Today’s guest is novelist Brinda Charry, a winner of the Society of American Historians Prize (formerly the James Fenimore Cooper Prize) for Historical Fiction.  Her latest novel is entitled, “Hocus Pocus,” a well-researched tale about the clash of ambition and obsession in 1816 Boston.  Based on the real-life Indian stage magicians who captivated nineteenth-century society, “Hocus Pocus” is an engaging adventure, set in an era that Brinda magically brings to life!

Today enjoy my conversation with Advertising Hall of Famer Linda Kaplan Thaler, author of “My Life in 30 Seconds.”  The book chronicles her iconic ad campaigns that are so much a part of American pop culture – the Aflac “Duck,”  the Toys ‘R’ Us jingle that most anyone can sing by heart, those sexy, edgy  shampoo commercials that sparked nationwide buzz and much more.  Linda shares stories of famous celebrity encounters in this rare memoir that proves life’s biggest lessons don’t take a lifetime.  They often take about thirty seconds!

Taking better care of my body has been a key goal of mine and the hard work certainly pays off.  Today, I’d like you to meet my personal trainer, an exceptional guide to better health through exercise.   Mark Comstock is a fully licensed certified athletic trainer with a thorough background in human physiology, who focuses on prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic injuries and medical conditions.   He trains people from all backgrounds and ages and is someone who cares deeply about his clients, treating the whole person, often becoming their trusted friend.  Mark and I have been working together for a few years now.  I feel that I am in the best shape of my life and owe much of it to him.  We had the chance to talk before our workout  in a quieter part of the gym about his winning philosophy and approach.  You can find out more at www.markcomstock.com.

It is an honor to welcome one of the nation’s foremost historians Nathaniel Philbrick, author of several award-winning books including “Mayflower,” “Valiant Ambition,” and “Bunker Hill.”  His latest is “The Rush : California Gold, the Civil War, and the Making of the Modern World.”  Philbrick follows the gold from its discovery in the late 1840’s to a colorful cast of characters in the halls of power, revealing how vigilantism hardened into law and how debates over slavery in the West tipped the balance in Washington.  His book is loaded with fascinating information about one of the most impactful events in our history.  The Gold Rush involved  a series of  dramatic events,  setting the stage for America’s economic, geographic and cultural history.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it is my honor to welcome   Air Force (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Jonathan Treacy to the podcast.  General Treacy was   the commander of the 101st Fighter Squadron at Cape Cod that provided the initial air defense response to the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.   Tracer, as he is known to fellow fighter pilots and ground crews, also led the 101st through two combat deployments to Southwest Asia prior to 9/11: Operations Northern and Southern Watch. He served as the Joint Staff’s Deputy Director for Antiterrorism and Homeland Defense, as acting Director of Staff for the National Guard Bureau, and Commander, Joint Task Civil Support, U.S. Northern Command’s Standing Operational Joint Task Force.  Major General Treacy has been awarded several service medals and was the keynote speaker during the 25th Annual Commemoration in the Massachusetts State House Chambers on September 11th.  Special thanks to the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund for their dedication to remembrance and education.    www.massfund.org.

I love to highlight creative thinkers and writers on the show.  Today, an outstanding example of just such a writer!  Meet Trisha Blanchet, former reporter, editor, and award-winning columnist.  She’s penned a new fantasy-mystery entitled, “Murder Like Magic,” featuring a telepathic witch-slash-private investigator named Tess Tulley.  The action takes place in Mill City, a pseudonym for Lowell Massachusetts, where a community of witches of Irish descent make up a good portion of the citizenry, each with his or her own rather unique magical powers.  Well, there is murderer afoot and it’s up to Tess to figure things out while dodging threats from a bevy of unsavory “Spinners.”  “Murder Like Magic” is a solid mystery with colorful characters, just the thing for fans of wisecracking PI’s who beat the odds to solve the case!

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 behind-the-scenes looks into her iconic TV appearances and how she has fostered a nice balance between her public and family life.  A native New Englander, this talented redheaded lady is a dedicated Red Sox fan whose energy is contagious!

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!!!

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  [email protected] or call/text him at 781-298-1986.  Settle back and enjoy some sweet talk about a sweet sound!

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!