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Submitted by Douglas Newsom on 19 April 2021

Headlined Guests

Guest Occupation: President and founder of PRRI and a leading scholar and a New York Times bestselling author.
Guest Biography:

Robert P. Jones is the president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future (published September 5, 2023), as well as White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, which won a 2021 American Book Award. He is also the author of The End of White Christian America, which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.

Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic, TIME, Religion News Service, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. Jones writes a weekly newsletter for those dedicated to the work of truth-telling, repair, and healing from the legacy of white supremacy in American Christianity at www.whitetoolong.net.

He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.S. in computing science and mathematics from Mississippi College. Jones was selected by Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2013, and by Mississippi College’s Mathematics Department as Alumnus of the Year in 2016. Jones serves on the national program committee for the American Academy of Religion and is a past member of the editorial boards for the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, and Politics and Religion, a journal of the American Political Science Association.

Jones served as CEO of PRRI from the organization’s inception in 2009 to 2022.  Before founding PRRI, he worked as a consultant and senior research fellow at several think tanks in Washington, D.C., and was an assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University.

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Kids & Family, Politics & Government, Self Help, Variety
Guest Occupation: Founder and CEO of Solight Design, inventor of the SolarPuff
Guest Biography:

As a little girl growing up in Seoul, Korea and then upstate New York, Alice spent many days learning how a simple fold can become structured. Origami forms were taught to her by her mother, who also taught Alice how to sew her own clothes. Always creative, fascinated by design, structure and forms, Alice studied architecture at Penn State where she obtained her undergraduate degree and went on to earn her Masters in Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania.

With emerging trends in material technology resulting in smarter, lighter, faster, sustainable fabrication, Alice started to sew solar panels to fabric as early experiments for harnessing solar energy with softer, malleable material. She became focused on solar technology and finding ways to create clean energy solutions upon learning her son Quinn was diagnosed with asthma.

While teaching as a Professor in Architecture and Material Technology at Columbia University, Alice created early prototypes of solar lights with her students. Still not satisfied, and fueled by her passion for helping the underserved, Alice invented the world’s only self-inflatable, portable solar light, eliminating the need for a mouth nozzle. This ensured a healthy, sanitary method to inflate. Alice named this invention the SolarPuff™ and conducted three years of field testing in Haiti. In 2015 she launched Solight Design and initiated a KickStarter program with unprecedented results. She went on to win numerous awards including the US Patent Award for Humanity and her products have been exhibited at MOMA, the Modern Museum of Art in New York City. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solight_Design

Guest Category: Arts, Business, Education, Health & Lifestyle, Science, Society and Culture, Technology
Guest Occupation: Culture, Law and Business Analyst
Guest Biography:

James Hirsen, J.D., M.A. in Media Psychology, is a New York Times best-selling author, international business attorney, news analyst, cultural commentator, and social media scholar.

Highly sought after for his expertise on a host of matters, and for his unique perspective through the lens of a moral universe, Hirsen has appeared on numerous television broadcast networks including NBC, ABC, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Channel, CNN, HLN, CNBC, MSNBC, the BBC, Canada’s Sun News Network, and the Trinity Broadcast Network, as well as various streaming media venues including Newsmax TV and Dove TV.

He is also a frequent guest on broadcast, satellite, and Internet radio stations around the globe and is a well-known public speaker in the legal, business, news, entertainment, and faith communities.

In his enduring weekly column for Newsmax.com, The Left Coast Report, Hirsen features his distinctive insight and commentary on the confluence of the entertainment, political, cultural, ideological, and social media worlds.

Hirsen, who served many years as a law professor at Trinity Law School and journalism professor at Biola University, is a member of the California and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations and has the distinction of having been admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is additionally a lifetime member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and an active member of SAG/AFTRA, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the American Film Institute, the Worship Music Association, and the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel.

Before setting his sights on the legal, publishing, and communications worlds, Hirsen worked as a professional musician. He participated in numerous studio recordings, film scores, and performance events and was keyboardist for a number of years for one of the most legendary groups of all times, the Temptations.

Guest Category: Business, Legal, Philosophy, Politics & Government, Local, National, World, Society and Culture, Theory & Conspiracy
Guest Occupation: Advocate, Workshop Leader, Author
Guest Biography:

Scott Stabile is the author of Enough as You Are and Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world.

Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted social media following, including more than 350,000 Facebook fans.

Guest Category: Arts, Literature, Education, Health & Lifestyle, Kids & Family, Love & Relationships, Dating, Society and Culture
Guest Occupation: Poet, Radio Host
Guest Biography:

At age twelve, Rita Monte immigrated to the United States of America with her beloved family. At a very young age she loved to listen to music on the radio, dreaming that one day not far away she could play a vital role in the world of music and radio.

When she came to the United States, the Italian radio shows were the only link she had with her beautiful and faraway land. Well, it’s been 27 years that Rita has been bringing music, information, public announcements, poetry, interviews and much more into our homes. Every Thursday from 5-7, pm on 90.3 FM, you can tune in to “Profumi d’Italia” Radio Show to attest to this.

In 1999 she graduated from Nassau Community College with an Associate’s degree.

Rita has taught Italian at Meadow Elementary School in Baldwin, from 1997-2000 and does private tutoring, as well. Rita is very active in the Italian American Community. She is the vice president of the I.A.W.C. (Italian American Women Center) A cultural group that helps promote the language and Italian culture. She is a recipient of many awards and honorary achievements from the community.

Rita has organized several fundraising events. She is past organizer of the Miss Italia Nel Mondo Pageant; for the Long Island and New York State area. In 2009 she organized Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a hair donation event, to benefit cancer victims who lost their hair from cancer treatments.

She is master of ceremony for many festivals and community events in the Metropolitan area. Rita is the creator and organizer of Home Made Wine Extravaganza, the first and only home-made wine competition in the New York area.

In 2006 Rita Monte had a starring role in the short film, Behind Locked Doors; the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, playing the role of Alessandra, an Italian immigrant and seamstress.

She has taken four semesters of writing classes at Nassau Community and attends several writing and poetry workshops. She is currently working on her first book of poetry, short stories, and inspirational quotes.

Rita Monte is married to an exceptional man Gianni and has a son Alessandro, who is very proud of his parents and his Italian background.

In her spare time Rita likes to make hand-made crafts and has created her own line of jewelry named, Rainbow Creations One-of-A-kind Jewelry by Rita.

She loves to read and write. Rita enjoys cooking with her son, Chef Alessandro. She loves going to the beach and swimming, as well.

Guest Category: Performing Arts, Literature, Education, Entertainment, Philosophy, Psychology, Society and Culture
Guest Occupation: Vocalist, Pianist
Guest Biography:

Born in the Montserrat, Bazil Meade is the charismatic and multi-talented vocalist, pianist and leader of Europe’s premier vocal ensemble, the London Community Gospel Choir. Moving to England at aged nine family circumstances caused him to leave home in his teens. His ambition was to bring the two fundamental aspects of his life together, his faith and music, to inspire and entertain audiences. Having built up a legion of dedicated fans the choir perform regularly to audiences all over the world.

Many of the greatest musical artists have called upon the services of Bazil and the choir including Madonna, Sting, Sir Paul McCartney, Brian May, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross and Kylie Minogue. Bazil can turn his hand to any type of genre and his and the choir’s versatility have made them the first point of call for soulful vocals for high profile concerts and recordings.

As well as with the choir, Bazil runs his own vocal workshops around the world and also the Bazil Meade Experience – Bazil on keys with 3 backing vocals and the band, an imitate performance.

His book A Boy, A Journey, A Dream tells the story of his life with the choir. The foreword written by Sir George Martin.

Awarded the MBE in 2018 for Services to Gospel Music. If you talk about British Gospel Music you are talking about Bazil!

The London Community Gospel Choir

From humble beginnings, in 1982 London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) came together to spread an important message of peace and unity in diversity through music and faith. Pioneering the sound of British Gospel Music, they soon rose to fame, and went on to become Europe’s leading Gospel brand and one of the most in demand choirs across continents of the globe.

39 years on LCGC’s unique, warm, rich, vibrant sound and charismatic, unforgettable performances continue to break boundaries and inspire people internationally, touching the hearts of audiences from all walks of life.

LCGC performs at many of the UK’s most prestigious events, such as the International FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, Glastonbury, Live 8 and World Aids Festival as well as regular shows at Royal Albert Hall. Dubbed by the British media as ‘the nation’s favourite choir’, LCGC are the first point of call to support high end entertainment events and global humanitarian causes such as Red Nose Day, Remembrance Day, Cancer Research, Live 8, Amnesty International and World Aids Day.

In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, LCGC hosted a historic concert in London, bringing together 30 choirs from across the world to perform together as one, breaking a Guinness World Record for the World’s largest Mass Gospel Choir.

Driven by the altruistic vision of peace, love and unity: “Out of many one voice” and the infectious passion and charisma of it’s founding leader, Bazil Meade MBE, LCGC is made up of an eclectic mix of united nations and ages from diverse backgrounds. This untouchable unique blend of voices, personalities and artistry is what makes this choir a truly special, groundbreaking force in international Gospel music today.

Testimony to this successful recipe and reputation, LCGC has collaborated, performed and recorded with artists such as – Tom Jones, Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Annie Lenox, Rod Stuart, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Adele, Gorillas, Blur, Nick Jonas, One Republic, Gregory Porter, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and the list goes on.‍

Guest Category: Business, Music, Philosophy, Society and Culture, TV & Film, Variety
Guest Occupation: CEO of the Regenerative Medicine Institute
Guest Biography:

Amidst a landscape where science and aspiration intersect, Greg Shindler stands as a beacon of leadership, as the strategic, purpose-driven CEO of the Regenerative Medicine Institute. With a business acumen honed over decades and a heart grounded in purpose, Greg’s leadership style is an alchemy of humility and audacity, compassion and ambition.

South Houston, Texas, with its rugged spirit, is where Greg’s journey began. It’s a journey colored by challenges, resilience, and a tireless spirit of transformation. The shadows of his early life, marred by family trauma and heart-wrenching loss, never weighed him down but instead provided the bedrock of his empathy and resilience. When life introduced him to a mentor in his stepfather, he embraced the lessons of love, hope, and renewal. The pain of loss resurfaced when health challenges claimed this beacon in his life, further cementing Greg’s resolve to make a difference.

But it isn’t just personal experiences that guide Greg. With over 25 years of business leadership, helming start-ups as well as national and global brands, he masterfully blends strategic prowess with a deep-rooted purpose. Under his stewardship, the Regenerative Medicine Institute is more than a medical hub; it‘s a nexus of hope and innovation. While he may not don a lab coat, Greg’s vision of harnessing science for a better tomorrow is unyielding.

Picture a world where age-associated challenges are re-envisioned. Where every individual is empowered to lead an enriched life, unhindered by health adversities. This isn’t a mere dream for Greg, but a mission. His approach transcends the realm of traditional business strategies; it’s about forging a legacy where aging, disease, and injury are not setbacks but steppingstones to growth and revitalization.

Yet, for all his ambition, Greg is a maestro of collaboration. He understands that the journey towards redefining wellness is a collective effort. Every decision, every strategy is deeply rooted in teamwork and community, and in his cherished question: “How can we uplift the quality of life for individuals?” In Greg Shindler, the world sees a business leader who’s not just at the helm of an organization but is leading a symphony of change and hope.

Guest Category: Business, Careers, Management, Science, Society and Culture
Guest Occupation: Business and Life Harmony Trainer
Guest Biography:

Dr. Heather Tucker is a Business and Life Harmony Trainer.  She uses unique approaches that empower you to improve your energy, mindset, emotional intelligence, and action plan to bring in more clients into your business, charge what you deserve, and create more freedom in your work, relationships, and all areas of life. Her Company, Another Level Living, Inc is a professional training company that produces deep, powerful transformations for entrepreneurs worldwide who want to overcome great challenges and stand fully in your power, unshakable, so that you can master communication and relationships in both business and life with ease and grace.

After working with Dr. Heather, students find themselves working smarter, more present and in the flow, and are able to leap forward in their destiny and get results.  Dr. Heather has certified over 400 Life coaches and 50 communication (mind) experts in her company.

She is the Project Manager and Lead Author of the International Best Seller Book Series called The Power of Coaching. She’s also the Host of An Online Sensation for Entrepreneurs called The Freedom Fridays Show.

More about Dr. Heather here:

Guest Category: Arts, Business, Education, Health & Lifestyle, Psychology, Self Help, Society and Culture, Spiritual
Guest Occupation: Dr. Yafi is an intuitive, channel, author, past life regressionist, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. Yafi channels Hathor, Elementals, ETs and EDs.
Guest Biography:

My guest Yafi Yair, is a doctor in clinical psychology and hypnosis (Psy.D.). She combines her expertise in holistic wellness with spiritual exploration. Beyond her clinical realms, Dr. Yafi is an energy worker, an intuitive and a channeler. She brings messages from an array of spiritual luminaries: Hathor, Earth elements, fairies, and extraterrestrials. Dr. Yafi's mission is to enrich the lives of others through a heart-centered exploration of consciousness and of the self.  

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Paranormal, Physics & Metaphysics, Psychology, Self Help, Society and Culture, Spiritual, Theory & Conspiracy
Guest Occupation: Conscious Life Expo Executive Producer
Guest Biography:

My guest Robert QuicksilverExecutive Producer, began producing the Conscious Life Expo in 2002. Robert is the author of the book: Ten Thousand Years. Prior to producing the Expo, Quicksilver was founder and director of Star Magic, a national chain of "new age" gift stores. He has been involved in alternative healing and metaphysics since the early 70s, and often exhibited at the old Whole Life Expos

To  get tickets to this year's L.A. Conscious Life Expo: https://consciouslifeexpo.com?ref=yzq2otu 

Guest Category: Earth & Space, Health & Lifestyle, Paranormal, Physics & Metaphysics, Psychology, Self Help, Spiritual, Theory & Conspiracy
Guest Occupation: Retired Fire Lieutenant Paramedic and Board of Directors at the National Alliance on Mental Illness NH and CEO Freedom Hill Consulting
Guest Biography:

Todd Donovan is a former Lieutenant/Paramedic (Retired) with the Derry, NH Fire Department and has been with the department for 20 years but has been a paramedic for 30 years. He lives in Chester, NH, with his wife, Nicole, of 31 years with four great children (empty-nesters now).
Freedom Hill Consulting, where Todd is the CEO, consults with emergency services organizations to manage and strategize their data and to achieve accreditation. Todd is also the President of the Board of Directors at the National Alliance on Mental Illness in New Hampshire.
He holds a bachelor’s in business and a master’s degree in Leadership from Granite State College.
 

Guest Category: Alternative Health, Medicine, Psychology, Emotional Health and Freedom, Mental Health, Personal Development, Self Help, Technology
Guest Occupation: Chief Physical/Mental Organizing & Declutter Specialist
Guest Biography:



Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Kids & Family, Self Help, Variety
Guest Occupation: Energy Healer, Psychic
Guest Biography:

Sarah is a profound and naturally gifted Energy Healer and Psychic. She passionately embodies and shares her own healing journey, offering support and guidance, holding the light for others on the path of self-healing.

Sarah has extensively studied esoteric teachings through numerous international mystery schools over the last 17 years. 

The last three years, Sarah dedicated her studies with Spiritual Acceleration and mentoring with Bonnie Serratore. This has had an exponential impact on her scope and capacity as a powerful and innovative energy healer.

Through her refined skills of high-frequency channeling and divine connection, she will track and clear frequencies and foreign interference which are keeping you stuck, limited or playing small.

With an innate ability to compassionately cut to the core of the issue, Sarah will help you clear the misconceptions, embrace the learning, and provide divine guidance as you navigate your way forward on your path to self-mastery and reclaiming your divine sovereignty.
 
As the Lead Accelerator with Spiritual Acceleration, Sarah is teaching Intuitive You & the Foundations courses in 2024. Intuitive You is a 6-week psychic development course which Sarah has redeveloped to include deep clearings in every class to breakthrough blocks and limitations to owning ones psychic and intuitive gifts.

The 10-month Foundations program is being offered in Australia for the first time ever with Sarah leading the way.

This transformative course will revolutionize the way you show up in a healing capacity with the depth and expansion it offers for personal healing and the tools and techniques Bonnie has created to achieve real breakthroughs on the quest for true liberation.  

Sarah lives on the Mornington Peninsula of Melbourne, Australia.

How to Connect with Sarah 

Book a session

Sarah Ellingworth - Spiritual Acceleration Team Member
 

Intuitive You Course

Intuitive You - Spiritual Acceleration
 

Intuitive You free gift

https://program.spiritualacceleration.com/intuitive-you-quiz-and-free-gift 
 

Foundations Course 

2024 Foundations Training Program - Spiritual Acceleration
 

Follow Sarah on Instagram

Sarah Ellingworth (@meraki_holistic_healing) • Instagram photos and videos
 

Follow Sarah on Facebook 

(2) Facebook
 

Sarah’s Website

Energy Healing Melbourne | Meraki Holistic Healing by Sarah
 

Spiritual Acceleration's website

Get Liberated - Spiritual Acceleration

 

Guest Category: Entertainment, Alternative Health, Energy Healing, Paranormal, Philosophy, Self Help, Spiritual, Access Consciousness, Psychic & Intuitive
Guest Occupation: Author
Guest Biography:

Bio 👇

In this memoir entitled The Sound of Her Voice, author and retired social worker, Mary Harper tells the story of how her parents, two strong, independent individuals overcome all challenges to live a full and successful life. She addresses topics about the challenges, struggles, and gifts of blind people as well as how those around them can help them cope and succeed. A beautiful memoir so poignant that it reads like fiction!

The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents’ Story is the inspiring chronicle of a remarkable couple (both blind since childhood) who — against all odds — lived full and productive lives. Mario became the first blind graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and was later elected Judge of two different county courts in Muncie, Indiana. 

Jane, who was fiercely independent from a young age, ran the household and raised four sighted children without outside assistance. Capable and confident from the start, Mario and Jane Pieroni lived abundant and gracious lives, overcoming the constant challenges they faced.

A beautiful memoir so poignant that it reads like fiction, this inspirational first-hand account is told by their youngest child, Mary Pieroni Harper, a retired social worker. “I grew up in a loving household with parents who were patient and kind,” she tells us. “Our family looked like other families who were at Sunday Mass or on television (my main frame of reference as a child). Yet Mom and Dad’s eyes didn’t light up when they saw me or darken when I did something wrong. They had no idea what I looked like.”
Using extensive archival material — including recorded audio and video interviews, and family photos — Harper offers up a tale both historical and future-facing, helping us understand how the world unfolded for generations past and what is possible for generations to come. With clarity and emotional vulnerability, Harper takes us on an odyssey that extends more than a century.

We travel through time during her parents’ childhoods and watch them mature and fall in love during their education at the Indiana School for the Blind. And Harper gives us powerful glimpses of her own life — then and now — as one of four children who could see her parents but whose parents only knew her by touch and sound.

Guest Category: Arts, Business, Entertainment, Kids & Family, Philosophy, Self Help, Society and Culture
Guest Occupation: Entrepreneur, Author, Core Life Coach, and Professional Speaker
Guest Biography:

Valessa L. Taylor is a highly accomplished and influential leader. She possesses a strong and dynamic presence, which allows her to make a significant impact in her field. Her extensive military experience and diverse background have equipped her with a unique set of skills and perspectives, making her a force to be reckoned with. 

Valessa is known for her ability to inspire and motivate others, and she consistently demonstrates a strong sense of determination and resilience. Her leadership style is characterized by her unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of success. Valessa is a true powerhouse in her industry, and her contributions have made a lasting impact on those around her.
 

Valessa  L. Taylor is not only a highly accomplished and influential leader, but she is also a c suite executive and the CEO of Go Core Mind Body Soul LLC and Corelicious LLC. In these roles, she oversees the strategic direction and operations of both companies, ensuring their continued growth and success. Valessa’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving innovation and delivering exceptional results for her organizations. Her ability to effectively manage teams and navigate complex business challenges has earned her a reputation as a highly respected executive in her industry.

 

Guest Category: Business, Military, Local News, World News
Guest Occupation: Author
Guest Biography:

My name is Theo, but that nickname started in the 6th grade. My full name is derived from my grandmothers, Thelma + Elizabeth = Thelizabeth.

After 30 years, I moved back to my hometown in Whitney, Texas. In this photo, I am standing in front of the hospital where I was born 50 years ago to two of the most beautiful people I will ever know.

I’m just a farmgirl that loves to write. Most of all, I love sharing the story of a farmer, his wife, and their life. It’s beautiful. It’s broken. It’s complete. It’s a sweet life with a most tragic end. They lived in extraordinary ways and died in extraordinary ways. But just because some stories don’t have happy endings doesn’t mean the characters don’t live happily ever after.

I write so people can feel what I feel, see what I see, and love what I loved.

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Kids & Family, Love & Relationships, Psychology, Emotional Health and Freedom, Mental Health, Personal Development, Self Help, Society and Culture
Guest Occupation: Battalion Chief at Raleigh Fire Department
Guest Biography:

Dena Ali is a battalion chief in the Raleigh (NC) Fire Department with 15 years of service. She has a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Psychology, Emotional Health and Freedom, Mental Health, Personal Development, Biology & Chemistry, Self Help, Inspirational, Motivational
Guest Occupation: Medicare Social Security Author & Consultant.
Guest Biography:

Toni King is an author, columnist and radio and TV personality, and has spent more than 27 years as a top sales leader in the Medicare and health insurance fields. She has also conducted “Confused about Medicare “ workshops throughout Texas and the southeastern United States. In 2009, Toni was holding a Medicare workshop in Greenville, Mississippi, when a member of the audience asked a question about his not needing Medicare Part B. Toni met with the gentleman after the workshop and it didn’t take her long to find out that he had received wrong information from his local Social Security office. It took a couple of days to get this overwhelming problem straightened out and get him his Medicare Part B. When it was all finished, her role as an insurance agent had changed to that of advocate for people on Medicare. It was then that she took the Medicare and You handbook and put it into “people terms” so the average person could understand Medicare.

Whether Toni is consulting with a client in the office or giving a “Confused about Medicare” workshop to hundreds of people, she emphasizes her mottos: “Medicare is NOT Cookie-Cutter” and “What You Don’t Know WILL Hurt You!” Not understanding the rules and guidelines of Medicare can cause you to make costly mistakes that will last a lifetime. Whether you are helping your parents understand Medicare or choosing a plan for yourself,  let Toni show you how to navigate your way through what has become the Medicare maze!

Guest Category: Kids & Family, Medicine, Self Help, Variety
Guest Occupation: Consultant specializing in political campaigns, advocacy and small business development.
Guest Biography:

Patrick is a consultant specializing in political campaigns, advocacy and small business development. He previously served as the Executive Director of the District of Columbia Republican Committee, America’s only fully urban state GOP organization. The first Republican ever elected to the DC State Board of Education, Patrick represented Washington, DC’s, most racially diverse ward for a full four year term.

A staunch advocate for parental choice in education, he was the Board’s sole representative to the National Association of State Boards of Education’s Government Affairs Committee where he helped shape national education policy. Long active in politics, Patrick ran for DC Council and served as an Alternate Delegate (2008) and Delegate (2012) at two Republican National Conventions. With over two decades of campaign experience, Patrick has worked and volunteered on dozens of campaigns at the local, state, Congressional and Presidential levels. Earlier in his career Patrick worked on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Senator; at the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as a contractor; and later lobbied both the Legislative and Executive branches of the Federal government on behalf of technology, education and energy clients.

Patrick currently serves on the Washington Latin Public Charter School Board of Governors which is among DC’s highest performing schools. Before earning an entrepreneurship-focused MBA from Babson College, Patrick graduated from Marist College with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Political Science. He is past President of the Marist College Alumni Executive Board and past Board of Trustees alumni representative. Patrick and his wife live in the Randle Highlands neighborhood of Washington, DC with their two young sons.

Guest Category: History, Kids & Family, Politics & Government, Self Help, Variety
Guest Biography:

A former award-winning sports reporter and communications coordinator for the Houston Texans, who also happens to be the niece of country superstar, Dierks Bentley. Brooke Bentley is familiar with the toxicity of sports culture. In her timely debut novel Sideline Confidential (summer 2023), Brooke explores the challenges and discrimination women face in the male-dominated world of professional sports. I hope you’ll consider Brooke for interview this fall. She can discuss her own experiences facing sexual harassment while working in sports and with the NFL -- from being forced to ride a separate bus to not being allowed to interview players in the locker room to having a consensual relationship with a high-profile figure weaponized against her. I'm sure you can imagine that Brooke is comfortable in the broadcast arena.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From former sports anchor and award-winning sports journalist Brooke Bentley comes Sideline Confidential – a behind-the-scenes peek at the obstacles and double standards facing women in the male-dominated space of sports journalism. 

When young sports journalist Blake Kirk lands her dream gig – working as a reporter for her hometown’s pro football team – she anticipates many of the challenges that accompany the gig – long hours in the office and on the field, many days of travel, immense pressure to succeed as a woman in sports journalism. What she doesn’t expect are the double standards and old-school entitlement that trip her up at every turn. From day one, Blake faces off with her boss who does everything in his power to make her job difficult—from forcing her to ride a separate bus to the games; to blocking her from interviewing players in the locker room; to pushing her to “network” with colleagues at a strip club. As suggestive notes appear on her desk and a consensual celebrity hookup is weaponized against her, Blake’s dream devolves into a nightmare, and she is forced to choose between her dignity and her career.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brooke Bentley is a former television anchor and award-winning sports reporter. After graduating with a master’s in journalism from the University of Southern California, she spent two years working for the Houston Texans as a media personality and over a decade working in sports journalism. Brooke now devotes her time to championing local nonprofits, including Homemade Hope, where she served as the development director. She and her husband live in Houston and are raising two young boys. 

Sideline Confidential is Brooke’s debut novel, where she shares her firsthand knowledge of the challenges women professionals face in the male-dominated world of professional sports.

Guest Category: Arts, Business, Entertainment, Philosophy, Psychology, Travel & Leisure, TV & Film, Variety