This Week in America with Ric Bratton

2026-25seg3 Weekend of 6-13

6/5/26 • 05:05

2026-25seg2 Weekend of 6-13

6/5/26 • 19:25

2026-25seg1 Weekend of 6-13

6/5/26 • 29:30

2026-25 Weekend of 6-13

6/5/26 • 29:29

THE LAST TRIAL by Scott TurowTwo formidable men collide in this "first-class legal thriller" from New York Times bestselling author Scott Turow: a "brilliant courtroom chess match" about a celebrated criminal defense lawyer and the prosecution of his lifelong friend -- a doctor accused of murder (David Baldacci).At eighty-five years old, Alejandro "Sandy" Stern, a brilliant defense lawyer with his health failing but spirit intact, is on the brink of retirement. But when his old friend Dr. Kiril Pafko, a former Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, is faced with charges of insider trading, fraud, and murder, his entire life's work is put in jeopardy, and Stern decides to take on one last trial.In a case that will be the defining coda to both men's accomplished lives, Stern probes beneath the surface of his friend's dazzling veneer as a distinguished cancer researcher. As the trial progresses, he will question everything he thought he knew about his friend. Despite Pafko's many failings, is he innocent of the terrible charges laid against him? How far will Stern go to save his friend, and -- no matter the trial's outcome -- will he ever know the truth?Stern's duty to defend his client and his belief in the power of the judicial system both face a final, terrible test in the courtroom, where the evidence and reality are sometimes worlds apart.Full of the deep insights into the spaces where the fragility of human nature and the justice system collide, Scott Turow's The Last Trial is a masterful legal thriller that unfolds in page-turning suspense -- and questions how we measure a life.Scott Turow is the author of many bestselling works of fiction, including Testimony, Identical, Innocent, Presumed Innocent, and The Burden of Proof, and two nonfiction books, including One L, about his experience as a law student. His books have been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than thirty million copies worldwide, and have been adapted into movies and television projects. He has frequently contributed essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic.www.ScottTurow.comhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1538748134?tag=hacboogrosit-20http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/sturow.mp3  

6/5/26 • 24:22

Magic: The Life of Earvin “Magic” Johnson by Roland LazenbyThe definitive biography of the basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, from the highly respected, career sportswriter and author of Michael Jordan: The Life.Magic Johnson is one of the most beloved, and at times controversial, athletes in history. His iconic smile lifted the dowdy sport of American professional basketball from a second-tier sport with low ratings into the global spotlight―a transformation driven by Magic’s ability to eviscerate opponents with a playing style that featured his grand sense of fun. He was a master entertainer who directed the Los Angeles “Showtime” Lakers to the heights of both glory and epic excess, all of it driven by his mind-blowing no-look passes and personal charm.Then, in 1991, at the height of his charismatic power, Johnson shocked the world with a startling cautionary tale about sexually transmitted disease that pushed public awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Then out came his confession of unprotected sex with hundreds of women each year, followed by his retirement, an attempted return, and a proper farewell on the iconic 1992 Olympic Dream Team.Longtime biographer Roland Lazenby spent years tracking the unlikely ascension of Johnson―an immensely popular public figure who was instantly scandalized but who then turned to his legendary will to rise again as a successful entrepreneur with another level of hard-won success. In Lazenby’s portrayal, Johnson’s tale becomes bigger than that of one man. It is a generational saga spanning parts of three centuries that reveals a great deal, not just about his unique basketball journey but about America itself.Through hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives past and present, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key conversations with Johnson himself over the years, Lazenby has produced the first truly definitive study, both dark and light, of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.―the revolutionary player, the icon, the man.https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Life-Earvin-Johnson/dp/1250248035http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/rlmagic2023.mp3  

6/5/26 • 24:28

The House of Wolves: Murder Runs in the Family by James Patterson and Mike LupicaJames Patterson and Mike Lupica are the thriller dream team! Jenny Wolf’s murdered father leaves her in charge of a billion-dollar empire—and a family more ruthless than Succession's Roys and Yellowstone’s Duttons. The Wolfs, the most powerful family in California, have a new head–thirty-six-year-old former high school teacher Jenny Wolf. That means Jenny now runs the prestigious San Francisco Tribune.She also controls the legendary pro football team, the Wolves.And she has a murdered father to avenge—if she can survive the killers all around her.An unforgettable family drama by two writers at the top of their craft.James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author. The creator of Alex Cross, he has produced more enduring fictional heroes than any other novelist alive. He lives in Florida with his family.   Mike Lupica is a veteran sports columnist—spending most of his career with the New York Daily News—who is now a member of the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame. For three decades, he was a panelist on ESPN’s The Sports Reporters. As a novelist, he has written seventeen New York Times bestsellers, the most recent of which was The Horsewoman, his first collaboration with James Patterson.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316404292?tag=hacboogrosit-20https://www.jamespatterson.com/titles/james-patterson/the-house-of-wolves/9780316404297/http://www.mikelupicabooks.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/11123wolves.mp3   

6/5/26 • 11:40

The Alchemist’s Way by Paul BoergerLeadership doesn’t begin with authority—it begins with transformation.Leadership, especially in its raw and unpolished form, can feel like standing in the eye of a storm. Tight deadlines, competing priorities, self-doubt, and complex human dynamics often leave even capable leaders feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next move.Veteran technology leader Paul Boerger presents a practical, experience-driven framework for turning chaos into clarity, pressure into purpose, and adversity into growth. Drawing from ancient alchemical principles and decades of real-world leadership experience, this book offers a clear path for personal transformation and effective leadership at every stage.You’ll discover six core tenets that help you set compelling goals, build belief, develop strong character, create sustainable habits, lead with vitality, and serve others with intention. Along the way, Boerger blends personal stories, actionable insights, and mindset shifts that move leadership from theory into daily practice.This book is not about quick fixes or surface-level motivation. It is about leading yourself first—developing resilience, confidence, and purpose—so you can lead others with clarity and heart.If you are ready to transform challenges into opportunity and step into purposeful, grounded leadership, The Alchemist’s Way will guide your journey.Paul Boerger, is a leadership author, technology executive, and lifelong student of personal transformation. With more than three decades of experience leading teams through innovation, disruption, and high-pressure environments, Paul brings a grounded, real-world perspective to leadership and personal growth.As a senior leader in the technology sector, Paul has spent his career navigating complex challenges—tight deadlines, evolving markets, and the human dynamics that define successful organizations. These experiences shaped his belief that effective leadership begins from within. Skills, strategies, and systems matter, but mindset, character, and purpose ultimately determine impact.In The Alchemist’s Way, Paul blends ancient alchemical principles with modern leadership practices to offer a practical framework for transformation. His work focuses on helping individuals build resilience, develop confidence, clarify goals, and lead with integrity—especially during times of uncertainty and change. Rather than quick fixes or surface-level motivation, Paul emphasizes sustainable habits, belief-driven action, and service-oriented leadership.Paul writes for professionals, leaders, and seekers who want to grow personally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His approach resonates with readers looking to align inner development with outward results—at work, at home, and in their communities.When he is not writing or leading teams, Paul enjoys mentoring emerging leaders and exploring the timeless principles that turn challenge into opportunity and purpose into action.AMAZONhttps://thealchemistswaybook.com/https://paul-boerger.com/https://foxpressmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/6426fpr.mp3    

6/4/26 • 32:51

2026-24seg3 Weekend of June 6

5/30/26 • 06:05

2026-24seg2 Weekend of June 6

5/30/26 • 18:25

2026-24seg1 Weekend of June 6

5/30/26 • 29:30

2026-24 Weekend of June 6

5/30/26 • 29:30

The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph.Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history.The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future.One of the standout aspects of The Ultimate Quest is Dr. Mataban's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and the author's research shines through, adding depth to the plot without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The book doesn't just recount events; it brings them to life, placing readers right in the middle of the action, whether it's a struggle for independence or a personal confrontation with the legacy of colonialism.While the historical context is rich and vital, the real strength of The Ultimate Quest lies in its characters. The author's skillful development of multi-generational storylines offers a nuanced understanding of how deeply the past shapes the future. Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York.AMAZONhttps://inkstartmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51426abmis.mp3   

5/21/26 • 29:37

Howie, The Unusual Bear by Laure StackHowie wasn't your average bear. He looked different, acted differently, and did things unlike any other bear. Longing for companionship, Howie sets out on a journey to find a friend who will accept him for the unique bear he truly is. Will he succeed?An Amazon bestseller.With over 20 years as an educator, Laure Stack has spent her career supporting children through their struggles and dreams. Her deep understanding of young minds leads to her heartwarming stories.Through Once Upon a Boy, Howie the Unusual Bear and more future books, Laure hopes to inspire children to dream big and never let doubt keep them from reaching their full potential.Laure is recipient of the prestigious Evergreen Award for Best New Children's Book Author in California 2026https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Unusual-Bear-Laure-Stack/dp/B0GRMN4C8V/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://authorlaurestack.com/https://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/twia/root/52126lsec2.mp3   

5/21/26 • 36:51

2026-23seg3 Weekend of 5-30

5/20/26 • 06:25

2026-23seg2 Weekend of 5-30

5/20/26 • 18:04

2026-23seg1 Weekend of 5-30

5/20/26 • 29:30

2026-23 Weekend of 5-30

5/20/26 • 29:30

2026-22seg3 Weekend of 5-23

5/16/26 • 05:45

2026-22seg2 Weekend of 5-23

5/16/26 • 18:45

2026-22seg1 Weekend of 5-23

5/16/26 • 29:30

2026-22 Weekend of 5-23

5/16/26 • 29:30

The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow“In a world of privilege and pretense, a young girl vanishes. Carol Snow’s propulsive and gripping The Girl On The Beach reels you in with a darkly charged love triangle and rich, compelling characters—none of them innocent. Just when you think you understand what happened, a shocking twist upends everything.” —Mary Dixie Carter, author of Marguerite by the Lake and The PhotographerA missing child. A shattered family. And a truth that refuses to stay buried.Acclaimed novelist Carol Snow returns with The Girl on the Beach (Crooked Lane Books; June 23, 2026), a gripping psychological thriller set against the deceptively idyllic coastline of Santa Barbara’s “American Riviera.”When four-year-old Roxie Starr disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect summer day, the tragedy destroys her glamorous, high-profile family and leaves their young nanny, Colleen, haunted by guilt. Months later, Colleen returns to the beach house and sees something impossible: a child who looks exactly like Roxie.What follows is a chilling unraveling of memory, grief, and truth as Colleen questions everything she thought she knew about that day and the family she once trusted.With a dual timeline that moves between a sunlit summer and a shadowed aftermath, The Girl on the Beach explores: ● The unreliability of memory ● The psychology of guilt and trauma ● The secrets hidden beneath wealth and privilege Perfect for fans of psychological suspense, the novel builds to a jaw-dropping twist.Carol Snow is an American author of ten novels, most recently THE GIRL ON THE BEACH, a psychological thriller slated for June 2026 publication. Called “an author to watch” by Booklist, recognition for Snow’s previous titles includes: Target Bookmarked Breakout Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books of the Month, and Readers’ Crown Award Finalist.Foreign rights to Snow’s books have been sold to publishers in Germany, Norway, Poland, Indonesia, and Hungary. A former contributor to Salon’s “Mother’s Who Think” column, her writing has also appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books and Park City Magazine.Carol Snow holds a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in teaching English from Boston College. A native of New Jersey, she has lived all over the US, as well as in Strasbourg, France, and London, England. Married with two adult children, she now splits her time between Cape Cod and Southern California.To learn more about Carol Snow and her books, please visit www.carolsnow.com.https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Beach-Thriller-Carol-Snow/dp/B0FSC6XDBNhttps://www.carolsnow.com/https://www.instagram.com/carol_snowhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/270463.Carol_Snow

5/14/26 • 27:47

The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph.Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history.The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future.One of the standout aspects of The Ultimate Quest is Dr. Mataban's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and the author's research shines through, adding depth to the plot without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The book doesn't just recount events; it brings them to life, placing readers right in the middle of the action, whether it's a struggle for independence or a personal confrontation with the legacy of colonialism.While the historical context is rich and vital, the real strength of The Ultimate Quest lies in its characters. The author's skillful development of multi-generational storylines offers a nuanced understanding of how deeply the past shapes the future. Each generation faces its own unique challenges, but the echoes of the past resonate, highlighting the enduring pursuit of identity, justice, and belonging.Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York.AMAZONhttps://inkstartmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51426abmis.mp3   

5/14/26 • 26:13

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally: 10 SuperFoods That Work with Susan Smith Jones, PhDHigh blood pressure is a 'silent killer,' but do you need to rely on drugs to lower your blood pressure? Our guest today, holistic health and lifestyle expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, will talk about 10 superfoods, validated by clinical trials, that can naturally lower your blood pressure. Among other foods, you will learn how flaxseeds, beets, and more, all covered in detail in her book A HUG IN A MUG, have additive mechanisms to produce double-digit drops, with flax seeds actually rivaling prescription medication. I’ll be taking notes on our discussion today since most people I know are dealing with blood pressure issues. Welcome Susan!For a woman with three of America’s most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging & longevity, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan travels internationally as a frequent media talk show guest; she is also the author of many health books, including 1) A HUG IN A MUG: Revitalize with Superfoods & Healthy Living Extras and 2) UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Kindness, Peace & Vitality Refer to her website for more info about Susan, her books and her empowering work.SusanSmithJones.com 𝕏 @ Susan Smith Joneshttps://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphdhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj145.mp3   

5/13/26 • 65:31

2026-21seg3 Weekend of 5-16

5/8/26 • 06:50

2026-21seg2 Weekend of 5-16

5/8/26 • 17:40

2026-21seg1 Weekend of 5-16

5/8/26 • 29:30

2026-21 Weekend of 5-16

5/8/26 • 29:30

Time for Trump's Patriotic Reparations by Thomas RedickReparations time has come for American Blacks and Donald Trump is the key to making it happen. He can declare federal supremacy while dismissing the white supremacy charges he and other Republicans have faced. Polls show over 90 percent of Blacks and a majority of White folks will be okay with reparations by 2040.This book deals with the biggest challenge, the issue of reparations for slavery. This is too costly (seventeen trillion?), too unlawful (slavery was legal at the time, and Blacks owned slaves too), and fails to account for the credit of nearly seven hundred thousand men who died in the Civil War that ended slavery in the US. It is best left for later, if ever. The Civil War cost America trillions, making it a wash with slavery wages.America's been delaying payment of reparations since the end of the Civil War, when President Johnson took away the forty acres and a mule that General Sherman gave freed slaves. So Blacks were left with nothing during Reconstruction when the dark cloud or murder of crows called Jim Crow settled on the land in 1876. Reparations pioneer Callie House endured harassment and imprisonment in the early 1900s but got a movement underway that sought payment from rebel cotton, even if she was only offered an old folk's home.Federal reparations law would preempt the state attempts at reparations, forcing them to pay into the federal foundation that the law would create. California's report of over five hundred pages stops considering reparations after 1910, which is perplexing. They probably felt it was too much to cover Jim Crow and lynching since they included slavery illegally in the analysis. Donald Trump can reward families who suffered lynching, including Hispanics and Asians who were lynched.Churches, universities, and foundations are starting to fund reparations. These initiatives would be untouched by federal preemption. Precedents exist, including Ronald Reagan's payments to Japanese internees. Nazi nastiness toward Jews has everything to do with the US treatment of Blacks, and they paid for their killing of six million Jews, gypsies, gays, and others. The Germans paid Jews in 1952 and continue paying them into 2025.https://www.amazon.com/Trumps-Patriotic-Reparations-Thomas-Redick/dp/B0FY4HQ8FW/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/5726trec.mp3   

5/7/26 • 29:54