Headlined Guests
Headlined Guests that have appeared on BBS Radio TV
Frank Leeb is a Deputy Assistant Chief in the Fire Department of New York. During his more than 30-year career he has held several senior staff positions including the Chief of the Fire Academy, Chief of Training, and the Chief of Safety. Frank has also been a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983 (Long Island NY).
Frank Leeb's career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to fostering growth through training and development, a central tenet of his leadership philosophy. He has lectured nationally and internationally on motivation, preparedness, leadership, and strategy and tactics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration from SUNY Empire State and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). He has served as an advisory panel member for UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute’s (FSRI) “Study of Coordinated Attack in Acquired Structures” and is the chair for the First Responder Center for Excellence cancer advisory committee. Frank is also a principal on the NFPA Technical Committees 420, 1585, and 1710. He was also the keynote speaker for Firehouse Expo in 2022 and was a presenter at the 2022 and 2023 U.S. Fire Administrator Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. He is also the author of the best-selling book “Cornerstones of Leadership - On And Off The Fireground”.
James J. Sydnor is a native Washingtonian and a product of the DC public school system, graduating from Calvin
Coolidge High School in 1980. Sydnor then achieved a Master’s in Homeland Security degree from the University
of the District of Columbia in 2018.
Serving his community, James was a prior Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner representing
Single Member District 4B04 and the Ward 4 Committeeman as a member of the District of
Columbia Democratic State Committee. He is now serving as At-Large Committeeman.
Sydnor’s service to the community extends to veterans and military families. James is the
former Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus on the DC Democratic State
Committee; current Chief of Staff of the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 341; member of Kenneth Nash American Legion Post 8; and a public member of the
Mayor’s Advisory Board on DC Veterans Affairs.
Lance Corporal Sydnor began his career in the United States Marine Corps as a mortarman with
the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines – 1st Marine Division.
Corporal Sydnor became one of the last active Cadre Instructors on Submarine Base Kitsap.
There, he and a team of Marines maintained the base’s Auxiliary Security Force, instructing
sailors on base defense tactics and deployment of tactical weapons.
Sergeant Sydnor transitioned from active duty to the reserves as a Landing Support Specialist
where Staff Sergeant Sydnor deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II as an Embarkation
Chief.
Continuing his career, Gunnery Sergeant Sydnor became an Individual Marine Augmentee in
support of exercise Key Resolve held by U.S. Forces Korea with the Republic of Korea Armed
Forces.
Having obtained the rank of 1st Sergeant, James retired after 22 years of military service.
From 2011-2022, Marlin produced and shot more than more than about twenty 90- minute travel-adventure documentaries:
- CUBA: A Road Journey from Havana to Trinidad, Santiago and beyond
- THE SILK ROAD: China to Turkey - In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
- NORTHERN EUROPE: St.Petersburg, Moscow, Prague, Copenhagen, London and Paris
- SOUTHERN EUROPE: Paris, Cannes, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Istanbul
- PAKISTAN & AFGHANISTAN: On the border and on the Edge (also known as "In The Shadow of bin Laden")
- CITIES OF ITALY: Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast
- SECRETS OF ANCIENT EGYPT: The Greatest Story Never Told
- MADAGASCAR: A Land Out of Time – Return to Treasure Island
- The AMAZON: A Discovery Voyahge down the Great River Sea
- PEARLS OF THE CARIBBEAN: A Voyage from Cuba to Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St.Maarten, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia and Barbados
- CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama Canal,Colombia, The Galapagos, Easter Island, Peru & Brazil
- A WEEK IN PARIS: What to see and do in The City of Light. Also Versailles, Loire Valley
- MEDITERRANEAN DREAM: A Voyage from Alexandria to Greece, Italy & Gibraltar.
- HAWAII & THE SOUTH PACIFIC: The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Galapagos, Easter Island, the Marquesas, Rangiroa, Moorea and Tahiti
- JEWELS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA: Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia & Thailand
- LOST TRIBES OF NEW GUINEA: A visit to the Dani, Asmat & Korowai tribes
- TREASURES OF TURKEY: Exploring Anatolia’s Cultural and Historical Marvels
- WONDERS OF THE WORLD: Exploring 30 Great Archeological and Nature sites
- TROPICAL ASIA: A Journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia
Hi, I’m Hugo Chiasson! I’m 17 and a senior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. In August 2021, I watched as the planes took off from the Kabul airport and could not help but feel like I had to do something to help all those people forced to leave their homeland, most especially the teenagers like me who would be uniquely impacted by their displacement.
I love politics, film, and learning about people and the systems around me. I am also passionate about Constitutional Law. My favorite activities are reading, working on campaigns, writing, and watching movies. Recently, I served as a Delegate to California Boys and Girls State 2023, where I was selected as one of two students to represent California as a Senator at Boys Nation this past July. While there, I presented my resolution on refugees. You can read more about it here. I’m also a member of the Olivia E. Mitchell LA City Youth Council, where I am advocating for policy on behalf of youth in Los Angeles, including refugee youth. Most of all, I hope that in the future I can help to make the systems which protect refugees function better than they do today.
Hi, I’m Chloe Berkowitz! I’m 17 and I’m a junior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I became inspired to co-found our organization, “Teens at the Door,” when I was watching the news on the Taliban in Afghanistan forcing people out of their homes and country. When refugees began to travel to America, I thought about all of the teenagers just like me, who would have to suddenly adjust to such a different environment.
I’m excited to study environmental science next year in college, and to contribute to the solutions to Climate Change. Currently, I am the captain of my varsity volleyball team and I’m leading us to the semi-finals of the Regional Championship, and then to States! In my free time, I love to draw and paint.
Introducing Ryoji Inatsugi, a passionate solo musician hailing from Japan, currently residing in the vibrant city of Inglewood. Ryoji’s musical journey began at the tender age of 5, and since then, he has brought the joy of music to the young ones, performing for children aged 0-3 at various beautiful locations, including parks in Venice, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and the waterfront restaurant in Venice. His weekends are filled with the laughter of birthday parties for toddlers aged 2-4 all around town.
Ryoji’s versatile talents shine as he plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, cajon drum, and serenades with nursery rhymes, world music, and rock tunes. His experience is not limited to solo performances; he’s been a part of various bands, exploring traditional music from Japan, Okinawa, and Africa. In 2023, Ryoji made his mark on Spotify with a diverse range of songs, from the rock anthem “Construction Song” to the lively ska track “Garbage Truck,” designed to delight children. His upcoming release, “Cry Like a Baby,” combines Japanese and English lyrics to create dance music suitable for all ages.
Ryoji’s dedication to music extends to his professional life as well, working as a drum tech at the esteemed African drum store, “Motheland Music,” in Inglewood since 2005.
In his ongoing journey, Ryoji is forming a performance band called “Ryoji and Friends,” dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families and children through the power of music. His music is a vibrant celebration of diverse influences and a testament to the universal language that connects us all.
Linda is responsible for directing all financial and administration functions for XFI. She brings over 25 years of experience as a business strategist and financial executive primarily for emerging technology companies.
As a financial executive, Linda is experienced in building the infrastructure platform and obtaining the capital required to support high growth technology firms. She has a proven record of maximizing efficiencies and increasing productivity while operating with limited resources.
Linda has extensive experience with both public and emerging technology companies. Prior to joining XFI, Linda had been CFO of three high growth technology firms and two public firms. In obtaining the financing for these companies, she developed her expertise in public and private capital markets.
Linda has a BA from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.
MaKenzie, the host of Raw Thoughts Podcast, possesses a remarkable ability to delve into sensitive topics by engaging with individuals who have firsthand experiences in various challenging areas. Her podcast specializes in offering a platform to first responders facing frontline struggles, women dealing with postpartum depression, individuals living with Bipolar disorder, Veterans who have survived suicide attempts, and others who have navigated life through daunting challenges.
With an exceptional level of compassion, MaKenzie creates a safe and nurturing space for each guest to openly share their life experiences. She encourages vulnerability, allowing these individuals to share their stories with the world, fostering a sense of commonality among all listeners. Throughout these heartfelt discussions, she skillfully intertwines her own life experiences, forging genuine connections with her guests.
My guest Shaman Durek is a 6th generation shaman, author of best seller "Spirit Hacking: Shamanic Keys to Reclaim Your Personal Power, Transform Yourself, and Light Up the World," and a visionary for the Now Age. His online Shaman School and Healing Temple are instrumental in helping people tap into their personal power and unblocking negative patterns that have prevented them from reaching optimal human performance. Durek’s teachings have impacted thousands of people from diverse public figures like Nina Dobrev and Gwyneth Paltrow to Bio Hacking giants like Dave Asprey. In his recurring role on the show, 'The Doctors' he aided guests in overcoming challenges between their emotional/physical well-being. Profiled in People Magazine, Durek’s work has been recognized globally by major mainstream publications like Elle, Marie Claire, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, You Magazine, The Times and featured on Netflix's Bling Empire.
Anthony J. Mohr served for twenty-six years as a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. He also sat as a judge pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. In January 2021, he became a fellow at the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and is now a senior editor of the Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. His stories and essays have received five Pushcart Prize nominations. He has worked on the staffs of Evening Street Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, Hippocampus Magazine, and Under the Sun.
Denny Meek reared her children mostly as a single mum.
Of the four children she brought into the world, three have predeceased her.
Her second son was lost as an infant to a rare heart disease.
Two of her teenagers ended their own lives, four years apart.
Denny’s two primary relationships subjected her to domestic violence.
She’s been confronted by many challenging situations, deep hurts, and tragic losses, but survives them all, and continues to learn to live again.
Denny’s single mothering was supplemented by a series of odd jobs – from unemployment project officer to photographer, bar staffer to video editor, professional Tarot reader to teacher’s special aide. As an author, she now helps raise awareness for the various personal and social challenges she and her children experienced.
Denny grew up in country town northern New South Wales, Australia. She earned a psychology degree from Macquarie University, Sydney NSW, and later a diploma of freelance journalism by correspondence. She’s lived in Tasmania, Melbourne Victoria, Gympie Queensland, Coffs Harbour NSW, and now on five hectares, on the southern Gold Coast with her adult son.
On her property lives the world’s second deadliest snake – the Eastern Brown – which was spotted and filmed in ritual combat by Denny and received over 200,000 views on YouTube.
John Hadity is the Executive Vice President of Incentive Operations and oversees the film financing
subsidiary of Entertainment Partners, the global leader in entertainment payroll, residuals, extras casting, tax
incentives, finance and other integrated production management solutions. Mr. Hadity specializes in the
monetization of tax credits and Minimum Guarantees. Projects recently financed include Oliver Stone’s
SNOWDEN, Spike Lee’s CHI-RAQ, Doug Liman’s AMERICAN MADE, Jim Jarmusch’s PATERSON,
Peter Sollett’s FREEHELD, and Kitty Green’s THE ASSISTANT.
Prior to joining EP, Mr. Hadity was the President and CEO of Hadity & Associates, Inc., a consultancy firm
that specializes in risk management and production finance for film and television. With over 20 years of
studio experience, Mr. Hadity previously served as the Executive Vice President of Motion Picture &
Television Production Finance for Miramax Films. During his 12-year tenure with the company he was
responsible for a portfolio of production budgets valued in excess of $4 Billion. Mr. Hadity oversaw the
strategic planning, risk management, labor relations, business affairs, tax, government relations and financial
reporting for over 250 production entities, as well as managed all of the parent company’s structured finance
and off balance sheet transactions. He has worked closely with government policymakers on the regional,
state, provincial, and international levels to incentivize the movement of production to these areas, resulting
in over $250 Million being brought back into the studio while supporting inward investment in those
territories. In addition to his corporate responsibilities at the company, Mr. Hadity also served as production
rep on several Miramax releases including Academy Award winners SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, THE
ENGLISH PATIENT, EMMA and RESTORATION.
Mr. Hadity began his film career at Orion Classics, a division of Orion Pictures Corp., where he served as
technical and administrative director on art and specialty film acquisitions including Gabriel Axel’s Oscar
winning BABETTE’S FEAST, Stephen Frears’ MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, Akira Kurosawa’s
RAN, Jean-Paul Rappeneau’s CYRANO DE BERGERAC, Pedro Almodovar’s WOMEN ON THE VERGE
OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, Bruno Nuytten’s CAMILLE CLAUDEL, Richard Linklater’s
SLACKERS, Claude Berri’s JEAN DE FLORETTE and MANON OF THE SPRING, Wim Wenders’
WINGS OF DESIRE, several films by Eric Rohmer, and the re-release of Louis Malle’s MURMUR OF
THE HEART.
Mr. Hadity departed Orion during its financial restructuring to join indie producer Donna Gigliotti at
Universal Pictures where he managed Ms. Gigliotti’s independent production company, Tempesta Films.
Projects originally developed and packaged under the Tempesta banner include the film adaptation of Walter
Mosley’s acclaimed novel DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS and first-time director Dan Algrant’s NAKED IN
NEW YORK executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Immediately prior to joining Miramax in 1993, Mr. Hadity was with The Kennedy/Marshall Company, the independent production concern of former Amblin Entertainment producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall.
Mr. Hadity is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), is a Chair Emeritus of the Producers Guild of America East, and has served on the PGA’s National Board of Directors. His non-
profit roles include Hamilton College (Trustee; President Emeritus, Alumni Association; Chair Emeritus, Alumni Council), Tectonic Theater Project (Board Chair), NY LGBT Center (Board of Directors), Independent Filmmaker Project (Advisory Board), New York Production Alliance (NYPA Board of Directors), and has served on the MPAA’s Worldwide Production and International Tax Committees.
He is a member of New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT), is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the
film program at Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and is a former adjunct at
Columbia University’s School of the Arts. He is a graduate of Hamilton College.
Award-winning music producer PEPPER JAY has been producing the songs of JOHN MICHAEL FERRARI for over 30 years. Pepper Jay was named “Outstanding AC Music Producer of the Year” by the Producers Choice Honors for Ferrari’s crossover single “My Heart Can’t Breathe.” For the same song, Ferrari was voted “Crossover Artist of the Year” by the New Music Awards and voted “Fan Favorite” by the Independent Music Network. Their song “Masquerading in the Night” was awarded “Best Song Production 2022” by the Museboat Live Channel. And, John Michael was named “Singer Songwriter of the Year 2022 by the Nashville Music Foundation.
All reviews of the music produced by Pepper Jay for John Michael Ferrari have been 100% positive. According to Soundlooks, the Sound Journal, one of many excellent reviews: “ John Michael Ferrari – “My Heart Can’t Breathe” constitutes a high point in the artist’s catalog”
“The award-winning singer-songwriter, John Michael Ferrari has returned with a generous and emotional single, entitled “My Heart Can’t Breathe”, that suggests a mature, philosophical perspective on painful memories of a broken relationship, without losing his impish sense of melody and taste for lavish organic arrangements. … It’s immediately apparent that working with producer Pepper Jay, is a good fit. Pepper has created something that has a fresh pop feel, while giving a nod to classic singer-songwriter tracks, all the while curbing any tendency to veer off on indulgent musical tangents, allowing John Michael Ferrari’s voice to dominate, with the support of Tania Hancheroff’s backing vocals. Indeed, “My Heart Can’t Breathe”, is all crisp, multi-tracked pianos, electric guitars and swooning harmonies.”
When asked about their many successes, Pepper Jay responds with a big smile, “After all these years, I still enjoy making music with John Michael Ferrari and I love that our music creates an audience full of smiles.”
Pepper Jay has produced three albums for John Michael Ferrari on their independent label “Cappy Records” with many landing in the top 10 of several radio country, pop, top 40, and mainstream charts, including several #1’s. A fourth album is in the works.
Among many other accolades, their album, “Be the Smile on Your Face” was awarded “Outstanding Triple A Album” by the Producers Choice Honors, and they were awarded “Best Peace Song” at the Hollywood Tribute to the Oscars by Art 4 Peace for their song “Like a Rock n Roll Band.”
John Michael Ferrari has been honored to have graced the covers of several magazines in the past two years including New Music Weekly, Hollywood Weekly Nashville, and eZWay Magazine.
Pepper Jay is an international speaker on the subjects “Peace Begins with Me” and Dynamic Communication Skills. She is an US ambassador in Arts 4 Peace, and on the Board of the U.S.S. Emmons Association.
Trivia: Pepper Jay is a teacher and the author of "Dynamic Song Performance, The Singer's Bible. Pepper Jay divides her time between Pahrump, Nevada and Nashville.
For further info about Pepper Jay, visit www.PepperJay.com
our sites:
Luciana Zogbi is a singer/songwriter who, like many other young artists, started her career creating her own version of popular songs on YouTube. Her unique and soothing voice attracted over 2.8 million subscribers from all around the globe.
She recently started releasing her own original music that reflects her own philosophy, style and eclectic background. Luciana was born in Brazil, has Lebanese ancestry and travels around the world to gather inspiration for her music.
Much of her work centers around breaking barriers and borders and promoting unity and transcendence.
Jamie Logan is an animal rights activist, filmmaker and media personality based in NYC. She is best known for her animal rights films that have over 75 million views as well as her “Jamie’s Corner” YouTube show, where she uses humor to educate people on the street about how their food gets to their plate. She currently works at Generation Vegan focusing on creating impact through international campaigns, social media, plant based food drives and films.
My guests J. J. Hurtak, Ph.D., Ph.D. and Desiree Hurtak, Ph.D. are founders of The Academy for Future Science. Dr. J.J. Hurtak wrote the best-seller, The Book of Knowledge: The Keys of Enoch® and together, they have written numerous books including Overself Awakening and Mind Dynamics in Space and Time, the latter co-authored with physicist Dr. Elizabeth Rauscher, examining quantum physics and the power of the mind. Dr. J.J. Hurtak also co-authored the book End of Suffering with physicist, Russell Targ. Their latest book Sound was #1 on Amazon for the Physics of Acoustics and Sound. They are contributors to both Our Moment of Choice, which includes their insights on consciousness together with those of over forty other internationally respected writers, and the Making Contact book. Drs. Hurtak have appeared on Netflix, BBC Radio, GAIA TV, Coast-to-Coast AM, Deepak Chopra’s Wellness Radio (Sirius XM), Hay House Radio and many others. To learn more: www.keysofenoch.org, futurescience.org
