Watching America
209 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★ - 29 ratingsHosted by British born host Dr. Alan Campbell, Watching America combines interviews, engaging audio, and deep dive talks in to our local and national culture through the eloquent and ever-curious lens of a ‘Brit’ who has spent over two decades ‘figuring it all out’; Watching America.
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Episodes
Scott Eyman on Charlie Chaplin Beyond The Screen
December 29, 2023 17:00 - 74.1 MBKnown as one of the greatest entertainers in movie history, Charlie Chaplin rose to fame in the silent films of the nineteen-hundreds, and created one of the most iconic characters ever seen on the screen. But his career was derailed after being caught in the crossfire of political turmoil and mired in scandal. As a result, he was exiled from the U-S during the post-war Red Scare. On today's final installment of Watching America, best-selling Hollywood biographer and film historian Scott Eyma...
Katy Milkman: Unveiling the Secrets of Lasting Change
December 22, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBLooking for a new start? Want to begin some new habits? It turns out science can help you get from where you are to where you want to be. Award-winning Wharton Professor Katy Milkman is a trailblazer in behavioral science. She has devoted her career to the study of behavior change exploring ways that insights from economics and psychology can be harnessed to change consequential behaviors for good, such as financial habits, exercise, student achievement, and discrimination. To that end, she c...
Clancy Martin: How Not to Kill Yourself
December 15, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBThe last time Clancy Martin tried to kill himself was in his basement with a dog leash. It was one of over 10 suicide attempts throughout the course of his life. Yet, he survived — as he had numerous times before. Martin is a prolific author and a professor of philosophy. His research covers the ethics of social and behavioral health, especially in the areas of suicide prevention and the treatment of addiction. In his new book, “How Not to Kill Yourself,” Martin chronicles his multiple suici...
Hampton Court Palace: 500 Years of History
December 08, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFrom the Tudors to the Windsors - intrigue, scandals, and power took center stage within the halls of the magnificent and breathtaking Hampton Court Palace. This week author Gareth Russell takes us through 500 years of history in the palace that was home to such significant events as the commissioning of King James’s version of the Bible, the staging of many of Shakespeare’s plays, and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ball. We explore the riveting ups and downs of royal happenings, the excitin...
A Conversation With Filmmaker Jerry Aronson
December 01, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFrom his early days in photography capturing President Eisenhower to the gripping tales of Native American lives in "The Divided Trail" and the environmental masterpiece "Chasing Ice," filmmaker Jerry Aronson has had an illustrious career. Aronson has been capturing the stories of others since age 15. One of his best-known films is “The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg,” a winner of the International Documentary Association Award in 1993, a finalist for a Peabody award, as well as over 250 na...
Americans in London: Benjamin Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Wanamaker
November 17, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBTake a trip to London, England. Host (and native Brit) Alan Campbell took a trip "across the pond" to visit the home of Benjamin Franklin, Jimi Hendrix's flat, and the reconstructed Globe Theatre where actor and director Sam Wanamaker labored for years. We hear stories from historians and tour guides about why these gentleman fell in love with London and what they accomplished there. This episode of Watching America originally aired September 2022, soon after the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
Alan Cosgrove: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
November 10, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBThey have performed for over 950,000 Fleetwood Mac fans across the world to date, and they have garnered over 100-million views across YouTube. How do they capture the heart and soul that lies behind the music of one of the most popular rock bands in the world? This week Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Alan Cosgrove, founding member and drummer of the band Rumours of Fleetwood Mac.
Jill Duggar: Counting the Cost
November 03, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBJill Duggar Dillard grew up as star on the hit TLC reality TV show “19 Kids and Counting.“ She was the first Duggar daughter to marry, and over 4.4 million people tuned in to watch the two-hour televised wedding. Viewers were fascinated with her family’s way of life and their strict adherence to teachings that Jill now calls cult-like. In their new book, ”Counting the Cost,“ Jill and her husband, Derick, share the behind-the-scenes moments that remained hidden from viewers. Now they are raisi...
Eerie Excursions: Unearthing the Mysteries of America's Cemeteries and Tombstone Tourism
October 27, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBGet ready for a spine-tingling journey through the realm of the departed. We’re unearthing the secrets of cemeteries with two exciting guests. YouTuber Arthur Dark is an expert on tombstone tourism and offers video tours of the final resting places of famous entertainers. And author Greg Melville takes readers on a tour of some of the nation's most intriguing cemeteries. Join Dr. Alan Campbell and his guests for an eerie excursion through our nation's graveyards.
Douglas Brunt: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel
October 20, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAcclaimed novelist Douglas Brunt served as CEO of a tech company until he decided to become an author. Now he writes full time and hosts a popular podcast on which he interviews some of the world’s greatest writers — giving a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Though he’s best known for his award-winning novels, Douglas’ new work tackles the 100-year-old, real-life mystery of the disappearance of inventor Rudolf Diesel. The famous inventor disappeared into thin air on the eve o...
Dr. Terry Lindvall: Exploring the Work of Literary Giant C.S. Lewis
October 13, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFrom the magical world of Narnia to the thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith found in the pages of “Mere Christianity,” author C.S. Lewis made faith accessible to a wide audience. Dr. Terry Lindvall is a distinguished C.S. Lewis scholar, and he joins Dr. Alan Campbell this week on Watching America to discuss how Lewis answered the toughest questions found in the Christian faith. Lindvall is the C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair in Communication and Christian Thought at Virginia Wesylan Univer...
Capturing Truth: A Conversation with Renowned Documentary Filmmaker John Scheinfeld
September 29, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWhen his parents took him to a local movie theatre to see Lawrence of Arabia at the age of 12, John Scheinfeld was completely captivated and began to dream of a career in Hollywood. Today, he is best known for his highly personal, idiosyncratic documentary films. He has been entrusted with the significant legacies of such iconic artists as Herb Alpert, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Bob Hope, John Lennon, Sergio Mendes, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and more. One of his most recent projects examines “What ...
Jonathan Losos: The Cat’s Meow
September 22, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBDo lions and tigers meow? Why does your cat keep leaving dead mice on the doorstep? From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to the vast array of modern cat breeds, the world has always had a unique relationship with cats. This week we are entering their fascinating world, with an evolutionary biologist as our guide. Jonathan Losos is an evolutionary biologist at Washington University and the founding director of the Living Earth Collaborative, a unique biodiversity center and partnership between ...
Trumpeting Success: Chris Botti's Journey in Music
September 15, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAcclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti has collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and more. He successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom — but his first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back. “Vol.1,” releasing in October from Blue Note Records, is in many ways a fresh start for the trumpeter. It is a small group project focused on acoustic ja...
A Conversation With Jazz Artist Kat Edmonson
September 08, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBBorn in Texas, Kat Edmonson was raised on the music and film of the early-to-mid-twentieth century, and she has been writing songs since she was a little girl. The vintage jazzy pop singer is a rare artist who embodies the spirit of the past while remaining resolutely current. She began crafting her signature sound while performing in Austin’s local club circuit for years before releasing her debut album. Today you’ll find her performing on stages across the United States, Europe, and Asia. S...
The Crappy Childhood Fairy: Anna Runkle on CPTSD
September 01, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBBy the time she was in her 20s, Anna Runkle was struggling with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain that seemed to have no cause. Therapist after therapist failed to diagnose what she was experiencing - until one day in 1994, everything clicked for her. Now, she teaches her innovative therapeutic techniques to others. She is known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, and her techniques have helped thousands heal from childhood trauma. But coach and YouTube sensation Runkle is quick to point out t...
Unveiling the Joys of Solitude: Amy Key's Journey
August 25, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWe enter a world where romantic love takes a backseat, and the vibrant hues of independence and self-discovery shine through. Using Joni Mitchell's iconic album, "Blue," as her guide, author Amy Key takes us on a poetic journey through the uncharted territories of a life lived on one's own terms in her memoir "Arrangements in Blue." Growing up, the acclaimed poet dreamed of a life intertwined with romance, but fate had other plans. Now, in her forties, she has fearlessly embraced the absence ...
Katy Kelleher: 'The Ugly History of Beautiful Things'
August 18, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBCrushed beetle shells in our lipstick? Burnt cow bones baked into our dishware? This week, we are uncovering the hidden stories behind the beautiful objects that surround us. Katy Kelleher has spent much of her life chasing beauty. As a child, she uprooted handfuls of purple, fragrant little flowers from the earth, plucked iridescent seashells from the beach, and dug for turquoise stones in her backyard. As a teenager she applied glittery shimmer to her eyelids after religiously dabbing on he...
Stephen M.R. Covey: The Importance of Trust
August 11, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBDo you trust your coworkers and company leaders? Leadership expert Stephen M. R. Covey says trust is the most critical component of a successful organization. Covey is a trust expert, an executive thought leader, and a #1 bestselling author. Two of his recent books on the topic of trust include “The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything” and “Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others.” He is the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, which, under h...
Sergio Mendes: Six Decades of Joy From Music
August 04, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFrom his pioneering contributions to bossa nova to the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66, Brazilian artist Sergio Mendes exploded onto the American music scene in the 1960s. He quickly produced many hit songs which earned him spots on some of the most popular television programs of the time, and he was invited by Presidents Nixon and Reagan to perform at the White House. He has recorded more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum. He’s also a three-time ...
From Memory to Manuscript: Ruta Sepetys Explores How To Unlock The Stories Within You
July 28, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBBorn as the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, best-selling author Ruta Sepetys has harnessed the power of story to highlight the lives of those who would otherwise become lost in the cracks of history. Her impact goes far beyond the pages of her novels. She was honored by the President of Lithuania for her contributions to education and memory preservation. And she has received her own commemorative postage stamp. She says she is extremely proud of her Baltic heritage, even if that means she ...
Karen Grassle: Bright Lights, Prairie Dust
July 21, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFans may know her best for her portrayal of “Ma” on the popular television series Little House on the Prairie, but Karen Grassle has also had a far-reaching career in theater and film as well. In her new memoir, "Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's Ma," she recounts with surprising candor and humor how she faced challenges off-screen, including a battle with alcoholism, and how she found her way to the other side. She joins us this week to disc...
A Conversation With Jazz Icon Herb Alpert
July 18, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAt the age of eight, Herb Alpert was drawn to the trumpet in a music appreciation class in his elementary school. He went on to master the instrument, earning numerous awards along the way. He recorded his first hit song, "The Lonely Bull" in 1962. Since then, he has earned five #1 hits, 9 GRAMMY® Awards, 15 Gold albums, 14 Platinum albums and he has sold over 72 million records. He also started one of the most successful independent record labels in music history, A & M Records. He has been ...
Jaime Green: The Possibility of Life
July 07, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBCould there be life beyond our planet? It’s a question that has captivated our imaginations for centuries, and one that scientists continue to explore today. In a new book, acclaimed science journalist Jaime Green offers a spellbinding exploration of alien life and the cosmos. Incorporating expert interviews, cutting-edge astronomy research, philosophical inquiry, and pop culture touchstones, she explores our evolving conception of the cosmos to ask an even deeper question: What does it mean ...
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt: 'Wake Up With Purpose'
June 30, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBSister Jean Dolores Schmidt took the world by storm as the chaplain for the 2018 Loyola Chicago Final Four men's basketball team. And last year she celebrated her 103rd birthday! Sister Jean is a religious sister of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has spent her entire adult life working as a teacher, administrator, and volunteer -- first at elementary and grade schools in Chicago and Los Angeles, and later at Mundelein College and Loyola University. In 1994, 75-year-old...
Carl Sferrazza Anthony Discusses 'Camera Girl: The Coming of Age of Jackie Bouvier Kennedy'
June 23, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBShe is perhaps one of the world’s most iconic figures. Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace. But who was she before she became a household name? From her adventures abroad in Paris to her groundbreaking career as a writer and photographer in Washington, DC., join us for a journey into the life of a remarkable woman on Watching America. Carl Sferrazza Anthony is a writer, screenwriter, and journalist; an expert on President...
Crafting the Fantastic: A Conversation With Bruce McAllister
June 16, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBDive into the mesmerizing mind of acclaimed science fiction author Bruce McAllister. McAllister’s first story, “The Faces Outside,” was published to acclaim when he was 16, earning him the label “science fiction prodigy.” Since then he has spent five decades venturing into the darkest realms of fantasy. His other books include "Kin," "Dream Baby," and "The Village Sang to the Sea: A Memoir of Magic." When he isn’t writing fiction and poetry, he serves as a writing coach to new and establishe...
Patti McCracken Uncovers ‘History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring’
June 09, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBIt is a story that reads like one of today’s popular fiction crime novels — a 1920s village midwife known as “Auntie Suzy” had a knack for murder. And many of the women in her village were quick to adopt her murderous methods. And their dark secret remained undetected for more than 15 years. In her book “The Angel Makers: Arsenic, A Midwife, and Modern History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring,” award-winning journalist Patti McCracken has pieced together the lives of Auntie Suzy, her wide netwo...
Robots Among Us: A Conversation With Dr. Dennis Hong
June 02, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWhat was once the stuff of science fiction has become reality. Robots are being used today for everything from fixing automobiles to exploring space, and they are increasingly becoming more human-like. Well-known roboticist Dr. Dennis Hong is the inventor of a number of cutting edge robots including those that can walk, climb, dance, and even play soccer. He also invented the world’s first car that can be driven by the blind. How will this technology change our world? On this week's episode o...
Feasting on Stoic Wisdom: David Fideler Reveals Insights from ‘Breakfast with Seneca’
May 26, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAncient stoic philosopher Seneca provided time-tested wisdom in his day. Does any of it still apply? Author and speaker David Fideler says it does - and it can help us foster true contentment. Ancient philosophy meets modern relevance as Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Fideler about his book, “Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living.“ Fideler believes these ancient principles can equip you with the tools to face life's challenges head-on. In this intriguing conversation, we ex...
More to Life: A Conversation With Os Guinness
May 19, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAuthor and prominent social critic Os Guinness believes there are moments in our lives that prompt us to search for a deeper meaning. Sociologist Peter Berger described these as "signals of transcendence" that awaken us to unseen realities. How do we find them? And what would happen if we were to follow where they lead? This week on Watching America, Dr. Alan Campbell explores this idea with Os as they discuss his new book, "Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life." htt...
Richard Sterban: From Elvis to Elvira
April 28, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBHe went from a background singer for Elvis to singing center stage with one of the most well-known quartets in music history. Richard Sterban, bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, recently celebrated 50 years with the iconic group, and he has published a book about his journey, “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life On Stage.“ Dr. Alan Campbell hears about his early days with Elvis, learns about his love of fine wine and sailing, and enjoys some little-known stories from his time on the road. In this ...
Holly Harris: Relentless Survivor
April 21, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBHuman trafficking, gangs, drugs — Holly Harris never expected these things to become a part of her life. But at just 19 years old, her choices led her to a prison sentence and to the realization that something had to change. Now she hopes her experiences can help others on a similar path. On this week’s episode of Watching America, Harris discusses her book “Relentless Survivor” with host Dr. Alan Campbell. She shares about her journey and how she found her way out of this dangerous lifestyle...
Sally Harris: Parenting Defiant Adult Children
April 14, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWhen her daughter’s life spiraled out of control, Sally Harris found her own life in a tailspin. Her daughter had been traveling down a self-destructive path since her teen years. After heavily using drugs and alcohol, her daughter became a victim of sex trafficking. There were times Sally didn’t know where she was or if she was safe. The worried mom’s methods of coping led to Sally’s own addiction and a struggle with depression and anxiety. In this episode of Watching America, she speaks wit...
Brad Buchanan On Being A Chimera
April 07, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBFew people have survived the nightmare of a stem cell transplant gone sideways. Poet and professor Brad Buchanan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma in February 2015, and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, underwent a stem cell transplant at the U.C. Davis Medical Center in 2016. The transplant entailed 129 days in the hospital, a significant though temporary loss of vision and a lengthy recovery period at home. During this time, he experienced yet another medical comp...
Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray
March 31, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBA new documentary by local university professors examines the role of prayer in movies. From devout religious ritual to irreverent monologues played for comedy, what do these prayers say about us and about American culture? This week on Watching America we hear from Dr. Terry Lindvall, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University. He is one of the filmmakers of the new film "Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray." He discusses the role of prayer in movies through the ages. “With events like the recent o...
Music of the Beatles with Tom Payne
March 24, 2023 16:47 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBMarch marks the 60th anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ debut studio album “Please Please Me,” and die-hard fans remember where they were when they heard their first Beatles’ song. That’s the case for William & Mary Professor of Music and resident Beatles expert Tom Payne. In a course he has taught for many years, “Music of the Beatles,” Payne examines what makes the group’s music so unique and explores how one band’s music can still be influencing the works of today. This week on Wat...
Stacy Pearsall: After Action on PBS
March 17, 2023 16:47 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBAs an Air Force photographer, Stacy Pearsall traveled to over 41 countries, served in three combat tours, and earned a Bronze Star Medal—but when she returned home, that’s when the real fight began. This week on Watching America, she discusses her military career and the challenges many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. She shares stories of these struggles in a new PBS documentary series “After Action” that details the journeys of 21 diverse veterans from across the cou...
Five Generations in the Workplace with Haydn Shaw
March 10, 2023 16:47 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBMany of today’s workplaces feature 5 different generations — a factor that sometimes leads to misunderstandings and irritation due to generational differences. Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with the popular business speaker and generational expert Haydn Shaw. Hailed as a “leadership guru,” Shaw works with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies to help workers understand cultural differences at the office. We explore what those differences are, ways to bridge the gap, and wha...
A World of Wonder: Exploring The Science of Awe With Dr. Dacher Keltner
March 03, 2023 16:47 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWhen was the last time something left you in awe? Maybe it was staring at the millions of stars in a vast night sky or marveling at the birth of a child. Dr. Dacher Keltner, the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, has spent years studying the biological and evolutionary origins of human emotion. His latest book, "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life," presents a radical investigation and deeply p...
Holly Knight: I Am The Warrior
January 27, 2023 17:00 - 73.8 MBThroughout the 1980s, singer/songwriter Holly Knight composed anthems that became the soundtrack for millions of people’s lives. In her new book, "I Am The Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties," Knight reveals the stars and the stories behind her mega songs, including Tina Turner’s "The Best,” “Better Be Good To Me;” Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield,” “Invincible;" Aerosmith’s “Ragdoll;” Patty Smyth's “The Warrior;” Animotion’s “Obsession,” and more. She sh...
A Fortunate Chat With Lemony Snicket
January 20, 2023 16:47 - 53 minutes - 73.2 MBWriting as Lemony Snicket, author Daniel Handler has given countless children important life lessons about tragic accidents, conspiracies, reptiles, secret societies, doom, and malevolence. He talks to Dr. Alan Campbell about his work and career, and what to do to alleviate boredom. A charming, truly weird edition of Watching America.
Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz
January 13, 2023 19:16 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBEngineering professor Leidy Klotz says human beings are wired to add, not subtract. In fact, he says we're twice as disappointed to lose something as we are happy to gain something of the same value. The human aversion to subtraction can result in inferior design, unmanageable amounts of regulations, and a chaotic personal life. In this conversation with Dr. Alan Campbell, Klotz discusses his research and offers tips on how to wield the power of subtraction for the benefit of yourself and you...
Samuel C. Spitale: How to Win the War on Truth
January 06, 2023 09:00 - 74 MBIn a culture where we are bombarded with information, and often mis-information, how do you know what’s true? Author Samuel C. Spitale’s new book offers help. "How To Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality" examines the use of progranda through the years by advertisers, governments, corporations, and others. His book is filled with examples of modern-day propaganda campaigns, and he examines what makes them powerful. In...
Jason Umidi: Jesus + Seltzer
January 03, 2023 09:00 - 74 MBFormer actor and model Jason Umidi nearly lost everything after years of heavy drinking and drug addiction. In his book “Jesus + Seltzer: Stories and Meditations on Sobriety and Recovery,” he discusses how he got clean and sober after entering detox and a 12-step program. In this interview with host Dr. Alan Campbell, Jason discusses his journey to sobriety, why he returned to the faith of his childhood, and the struggles he still deals with even after overcoming his addiction. jasonumidi.com
Hayley Arceneaux: Wild Ride
December 16, 2022 09:00 - 74 MBThe youngest American to ever orbit the earth—cancer survivor, Hayley Arceneaux, believes that when we face our fears with hope and faith, extraordinary things can happen. In this week’s episode, she discusses her memoir “Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships.” Arceneaux recounts her odyssey, from her cancer diagnosis at age 10 and the year-long treatment that inspired her goal of working with pediatric cancer patients, to living through her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, an...
Brian McDonald: Five Floors Up
December 09, 2022 09:00 - 74 MBBrian McDonald is accustomed to telling other people's stories. His books have been prime sources in several television documentaries and the sole inspiration for “My Father's Gun," a full-length documentary that aired on the History Channel. In his latest work, “Five Floors Up,“ he explores the history of four generations of a firefighter family. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11,...
Mike Rinder: A Billion Years
December 01, 2022 09:00 - 74 MBMike Rinder, one of the highest-ranking defectors from Scientology, exposes the secret inner workings of this powerful organization in his new memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. In this interview with host Dr. Alan Campbell, Rinder discusses growing up in Scientology, why he decided to leave at age 52, the backlash he faced and how he now works diligently to expose the abuses that continue to happen within the organization. Visit his website at ...
Donna Francart: "I've Seen Dead People"
November 11, 2022 16:00 - 74 MBSeveral years ago, Donna Francart started volunteering for a community crisis response team. She became aware of her innate compassion in dealing with difficult situations, which ultimately led her to a new line of work as a Deputy Coroner. Francart shares her experiences, documented through years of journaling, in her memoir, "I've Seen Dead People: Diary of a Deputy Coroner." In this episode of Watching America, Dr. Alan Campbell speaks to Francart about the emotional and physical challenge...
Jeb Corliss: The Human Bird
November 08, 2022 20:00 - 74 MBJeb Corliss has jumped off the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, and more. If you wonder what makes a daredevil tick, you'll enjoy this conversation between Corliss and host Dr. Alan Campbell about God, death, fear, and the meaning of life.