Headlined Guests
Headlined Guests that have appeared on BBS Radio TV
My guest Tom Kenyon is one of the most respected sound healers in the world today. Tom Kenyon is a teacher, musician, composer, and esoteric book author. He holds a master's degree in psychological counseling, having worked as a private psychological counselor for thirty years. He is also a channel for the Hathors, Masters of Love and Sound. Tom’s unbelievable four octave voice is his predominant instrument. Every sound you hear on a Tom Kenyon CD or tape is created by Tom as musician, singer, and shaman. Tom teaches in Intensive formats throughout the world. Tom’s life’s studies and many lifetimes allow him to move with equal facility between Tibetan Buddhism, Egyptian High Alchemy, Taoism, and Hinduism, and the sciences relative to each. He is the author of “Brain States” and a few other books, including “The Manuscript of Mary Magdalene” and “The Hathors.” Tom has created over a hundred psycho-acoustic recordings and programs.
Acting Fire Chief David Motes has served over 33 years with Clay County, Florida, starting his career as a paramedic and Volunteer Firefighter, and later rising through the career ranks in Clay County Fire Rescue. Chief Motes has served as the Acting Fire Chief / Director of Public Safety since December 2018 when Fire Chief Lorin Mock was called to County Administration. Public Safety is an all-hazards agency and includes 300 sworn personnel spread across the 640 miles of Clay County in 12 Stations.
Marie G. Guma holds a master’s in clinical psychology. With an avid interest in addressing the psychological needs of first responders, Marie attended and later contributed to the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative's Clinician Training and Management between 2017 and 2020. Her dedication was underscored by her role in the Clinician Response Team for Coral Springs Parkland Fire Rescue during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.
In October 2019, the untimely passing of Alvis Fernandez, a revered firefighter from Boynton Beach, sent shockwaves through all who had the privilege to know him. During a series of station visits spearheaded by an IAFF peer support team from Orlando Fire, Scott Weeks, the Fire Union President of Boynton Beach, recognized the need for dedicated mental health services. He turned to Marie and said, "We need you here." This call to action prompted Marie to introduce the Command Counseling Center (CCC) to Boynton Beach, a venture she was inspired to create after observing the third-party counseling collaborations at the Orange County Fire Authority in California and understanding exactly what these industries needed to move from a reactive culture to a preventative one.
By 2021, CCC witnessed unprecedented growth, securing contracts with departments spanning from Miami Dade to Jacksonville, FL.
An accomplished educator and speaker on mental health, Marie has presented nationwide. She has co-authored a chapter on the subject and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education and Leadership at Gwynedd Mercy University, anticipating graduation in March 2025.
New York Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow
Dr. Boules has been a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois for over 25 years and has worked in multiple settings including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, college counseling centers, community mental health centers and private practice. Dr. Boules has also worked as an adjunct professor at Elmhurst College teaching undergraduate science courses.
Currently, Dr. Boules is the 5th licensed prescribing psychologist in the state of Illinois and the first prescribing psychologist to treat patients at Ascension Community Health Center in Arlington Heights, IL. Dr. Boules is also the Program Manager for the Alexian Brothers/Ascension Illinois Health Systems Prescribing Psychology Fellowship program; the only IDFPR approved program in the state of Illinois. Dr. Boules is the board Secretary for the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists.
Dr. Boules has been in private practice for over 25 years and is the Founder and CEO of Boules Clinical Psychology Group in Burr Ridge, IL. Dr. Boules and her partner, Dr. Brandi Boan, are in the process of launching Optimal Vitality Concierge to reach patients throughout the state of Illinois.
Bio
Stunning Memoir Of A Woman Who Loves A Pathological Liar Champions The Cause Of Millions Of Women Trapped In An Unhealthy Relationship
“In a candid memoir, a middle-aged woman traces the trajectory of her addictive relationship with a manipulative sociopath…. A chilling dissection of entrapment in and escape from an abusive relationship….. Virginia realized that her marriage was not sustainable and Liam was a danger to her family’s livelihood and her own emotional stability. But getting away from an experienced schemer who had embedded himself in her life and her heart would not be easy. Bennett’s memoir of her painful second marriage is honest and intimately revealing. As the details of Liam’s abuses mount, it becomes increasingly hard to understand why Virginia doesn’t end the relationship much sooner, but she does a skillful job of conveying the isolation and loss of personal power women experienced in emotionally abusive marriages.”
What would you do if you were a 40ish single mother of two while busy helping to run a large family farm, and you enjoyed a blind date with a good-looking, smooth-talking, charismatic guy? What if he makes you feel protected, loved, and desired in bed? If you were Virginia Bennett, you would marry him – and then you would see your life nearly get ruined for welcoming a pathological liar into your family.
Snowed, penned by Virginia, is her raw, honest, and engrossing tale of love gone so very wrong, revealing how millions of women like her get lured into the controlling, manipulative, and abusive arms of men. Her now ex-husband, Liam, is one such man.
“I could have lost it all – my family, the land, and my relationship with God,” writes Virginia.
“I almost lost it to a person who violated my code of ethics, fabricated his credentials, and whose words meant absolutely nothing,” writes Virginia. “Someone who seemed so polite and educated, and yet, underneath it all, was deceptive and nefarious. During the latter days of our marriage, and on the brink of divorce, Liam O’Connor had made me feel so bad about my family loyalty. He scorned me as if I were doing something wrong to have chosen my family and inheritance over him. In the end, though, I made the right choice. I chose blood and land.”
Her story is a warning shot to women: know who you are getting into bed with. Literally.
When Virginia, the heir to a large family farm, meets Liam, a handsome, engaging forty-something, on a blind date, she falls for his good looks and charisma. Their shared background in farming brings them together, but after they get married, Virginia notices that something is amiss. As Liam asserts his authority on the farm, leading to conflict with her father, Virginia is unsure who to trust. She ultimately uncovers the truth of who Liam is and the secrets of his past. In this thought-provoking memoir, Virginia reveals how she overcame betrayal, offering poignant insights into pathological love relationships.
This memoir captures the essence of what it means to be snowed. She wed a con man of the heart, leaving her to feel she never really knew him. Their dysfunctional relationship made her feel she married an impostor.
Dr. Larry J. Sabato is a New York Times best-selling author, has won four Emmys, and is recognized as one of the nation’s most respected political analysts. He appears multiple times a week on national and international TV, including CNN, BBC, and CNN International. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Sabato is the founder and director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, and has had visiting appointments at Oxford and Cambridge universities in England. Dr. Sabato is the author or editor of two dozen books on American politics. He has taught over 20,000 students in his career, and the University of Virginia has given him its highest honor, The Thomas Jefferson Award. In 2021, Sabato celebrated his 50th year of association with the University of Virginia.
Steve Ramona discovered his calling at a young age and is now on a mission to share his secret sauce for success. He thrives on forging meaningful connections, sharing referrals, and watching people flourish.
His contagious passion for the Law of Increase makes his podcast "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart" so successful. This show is chock-full of inspiring stories about overcoming challenges and serving others.
Steve has a knack for spreading good vibes and elevating those around him. He learned from his dad that the entrepreneurial spirit is a great way to make money. I can share stories of how people serve, struggle, and win. We must overcome something, so why not learn to serve and overcome it much faster? I learned early in our Health Club the importance of customer service. I knew the more I served, the more it was a win-win for everyone. I enjoy working with people, referring people, and helping people grow. The Law of Increase is my mission when I network around the world.
I love to mentor businesspeople and offer all the resources I have. To win, you must grow yourself first; then, you can share this with others! I am an avid reader.
At Pantheon.FM We are gathering 1,000 of the world's leaders to train them up as thought leaders who provide meaningful content and services to the world and link arms with them to wage war on entrepreneurial poverty...and we're WINNING!
Favorite Quotes
- “Get better 1% everyday. How much better will you be at the end of the year?”
- “Your Network is your NET WORTH.”
- “Having an bad day, go out and serve someone.”
Links
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Podcast
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Dr. Kathleen Corley is an award-winning educator, an authority on school culture, and the charismatic principal at Red Cedar Elementary School in Bluffton, S.C. Renowned for her unique communication and leadership skills, Corley has a bachelor’s in music education from the University of Illinois, a master’s in music administration from Chicago Musical College, Roosevelt University, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois.
Chicago-born, Dr. Corley began her career in education as an elementary music teacher and transitioned to education administration to make a wider impact upon student achievement and school culture. She entered the administrative ranks as an assistant principal in Palatine, Illinois, then became an elementary school principal in Lynchburg, Virginia, Salem, Massachusetts, and Bluffton, South Carolina. She was the founding principal at three of those schools and has been an educator for over forty years (and still counting). Corley has been an assistant professor at Salem State University and continues to mentor principals.
A lifelong Cubs fan, Corley lives in Bluffton, South Carolina, with her husband, Wayne, and dogs Wrigley and Fenway. The Magical Place We Call School represents her debut as an author.
My guest Adam Apollo has offered insights on global transitions, physics, technology, human spirituality, and the future as a "Next Generation Leadership" ambassador at the White House, in multiple NEXUS and other summits at the United Nations, and at conferences and festivals around the world. He served as Chief of Business Development for the 2020 Fund, and organized two Prayer Runs for World Peace with indigenous elders and youth from all over North America. He is a cofounder of the UNIFY movement which reaches 100M people each month, and two education and technology-based companies: Access Granted and Superluminal Systems. He is an active faculty member, author, and the lead systems architect for several international online academies, including the Resonance Academy for Unified Physics and the Guardian Alliance Academy for self-mastery, with over 150,000 active students of all ages from around the world across these schools. He’s been featured on GAIA TV shows, Coast to Coast AM on multiple occasions, feature films and more. Over the past few years Adam Apollo supported development of a new quantum computer resistant encryption system with Crown Sterling and advised on many cryptocurrency initiatives. He is now building a decentralized social operating system that has a revolutionary 3D starship dashboard and regenerative impact engine for gamification of planetary transformation: CoreNexus™. Adam Apollo is dedicated to achieving a sustainable and thriving interplanetary culture.
To learn more: Adam and I and other notable presenters are speaking in September at the Portal to Ascension Glastonbury UK Conference. Tickets: https://ascensionglastonbury.com/ref/2/
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My guest - Oliver Huntley is a Wisdom Keeper, Writer, Storyteller, Teacher, and Sacred Site Guide. Currently deepening his connection to the Land and Mysteries of Ancient Wales whilst writing his first book. He is on a soul mission to bring back lost Mystery School Wisdom and Initiations from the Druids, Gnostics, and a lost Celtic Christianity. Oliver is also a scholar specializing in the life and story of ‘Joseph of Arimathea’; who was an uncle, mentor to Yeshua, guardian and protector to Mary Magdalene and Mother Mary. He is a passionate teacher for the ancient language of Aramaic spoken by Yeshua and the Essenes. Oliver has over ten years of experience in holding land-based retreats all over the world, specializing in the unification of the Gnostic and Druidic Mysteries of Avalon (Glastonbury) and Cymru (Wales). He has the rare ability to take you on an adventure uniting the worlds of Spiritual Initiation, Historical Knowledge and the Wisdom of Nature. Guiding individuals and groups through sacred journeys. Oliver weaves together sacred stories, ceremonies and teachings long forgotten from the Gnostics and Druids. Helping you remember and reconnect to the ancestral magic of the land and the stories of its holy history. Learn More: www.TheGnosticDruid.com Oliver and I and other notable presenters are speaking in September at the Portal to Ascension Glastonbury UK Conference. Tickets: https://ascensionglastonbury.com/ref/2/ |
Hollywood Producer Saul Blinkoff works for many high profile clients including; DISNEY, DREAMWORKS, NETFLIX and travels the world as an Inspirational Speaker sharing transformative tools of clarity, tenacity, resilience & discipline to empower others to live their dreams! He is an empowering Life Coach and Podcast Host of the motivational podcast LIFE of AWESOME!
Saul lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their four children.
Scott L. Steward, a Master Certified Teacher of Entrepreneurship, is an accomplished and award-winning educator with 18 accolades under his belt. As a former Chicago Public School teacher, his entrepreneurial expertise is frequently sought after by various publications for advice on new ventures and guidance for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. He has authored a successful business plan featured in Make $1,000 in 35 days, contributed to the textbook Entrepreneurship: Owning Your FUTURE 11th Edition (Pearson, Prentice Hall), and penned 31 Ways to Improve Your Life: a Book of Stewisms's.
Often referred to as the "force" behind a student's limitless future, Scott is dedicated to empowering his students to become CEOs of their own businesses and lives, creating wealth on their own terms. As a business owner, educator, entrepreneurial expert, and father of five, Scott has firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship.
From a young age, Scott understood the importance of financial independence. With his mother's encouragement, he started his first business, Scott's Enterprises, at just 12 years old, providing car washing and lawn care services in his neighborhood. During high school, he and his cousin found success promoting parties and album release dates for national artists, experiences that laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey.
Scott's extensive background includes serving as the Interim Director of the Small Business Development Center at Chicago State University, CEO of Break Bread Marketing & Media—a boutique multimedia production company and marketing consulting firm, Master Certified Teacher of Entrepreneurship by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and Professor of Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Chicago State University.
For over 15 years, Scott has leveraged his corporate marketing and business experience to inspire students to pursue their dreams. His passion and determination have allowed him to forge meaningful connections with his students, many of whom have become successful young entrepreneurs under his guidance.
Award-winning journalist Jill Lawrence is an opinion writer and the author of "The Art of the Political Deal: How Congress Beat the Odds and Broke Through Gridlock." A former columnist, commentary editor and editorial board member at USA Today, her previous positions also include national political correspondent for USA Today, managing editor for politics at National Journal and national political writer at The Associated Press. Her writing on politics, policy and culture has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Bulwark, NBC News Think, The Daily Beast, Politico Magazine, The Week, Al Jazeera America Opinion, The Atlantic, AOL's Politics Daily, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lawrence is a contributor to The Surge: 2014's Big GOP Win and What It Means for the Next Presidential Race and co-author of Governors and the Presidency: How They Campaign, How They Govern, for the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, and Phoning It In and Failing to Show: The Story of the 2014 House Primaries, for the Brookings Institution.
Among Lawrence's national awards and honors are the 2021 National Society of Newspaper Columnists award for online columns, the National Press Club's 2016 Lee Walczak Award for Political Analysis, a 2010 Sigma Delta Chi award from the Society of Professional Journalists for her Politics Daily columns, and a 1995 National Headliner Award for her AP columns. Columbia Journalism Review named her one of the top 10 campaign reporters in the country in 2004. Washingtonian magazine included her on its list of 50 "best and most influential journalists" in 2005.
A highlight of her tenure at USA Today was "One Nation, Divided," a series which she proposed after the stalemated 2000 election and which ran in 2002. The stories were based on research and reporting throughout 2001, both before and after the 9/11 attacks, in the archetypal blue and red towns of Montclair, N.J., and Franklin, Tenn. In 2003, the IRE Journal published an article Lawrence wrote about how and why the towns were chosen and the tools she used to find the information she needed.
A thoughtful analyst as well as a social-media aficionado, Lawrence has discussed political and policy developments on MSNBC, C-SPAN, Sirius-XM, public radio and many other media outlets. She was an adjunct professorial lecturer at American University in 2014, teaching on the relationship between politics and the media.
- Brie Burke is an actress, singer, model, activist, and CEO/Founder of D.A.Y.S. (Depression Awareness & Youth/Young Adult Suicide) Nonprofit Organization. She has been kept busy within the last five (6) years, starring in 27 films, various commercials & music videos. Brie is currently also working on her first music cd, which she hopes to release in 2024.
Brie started her acting career on the stage at the age of seven (7), she has been in eight (8) community musical theatre productions and can sing in 5 languages. She attended New York’s Broadway Artists Alliance (BAA) where she auditioned along with 3,000 other youth & young adults, worldwide, for one of 120 coveted spots in their acting/singing program. She was fortunate to work with & be coached by TONY Award winners and current Broadway Performers, as well as NYC’s top Casting Directors, Agents, and Acting/Singing Coaches. When not acting, Brie writes, directs and/or produces when possible.
As the CEO/Founder of D.A.Y.S. she is dedicated to the prevention of youth & young adult suicide, as well as assisting those suffering from bullying, depression, and the loss of a loved one due to suicide. Brie hopes to be “a spark to light the way out of the darkness for those suffering from depression, bullying, or the sadness and despair of losing a loved one to suicide”. She dedicates her organization and platform to the memory of her cousin, David, who committed suicide at the age of 22.
She is the recipient of the White House Presidential Gold Medal Volunteer Service Award (2022), the World-United Pageant “Most Photogenic Award” recipient (2023), the World-United Pageant “Queen of Charm Award” recipient (2023), the St. Petersburg / Clearwater “Ladies in Film & Entertainment Award” recipient (2022), the State of Florida Office of Prevention Services “FIT Award” recipient (2021), the Miss Florida USA “Community Impact Award” recipient (2021 & 2022), the Miss Florida USA “Girlbossing Award” recipient (2020, 2021, & 2022), the Character GPS “Hero of Hope Award” recipient (2021), the Miss Florida USA “Community Engagement Award” recipient (2020), & the NAMI Pasco “Hero of Hope Award” recipient (2020).
In her free time, Brie loves to coach little league soccer, as well as play & referee Competitive Soccer.
Maetreyii Ma Nolan, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, spiritual teacher, and psychologist, expert in consciousness and holistic healing. With a rich background in psychology and spirituality, her work has positively influenced many people's lives. Maetreyii Ma Nolan's wisdom and teachings garner recognition worldwide, making her a respected voice for inner transformation.
She is also a spiritual mentor, providing Baba Talks, teaching classes, and guiding students. She hosts webinars, retreats, and seminars, creating spaces where individuals can explore and experience the Divine.
More about Maetreyii Ma;
In my life activities, I am a writer, a licensed Transpersonal Psychologist, and an Acharya, or ordained yogic minister/spiritual teacher. I teach mysticism, traditional yogic meditation, philosophy, and the ancient wisdom teachings of yoga. I also am an ERYT 500 yoga teacher and a yogic therapist. This is the dream of "me."
I am a mother of two grown sons, a partner to a yogi in a marriage of many years, someone who loves their friends and family deeply and rejoices in those relationships, and a lover of the Divine. I love a good book, a good movie, a hike in nature and just being with those I love, but most of all I love my Baba, my Divine guide, Guru, and lifelong friend. I love the stars, the trees, and all living beings.
I began my spiritual yoga journey in 1969 when I took Diksha, or initiation into yogic meditation practices. From those practices unfolded deep mystical experiences of divine presence From that presence has come the guidance to share with others, as best I am able. This incredible love and guidance that I have found awaits in the mystic heart of yoga.
From the depths of these beautiful experiences of Divine presence and inner guidance from my Guide, I have begun to teach trainings, webinars, and classes. I have authored a number of books on spiritual life, sharing the depth of teachings I receive. I also hold periodic meditation retreats for those who want to go deeper and support people in cultivating direct mystical experiences through meditation practices and other approaches in my Mysticism and Yoga Mentoring Program.
Currently, I spend my time doing this spiritual work in service to the Divine, as well as working as a psychologist in private practice and writing books. I reside with my family in our ashram community in the northern San Francisco Bay Area.
My guest Tim Tactics is a governance expert from Europe. For almost a decade, he worked as a tactical advisor within the covert governance sector in Europe, which aims, among other things, to understand the missions and strategies of non-human intelligences on our planet and beyond. He was in experiments with so-called "exotic lifeforms," beings not from this Earth. Tim also reports on his numerous experiences with advanced technologies behind closed doors and shares his insider knowledge from ten years of work in undisclosed projects, especially on the topic of the current disclosure. His deep understanding of the mysteries of the universe comes from his extensive contacts.
Rob Rudewicz retired at the rank of Captain from the Hartford Police Department after a successful 20 year career. He held a variety of traditional and non traditional positions including acting chief of police. His early experiences growing up in the city combined with his police career contributed to a long term battle with addiction to alcohol, depression and anxiety. He shares his struggles over the years as well as his ultimate success in finding true recovery, honestly and openly in this podcast.
Chris Moore is a Captain with the Chesapeake Virginia Fire Department with over 30 years as a first responder and he is also a national touring speaker. Chris Moore is the son of a Norfolk, Virginia Police Officer and began his own public safety career in Virginia Beach, Virginia as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT in 1993. As a volunteer, he put in as many hours as possible, picking the brains of the career members and soaking it all in, in hope of one day becoming a career firefighter. In 2000 Chris' dream became a reality as he was offered a job with the Chesapeake Virginia Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic. Chris has served in a variety of assignments including Firefighter Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Recruit School Instructor, MDA Fill the Boot coordinator, Foam Team, PPE Team, Fire Lieutenant and he currently serves as a Captain and a key member of his Departments Behavioral Health and Peer Support Team. Chris has served all over the diverse city of Chesapeake, by providing responsive and caring service to protect and improve the quality of life of others. He has also deployed on various task forces for aid in his home state of Virginia and deployed to Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Chris has received numerous awards and commendations for his selflessness, bravery, commitment and dedication to the fire service. He most recently received the Fire Chiefs Medal of Commendation for his personal work and vulnerability in the field of first responder mental health and wellness. Chris was formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress related to his years of service in 2018. In 2020 he decided that helping other first responders by sharing his journey in a completely open, honest and transparent format was another way of giving back and he started speaking at conferences and symposiums across the country. This let other first responders know that there is help out there as well as hope. He received his PTSD service dog, Lewis, in the summer of 2020. He is also a published writer in Fire Engineering Magazine, has been on numerous podcasts and news stories and is in the renowned documentary PTSD 911. Chris is also an alumnus of Save a Warrior. Chris is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Chris continues to candidly share his journey with PTS and speak to, not just fire but all public safety agencies across the United States, with the hope of ending the stigma behind mental health in the public safety community.
Since the opening of Advanced Health of Naperville (AHN) in 1999, Dr. Cathy has helped patients of all ages and types of symptoms reach their optimal health. She is a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa and one of the first doctors in the U.S. trained in cranio fascial dynamics and cranial treatment.
Her appreciation for and interest in chiropractic care came from being a patient herself. Following a springboard diving injury at age 17, she struggled to do daily activities without pain and sometimes couldn’t get out of bed. Traditional treatments were ineffective and by chance, someone asked if she had ever seen a chiropractor. After a few adjustments, her back issues were 95% better and her daily headaches, which she had since she was 13, were gone. Making chiropractic care a career choice was an easy decision.
After 24 years as a practitioner, Dr. Cathy transitioned to overseeing the practice in spring of 2022. Her focus is on ensuring AHN’s team of doctors, therapists and staff maintain the practice’s reputation of being a welcoming and happy place where patients receive the care they need to heal.
She’ll also be devoting more time to running The Branch and Socket. The Branch is a moms’ community with more than 55,000 members. It offers online connections, local events, networking groups, information sharing, opportunities to volunteer, and a place to call home. Socket is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Cathy on which she and her guests cover a variety of life and self-care topics that invite listeners to plug into gratitude, confidence, and happiness and unplug from the people and things that no longer serve them.
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary A. Mitchell was born Mary A. Duncan on May 23, 1949, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mitchell’s mother, Carrie Williams Duncan, and father, Joseph Duncan, struggled to raise ten children in Chicago Public Housing’s Dearborn Homes and Clarence Darrow Homes. Mitchell, the eldest and a twin loved to read as she helped raise her siblings. Mitchell attended Einstein Elementary School and Wendell Phillips Upper Grade Center. At Dunbar Vocational High School, Mitchell joined a girls group called the Exquisite Ladies Club, which put emphasis on good grades, not having babies and service. Graduating from Dunbar in 1967, Mitchell was hired by Peoples Gas as a mailroom clerk. Starting at Wilson Junior College in 1968, Mitchell transferred to Chicago Teacher’s College (Chicago State University) that same year.
Mitchell became the first African American legal secretary at a major Chicago law firm, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP; she eventually quit her job as a secretary after twenty years of service. Taking writing courses at Columbia College and encouraged by Carol Holtz and P.J. Bednarski, Mitchell landed a successful internship with the Chicago Sun-Times in 1990. Graduating with her B.A. degree in journalism from Columbia College in 1991, Mitchell was hired full time by the Chicago Sun-Times. Covering educational issues, Mitchell’s five part series on Chicago Vocational High School earned her an award from the National Association of Black Journalists. From 1993 to 1995, Mitchell covered City Hall reporting on Operation Silver Shovel. Since the start of her column in 1996, Mitchell, like Carl Rowan and Vernon Jarrett before her, has attracted a large and diverse readership. Mitchell also cultivated a substantial national following via the Internet, receiving an average of 900 e-mails per week from readers.
Mitchell was the recipient of numerous journalism awards, including the Award of Excellence from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Studs Terkel Award from the Chicago Media Workshop, and the Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headliner Club. Mitchell was a frequent guest panelist on television and radio programs; a president of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists; and a member of the Association of Women Journalists.
