People Of Distinction

What happens when the hero comes home and no one wants to listen? Lorna Griess served as a war nurse in Vietnam, witnessing the worst of humanity in the chaos of field hospitals—only to return to an America that didn't want to hear about it. In this gripping conversation, she unpacks the paradox of being hailed in the war zone but silenced by the very culture she fought for, revealing how war changes you in ways you don't realize until you try to come home.

Grab her powerful memoir MASH Vietnam: What It's Like to Be a Wa...

Angelia Pressley has entered the race for the Georgia Public Service Commission, District 5. Angelia represents positive change for AFFORDABLE, CLEAN ENERGY, as well as Monitoring DATA CENTERS! So VOTE for her: May 19, 2026  (Early Voting in April). Check out https://pressleyforgapsc.com/

What if the most controversial word in America doesn't need to disappear—it just needs to be understood? Percy A. Rushing and Aqueelah Ali join us to discuss their groundbreaking book "Why the N-Word Should Be Controlled: My View from Both Sides Being Black and White," challenging us to stop arguing and start listening. This isn't about cancel culture or easy answers—it's about the uncomfortable conversations that actually move us forward. Whether you're Black, white, or from any community, this discussion will make you rethink language, power, and healing.

Get the book: Available now on Amazon and Barn...

What happens when you finally realize you deserve better? Author Kimberly McCree-Himmons sits down with us to share the raw, unfiltered story behind her book A Soul Returned—a lifeline for anyone trapped in the suffocating grip of domestic abuse. This isn't just about physical violence; it's about financial control, psychological erosion, and the quiet destruction of self-worth that happens behind closed doors. If you've ever stayed too long hoping things would change, this episode will shake you to your core.

What if the greatest lie we ever told our children is that the system is broken? Dr. Kenneth T. Jackson doesn't just share his journey—he exposes how a "broken" system actually works exactly as designed, especially against Black boys who face the highest dropout, suspension, and incarceration rates. As a retired superintendent who lost 14 childhood friends in a single school year, Dr. Jackson reveals the uncomfortable truth about educational inequality and challenges us to stop surviving the traps and start dismantling them. This conversation will shift how you see your own journey—and who you can help along the way...

What if your life insurance could actually pay you WHILE you're alive—not just when you die? Nathaniel Lofland is on a 30-year crusade to flip the entire industry on its head, revealing living benefits that most agents won't tell you about. From critical illness coverage to retirement savings built right into your death benefit, Nate breaks down the questions you NEED to ask before signing another policy. This isn't just insurance—it's financial armor for the life you're living right now.

Get the book: Life Insurance For the Living by Nathaniel Lofland  NathanielLofland.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What would you do if the world gave you an expiration date? Karen Oliver's son, Ben was told he'd be gone by 34—but he jumped out of airplanes, traveled the country solo in a wheelchair, and redefined what it means to truly live, making it to 49 years filled with defiant joy. In this gripping episode, Karen shares the story of her son's battle with Friedrich's Ataxia and how he turned a devastating diagnosis into a catalyst for extraordinary adventure. This isn't just about disability—it's about refusing to let fear, limitations, or anyone else's expectations write your final chapter.

What happens when a mother refuses to let go of her comatose son, defying doctors who said there was no hope? Darnice Harrison's "My Journey, My Los Man" chronicles the 13 harrowing months she spent listening not to medical prognosis, but to divine whispers that guided her through impossible decisions. This raw memoir reveals how God speaks through dreams, audible voices, and quiet certainty when modern medicine reaches its limits. A testament to faith-driven parents everywhere navigating unimaginable tragedy with grace.

What happens when the devil shows up in three forms—and you refuse to stay down? Marly Bergerud survived her father's rage, decades of family alcoholism and abuse, and not one but two rounds of cancer a decade apart. In this raw conversation, she reveals how she transformed childhood terror into educational leadership, 35 years of sobriety, and a masterclass in resilience that proves you can rewrite any story—no matter how dark the opening chapters.

What if the secret to raising well-mannered kids was hidden in a pie? In this episode, educator and author Donna Gingery reveals how her new children's book Red and the Egg Pie turns life lessons into laughter—all while honoring the wisdom of her beloved granny. Discover why making education fun isn't just effective, it's essential, and how one mischievous little girl's story can help your kids listen without feeling lectured. Grab this book for your shelf—your future self (and your kids) will thank you.

What if you've been taught what to think—but never how to think? Dr. Gopal Dorai, economist and author of Decisions for Living, reveals why smart people make messy choices and how to break the cycle. This isn't another feel-good self-help book—it's a framework for decision-making under pressure that actually sticks. From avoiding the influencer trap to finding the right fit for your unique circumstances, Dr. Dorai hands us the manual we all wish we had at 18.

📖 Get the book: Decisions for Living | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What if your worst moments were actually heaven's GPS coordinates? Nancy Rhul survived sea monsters in the Philippines, a life-threatening government crisis, and the devastating loss of her adopted son Benjamin—only to discover that every "coincidence" was a divine breadcrumb leading somewhere extraordinary. In this raw conversation, Nancy challenges skeptics and believers alike to reconsider what they dismiss as random chance. From supernatural bedroom battles to prophecies fulfilled years later, this is the adoption story that changed California law and the faith journey that will challenge everything you think you know about divine intervention.

What if the ultimate act of rebellion isn't anger, but unwavering progress? Bobby Morrison—from sharecropper's son to DC success story—proves it in his gripping memoir Bama Boy. This isn't a trauma narrative; it's a masterclass in turning put-downs into power moves and building character through sheer resilience. Discover why holding onto your roots might be the smartest thing you do when everything around you changes. Get Bobby's Books:
Bama BoyTales from Piney GroveAvailable on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BobbyMorrisonBooks.com

What happens when libraries breathe and overdue books cost you your soul? Author Mark Katzman joins us to unpack M7—a mind-bending literary experience that defies categorization, blending metaphysical thriller with workplace comedy in ways you've never seen before. From his thunderbolt creative awakening at 22 to working in real libraries that inspired this surreal world, Mark reveals how psychedelics, artist books, and a decade of handwritten work shaped this extraordinary novel.

Ever wonder what presidents are really like when the cameras stop rolling? Peggy O'Donnell reveals the untold stories behind her late husband Patrick's six-decade career photographing 11 US presidents, the Dalai Lama, and Hollywood royalty—from Richard Nixon's Whittier roots to secret service protocols at San Juan Capistrano. This isn't just about iconic images; it's about the man who built a family, taught photojournalism, and became the first line of defense between presidents and the public. Discover the legacy captured in What Do 11 US Presidents, the Dalai Lama and Whoopi Have In Common?—a memoir that proves life itself is the ulti...

What if life's greatest moments weren't found in perfect clarity, but in the beautiful static between stations? Daniel L. French, Vietnam veteran turned healthcare entrepreneur, shares how his book "Channels of Delight" captures everything from tear-jerking poetry to brilliantly silly stories—all designed to be experienced like tuning an old radio dial. After losing his wife of 50 years and finding unexpected love again, Dan proves that delight isn't about searching for the perfect signal, it's about embracing every frequency life throws your way.

Get "Channels of Delight" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or visit DanielLFrenchBook.com

What if the most celebrated hero of faith was also its most scandalous failure? This deep dive into David's life reveals the brutal cost of destiny—from shepherd boy to fugitive to king, his story is filled with battles, betrayal, heartbreak, and shocking scandal. Join us as we explore how profound spiritual connection and catastrophic failure can coexist in one extraordinary life, and what that means for anyone facing their own giants today.

Get the Book: David: Man After God's Own Heart by Louis McCall
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and LouisMcCallInternational.com

What if everything you thought you knew about the end times was built on incomplete evidence? Former law enforcement officer W. Richard Vile spent 44 years investigating biblical prophecy with the same forensic precision he used on the streets—and what he uncovered will challenge your entire understanding of the rapture, the Antichrist, and the signs we're witnessing right now. In this gripping conversation, Bill breaks down the geopolitical and interstellar clues hidden in Daniel's prophecies, explains why the fig tree parable points to a timeline we can't ignore, and reveals why preparation—both spiritual and physical—isn't optional anymore. 

Gr...

What happens when a multi-million dollar empire built on your father's impossible dream comes crashing down—and you're left with nothing but the horses that started it all? Gene LaCroix went from rubbing shoulders with Bob Hope and William Shatner at the National Horse Show to losing everything in the 1986 tax reform crash. But his story isn't about the fall—it's about what he discovered when the applause stopped. This raw conversation explores legacy, reinvention, and the stunning truth that fulfillment has nothing to do with wealth. 

Get the book "Thanks to My Father's Dream" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble...

What happens when you drop everything, move to Alaska, and build a life from scratch in a tent at 30 below zero? Kristina Ahlnäs did exactly that—and her story will leave you questioning what's truly possible when you take the leap. From saving a stranger's life on a gravel road to witnessing mysterious lights in the Arctic sky, Kristina's memoir is packed with raw survival, unexpected helpers, and the kind of courage most of us only dream about. This conversation dives into the moments that didn't make it into our first interview—the UFO encounter, the prayer that brought someo...

What if the most unlikely president could deliver the most overdue justice in American history? Thomas Reddick joins People of Distinction to make a provocative case: Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to enact federal reparations—not out of moral conviction, but through political strategy and ego. In this discussion, we dissect California's reparations law, why the Civil War complicates the legal argument, and how the wealth gap demands a federal solution that any future president could champion.

What happens when fire performers, Renaissance fair enthusiasts, and kink community members become amateur detectives? Author Renaii West reveals how her real-life experiences in these vibrant subcultures inspired "The Wrong Side of the Flame"—a mystery where found family, trust, and unconventional communities take center stage. In this conversation, Renaii breaks down the misconceptions about these creative spaces, explains why boundaries and respect create the safest environments, and shares how her background as a drama teacher and belly dancer shaped a cast of characters you'll want in your corner.

Learn more: renaiiwest.com

What if the dream you abandoned as a kid was actually the one worth chasing? Author Laure Stack joins us to discuss her powerful children's books Once Upon a Boy and Howie, the Unusual Bear—stories that don't just tell kids to dream, but hand them the keys to make those dreams real. Whether you're a parent looking to nurture confidence in your child or an adult who needs permission to believe again, this conversation will remind you that your unique qualities have a place in this world. 

Get the books: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or authorlaurestack.com

What if the diagnosis wasn't the end—but the beginning of your most powerful chapter? Yvonne D. Baku didn't just survive cancer; she rewrote what it means to rise from a hospital bed with a story that refuses to let you stay down. In this raw, faith-fueled conversation, she unpacks why Eve deserves redemption, how grace isn't passive, and what it actually costs to refuse the labels life tries to pin on you. This isn't just a survivor's story—it's a blueprint for anyone who's ever felt disqualified, dismissed, or done. 

Get the book: The Miracle of Eve: Saved...

What if the Trinity isn't a doctrine to memorize—but a blueprint for how God experiences life through you? In this mind-expanding conversation with author Deryck Hockley, we challenge 2,000 years of conventional Christianity and explore the radical idea that Christ wasn't meant to die for us, but to be born within us. This isn't about tearing down your faith—it's about asking if it could be bigger than what you were taught.

Get the book: Incarnation of Divine Consciousness: The Holy Trinity Beyond Conventional Christianity by Deryck Hockley Available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

What if love's greatest test became its most beautiful proof? Brenda J. Stemmler shares the raw, unfiltered story of caring for her husband Bob through his final battle with cancer—a journey where hope wasn't found in the light, but in the depths. This isn't a typical grief memoir; it's a testament to the kind of love that holds on until the very last breath, and the sacred practice of finding hope even when it feels just out of reach.

Get the Books:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BrendaStemmler.com

What if your biggest failures are actually your most valuable teachers? Robert Sicina, former financial services executive turned professor, reveals why analyzing our worst decisions is the key to making better ones. In this conversation, Bob shares his catastrophic career mistake with Citibank Colombia, how uncertainty derailed a "perfect" deal, and why slowing down your decision-making process matters more than the actual choice itself. This isn't about achieving perfection—it's about becoming profoundly more effective at navigating life's 1,000 daily decisions.

Get the book: Learn From Failure (2026 Edition) - Amazon | Barnes & Noble | LearnFromFailure.com

What happens when a psychologist and statistician challenges mainstream narratives about the 2020 election and pandemic response? This unfiltered conversation proves we can disagree without being disagreeable. Author Ronald Weitzman defends his controversial claims while host Benji Cole pushes back with documented evidence—creating the kind of respectful political discourse America desperately needs. From constitutional debates to ICE enforcement, from grocery prices to gun rights, no topic is off-limits. Whether you agree with Weitzman's perspective or not, this is how democracy should sound: two people with opposing views actually listening to each other.

What if the chaos you're seeing isn't random—but prophesied? Architect-turned-prophecy scholar Walter Scarborough breaks down 1,300 pages of biblical end times research into a roadmap anyone can follow. From the Rapture to eternity, discover why one-fourth of the Bible has been hiding in plain sight—and what it means for your future starting today.

Get the books: From Today to Eternity (Volumes 1 & 2)

Learn more: fromtodaytoeternity.com

What if the growth you need most happens when life refuses to slow down? Author and coach Alicia Williams Saffold reveals how she healed through grief, trauma, and stillness—not by waiting for perfect conditions, but by choosing to grow anyway. In this raw conversation, we explore defiant growth, the power of prayer walks, and why your quietest season might hold your loudest breakthrough.

Get She Grew Anyway: bestillandgrow.com
Weekly inspiration: She Grew Anyway Podcast

What if the secret to finding lasting love is learning from seven failed attempts first? Agnes Amisano opens up about her jaw-dropping journey through seven relationships—each one a lesson in faith, self-awareness, and the brutal truth about why we keep choosing the wrong partners. From painting red flags green to finally discovering that happiness starts with you, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about modern relationships. If you've ever felt exhausted by the dating game or wondered if true love is even possible, Agnes's story might just restore your faith.

Four women, one car, and zero reservations—retired teacher Eula McKown shares the wild story of how a conference turned into an unforgettable road trip from Texas to Prince Edward Island. Inspired by Anne of Green Gables and fueled by spontaneity, Eula and her friends discovered hidden gems like Rhode Island's Breakers mansion, navigated the chaos of mixing night owls with morning people, and proved that the best adventures happen when you throw the itinerary out the window. Grab her book "A Girl's Road Trip from Texas to Prince Edward Island" and start planning your own escape—because sometimes the jour...

What if the secret to a vibrant life isn't about doing more—it's about reclaiming what you've forgotten? In this powerful conversation, commercial realtor turned author Ken Karakas reveals how small, intentional moments can transform exhaustion into joy. After 38 years in real estate and decades of personal development study, Ken wrote Juicy to help you stop running on fumes and start living with purpose. This isn't about grand gestures—it's about finding 15 minutes to remember who you are beneath the chaos.

Get Ken's book Juicy: juicylife.ca

What happens when a childhood dream becomes a 30-year nightmare? Kyle J. Matthews survived the brutal reality of modern-day slavery on the high seas—a world where the line between normal and inhumane blurred beyond recognition. In this raw, unforgettable conversation, Kyle opens up about his harrowing journey from fishing boats to breaking free from chains most of us never see. This isn't just survival—it's redemption, forgiveness, and the power of keeping a good heart even when the world tries to crush it.

Get "The Sea Slave: A True Story" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at authorkylematthews.com

What happens when the greatest threat isn't a stranger, but someone across your dinner table? America survived a "family war"—domestic terrorism that left her fighting 16 police officers, 19 disbelieving counselors, and a system designed to silence victims. In this raw conversation, she reveals why speaking up almost destroyed her, how she reclaimed her voice after seven years of journaling through hell, and the one word that saved her life.

Get "My American Terrorists: Homegrown Family Terrorists" through Amazon & Barnes & Noble

What if your worst moment became the blueprint for your greatest purpose? Luke Sanders, author of The Plans I Have for You, shares how a life-altering military injury didn't end his story—it rewrote it. From college baseball dreams to the battlefield, from devastating trauma to becoming a collegiate broadcaster, Luke's journey proves that resilience isn't about avoiding the fall—it's about what you do when you hit the ground. This conversation will challenge how you see adversity, faith, and the hidden plans unfolding in your own chaos.

What happens when a young Marine trades his rifle for a cultural compass and falls in love with a country that wasn't supposed to change him? Walter Reed waited 40 years to tell the raw, unfiltered story of his time in Indonesia—a journey that shattered his assumptions, challenged his identity, and taught him that true understanding begins when you step outside your own uniform. This isn't just a military memoir; it's a masterclass in cultural immersion and the courage it takes to see the world—and yourself—differently.

What if your deepest pain was actually a crucial thread in a breathtaking design? Pamela Benner joins us to discuss her raw, transformative memoir To Touch One Heart—a book that reframes trauma, loss, and healing not as a straight line, but as a divine tapestry. Through her journey of exposing her most tender scars, Pamela reveals how finding your truth requires digging through shame, confronting wounds, and trusting the unseen threads that guide you toward wholeness. This conversation will challenge you to look for the beautiful thread in your most recent tangle—because your story is still being woven.

What if the universe isn't an accident—but a masterpiece of intentional design? Lindsey K. Ham, Sr. dismantles the myth of spontaneous existence with evidence from across scientific disciplines, proving that purpose isn't just a feeling—it's embedded in the fabric of reality itself. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore why modern science has been misinterpreted, how the "spontaneity" narrative crumbles under scrutiny, and what it means when you realize you're not cosmic stardust—but a purposeful creation. This isn't just philosophy—it's a paradigm shift backed by the data.

What happens when sewage in your bathtub becomes the catalyst for building an 8x8 cabin—16 feet off the ground—in the Alaskan wilderness? Kristina Ahlnas didn't just survive the brutal cold, wild animals breathing outside her tent, and a bone-crushing fall off her ladder—she thrived. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Kristina shares how she turned impossible odds into a four-year adventure of grit, prayer, and perseverance that will make you rethink what you're truly capable of.