On Mic Podcast

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!

5/12/26 • 25:34

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 the country!

5/7/26 • 38:33

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!

4/27/26 • 42:59

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.   Brett and 110 Fitness ( www.110fitness.org)  mean so much to the community and I’m thrilled he can join us to explain how and why 110 Fitness works.   On the podcast,  we continue to promote the annual Optimism Walk sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association of Massachusetts.  Proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards both the APDA of Massachusetts and the scholarship campaign at 110 Fitness.  Remember that you can take up the fight with fundraising campaigns in your area. There are many reasons for hope as develop new treatments and hopefully a cure!

4/24/26 • 32:45

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!

4/18/26 • 36:50

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 rest easier.  We are grateful for his service.

4/4/26 • 20:11

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—shared their favorite poems. The project’s videos, giving voice to the American audience for poetry, demonstrate that poetry has a vigorous presence in the American cultural landscape.

3/25/26 • 20:10

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!

3/21/26 • 16:39

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,” and the new life he has built for himself and others.

3/16/26 • 21:52

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.

3/11/26 • 26:32

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!

3/8/26 • 21:41

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.

3/4/26 • 23:09

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 super fan of Bruce Springsteen or not, he and his fellow musicians  exemplify the qualities we look for and in need in our leaders.

2/24/26 • 17:32

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!

2/19/26 • 17:25

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!

2/8/26 • 32:07

In today’s conversation we meet Alan “Jake” Jacobson, founder of the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative, with the mission to help children and adults develop confidence, optimism, resilience and self-awareness through mindfulness.  The organization was named in honor of Alan’s late wife Flo who served her community as a decorated Boston police officer, mentoring countless people as a “Big Sister,” and volunteering for many causes. Officer Flo Creed  made it her life’s work to  give back to others with a sense of joy.  The Initiative successfully provides innovative educational programming that cultivates lifelong emotional intelligence and well-being!

2/3/26 • 27:53

Meet the irrepressible Linda Chorney, author of “It Ain’t Over Till the Indie Sings: Dedicated to Independent Musicians – The Unsigned, Unsung Heroes.”  Linda recently released the audiobook version, a vibrant, dramatic and often hilarious  account of how this independent artist and rebel upset the status quo music world after receiving not one but two Grammy nominations!  Along with her unforgettable and inspirational story, the audiobook offers a fine selection of Linda’s original music.  This underdog hero has performed on seven continents to hundreds of thousands and has worked with the likes of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow and more!

1/19/26 • 29:19

I welcome back a talented friend  Kerry Brett, author of Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love.  Kerry is one of the  top photographers in her field and host of the highly rated award-winning podcast “Shot At Love.”   We talk about the trials and tribulations of on-line dating, what Kerry has observed and learned through her personal experience and advice she has for anyone looking for love in the digital age.

1/12/26 • 23:30

Meet history professor James Hankins, author of the first of two volumes entitled, “The Golden Thread: The Ancient World and Christendom” which explores world history from antiquity to 1500.  It is a massive project ( the book is over 1200 pages) and in our discussion we focus on the need to educate our population more effectively, to learn from those who set the stage of civilization politically, religiously and culturally, to be curious about the ancient world where western values and traditions took hold.  It is an amazing academic achievement, highly readable and available to all.  The point is to never stop learning!

12/13/25 • 26:03

I welcome a returning guest Barrie A. Atkin, the lady that puts the fun back into football with her book, “Hate Football?  Fun Facts to Help You be Part of the Crowd.”  A diehard New England Patriots fan, Barrie provides tips and useful info to help you enjoy watching America’s most popular sport.  And you will certainly sound as though you know a lot more about football than anyone else in your huddle!

12/13/25 • 18:41

Dr. Nicholas Wright, MRCP, PhD is a neuroscientist who researches the brain, technology and security at University College London. Georgetown University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff.  His latest book is entitled “Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.”  In the book Dr. Wright takes us on a tour of the brain to show us how it shapes human behavior in conflict and war.

12/6/25 • 28:40

Meet celebrated NY Times columnist and author David Margolick whose latest project is a thorough and exceptional biography of one of the living legends of comedy.  David Margolick is the author of, “When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy.”  By the mid 1950’s Sid Caesar and “Your Show of Shows” captivated millions of American TV watchers.  As he rose to super- stardom,  Sid fostered the careers of several larger-than-life comedy disciples including Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, and Neil Simon among others.  Sid’s tumultuous personal life is examined closely.  Caesar was the quintessential sad clown whose climactic highs were often out done by crushing letdowns.  It’s a fascinating look at genius, a book that I found impossible to put down!

11/30/25 • 38:19

What do shoes have to do with leadership? Quite a bit, according to Karen Hanks, author of the entertaining and informative new book “In Her Shoes: Walking the Leadership Walk.” From walking with confidence to stepping into the shoes of others, Karen uses shoes as a clever metaphor for the qualities of leadership we can all better develop. Karen Hanks is someone who ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to leadership!

11/30/25 • 18:59

On recent podcasts, I have talked about the fact that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Close to 90,000 Americans are diagnosed very year with this neurological condition with no cure that affects everyone differently. It is referred to therefore as the “snowflake” disease.   Right now I am doing well focusing on key elements such as exercise, diet, rest and medication to keep symptoms at bay.  Is it tough?  Surely.  Have I been challenged  to adjust to this new unwanted life?  Of course.   Despite the pain, fatigue and associated symptoms I’ve learned how to better cope physically and emotionally.  And how to be grateful for what I do have.  So when asked to be the subject of a book offering a bit of  inspiration to those with the disease, I agreed after doubting I was the right subject.  I’m very happy I said yes. It is an honor  to announce the publication of a book, written by a longtime friend and colleague John DiCicco, Ph.D. and the late Robert Cuomo, Ph.D. entitled, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength, and Hope with Parkinson’s.”  Proceeds will be donated to various charities funding research and care for PD.  The book is available online with an easy link at www.jordanrich.com.  For anyone facing an uphill struggle, and that is most of us, you are not alone. We’re in the fight together.

11/23/25 • 25:39

Today’s conversation centers on a vital aspect  of our human experience. The enhancing richness and benefits of empathy. Meet Helen Riess, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Empathetics.com. Dr. Riess is a clinical professor and research psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who developed empathy education based on neuroscience research. Her groundbreaking  book, which is now in paperback, is entitled, “The Empathy Effect: 7 NEUROSCIENCE BASED KEYS  for Transforming the Way We LIVE, LOVE, WORK and CONNECT Across Differences.” In a fractured world, learning more about empathy could be just what we need!

11/16/25 • 17:39

Meet the man who helped revolutionize the coffee industry.  For decades George Howell has been fine tuning the art of brewing a better cup of coffee. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1996, for having raised specialty coffee quality standards to a new level through his Massachusetts based company The Coffee Connection (1974 – 1994). He had grown The Coffee Connection into 24 company-owned stores in the Northeast, and sold his high-quality popular coffee company to Starbucks in 1994. He returned to coffee-traveling world-wide, and in 1997 worked on models of economic sustainability for coffee farmers under the United Nations and the International Coffee Organization. This led directly to the founding of the precedent-setting Cup Of Excellence program in 1999; it established the world’s first international estate coffee competition and international internet auction that mightily contributed to breaking the commodity/price cycle for craftsman farmers in the specialty coffee industry.  And when it comes to the perfect cup, George is one person’s opinion you can value!

11/16/25 • 21:09

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including her latest  The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her research into history and ability as a master storyteller captivates readers from around the world.   Fiona is also opens up about how she deals with Parkinsons Disease, not allowing it to keep her from being incredibly productive and enjoying life!

11/9/25 • 25:23

Meet the creator of a fabulous new coffee-table book, “Rock to Baroque – Four Decades of Music Photography.”  The artist is celebrated photographer Eric Antoniou whose work transcends mere imagery.  For decades he has captured the essence of musicians in performance and beyond,  from rock to jazz, blues to classical.  David Bowie,  The Rolling Stones,  Roy Orbison, Etta James, Leonard Bernstein, K.D. Lang, Springsteen, Sinatra and  Dizzy Gillespy are just a few of the iconic photos Eric is proud to share!

11/9/25 • 21:01

Sarah Wragge is the founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness. As you’ll hear she is energetic, healthy and happy. But she wasn’t always that way. Her personal struggle to feel well brought her to a very important place, one in which she offers practical help to those looking to feel their best. Sarah and her team are committed to producing real results with philosophies that are simple and easy to understand: we have the power to transform our bodies through nutrition; it’s not about what we take out, but what we put in; being healthy is empowering!

11/2/25 • 31:47

Peter Cahill functioned as his wife’s devoted partner for forty-five years, and as her caregiver for thirty of those years. Andrea Cahill was a fighter, battling a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis. The couple formed a foundation to help search for a cure and treatments while Andrea was alive. After she passed, Peter set out to write a memoir entitled “Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive with a Rare brain Disease.” It’s a story told by a valiant caregiver, a tale of pain, challenge, humor and hope.

11/2/25 • 43:53