February 25, 2025

Paul David Cooke

Hi at BBS Radio,

I appreciate your work serving the public good, helping people understand the contemporary world through your programs and helping them see how we’ve come to our present state. I have a deep sense of gratitude for those who understand society’s hunger for personal and spiritual growth and are willing to give themselves to sharing that understanding as you’ve been doing. I'm writing to thank you for what you do.

I completed a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard, but prior to my university studies I spent nine years with a religious cult. Now I've written a memoir about that experience. It's a disturbing but ultimately inspiring story of finding one's way, losing it, and finding it again. Based on what I know about your work, I believe among your programming colleagues there are some who could be interested in receiving a complimentary copy of my new book when it's published.

At age twenty, not seeing it was a cult, I joined the Children of God (later known as the Family of Love)—and ended up following its strangely charismatic leader, David Berg, aka “Moses David.” My tale is one of delusion, darkness and disappointment, and yet also (perhaps surprisingly) one of hope for the human situation. I explore brainwashing, thought control, the phenomenon of the cult leader and the “true believer,” recovery from cult membership—and the cultural context for the rise of such cults. 

After my cult experience working in sales, blue-collar jobs, and as a journalist, I earned a degree in English and American Literature (magna cum laude, Brown) and a doctorate in the History of Political Thought (Harvard). I then spent eleven years on the faculty of the University of Houston, and was the founding director of the Houston Teachers Institute. I also inaugurated Great Books Tutoring in Greater Boston where I now live with my wife.

My first book was published by Rowman and Littlefield. I hope as my book is published you might be interested in reviewing it or perhaps inviting me to discuss it on one of your programs. Other books cover some similar territory, but my education and experience have given me a unique perspective. If my book is published, I'd be delighted to share a review copy, if you're open to that.

Your work is educating and lifting up many people. Best wishes for your continued success, and please keep doing what you're doing. I hope I might hear from you!                         

Sincerely,

Paul Cooke

https://pauldavidcooke.com/

https://makingsenseofcults.com/

Philosophy, Emotional Health and Freedom, Personal Development, Religion, Christianity, Self Help, Society and Culture

US

In late 1969 Paul Cooke became one of the first one hundred members of the communal religious group later known as the Children of God (the “C.O.G.”). Cooke would spend nine years with the C.O.G. Soon after he joined them in Houston a young Christian minister who was instrumental in Cooke’s conversion months earlier, Pastor Joe Wall, came to the group’s campsite seeking to talk to him about his joining, but he was roundly rejected by the group and by Cooke himself. Years later, after Cooke reestablished his ties to Pastor Wall, the pastor told him, “Paul, all I wanted to tell you that day I came out to the campsite was that it’s important for a man to think for himself.” At the time, Cooke was sure he was thinking for himself, yet in truth he wasn’t. Now Cooke has written a memoir detailing both how much this was the case and what it took for him truly to begin to think for himself.  

He had joined himself to the creation of the forty-nine year old David Berg—later known as Moses David—who in 1968 had launched his little group at Huntington Beach, California, telling them he was leading a “Revolution for Jesus.” The young believers and dropouts he led—while he seemingly kept in the background—began to be known for their radical ways. Cooke decided to “forsake all” and go with them, not realizing that in joining these hippie Christians he was following not Jesus, but David Berg, a man Cooke learned a decade later wasn’t who he seemed to be. Under this man’s flattering and deceptively charming leadership Cooke soon thought that only with the Children of God was there true joy, true Christianity, and full meaning and purpose. 

As time went on the Children of God grew to some 8,000 members and became almost a perfect specimen of the phenomenon that came to be known as the cult. Cooke learned to see all opposition to his involvement—especially his parents’ opposition—as a test sent from God to see if he was serious about his religious commitment. The opposition of his parents ran so deep that his father founded FREECOG, “Free Our Children from the Children of God” a year after his involvement began. Annoyed by FREECOG, the group subsequently sued Cooke’s father and three other leaders of his organization for $1.1 million. In connection with these things Cooke was interviewed by Ted Fiske, Religion Editor for the New York Times in 1972. Cooke wasn’t fazed by any of this and continued loyally with the Children of God. 

He left them finally from Santiago, Chile, just two months after the Jonestown, Guyana tragedy. His leave-taking was prompted by that event—and by Berg’s shocking defense of Jim Jones. Yet Cooke’s physical departure was only the beginning of leaving the Children of God behind, and he brooded about his cult life for many years. In 2022 Cooke began publicly sharing the story of how he was monumentally deceived, doing so before the congregation of his old friend, Pastor Joe Wall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HReHEXbsON4&list=PLrQQG5dsC7hhGV3-IXtG9RigRGOJHMhXx&index=1&t=3196s. 

Cooke hails from a Jewish family. His paternal great-grandfather was a leader in his Jewish community in Poland. On his mother’s side, Cooke’s uncle became an award-winning screenwriter, winning an Oscar for his screenplay for the novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Cooke had literary ambitions himself as a schoolboy, founding his high school literary magazine and serving as its editor for two years. 

Cooke left Texas for Brown University in the fall of 1967. Influenced by his reading of such works as Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, he was prompted to drop out of Brown to “look for the truth.” He turned then to carpentry because, he says, he’d heard Jesus was a carpenter; he felt something good would happen if he imitated him. He soon met two Christian carpenters and a minister who together led him to becoming a Christian. Then, at age 20, he joined the C.O.G.   

After leaving the group he returned to Brown, graduating magna cum laude in English and American Literature. Shifting then to study political theory, Cooke applied to Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. He was accepted and spent nine years there, coming to regard his years at Harvard as an antidote to his nine years in the Children of God. There he met and married his wife.  

Ph.D. in hand, Cooke joined the faculty of the University of Houston; while there his book, Hobbes and Christianity, was published. After six years of teaching Cooke was involved in winning a large grant which led to his becoming the founding director of the Houston Teachers Institute. Appointed formally by UH President Arthur K. Smith, he sought to replicate the successful teachers institute model pioneered by Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Cooke traveled often to Yale and raised $1.25 million for the Institute above the initial grant of $347,000. His article on the role of teacher leaders in the Institute appeared in the journal On Common Ground.

In 2004 he moved to New England with his family, wishing to involve himself more in religious pursuits, taking courses at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, becoming involved in a local church and writing a novel—as yet unpublished. A story taken from the novel was published in 34th Parallel magazine in 2016. From 2007 to 2018 Cooke ran his small business, Great Books Tutoring. Cooke lives in Lexington, Massachusetts with his wife of 35 years and near their daughter, a practicing physician.

February 19, 2025

Rik Schnabel

Introducing Rik Schnabel, Australia’s #1 Brain Untrainer, whose innovative approach to mental wellness and peak performance has transformed the lives of thousands. 

With his unique methods, Rik helps individuals break free from their mental barriers, unlock their full potential, and tap into greater creativity, focus, and resilience.

Rik has helped his clients to stop depression in one session. He's helped others double their income. He's even clients to go from full blown anxiety to speaking confidently from the stage.

As an expert in brain training, Rik is passionate about helping people optimize their mental health and performance, whether they’re looking to improve their own personal development or achieve business success. His cutting-edge techniques and fresh perspective on brain optimization make him an ideal guest for your audience, whether in an interview or feature segment.

Rik’s expertise, combined with his engaging communication style, ensures a dynamic and valuable conversation for your viewers or listeners. Don’t miss the chance to showcase one of Australia’s foremost experts on mental mastery!

Careers, Management, Courses & Training, Alternative Health, Emotional Health and Freedom, Mental Health, Personal Development, Inspirational, Motivational

Australia

R!k Schnabel – The Mind Untrainer & Transformation Expert

R!k Schnabel is not just a coach—he's a world-renowned Brain Untrainer who has spent over 23 years transforming lives and breaking the mental barriers that hold people back. With over 38,000 hours of coaching experience, he has helped thousands overcome deep-seated limitations to achieve financial success, career breakthroughs, and personal empowerment.

His own journey from financial ruin to multi-millionaire wasn’t luck—it was a discovery. At 42, he uncovered the hidden mental block that had kept him struggling for decades. That revelation catapulted him from being unknown to becoming a best-selling author, multi-award-winning coach, and an international authority in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and transformational coaching.

R!k has been recognized as one of the world’s most experienced and effective coaches, winning the prestigious 2023 and 2024 International APAC Award for Transformational Coaching. His expertise has made him a sought-after mentor for leaders, entrepreneurs, and coaches, and he is the driving force behind Life Beyond Limits, a company dedicated to training the next generation of elite coaches and visionary leaders.

As a multiple best-selling author, R!k has written powerful books, including A Life Beyond Limits, 7 Beliefs That Will Change Your Life, ROAR! Courage – From Fear To Fearless, The Life Coach Millionaires, A Richer Way to Think, and 5x5 To Thrive. His insights and transformational methods have been featured in leading media outlets, and his thought leadership continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

For interviews, speaking engagements, or to discover how R!k Schnabel can help you break through your limits, visit LifeBeyondLimits.com.

February 13, 2025

Matthew Perrin

In a world completely over saturated in imagery, high end camera phones at nearly everyone’s fingertips and literally billions of photos taken and uploaded to the internet each and every day. I knew that if I was going to make it as an artist that I would need to find a way not to just stand out, but to completely reshape peoples perspectives on the photographic art form as a whole, to inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys into the unknown and to continue to create a new forms of art unlike anything seen in this world to this day. 

Enter “Focused Inspiration”

Through a convergence of science, nature, artistry and imagination my experimental macro photography dives deep into the unseen and untapped realms hidden within earths natural magnificence. Not only does my work open people’s minds to new perspectives but also encourages them to set aside the distractions of the everyday, inviting them to take a closer look at life and allowing them to realize and cherish the true beauty hidden in plain sight in the world around us all.

Arts, Visual Arts, Business, Energy Healing, Physics & Metaphysics, Psychology, Personal Development, Inspirational, Technology

United Statez

As a life long artist and long time photographer. For nearly fifteen years I have been exploring the boundaries of photography and pushing beyond those preconceived limits. My artistic journey has has mainly been centered around creating  and developing new, never before seen styles and techniques while also embracing traditional methods on my path to ascend this already great art form into something even more astonishing. Through collections spanning a multitude of different styles and genres, my photography provides an intriguing perspective on life as well the world that surrounds us. 

February 8, 2025

Chandler Stroud

With the rise in anxiety, depression, autoimmune disease, and a general lack of fulfillment plaguing modern women, media platforms now constantly reinforce the importance of self care, practicing balance, and learning to be present, however nobody is offering a roadmap for how to begin the process of finding better health and more happiness - but we are!

The Healing Heroes empowers busy stay-at-home and professional women to unlock improved health, less anxiety, and a better life using a variety of unexpected (and fun!) approaches. Chandler interviews one of her twelve healers each week - her heroes and board of advisors, sharing a fresh take on an old podcast model that breaks free from a revolving door of new guests and offers character development for listeners wanting a familiar friend, and to feel less alone.

Entertainment, Health & Lifestyle, Psychology, Christianity, Self Help, Pop Culture, Spiritual

United States

As a wife, mom of two, and nearly 15 years marketing some of the world’s most recognized brands, anyone would have described me as a highly competent, confident, and capable person. In retrospect even I wasn’t aware of the signs that appeared from time to time in the form of anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, health challenges, and a general sense that I should be happier in this incredible life I built for myself. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a book in an airport that I became curious about how my past traumas were impacting my present, and so began my insatiable quest for knowledge and transformative journey of self-discovery. 

I created The Healing Heroes with one singular mission in mind: to empower and inspire other high-achieving women to reconnect with themselves through a diverse set of unconventional methods and approaches that result in true healing vs. just coping as we so often do.  The Heroes serve as not just experts in their fields, but are also my very own healers and advisors, who served as guides along my path to peace, more happiness, and ultimately the life I knew I was meant to be living all along. 

January 30, 2025

Nada Nasserdeen

Podcast Pitch: The Soft Skills Crisis – Why the World is Struggling Without Them

I’d love to join your podcast for a powerful conversation on one of the most overlooked yet critical factors in today’s success: soft skills. The truth is, we have an epidemic on our hands—kids, young professionals, and even seasoned executives are struggling because they lack the fundamental skills that drive connection, leadership, and success.

Think about it: We live in a world where technology is advancing faster than ever, yet communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership are declining. Schools aren’t teaching them, workplaces are struggling to cultivate them, and people are paying the price—burnout, misalignment, disengagement, and a workforce that lacks confidence and clarity.

In this episode, I’d love to dive into:
✔️ The Hidden Crisis – Why both kids and adults are failing in their personal and professional lives without strong soft skills.
✔️ The Science & Impact – How a lack of emotional intelligence, confidence, and communication skills is costing companies billions and leaving individuals unfulfilled.
✔️ The Fix – Actionable insights to develop these skills at every stage of life, from students to CEOs.

This isn’t just about career success—it’s about life success. Relationships, leadership, confidence, and influence all stem from the ability to connect with others and navigate challenges effectively.

With my experience training Fortune 500 companies, coaching top executives, and working with underprivileged youth, I bring real stories, research-backed insights, and tangible strategies that your audience can implement right away.

Let’s create a conversation that shifts perspectives and equips people with the tools they desperately need. What do you think? I’d love to collaborate and make this an eye-opening episode for your listeners.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Business, Careers, Management, Education, Courses & Training, Psychology, Emotional Health and Freedom, Personal Development, Self Help

United States

Nada Lena Nasserdeen is an internationally acclaimed thought leader, visionary, and advocate for personal and professional empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, she is a two-time #1 best-selling author and a two-time TEDx motivational speaker.

Over the past five years, Nada and her team have inspired and transformed the lives of over 100,000 individuals worldwide, equipping leaders and teams with the tools to excel and thrive in dynamic environments.

Through her company, Rise Up For You, Nada has partnered with an impressive array of clients, including Fortune 5 corporations, industry-leading tech and pharmaceutical organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions. Leveraging their proprietary soft skills framework, the Rise Power Up Method, they’ve extended their influence to more than 50 countries, redefining success through innovative programming and transformative development.

Nada’s expertise and dynamic voice have been showcased on hundreds of podcasts and radio shows, as well as prestigious stages such as TEDx, Google, The California HR Conference, and The World in Leadership Diversity Conference. She has shared the spotlight with iconic figures like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Adam Grant, Sharon Lechter, and David Meltzer, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in leadership and self-development.

Her work has garnered media attention across prominent platforms, including Apple TV, Bloomberg, Canada’s Global TV, Radio Canada, and Amazon Prime TV. Nada can also be seen as one of the few female co-hosts of The Office Hours, a groundbreaking talk show that features interviews with celebrities, athletes, and world-renowned entrepreneurs.

In 2023, her extraordinary contributions to leadership and personal development were celebrated with a Times Square billboard in New York, a testament to her unparalleled impact.

Nada’s deepest passion lies in giving back. She is especially proud of her philanthropic efforts with underprivileged youth, including teaching essential soft skills to young men and women in juvenile detention centers—a commitment that earned her the prestigious OC Sheriff’s Award."

January 20, 2025

Alison Etinoff

Hi  Team,

 

I hope this message
finds you well. I’m reaching out to introduce Dr. Alison Etinoff, a
distinguished entrepreneur and government contracting expert who has helped
countless individuals and businesses achieve financial independence and
spiritual growth. 

 

Dr. Etinoff’s journey is
both inspiring and deeply impactful: 

From **financial struggles to building an 8-figure enterprise** through government contracting and strategic bidding. 

She was recently featured in an interview with Myron Golden, where she shared her journey and insights on entrepreneurship and financial growth.

A unique blend of faith, business acumen, and resilience that resonates with diverse audiences. 

Passionate about sharing insights on entrepreneurship, government contracting, and financial empowerment. 

 

We’d love to explore a collaboration with you, whether it’s: 

A guest appearance on your channel/platform 

An interview discussing entrepreneurship, faith, and financial growth 

Creating engaging content that resonates with your audience 

 

Key topics she can discuss include: 

Winning Government Contracts and Strategic Bidding 

Entrepreneurship and Business Growth 

Balancing Faith and Professional Success 

Financial Empowerment and Breaking Financial Cycles 

 

You can learn more about Dr. Etinoff’s work here: 

🌐 Win Big Bids Challenge 

🌐 Alison Etinoff Official Website -
https://alisonetinoff.com/

🌐 Facebook Page 

🌐 Interview with Myron Golden 

 

We believe her story would make for an engaging segment on your platform—whether it’s a feature story, interview, or guest segment. Please let me know if you’d like to arrange an interview or discuss potential collaboration opportunities. 

 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Careers, Investing and Finance, Marketing, Management, Courses & Training, Mental Health, Personal Development, Motivational

United States

Alison Etinoff is a businesswoman, mentor, and motivational speaker dedicated to guiding individuals toward financial independence and spiritual growth. Her journey from financial uncertainty to building an eight-figure enterprise exemplifies resilience and empowerment. During a challenging period as an unemployed graduate student, Alison embarked on a transformative 40-day fast and prayer, leading her to the utility and construction industry. Within a year, she secured her first consulting contract worth $250,000, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial success. She built an eight-figure enterprise without external loans until 2023, embodying her commitment to financial independence.  Alison's experiences resonate with those facing financial stress, unfair compensation, and the challenges of balancing professional and personal roles. She offers personalized coaching programs and transformative courses designed to empower individuals to overcome these obstacles and achieve unapologetic success.  As an ambassador of Christ, Alison integrates spiritual fulfillment into her mentorship, emphasizing the importance of purpose and clarity amidst life's challenges. Her approach, known as "The Alison Difference," is characterized by authenticity, urgency, and a deep commitment to her clients' holistic well-being.  Through her work, Alison has inspired many to transform their lives, as evidenced by testimonials from individuals who have achieved significant personal and financial growth under her guidance.

January 6, 2025

Andrea McGinty

Kids & Family, Love & Relationships, Relationship Counseling, Emotional Health and Freedom, Personal Development, Inspirational, Motivational, Dating, Sex Advice

 

December 23, 2024

Jena Jake

Jena Jake is therapist certified executive coach turned Shy Guy Whisperer!  She helps shy guys thrive in dating and relationships.  Once a shy guy has made a mess of his relationships she can fix it in a jiffy! 

Love & Relationships, Relationship Counseling

United States

I'm Jena Jake, your advocate for self-empowerment and living your best life! I am a relationship, personality and communication expert. My specialty is helping shy individuals with their challenges in navigating relationships and dating. Let’s use these challenges as a training ground for greatness! Let's unlock your full potential and find the happiness that’s waiting for you!

 

December 11, 2024

Dennis Henson

Dennis J. Henson has a career of singular achievement. Currently the Founder and President of Vanguard Marketing and Investments, Inc and a renowned leader and educator in both the real estate and personal growth industries, he was stumped for a moment when a podcast host asked him: “If you could name the one thing that’s had the greatest impact on your students’ what would it be?” 

And then it became clear to him. “Form the habit of reading something everyday that educates or inspires them.” 

Just as he personally has done for a lifetime. And that is the core of the philosophy that he has used to inspire thousands of other businesspeople and leaders who desire more out of life. And it has led to his profound new book Real Impact, Daily Inspiration. 

Over the course of the past 30+ years, when Dennis was moved by a quote, a poem or someone’s empowering story, he gathered it for his own inspiration. And now 32 of those captivating stories, a hundred quotes and a handful of meaningful poems are providing profound wisdom and life-changing impetus for readers.

Real Impact, Daily Inspiration is designed to get people beyond doubting themselves, questioning why their momentum is stalled or suffering from imposter syndrome. The book shows how so many people of humble beginnings, limited means and nearly insurmountable obstacles, persevered with unflagging belief in their ideas and succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations—except their own! You’ll recognize most of the profiles, but you may not know what they had to go through to become the figures we recognize and honor today for the impact they made.                                                                                              

Dennis’ book is intended to help people develop the habit of reading daily something that will improve their belief in themselves and inspire them to action. He suggests not reading the book cover to cover, but rather a bit at a time. “It should be sipped like fine wine and consumed in combination with other good books.”  A suggested reading list of which he offers within Real Impact, Daily Inspiration’s pages.

The reason the book features a genie’s lamp on the cover is that Dennis holds that reading is the superpower that unleashes all other powers and whose magic is indeed the powerful “Law of Nature” — similar to the effect of gravity, inertia or magnetism. He says, even though it is invisible, it can move mountains, change seas’ tides and even conquer space.  Reading the right content can conquer inner space—moving the heart and mind---which in turn produces impact. 

In addition to launching Vanguard Marketing and Investments, Inc in 2003, Dennis has authored numerous books and courses on Business and Real Estate Investing. He served as president of the Arlington Real Estate Investing Association from 2005-2018. Dennis is a dedicated educator, inspiring countless individuals to achieve their goals both in real estate and life through his bestselling books, captivating workshops, and international speaking engagements. And for many years before that, he helped mold young people as a band or choir director at high schools, colleges, regional bands and churches. Today, he offers his Real Impact Training to help people jumpstart a new level of life. 

Says Dennis: “With the ‘Law of Nature’, a seed planted in fertile ground and tended will sprout, grow and produce a plant containing many new seeds. If you plant good seeds in our mind, seeds of health, success and prosperity, you will harvest those very things. And, as with the plants, what you will receive will be significantly multiplied.” 

If they life you want is just out of reach, then Real Impact, Daily Inspiration can put you over the top!

Literature, Education, Philosophy, Psychology, Emotional Health and Freedom, Mental Health, Personal Development, Religion, Self Help

United States

With a proven track record spanning over five decades, Dennis J. Henson has solidified his position as a leading authority in the business world. Beyond his successful entrepreneurial ventures, Dennis is a dedicated educator, inspiring countless individuals to achieve their goals through his bestselling books, captivating workshops, and international speaking engagements.

Dennis initially made his mark in the real estate investment world. He founded Vanguard Marketing and Investments, Inc. in 2003 and continues to serve as president. He served as president of the Arlington Real Estate Investing Association from 2005-2018. Over the past several years, he also taught individuals and classes in Real Estate Investing.  His books The Royal Flush of Real Estate Investing and A Millionaire's Treasure Map To Real Estate Investing were widely hailed. 

More recently he has dedicated much of his time to a broader focus of helping people developing the mindset and habits for true success. Taking what he has learned through his dedication to reading, his proven personal practices, his business experience and his systematic approach to self-improvement, Dennis has developed a transformative training program that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. 

Drawing on his wealth of experience and educational background, he has distilled his insights into Seven Secrets of Success. By embracing these timeless principles, as his mentor, Tom Hendrix, would say: "You can no more fail than water can run uphill."

Dennis’ new book Real Impact, Daily Inspiration is intended to help people develop the habit of reading daily content that will improve their belief in themselves and inspire them to action.