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Mike Zlotnik

I hope you’re doing well! I’d like to introduce Mike “Big Mike” Zlotnik—CEO of TF Management Group and a full-time real estate fund manager since 2009—as a guest for Financial Fitness with The Money Doctor. Your focus on demystifying financial psychology, debt reduction, and long-term wellbeing aligns perfectly with Mike’s numbers-first approach to real estate investing and fund structuring.

What Mike brings to your financial wellness discussions:

Data-driven underwriting frameworks to help your audience evaluate low-risk, high-return real estate opportunities—a practical tool for those rebuilding wealth after debt

 

Strategies to structure private real estate funds that deliver passive income and long-term tax advantages—ideal for listeners seeking sustainable financial growth

 

His background as a former tech executive and his personal experiences with investing offer a relatable, grounded perspective for individuals navigating financial transitions

 

Mike is also host of the Big Mike Fund Podcast (Top 10% globally) and author of How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund, making him adept at simplifying complex strategies into actionable takeaways your listeners will appreciate.

Would you be open to a 20–30 minute episode where Mike shares frameworks to help listeners move from debt stress to strategic, long-term income through real estate?

Thank you for considering–I’d love to coordinate if you’re interested.

Warm regards,
Erin

USA

Mike is known in real estate circles as “Big Mike” due to his stature, but more importantly, he is known for his personal integrity and for having a keen understanding of the financial aspects of successful real estate investing.

Notably, Mike is a former political refugee from the USSR who is now an American citizen and a patriot. He lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and four children. Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Binghamton University and he is also a chess master. 

Mike is a member of multiple real estate and investor mastermind groups such as Collective Genius, Freedom Founders, CA Investors (Private). Mike is an author of the book called: “How to choose a smart Real Estate Investment Fund”, available on Amazon.com. He also has a Podcast “Big Mike Fund” that can be found at BigMikeFund.com or on iTunes.


 
Sue Carr

3 Reasons to Catch the Colors of Fall in Pigeon Forge

Breathtaking Mountain Views, Festive Celebrations, and Family Traditions 

Make This Vibrant Town a Must-Visit This Season

LIVE from The Island in Pigeon Forge

Interviews Available with Sue Carr, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Wednesday, September 3 from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET  

As the leaves begin to change, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transforms into one of the most scenic and family-friendly destinations in the country. Just six miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city offers easy access to stunning fall foliage, outdoor adventure, and more than 80 attractions—from dinner shows to mountain coasters and so much more.

On September 3, Sue Carr, a driving force behind Pigeon Forge’s enduring appeal to families and travelers alike, will share what draws over 10 million visitors to the city each year, and why fall offers one of the most unique experiences. With scenic drives, festive harvest celebrations, and just-opened new attractions this season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, it’s never too early to think about the holidays. Smoky Mountain Winterfest kicks off November 6 with more than 10 million holiday lights, seasonal shows, and events that turn Pigeon Forge into a winter wonderland.

For more information, visit: MyPigeonForge.com

Suggested Questions:
• Why is fall such a great time to visit Pigeon Forge?
• What’s new for families to check out this season?
• What can visitors expect as the weather gets colder?
• Where can families go to plan their trip?

About Sue Carr, Marketing Manager, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism 

Sue Carr has dedicated her more than 40-year career to promoting tourism in Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. She is instrumental in Pigeon Forge’s growth as a destination where the tourism industry notches more than 2.3 billion dollars a year, creating jobs, sustaining the local economy and bringing joy to millions of visitors. Carr’s community service includes work with several local not-for-profits, including contributions to the Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association, United Way and Noon Rotary. Carr and her husband Russell live in Pigeon Forge. They are parents to three sons and have four grandsons. 

 

This interview is provided by Pigeon Forge

United States

About Sue Carr, Marketing Manager, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism 

Sue Carr has dedicated her more than 40-year career to promoting tourism in Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. She is instrumental in Pigeon Forge’s growth as a destination where the tourism industry notches more than 2.3 billion dollars a year, creating jobs, sustaining the local economy and bringing joy to millions of visitors. Carr’s community service includes work with several local not-for-profits, including contributions to the Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association, United Way and Noon Rotary. Carr and her husband Russell live in Pigeon Forge. They are parents to three sons and have four grandsons. 

Adriene Caldwell

Hi! 

I would love to share my story and experiences with your audience and you. I am the author of the soon-to-be-published book, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Unbroken explores themes of family, love, and what it means to find your place in a world unwilling to play savior. 

A gripping, first-hand account of the effects of untreated mental illness, physical abuse, sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction, pedophilia, and traumatic foster care, my story is one of destruction and discovery - of darkness given free rein and an innate light that refuses to dim. 

I would love to collaborate if any part of my story resonates with you.

United States

Adriene Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a powerful trauma memoir that chronicles her journey through pain, resilience, and healing. Living in Houston, Texas, Adriene is a devoted mother to her 20-year-old daughter, a role she considers her greatest accomplishment and source of strength.

Her work is defined by authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. When she isn’t writing, Adriene enjoys exploring Houston’s culture, spending time in nature, and finding moments of peace with her daughter. She continues to inspire others to live courageously—outside the lines.

Cover scene of trees reflected in a lake, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines
Christopher Pommering
I’m reaching out to share a timely story about Learnlife, a globally recognized learning innovation movement that just opened its Village Hub—a purpose-driven, learner-centred space that reimagines what school can be in the evolving world.

 

Learnlife was founded when Christopher Pommerening realized the traditional education model couldn’t prepare children for a rapidly changing world. Today, Learnlife’s three hubs in Catalonia empower over 250 young people to design their own learning journeys, build critical human skills, and develop the confidence and resilience to thrive in an uncertain future.

Recent milestones and why this matters now:

The Village Hub opened in September 2024, offering holistic, passion-based learning for primary and secondary students—without standardized exams.

Learnlife was named one of the top 100 innovations changing education worldwide in HundrED’s Global Collection in 2023

Recognised in HundrED's "Spotlight on Child-centred Learning" as one of 14 innovations from over 200 submissions for its outstanding contribution to child-centred education.

Launched LearnGuides in 2023, which has trained 600 educators and helped 60 schools worldwide to shift to a learner-centred approach to learning.

With AI advancing faster than ever, Learnlife is leading the conversation about making education more human, not less.

We’d love to connect you with Founder Christopher Pommerening, Devin Carberry or Stephen Harris, education experts, or arrange a visit to one of Learnlife’s hubs. They can discuss:

Why exams are no longer fit for purpose

How the learning vitae and authentic assessment work

How Learnlife’s model is letting kids choose their own career path

If you’re interested in a feature, interview, or visiting Learnlife’s hubs, I’m happy to coordinate.

Thank you for considering this story about the future of learning.

Warm regards,
Kat
www.learnlife.com

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Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Christopher is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Learnlife. Christopher is an entrepreneur and learning visionary on a journey that has evolved him from an internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist into a high-impact entrepreneur with a mission to positively change education worldwide. 

Christopher started his professional career in Spain in 1998, when he co-founded AutoScout24 Spain. In 2002, he founded the venture capital company ACTIVE Venture Partners, one of Europe’s few entrepreneurial-driven VC companies. 

He has founded 10 companies and organisations and invested in more than 30 start-ups. In 2017, after two years of preparation and research, he started Learnlife, his “once in a lifetime” adventure aiming to change the world's learning landscape.

MARCUS GOSS

The Premise

What if books weren’t just read—but used?
What if publishing wasn’t just about story—but strategy, survival, and secrecy?

The Find Me Challenge is not a book series.
It’s a covert curriculum for high-stakes relocation, embedded inside 13 tactically engineered books, authored by Marcus Goss, a real-life fugitive turned multimillionaire and expert in the art of engineered disappearance.

USA

Marcus Goss is a real ex-fugitive who disappeared for over a decade, became a multimillionaire while on the run, and used his 10,000+ hours in hiding to master and document the art of engineered disappearance. He’s now bringing that blueprint to readers through this 13-book series.

48 LAWS OF A FUGITIVE VOLUME I BOOK COVER
Franck Desplechin

I hope you are doing well! Franck Desplechin "Chef Franck" is an award-winning chef, food & beverage hospitality consultant, and leadership expert with over 25 years of global experience in luxury kitchens. He previously worked for the St. Regis Brand from Marriott (Formerly Starwood Hotels & Resorts) and with Auberge Resorts Collection. Today, Chef Franck owns Incrementum LLC, which is a premier hospitality consultancy renowned for its unconventional business approach.

He is the author of the new book (pub date: October 18), Relentless Growth: Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset to Professional Fulfillment. This is is not your typical leadership or self-help book; it is raw, honest, and rooted in the real world of high-pressure kitchens and hospitality.

In the book, Franck offers a bold, practical blueprint for thriving—not just surviving—in one of the most demanding industries in the world. This book goes beyond conventional career advice, diving deep into the heart of what truly drives success and satisfaction—a relentless growth mindset.

Below are some of the topic ideas that he can elaborate on during an interview:

Why the hospitality industry needs a mindset overhaul and the critical need for cultivating a culture of resilience, adaptability, and personal growth within it How cultivating a mindset can help not only retain employees, but also nurture performance and personal fulfillment How to maintain balance, stay resilient, and obtain long-term fulfillment without losing sight of your personal well-being The often-silenced discussion around burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue in the hospitality industry—and how to manage it constructively What any CEO in any industry can learn from life in a high-performance kitchen Why leaders must rethink the traditional expectations of the workforce and adapt quickly to meet the needs of the generations shaping our future, who are looking for more than just career advancement and are seeking purpose, growth, and fulfillment

Franck Desplechin has been a distinguished figure in the world of Culinary & Food and Beverage operations for over 25 years. Throughout his illustrious career in the kitchens of several Michelin-star-rated restaurants in France and some of the most luxurious brands around the world, such as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Auberge Resort Collection, Franck has exemplified flexibility and adaptability, seamlessly aligning with organizational needs while spearheading teams to unprecedented success.

Franck’s unique journey started at the school of hard knocks when he decided to work in kitchens at 15 years old instead of going to high school. His “neurotic” obsession to keep moving forward against all odds and adversities has earned him recognition as a true mastermind in his field.

Today, Franck shares his leadership philosophy through his consulting firm, Incrementum. He is a firm believer that adopting a professional growth mindset will transform an individual to reach career fulfillment.

When he is not traveling to assist hotels and resorts around the country, he enjoys hiking the trails of Connecticut with his wife Kristin and his two daughters, Lorena and Camila.

Justin Gusmano
Dear BBS Radio,
 
My name is Justin Gusmano, and I’m a 15-year-old recording artist from Long Island. I’ve been composing music since 2020, working closely with my dad in our home studio. Music is my biggest passion—I love playing keyboards, producing, and bringing my ideas to life. I am also honored to be an artisan of Hammond Organ USA to share and promote the legacy of the timeless keyboard sounds and bring them into the younger demographic of today’s generation.
 
I’m excited for the release of my debut album, Forever Alive! This record features eight original tracks that showcase my unique style and the incredible talents of world-class musicians, including my dad Peter Gusmano, Rob Balducci, Tony Franklin, Yoed Nir, Hugo Lee, Trent Williamson, and Scott Foster Harris. With exceptional production by James Lugo, Forever Alive is a project I’m incredibly proud of, blending heartfelt melodies with powerful performances.
 
As a young independent artist, I’d love the opportunity to share my journey with your listeners. If you’d be interested in hearing more about my music, creative process, and debut album, I’d be happy to provide to talk to someone by you, set up an interview, or a phone call.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration—I truly appreciate your support for emerging artists like myself! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
 
Best Regards,
 
Justin Gusmano
Keys, Songwriter, Producer
USA

Throughout his musical journey, Justin London Gusmano has grown up influenced by the classic sounds of the Hammond B3 Organ. Since an early age, Justin has played piano and organ. As a result of a global pandemic, Justin focused on his studies and entered the studio to track many new songs for various projects including recording his own jazz fusion material & instrumental projects using these tones. Justin’s passion is recreating those timeless piano, synth and organ tones in the instrumental genre working with many musicians across the world.

Five-time winner of the Long Island Reflections for the Arts Program & NY Award of Merit winner for his original compositions, Justin has continued to draw inspiration from his studies and work in the recording studio. “Some of my favorite tones have come from the legendary names with Hammond and my SK Pro 73 is the quintessential instrument to help me create the songs and timeless tones I feel.” 

Now… Justin is preparing to release his debut album entitled “Forever Alive” which features eight brand-new tracks that blend his unique style with the talents of incredible world-class musicians, including Justin’s Father Peter Gusmano, Rob Balducci, Tony Franklin, Yoed Nir, Hugo Lee, Trent Williamson, and Scott Foster Harris. Produced by James Lugo, Forever Alive is a dynamic collection of songs that will leave fans wanting more! 

Justin Gusmano -- Forever Alive Album Cover
Mark Perloe

We are a unique author duo brought together by our shared love for children’s growth and storytelling. As a retired physician and a devoted grandparent, I found inspiration for Milo’s Superpower in the joyful, everyday moments with my grandsons. 

My co-author, a passionate second grade teacher, brought this story to life in her classroom, where her students—and my grandsons—helped us see just how much children need stories that celebrate their unique strengths. We want to share our journey because Milo’s playful adventures with his brother Oliver and the gentle wisdom of Grandpa show how kindness and resilience can be anyone’s superpower. 

Our book is a joyful invitation for families to read together, reminding young readers that even a simple smile can change the world. We hope our story inspires every child to discover the superhero within themselves.

USA

Dr. Mark Perloe, after three decades of helping families grow through fertility treatments, now embraces retirement as a heartwarming new chapter. For 32 years, he was a compassionate reproductive endocrinologist, supporting countless patients on their journey to parenthood. Today, Mark finds his greatest joy in the laughter of his two grandsons, rediscovering the world through their curious eyes.

 

Retirement has also allowed Mark to share his warmth in new ways. He leads an online support group for men with prostate cancer, offering guidance and hope. Mark's passion for helping others extends to his beloved therapy dog, Andrew. Together, they bring comfort and joy to an airport, senior living facilities, and a school for children on the spectrum, spreading smiles wherever they go.

 

Through these visits, Mark realized a profound truth: every child longs to be seen and celebrated for their unique self. This insight inspired his first children’s book, drawing on family experiences and joyful encounters with Andrew to honor every child's individuality. Mark’s days are now filled with grandparenting, pet therapy, and writing—proof that retirement is a beautiful new beginning.

 

Justine Perloe is currently a second grade teacher and one of her favorite things to do it share stories with her students. She believes that social emotional skills are crucial to kids' development. That's why this story, which emphasizes the power of a smile, is so important to her. You'll often find her cozied up on the couch with a good book, running a race, or behind the lens of her camera. 

"Milo's Superpower" book cover
Yara Alul

For upcoming stories, please consider Yara - Cofounder and CEO of UrbanPal, a fashion collective that bridges culture, automation, and impact to deliver personalized experiences and customization options for customers. A former Program Manager at Amazon, Yara quit her corporate job after burnout and had her ‘aha’ moment building Palestinian art, empowering local artisans to preserve Palestinian heritage.

Yara can comment on the following:

The transition from corporate tech at Amazon to launching a purpose-driven startup. Starting her business as an Arab millennial woman in the Gulf and experiences women face in the workforce. How to build customization in retail while connecting them with the refugee seamstress community.

“Fashion is not just about what we wear—it’s about the stories we carry. UrbanPal is my way of keeping Palestinian heritage alive in today’s global world. Quitting corporate life wasn’t easy, but it gave me the freedom to build something authentic.”

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For interviews and more information, please contact kat@dotellpublicity.com 

I’d like to introduce you to Yara Alul, Co-founder & CEO of UrbanPal, a fashion collective preserving Palestinian culture through modern, sustainable fashion.

After 4.5 years at Amazon Payment Services, Yara left her corporate career to pursue her passion full-time—building UrbanPal as a bridge between culture, automation, and social impact. She’s especially focused on empowering refugee seamstresses, preserving heritage, and creating a customer-first fashion tech experience.

Yara is now sharing her journey as a speaker, founder, and advocate for Arab women in business—exploring themes like career transitions, burnout recovery, authentic storytelling in business, and cultural preservation through fashion.

She’d be a fantastic fit for your coverage around entrepreneurship, women in leadership, cultural storytelling, and sustainable fashion.