HAPPENING

Throughout history and all around the world, people have long imagined some form of hell or underworld. It's written about in literature, shows up on the silver screen, and even travel destinations. This episode is about Postcards From Hell, the scary places and spaces made up of awe-inspiring sights in the natural world, from lakes of fiery lava to dark caves and deep pools. Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and editor. Her latest work, Nat Geo's Go to Hell" - A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations takes readers on a journey to more than 50 mysterious and mythical places. Engelhaupt has a smart and thoughtful approach to all things macabre, as she highlights hellscapes from all over the world. She invites readers to experience the chills and thrills offered by devilish destinations including spots in Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Japan, just to name a few. She explains why the book begins in Greece with the Acheron, or “river of woe.” It sets the overall tone for people searching for doorways or pathways to an underworld of dark and shadowy places. Engelhaupt explains the origin of Halloween to a cave in Ireland. To most, it appears to be a little hole in the ground. However, it is the entrance to a fantastic hidden cavernous world of pitch black. She talks about the “otherworld,” a land filled with supernatural beings. From fire, darkness, to portals to spiritual worlds, Engelhaupt delights readers and listeners alike with tales of hells on Earth. Whether visiting a castle in Czechia, which was built to clog up a hole to hell, or stumbling upon a trapdoor to darkness deep in the heart of Pennsylvania, Engelhaupt teaches us a big life lesson—the scary spots are usually steeped in history, there may be a scientific reason for its fear factor, and there is also a good chance it is filled will beautyThroughout history and all around the world, people have long imagined some form of hell or underworld. It's written about in literature, shows up on the silver screen, and even travel destinations. This episode is about Postcards From Hell, the scary places and spaces made up of awe-inspiring sights in the natural world, from lakes of fiery lava to dark caves and deep pools. Erika Engelhaupt is a science journalist and editor. Her latest work, Nat Geo's Go to Hell" - A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations takes readers on a journey to more than 50 mysterious and mythical places. Engelhaupt has a smart and thoughtful approach to all things macabre, as she highlights hellscapes from all over the world. She invites readers to experience the chills and thrills offered by devilish destinations including spots in Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Japan, just to name a few. She explains why the book begins in Greece with the Acheron, or “river of woe.” It sets the overall tone for people searching for doorways or pathways to an underworld of dark and shadowy places. Engelhaupt explains the origin of Halloween to a cave in Ireland. To most, it appears to be a little hole in the ground. However, it is the entrance to a fantastic hidden cavernous world of pitch black. She talks about the “otherworld,” a land filled with supernatural beings. From fire, darkness, to portals to spiritual worlds, Engelhaupt delights readers and listeners alike with tales of hells on Earth. Whether visiting a castle in Czechia, which was built to clog up a hole to hell, or stumbling upon a trapdoor to darkness deep in the heart of Pennsylvania, Engelhaupt teaches us a big life lesson—the scary spots are usually steeped in history, there may be a scientific reason for its fear factor, and there is also a good chance it is filled will beauty (think bioluminescent glowworms).

The popularity of biking has grown over the past few years. There was a surge in ridership in the United States in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a 120% increase in sales when compared to the previous year.Since then, the number of people riding bikes in America continues to go up. In 2022 alone, there were 55 million people hopping on a bike and cycling somewhere. Whether it's for fun, sport, transportation, sightseeing or even food delivery, more and more of us are hitting the road by bike. This episode is all about Spokes & Spectacles: Epic Bike Journeys.Roff Smith is an award-winning magazine writer and photographer, as well as a long-time contributor to National Geographic and many other high-profile outlets, like Time Magazine, Newsweek and Conde Nast Traveler, just to name a few.Smith's latest work, NatGeo's 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Cycling Experiences takes readers to six continents with an amazing list of bike rides.He provides first-hand accounts to some of the world's most exciting and memorable bike paths, including his favorite, The Danube Cycle Path, which he describes as, “A waltz along the banks of Europe's grandest river from the medieval town of Passau to the imperial grandeur of Vienna on a delightful purpose-built cycle path."He lightlights a "showstopping feat of engineering," known as New Zealand's Lake Dunstan Trail. It is fairly new and has locals and visitors "over the moon" while venturing out on a bicycle path running along the face of a cliff. Smith even recommends going down the gully to grab a coffee, scone or burger on a floating pontoon.Many of the most popular rides encourage readers to explore landmark locations while participating in what Smith labels, "Cycling Through History." The pages of his latest work are filled with pathways to the past. For instance, there's a ride that traces the journeys taken by thousands of freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad Route from Mobile, Alabama all the way through Ontario, Canada. It's a lengthy ride that often takes one to two months and is best completed during the summer months.The ride along the Great Allegheny Passage is also steeped in history. Riders get to cross a bridge which was used to transport as much as 15% of U.S. steel during World War II. It just so happens this bike path is what is referred to as a "rail to trail," which is created when an agreement is established between a railroad company and a trail agency to allow the use of out-of-service rail corridors as a trail for walkers, runners and bikers.Another favorite invites readers and riders alike to visit The Punta Olimpica in the Peruvian Andes, which was named after the 1936 Peruvian soccer team that beat Austria. Although a controversial decision followed the team's victory, a protest led to this breathtaking highway that zigzags down the mountains.Whether descending into the the orange-painted Utah valleyscapes of The TranAmerica Trail, to feeling the bite of the cold air while cycling Glacier National Park in Montana, or bending down on one knee in Tuscany along one of the most romantic rides on the planet, there is a bike ride for anyone's bucket list.In today's world, biking has become one of the best ways to get from point A to point B. Whether it is for fun, transportation, or sport, millions of people are hopping on bikes and embarking on two-wheeled escapades. It's time to pick your next destination, put on a helmet and peddle your way to pure happiness.

There are more than 33-million small businesses in the United States. I'm a small businessman myself and I celebrate anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit. It takes a lot of courage to set out on your own to build anything, but if you have an idea, the resources, and a plan… big things can happen! The U.S. Small Business Administration finds small businesses employ about 62-million Americans, that's the majority of jobs created since the mid-90's. If starting and running a small business is a dream of yours, this episode is for you! It is packed with brave and bold people who trusted their guts and went for it! There are stories that will help inspire you to dig deep and get on your way. Sybil Steele is a NYC-based creative director who develops brands and films. A couple of her big achievements include the launches of Solento Organic Tequila and most recently S'eau Prima, a foundational face mist. She shares the secrets to her success, including an approach to life that is filled with abundance and a never-ending belief in herself. She takes on the big question of, "What if you were to put yourself first?" Sybil also talks about her favorite "P" words—purpose, profit, and pleasure. This creative force is not afraid to mix her heart with the source of her mighty dollar, and win all the way to the bank. Steele has a series of rituals and routines that start her day off in a positive way, ultimately setting her up for personal and professional growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics finds there are more than 4,000 food trucks in the United States. It is a growing industry, generating about 1.4 billion dollars each year. Jose Balaguer is the CEO of The Chicago Donut Company. For years he sold luxury vehicles, until he made a professional pivot. Now, his life is all about good vibes and donuts. Balaguer admits his thriving food truck business was born out of market research, connections, and a love of people. The passion for donuts came later, while working with other Chicago vendors, renovating a used truck, and lots and lots of taste-testing. He does not believe in "Faking the Funk," and stays true to himself and his community. Jose also discusses the sacrifices it takes to achieve and maintain success, including saying goodbye to friendships that no longer serve you or your entrepreneurial spirit. Balaguer leaves us wondering if small biz ownership grows self-discipline, or is it the other way around, does our own discipline grow the business? Whatever it takes, both Sybil and Jose agree having a plan is essential to long-term success. This often includes a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly approach to aligning dreams and realistic expectations in order to generate revenue. Sparking Your Creative Genius is easier than you think, even in business. Sometimes all you have to do is shut out the noise and shift your perspective. Once you do that, it is time to own the possibility that great things will happen in your life. Now is the time to let your sparks fly!

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Travel” or“Vacation?”   For me, it's the soft white sand that sneaks in between my toes while walking along Miami Beach. I can close my eyes and immediately see the turquoise-colored water transforming into white ripples as it reaches the shoreline. The salty air makes my skin feel so much smoother and my hair… just a little rougher and coarser than usual… but, I like it. It comes with the territory—different place, different people, and a different state of mind. Isn't that what travel is all about?   As peak travel season sails into view, many of us have our eyes set on dreamy destinations all around the world. What are you thinking up? The deserts, wine country, and dramatic cliff tops of Western Australia? How about the brilliant blue waters, expansive coral reefs and hundreds of peaceful islands of Fiji? We can't forget about the mouthwatering Southern fare of Charleston, South Carolina—where it's all about red rice with sausage, fried chicken and lima beans.  No matter what strikes your fancy, we're ready to go… 63% of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer. WanderlustUnleashed! It's time to embrace the magic of unplanned escapes. This episode is all about the thrills and chills associated with travel. Laura Lindsay is a global travel expert for Skyscanner, a search engine and travel site. She's a seasoned traveler who's filled with stories from all over the globe, and she shares some of her favorite spots, provides insights—like travel hacks for scoring the best airfare, and talks about the latest trend—spontaneous travel.  Spontaneous travel is supposed to alleviate some of the pressures associated with vacation planning, because it eliminates certain expectations like picking the best hotel, eating dinner at that hard to reserve restaurant, and having an overly ambitious itinerary.  Laura and I chat about our favorite vacation memories, destinations inspired by TV and film, and her three secret hot spots sure to motivate you to book a trip.  I also hit the streets of New York City to find out how our lives can be transformed by travel. One man shares his story about openly supporting gay rights in a place where being LGBTQ could lead to jail time or even death. We meet a woman who was in England during one of this year's biggest news stories, and we're going to answer the question… where in the world can we find the best schnitzel? No matter near or far, embracing the magic of unplanned or planned escapes adds a sense of excitement and adventure to our lives. Whether following a detailed itinerary, or ditching the plan, grabbing your passport and letting the wind guide your way… one thing is certain, travel enriches our lives.

We spend a lot of time on our smart devices. On average, there are 6,000 tweets on Twitter every single second. When added up, everything equals 350K per minute, 500M per day, and 200B per year. That's a whole lot of engagement going on and it's not even counting Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and SnapChat. When we include those channels the overall numbers are astounding. According to the latest data, the average amount of time spent on social media worldwide is set to hit about two and a half hours a day. That's a lot of time to comment on, or like and share all types of content. It's in these moments we can make mistakes that could cost us pretty big—maybe lose some friends, offend colleagues, and possibly get fired from a job and miss out on future career opportunities. This episode is all about taking responsibility for our online behavior. Stephanie Humphrey is a former engineer and technology expert. She is author of Don't Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You In the Butt! and is currently a technology contributor for Good Morning America . Stephanie is on a mission to help us become better digital citizens by being more mindful about what we post, comment on, and apps we download. Overall, she says it's important to be more considerate regarding all of our online activities. With Humphrey's innovative program, 'Til Death Do You Tweet!, she travels the country speaking to students and guides them through issues of cyber bullying while helping them understand how social media can shape their lives. As technology continues to advance and 500M of us turn to social media each and every day, we can and should consider ourselves a Digital Citizen.

I remember Sunday afternoons walking along the sidewalk to my grandmother's house. As my brother and I neared the door, the aroma of rich and thick marinara sauce filled the air. I could actually taste the fresh basil, garlic, and pancetta the moment we stepped inside. That memory and many others have stayed with me for life. When I close my eyes, I can easily go back in time to that dinner table with a bowl of meatballs and a plate of rye bread at its center. I see the faces of loved ones—many long gone, but not forgotten.I said it before and it bears repeating, I am on a journey filled of Culinary Rapture, being carried away by the execution, presentation, flavor and taste of food. On this episode, I highlight the community and camaraderie that comes with a table filled with smiling faces.I mean, we have to cook for and eat with the favorite people in our lives. What are those meals and who are those people for youAlex Hitz is an award-winning celebrity chef, culinary columnist, event designer, and tastemaker. He has a new book out called, Occasions to Celebrate – Cooking and Entertaining with Style. Our conversation is packed with all types of recipes and memories that smell delicious.Alex has prepared dream meals for some of the world's most iconic people, including the Reagans and the Royals. He shares stories of his early days attending dinner parties with his parents, lazy Sunday afternoons with L.A. socialites, and how he ended up on the Orient Express with a birdcage hat on top of his head.The Wall Street Journal calls him the very best host in the world, and by the end of our conversation you will be taken with his wit, style and charm.It's the time of year to think about those you prepare meals for and who you have around your table… the community… the camaraderie. Why not get lost together in a journey filled with new dishes, new ingredients, new cuisines, and new ways of preparing meals?It's time to heat things up and make life interesting!

At times, we get caught up with fast-tracking and pop culture does not help. Popular shows like American Idol and The Voice offer pathways to big audiences. However, nothing is immediate, and the people we see on stages in local theaters or on Broadway in New York City, are people who have refined their talents over years and years. Nikita Burshteyn is an up-and-coming musical theater performer and breakout talent from the off-Broadway musical, Romeo & Bernadette. He shares the secrets to his success, which is the accumulation of years of vocal training, tap and jazz dance classes, and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. Nikita explains what he does in the space between gigs, which offers him time to refresh and refocus his attention and intentions. He trusts his gut when it comes to auditioning for parts, but also knows his range—which has his eyes set on some very well known roles. "P" is for passion, one thing Nikita felt the moment he started playing the violin in the second grade, which led him to musical theater. "P" is also for performance, something he makes look natural based on multiple hours of preparation. Finally, "P" is for process, how he decides on a role, develops a character, and brings it all to life under the warm inviting lights of the stage. Sparking Your Creative Genius is something that comes naturally, and is easier to do if you stay motivated and have the courage to bring your ideas to life on a regular basis.

On this episode, Fitness Expert, Mark Fisher explains why it is important to stay active. He also suggests finding a compelling "why,” saying a strong "why," made up of our emotions and value structure, can help us cross any finish line—whether it be a walk in the park, hiking a trail, or starting a weight resistance program. Movement is a miracle drug and can take us places we never dreamt physically possible. Who knows, maybe it's a finish line at mile marker 26.2 in Central Park for the New York City Marathon.

On this episode of HAPPENING, Stand-up Comic, Comedy Writer, Actress and Filmmaker, Kendra Cunningham, tells us how a joke is born and brought to the stage. We discuss what it takes to fight the resistance that tries to keep us from getting creative, whether it is writing that book, starting that business, auditioning for that big role, or telling that joke. Ultimately, it comes down to a series of “P's,” including the words “purpose”, “plan,” and “passion,” just to name a few. What is it that you are trying to ignite and bring to life? Whatever it is requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and Sparking Your Creative Genius. This is the first episode of a three-part series dedicated to making creative dreams a reality.

On this episode of HAPPENING, Kanan Kapila discusses the benefits of having a regular routine. She talks about her love of yoga and meditation, while describing the many ways her daily practice has enriched her life. As a trainer, she has bear witness to those desperately seeking to transition from one stage of life onto the next. She has seen tears and wide smiles as those around her transcend. Kanan says practice does make perfect—a perfect you. For those caught up in the commotion or chaos of life, there is a way to slow down and find peace and joy in the everyday. She says we are born with joy and just have to claim it. Now is the time to embrace your thoughts, connect with your body and bring real change into your life.

On this episode of Happening, we discover how clutter affects our physical space and well-being. It can be debilitating and limit our personal and professional growth, while being a source of stress, tension, and anxiety in our lives. Andrew Mellen is known as the most organized man in America. His work has been featured in O Magazine, GQ, Better Homes and Gardens, HGTV, NBC and ABC.He says now is the time to change our relationship with all of our stuff. Changing the way we think, feel and talk about stuff can help us clear out the clutter.

Join in on the exploration of flavor as Brian Osuch chats with Registered Dietician and Nutritionist, Mia Syn. They get lost in flavor, food preparation, and overall wellness. Listeners hear about tasty and easy to make and recipes, while learning how to enrich their lives through food. This episode is all about feeding our souls with lots a lots of culinary excellence.

Nearly half of U.S. adults say dating is harder now than a decade ago. Add in a global pandemic and some may say it's virtually impossible. I recently chatted with a woman who disagrees and says it's VIRTUALLY possible. A 2019 Stanford University Study finds 65% of gay couples and 39% of straight couples met online three years ago. Which means all these dating apps and sites can work. But, what does it mean during COVID-19? Should singles slow down from all the left or right swiping, or is LOVE, UNINTERRUPTED and DATING DURING THE PANDEMIC IS POSSIBLE? Andrea Syrtash is my favorite go-to dating and relationship expert. She's a published author with such works as Cheat On Your Husband (with Your Husband): How to Date Your Spouse, He's Just Not Your Type (and that's a good thing): How to Find Love Where You Least Expect it, and It's Okay to Sleep with Him on the First Date: And Every Other Rule of Dating, Debunked. You've also seen her on GMA, the Today Show, Wendy Williams, and The View. Let's just say… she has some street cred. We discuss how video has transformed the dating landscape, opening the door to better communication and representation. Andrea says the biggest gripe from singles is how some people don't look or sound the way the present themselves. Gone are those days! Andrea provides fun virtual and socially-distant dating ideas. She also tackles the question of physical contact, including kissing and other forms of intimacy. She calls the pandemic the great equalizer, as we've all been forced to make adjustments—including those in the dating pool.  If I've learned anything from Andrea, it's that slowing down, asking questions and learning about another person is a great way to build a solid relationship foundation based on value structure. Now's the time to showcase your creativity with virtual cooking dates, adventurous socially-distant outdoor dates and smart/informed indoor dates. Love can be uninterrupted, and dating during the pandemic is possible. 

Staying fit during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a struggle for many people. Some have headed back to gym, while others have opted out, preferring stay-at-home options. However, one thing remains—even during these uncertain times, physical fitness is key to living a healthy and happy life. The CDC finds more than 4 in 10 U.S. adults are obese, and 60% have at least one chronic disease. With so many things affecting or challenging our overall well-being, STAYING FIT IN THE NEW NORMAL is more important than ever. I recently chatted with Fitness Expert, Harold Gibbons. He's a trainer at my favorite gym in New York City, Mark Fisher Fitness. His mantra is “Fitness Is Freedom,” and I've personally watched him liberate people into a life of wellness. His mission is to help others claim ownership of essentials, like examining exercise, physical activity, and fitness as tools of empowerment to enrich the quality of their lives. If I've learned anything from Harold, it's that we are still able to work toward a healthy and happy life outside of the gym environment. We just have to get creative. Being mindful is key, it's important to think about what you eat, set a plan for when you want to exercise, follow through and then be sure to do it again, and again, and again.  Harold says make it fun and offers many stay-at-home options to keep your body active and in shape. We may be living in uncertain times, but we can still most certainly invest in our health, fitness and overall well-being in 2021.

About 30 million workers are collecting jobless benefits. That's roughly 1 in 5 people looking for ways to standout and land a new job.As the country starts opening back up for business, now's the time to be focusing on tactics and strategies to MAXIMIZE YOUR CAREER POTENTIAL IN TIME OF COVID-19.I recently chatted with Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster, and author of Big Career in the Big City and The ABC's of College Life. She has a passion for empowering people in their careers—helping many build up and flex their business muscle. Vicki says in order to achieve the big gains, it's important to shift your professional perspective.Vicki has 15 years of experience in corporate recruiting and human resources. Her personal website says that she lives to empower job seekers with insight and first-hand knowledge from the halls of HR. She provides tips to help capture the eye of recruiters and HR executives.If I've learned anything from Vicki, it's that now's the time to take small steps with big goals in mind. Sometimes an entry-level or part-time job leads to a much larger opportunity. Never forget that transferable skills can transform your career path.Most importantly, be bold—build and engage with an online community of colleagues and people who want to see you succeed. Having a well thought out plan is the best way to maneuver the current business landscape and help you MAXIMIZE YOUR CAREER POTENTIAL IN TIME OF COVID-19.

Over the past few months our pets have grown used to having us around. As more states reopen from COVID-19 shutdowns, many pet owners will be returning to the workplace. It's time for Pet Prep, getting our fury loved ones ready for new routines.I recently chatted with Dr. Justine Lee, doctor of veterinary medicine. She's the author of It's a Cat's World, You Just Live In It, and It's a Dog's Life, But It's Your Carpet. She's also host of the ER Vet at Pet Life Radio podcast. We discussed all the things pet owners need to think about before heading back to the workplace, including separation anxiety, common triggers that upset pets, and a few easy ways to transition into new routines.I also had to ask Dr. Lee a few questions about COVID-19, now that most of the country is seeing an increase in the number of infections. I was curious what that meant for our pets? She has some important things to say about social distancing and nose-to-nose contact.COVID-19 definitely changed our daily routines. That's why it's important to come up with a back-to-work pet preparation plan ahead of time. It will help ensure a smoother transition for you and your pet.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America finds 40 million adults are living with anxiety in the United States.Between the outbreak of COVID-19 and human rights movements like Black Lives Matter, many people may be feeling even more uneasy.I recently chatted with Dr. Sera Lavelle, Ph.D, founder of New York Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy. She has been written about in Elle Magazine and Allure, and helped hundreds of people overcome their difficulties. We dove into the deep end of the pool, so to speak, discussing ANXIETY IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY.Stress, tension and anxiety, is a combination many of us have become familiar with over the past few months. The doctor and I talked about how important it is to balance between “real – worry” and “emotional – worry.” It's one way to stay on track and keep ourselves from spiraling out of control with anxious thoughts.Dr. Lavelle also offers guidance regarding fears associated with financial loss, heading back to work, using mass transit, and how to deal with family and friends with different stances regarding health and social issues.Everywhere we look there seems to be turmoil; cable news, social media feeds, and websites - there's no escaping dramatic headlines. These days, fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping is a must, if we're going to stay healthy and of sound mind. There are ways to manage the everyday exposure to worrisome news about both, COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.

According to 2019 statistics, LGBTQ+ adults globally held a combined buying power of more than 3.5 trillion dollars. That gives the queer community a great deal of economic power.June is Pride Month, a time many brands market toward LGBTQ's, but this could also be a time companies give off the impression that they only “ride the rainbow,” and outside of Pride celebrations, they're gone, silent and invisible to the LGBTQ+ audience.I recently chatted with Matt Wagner, vice president of client services at Target 10, a New York City-based agency that applies LGBTQ+ consumer insights to brand strategy. He was in Hells Kitchen, one of the most active gayborhoods in New York City. You'll even hear a few sirens blaring in the background.We discussed everything from how companies can authentically engage with LGBTQ's, what brands can do beyond marketing, and who should use the term queer or LGBTQ+.Talking the talk and walking the walk, two things that are essential for any brand to make a lasting impression on the queer community. June is Pride Month, a fantastic time to wish LGBTQ+ colleagues and friends a Happy Pride. It's also a perfect time to review your marketing plans to see if you're selling or celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. To everyone listening, be loud, be proud, be heard. Happy Pride.

On the debut episode, I chat with small business owner LEWIS MILLER, president of Lewis Miller Design (LMD), a man known for turning ballrooms, art museums, and other prime locations into extravagant event spaces covered in reds, purples, and every other hue of an artist's palette. However, it's his Flower Flashes that have captivated people all around the world and shined a spotlight onto his small business. He and his team of five have been doing great things to successfully maneuver this tricky landscape of the past few months. While other businesses have hit the pause button, Lewis Miller Design has made a "professional pivot" during these uncertain times.