Podcast appearances and mentions of bob brennan

Simple Ways Small Business Owners Can Start Using AI  In this episode, host Bob Brennan shares two powerful and easy ways to implement AI into your small business: AI voice answering and AI chat integration. Using real-world examples from his own business, HelperTech, Bob demonstrates how AI can automate customer service, boost bookings, and deliver real ROI even after hours. What You'll Learn How AI voice systems can book appointments, offer pricing, and reduce no-shows. Why a clean, structured knowledge base is critical for AI accuracy. Practical ways small businesses can refine AI tools to maximize customer experience and profitability. Listen now to learn simple, actionable steps you can take to start using AI in your business today and gain an edge over your competition! https://www.localseotactics.com/how-you-can-implement-ai-into-your-business-today/ FREE SEO AUDIT: https://www.localseotactics.com/free-seo-audit/ Ask us a question: https://www.localseotactics.com/questions/    

Mastering Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) with Dixon Jones In this episode, host Bob Brennan welcomes SEO legend Dixon Jones, CEO and co-founder of InLinks, to discuss his groundbreaking new tool, Waikay (What AI Knows About You). They dive into the future of SEO, the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and how businesses can start managing their brand presence within AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. What You'll Learn Why traditional SEO is shifting toward AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and what that means for your business. How Waikay helps you monitor and manage how AI models perceive your brand online. Practical steps you can take today to fact-check, correct, and improve your AI reputation. Tune in to learn how to future-proof your SEO strategy and stay ahead in the AI-driven search landscape! For a free trail of Waikay go to https://waikay.io/free/ https://www.localseotactics.com/help-with-your-aeo-boosting-brand-visibility-in-the-age-of-ai-with-waikay/ RESOURCES Free SEO Audit Ask us a Question Dixon Jones Website InLinks  Waikay  Dixon on LinkedIn

How Business Owners Can Utilize AI to Save Time and Drive Success In this episode of the Local SEO Tactics Podcast, Bob Brennan sits down with renowned speaker and AI strategist Jonathan Mast. From reshaping how small businesses tackle repetitive tasks to fostering genuine customer connections, Jonathan reveals how AI can be a game-changer. Learn his innovative “Perfect Prompting Framework,” discover unconventional ways to save time and amplify team creativity, and hear how one roofer transformed his business with just a few simple tools. What You'll Learn How to turn AI into your team's most reliable “employee.” The 4-step Perfect Prompting Framework for AI-powered efficiency. Surprising ways businesses like yours are using AI to thrive without breaking the bank. Ready to see what AI can do for your business? Tune in now and learn strategies you can use today. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to keep up with our latest episodes! Ask SEO questions and get a free SEO audit on our website localseotacics.com FREE SEO AUDIT: https://www.localseotactics.com/free-seo-audit/ Ask us a question: https://www.localseotactics.com/questions/ https://www.localseotactics.com/ai-strategies-for-small-businesses-with-jonathan-mast/ Connect with Johnathan Mast: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmast/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/jonathanjmast/ https://www.youtube.com/@jonathanmast_withai https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanjmast/

Bob Brennan Introduces a New AI-Powered Focus for the Podcast This episode marks a major milestone for the Local SEO Tactics podcast. Bob Brennan announces an important transition as he takes sole ownership of the show and unveils an exciting new direction. Learn how the podcast will blend SEO expertise with cutting-edge AI tools to revolutionize your digital marketing strategy. Explore upcoming topics, including AI-powered SEO, chatbots, content creation, and more. Join us as we embrace the future of marketing and help you take your business to new heights. Don't miss this exciting new chapter—subscribe today and prepare to transform your marketing with AI! https://www.localseotactics.com/  

In this very special episode, we pay tribute to our dear friend, Bob Brennan a resilient soul who faced life's challenges with courage and an indomitable spirit. Join us on a poignant journey as we share the last recording of Bob, a survivor of cystic fibrosis and a six-year warrior post-double lung transplant. As Bob candidly recounts his aspirations for retirement, teaching, and his dream move to Ireland, little did we know that this would be his final chapter. Battling liver failure and the harsh consequences it brought, Bob's strength and love for life shine through in every word. To honor Bob's memory, we've curated a reflective soundtrack with touches of Ireland, a place that held a special spot in his heart. The music, intertwined with snippets of his favorite ACDC tunes, sets the backdrop for a heartfelt remembrance of a remarkable individual. Join us as we celebrate Bob's life, his triumphs, and the lasting impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him. This episode serves as both a farewell and a tribute to a friend who embraced every moment and inspired us all to live with passion and resilience.

Unveiling the Truth: Googling Your Business and Its Impact on SEO Rankings Explore the intriguing question of whether Googling your own business affects SEO rankings. Join host Jesse Dolan, along with guests Bob Brennan and Sue Ginsburg, as they dissect the nuances, debunk myths, and provide valuable insights for business owners navigating the world of local SEO. What You'll Learn Understand the truth behind Googling your own business and its potential impact on SEO rankings. Explore the factors that influence personalized search results and learn how they differ from broader SEO considerations. Discover actionable insights on monitoring SEO performance using tools and gain clarity on when and how often to check your rankings. Thanks for listening! Show your support of the show by sharing and reviewing us wherever you get your podcasts. Ask SEO questions and get a free SEO audit on our website! Episode Transcript and Resources: https://www.localseotactics.com/does-googling-my-own-business-affect-my-website-rankings/ Free SEO Audit Ask us a Question Google support document BrightLocal SERP checker 

Friends, colleagues, former students and others acquainted with Bob Brennan gathered downtown Wilmington, NC between 3pm and 5pm at the Pour Tap Room on Front Street to have drinks, fellowship, and share stories about Bob.   #historyisalive #haveadrinkonme #ACDC #RobertJamesBrennan #BobBrennan #Legend #gonebutneverforgotten Those who shared stories about Bob include: Ms. Natasha Euchus Synder  (former office mate, friend and colleague of Bob & current Pender Early College High School Liaison and Sociology Instructor) Mr. Ben Sorensen (fellow History Instructor, friend and colleague of Bob) Ms. Bree Peterson-Resnick (former student,  current friend,  colleague and  Instructor of Culinary) Mr. Dylan Patterson (friend, colleague and current Instructor of English and Literature) Mr. Frank Carter (writer, friend, former colleague in Communications  & Retired Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts) Ms. Rachel Satzman (former office mate, friend and colleague of Bob & current Instructor of Anthropology and History Ms. Yuna Shin (friend and colleague of Bob and current Instructor of German)

Robert J. Brennan (Bob) has passed.  Friend, colleague, mentor and all around bad ass has sadly passed away.  Bob introduced himself to the show back in the summer (2023) when he came on as a guest to discuss what he considered the "Good Life".  From his very first appearance on Put Em On The Couch Bob showed our audience what it means to live and even thrive despite being dealt a death sentence from birth.  Born in the 1960's with Cystic Fibrosis, Bob was only supposed to live a few months to years at most.  He would not only overcome these horrific odds, but beat those prognostications by miles.  While certainly not an easy plight, Bob committed himself early in life to not only surviving, but thriving.  You can hear his life's story in Season 1, Episode 25 Surviving Against All Odds.  Fast forward to December of 2023 and sadly, Bob has finally succumbed to his disease.  In this episode, Nelson and I will celebrate this incredible teacher, friend, scholar and fellow podcaster in the best way we know how - by putting Bob's Legacy on the Couch! 

Boosting Business Success by Optimizing Year-End Investments As the year draws to a close, businesses have a unique opportunity to strategically invest in marketing initiatives that not only reduce taxes but also set the stage for a successful year ahead. In this episode of Local SEO Tactics, hosts Jesse Dolan, Sue Ginsberg, and Bob Brennan explore the benefits of year-end spending, focusing on tax-deductible marketing expenses and providing valuable insights into areas worth considering. What You'll Learn Why businesses should leverage year-end investments to reduce taxes by strategically allocating profits into tax-deductible marketing expenses What types of investments you can spend on from revamping your website, and updating your logo, to technical SEO improvements for online visibility  How prepaying for marketing services, optimizing Google Business Profiles, and prioritizing customer reviews can yield quick and impactful results for the coming year Thanks for listening! Show your support of the show by sharing and reviewing us wherever you get your podcasts. Ask SEO questions and get a free SEO audit on our website! Episode Transcript and Resources: https://www.localseotactics.com/how-to-spend-for-year-end/ FREE SEO AUDIT: https://www.localseotactics.com/free-seo-audit/ Ask us a question: https://www.localseotactics.com/questions/

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the this newest episode of Put Em On The Couch.  Born with Cystic Fibrosis in the 1960s. Bob Brennan grew up on the mean streets of New Jersey. Fast forward to January 1, 2018 and he would undergo and survive an incredible double-lung transplant.  Despite surviving this life altering surgery for 6 years, Bob has new medical problems. In the previous two episodes, Bob discussed the fear and uncertainty surrounding his recent diagnosis of liver failure or ascites.    A couple of weeks ago, while undergoing an exploratory upper endoscopy, Surgeons made a disturbing new discovery - cancer!!   Listen to find out more.    #cancersucks #BobBrennan #warriorspirit #cysticfibrosis #double-lungtransplant #liverfailure #resilience

Join us for the 25th episode of "Put Em On The Couch" as host Jason McCoy welcomes back the indomitable Bob Brennan. In this riveting installment, Bob takes us on an emotional journey, discussing his recent health struggles and the unforeseen challenges stemming from his successful double lung transplant. As Bob delves into the fear and trepidation of the unknown, we provide real-time updates on his evolving situation, all set to the haunting melodies of "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult. In a profound moment, Bob shares the insight that "pain without fear is less painful," offering a unique perspective on resilience and courage. Listen in as he shares his courageous story, providing invaluable insights into the human spirit's capacity to confront fear and overcome adversity. Explore the challenges of life's unexpected twists and turns in this heartfelt and candid episode of "Put Em On The Couch."

Join me (Jason McCoy) the host of Put Em On The Couch as I reconnect with a friend and guest of the podcast, Mr. Bob Brennan. For those who listened to my first interview with Bob, you will definitely want to tune in to this new recording. Bob was kind enough to go on the "couch" again to provide us with an update on his health. 

Today's episode wraps up our series on the book, Safe in the Father's Heart. Kimberly interviews her friend, Bob Brennan, a father, husband, son, mentor, and educator, who gives us an inspiring picture of many of the details we have discussed throughout this book. Prior to this interview, Elizabeth reads an update from Adi and his work with the camps in Ukraine.

In this episode we visit Sherri and Bob Brennan just north of La Grange, Calif. to bell some cows prior to the herd's annual pilgrimage into the Stanislaus National Forest at Eagle Meadows which sits at just about 7,400' elevation.

Join us as we say goodbye to three Mount giants - Kevin Robinson, Bob Brennan and Lynne Phelan Robinson.

Truly great leaders transform the people and teams that they work with. We've been lucky enough to have some conversations with some truly transformative leaders on the Revenue Builders Podcast. This week, we're sharing some of our favorite golden nuggets from some memorable guests. Tune in as MongoDB CRO Cedric Pech, War Veteran & Mentor Anthony Anderson,  Former CEO of Iron Mountain & Chairman for Fairwinds Bob Brennan, and JD Brookhart talk emotions in times of chaos, different types of leadership and leadership issues, and how to help people reach their true potential. Learn what it takes to be a great leader on this episode of Revenue Builders. Here are some key sections to check out: 01:08 Cedric Pech on transactional leadership vs transformative leadership16:13 Anthony Anderson on emotions and understanding the why of everything he does26:42 Bob Brennan on what it means to keep people from themselves 30:24 JD Brookhart on building trust in a team and how bad character can affect the morale of the entire team Additional Resources:Connect with Cedric Pech: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedricpech/Connect with Anthony Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-anderson-441177129/Connect with Bob Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbrennan236/Connect with JD Brookhart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-brookhart-ba647977/How to Lead through Economic Change: https://forc.mx/3M8NBrU QUOTESCedric quotes a French author on training people on the sales process: “If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them task and work only but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. When you define the sales process, when you train the people on qualifying things, these are all incredibly important things to do you make them competent at doing that.” Anthony on navigating your environment in times of chaos: “This kind of what you're being told and what you're supposed to act on but ultimately what you're observing and what you're feeling. So some of the chaos of war is not just what's happening outside. It's what's happening in your heart and in your mind.” Check out John McMahon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Qualified-Sales-Leader-Proven-Lessons/dp/0578895064

Why Ongoing SEO Efforts Are Critical Even After Achieving Top Google Rankings In this episode of Local SEO Tactics, Jesse Dolan is joined by Bob Brennan and Sue Ginsburg to discuss the critical importance of ongoing SEO efforts even after achieving top rankings on Google. The trio debunks the common misconception that once a website has reached the top of search engine results, SEO is no longer necessary. They explain why continuous optimization is vital to maintaining a competitive edge and driving traffic to a website, sharing insights and expert advice on staying up-to-date with best practices in the ever-evolving world of SEO. What you'll learn: Why ongoing SEO efforts are crucial even after achieving top rankings on Google How search algorithms are constantly changing, and staying up-to-date with SEO best practices is essential for maintaining a competitive edge When to make adjustments to your SEO strategy to adapt to changes in the digital landscape and remain visible to potential customers Questions about SEO? Ask us at www.localseotactics.com/questions  for a chance to have it answered on the show! Transcript and resources: https://www.localseotactics.com/is-ongoing-seo-really-that-important-for-my-website/    

In this episode of Revenue Builders, our hosts John Kaplan and John McMahon talk with Bob Brennan. Bob has worked in multiple VP and CEO positions throughout his career and is currently a board chairman for Fairwinds, BitSight, and Thoughtworks. They discuss the metaphorical ‘athleticism' required to be a successful leader of a high-growth sales organization, gained through self-improvement and practice. Bob's advice for sales leaders is to own your mistakes, never assume you're the expert, and not be afraid to ask for help. He reminds us that it takes a team mentality to succeed, so positive energy and true comradery are your best assets. Additional Resources:Help give opportunities to youth in foster care: https://mtwyouth.org/Support Black-owned businesses in Massachusetts: https://www.becma.org/Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbrennan236/Listen to More Revenue Builders: https://www.forcemanagement.com/revenue-builders-podcast HIGHLIGHTSBeing a coachable leaderBenefits of an accountable cultureHow to handle the wrong hireOwning your mistakes, but not dwelling on themDon't talk to yourself in a way you wouldn't talk to othersDealing with activist investorsThe difference in leading public vs. private companiesLeading indicators of a successful ventureLeadership doesn't have to be lonely - don't be afraid to ask for help QUOTESBOB: The kind of people you want around you"I think you want to have people around you that are going to be supportive, but clear-eyed about, like when you're off or when you're wrong, and can you know, say, hey, wait a minute. So you don't end up betting the farm inadvertently, or, you know, chasing the wrong truck.”BOB: Don't be so hard on yourself"I think you want to hold up the mirror and be honest with yourself about screwing things up because it is a game of misses business. But then, let yourself off the hook too, just take that on board is don't do it again. But like, would you let it go? Check out John McMahon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Qualified-Sales-Leader-Proven-Lessons/dp/0578895064

Sister Teresa George sits down with Bob Brennan, Vice President for University Advancement, to discuss the Daughters of Charity, their relationship with The Mount, The new School of Health Professions, and Synergy.  Support the show (https://msmary.edu/alumni-and-friends/ways-to-give/index.html)

Bob Brennan talks with Catherine Gordon about guiding adventures in the beautiful Greenville Lake Region.

Catch up with Kevin Robinson and Bob Brennan, C'85, VP of University Advancement as they discuss leadership and culture building, along with some great Mount stories. This episode also features special guests, Don Stevenson, C'85 and Will Holden, C'21.

In this episode we examine pump and dump schemes in which thinly traded penny stocks are held by unscrupulous broker dealers through nominees who push the stock on unsophisticated investors, drive up the share prices and then sell their shares at inflated prices causing the stock value to drop significantly. The term pump and dump is not widely known outside of securities enforcement but the names of the practitioners are more familiar. Stratton Oakmont’s Jordan Belfort (of Wolf of Wall Street fame), Benjamin Conde, Power Traders Press, Rooney Pace, A.R. Baron and the granddaddy of them all, Bob Brennan of First Jersey Securities, introduced the world to stock boiler rooms which have continued to be a blight on the securities industry.

Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term by Michael Santos Episode 10.1 Months 180-190   The first time I see Bob he’s carefully selecting items from the salad bar. He expertly manipulates the stainless-steel tongs, piling the freshest tomatoes, radishes, chopped iceberg lettuce, and spinach leaves on his plastic tray. He’s oblivious to the growing line of angry men standing in line and the other 500 prisoners in the noisy chow hall. Bob stands taller than six feet, with glacial blue eyes and a full head of blond hair that he combs neatly. I know he’s new to Fort Dix, and I suspect he’s in his late-fifties.  He’s trim and clean-cut.  As I watch him from a nearby table, I can’t help but wonder why he’s here. I’ve read of professionals and businessmen who’ve run afoul of the law, but those offenders don’t generally serve time with us inside double fences laced with coils of razor wire. Bob looks like the type of man who sends people to prison, not one who serves time in prison. Other white-collar types approach him, smiling, offering to help him settle in. Bob, however, remains tight-lipped, responding only with curt nods. When he clenches his jaw he projects defiance rather than the fear I’m used to seeing in newcomers. A few days have passed since I saw him in the chow hall, and I see him again while I’m running around the track. He’s sitting on the railroad ties that serve as steps separating the court from the track, eating a green apple and watching Ironhead, a more typical prisoner, shoot baskets alone on the asphalt court inside the track. Ironhead is a guy who looks like he’s been in prison all his life. His shaved head glistens with sweat and he distinguishes himself with a mouthful of gold-capped teeth. He’s tall and muscular. Arching over his shoulder blades is a tattoo with bold capital letters that spell out “destroyer.” On his stomach is another that reads “thug for life.” I’m used to seeing Ironhead shoot baskets while I run. We don’t share much in common and we never talk. He exercises alone, and I exercise alone. Today Bob sits between our workouts, eating his apple and watching. While running, I drift into thoughts about my writing projects and about the relationship Carole and I are building through our letters. As my steps crunch along the gravel track today, I tune into Bob, wondering whether he’s going to make the mistake of interrupting Ironhead’s workout. “You’d make more shots if you’d set your stance before shooting,” Bob instructs. Ironhead ignores him, takes another shot, and misses. “See what I mean? You’re losing your balance.” Ironhead grabs the rebound. Then he presses his left fist into his hip, and with his right hand, palms the basketball as he addresses Bob. “A-yo Gee! Who you be talkin’ to?” Ironhead snarls, strutting toward Bob. Bob takes the last bite of his apple and then sets the core on the step, standing to meet Ironhead. “I’ll show you what I mean,” Bob says with a combination of innocence and coaching authority that actually disarms the unlikely student. Then he opens his hands, gesturing for Ironhead to pass him the ball. Ironhead scowls, bounces the ball twice, then hurls the ball at Bob.  He dribbles to the top of the key, plants and sinks the ball, then proceeds to coach Ironhead on shooting skills. Before I finish my run, I’m surprised to see the two are on the court together playing one on one. Later in the afternoon I see Bob sitting alone at a picnic table beneath one of the maple trees. He’s writing a letter on a yellow legal pad, gold-frame reading glasses perched on his nose. I approach and interrupt him. “Can I have a minute?” He looks up, quickly evaluating me like an employer deliberating whether I’m worthy of an interview.  Then he answers with a half-dismissive “I’ll be with you in a minute.” He finishes writing his paragraph, leaving me waiting. “Now,” he sets his pen down, “how can I help you?” “My name’s Michael Santos,” I say, introducing myself. “I’m a long-term prisoner and aspiring writer. I’ve just finished a manuscript describing some of my experiences that I’m about ready to send to my publisher. If you’ve got time to read it, I’d appreciate any advice you might offer on what I can do to strengthen my manuscript.” Bob removes his glasses and rubs his eyes. “Why ask me?” “You’re new to prison, I’m guessing, and you’re as close as I’m going to get in here to the demographic I’m trying to reach.” “What’s that, old white guys?” “No, college-educated people who don’t have experience with confinement.” “Let me see it.” I pass him the envelope containing my manuscript. He pulls the document out and glances through the 400 pages. “Did you type this here?”
 “My girlfriend typed it for me.” “She did a nice job.” He places it back in the envelope. “I’ve got a full plate right now, but if you leave it with me, I’ll read it over the next few days.” “Sounds good. I’m not in a rush. What’s your name?” “I’m Bob Brennan,” he says, as if I should recognize the name, and extends his hand. ****** In the weeks to come Bob and I develop a friendship. We walk the track together and I listen to his story. From his demeanor, I correctly surmised that he was a man accustomed to pulling strings at the top levels of American business.  Bob was the founder and CEO of numerous businesses, both public and private.  For many years he was his company’s spokesman on national television commercials that invited investors to grow with him at First Jersey Securities, his most well known company.  Bob owned personal jets, helicopters, and palatial homes, and thoroughbred racehorses.  Over the course of his distinguished career, he earned hundreds of millions and nurtured friendships with distinguished people such as President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. Bush, and President George W. Bush.  A jury convicted Bob for a crime that he described to me as “lying on a government form.”  Now he’s beginning a sentence that threatens to confine him for a decade. We sit on a steel bench beneath a cherry tree on this late summer evening in 2002. Hundreds of prisoners walk along the wide path circling the compound. Bob knows all about my story because he read the manuscript I prepared. I listen to his story with a sense of loss at what my imprisonment has cost me when he describes his career, his experiences at creating jobs for tens of thousands of well-paid people that his companies employed. “You know what a Democrat is, don’t you?” I tease Bob.  “What’s that?” “It’s a Republican who’s been arrested.”
Bob laughs, but his smile fades as he scans the Fort Dix compound. “This isn’t the place to spend your life.” “I’m used to it,” I say. “That’s a shame,” he says knowingly. “What do you miss most from all that you’ve lost?” I probe. Bob is a man who has lost much. Bob looks up at the sky, thinking. “My Gulfstream jet and the freedom to fly away.” “That’s what you miss most?” I can hardly believe him. “There’s nothing like being able to fly wherever you want, whenever you want.” He affirms his answer with a nod. “I guess traveling isn’t an aspiration I can relate to anymore.” “So how’s your romance going with Carole? Did you get a letter from her today?” Bob asks, deliberately changing the subject. “Yes, we write every day, although she might not like what I wrote back today.” “What’s that?” “It’s nothing serious, but something she wrote bothered me, and I let her know.” “What bothered you?” “She wrote about lottery tickets.” “So?” “Come on, a lottery ticket? It doesn’t sit well with me. When I think of people who buy lottery tickets, I think of a poverty state of mind, of people who don’t work hard enough to make things happen on their own. Instead, they’re waiting for something to happen for them.” “You’ve got to lighten up, Michael. Not everyone in the world is like you.” “Do you buy lottery tickets?” Bob doesn’t dignify the question with an answer. “It’s not about what I do. I’m talking about understanding other people. People like to dream. Las Vegas is built on that concept.” “I want her to have stability and independence in her life so she’s not worried about whether child support checks come on time, or anything else.” “Give her a break. Why’re you trying to control her life?” “I’m not trying to control anything.” “The hell you aren’t. When you judge someone for buying a lottery ticket, you’re trying to control them.” “We’re growing closer and I want her to know how I think.” “You haven’t been with a woman in 15 years, and you haven’t even seen Carole since high school. How’re you going to build a relationship from here, when she’s living on the West Coast, and you’re locked inside a Jersey prison?” “The circumstances might not be ideal, I’ll give you that. But the distance between us doesn’t mean we can’t fall in love, build a life together.” Bob laughs. “Love? A life together? Listen to yourself! You’ve been locked up since 1987. This is a divorced mother of two. You’re both desperate. If you string this woman along, all you’re going to do is make both of your lives miserable.” “I’m not stringing her along, and I’m not desperate. Neither is she. We’re two people in our mid-thirties falling in love. We’re not teenagers.” “Michael, you’re a smart guy. Think about what you’re doing. You’ve got 11 more years to serve in prison. When you go home you’ll be heading into a world that you haven’t seen for 26 years. You don’t know anything about women, about love, about what it means to build a life with someone else.” “You’re right about one thing, Bob. I’ve been doing this a long time. But you’re wrong when you say I don’t know anything about love. Living in prison has been like watching earth from a different planet. My separation from society has given me a chance to observe, to learn from the lives of others. I’ve read that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. You’ve been a rich man since your early 30s, yet two of your marriages ended in divorce, and you’re breaking off a relationship now. I may be separated from the rest of the world, but I’ve studied people from a different perspective, and I’ve learned from them.” “Oh really? What’ve you learned?” He scoffs. “One thing for sure, in order to create lasting love, I’ll need to appreciate Carole more than I’d appreciate a jet.” Bob grunts. “You’ve never had a Gulfstream.” ******* As other prisoners count the days until release, I’m counting down the days until my first visit with Carole. It’s evening on October 16th, 2002. I lie on my bunk using a small, battery-powered light to read Carole’s long letters. I have my favorites, the ones I devour repeatedly. We’ve been writing daily for eight months, and when I wake tomorrow, we’ll begin five glorious days of visiting together. I’m going to hold her, to kiss her for as long as guards will permit. I stare at her photograph and fall asleep, the book light still burning. When I wake, my smile stretches across my face. It’s a good day. Visiting doesn’t begin until 1:00, so I have time to make my bed, wash my face, brush my teeth, and then sit at my desk to write her a love letter. I want her to know how grateful I am that she flew from Oregon to hold my hand under the harsh lights of a New Jersey prison visiting room. I stack the paper and books from my desk in my locker. While sitting on my mattress I lace my sneakers, rise, straighten the wrinkles on my bed, and look around to ensure everything is in its proper place in case the guards come in for a surprise cell inspection. I can’t leave anything visible without risking the loss of my 2-man room; a failed inspection would put me back in a 12-man room. With a final glance to make sure I’m leaving the room in perfect condition, I close the door and walk outside for an early exercise session. I jog eight miles, watching as the wind tosses leaves in waves from the maple trees. They flutter to the grass in different shades of yellow and orange. These same trees were in their early spring bloom when Carole began typing my manuscript, About Prison. In June she was typing my second manuscript, Profiles From Prison, and our romance began. By summer’s end we were pledging our love. But it’s been all correspondence and phone calls until today. I check my watch and expect that her plane has landed by now. She’s renting a car and is only hours away from the jolting reality of my world. She’ll see the fences with the coils of razor wire, the checkpoints with armed, uniformed guards. I wonder how she’ll respond to the metal detectors, the bureaucratic condemnation, the numerous rules, and the forms required of visitors to federal prisons. I follow my run with pushups. As I’m finishing Bob comes out for his walk. “So today’s your day!” He smiles in good spirits, happy for me. “She’ll be here at one.” I stand and brush the dirt from my hands. “Will you be there until visiting ends?” “That’s the plan.” “Okay then. I’ll be waiting for you when you come out. We’ll walk a few laps and you can tell me how things went.” “I’ll see you then,” I promise. I return to my housing unit, shower, shave closely with a new, double-blade razor, and dress in clean sweats. Pancho, my friend down the hall, ironed my khakis and shined my shoes in exchange for a three-can pack of tuna. The clothes hang against my wall. With a few hours to pass before our visit, I pick up Nelson Mandela’s A Long Walk to Freedom, the biography that describes his wretched and unjust multi-decade stretch in an African prison. I set the book on my chest and I let my mind wander. Carole’s love has given me hope for a life most men take for granted. When it’s almost one o'clock, I stand to change. My heart beats faster when I hear my name being paged, and I walk across the compound, through the gates, toward the visiting room. The guard takes a long time answering the door after I push the button, frustrating me as I lose minutes I could be sharing with Carole. After months of waiting, she’s finally here, on the other side of this wall. It’s been 28 years since I first played kickball with her in fifth grade and 20 years since our high school graduation. The guard unlocks the door. “Name and number?” “Santos, 16377-004,” I state, handing him my red ID card. “We paged you 15 minutes ago. Where’ve you been?” “Right here. I pushed the button,” I respond, suppressing my impatience and irritation. “Come on. You know the drill.” I step into the room and undress for the guard to search me. “Do you know the rules about physical contact?” “I know the rules.” “One kiss when you come in, one kiss when you leave.” “Can I hold her hand?” He nods. “Just don’t get too frisky. I don’t wanna be sendin’ anyone to the SHU today.” “Of course you don’t.” The guards don’t realize how their callousness dehumanizes prisoners. “What was that?” He challenges me with his glare. “Never mind.” Not even a prison guard can dampen my enthusiasm today. “Can I go in now?” “Have a nice visit.” His flat expression and flatter tone contradict his good wishes. Anticipation for a blind date with a woman I already love sends adrenaline racing through me as I open the door and enter. I scan the faces and see Carole, far away, sitting beneath a window screened with black iron mesh. Our eyes lock and she stands, smiling radiantly. Holding her gaze, I zigzag through a maze of maroon plastic chairs, remembering just in time to drop my ID card with the guard who operates the computer surveillance system. Carole looks lovely in fitted denim jeans, black heels, and a beige knit sweater. Her long blonde hair falls past her shoulders. Seconds later she’s in my arms, welcoming my embrace. I can’t believe I’m holding her. “Let me look at you,” I breathe her in. She’s smiling, and in her sparkling hazel eyes, I see her love for me. “We can only kiss once, the guards are watching,” I whisper, wanting to remember this moment with her body pressing against mine. I tilt my head to the right and bend to meet her lips as she leans into me. With my hands on her back I feel the warmth of her flesh through her clothing. Her heart’s beating fast, and I welcome her tongue, the unfamiliar sensation of her breasts pressed against my chest, and the feminine arch of her slender hips.  It awakens the man in me, as if I’m feeling a woman for the first time. I don’t care about the other 50 visitors in the room and I kiss her as long as I can, though I’m conscious of the guards, knowing they’ll humiliate me by yelling my name and issuing a warning if I don’t release her. “Let’s sit,” I tell her. “Hold me for a second longer.” She presses her cheek against mine. “I love you.” I’m so grateful that she’s in my life and I assure her of my love.  We sit beside each other, holding hands, locking our fingers together, and I stare into her eyes.  After so many years of living in prison, I feel incredibly fortunate to have her with me. When she averts her eyes, glancing down, I tilt her chin up with my index finger. “I want to look at your face.” “Why?” she asks nervously, with her cheek twitching. “Because you’re beautiful and I need to memorize every curve of your face. Why are you so nervous?” “I can’t help it,” she admits, squeezing my hands. “I’m just happy to be here.” “The fences and razor wire didn’t bother you?” I know how foreboding they can seem at first. “The only thing that bothers me is that I can’t take you home with me. If this is where you are, this is where I want to be,” she promises, and I see the sincerity in her eyes. “I want to kiss you again,” I tell her. Concerns that the realities of prison could overwhelm her begin to dissipate after Carole’s affirmation. “So kiss me.” She says softly, smiling “We can’t. Those guards sitting on the platform will give me a disciplinary infraction if I kiss you again.” “They’re not watching us.” “Yes, they are. Those black bubbles in the ceiling are cameras, and the guards have several monitors at their desk. They sit there with a joystick, moving the cameras around the room. If they catch me kissing you again, they’ll end our visit.” Carole looks around, taking in the severity of the room. A guard in the standard BOP uniform walks through the aisles, his eyes scanning the room.  “I don’t understand,” she says.  “Why would they care if you kissed me?” “Those manuscripts you’ve been typing for me aren’t fiction. In prison the priority is security, and they view kissing as a threat to institutional security.  This is my life for 11 more years.” “You won’t serve 11 more years.” “Yes I will, Honey.” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’ve already served 15 and I’ll serve 11 more.” “Then I’ll serve them with you.” “You don’t know what you’re saying.” “I do know what I’m saying. My love for you is a woman’s love, Michael, not a little girl’s crush. I’ll serve this sentence with you, whatever it takes.” “Let’s see how you feel on Monday, after our last visit.” “It won’t be our last visit. I’m coming back.”
In those first hours together, I tell Carole how I spend each day, describing when I wake, how I exercise, and where I shower.  By using my finger as a pointer on her knee, I draw a diagram, showing her the layout of my room, where I store my belongings, even how far down the hall I am from the community bathroom. I tell her about my friends, Bob and Geoff. I answer her questions about how I plan to earn a living after my release, explaining that I’ll write about my prison experience, consult with people who face challenges with the criminal justice system, and speak on how others can employ effective strategies to overcome challenges they may face. Carole’s eyes never leave me as I talk, and she listens closely, asking insightful questions, such as whether the prison system will give me any trouble when the books I’ve written reach the market. I explain the reasons why I don’t anticipate any disciplinary problems as a consequence of my writing books while I serve the remainder of my sentence. “One policy says I can’t run a business, so I don’t. A different policy states that the BOP encourages prisoners to write manuscripts, and authorizes them to mail the manuscripts without staff interference. Once I send out my manuscripts, they’re not mine. I assign the publishing royalties to Julie, or my mom.” “But your name’s on the book?” “I’m the author, but I don’t receive any money for my work.” “Your family’s getting the money though, saving it for you when you get out.  Isn’t that a problem?” “Although others may receive royalty payments, I would argue that since I don’t have a right to the money, I’m within the rules. After all, if my mom or my sister choose to keep the payments they receive, I wouldn’t have any grounds to challenge them. They pay taxes on it, not me. But even if the prison did charge me with a disciplinary infraction, I wouldn’t care. It’s my responsibility to prepare for the future and I’m proud of my work. I’m determined to leave here stable and independent.” “I want to help you.” “You are helping me. Without you, I couldn’t have converted my manuscripts to digital files. You help me by inspiring me to work harder. Ever since my term began, I’ve been preparing for you. I willed you into my life.” “No. I mean I want to help you more. I want my life with you. I want to grow with you. I want to get you out of here.” She squeezes my hand to emphasize her promise. “Baby, let’s not waste time on things beyond our control, like my being released early. Let’s focus on how we can best prepare for the challenges we’ll face when I’m released.” “Then I want to help you with that. What can we do, together?”  

Better Horses Radio NATIONAL with Ernie Rodina and Dawn Dawson, featuring special guest interviews from Steve Stafford, Bob Brennan, Jim Ware and Mark Lyons.

President Trainor is joined by Bob Brennan, C'85, VP of University Advancement and Mr. Rich Miller, C'74. Hear President Trainor's thoughts about our alumni and his interview with Rich Miller, former CEO of Virtua Health, as they discuss Rich's experiences at the Mount, the Forward Campaign, and the School of Health Professions.Support the show (https://msmary.edu/alumni-and-friends/ways-to-give/index.html)

Nuala O'Connor is an Emmy award Winning Irish Director and works closely with Writer Diarmaid Ferriter with whom she collaborated with on her first documentary feature, Keepers of the Flame. Keepers of the Flame is playing at the IFI this week. #SupportIrishFilmmaking Keepers of the Flame tells the universal story of generations dealing with the consequences of war and civil war; of what is remembered and what is forgotten. Keepers of the Flame delves into the archives of the Irish Military Service Pensions and what emerges is a truly personal retelling of a brutal and divisive period in the birth of a nation and the devastating legacy it left in its wake, for the individuals who took part and their families who suffered long after the fighting ended. More than 85,000 applied for the Irish Military Service Pension. Just over 18,000 received any payment. Keepers of the Flame examines the Irish journey in search of a collective courage to remember and acknowledge the deeds of the past, recognise the wrongs that were done, realise the context of the events and establish common ground to enable an understanding of who we are as a nation. It reveals just how problematic commemoration and remembrance can be – this is true of all wars but especially civil wars. The story is timely coming as it does in the run up to 100th anniversary of Ireland's Civil War. Produced by Tina O'Reilly. Executive Producer Philip King. Director of Photography is by Colm Hogan, Sound by Bob Brennan and Editor is Eoin McDonagh Archive readings are performed by Mary Black, Aiden Gillen, Philip King, Aine Lawlor, Eoin McDonagh, Dermot McLoughlin, Aisling Ni Shúilleabháin, Joseph O'Connor, Olivia O'Leary, Iarla O'Lionaird and Marian Richardson. The soundtrack is composed by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Keepers of the Flames is a South Wind Blows Production, made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, in association with the Irish Film Board/ Bord Scannáin na hÉireann and RTÉ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nuala O'Connor is an Emmy award Winning Irish Director and works closely with Writer Diarmaid Ferriter with whom she collaborated with on her first documentary feature, Keepers of the Flame. Keepers of the Flame is playing at the IFI this week. #SupportIrishFilmmaking Keepers of the Flame tells the universal story of generations dealing with the consequences of war and civil war; of what is remembered and what is forgotten. Keepers of the Flame delves into the archives of the Irish Military Service Pensions and what emerges is a truly personal retelling of a brutal and divisive period in the birth of a nation and the devastating legacy it left in its wake, for the individuals who took part and their families who suffered long after the fighting ended. More than 85,000 applied for the Irish Military Service Pension. Just over 18,000 received any payment. Keepers of the Flame examines the Irish journey in search of a collective courage to remember and acknowledge the deeds of the past, recognise the wrongs that were done, realise the context of the events and establish common ground to enable an understanding of who we are as a nation. It reveals just how problematic commemoration and remembrance can be – this is true of all wars but especially civil wars. The story is timely coming as it does in the run up to 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Civil War. Produced by Tina O’Reilly. Executive Producer Philip King. Director of Photography is by Colm Hogan, Sound by Bob Brennan and Editor is Eoin McDonagh Archive readings are performed by Mary Black, Aiden Gillen, Philip King, Aine Lawlor, Eoin McDonagh, Dermot McLoughlin, Aisling Ni Shúilleabháin, Joseph O’Connor, Olivia O’Leary, Iarla O’Lionaird and Marian Richardson. The soundtrack is composed by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Keepers of the Flames is a South Wind Blows Production, made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, in association with the Irish Film Board/ Bord Scannáin na hÉireann and RTÉ.

How To Survive As Local Business For Over 20 Years By Embracing New Marketing Strategies You know Bob Brennan as the co-host to Local SEO Tactics.  What many don't know is Bob's history as a successful brick-and-mortar business owner over the last 20+ years.  For episode 30 of Local SEO Tactics, Jesse interviews Bob Brennan, discussing what it takes to survive as a business for over 20 years, and how continuing to seek out and embrace new marketing technologies can help grow your small business. What You’ll Learn Insights into what it takes to persevere in small business with an ever changing marketing landscape How inbound or "pull" marketing is so much more powerful and outbound or "push marketing Contrasting the traditional marketing techniques like direct mail, versus newer digital methods Focusing on SEO and digital marketing costs substantially less than cold calling, direct mail, and appointment setting Business owners need to shift their marketing to become a "service based business" Using digital marketing allows for very low cost test marketing to see if your ideas will fly or not It's much easier for a local small business to open an online store with today's eCommerce technology Local businesses can leverage technology to provide value and services that competitors are not What are the basic inbound marketing metrics that a business owner can easily pay attention to Developing a customer service script can help your team to convert more first time callers into customers Make sure you are researching your competitors to see what they are offering and how they handle new customers View the show notes, resource links, episode transcript, and watch the video version at https://www.localseotactics.com/episode30

Molly channels Bob Brennan as she tried to convince Matthew to love leftovers as much as she does, which is a whole lot. Yes, we do indeed encounter the patriarchy again as we chat about chicken salads, cop out dinners and Matthew's husbandly virtues. EXPLICIT. www.spilledmilkpodcast.com Reheating Meat from Serious Eats

Michelle Fern welcomes Olivia Raya Ourahou from Rabbit Air. At Rabbit Air, their philosophy is simple: Offer the most effective and high quality air purifier at the most affordable prices. When you visit RabbitAir.com, you'll find stylish, effective and high quality air purifiers backed by extraordinary customer service, useful guidance, and easy-to-understand education to help you choose the best air purifier for your air quality problem. In the second segment Michelle talks to Bob Brennan from PetClenz, makers of Dr. Emmo’s Pet First Aid products. Pet-Clenz set on a mission to create a unique family of first aid products for passionate pet owners in late 2010. The result of that amazing journey is the Dr. Emmo’s brand of next-generation first-aid products for pets, which are based on a natural antibacterial ingredient (a neutral pH hypochlorous acid solution) similar to what is used in the human body to fight off pathogens. Questions or Comments? Send them to: michelle@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Rabbit Air and Dr Emmo’s with Michelle Fern var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size: '468060'};

Attorney Robert Brennan grew up steeped in the legal tradition: his uncle was former U.S. Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. (deceased), and his father, Frank Brennan, was chief in-house counsel for several major U.S. corporations during his long career. Robert Brennan began his career in civil litigation in 1988, and opened his own general practice firm, The Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan in 1991 (www.brennanlaw.com).The firm specializes in litigating cases related to violations of consumer protection laws, including unfair and abusive debt collection, lemon law, automotive dealer fraud, wrongful credit damage, personal injury, and consumer protection class actions. An experienced and aggressive trial lawyer with an excellent win record, Brennan has a wide range of successful litigation experience, including medical malpractice, consumer fraud (including consumer warranty and "lemon law" issues), personal injury, and business litigation. He is also a nationally recognized speaker on consumer protection and consumer fraud issues, and has published numerous articles on those and other litigation issues. Brennan is a member of the State Bar of California, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Hollywood Bar Association, the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, the Irish-American Bar Association, the California Association of Consumer Attorneys, the Consumer Attorney's Association of Los Angeles, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates, for which he was a founding member. He has been honored to have been selected as a "Southern California Super Lawyer" for the past four consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.brennanlaw.com ; www.socaldebtcollectionabuse.com ; www.socalcreditdamage.com.