On Mic Podcast
On Mic with Jordan Rich is all about the Art of Conversation. Conversation with creative people who have a lot to say and a lot to offer. From artists and scientists to entrepreneurs, authors, change-makers and more, enjoy conversations that will educate, entertain and inspire! Learn more at: chartproductions.com
Lauren Ambrose Actress/Singer -563
Lauren Ambrose is a sought-after award-winning TV, film and stage actress. Just a few of her career highlights include starring in HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” along with other series such as “Yellow Jackets, ”Servant,”( produced by M Night Shyamalan), “The X-Files” and “Party of Five.” Lauren has appeared on Broadway with many musicals and Shakespearean productions to her credit. An accomplished singer, Lauren talks about coming home with her appearance in Needham, Massachusetts ( just outside of Boston ) to kick off the new season of the Great Hall Performance Series (www.greathallperformance.org). Lauren shares stories of her show business mentors, some behin...
Ranting Parents Comedy Tour -562
OK, ready to rant about your kids? How about letting three very funny standup comics do the “ heavy lifting” for you? Get ready to meet three of the Boston area’s top comedians Paul Nardizzi, Jim Ruberti and Dave Rattigan. They explain why this hilarious show is so relatable, to parents, grandparents and even younger folks who haven’t had the pleasure of starting a family yet. These Dads all love their kids, but as we know those same kids can and will drive you crazy!!!
Cousin Cliff! -561
Today’s guest makes one of the most challenging of wind instruments “sing!” Meet Clifford Tetle, a master of the bass clarinet with his latest CD entitled, “A Bass Clarinet Kind of Day.” Cliff has been a clarinet, tenor and alto sax player for decades. He is one of handful of musicians who adapts the bass clarinets to jazz standards from the American songbook. Oh, did I mention he is also your lovable podcast host’s first cousin? Yes, this one is special, because this one is family.
To order the CD you can email cliffordtetle@gmail.com or call/text him a...
Paul McMurtry, Dedham Community Theatre -560
Our guest today is one of the hardest working guys in show business! Meet Paul McMurtry, owner of a marvelous local movie palace in Dedham, Massachusetts, the Dedham Community Theatre. In 2027 this small theatre will reach a milestone, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Paul discusses the joys and challenges of presenting films on the big screen, the way movies were always meant to be seen!
YO YO MA -559
I got the chance to sit down for a conversation with one of the world’s premier musicians and humanitarians. He is celebrated cellist Yo Yo Ma. The focus is “We The People,” a series of concerts, conversations and special events at Tanglewood in the Berkshires curated by Yo Yo Ma during the beginning of August 2026. It’s an ambitious project involving our nation’s shared past, present and future featuring a star-studded array of world class musicians. We also talk about the power music has to affect positive change, how practicing can and should be fun and the origin of his c...
Peter M. Hoffman, author of Karmic Winds… -558
Peter M. Hoffman is the author of “Karmic Winds: Reflections from The Smartest Guy in Hollywood.” Peter is a Yale-trained attorney who became a powerful Hollywood insider helping to steer blockbuster films such as Rambo, Terminator 2 and Basic Instinct. A pioneering figure during the independent film industry boon, Peter enjoyed much success. But as the industry turned, legal battles mounted and he was dogged by a federal investigation that landed him behind bars. There he penned this memoir examining the nature of justice, the seductions of power and the invisible forces that shape our lives. He speaks openly about his lifelo...
Changing Futures Now Joel Steiner, Dr. Steven Freedman • CF RESEARCH -557
Meet Joel Steiner, co-founder of Changing Futures (www.changingfuturesnow.org), committed to improving the lives of people living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), by addressing the overlooked gastrointestinal ( GI) challenges they face later in life. Joining Joel on today’s podcast is Dr. Steven D. Freedman, MD, PhD and a leader in the field of gastroenterology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Changing Futures is supporting the research of Dr. Freedman, which as you’ll hear, could not only bring hope to CF patients, but has potential to offer promising new modes of detection and treatment in the fight ag...
Stacey Shipman -556
Let me introduce you to a lovely lady who knows about the power of laughter. Ever look at your life and think, ‘How the heck did I get here?’ Through comedy, funny songs, and stories, Stacey Shipman explores life’s twists and turns, things like aging, burnout, and unexpected caregiving. She also works with leaders who know their event or message needs a shake-up. Whether she’s performing, writing, or facilitating conversation, Stacey’s goal is to leave you feeling lighter, braver, and less alone. She definitely achieves that and more! Check out Stacey at www.StaceyShipman.com.
Jason Singer, Jeopardy Champion! -555
Ready for a look behind the scenes at America’s most challenging and popular game show? Well, you came to the right place because today’s guest is Jason Singer, a recent Jeopardy champion. What makes the story even more cool is that a few years earlier Jason’s wife Susan also appeared on Jeopardy and she came away a winning champion! Besides talking with Jason about Jeopardy behind the scenes, we chat about the many benefits of being curious, why trivia isn’t silly at all, how engaging yourself in learning about a lot of things, some outside of your comfort...
Alex Grass, author of Infernal Tramps -554
Today’s guest is a writer whose imagination seems boundless. Meet Alex Grass, a writer of horror fiction, whose work is incredibly engaging, creative, scary and at times quite humorous. He’s written several critically acclaimed novels. Today we focus on his book of short stories,” Infernal Tramps: Tales of Weird Terror.” Alex shares his views on his favorite writers of horror fiction and why certain scary films and TV shows such as “The Twilight Zone” are so impactful. The short stories, some of which are just a couple of pages pack quite an emotional punch. As fellow writer Stphen Gallagher sa...
Bill Brett, Boston Veteran’s Book! -553
Award–winning Boston based photojournalist Bill Brett has created a terrific series of memorable coffee table-sized books over the years.
He tells us he is most pride of his seventh book. It is entitled, “Boston Veterans Appreciation,” reflecting Bill’s deep respect for all those who have served our country, men and women, young and old, all races, creeds, religions and backgrounds. Photographing these veterans offers a
way to honor those who have sacrificed and to preserve their stories for posterity.
Robert Fitzgibbon, author of “Murder in Salem” -552
Here is one for true crime fans! A riveting story by author Robert Fitzgibbon entitled, “Murder in Salem Massachusetts: The Death of Frances Cochran.”
Journey back to July 17th, 1941 just north of Boston in the City of Lynn, Massachusetts where an attractive nineteen-year-old Frances Cochran is picked up by an unknown driver in a mysterious black automobile. She is never heard from again. Her mutilated body is found days later in a lover’s lane in Salem, a city known for its macabre past. Decades roll by with police following up on thousands of leads. The murder makes national h...
David Kruh and Tina Garvey Drzal, authors of Little Mister Victory -551
It happened on August 15, 1945, as Bostonians celebrated the end of World War II. A well-dressed woman asked a teenage newsboy to watch her newborn baby, promising to return after running a quick errand. She never did. “Little Mister Victory”: A Daughter’s Search for the Woman Who Abandoned Her Father on VJ Day,” is the true story of a quest, by the baby’s daughter, to find the woman who abandoned her father.
Novelist and historian David Kruh teamed up with the daughter Tina Garvey Drzal to solve a life-long mystery. It is a riveting story of family secrets...
Malli Gero, Boston Business Mentors -550
Meet Malli Gero, who heads up a relatively new group called Boston Business Mentors, providing business consultation, education and practical resources to small businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and nonprofits across every sector — all for free. Through one-on-one mentoring, interactive workshops anda expert guidance, BBM equips leaders with the tools to grow their organizations and businesses. A win-win for the mentors and those they help! Find out more at www.bbmentors.org.
Justin Baer, author of House of Fidelity -549
We welcome Wall Street Journal award winning writer and editor Justin Baer who offers us an unprecedented account of the private family who have brought us one of the world’s most powerful financial institutions. His book is entitled, “House of Fidelity: The Rise of the Johnson Dynasty and the Company that Changed American Investing.” Fidelity introduced the 401K, expanded access to mutual funds, and upended the need for traditional brokers. The company touches the lives of millions of Americans. Learn the inside story of its incredible growth and the internal power struggles within the family dynasty.
Elder Moves Real Estate – Elissa Rogovin and Aliza Dash -548
Meet two top realtors Elissa Rogovin and Aliza Dash. They both recognized, that with changing demographics, the senior population has greater needs than ever when it comes to where and how they live. So, they formed Elder Moves Real Estate (www.eldermovesrealestate.com). The company bills itself as concierge real estate for seniors, offering key buying and selling tips and much more. Elissa and Aliza consider it their mission to guide and support older adults and their families through the complexities of real estate transactions with care, empathy and expertise. It is all about creating smooth transitions to new living...
Terry Tucker -547
You’re about to meet a guy who inspires people to live uncommon lives. Terry Tucker’s life has been anything but common. He has been on a 14-year cancer journey fraught with many challenges, but just as many comebacks. Terry has also been a star school athlete, coach, business leader, a member of law enforcement and is currently a nationally renowned motivational speaker and author. His books include “Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life,” and “4 Truths and a Lie: Ancient Wisdom for Living Your Modern Purpose.” Be sure to visit his website www.motivationalcheck.co...
Becky Curran -546
Born with dwarfism, Becky Curran has made it her life’s mission to represent her community and advocate for many others dealing with disabilities. There are only 65,000 little people in the United States; there are over 300 types of dwarfism. Unfortunately, little people are faced with a combination of negative perceptions built by the media and often find themselves living apart from the general population. Becky seeks to change all that by showcasing her own achievements in the show business industry. She spent several years working in the Equity and Inclusion department at the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Ra...
John DeDakis -545
On today’s episode, a conversation about writing and journalism with acclaimed novelist John DeDakis. John’s journalistic career is impressive with him serving as a White House correspondent during the Reagan years and as a top tier staffer for the “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” at CNN. These days, along with writing and publishing successful mystery novels, John is a motivational speaker, educator, writing coach and certified grief educator. We share John’s insights on the state of journalism today and how writing as a therapeutic tool can be life changing.
Jennifer Kaufman -544
Today we welcome Jennifer Kaufman, educator, advocate, speaker and the grandmother of a child with autism. Jennifer is here to offer insights from her book, “Grandparents on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.” Jennifer speaks to the people who are closest to autism but often feel the least equipped – grandparents who want to help but don’t know how, and first responders who need practical tools, not theory. She is a leading voice in the autism community offering support and love to people across the country, as well as her own family.
Tom Murphy, Wildlife Photographer -543
Today’s guest Tom Murphy is one of the nation’s top nature photographers. His photographic passion and specialty is Yellowstone National Park. Sicne 1975 Tom has traveled extensively within its 3400 square miles, hiking and skiing on extended trips throughout the back country. He has skied across the entire park several times.
Tom is featured in the PBS documentary “Christmas in Yellowstone” and his works can be found in private, public and museum collections around the world. Dedicated to honoring and protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone, Tom has been recognized by the United States...
Comic Eddie Brill -542
Today, we get back to the funny stuff with a guy who is ‘serious’ about comedy. Meet Eddie Brill, a native New Yorker who came to Boston to attend Emerson College, getting his start in comedy there and never looking back. Eddie has toured all over the United States and throughout many parts of the world. He was previously the warm-up comic and comedy talent coordinator of The Late Show with David Letterman. He founded and was the creative director for the award-winning Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk, Nebraska, honoring the late Johnny Carson who hailed from that town. E...
Ron Moody -541
Ron Moody is living a life of music, from the performance side to a career behind the scenes. Ron formed a group back in the 1960’s called, “Ron Moody and the Centaurs.” This Southern Beach Rock band had their share of solid hits and Ron, a member of the Beach Music Hall of Fame, regularly performs his old standards along with many original tunes he has composed the years. Ron Moody is unique in the world of music. He is that rare individual who has spent his entire life immersed in both sides of the music industry, having been involved w...
Historian/Author Peter Clenott -540
It is 1931. Adolph Hitler is less than two years away from becoming dictator of Germany. But he is currently walking a political tightrope with his future still uncertain. In September of that year Hitler’s 22-year-old niece Geli Raubal is found dead of a gunshot wound in the future Fuhrer’s Munich apartment. Their odd relationship raised many questions. Was her death a suicide as Hitler claims, or was there a more sinister side to the story? Our guest Peter Clenott has written a thrilling novel entitled, “The Murder Investigation of Adolph Hitler,” about a tumultuous time in Germany and a case that cou...
Tom Bourdon -539
If something inside of you keeps whispering the words, “this matters-do something,” then you’ve come to the right podcast!
Today’s guest is Dr. Tom Bourdon who helps individuals and teams create meaningful, values-driven change. His new book offers practical tools to moving forward. We’ll be exploring “It Lit a Fire: Let Your Inner Spark Ignite a Change reAction.” Tom has offered a companion for anyone who feels a call to do more—whether your flame is just beginning to flicker or is already blazing!
JEFF BELL -538
Jeff Bell is an author, speaker, and award-winning broadcast journalist. He was the news voice of KCBS on the West Coast for three decades and among many other honors was a two-time winner of the coveted Edward R Murrow Award for Best Newscast in America. His two books, “Rewind, Replay, Repeat,” and “When in Doubt, Make Belief,” have established Jeff as a leading voice for adversity-driven advocacy, mental health awareness, and “Greater Good” (purpose- and service-based) motivation. Jeff shares with us his challenges with OCD and Parkinson’s Disease and how he has dealt with diversity provides inspiration to listeners across th
MATTHEW WOZNY, BEACON HILL BAKERY -537
Today’s episode is guaranteed to make your mouth water! I welcome Matthew Wozny , founder of The Beacon Hill Bakery in Boston. This Harvard MBA grad is also the guy who gets up extra early to craft incredibly delicious baked goods. Matthew creates classic Polish pastries and breads based on the scrumptious treats he grew up loving. He searches the world over and our conversation is as much about Polish royalty and the history of baked goods as it is about the product. Read all about him and his delicacies at www.beaconhillbakery.com!
OPTIMISM WITH PARKINSON’S PT 02 -536
In part two of a special series on Parkinson’s Disease during April, PD Awareness Month, , we continue our discussion of the book, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength and Hope with Parkinson’s.” I welcome the co-author Dr. John A. DiCicco along with Brett Miller, the founder/owner of 110 Fitness in Rockland, Massachusetts. Brett and his team have created a groundbreaking fitness and training program specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease and other disabilities. There is strong science to suggest high intensity exercise plays a key role r in slowing down progression and mitigating symptoms. Bret...
ON MIC DANNY BATE WHY Q NEEDS U -535
The Sunday Times says, “You’ll never look at a keyboard the same way after reading Danny Bate’s fascinating, linguistic history.” I couldn’t agree more as we entertain the author of “Why Q Needs U: A History of Our Letters and How We Use Them.”
Danny Bates is a linguist, writer, broadcaster and host of the podcast “A Language I Love Is…”
You’ll come away with a newfound appreciation and respect for one of humanity’s most successful technologies – the alphabet!
Rory Moran, Security Expert -534
Rory Moran serves as Director of Executive Protection & Threat Analysis at United Security, Inc., bringing more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and protective cyber intelligence. A former U.S. Secret Service Supervisory Special Agent, Rory has led complex protective operations for Presidential, Vice Presidential, Pope, and foreign dignitary visits, as well as National Special Security Events including the United Nations General Assembly.
His expertise spans proactive risk assessment, protective advance strategies, threat intelligence, and high-level security operations. We live in a dangerous world and it is people like Rory who allow us to r...
Robert Pinsky 3 time Poet Laureate of the US -533
Today’s guest is truly a man of words and letters!
Robert Pinsky is a poet, essayist, translator, teacher, and speaker. His first two terms as United States Poet Laureate were marked by such visible dynamism—and such national enthusiasm in response—that the Library of Congress appointed him to an unprecedented third term. Throughout his career, Robert Pinsky has been dedicated to identifying and invigorating poetry’s place in the world.
As Poet Laureate, Robert Pinsky founded the Favorite Poem Project, in which thousands of Americans—of varying backgrounds, all ages, and from every state—share...
Brandon Gilson – The Best Seats VIP! -532
Brandon Gilson is the founder and owner of The Best Seats VIP Concierge company. He offers entertainment concierge services to more than 10,000 companies and individuals worldwide. As Brandon puts it, the only limitation is your imagination. He does it all— tickets to the hottest shows, backstage meet-and-greets, celebrity encounters, first class travel amenities and so much more. Meet a young guy who works around the clock making others happy. Dreams can come true!
SAM SMITH, AUTHOR OF “THE DOOR WAS NEVER LOCKED” -531
Joining me in conversation today is Sam Smith, a former professional rugby player from England who due to injury was forced to retire in his middle twenties. Sam soon after became a successful entrepreneur but struggled with identity issues that s0 many former professional athletes do. Like many, he hit bottom but eventually found a path forward. Today Sam serves as a life coach to former athletes across the globe. His lived experience and kindness has helped many men and women regain their life’s purpose. We’ll be talking about his book, “The Door Was Never Locked: Remember What You Are,” a...
OPTIMISM WITH PARKINSON’S PT 01 -530
In the first of a two-part series, we discuss in more detail our book, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength and Hope with Parkinson’s.” I welcome the author of the book Dr. John A. DiCicco along with Cathi Thomas, MS, RN, CNRN Program Director at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the Boston University Medical Campus. We will be promoting the annual Optimism Walk sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association and highlighting the importance of hope and optimism for those dealing with PD and other chronic diseases.
Deborah Grayson Riegel, Author of Aim High and Bounce Back -529
So many of us are burdened with fear. The fear of failing is one of the most intense. But failure is a fact of life none of us should ignore because all of us experience it. Today’s guest Deborah Grayson Riegel has co-authored a book that addresses the issue in a bold new way. Her book is entitled :Aim High and Bounce Back: A Successful Woman’s Guide to Rethinking and Rising Up from Failure.” Deb offers a support system based on personal experience and the latest research that makes us rethink the meaning of failure as well as success!<
Michael Soenen, producer of “Nothing to See Here” -528
On today’s episode meet Michael Soenen, creator and lead- producer of a raw, incredibly impactful documentary entitled, “Nothing to See Here: What Happens When Bloods, Crips, Police and Victims of Violence Make a Film.” It is a fascinating discussion about how this unique project, against many odds, got launched and took shape and how the film is making a difference in Watts, one of the most danger-filled neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Art has the power to affect us and can often bring about change. That is certainly the case with this powerful documentary.
Andy Freed, author of “Lead Like the Boss” -527
You’ve got front row seats to life lessons from a musical icon.
In Lead Like The Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership, my guest veteran strategist, marketer, and management consultant, Andy Freed, delivers a compelling and actionable message about leadership and communication for everyone expected to inspire others to perform at their best. Freed ditches the sterile, tired formulaic approach you’ll find in most “leadership guides” and focuses squarely on the crux of leadership: clearly communicating with others in a way that captures their attention and persuades them to buy in. Whether you’re a s...
“Pete’s Beat” Author Matt Robinson -526
Matt Robinson has written a charming children’s book about the love of music and fulfilling one’s dreams. “Pete’s Beat,” is about a young boy with big dreams of becoming an outstanding drummer. He’s teased and punished for tapping on anything he can find, at times driving others a bit crazy, all while searching for his own sound. Life for Pete changes when the leader of a local drum circle notices Pete and takes him on a journey of musical and self-discovery!
The Mayflower Project -525
Mayflower II – the replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620 and launched a nation – is seen by some 2.6 million visitors every year in Plymouth. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But there is a lot more to the replica of the Mayflower launched in the middle 1950’s than meets the eye. Researcher Richard A. Stone has written the definitive, fascinating history of it all in a book entitled, “Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th-Century Replica,” featuring never- before – told stories of a great adventure that captivated the world!
The Mayflower Project -525
Mayflower II – the replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620 and launched a nation – is seen by some 2.6 million visitors every year in Plymouth. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But there is a lot more to the replica of the Mayflower launched in the middle 1950’s than meets the eye. Researcher Richard A. Stone has written the definitive, fascinating history of it all in a book entitled, “Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th-Century Replica,” featuring never- before – told stories of a great adventure that captivated the world!
