This Week in America is about issues that matter to you. This Week in America is informative, educational and entertaining. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton.
WHAT SEASHELLS REVEAL ABOUT YOU (THE SECRET LANGUAGE YOU'VE NEVER HEARD)The Secret Language of Seashells (And What It Says About You) - "Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal About Our True Nature" by Michelle HansonOcean Oracle was created by a woman who undeniably has discovered her life's mission, so it is not surprising that Michelle is the name with which this author entered our Universe. Her innate sensitivity and the significant knowledge she has acquired from her lifelong study of her seashell partners make her uniquely qualified to be known as the “shell with the voice,” serving as their ambassador to the rest of the world. With her one-of-a-kind creation-and the help of the oceanic realm-Shelley has revolutionized the lives of everyone with whom she has come into contact. She has also designed a special online shell-reading certification program for those interested in learning the valuable lessons of the seashell kingdom, becoming versed in their language and sharing their wisdom with others.Everyone remembers spending a day at the beach as a child collecting seashells, but what if those seashells were more than just pretty objects? What if those shells could actually tell you something about your hidden thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes? Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal about Our True Nature is the bridge to learning this secret language. Simply put, seashells function as tools that enable us to speak with our subconscious, allowing the inner self to communicate the information it considers most valuable for our growth. By listening to the shells with the guidance of Ocean Oracle, you can tap into your own innate wisdom and joy.https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Oracle-Seashells-Reveal-Nature/dp/158270113X https://oceanoracle.com/https://authorsperspectivepress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/111325mhapp.mp3 Ocean Wisdom: Lessons from the Seashell Kingdom by Michelle HansonOcean Wisdom teaches you about the mysteries of the ocean and unlocks the mysteries of self through the study of seashells. Just like the animals that inhabit and create them and the many people that study them, each shell is unique and offers powerful and eye-opening insights into the world around us. The Ocean Wisdom books cover a variety of master teachings on such subjects as survival, victimization, feeling special, feeling flawed, pride, destiny, struggle, faith, sacrifice, and judgment, all through the study and examination of the ocean's most extraordinary organisms. They devote a great deal of attention to the topic of love. Seashell Divination uses seashells as a psychological tool to explore the mysteries of self and the world around us. Through the awareness gained, you can reshape your future.https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Wisdom-Lessons-Seashell-Kingdom/dp/0979504104
THREE TIMES FREE: FROM COMMUNIST CUBA TO SPIRITUAL FREEDOM - RAMON GARCIA'S INCREDIBLE TRUE STORYThree Times Free: Autobiographical Story by Ramon GarciaThe true story and odyssey of a man who wanted to attain his freedom at all costs. It takes him through a perilous voyage at sea, during which he would rather face the possibility of death than remain enslaved by a totalitarian regime.In the course of this book, his liberty will be challenged and will cost the teller of this passionate story, Ramon Garcia, to have to recuperate not only his independence but also something much more important, his spiritual freedom, conquered minute by minute behind the bars of several prisons.Garcia's testimony takes us through intense moments of struggles, missteps, and redemption in a volume full of experiences almost novelesque, but which are the detailed account of a significant revelation that we may share with the enjoyment of this reading."That is why I am three times free, but not as those with liberty as a pretext to do wrong, but as a servant of God."The book Three Times Free: Autobiographical Story is a powerful memoir chronicling my life journey—from my daring escape from communist Cuba in 1963 to building a new life in the United States, and ultimately finding profound spiritual freedom through faith in God. It details the hardships under Castro's regime, the courage required to flee oppression, the challenges of starting over as an immigrant, my success in the jewelry business, and how true liberation comes not just from physical freedom but from surrendering to God's grace. The title reflects three layers of freedom: escaping political tyranny, achieving personal and economic independence in America, and attaining spiritual redemption.This book is dedicated to my three children and seven grandchildren (two granddaughters and one grandson). My oldest daughter is 54, my other daughter is 49, and my youngest son is 46. They were born in the United States and have never known the horrors of communism—the constant hunger, rationing, fear of imprisonment for dissent, or the total loss of personal liberty that I endured. In Cuba under that system, food was scarce, opportunities were crushed, and the government controlled every aspect of life; disobedience often meant jail or worse. My children and grandchildren have been blessed with freedom, abundance, and opportunity here in America—things I fought desperately to reach. Through this book, I want them to understand the true cost of the freedom they enjoy every day, so they never take it for granted. Thank God for the United States, the land that gave me a second chance.Yes, this is my first published work. At 82 years old (born in February 1944 in Barros Oriente, Cuba), I've finally put my story on paper after a lifetime of living it.It took several years to complete the book, as I wanted to ensure every detail was accurate and meaningful. Writing it involved reflecting deeply on painful memories, family stories, and spiritual insights, but the process was rewarding and healing.THREE TIMES FREEhttps://tharsisfilms.comhttps://www.kingpagespress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31926kpp2.mp3
A CHILDREN'S BOOK EVERY PARENT SHOULD READ - FLIGHT OF THE BALLOONFlight of the Balloon by Deborah MagnaHi my name is Deborah Magna I am the author of The Flight Of The Balloon. This is the third publishing of my children's books. My stories are not without something for the children to think about. Light hearted stories with a moral at the end ranges anywhere from being adopted, or making fun of people or things, in this book they find away to apologize in a unique way for complaining or being upset with the chores they are given to do. Enjoy The Adventure of this traveling balloon. I know you and whoever you are reading it to will enjoy and learn a lesson from it. You may also want to take a look at my other two books The Ugly Animals At The Zoo and The Sandman A Wish And The Star.AMAZONhttps://www.kingpagespress.com/https://www.facebook.com/d543m21/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31926kpp1.mp3
SHE MOVED TO ALASKA ALONE...AND BUILT HER OWN CABIN FROM SCRATCH Kristina's Cache: A Memoir of Adventure and Survival in Alaska by Kristina AhlnasWhen Kristina Ahlnäs moves from Finland to Alaska to start a new life as an American oceanographer, her life is clearly more than normal. In this quirky memoir, Kristina recalls unique experiences in her job, to seeing UFOs in the Alaskan sky and even building her own log cabin. This easy-to-read, spunky book allows readers to slip into a world where its so cold cars don't start, finding some warm place to stay is near impossible, and friends will do anything to help each other. Travel with Kristina from Finland to Alaska where she starts off paying a rent of $220 a month, to sleeping in a tent as she builds her 8 by 8 foot practice cabin with a 16-foot ladder (the cache), the log cabin, and life, she could only dream of in Kristina's Cache.I grew up during WW2 in Finland. Girl scouts taught me how to improvise, take initiative and – peel logs. I believe there is a way around what seems impossible if you pray for God and Jesus to help and guide.I studied Geophysics – Oceanography at the University of Helsinki but could not get on the oceanography ship because men were selected. I came on board as a mess girl! An ASLA-Fulbright scholarship brought me to USA as a student at the University of California, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. After work in Seattle and Sweden I got a job offer from Alaska. The book deals with select experiences during 30 of the more than 50 years I lived in Alaska.AMAZONhttps://kristinascache.comhttps://olympusstoryhouse.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31926osh.mp3
DETOX & REJUVENATE : Springtime Cleanse for Your Body & Mind with Susan Smith Jones, PhDLeading holistic health and lifestyle educator and author Susan Smith Jones, PhD, reveals her favorite methods to detoxify and rejuvenate the body – and WHY it's so necessary. For over 40 years, Susan has been teaching people worldwide about the importance of year-round detoxification to keep the body healed, healthy, youthful and energetic. She even custom-designs programs for many of her clients and leads workshops around the world on this topic. Welcome Susan. I'm excited to learn more about why it's so important to stay detoxified, especially now that it's springtime, how to know if I'm in need of a Detox program, and simple ways to keep my body detoxified and rejuvenated all year-long.For a woman with three of America's most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, detoxification and rejuvenation, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan travels internationally as a frequent radio and TV talk show guest and motivational speaker; she's also the author of many books, including her 2-book companion set of A HUG IN A MUG: Revitalize with Superfoods & Healthy Living Extras and UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Kindness, Peace & Vitality. Refer to her website to find out how to get personally autographed copies of her books and more about Susan and her healthy, empowering, motivating and uplifted lifestyle.SusanSmithJones.comX@SusanSmithJoneshttps://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphdhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj143.mp3 http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj143.mp3
Seven Issues Dividing America Today - A Candid ConversationChairman Biden and Dr. Fauci's Monster: A Deep Dive into Our Political Divide by Ronald Alfred WeitzmanThis book describes how a charter member of Hillary Clinton's basket of deplorables views important issues that divide our country. Chapter 1 takes a critical look at the past, present, and future of the political left and right sides of that divide. Chapter 2 shows that abortion is properly a matter of religion rather than government. Chapter 3 pins the blame for the pandemic's cause and consequences solely on Dr. Anthony Fauci. Chapter 4 separates sex and gender into two different worlds. Chapter 5 examines how the flawed statistical modeling of global warming fails to disclose its causes or trajectory. Chapter 6 demonstrates the unconstitutionality and criminality of the 2020 presidential election. Chapter 7 reveals why this book ominously identifies the title of Joe Biden as chairman rather than president.For the author of this book, Ron Weitzman, education made a gigantic difference in his family. Born outside the United States, Ron's father barely made it through the third grade here. Thanks to America's freedom of opportunity, Ron worked his way with the help of scholarships and fellowships to a BA and MA from Stanford and a PhD from Princeton. He has received a Stanford Honors Fellowship; Psychometric Fellowship of Princeton and the Educational Testing Service; and two post-doctoral fellowships, from the National Science Foundation and the United States Public Health Service.Ron has served on university faculties in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. His specialty areas are mental tests and survey statistics, and he has dozens of publications and three patents in those fields (one in the first and two in the second).Though Ron is in his ninety-fifth year, this is his first book. Until now, working solely within his fields of expertise and within the communities where he has made his home, he has lived his life according to Voltaire's famous advice: “One must cultivate one's own garden.” What Voltaire feared—the triumph of the worst of mankind, which is what our country is facing now—has changed Ron's mind. He hopes that this book will change yours in the same direction, toward action, including voting, to help restore America the beautiful.https://www.amazon.com/Chairman-Biden-Dr-Faucis-Monster/dp/B0GF4VF5WB/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://www.raweitzman.net/https://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31226rawec.mp3
The Man Who Photographed Presidents, Rock Stars and History ItselfWHAT DO 11 U.S. PRESIDENTS, the DALAI LAMA and WHOOPI HAVE in COMMON? by Patrick O'Donnell with guest Peggy O'DonnellHe photographed 11 U.S. presidents. But this California photojournalist's 60-year career was about more than just the leaders of the free world. It was also about the evolution of modern journalism and one photographer's quest to capture iconic images along the way.Patrick O'Donnell's journey began in high school, when he caught the photojournalism bug from a master teacher. By college, he was taking pictures for his student newspaper, then working full-time for local papers while still in school. Early assignments included Richard Nixon's failed California governor bid and Eisenhower's 1964 Rose Bowl appearance.So began O'Donnell's front-row view of history. His warm, personal stories take you behind the lens and scenes of inside access chatting confidentially with George H.W. Bush at an event and capturing images of Nixon's resignation day at El Toro marine base.Much more than presidents alone, this memoir follows O'Donnell through adventures covering sports, local events, fairs and entertainers like Kevin Costner and Tony Bennett. We ride along to meet everyone from Dr. "Bee Man" Norm Gary to Groucho Marx feeding grapes to Alice Cooper. The Dalai Lama, Margaret Thatcher and Jerry Brown sprinkle the narrative too.Patrick received a number of awards including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles.Part journalism passion project, part who's who of 55+ years behind closed doors, this richly illustrated book memorializes an era when newspapers still ruled - before cell phones and digital film crowded out the dark room. Personal, humorous stories make this insider's chronicle a must-read photo memoir for any news junkie and photography buff.Peggy O'Donnell was Patrick's long time business partner and wife of 57 years.https://www.amazon.com/WHAT-PRESIDENTS-DALAI-WHOOPI-COMMON/dp/B0CVG1G21C/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://patrickinfocus.com/https://www.ecpublishingllc.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31226tba1.mp3
Jesus Asked Peter One Life-Changing Question - How Would You Answer?Called To Discipleship: Turning to Christ with Full Purpose of Heart by Michael Steven PurlesFollowing Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, He met with several of His disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee as they came in from fishing, Peter's former career. Confusion is apparent regarding what they should do following those two events that tested their faith and changed their lives forever. Christ posed a powerful question to Peter: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” It was not a question about fish, but about love and devotion.Peter answered that he did love the Lord, and Christ replied, “Feed my sheep.” He asked the question three times. In doing so, Christ was clearly testing and reawakening Peter's commitment and calling him once again to a life of discipleship.Peter had been called to follow the Lord—and so have we all. The unanswered question for each of us is this: Will we, like Peter, turn to Christ with full purpose of heartMichael Steven Purles is an author who has served as a business skills trainer as well as a business manager throughout much of his adult life. His writing opportunities have followed two parallel, but different pathways, one for business and the other for personal life experiences. You will recognize in his writing a specific focus on finding strength for and helping to lift burdens that are a part of each person's life. A special focus is on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and becoming one of His true disciples.AMAZONhttps://michaelpurles.com/https://foxpressmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/31226fpm.mp3
What does it take to be remembered as “notable”?In the Bible, tucked away in Second Book of Kings, there's a brief story about a woman who wasn't royalty… wasn't Jewish… and wasn't connected to any famous lineage. Yet her courage and faith made history.Author Don Anderson joins us to talk about A Notable Woman, his powerful reimagining of that mysterious figure. Through the character of Marta, we witness a young girl forced into marriage who grows into a bold, fearless woman whose life is forever changed after an encounter with the prophet Elisha.Drawing from his time stationed in the Middle East during Desert Storm, Anderson brings cultural authenticity and vivid historical detail to every page. Critics praise the novel's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and powerful portrayal of resilience in the face of injustice.It's a story of resilience, heartbreak, quiet strength — and the kind of faith that refuses to give up.You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation about one of Scripture's most compelling — and overlooked — heroes.https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Woman-Don-Anderson/dp/1969422181/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://donanddeno.comhttps://olympusstoryhouse.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626daosh.mp3 In the Bible, tucked away in Second Book of Kings, there's a brief story about a woman who wasn't royalty… wasn't Jewish… and wasn't connected to any famous lineage. Yet her courage and faith made history.Author Don Anderson joins us to talk about A Notable Woman, his powerful reimagining of that mysterious figure. Through the character of Marta, we witness a young girl forced into marriage who grows into a bold, fearless woman whose life is forever changed after an encounter with the prophet Elisha.Drawing from his time stationed in the Middle East during Desert Storm, Anderson brings cultural authenticity and vivid historical detail to every page. Critics praise the novel's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and powerful portrayal of resilience in the face of injustice.It's a story of resilience, heartbreak, quiet strength — and the kind of faith that refuses to give up.You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation about one of Scripture's most compelling — and overlooked — heroes.https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Woman-Don-Anderson/dp/1969422181/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://donanddeno.comhttps://olympusstoryhouse.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626daosh.mp3
What happens when a lifelong scientist lets his imagination run wild?In this fascinating conversation, Joseph Ingerson Mahar discusses What If…? — a thrilling collection of short stories that blend horror, humor, and sharp reflections on human nature. After a 42-year career as an entomologist, Peace Corps volunteer, and Integrated Pest Management expert, Mahar turned his scientific curiosity into unforgettable fiction.Written during long drives between farms, these stories twist reality, blur the line between the eerie and the absurd, and explore the strange corners of the human experience. Some tales will chill you. Others will make you laugh out loud. A few may leave you quietly unsettled long after the final page.Perfect for fans of: Neil Gaiman Ray Bradbury Stephen King Thought-provoking horror anthologies Dark comedy with a philosophical edge From eerie twists to clever observations about life's unpredictability, What If…? invites readers to ask one simple question:What if the world isn't quite what you think it is?If you enjoy imaginative storytelling that challenges perception while entertaining you at every turn, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.AMAZONhttps://www.ecpublishingllc.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626jimec.mp3
Has the Catholic Church changed since Vatican II? And if the Church is indefectible, how do we explain today's crisis in Catholicism?In this compelling episode, we welcome Griff Ruby, author of The Resurrection of the Roman Catholic Church: A Guide to the Traditional Catholic Community. Griff offers a deep and structured examination of the post–Vatican II era, the rise of the Traditional Catholic movement, and the theological questions surrounding sedevacantism.For nearly 2,000 years, the Roman Catholic Church maintained doctrinal continuity rooted in Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. Yet many faithful Catholics believe that the Second Vatican Council marked a turning point — one that led to confusion, fragmentation, and a loss of identity within modern Catholicism.In this episode, we explore: The historical and theological impact of Vatican II What “Traditional Catholicism” really means The divisions within the traditional movement The sedevacantist position explained Whether the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church can still be visibly identified today Griff Ruby brings decades of research in Church history, ecclesiology, and Catholic doctrine to this important conversation. A convert who discovered the Faith without a religious upbringing, he approaches the crisis in the Church not with bitterness, but with careful logic and a search for unity grounded in tradition.If you're interested in Catholic theology, Church history, Vatican II, traditional Latin Mass communities, or the future of Catholicism, this episode offers thoughtful analysis and a hopeful perspective.https://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Roman-Catholic-Church-Traditional/dp/0595250181https://mrubipetrus.com/https://thinksparkllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626tspark.mp3
Are patterns of three woven into the fabric of the universe?Donna Russo believes they are — and in this fascinating conversation, she shares how she discovered “the mark of the Trinity” throughout Scripture and throughout the world around us.In her book Threes, Threes, and More Threes!, Donna explores the biblical presence of three — from Genesis to Revelation — and extends that pattern into creation itself: time (past, present, future), space (height, depth, width), and matter (solid, liquid, gas). She argues that God's fingerprints are visible everywhere if we're willing to look.A lifelong learner and devoted Bible reader since 1996, Donna was inspired to write this book after listening to the radio program Thru the Bible, which walks listeners through Scripture chapter by chapter.In this episode, we discuss:• The Trinity as a recurring biblical pattern• Why the number three appears so consistently in Scripture• How patterns in nature reflect spiritual truth• Faith, structure, and the design of the universe• What readers discover when they start looking for “threes”Whether you're a Bible scholar, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves discovering patterns in life, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of faith and design.AMAZONhttps://www.threesbook.com/https://www.urlinkpublishing.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21926drusso.mp3
What does it truly mean to be “a man after God's own heart”?In David: Man After God's Own Heart, Louis McCall reimagines the life of Israel's most famous king through the reflective voice of an aging David. From shepherd boy to giant-slayer… from hunted fugitive to empire-building king… from worshiper to flawed father — this powerful narrative explores the faith, failures, victories, and heartbreak that shaped one of the Bible's most compelling figures.David's journey includes: His anointing by the prophet Samuel The defeat of Goliath Thirteen years fleeing King Saul The deep bond with Jonathan Civil war and the uniting of Israel Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem Family betrayal and rebellion Preparing Solomon to inherit the throne Beyond the biblical drama, author Louis McCall brings a lifetime of global experience to the story. A former U.S. diplomat with a 36-year career in the State Department — serving in over 60 countries — McCall has lived his faith in both academia and international diplomacy. Now, as an author, he shares a deeply personal and spiritually rich portrayal of David's life and legacy.This conversation explores leadership, faith under pressure, moral failure, redemption, and what it means to finish well.AMAZONhttps://louismccallinternational.com/https://www.kingpagespress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21826kpp1.mp3
Is reality spontaneous… or purposeful?In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Lindsey K. Ham Sr., author of The Reality of Everything, to explore one of life's biggest questions: Why are we here?Drawing from his extraordinary life experience as a scientist, psychologist, U.S. Army combat veteran officer, former police officer, educator, and artist, Ham challenges readers to rethink what they believe about science, matter, consciousness, and God. He argues that every “tiny bit of the tiniest bits” of matter functions with purpose — and that purpose itself points to a Creator.Rather than asking readers to blindly accept his conclusions, Ham encourages critical thinking. Question it. Test it. Even attempt to disprove it. His goal is transformation — whether through learning something new or confirming what you already sensed to be true.This episode explores: Is spontaneous existence even possible? Does science reveal intentional design? Why do humans instinctively ask “Why?” How awareness shapes our understanding of reality Can faith and science coexist? The Reality of Everything invites readers into a contemplative space where science, philosophy, and spiritual awareness intersect.If you've ever wrestled with the meaning of existence, this conversation is for you.AMAZONhttps://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21926lkhs.p3
Raising Vibrantly Healthy Children & Families: 12 Simple Tips that WORK! with Susan Smith Jones, PhDFor a woman with three of America's most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan is the founder and president of Health Unlimited, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm dedicated to optimal wellness and human potential. She travels worldwide as a frequent media show guest and healthy living consultant. She is the author of many celebrated books, including her latest 4 books that cover in detail our topic today. First, for children, her new celebrated novelette, an inspiring, value-driven and beautifully illustrated novelette — JOY & THE BUTTERFLY: The Magical Garden, which goes well with her other bestselling and award-winning children's 2-in-1 nutrition book VEGETABLE SOUP/THE FRUIT BOWL. And then for adults, there's her dynamic duo with UPLIFTED and A HUG IN A MUG.Raising healthy children can be a very daunting and challenging task in this day and age with so many activities, poor food choices, sitting too long in front of the computer, smart phone and other screens, peer pressure from friends and much more. Our guest today, holistic health and lifestyle expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has worked with parents and children for decades worldwide and will offer her best tips on how to raise healthy children – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. These tips will also apply in your life, too, whether you have children or not. So, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, caretakers, neighbors, and anyone of any age who wants to experience vibrant health on all levels, keep a pen and paper handy because you'll want to take notes.As Susan teaches in JOY & THE BUTTERFLY and UPLIFTED, when children experience a parent who reacts with kindness and prioritizes healthy living, they learn to act the same way — thereby altering generational patterns for a kinder, healthier future. A more compassionate and robust world starts with kind, healthy kids.SusanSmithJones.comX@SusanSmithJoneshttps://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphdhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj142.mp3
“Eugene Onegin" shaped Russian literature the way Shakespeare shaped English drama—and now it's being reimagined in a whole new way.Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837) is Russia's most beloved poet, and Eugene Onegin —his “novel in verse”—is considered the most influential work in Russian literature. In this episode, we welcome back acclaimed poet, translator , scholar and celebrated author Martin Bidney, who has created something utterly unprecedented: a verse interview book with his internationally acclaimed "ALEXANDER PUSHKIN'S VERSE NOVEL "EUGENE ONEGIN": A Form-True Dialogic Verse Translation with Lyrical Replies and Supplements".For every 14-line stanza Pushkin wrote, Bidney responds with a Pushkin-style reply poem, turning the translation into a living dialogue—two verse novels in conversation across centuries. The result is not just a translation, but a collaboration with genius.Bidney, Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature at Binghamton University, has spent decades crafting poetic dialogues with literary giants. His work is praised by leading scholars, as a groundbreaking application of the “dialogic” approach to literature. His wide ranging fascination with revelatory writing stems from "patterns of epiphany where martin pioneered a method of analysis he has since applied to over 20 authors In the first 23 years of his "rewirement" he has published 61 books of original and translated poetry, often including both in what he calls "verse translation interviews" with poets he has read in Polish, Russian, German, and French.Join us for a deep and delightful conversation about poetry, translation, literary history, and what happens when a translator becomes a collaborator. we welcome back to Martin Bidney.AMAZONhttps://www.martinbidney.org/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21226mbsl.mp3
What if the smallest things on earth carried the biggest messages from God? "God's Amazing Creation: The Story of Seeds" by Lindy KerrWhat makes a seed sprout? How do seeds travel across the earth? What protects them in drought?In this inspiring episode, Ric Bratton welcomes author and rancher Lindy Kerr, whose book God's Amazing Creation: The Story of Seeds blends simple science with deep faith to reveal the wonder of God's design. Drawing from her life on a New Mexico ranch and her years teaching science, Lindy shows how even the smallest seed reflects the power, wisdom, and love of the Creator.This uplifting conversation explores:
What was it really like to serve in the Peace Corps during its earliest days?In this episode, Gary R. Lindberg author of " The Vegetable Grows and the Lion Roars: My Peace Corps Service" shares extraordinary stories from his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Ivory Coast during the 1960s — a bold era shaped by President John F. Kennedy's vision of global service. From building school gardens and working in remote villages to breaking down in the middle of nowhere, encountering camels, and traveling to legendary places like Timbuktu, Gary's journey is one of courage, curiosity, and cultural discovery.We explore: Life as an early Peace Corps Volunteer Daily village life in West Africa Adventures, challenges, and unexpected lessons How service shaped his life and career Gary Lindberg, a UC Berkeley graduate during the Free Speech Movement and a longtime human resources professional, reflects on how his Peace Corps experience influenced his worldview and lifelong path.This is a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation about service, adventure, and the power of stepping into the unknown.http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/2526kpp2.mp3 AMAZONhttps://garyrlindberg.com/https://www.kingpagespress.com/
What if humanity's greatest strength — rational thought — is also the source of our deepest disconnection?In his book "How The Rational Mind Repressed The Emotional Mind Into Submission Once We Got The Spoken Word", engineer, philosopher, and systems thinker Chet Shupe explores how emotional intelligence once guided human life — and how the rise of language, laws, and rational systems slowly displaced that ancient wisdom. Drawing on evolutionary insight, psychology, spirituality, and cultural reflection, Shupe challenges the assumption that reason alone should govern human behavior.We discuss: How emotional intelligence shaped early human connection The hidden cost of civilization and social systems The origins of shame, disconnection, and spiritual mistrust What it means to rediscover emotional wisdom in the modern world Shupe's work invites us to question long-held beliefs about progress, morality, and belonging — not with easy answers, but with deep reflection and human compassion.This is a powerful conversation for anyone who feels something essential has been lost — and is searching for what it truly means to be human.AMAZONhttps://www.spiritualfreedompress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/kccs.mp3
Can religious topics be entertaining? Barry Leonardini thinks so — and his bold, satirical novel Jesus and Peter: a Different View of Christ and His Catholic Church proves it.In this fascinating conversation, Leonardini challenges traditional Christian narratives by reimagining Jesus and the apostle Peter through a lens of humanity, ambition, politics, and power. Was Jesus exactly as depicted in the Bible? How much of his story was shaped by Peter? And how did Rome transform a humble message of charity into a global religious institution?We explore: The humanity, vulnerability, and strategy behind Jesus' message Peter's rise to Rome and the political shaping of Christianity How religion, power, and storytelling intertwine Why Jerusalem produced both Jesus and Muhammad How faith evolved from personal charity to organized empire Barry Leonardini, a former floor trader on the Pacific Stock Exchange and longtime radio guest, brings sharp wit, historical imagination, and fearless commentary to one of history's most powerful stories.Whether you're religious, skeptical, curious, or just love bold conversations, this episode will challenge what you think you know — and keep you entertained.http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/2526bbkpp1.mp3 AMAZONhttps://freshcleanday.blogspot.comhttps://www.kingpagespress.com/
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
