”It’s A Wrap with Rap”

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Alicia Baca‑Rush, a two‑time cancer survivor who endured stage 2 thyroid cancer, ten surgeries, two tracheostomies, life‑threatening complications, and the loss and recovery of her voice. Alicia shares the failures she faced in the medical system, the loneliness of healing, and the emotional aftermath of trauma. Through candid storytelling and her book, The Good Kind o...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Christopher Carazas about his memoir Now That I'm Still Here, exploring his late autism diagnosis, years of emotional abuse, suicide attempts, and the long work of healing. Chris shares how therapy, hospitalization, the loss of a loved one, and writing helped him reclaim purpose, and he discusses his advocacy for mental health and autism, speaking engagements, and reso...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Lauren Zelt, founder and CEO of Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT), about her journey from journalism to leading a national nonprofit focused on consumer protection. The conversation explores PACT's mission to stop lawsuit abuse, staged-accident scams, and misleading legal and medical practices that drive up costs for everyday families, and highlights real-w...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews certified betrayal trauma practitioner Mr. J about the nature of betrayal trauma, how it differs from other trauma, and practical steps for individuals and couples to begin healing. The episode covers immediate actions after discovering betrayal (medical checks, needs assessments, grounding), managing shame and triggers, rebuilding trust, common reconciliation mistakes...

In this episode Ron Rapaport interviews Victoria Pelletier, a corporate executive and author who rose from poverty and trauma to become a CEO and thought leader on resilient, authentic leadership. Victoria explains her concept of "healthy resilience," contrasts it with burnout, and shares practical habits—self-care, community, purpose, and self-awareness—that sustained her career and leadership th...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Dr. Erica Elliott about her transformation from conventional physician to healer, exploring her work with the Navajo, the mind–body connection, and her practice in environmental and functional medicine. The episode covers her personal health crises caused by toxic environments and implants, how she learned to diagnose medical mysteries, criticisms of corporate medicine...

Meet Billy Mandarino, author of the "NOW-IST, Finding the Signs to Your Ultimate Desires in No Time". Billy is a speaker, teacher, businessman and founder of the NOW-IST principles showing a world in stress and fear, a way out. Host Ron Rapaport and Billy will discuss how, through feeling and imagination, we can find the way back to our true self and a fulfilled life. Sponsors:   Arthur Lih, autho...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Bryan Blackmon about his journey from addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to sobriety, TikTok fame, and founding Crab Crew Life. Bryan shares the role of Elaine in his recovery, practical daily disciplines, and advice for anyone feeling hopeless, plus how listeners can follow his work at CrabCrewLife.com. Sponsors:    S.Kaye Klein, author of "The Betrayal of San...

Ron Rapaport talks certified life coach Marit Welker, on the deeply emotional and often misunderstood topic of family estrangement between parents and their adult children. Marit brings clarity, compassion and insight into the complex dynamics between mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who have become distanced or completely disconnected. Her philosophy centers on accountability, self-reflection...

In this episode, host Ron Rapaport interviews Sophia Demas, author of The Divine Language of Coincidence, about her experiences with synchronicity, divine timing, and miracles. Sophia shares personal stories — from prophetic dreams to spontaneous healings — and explains how gratitude, prayer, and taking action on meaningful coincidences helped transform her life and inspired her books and workshop...

Host Ron Rapaport talks with Arthur Lih, the founder, inventor and CEO of LifeVac, a patented choking-rescue device that has saved thousands of lives worldwide. After spending eighteen years co-building a highly successful logistics company, and in 2012 learning about the tragic death of a seven-year-old child choking on a grape, he was driven from retirement to find a solution without any knowled...

Ron Rapaport interviews Laszlo Suhayda, who escaped Soviet communist Hungary in 1956 to remind the world that freedom doesn't come free. His book "Twelve Bells to Freedom" tells the harrowing true story of how the post WWll Russian occupation of Hungary sought to destroy faith-banning religion, imprisoning clergy, and forcing families to inform on each other. His gripping firsthand account will ca...

Jay Setchell, a U.S. Marine and author of "The Strength Within You, It's Always Too Early to Quit", shares his remarkable story of surviving multiple life-threatening accidents, dozens of surgeries, and long recoveries. His experiences reveal how perseverance and inner strength can carry you through the hardest challenges. In this episode Jay discusses his military service, near-death moments, reh...

Host Ron Rapaport talks with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, about how a 2012 garage build turned into a nationwide nonprofit that makes and delivers beds for children in need. The episode explores the organization’s origin, the chapter model and volunteer build days, memorable delivery stories, leadership lessons, funding, and how listeners can donate, volunteer, or start a ch...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Adam Ferguson, a parent and author of "The Things You Have to Do Before I Buy You a Phone" discussing one of today's most pressing parenting issues: When and how children should be introduced to smartphones. Rather than focusing solely on restrictions, Adam emphasizes preparation, accountability, emotional maturity, and trust.  His work resonates with parents, educator...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Barbara Grassey, author of American Expat, Moving Abroad Solo After 60, about her bold relocation to Portugal and practical advice for mature adults seeking reinvention abroad. They cover visas, healthcare, finances, cultural adjustments, making friends, and the importance of scouting trips and flexibility when building a new life oveseas. Sponsors:   TeleWellnessMD-Cl...

In this episode of It's a Wrap with Rap, Lorie Kleiner Eckert—writer, storyteller, quilter, and author of Chai on Life—shares warm, candid stories about family, faith, and personal reinvention. She discusses turning quilts into books, finding meaning in everyday moments, and the Jewish idea of "chai" as a life-affirming theme. Lorie offers practical advice on writing, staying resilient through lif...

Host Ron Rapaport discusses with certified domestic violence expert, advocate, high-conflict divorce coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book "Been There, Got Out" Lisa Johnson, about helping survivors to seek clarity, strength and a way forward. Lisa, who is not a lawyer, represented  herself  through scores of court appearances and her case was published in the Connecticut Law Journal...

Host Ron Rapaport interviews Joe Steele, entrepreneur and author of Life Switch, about overcoming major setbacks—bankruptcy, brushes with jail, and burnout—and rebuilding a life of purpose. They explore Steele’s core philosophy of living "on" versus "off," the three P’s (potential, passion, purpose), practical habits for staying activated, and one actionable step listeners can take today to begin...

In this episode Ron Rapaport interviews Judy Kim Cage, author of Super Survivor, about her life-changing hemorrhagic stroke and remarkable recovery. Judy discusses how denial, resistance, and persistence shaped her healing journey, the challenges of rehabilitation, navigating long-term disability, and the gratitude and purpose she found afterward. Listeners will hear practical hope, peer mentoring...

Chelsea Cella joins the podcast to share her family's experience raising a child with albinism — from a shocking birth and delayed diagnosis to the daily realities of vision problems, sun sensitivity, medical gaps, and social stigma. She explains what albinism is, the urgent safety and medical needs it creates, the struggles with insurance and specialists, and the importance of genetic testing and...

Host Ron Rapaport talks with former corporate leader and coach Mike Sealy about imposter syndrome — why accomplished people still doubt themselves, where those feelings often begin, and how a growth mindset expands your comfort zone. They discuss real-life examples, the role of perfectionism and culture, practical steps to quiet the inner critic, and how leaders can create supportive environments...

Claire Cavalieri, a Harvard-certified wellness coach, joins the podcast to explain her Slow Aging Method — a modern Mediterranean-style eating plan, consistent daily movement, and nurturing relationships and purpose. They cover nutrition, sleep, stress management, skincare, and how mindset affects long-term health. The episode offers simple, actionable steps to start improving longevity at any age...

Ron Rapaport interviews author John Jay about his new book, Ninette's War, the true story of Ninette Dreyfus — a Jewish teenager from Paris who survived betrayal, exile, and a perilous escape over the Pyrenees mountains during World War II. John describes using Ninette’s wartime diary, BBC broadcasts, and eyewitness interviews to reconstruct her experience and traces her life after the war, offeri...

Dr. Scott Geise, a respected small-town dentist, shares his harrowing account of false accusations, legal manipulation, and a plea deal that led to federal prison, loss of his dental license, and lasting damage to his reputation. This episode explores how plea bargaining, prosecutorial practices, and procedural failures can overwhelm the innocent, and offers practical takeaways about seeking prope...