Adding Context

In this episode, I spoke with Michelle Dickinson. Michelle Mental Health Advocate, an author, and a TED Speaker. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health to effect a positive change. We discussed ways to decrease the mental health stigma and shame that prevents people from accessing care, why we should invest in brain health for first responders and within the workplace along with her own personal story of perseverance and triumph. She will also share important tips and strategies to help us all stay mentally empowered during the current uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic.    

You can follow her at the below links: 

Websites: www.michelleedickinson.com, www.breakingintomylife.com,  https://www.michelleedickinson.com/first-responder/

Also, follow her on:

Instagram: @michelledickinson71 & @firstrespondertactics 

Twitter- @mdickinson13 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dickinson.146?ref=bookmarks

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-7882013

This episode was with Jon Vigorito. Jon is a professional Airline Pilot. We have been friends since our high school years. We spoke about his life since leaving our little town, his path to his aviation career, and life in general.

This episode’s guest is Dustin Miller, Polyinnovator. Dustin is PolyInnovator, an OmniContent Creator, and host of the Polymath PolyCast. A multidisciplinary person on the journey of becoming a polymath of innovation.” We spoke about what a polyinnovator is, avenues he’s exploring to find ways to innovate our lives, education, and some pillars to ponder to pursue your purpose. 

Find Dustin at the following:

https://polyinnovator.space

https://twitter.com/polyinnovator

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CiDSb1peL5f8XD45ErmnQ

https://www.instagram.com/polyinnovator/

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Maria Haberfeld. She is a criminal justice professor at John Jay College in NYC. She spent time as a member of both the Israeli Army and Israeli National Police Force. As a professor, she dives deep into training, leadership, integrity, and ethics of law enforcement agencies around the United States and the world. We spoke about the current state of law enforcement in the US and a few ideas of what could be done to improve the profession. You can read a short biography and see the books she has authored or co-authored here. 

This episode was with Dr. Stephen Vertano. Stephen is an Emergency Physician who wears a number of hats in the field of emergency medicine. Starting as an EMT while in school, he has maintained his EMT certification through his career as a physician. We spoke about his career and COVID. You can check him out on LinkedIn.

This episode I spoke with Stephen Koepfer. Steve is a world class martial artist and coach. He is also a stunt performer in TV and Film. We spoke about many things martial arts, stunt work and other various aspects of the film industry, and how COVID has changed his world. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed chatting with him. You can follow “SamboSteve” on youtube, twitter, and Instagram

Links to some of his work: 

NY MMA Documentary

“Choke” pilot 

Stephen’s stunt reel 

NY Combat Sambo/Breakfall Studios

Stephen’s IMDB 

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Eric Heberlig. Dr. Heberlig is a professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. (Go 49ers!!)  He has co-authored a number of books and numerous articles on the politics of the U.S. Congress, interest groups, elections, and campaign finance. We discussed a few aspects of the current state of U.S. politics, such as the electoral college, campaign finance, and shared thoughts on what could be done to improve the state of affairs.

This episode’s guest is Marianne Eaves. She is the first woman to earn the distinguished title of “Master Bourbon Distiller.” Marianne is a self-described science nerd.  She turned her degree in chemical engineering into making tasty spirits. A key player in reviving an old rundown distillery into what is now Castle & Key Distillery. Marianne’s talents have earned her a number of well-deserved accolades. Follow what she is up to current at www.MarianneEaves.com, on Facebook at @mariannebmd, and on Instagram: @mariannebmd.  

This episode’s guest is the esteemed Kaytlin Bailey. Kaytlin wears a number of hats. She is a podcaster (check out the newly revamped podcast,  The Oldest Profession), a writer, a comedian, and an advocate for decriminalizing sex work. Kaytlin can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @oldpropodcast, @kaytlinbailey, and @decrimsex.

Huwe Burton was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. In 2009, he was released on parole. Sadly, Mr. Burton had his formative years stolen from him by a series of injustices. We spoke about his life since January 3rd, 1986. His story may be hard to listen to for a number of reasons. My impression of the tone in which he, and other exonerees with similar stories, speak is of calm, peace, and brightness, are nothing short of amazing. You can find Mr. Burton on Facebook as Huwe Burton.