On Mic with Jordan Rich

It’s one of the hottest books of the summer and we’re thrilled  welcome the author.  She’s Mary Dixie Carter with her debut novel “The Photographer,” now garnering terrific reviews.  Mary offers insight into this intriguing psychological thriller, what she believes makes for a successful novel, and she loving recalls her famous show-biz parents, the late Dixie Carter and Hal Holbrook.   Conversation with a writer’s writer!

Meet Lon Davis, movie lover and comedy fan, who along with his wife and  co-author Debra brings us the hilarious and fascinating tale of one of Hollywood’s most successful B-movie series. It’s the definitive book about Ma and Pa Kettle, the origin story, the actors, producers, fans and more. Take a trip back to the good old days with Ma and Pa Kettle and their brood of young’uns and enjoy some great movie lore!

Paul Steven Stone is a highly successful creative advertising pro who for years worked as a newspaper columnist. But its his novels we’re focusing on. They are thoughtful, witty and spiritual.  His latest is called “Souljourner:A Karmic Crime Story,” and we’re thrilled Paul is joining us for our 200th podcast episode to talk about it and more!

Bill Diehl has had a celebrated career in radio  spanning over five decades.  An experienced network newsman, Bill gained fame as an entertainment reporter for the ABC Radio Network, where his interviews with hundreds of celebrities from the studio and the red carpet were heard by millions!

She is one of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts in this country’s history.  One of America’s Sweethearts!  Meet Shannon Miller who holds all kinds of athletic records.  She is also a winner in another arena.  In 2011 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Today she is cancer free and an ovarian cancer advocate and ambassador with the Our Way Forward program.  Catch a behind the scenes account of the Olympics and learn about Shannon has overcome incredible challenges and is now helping others.

Today’s guest is a double threat.  Meet Gerald Elias.  Jerry is not only a world renowned classical violinist who played for years with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  He’s also a talented novelist with a series of mysteries featuring crime solver and musical impresario Daniel Jacobus. Jerry’s newest novel is entitled, “The Beethoven Sequence,” about a mentally unstable American president.

Meet the man who has done so much to produce and promote live theatre in Boston. He’s Josiah Spaulding head of the Boch Center for the Arts.

We talk about the incredibly harmful impact of Covid-19 on the arts in general and specifically on theatre. Joe shares his thoughts on what it will take for the arts to survive as well as memories of his many decades as one of the area’s most prominent impresarios.

Psychiatrist Dr. Lise van Susteren and health/science writer Stacey Colino have authored a book the addresses our current environment and how we deal with stress.  It’s entitled, “Emotional Inflammation: Discover Your Triggers and Reclaim Your Equilibrium During Anxious Times.”  Get ready for a relatable, informative conversation how stress is negatively impacting us and what we can do about it.

He’s an American classic, a true Renaissance Man!   Livingston Taylor is a best-selling singer-songwriter and beloved entertainer. He’s still a traveling troubadour as well as long time teacher at the Berklee School of Music. Most of all, he’s one of the most interesting chaps I’ve met in my travels. 

John Holland was born with an extraordinary gift, one that he uses as a psychic medium and spiritual teacher.  He’s written many best-sellers and has appeared on several national TV shows.  John explains what it means to “connect with the other side,” and he shares insight into dimensions of spirit.

David J. Smith is an educator who loves his work, exciting his students about the world and geography. He’s the author of several world-wide best-sellers including “If America Were a Village,”  “If the World Were a Village,” and “If: A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers.”  Meet the man who makes geography fun and has done a lot as an educator to bring people together! Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 16 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com.

Dot those I’s and cross those T’s, today’s guest is here to celebrate the English language! He’s Dr. Santo J. Aurelio, grammarian, expert court reporter, lecturer on the subject of language and the author of “How to Say it and Write It Correctly Now,” a fine reference guide for language lovers.  Santo appeared with me dozens of times on my late night WBZ radio show, and was one of the show’s most popular guests.

Meet author, commentator, historian and playwright Jack Beatty, longtime writer/editor for the Atlantic Magazine and NPR analyst.  His latest project is a two-man play entitled, “The Battle Not Begun: Munich 1938.”  It’s a look at the dramatic meeting between British Prime Minister Chamberlain and Adolph Hitler that resulted in the famous  announcement of “peace in our time.”  A year after their peace agreement, Germany launched the second world war. 

Meet Stephanie Raffelock, host of the podcast Coffee Table Wisdom that celebrates mid-life as a bold revolution that encourages creativity, activity and vibrancy.  She’s also here to talk about her wonderful new, “A Delightful Little Book on Aging,” a perfect companion for anyone  on the magical  journey of life.

Bill Boggs practically wrote the book on interviewing the famous.  With a multi decade career in television including stints with all of the major networks, PBS, the Travel Channel and more.  Plus Bill has written an off-Broadway play and other books including his new hilarious novel, “The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog: AS Told to Bill Boggs. We tell stories about some of his favorite interviews, working with Morton Downey, Jr., the art of the interview and more!

Meet radio pro Bob Bronson who has returned to host mornings in Boston at WROR 105.7.   Bob is a proud navy veteran and native New Englander, blessed with a glorious voice and engaging personality that has made him a success in the industry.  He scored high ratings  early on in Boston, had a successful run as a program director in the New Hampshire market, and for ten years was number one in New York City as morning host at 106.7 LITE-FM.  Join us as we talk about the changing radio business, lessons learned along the way and how excited Bob is to be returning home!

Casting is an integral part of any production. Meet the co-owners of Boston Casting, one of the nation’s top casting companies. Angela Peri and Lisa Lobel are seasoned pros and along with their team can do it all – feature films, independent films, TV series, commercials, voice-overs and more. For a full and impressive list of credits visit their site BostonCasting.com.
On this episode, we explore the state of the entertainment industry and how it’s been affected by Covid-19, what a casting director looks for in talent and  how you can train with top flight instructors to hone your skills as a performer.  We might  even share a bit of inside info about some of your your favorite stars!

Get set to meet Marilyn Abrams, co-creator of one of the most prolific and hilarious theatrical experiences in modern history. “Shear Madness” is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary as one of the longest running shows ever.  Seen by over 12 million people, the show is as witty, creative, fun and surprising as ever. Jordan Rich is Boston’s busiest podcaster, appearing on over 400 podcast episodes and currently hosting 14 shows. To connect with him, visit www.chartproductions.com.

Today’s guest is a very fine friend and colleague, one of the finest and most experienced publicists in the business. Sandy Goroff has promoted books and more for everyone from former President Jimmy Carter to Jane Goodall to Kirk Douglas.  She shares some fun stories about working with celebrities, where the publishing field is headed and how publicity works in the age of social media. Sandy is also a celebrated fine arts photographer and voice actor.

Meet a delicious power couple, two wonderful people loaded with creative energy and a passion for what they do.  Americo “Rico” DiFronzo is a master chef, currently executive chef at America’s oldest continuing restaurant, The Union Oyster House in Boston. His lovely wife Sharon is a respected singer-songwriter and voice-over artist with a beautiful sound and a matching heart of gold.  On today’s podcast you’ll learn a lot from Rico about what really goes on in a master chef’s kitchen as well as current trends in the restaurant business.  And Sharon shares with us a bit about her life in music and this couple’s secrets for a sweet and successful marriage.  Bon Appetit!

Meet two of the most vibrant jazz talents on the scene today! Kristen Lee Sergeant’s current release, “Smolder,” is a story of fire — love ignited, ablaze and extinguished. DownBeat critic Bobby Reed writes “This elegant album illustrates what can happen when admirable ambition is paired with vocal vibrancy.”  Her collaborator on this wonderful new album is jazz saxophonist and composer Ted Nash, Grammy-winner and a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis. Ted is also one of the founders of the Jazz Composers Collective.  They make beautiful music together and their love of wine has led to them producing their own wine called “Two Notes,” a Bordeaux blend from California, soon to be in its second vintage.

To say he’s amazing is an obvious understatement. Jon Stetson is one of America’s foremost mentalists, an engaging entertainer who has performed for presidents, kings, Fortune 1000 organizations and celebrity audiences around the globe.  Jon loves people and it’s evident at any of his live shows as he injects levity and kindness while dazzling people with his uncanny mental abilities.  Jon leaves audiences with a sense of empowerment and wonder. His shows are extremely entertaining and inspiring. He’s appeared on many national television shows but his home base these days is the historic Parker House Hotel in Boston where his performances have the city buzzing!

Meet a dynamic young woman who is putting her stamp of success on the music business.  Jacy Dawn Valeras has been singing since she was very young, working with some of the top names in the music industry.  She is also a gifted song writer.  A New Englander by birth, she migrated  to the musical hub of Nashville where she started  a thriving business, Platinum Circle Media, promoting headline acts such as Collin Raye, TG Sheppard and Lorrie Morgan.  She and her team provide top flight social media marketing campaigns and creative cutting edge promotion for today’s markets.  A few years ago, Jacy faced the worst news any singer can—due to overuse, she had done serious damage to her vocal chords and needed to give up singing completely.  Happily, along with her booming media business, she found healing and is singing beautifully again.

Geri Jewell was the first person with a disability to score a regular role on a prime time series, when she starred in “The Facts of Life.”  The fact of life is that Geri has accomplished more than most in show business…from stand-up comedy to top-selling author to world renowned motivational speaker.  She received an Emmy consideration for her work on the HBO hit series “Deadwood,” and is famous for her ability to use humor to change attitudes in the right direction.   Her dear feline friend Juliette was in on our conversation as well.  Geri, we love you!

Meet one of the busiest and most versatile actresses to light up the small and big screen. Along with starring in the mega-blockbuster “ET, The Extra-Terrestrial,” Dee Wallace has appeared in dozens of TV shows and films, including so many ‘edge of the seat’ horror movies that she’s been dubbed “America’s  Scream Queen.” Dee is also an international healer, speaker, author and radio host.  Her I-M System of Healing looks deep into a person’s energy to reveal the blockages, fears and belief systems holding them back.  She focuses on the ideals of self-love, self-responsibility and self-empowerment. She is most proud of her daughter Gabrielle Stone who has become an award winning director, actor and author. Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.

Bill Brett is “Mr. Boston.”  For decades he served as head photographer at the Boston Globe and has covered hundreds of major news events.  He still works tirelessly taking photos at social and charity events that make the Globe regularly.  Bill has catalogued his work in several best-selling photo books including, Boston: All One Family; Boston: An Extended Family; Boston: A Year in the Life; Boston: Inspirational Women; and, Boston: Irish. He just released his 6th entitled Boston Game Changers. He is a Class-A gentleman who continues to excel in his craft! Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.

Joey Noone, aka Joey Voices, is a popular entertainer who does incredible impressions and  stand-up comedy.  He’s appeared on local and national radio and TV shows, has worked  the showrooms of Las Vegas and is also a prolific song-writer.   Joey is also a seven-year theological seminary grad and has written a book that’s sure to help a lot of people, “Good Things are Supposed to Happen to You!”   Joey is not only a first-class entertainer but a guy with tons of heart and wisdom!

On today’s episode, a conversation with Larry Shushansky, a therapist for many decades who is pioneering his own work in a booked called “Independent Enough.”  Larry discusses his own history of struggle with addiction and chronic disease and how overcoming those experiences helped him become a better therapist and finer person.  The Independent Enough concept is simple, practical and successful. Larry Shushansky is a sought-after motivational speaker and radio guest and I’m thrilled to have him join me on the podcast. Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.

In our first public podcast in front of an audience at the Millennium Tower of Boston, the featured guest is long-time chief groundskeeper at Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox, David Mellor.   He’s written an engaging and thought-provoking memoir entitled, “One Base at a Time: How I Survived PTSD and Found My Field of Dreams.”  Dave’s is a story of endurance and triumph over what can be a devastating condition, PTSD, all too common in modern society. His courage in coming forward after years of suffering in silence will touch your heart and likely help others dealing with their own condition.  It’s also a fine baseball account from the Boy of Summer whose job it is to keep the grass green and the field in pristine condition. Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.

On this episode I welcome a longtime friend and colleague Cal Armistead.  She is one of the most talented voice-over artists we know and she works regularly with us voicing commercials and narrations at Chart Productions.  Cal is also an accomplished singer and actress. But it’s her love of writing and expressing new ideas on paper that we are focusing on today.  Her breakthrough first young-adult novel is entitled “Being Henry David.”  The book has been well received across the country by teachers, parents and young readers.  The story of a teenage boy in a quest to find his identity mixes fantasy, history, literature and emotion brilliantly.  Cal is busy at work with several book projects soon to come!

Meet a Hollywood and TV legend just turning 90 who isn’t showing any signs of slowing down!  He’s 7-time Emmy winner Ed Asner, actor, activist, philanthropist.  Ed is in town with his one-person show, “A Man and his Prostate,” at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts.  He’s touring the country in this humorous, touching play about the journey of one man dealing with prostate cancer and treatment. Famous for his portrayal of  Lou Grant,  “Roots,” The Old Man in “Up,” and  for dozens of TV and film roles, Ed Asner continues to reign as one of our most beloved actors.

Meet JP O’Donnell, a retired dentist and professor who decided to take a crack at writing a captivating detective novel.  He did, with two more to follow.  JP (aka Joe) has written “Fatal Gamble,” “Deadly Codes,” and “Pulse of My Heart,” all of them featuring a tough Boston PI named Gallagher.  Joe has enjoyed much success with the books and was lucky enough to attract the attention of Hollywood.  A feature length motion pictured called “Bent” (2018) was produced based on a combination of plot points in the novels.  The film starred Karl Urban and Sofia Vergara. Joe is hard at work on his next one and has even published his first children’s book. I was honored to be the narrator for all three Gallagher audio books and can’t wait to work on the next one.  We talk detectives, really colorful bad guys, sitting on set watching one’s characters come to life and more! 

Paula ‘PK’ Norton might look like the friendliest of neighbors (and I’m sure she is) but she leads a double life.  Paula is an up and coming mystery novelist whose books featuring insurance investigator Amy Lynch are captivating readers and gathering fans from all over.  Paula herself was in the insurance business and her experiences sparked the birth of Amy and her need to get to the truth.   There are currently three books in the series “Sweet Dreams, Sweet Death, “Dead Drop” and  “Deep Secrets”  with many more in the pipeline.   The author is also a proud member of Sisters in Crime and the Cape Cod Writers Association.  Way to go Paula for living your dream and entertaining readers! Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.

A returning guest, my dear friend Brad Meltzer is back to talk about his ever growing series of books for young readers in the “I Am” series.  His latest entries are “I am Walt Disney” and “I am Marie Curie.”  The series is beautifully illustrated and presents to young readers leaders from all aspects of history and culture.  The books inspire children to look up to those who exhibit bravery, integrity, character, creativity and more.  Brad is also a best selling novelist, historian, TV producer and host and like me, a fan of the Man of Steel!

Dr. Mardy Grothe has a rich background as a psychologist, management consultant , speaker and prolific author.  Words are his business for sure.  He’s penned a slew of wonderful books about our language including “I Never Metaphor I didn’t Like,” Oxymoronica,”  “Metaphors be with You,” (my favorite title ever), and now is turning his attention to the phenomenon that is Donald Trump in “Deconstructing Trump: The Trump Phenomenon through the Lens of Quotation History.  How do the thoughts and quotations of great thinkers through the ages apply to today?  Listen here to find out.

Steven Karidoyanes is an accomplished conductor, musician, composer and broadcaster, now in his 26th season leading the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. This is also his 16th season conducting the New England Conservatory Youth Symphony, leading concerts in Boston’s most prestigious concert venues and in past concert tours of Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, Eastern Europe, Ireland and Spain. Steven’s love and appreciation for classical music and his natural abilities as a master showman make him one of the most respected conductors in his field.

Justin Locke is a man of many talents.  First off he’s an acclaimed musician, having played bass for nearly two decades with the famed Boston Pops working with such luminaries as Arthur Fielder, Leonard Bernstein and Henry Mancini. Justin has also composed music including a hilarious symphonic spoof in a courtroom setting called “Peter Vs. The Wolf.”  It has been performed in concert halls around the world. His books include “Real Mean Don’t Rehearse,” “Principles of Applied Stupidity,” and his latest “The Handyman’s Guide to the Galaxy: Adventures in Professional Home Repair.”  Be prepared to take the plunger and get out your glue gun as we talk with one of my more eclectic guests!

Jim Redfearn is a well-respected retired Massachusetts State Trooper and a man of many skills.  Following his 21-year career on the force as a patrol officer and investigator, he served as an academy instructor.  Jim worked as a private investigator for one of Boston’s top law firms.  He’s also been an industrial commercial photographer for Edgerton, Germeshausen & Grier, a  company specializing in nuclear testing, marine studies and high speed photography. Today his passion is writing and on the podcast we’ll look at two of his thrilling police novels, each based on historical events, “The Rising at Roxbury Crossing,” about the 1919 Boston police strike and “An Appointed Time,” a story about the largest manhunt in Massachusetts state history.

He’s one of America’s great storytellers.  Meet radio talent, writer, producer, musician and humorist Garrison Keillor. Garrison talks with us about the origination of the beloved Prairie Home Companion radio show along with his work as a prolific writer of  best-selling novels and non-fiction books and essays.  He is currently on the road with live “Lake Wobegon” shows, playing to sold out audiences around the country.  Learn more about your host Jordan Rich at chartproductions.com.