Adding Context

Michelle Christo is an interventionist. Motivated by compassion, empathy, and knowledge, she has committed herself to help others who, either they or a loved one, are battling with addiction. We spoke about addiction, the evolution of drug policy reform, and interventions. We also discussed ideas to improve education and awareness. If you or someone you know is in need of her services, contact Mic...

Stanley Plotkin is an extremely distinguished scientist and educator who specializes in vaccinology and immunology. His brilliant work is responsible for the creation of vaccines for rubella, rabies, rotavirus, cytomegalovirus. We spoke about his long and prolific career. He elaborated on the importance of vaccines and the process of creating them. Some of his published works can be found at PubMe...

John Giusti is a teacher, wrestling coach, and author. We met a few years back coaching our respective middle school teams in a dual meet. By day he teaches Language Arts, pre-pandemic he coached wrestling for the Lawrence (NJ) Middle School. He decided to write his book, Coaching Middle School Wrestling: 20 Power Moves , as a means to help coaches who are just getting started or to help polish or...

In this episode, I spoke to Tom Shinn. “Shinn” is the former radio personality from WSPT, a top-rated music station whose audience spans Central New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region. We spoke about his time there from starting as a tech to hosting the extremely popular night show, and a host of other hats he wore there. We chatted about his memories of the station, coworkers, and events...

Andrew Froening is an independent filmmaker and multi-disciplined artist. We spoke about his creative origins, processes, and a number of his projects. Andrew talked about the importance of collaboration and chemistry among artists is for any medium. Follow him and his various pieces of art at his website: Frovideo , YouTube , Instagram , or Artpal .

Mark Milbrod knows the importance of life insurance. We spoke about the importance of proper insurance planning and how people can change their perspective to see insurance as a risk management tool to mitigate risks and potential burdens on loved ones. We chatted about how COVID has impacted the industry. For more information check out, Lifehappens.org . To contact Mark, he can be reached at (908...

Eric Christiansen is a lot of things, a documentarian is one. He has produced, directed, and written a number of award-winning commercials and documentaries. His documentaries are about healing from the various traumas, born out of his own personal experiences. We chatted about the industry, hope, and Pee-Wee Herman. Check out his up-coming documentary, “unMASKing Hope” set to be released on 9-11-...

Josh Thomas MMA Coach Writer & Podcast Host   Josh Thomas is a Mixed Martial Arts coach, former fighter, and a fellow wrestler and podcaster. We spoke about his life, life lessons from wrestling, fighting in a cage, and the community podcasting can bring. You can follow him at the links below for his shows.   IG: @thetakedownpodcast @theweeklyforecast @roshambophotos https://linktr.ee/Thomasjawwsh...

Sean Kipe is a musician and storyteller. He narrates the podcast, “ In the Red Clay,” about the Georgia Dixie Mafia. We spoke about his music career, his transition from the stage to behind the camera, and the by chance meeting that led him to an incredible story about a larger-than-life man. Enjoy the conversation and check out “In The Red Clay.”    Links:  Twitter: @SeanKipe   IG: @Sean.kipe In...

This episode’s guest was Jesse Cramer. Jesse is an engineer, a writer, and knows a thing or two about personal financing. We spoke at length about personal finance, our ideas of how to improve various aspects of the burdens of being an adult, and chickens. Jesse runs an award-winning blog ( www.bestinterest.blog ) that has been featured on a number of financial sources. He is also on Twitter at @B...

This episode’s guests are Tyler and his mother, Marie Haney. Tyler has navigated life with Asperger’s Syndrome. Marie, along with her husband, Tyler, and few friends opened the Hope Learning Center. A place where young adults with Asperger’s could go to develop the skills they need to maneuver through their journey of life. We talked about some of the hurdles Tyler and Marie have faced and the ski...

In this episode, I spoke with Michelle Dickinson. Michelle Mental Health Advocate, an author, and a TED Speaker. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health to effect a positive change. We discussed ways to decrease the mental health stigma and shame that prevents people from accessing care, why we should invest in brain health for first responders and within the workplace along with her...

This episode was with Jon Vigorito. Jon is a professional Airline Pilot. We have been friends since our high school years. We spoke about his life since leaving our little town, his path to his aviation career, and life in general.

This episode’s guest is Dustin Miller, Polyinnovator. Dustin is PolyInnovator, an OmniContent Creator, and host of the Polymath PolyCast. A multidisciplinary person on the journey of becoming a polymath of innovation.” We spoke about what a polyinnovator is, avenues he’s exploring to find ways to innovate our lives, education, and some pillars to ponder to pursue your purpose.  Find Dustin at the...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Maria Haberfeld. She is a criminal justice professor at John Jay College in NYC. She spent time as a member of both the Israeli Army and Israeli National Police Force. As a professor, she dives deep into training, leadership, integrity, and ethics of law enforcement agencies around the United States and the world. We spoke about the current state of law enforceme...

This episode was with Dr. Stephen Vertano. Stephen is an Emergency Physician who wears a number of hats in the field of emergency medicine. Starting as an EMT while in school, he has maintained his EMT certification through his career as a physician. We spoke about his career and COVID. You can check him out on LinkedIn .

This episode I spoke with Stephen Koepfer. Steve is a world class martial artist and coach. He is also a stunt performer in TV and Film. We spoke about many things martial arts, stunt work and other various aspects of the film industry, and how COVID has changed his world. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed chatting with him. You can follow “SamboSteve” on youtube , twitter , and Instag...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Eric Heberlig. Dr. Heberlig is a professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. (Go 49ers!!)  He has co-authored a number of books and numerous articles on the politics of the U.S. Congress, interest groups, elections, and campaign finance. We discussed a few aspects of the current state of U.S. politics, s...

This episode’s guest is Marianne Eaves. She is the first woman to earn the distinguished title of “Master Bourbon Distiller.” Marianne is a self-described science nerd.  She turned her degree in chemical engineering into making tasty spirits. A key player in reviving an old rundown distillery into what is now Castle & Key Distillery. Marianne’s talents have earned her a number of well-deserved acc...

This episode’s guest is the esteemed Kaytlin Bailey . Kaytlin wears a number of hats. She is a podcaster (check out the newly revamped podcast,  The Oldest Profession ), a writer, a comedian, and an advocate for decriminalizing sex work. Kaytlin can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @oldpropodcast , @kaytlinbailey , and @decrimsex .

Huwe Burton was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. In 2009, he was released on parole. Sadly, Mr. Burton had his formative years stolen from him by a series of injustices. We spoke about his life since January 3rd, 1986. His story may be hard to listen to for a number of reasons. My impression of the tone in which he, and other exonerees with similar stories, speak is of calm,...

This episode’s guest is Mr. Tom Lamphere. He is a Respiratory Therapist and educator. He has been in the field for over 30 years, and he has seen an immense amount of change in that time. We spoke about those advances in his field, EMS, some personal health events he has overcome, and COVID.

This episode’s guest is highly regarded, Mr. Kevin Iole, an icon in combat sports reporting. Mr. Iole shared his early years as a sports journalist, boxing, the UFC, and a little hockey. You can follow him on twitter at @KevinI , on IG at KevinIole , and his reporting with Yahoo Sports .

This episode’s guest was Dr. Douglas Massey. Dr. Massey is the head of Princeton University's Sociology and Public Affairs Department. Winner of numerous awards and accolades since earning his doctorate over 40 years ago. A life long academic, Dr. Massey has authored and/or co-authored a multitude of books to include “Climbing Mt. Laurel” and “American Apartheid: The Native American Struggle for S...

This episode's guest is Dr. Laurie Lattimore-Volkman. "Adding Context: a Podcast" is hosted by Michael Bollentin.    Dr. Lattimore-Volkmann is a professor of Journalism at the College of Charleston. She also is a Blogger for the NFL Denver Broncos and Podcast Co-Host of "Estate Sale: The Selling Out of American Democracy" . Follow her on Twitter to keep up to date with her Broncos related work as...