence Teams at the Center for Naval Analyses, David shares the latest info and implications of AI, bio-tech, and genetic engineering. Fascinating for all who are interested in the future!

In our chat with Viral BS author Dr. Seema Yasmin, we learn the difference between mis-information and dis-information, why people believe crazy medical ideas, and why facts DON'T change our mind. We learn about cognitive biases, why education level isn't a good measure of who might believe false information, and how group-think figures in. Plus, how a little bit of truth can be a bad thing, how communication is key, and how social media plays into the spread of bad information.  Oh – and the covid-19 vaccine WON'T change your DNA.         

If you've seen the inspirational film Hidden Figures, you know a little of how women, especially black women, were treated during the 50s and  60s,  especially in male-dominated industries. The stories of  Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughn, and  Katherine Johnson helped us to understand what challenges women faced.  Katherine was the NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to manned space flights, from Project Mercury with John Glenn, all the way up to the moon flights and space shuttles. Before she passed away at 101 in February of 2020, Katherine and her two daughters – Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore -- wrote a children's book about her life and the racism and misogyny she faced.  Published by National Geographic, One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Lifelong Mission is a deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of racial barriers across generations. It's a wonderful book that will inspire little girls for generations to come! We talked to Katherine's daughter Katherine Moore, and got some insight into their lives. We talked about growing up in the 50s and 60s with Jim Crow in full swing, what kind of an impact her mother had on the space program, and what she hopes children will take from this remarkable book.

Ohio has picked the winner of the presidential election 29 out of 31 times since 1896… so they must be on to something. David Giffels traversed the state to find out what the people of Ohio were thinking about the election and what challenges they were facing. He put his discoveries down in his book Barnstorming Ohio, To Understand America. There are 5 distinct different areas of Ohio, which makes it the cross-section of America, and gives us some insight into what the people of our country are thinking. In our chat, David explains what issues each area deals with, how Amazon is changing the landscape of Ohio, AND America, by taking over decaying malls, and how farmers are trying to survive despite the trade wars and bad weather. Will Ohio get the presidential election right this time? No matter if they do or not, we'll have a better understanding of America and Americans, by Barnstorming Ohio with David Giffels.

Most of us in society today are pretty fed-up with how a lot of businesses are operating. Is there a way for companies to be more socially responsible and not be so focused on shareholder profits? Dr. Christopher Marquis says there IS and it's called a B-Corp. A professor at Cornell and the author of Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism, Dr. Marquis explains what a B Corp is and what it means to businesses and consumers. What are the benefits and what are the motivations for a business to become socially responsible?    We learn which companies are already on board as B Corps, how it has affected their profits, what open hiring is, and what greenwashing is.

What really IS hypnotherapy? Will you start to quack like a duck if you try it? Certified master hypnotherapist and NLP trainer Kimberly Friedmutter shares how we can use our subconscious minds to empower ourselves and create the life we really want. The author of Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted, Kimberly chats with us about how the words we use really matter, what a personal drought is, and how the word “cancel” can bring us freedom. Plus - she even gives us a little moment of guided relaxation (don't listen while driving!)

Can we change how our genes act? Do genes influence behavior and personality? Does the environment actually change our genes? We tackle these topics and more with professor of microbiology Dr. Bill Sullivan, author of the book Pleased to Meet Me. We also cover epigenetics, gene editing, methylation and the microbiome. Bill tells us how our socio-economic position affects our genes, how DNA is getting tweaked in the womb, and how dopamine affects eating and alcohol use. Plus – find out what Iceland is doing to combat violence, how our bacteria affects our happiness, and how the brains of conservatives and liberals are different!

Back with us for another chat, Sandra Brown talks Thick as Thieves, her latest bestseller. She tells us what sparked the idea the book, how her characters create themselves, and how the story already exists – it's just her job to excavate it. She also shares a surprising struggle she deals with (it will be familiar to many of us), how she builds her plots and twists and turns, and how her subconscious theme has always been the abuse of power. It's her most vulnerable interview with us to date.

Do all diseases originate from animals?  Did covid-19 escape from a lab in China? Are airplanes safe to fly during these pandemic times? Dr. Michael Greger, the author of How to Survive a Pandemic answered those questions and more in our recent conversation. Plus – we have a lightning round covering UV light, whether any medications work, herd immunity and why distancing is so important.  And he tells us why he's worried about mask-wearing (spoiler-he DOES believe they work!)

We all want to feel safe in this crazy world! But how do we go about doing that? The best people to ask about protection and safety are the experts who do it every day in one of the most stressful, and important, jobs in our nation – the Secret Service.  Former agent Evy Poumpouras is just the person to ask.  Not only has she guarded presidents and heads of state, she was awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor for Her bravery on 9/11and was an investigator for the Department of Defense's elite Polygraph Unit. In our chat with Evy, we find out how we all can create more courage in the world and less fear, and how being fearless isn't a goal we should reach for. We also learn why Evy says we should WANT someone to hit us, how we have to create a shield to be our own gatekeepers, and how to get out of the problem and into the solution. Evy also offers real coping mechanisms, and actionable steps towards being safer, in addition to sharing some tips on how to determine if someone is lying. She also busts some big myths about how to tell if someone is being untruthful. We learn about priming language, how using someone's name changes brain chemistry, and why preserving dignity is so very important.  For more about interviews with fascinating people, go to www.ACloserLookRadio.com

Michael O'Neill is one of the most consistently GOOD actors you will see. His portrayal of Gary Clark in the season 6 finale of Grey's Anatomy was a masterpiece. He became a show favorite in West Wing. He had an important part in Scandal's final season. He plays a heartbreaking part in the Sundance award-winning film Clemency. Now he is in what is predicted to be a major hit – Council of Dads. We talk with Michael about the new show, where he plays AA sponsor Larry, and why he loves the part so much. We also chat about the award-winning film Clemency, how it personally affected him, and how wonderful Aldis Hodge was in it. And how that role on Grey's Anatomy changed him personally Plus, how Michael felt about Sons of Anarchy and Sea Biscuit, and what he appreciated about Al Pacino. You will love this guy… I promise!

Have you ever wondered how you could make a bigger impact in the world, but you weren't sure how to start? CEO, entrepreneur, documentary film executive   and author Anne Devereux-Mills has some ideas for us! The founder of Parlay House, Anne shares why the Parlay Effect (also the name of her book) can help us make connections and change the world. She also shares how we can make those painful transitions in life a little easier, what to do about our fear of not being perfect, and how small things can make a big difference. Plus, she'll also tell us how to start our OWN Parlay House! Check out www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more fascinating interviews.

Are we the only beings in the universe?  You know you've thought about it. For decades the American public has postulated that beings from other planets or galaxies have come to earth and lived among us.  Unearthing Nazca: The Complete Story, is a new documentary produced by Gaia that just premiered on their site. It's about controversial mummies that were found in Peru and covers the latest findings – and controversies  --  and what the experts are saying.  Could these be beings from another planet?  Our guest, Melissa Tittl, is the executive producer of the documentary, and the Director of Original Content for Gaia. We'll ask her about how these mummies were found, what medical and forensic experts are saying about them, and if they could be a hoax.  Plus – are there more mummies out there? Why is the Peruvian government hindering their investigation, and what we can expect from Gaia in the future.

When it comes to human consciousness, spirituality, and the science of medical intuition, there is no one more recognizable and respected than Caroline Myss. We talk about her new series on the Gaia network – Sacred Power: Mastering the Nature of Your Soul, and her live event at the GaiaSphere theater in Boulder, CO August 16-18. Carolyn explains how we all are intuitive, how we have to be careful about giving away our power to others, and how everything we do affects others. She also shares how to find trust, why we need to walk our talk, and how we have to tip the world towards compassion and empathy and not towards violence and evil by beating evil at its own game.

Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki returns to chat with Pam Atherton about how we got suckered into paying back the guys who ripped us off in the bank debacle, how the student debt crisis is bigger than the 2007 sub-prime crisis, and how parents might start moving in with their kids. As outspoken and controversial as ever, the author of FAKE talks about the gold standard, mistakes he has made, and the living liability that you may not have considered! For more interviews, visit www.ACloserLookRadio.com

As we begin to fully understand all the ins and outs of the current administration, a big question is – who really are Jared and Ivanka Kushner? Who are the people behind the façade? Acclaimed author and investigative journalist Vicky Ward draws back the curtain and gives us some insight into Kushner, Inc., which happens to be the title of her NYTimes bestselling  book. We find out how Jared and Ivanka's fathers inform so much of their lives, and how Jared's father thought his family was just like the Kennedy's.  We'll also understand why Jared bears so much animosity towards Chris Christy, and what his 3-point plan was to rehabilitate the family name and reputation. Plus – Vicky tells us how dependent Ivanka is on her father's approval and how Jared and Ivanka have an authenticity problem.  We didn't have near enough time to ask everything we wanted, but here's our chat with Vicky that will be leaving you wanting to know more about Kushner, Inc.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas broadcast and journalism teachers Melissa Falkoswki and Eric Garner discuss the Parkland tragedy and how it affected them, and their students, why they encouraged the journalism students to write about it, and what they see in these kids that others might be overlooking. They discuss the book that came from those student essays: We Say #NeverAgain. Powerful and emotional, the chat was recorded the morning after the mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California.

Several years ago we took on the concept of Extreme Ownership with Navy Seal co-authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.  We learned that if you're in charge – you better own it!   Now these two leadership experts and co-founders of Echelon Front  have a new book out called The Dichotomy of Leadership – and maybe because some people took their original advice to the EXTREME!! We talk with Jocko Willink--- former Commander of Seal Team 3 – Task Unit Bruiser (which, by the way, was the most highly decorated US Special Ops unit of the Iraq War), about this dichotomy.  What can we learn about balance – and why it's important. Plus - when it's time to fire someone… how to know when to back off… and why humility is so important.  Thanks for listening!

With the onset of the new year, the thought on many minds is to lose the fat they've put on over the holidays. Neurologist and bestselling author of The Grain Brain, Dr. David Perlmutter explains the myth of fat and how we've been persuaded to change our diets in an unhealthy way. He tells us how good fats have been substituted with sugars and fillers, which have devastating effects on our bodies. Learn how a shift in your diet perspective can ward off diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. Frequently overlooked as well are the benefits of vitamins, supplements, and gut biotics. Dr. Perlmutter's latest book The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan will give you information on how to eat better, reduce internal inflammation, and ultimately feel better. For more information, stop by www.drperlmutter.com. And don't forget to visit www.acloserlookradio.com for more fascinating interviews!  

It was a big step when Cookie Johnson finally wed superstar sports icon Magic Johnson. Imagine her surprise when she found out 45 days later he was HIV positive. Their entire world changed as they believed this was a death sentence for him and she was newly pregnant. Author of Believing in Magic: Believing in Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith Cookie talks about tackling this issue as a couple bound by their faith, and what it took to move them forward, making Magic the face of HIV/AIDS in order to educate the world in the early 1990s. Cookie's desire to be a fashion designer was challenged as well because just having "the name" wasn't enough to launch her business, especially when she marketed her jeans for curvy women. To learn more about this Cookie, visit www.cookiejohnson.com. And be sure to stop by www.acloserlookradio.com for more fascinating interviews!    

Whether we realize it or not, the actions and behaviors of people around us affect us and OUR behaviors more than we know! Wharton School Marketing professor Jonah Berger has some profound insight into our patterns of behavior and wrote Invisible influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior to explain this phenomenon. Jonah discusses important concepts of group thinking, designated dissenters, and individualism. And what do cockroaches have to do with successful marketing/negotiating strategies? To find out more, please be sure to visit www.jonahberger.com. Don't forget to check out www.acloserlookradio.com for more fascinating and informative interviews!  

#1 New York Times bestselling author and TV host of Decoded on the History Channel Brad Meltzer joins us again with his new thriller House of Secrets. With a literal foot in the door of government agencies Brad has insight like no other concerning conspiracy theories and possible terrorist strategies. Brad speaks about collaborating with Tod Goldberg on House of Secrets and what each writer brought to the table. He also describes why he chose a female heroine to be the protagonist for this story. And speaking of stories, Brad now offers live readings on Facebook - bringing back the art of storytelling on a Sunday night. Last but not least learn about the relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. Was it all that it seemed? To find out much more about what Brad has to offer for both adults and children with his books please stop by www.bradmeltzer.com. And don't forget to visit www.acloserlookradio.com for more fascinating interviews!

As a former US Olympic cyclist, renowned chiropractor, international lecturer and Life Coach to the Stars, Dr. Jeff Spencer knows what it takes to overcome obstacles. We discuss his observations while participating in the Olympics as well as what he learned as a coach on multiple Tours de France.  He shares insight on the edge that separates those attempting to succeed from those who actually make it, and succeed on a regular basis. Creator of the Champion's Blueprint, Dr. Spencer notes what world-class achievers intuitively do without even realizing it and breaks it down into component parts. In our interview Jeff tells us that there are are skills anyone can learn, and gives us strategies and straightforward advice to follow.  In addition, we get his firsthand experience of the tragedies at the 1972 Olympics, when he was on the US bicycling team. For more information be sure to visit his site www.drjeffspencer.com and check out his book Turn It Up!. There are many more fascinating interviews to listen to as well on www.acloserlookradio.com so please stop by!

They said it couldn't be done. The Soviet Union was an indomitable beast in the world of ice hockey. Jim Craig, goalie of that Olympic "Miracle Team, describes the challenges the US Hockey Team faced AND conquered during the Lake Placid Winter Olympics of 1980. In addition, we talk about how Jim takes those winning strategies and dynamics and helps others apply them not only to sports but to daily life as well. Author of Gold Medal Strategies Jim shares stories from that fabled match on the ice, as well as giving us tools and resources to find success in our own lives. To learn more about Jim and his Gold Medal strategies, please stop by his site www.goldmedalstrategies.com. And don't forget to check out other fascinating and informative interviews on www.acloserlookradio.com      

Katrina Radke's passion for swimming and excellence led her to a position as a competitive swimmer in the 1988 Summer Olympics. In our chat, Katrina shares something that most people are not aware of - that following her peak achievement, she hit a debilitating low that took twelve years out of her life as she struggled to overcome the effects of Mononucleosis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. We talk about how she found herself setting her sights on learning to achieve the same level of success she found in swimming, in her everyday life. She not only went on to recover, but she wound up breaking world records once she was back in the game! We also discuss her book Be Your Best Without the Stress, and how she has a passion to help others focus and create their own dream life. For more information please visit Katrina's site at www.katrinaradke.com. And for more fascinating interviews don't forget to stop by www.acloserlookradio.com