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One of music’s leading jazz saxophonists Miguel Zenón joins Tim talk about his journey in music and life. Miguel has been nominated multiple times for Grammy Awards and has carved a place for himself among the elite jazz saxophonists and composers of our time. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Miguel_Zenon_II_auphonic.mp3 Miguel was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In high school, he found himself listening to the sounds of John Coltrane, but at that point, it was just an interest, not yet a passion. He didn’t get serious about actually making a career in jazz until he went to college at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. That’s where he met drummer Bob Moses, who asked him to join him with the Either/Orchestra. This gave Miguel his first taste of professional experience as a saxophonist. He would later earn awards and grants that allowed Miguel to continue his education, earning a master’s degree in 2001 from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. But it all goes back to when he first discovered John Coltrane and other jazz legends, and it captivated him. Links Miguel Zenón (official website) Miguel Zenón (New England Conservatory) Gratitude Our thanks to Miguel Zenón for sharing some tracks from his latest album for this episode. You find it here: About this Episode’s Guest Miguel Zenón Multiple Grammy Nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often-contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered as one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a composer and as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Latin American Folkloric Music and Jazz. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has built a distinguished career as a leader, releasing twelve albums under his own name. In addition, he has crafted his artistic identity by dividing his time equally between working with older jazz masters and the music’s younger innovators –irrespective of styles and genres. The list of musicians Zenón has toured and/or recorded with includes: The SFJAZZ Collective, Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Sánchez, Danilo Pérez, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Kurt Elling, Guillermo Klein & Los Guachos, The Jeff Ballard Trio, Antonio Sánchez, David Gilmore, Paoli Mejías, Brian Lynch, Jason Lindner, Dan Tepfer, Miles Okazaki, Dan Weiss, Ray Barreto, Andy Montañez, Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band, The Mingus Big Band, Bobby Hutcherson and Steve Coleman. As a composer he has been commissioned by SFJAZZ, The New York State Council for the Arts, Chamber Music America, NYO JAZZ , The Logan Center for The Arts, The Hyde Park Jazz Festival, The John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, MIT, Jazz Reach, Peak Performances, PRISM Quartet and many of his peers. Zenón has been featured in articles on publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg Pursuits, Jazz Times, Jazziz, Boston Globe, Billboard, Jazz Inside, Newsday and Details. In addition he topped both the Jazz Artist of the Year and Alto Saxophonist of the Year categories on the 2014 Jazz Times Critics Poll and was selected as the Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (when he was also recognized as Arranger of The Year). His biography would not be complete without discussing his role as an educator. In 2003, he was chosen by the Kennedy Center to teach and perform in West Africa as part of their Jazz Ambassador program. Since then, he has given hundreds of lectures and master classes and has taught all over the world at institutions which include:  The Banff Centre, Berklee College of Music, Siena Jazz, Universidad Veracruzana,

Ed Michael Reggie joins Tim to talk about the business of death, or more to the point, how the funeral business makes its money and what you can do about it. Ed is the creator of a new website designed to take the mystery out of funeral planning and make the whole process less painful. The site is called Funeralocity.com. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Business_of_Death_auphonic.mp3 If you’ve ever had to plan a funeral, you already know it’s a perfect storm of emotion, confusion and pain. Most often, you have to make decisions involving thousands of dollars in a short period of time. The decisions you make are permanent. They don’t get any more permanent. And yet, you have no idea what you’re doing. You don’t know how the funeral home, or the cemetery make their money. You don’t know when they’re trying to upsell you to make more from you, or when they have your best interest at heart. You’re usually in pain and grieving. The last thing you want to do is negotiate price at a time when money seems so unimportant. So, you go along. You nod your head when the funeral director points to the designer casket, the deluxe flower arrangements, and all of those mementos he says you need in order to remember your loved one. This is the business of death. And it is a business. Funeral homes get few chances to get your business, and once they do, grow that profit margin. Ed Michael Reggie has become an expert on that business as he built a website designed to take the mystery out of the funeral business so that you can navigate the process with a little less pain and confusion. Links Funeralocity.com FutureFactory National Funeral Directors Association Funeralocity.com Allows Grieving Consumers to Look at Prices and Reviews, New York Post About this Episode’s Guest Ed Michael Reggie Ed Michael Reggie is the managing director of Future Factory. He oversees the strategic direction of the company and manages its portfolio of businesses. Ed Michael is the CEO of Future Factory’s latest venture — Funeralocity.com, the first comparison website of funeral homes and cremation providers. Previously, he served as chairman of the board of another Future Factory company, GuideStar Research. He was founder and chairman of American LIFECARE, a regional managed healthcare company. He served as chief executive officer of Regent Health Systems, appointed to administer the rural hospital chain’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. He also led Healing Arts Network, a complementary and alternative medicine company. Earlier in his career, he was a commercial bank president. Ed Michael’s passion for business drives his community and charitable efforts where he focuses on encouraging innovation, business growth and financial inclusion. He serves on the board of trustees of Grameen Foundation, a nonprofit that brings innovative and sustainable self-help programs to the fight against chronic hunger and poverty. He was a guarantor and founding board member of MCE Social Capital. He has served on the board of directors of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a wet lab incubator, as well as a delegate to trade missions in Rome and Hong Kong held by the Academy of International Health Studies. Ed Michael earned an MBA from Tulane University. He has been recognized for his business achievements and commitment to supporting local communities. He was lauded by Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with the Champion of Public Health Award in 2004 and was honored by Williston Northampton School in 2016 with the Robert A. Ward medal, the school’s highest humanitarian award.

Economist, professor and author Paul Rubin joins Tim to talk about the impact of socialism on the future, particularly among young people who tend to be the most supportive of it, but who stand to lose the most because of it. This is the focus of his new book called, “A Student’s Guide to Socialism: How it will trash your lives.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Socialism_Rubin_auphonic.mp3 If you want to see where socialism has been tried and failed, you don’t have to look far. Venezuela is one current-day example. The country sits on one of the world’s largest deposits of oil, yet people in that country have to wait in long lines for gas, the prices for gas are high and the quality of life is among the lowest in the world. Or, you could look toward history, from the Soviet Union, to Cuba, to countries from Eastern Europe to South America and Africa. The examples of socialist failure are many.  But if you look for examples of where socialism has been successful, you can look, but you won’t find many if any. The effects of socialism aren’t just a poor standard of living, but massive human misery, that history has shown, has led to the establishment of dictators and small rich oligarchies who rule the masses under the thumb of socialism. At the same time, the concepts of socialism have long had a certain appeal to young people and oppressed peoples. Socialism has a certain seductive quality for some. Paul Rubin has spent decades teaching young generations about basic economic principles, and has spent no small amount of time educating young people on the risks of socialism. Links A Student’s Guide to Socialism: How it will trash your lives, by Paul Rubin (Amazon) Paul Rubin, The Independent Institute How are socialism and communism different?, History.com Capitalism v. Socialism, PragerU.com About this Episode’s Guest Paul Rubin Paul H. Rubin is the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Economics Emeritus in the Economics Department of Emory University and a former Professor of Law and Economics at the School of Law. He served as editor-in-chief of Managerial and Decision Economics. In addition, he is associated with the Mont Peleron Society, the Independent Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute, and a Fellow of the Public Choice Society and former President of the Southern Economics Association. Professor Rubin was Senior Economist at the Council of Economic Advisers under President Reagan, Chief Economist at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Director of Advertising Economics at the Federal Trade Commission, and Vice-President of Glassman-Oliver Economic Consultants, Inc., a litigation consulting firm in Washington. He has taught economics at the University of Georgia, City University of New York, VPI, and law and economics at George Washington University Law School. Professor Rubin has written or edited several books, and has published over one hundred articles and chapters on economics, law, and regulation. Much of Professor Rubin's writing is in law and economics, with a focus on tort, crime and contract issues. His areas of research interest include law and economics, industrial organization, transaction cost economics, government and business, public choice, regulation and price theory, and evolution and economics. His work has been cited in the professional literature over 11,100 times. He has consulted widely on litigation related matters, and has addressed numerous business, professional, policy and academic audiences. He has testified three times before Congress, and has served as an advisor on tort issues to the Congressional Budget Office. Professor Rubin is the author of the well-known paper "Why Is the Common Law efficient?" Journal of Legal Studies, 1977, which has been reprinted eight times, in English, Spanish and French. B.A. 1963, University of Cincinnati Ph.D., 1970, Purdue University  

Jazz great Monty Alexander joins Tim to end 2020 and look ahead to a New Year. In this episode Monty talks about his own life, career, holiday traditions, and some interesting experiences with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett and many others. Ultimately, he talks about his gift and the act of giving. In this episode, we have a relaxed conversation with a man who’s enjoyed nothing less than a dream career in jazz. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Monty_auphonic.mp3 In the mid-1950s, Louis Armstrong made a visit to Jamaica. When he stopped in Kingston, he made a strong impression on one 13-year old member of the audience. It was Monty Alexander, who at the time was starting to develop his own skills on the piano. Monty would later call the visit “inspirational.” Since then, Monty has carved out a career and life in music that he could have only dreamed about as a child. He had started playing the piano at four years old and could play by ear. He took classical music lessons when he was six, but by the time he was 14 he had taken an interest in jazz. He started playing in clubs, and in recording sessions.  Still a teenager, he would later direct a dance orchestra called Monty and the Cyclones, which played in local clubs. In 1961, his family moved to the United States and settled in Miami. It was at one club in Miami where Monty caught the attention of Frank Sinatra. The crooner was in the club to see another act, but someone told him about this young jazz piano player in the front room bar who quote – is swinging the room pretty good.” Sinatra’s friend Jilly Rizzo was with the chairman of the board that night, and that led to Monty getting an invitation to go to New York City about a year later, where he would become the house pianist for Jilly Rizzo’s night club called “Jilly’s.” We’d like to say at this point, that “the rest is history,” but there’s much more to the story. For Monty Alexander, that was just the beginning. Links Monty Alexander, (Official Website) Monty Alexander, All Music Monty Alexander, LA Phil Gratitude Our thanks to Monty Alexander and Resonance records for allowing us to use portions of tracks in this episode from Monty's most recent release, "Love You Madly: Live at Bubba's." About this Episode’s Guest Monty Alexander Nearly sixty years after he moved to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica, his hometown, Grammy nominated pianist Monty Alexander is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. A perennial favorite at Jazz festivals and venues worldwide and at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he has appeared 23 times since 1976, his spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition, as Alexander accurately states, “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.” In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Documented on more than 75 recordings and cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing), the Jamaican government designated Alexander Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and in 2018 The University of The West Indies bestowed him with an honorary doctorate degree (DLitt) in recognition of his accomplishments.

Santa Butch from Montana is a mall Santa and has been one for most of the past 20 years. He joins Tim to tell what it’s like to actually be Santa in the eyes of a child, and some of the stories from his years as spreading holiday cheer as Santa Claus. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Mall_Santas_auphonic.mp3 There’s a good chance you’ve done this. As a child, you went with your mom or dad to a department store or a shopping mall to see Santa Claus. In the typical routine, one parent would stay with you, wait in line, or ride the Christmas train, while the other parent would do the holiday shopping. In the end, you’d have your big moment on Santa’s knee, telling him all the things you wanted for Christmas, that you were a good boy or girl, and you’d look for some sign, any sign, of his approval, telling you that you just might get what you asked him for. Then you’d have your picture taken with the jolly old elf. Maybe later, you’ve had the chance to carry this practice forward with your own kids, and the holiday tradition continues. So, when did this all start? History.com says that in 1841, thousands of kids went to a Philadelphia department store to see a larger than life figure of Santa Claus. Other stores noticed and realized that if they could give shoppers a taste of a living and breathing Santa Claus, they could attract even more shoppers. The first man to dress as Santa Claus was James Edgar, who dressed in his Santa suit in 1890 at his own store to draw children…and their parents…to his store. In the Mall Santa world, he’s the origin story. He’s the first department store Santa Claus. Since then, for millions of children, no holiday season has been complete until they have had the chance to meet Santa Claus at a department store or a mall. And an untold number of people have donned the red suit and cap, to play the role of St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus. In the spirit of the season, we thought we’d talk to one of those people. His name is Butch. He’s known in the mall Santa world as Santa Butch from Montana, and he’s been making spirits bright in that red suit since 2001. Links Here Comes Santa Claus - with Face Masks and Plexiglass, Associated Press Why Do We Let Kids Sit On Santa's Lap?, Romper.com Five Things You Might Not Know About Mall Santas, Huffington Post About this Episode’s Guest Santa Butch from Montana “I actually signed my first contract in 1999, my first working year was 2001 in New Jersey, then seven years in Wilmington N.C., on to 2 more years in Louisville, Kentucky. This was all travel time that the photo company provides motel accommodations and rental car as well as round trip flight tickets. I took a couple years off to retire from my regular work. Retired in January 2013 and became a snow bird from our home in Montana to Apache Junction Az. I started at a mall in Phoenix in 2013 and have been there since. My wife joined me in traveling 2008 thru 2010. So, I have spent 17 of the last 21 years as a Mall Santa. I do it because I enjoy the children, the families, the not really knowing what is next. I am not denying that the money is good, but it is 40 to 42 days, 9- to-12-hours, with the only day off being Thanksgiving. So, it can be very draining and physically hard. In the first 2 to 10 years I would come home 15 to 25 pounds lighter than I left. BUT the children are the most rewarding part. Their eyes when they see Santa, the excitement, the genuine love they share. I just can't begin to explain how rewarding that can be.”

International recording artist Jonathan Butler joins Tim to talk about Christmas and how despite all of the adversity he’s faced in his life, his story is one of hope, of inspiration, and of happiness. Jonathan is an accomplished jazz creator and performer who gained fame in pop music, R&B, jazz and worship music.  In this episode, Jonathan recalls his own holiday memories and how he taps spirituality in his own music. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Jonathan_Butler_auphonic.mp3 Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter. He’s a guitarist, and while he’s known well in jazz circles, his influence doesn’t stop there. He’s now 59 years old, and was born in South Africa in an atmosphere dictated by apartheid. He was raised in poverty, a kind of poverty that few places in the world see. But he had one thing that would lift him from that poverty and help him make a difference in the world. He had a love and a talent for music. And thanks to that, he would become the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio. He would appear on national television and become a celebrity, but more than a celebrity, a role model. He was a young boy when his father gave him a homemade, one-string guitar.  From there, Jonathan Butler started to flourish. As a young teen, he won a local talent contest.  This led to an opportunity to perform with a touring musical company throughout South Africa. Every now and then, he would perform at lavish concert halls for whites only, places where he would not be allowed to use the bathroom. Over the course of a week, he’d play in these concert halls, and alternately at some rundown facility before a local community. Jonathan was 13 years old when he was discovered by British record producer Clive Caulder. Clive signed Jonathan to a record contract with his Jive Records label. Jonathan’s first single was the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and it won the South African equivalent to a Grammy®.  That was the first major barrier he was able to break down. Eventually, he’d be nominated for Gammy awards and take his place in popular music. As impressive as all of that may be, the reason we’re talking to Jonathan today centers on a different level. In 2020, the world has been met with unprecedented challenges, and yet here we are in the midst of the holiday season. This is a spiritual time. A time for positivity. A time to be uplifted and inspired. And that’s why we’re talking to Jonathan Butler. Gratitude Our thanks to Jonathan Butler for his permission to use tracks of his music in this production. Links Jonathan Butler (official website) Jonathan Butler, AllMusic.com Nelson Mandela Foundation (official website) About this Episode’s Guest Jonathan Butler The youngest of 12 children, Butler grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, ruled by Apartheid and segregation. Butler began his singing career at age 7, releasing his first album in 1973. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records (“Please Stay” went double gold and “I Love How You Love Me” went gold) in 1975 as he became a teenager. More than a decade later, Jonathan moved to London after signing with Jive Records and released his first album internationally. The self-titled set went gold in 1987 in the United Kingdom and in the USA. He received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.” His work earned songwriter’s awards and received attention across multiple radio formats: pop, urban, contemporary jazz, adult contemporary and gospel. His 2004 album, Surrender, went gold in South Africa where he remains a superstar, while at the same time beloved to audiences and fans around the world.

Sharyl Attkisson joins Tim to talk about her latest book and the current state of the news media in society.  Her book, “Slanted: How the news media taught us to love censorship and hate journalism,” centers on that dynamic called “The Narrative,” which appears to drive so much news coverage we see today. Sharyl talks of her many years as a network reporter and the way the media covers news today. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Focus_on_the_Narrative.mp3 Sharyl Attkisson has been a working journalist for more than 35 years. She’s the host and managing editor of a nonpartisan Sunday morning TV program called, “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson.”  She’s a contributor and contributor on numerous other news programs, and she’s an author. In addition to her most recent book called “Slanted,” she wrote another best-seller called The Smear. Both books get into detail about what goes on behind the scenes in the news media. How some stories see the light of day, while others are sure never to see the light of day. Sharyl has covered presidents. She’s won five Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting. She’s worked at CBS News, PBS and CNN. Links Slanted: how the news media taught us to love censorship and hate journalism, by Sharyl Attkisson (Amazon) Sharyl Attkisson Official Site Sharyl Attkisson on Twitter Full Measure News Busted! After lawsuit thread the New York Times goes into full retreat, NewsThud.com Just the News

Hallmark artist and creator Tammy Haddix joins Tim to talk about one of America’s more lasting holiday traditions, our holiday ornaments and decorating the Christmas tree. Tammy tells her own story as a member of the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Studio, as a mother and a wife, and how all of that comes to play when she helps make the holidays that much more special for Americans across the country. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Hallmark_Keepsake_Ornaments_Auphonic.mp3 The Christmas tree made its American debut in the 1700s. German mercenary soldiers who were fighting in the Revolutionary War brought the Christmas tradition with them. But it wasn’t until German and English immigrants came to America in the 1840s and decorated those trees with ornaments that the trees and the ornaments would become hugely popular. Back in 1973, Hallmark introduced a new line of Christmas ornaments. The line consisted of six glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn figures. These are considered the first in a line the company calls its “Keepsake Ornaments,” combining a touch of Hallmark creativity and polish, with a feel of homemade warmth. Since that humble start, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament line has brought more than 9,500 Keepsake Ornaments to America. The way the company describes it, Hallmark wanted to create ornaments with magical qualities that recalled a nostalgic feel, that celebrated holiday traditions, that recalled Christmas memories. If you were to visit your nearby Hallmark store, or visit the company’s online site, you’d find a wall packed with a Hallmark Keepsake ornament for nearly every taste or sentiment. Everything from characters from your favorite movies or sports teams, to your favorite cartoon characters or holiday traditions, all artfully depicted in brilliant detail. Tammy Haddix has worked in the Keepsake Sculpting Studio since 1996, and has been with Hallmark for 32 years. Links Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, (Official Site) Hallmark Ornaments by Year, HookedOnHallmark.com Keepsake Ornament Club, (Official Site) The Story Behind Those Precious Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, Southern Living About this Episode’s Guest Tammy Haddix Tammy Haddix is a Master Artist and has worked at Hallmark for 32 years, the first eight were spent illustrating everything but cards. Then in 1996 she transferred to the Keepsake Sculpting Studio and began a 24-year sculpting career that she absolutely loves.

New York Times best-selling author Nathaniel Philbrick joins Tim to talk about the story behind those pilgrims and the Mayflower in a way that covers much more than that first Thanksgiving. Nathaniel has authored many best sellers, but the one we’ll focus on in this episode is must-reading for anyone who wants to get the full story of Thanksgiving’s origins in America. The book is called simply, “Mayflower.” This episode marks the 400th anniversary of that world-changing voyage. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/The_Mayflower_auphonic.mp3 It’s been 400 years since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in the New World. The world was a much different place then than as it is now, in many ways, but for the sake of this episode the place to start is the practice of religion. Keep in mind, this is long before 1776 and the Declaration of Independence. The Pilgrims lived under a king. King James, to be precise. And that king did not allow for freedom of religion. The Church was the state. The state was the Church. It was the Church of England. And for all intents and purposes, the king was god on earth. If you did not recognize his church’s absolute authority over your life, you were persecuted, perhaps imprisoned and sometimes even executed, all because you did not believe in that church’s doctrines and teachings. There were two groups who opposed this. The Puritans wanted to create change from within. And the separatists wanted to flee. They just wanted to leave England for a better place, where they could practice their religion according to their own conscience. So, they did. In 1608, 12 years before the Mayflower, a group of separatists sailed from England to a town in Holland called Leiden.  They went to Holland to worship their God the way they wanted. And while they did experience religious freedom in Holland, they also found the rules had changed from what they were used to. The Dutch craft guilds did not accept them because they were migrants.  They found themselves on the lowest rungs of the caste system. They worked the lowest jobs for the lowest pay. The separatists also felt that the secular culture of Holland provided too much temptation for their children and worried it would lure them away from their faith. That’s when the separatists decided to uproot and sail to the New World, where they could live and practice their faith on their own terms. They returned to London to organize and get funding from a successful merchant. The separatists then hired a merchant ship called the Mayflower and 40 separatists boarded it in September 1620.  The 40 separatists were joined by others. A total of 102 passengers sailed on the Mayflower for the rugged shores of that New World. In November of that year, they arrived at a place where a huge rock dominated the shore line. A rock they would dub Plymouth Rock, and that is where life in the New World – for them – began. Nathaniel Philbrick’s book about the Mayflower is about more than one voyage and eventually the Thanksgiving story, though that is our focus today. He followed the separatists – the Pilgrims – through a 50-plus year history in the New World. Links Nathaniel Philbrick, author page Mayflower: Voyage, Community, War, by Nathaniel Philbrick, Amazon The Mayflower, History.com The Mayflower Compact, Yale.edu Pilgrim Hall Museum See Plymouth (tourism), Plymouth, Massachusetts About this Episode’s Guest Nathaniel Philbrick Nathaniel Philbrick was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Linden Elementary School and Taylor Allderdice High School.  He earned a BA in English from Brown University and an MA in America Literature from Duke University, where he was a James B. Duke Fellow. He was Brown University’s first Intercollegiate All-American sailor in 1978, the same year he won the Sunfish North Americans in Barrington, RI.

Jazz Renaissance man John Beasley joins Tim to talk about his multifaceted career and life in jazz music.  He’s a jazz pianist, a composer, an arranger, a music director and a producer. And chances are you’ve heard some of his work through film, TV or commercials. In this episode, John talks about his a one-of-a-kind music lineage and how he balances his many music loves. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/John_Beasley_Renaissance_Man_auphonic.mp3 John Beasley was born in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz music. So, you’d think that if he chose a life in music that might be his focus, but it is so much more than that. John comes from a long line of musicians. His father was a bassoonist, pianist and composer. John’s mother was a brass instrumentalist, a band conductor and an orchestrator. His grandfather was a trombonist. Needless to say, John grew up around music and musicians. He learned how to play the trumpet, the oboe, the drums, the saxophone and the flute – all mainly because his mother needed wind instrumentalists for her bands. When John was 17 years old, Julliard, the legendary music school in New York City, offered John a scholarship for oboe at the young age of 17. He turned it down. Instead, he decided to start playing in clubs, even before he reached the legal drinking age. Not long after, he’d embark on his first world tour with Sergio Mendes, the Brazilian artist. He then spent eight years with another jazz icon, Freddie Hubbard. Meanwhile, he had his own band called Audio Mind. And that’s just the beginning. Today, John Beasley is a musical Renaissance Man. He’s a performer, a creator, a producer and his work spans forums from live venues to major film and television productions. Gratitude Our thanks to John Beasley for his permission to use some of his audio tracks as the soundtrack for this episode. Links John Beasley Music Thelonious Monk, Biography.com Charlie Parker, Biography.com MONK'estra Plays John Beasley, Mack Avenue

PR veteran and whistleblower Paula Pedene joins Tim to tell her story of what it’s like to blow the whistle on government waste and other improper practices, including manipulation of VA Hospital waitlists that may have cost patients their lives. When Paula became aware of it all, she spoke up, paid the price and now has a story to tell about what it’s like to be a whistleblower. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Paula_Pedene_-_Whistleblower_auphonic.mp3 The federal government established its Whistleblower Protection Program to make sure federal employees or contractors don’t have to worry about reprisals if they disclose allegations of serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement. This all falls under the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 which specifically prohibits reprisal. The act states that it is unlawful for agencies to take or threaten to take a personnel action against an employee because he or she disclosed wrongdoing. A personnel actions could be anything from a poor performance review or a demotion, to suspension or termination. The act expressly prohibits retaliation for filing an appeal, complaint, or grievance; helping someone else file or testifying on their behalf; or cooperating with or disclosing information to the Office of Inspector General. So, what kind of disclosures are protected? a violation of any law, rule, or regulation mismanagement a gross waste of funds an abuse of authority a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety That all sounds good on paper, but as we’ll find out today, it gets a bit more complicated in real life. Paula Pedene is the former chief spokesperson for the VA Hospital in Phoenix. After she complained up the chain of command about mismanagement at the hospital, she was demoted and had her desk moved to the basement in the building. A sort of office space solitary confinement. And that was the result of her first attempt to draw attention to some major management issues. A second whistleblower experience would follow. That’s an overview, but as Paula says, this all didn’t happen overnight. This is a special episode in honor of Veterans Day. Links Paula Pedene and Associates For Whistleblowers, a Bold Move Can Be Followed by One to Department Basement, Washington Post Meet Paula Pedene, former VA Whistleblower Now Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Organizer, Phoenix Business Journal About this Episode's Guest Paula Pedene Paula Pedene has a well-earned reputation as a public relations strategist and counselor in both government and non-profit realms. She demonstrates a proven ability to envision and build mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its stakeholders that results in winning outcomes. Pedene became a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Public Affairs Officer in 1991 and credited her Public Relations Society of America learning and leadership as her guiding light. She has earned three PRSA Silver Anvil awards and additional awards including: PRSA Silver Anvil, Institutional Programs (2004) PRSA Silver Anvil, Reputation Management (2007) PRSA Silver Anvil, Community Outreach (2010) PRSA PR Professional of the Year for her government whistleblowing activities (2015) Since 1997, she has been the driving force behind the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade in its creative development and coordination. She leads the team, organizing 2,500 people as parade entries. As media relations director she generated millions of impressions and helped attract 45,000 people to the event. She advocates for veterans through her volunteerism as a Public Relations Director on the Honoring America’s Veterans board.

Jazz great Bob Mintzer joins Tim to talk about  his career in jazz, his body of work, his life in music. Bob is one of the world’s leading jazz saxophonists. He’s classically trained, but a self-taught jazz artist, who talks about the music and how the current pandemic is setting the stage for what’s next. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Bob_Mintzer_Jazz_auphonic.mp3 Bob Mintzer is a saxophonist, he’s a woodwind specialist, he’s a composer and arranger, and he’s a music educator. Music has been a part of his life from an early age. H started by learning to play piano by ear. He moved on to guitar, the clarinet, drums, and then finding the instrument that would help define his musical legacy, the saxophone. And while many may fall in love with music at a young age, for Bob, he realized that music would be his life’s work in 1969 when he was a teenager. That’s when he received a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, and where he saw the kind of commitment was required to become a full-time musician. At Interlochen, Bob met Peter Erskine, who became a colleague and a friend for life. Links Bob Mintzer website Bob Mintzer, USC Yellowjackets Jazz About this Episode's Guest Bob Mintzer Bob Mintzer Bob Mintzer is a saxophonist, woodwind specialist, composer/arranger, educator, born January 27 1953 in New Rochelle, New York. He formed a connection to music at a very early age, primarily through playing piano by ear, and later moving on to guitar, clarinet, drums, and eventually saxophone. Bob played clarinet and later saxophone in school band programs while playing guitar and keys in garage bands through high school. The turning point which solidified Bob’s connection to music as a life long endeavor came in 1969, when he received a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. There he saw first hand what kind of commitment was involved in becoming a full time musician. It was at Interlochen that Bob met Peter Erskine, who became a colleague which continues to this day some 50 years later. Bob attended the Hartt School of music 1970-72 and the Manhattan School of Music 72-74. He was a clarinet major in both institutions while teaching himself jazz and getting together with musicians outside of school. Hartford had a small band of musicians playing jazz every night, which provided an opportunity for Bob to play regularly. In NYC the loft scene was in full swing, and Bob developed many connections in the loft sessions that were taking place nightly, sometimes until 6 in the morning. In 1974, upon finishing his year at MSM, bob joined the Tito Puente Orchestra and simultaneously did some touring with Eumir Deodato. 1975 brought an opportunity for Bob to join the Buddy Rich band and toured steadily with that band for 2 plus years. The ability to play every night, travel the world, and begin to write arrangements was a golden opportunity. By 1978 Bob was playing with several small jazz groups (Stone Alliance, Teruo Nockamura, a short encounter with Art Blakey, Joe Chambers, Mike Manieri) and was asked to join the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Bob played with Thad and Mel for 6 months, and later with Mel, as Thad had moved to Europe. In 1980 Bob arranged a project for the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra to be recorded live at the Montreal Jazz Festival of the music of Herbie Hancock. In 1981 through 1982 Bob was a member of the Jaco Pastorius Word of Mouth band., playing tenor sax, bass clarinet, and doing some arranging/composing for both the big and small band components. There are several recordings and videos of this band out and about. In 1983 Bob started his big band in NYC which consisted of many of the finest musicians in town (Michael and Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, Lou Soloff, Barry Rogers, Dave Taylor, Don Grolnick, Will Lee, Peter Erskine, Roger Rosenberg). The band performed regularly at 7th Avenue South (club o...

U.S. Medal of Honor awardee Sgt. Leroy Petry joins Tim to tell his Medal of Honor story, from a life and death battle in Afghanistan to the very definition of the word, “honor.” Sgt. Petry is a retired U.S. Army Ranger who is one of the few to receive the military’s highest honor, and one of the very few medal recipients who have survived to tell their own story. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Medal_of_Honor_-_Leroy_Petry_auphonic.mp3 In April of 1862, a group of Union Soldiers in the middle of the Civil War had an assignment. They were supposed to make it across Confederate lines to steal a Confederate train car and ride it to Union lines. Along the way, they were supposed to destroy track and depots, cutting off the Confederate supply lines and transportation. That group of Union solders was called “Andrews Raiders.”  Twenty-five men volunteered for the mission that ended in a dramatic train chase and capture by Confederate forces. Eight of the original 25 volunteers escaped. Three were declared missing. Another eight were hanged. Among those who were executed was leader James Andrews. Another six found their way back to the Union Army as part of a prisoner exchange a year later. That following March, the survivors met with President Lincoln who thanked them for their service and their efforts in the daring mission, and he told them they’d be the first to receive a new honor. The Medal of Honor. And with that, he had a prototype of the medal and gave it to the youngest member of the group, Private Jacob Parott. Jacob Parott was the first in the Army to receive what is now regarded as the highest honor any member of America’s military can receive. The Medal of Honor is the award for valor in combat for all members of the armed forces. Since 1862, more than 3,400 such honors have been bestowed, many if not most of them, posthumously. Not many who earn such an award, live to talk about it. Today, the Medal of Honor is awarded sparingly to service members who as the Army says are, “the bravest of the brave; and that courage must be well documented.” Since the medal is awarded sparingly, and so many of those who receive it die in combat, there are few recipients alive today to tell their story. Retired Sgt. Leroy Petry of the U.S. Army Rangers is one of those few warriors. The U.S. Army Ranger Creed Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers. Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite Soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other Soldier. Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained Soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor. Rangers lead the way! About this Episode’s Guest Sgt. Leroy Petry Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Leroy Petry Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry retired from active duty in the U.S. Army in 2014. He served in numerous capacities in his long and disti...

Political science professor Dr. Michael Coulter joins Tim to talk about the challenges we face at the intersection of religion and politics. Michael is the chair of the Political Science and Humanities Department at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. In this episode we explore the current environment for civility and respect when it comes discussing religion and politics. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Religion_and_Politics_auphonic.mp3 It’s an election year, and people are on edge. Log on to social media and you’ll find everyone from celebrities to friends attacking each other over political, religious or social issues. Some people say they are trying to avoid certain family gatherings just to avoid those uncomfortable conversations. At the same time, as the nation gets closer to deciding an election, and the naming of a new Supreme Court justice, the intensity levels in the atmosphere are getting stronger. Against this backdrop many not only wonder how it got this way, but they wonder if we’ll ever get back to a time when society could discuss sensitive issues with civility and respect. Dr. Michael Coulter of Grove City College has spent the better part of his career and research with a focus on the interaction of religion and politics, along with Catholic social thought, and early modern political philosophy. He teaches students on political and moral philosophy.  In the course of that, he shows how to factor your own personal religious or moral values while also exploring larger political and strategic issues. Links Grove City College Dr. Michael Coulter (bio)

Author and Electoral College expert Tara Ross joins Tim to tell the story behind the Electoral College, how it governs elections and why it is still needed. Tara’s latest book is entitled, “Why We Need the Electoral College.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Electoral_College_auphonic.mp3 It’s happened five times. Five times a candidate won the presidency even though he did not win the popular vote. He won the presidency because he won the Electoral College. If you’re wondering why the United States doesn’t just choose a president based only on the popular vote, the answer as we know it was given in 1804. Some in congress wanted Congress to choose the president. Others wanted a democratic popular vote. And even to this day, many Americans believe that we do elect a president based on that popular vote. The country’s leaders arrived at a compromise which created the Electoral College. Tara Ross is a retired attorney and the author of four books on the Electoral College. While she is one of the nation’s leading experts on the Electoral College, she continues to find that most Americans remain generally confused about why it exists and what it does. Links Tara Ross Website Why We Need the Electoral College, by Tara Ross (Amazon) Presidential Election Process, USA.gov What is the Electoral College? National Archives About this Episode’s Guest Tara Ross Tara Ross is nationally recognized for her expertise on the Electoral College. She is the author of Why We Need the Electoral College (2019), The Indispensable Electoral College: How the Founders’ Plan Saves Our Country from Mob Rule (2017), We Elect A President: The Story of our Electoral College (2016), and Enlightened Democracy: The Case for the Electoral College (2d ed. 2012). She is also the author of She Fought Too: Stories of Revolutionary War Heroines (2019), and a co-author of Under God: George Washington and the Question of Church and State (2008) (with Joseph C. Smith, Jr.). Her Prager University video, Do You Understand the Electoral College?, is Prager’s most-viewed video ever, with more than 60 million views.   Tara often appears as a guest on a variety of talk shows nationwide, and she regularly addresses civic, university, and legal audiences. She’s contributed to many law reviews and newspapers, including the National Law Journal, USA Today, the Washington Examiner, The Hill, The Washington Times, and FoxNews.com.  She’s addressed audiences at institutions such as the Cooper Union, Brown University, the Dole Institute of Politics, and Mount Vernon. She’s appeared on Fox News, CSPAN, NPR, and a variety of other national and local shows. Tara is a retired lawyer and a former Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Review of Law & Politics. She obtained her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.  She resides in Dallas with her husband and children.

Best-selling Author and syndicated columnist Cal Thomas joins Tim to talk about the rise and fall of empires and super powers and what history can tell us about America’s future. Cal recently released a book called, “America’s Expiration Date: The fall of empires and superpowers, and the future of the United States.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Empires_Fall_Episode_auphonic.mp3 Could you ever imagine a world where the United States is not one of its super powers? That’s the question that drove Cal Thomas to explore in his latest book, and the answers he found can be unsettling. Cal took a deep dive into the study of the eight greatest empires in world history. He studied the path they took to become great, and then he studied their fall, looking for patterns from one empire to the next, from one century to the next. One of the more common patterns he detected was that most of the greatest empires tended to fall into decline after about 250 years. If you’re wondering, you don’t have to do the math. I’ll do it for you. In 2026, the United States will mark its 250th birthday. He takes his readers through the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Arab Empire, the Spanish Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire, the Russian Empire, and he spends no small amount of time on the United States and its rise to Super Power status. Cal Thomas was able to take on the breathtaking challenge of working to cover so much of human history and to condense it into less than 200 pages. Links Cal Thomas, Website America's Expiration Date, Harper Collins America's Expiration Date, Amazon About this Episode's Guest Cal Thomas Cal Thomas is one of the most widely syndicated columnists in America. His fifty-year journalism career includes anchoring and reporting for KPRC-TV in Houston, NBC News in Washington, Fox News Channel and other outlets. For ten years he co-wrote the Common Ground column for USA Today with his colleague, Bob Beckel. A native of Washington, D.C. and graduate of American University, Thomas is married to Christie Jean ("CJ"). The couple live in Key Largo, Florida. Visit calthomas.com.

Influential jazz vocalist Kurt Elling joins Tim to talk about his life in jazz music and the unique role the vocalist plays, along with his multifaceted career in theatre and as one of jazz music’s poets. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Kurt_Elling_auphonic.mp3 Kurt Elling is a Grammy award winning jazz vocalist. He’s been described by numerous jazz critics as one of the most influential male jazz vocalists over the past 25 years. The New York Times even described Kurt as “the standout male vocalist of our time.” His music oftentimes provides a blend of jazz swing with a poetic touch. The Jazz Journalists Association has named Kurt its “Male Singer of the Year” eight times. He sings everything from classic jazz standards to fresh originals. When you watch or listen to Kurt, you’re not witnessing a performance…you’re having a musical experience. The Wall Street Journal put it this way, “Elling combines authenticity with stunning originality.” Kurt’s most recent release is called Secrets Are the Best Stories. The project explores some of life’s most challenging philosophical questions. He’s joined in the project by an influential musician in his own right …pianist Danilo Pérez. Together the two draw inspiration from the musical and lyrical insights of jazz masters (Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius), brilliant poets (Franz Wright, Robert Bly) and respected authors (Toni Morrison) to craft a set of stunning new compositions. Kurt Elling has performed in jazz clubs, symphony halls and festival stages around the world.  And he got is start in his native Chicago. Special Thanks to: Kurt Elling for allowing us to use his music tracks as part of the production of this episode. Links KurtElling.com Kurt Elling: Living the Questions, Jazz Times Kurt Elling, Grammy-winning Vocal Great. Eager to Swing and Lift Spirits, San Diego Tribune About this Episode’s Guest Kurt Elling Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, GRAMMY winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. Declared “the standout male vocalist of our time” by The New York Times, Elling has garnered unprecedented accolades, including a fourteen-year run atop the DownBeat Critics Poll, a dozen GRAMMY nominations, and eight Jazz Journalists Association awards for “Male Singer of the Year.” Elling’s voice is instantly recognizable, embracing listeners with his warm, rich baritone and navigating the full span of his four-octave range as a virtuoso instrumentalist and a compelling storyteller. Whether transforming timeless standards or crafting his own enthralling originals, Elling balances elegant lyricism and technical mastery with wry humor, emotional depth, and keen observations into the human condition. “Elling combines authenticity with stunning originality,” is how The Wall Street Journal describes his talents, while The Guardian has called him “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers.” The Toronto Star has gone so far as to say that “Kurt Elling is the closest jazz will ever get to having its own saint,” while The Guardian makes up one voice in a chorus calling him “one of jazz’s all-time great vocalists.” Elling’s most recent release, The Questions, vividly exemplifies his ability to respond to the world around him with both urgent immediacy and a unique perspective. Co-produced by NEA Jazz Master and acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the album searches for answers to the culture’s most divisive social, political and spiritual issues in the songs of Bob Dylan, Carla Bley and Leonard Bernstein, and the poetry of Rumi and Wallace Stevens. Elling had previously joined Marsalis and his long-running Quartet for 2016’s GRAMMY-nominated Upward Spiral, which All About Jazz hailed as “suffused with graciousness, beauty, and, on occasion, heartbreak.” Taking the long view of Elling’s audacious and richly varied career,

Veteran Hollywood producer Rose Ganguzza joins Tim to talk about her latest project. The picture is called, Fatima.  In this episode, Rose tells the story at the center of her most recent film, Fatima, and the creative process for bringing that story to today’s audiences and making it relevant and relatable, all while working to overcome a pandemic in the process. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Fatima_auphonic.mp3 Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto lived in the small farming community of Fatima, Portugal in the Spring of 1917. As a world war raged in large parts of Europe, the young men of Fatima were largely on the battlefront, as anxious parents minded the farm, the home front, taking care of younger siblings and children, waiting for any bit of news that indicated their loved ones were alive and healthy. The air was tense with apprehension. But Lucia and her cousins were just kids. They worked in their families’ fields, tending to the sheep. In May of 1917, the three children were in the Cova da Iria fields near Fatima when all three said the lady appeared to them. Here’s how Lucia described her.  She said the lady was “brighter than the sun, shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than a crystal glass filled with the most sparkling water and pierced by the burning rays of the sun.” According to Lucia, the lady confided in the children. She shared three secrets that are now known as the Three Secrets of Fatima. She told the children to do penance and make sacrifices to save sinful people. She asked the kids to say the Rosary every day, repeating that the Rosary was the key to personal and world peace. She said that war is a punishment for sin and she warned that God would not tolerate disobedience to His will, as it’s the case through war, hunger, and the persecution of the Church and its faithful. The children said that the lady appeared to them on the 13th day of each month around Noon for six consecutive months. In such a small town, word traveled fast, and while there were a large number of skeptics, there were also people in need of faith. People who were sick, disabled, who had lost sons or brothers in the war. The stories of the visions of Mary gave them hope. So, they flocked to a hillside near Fatima to watch the kids talk to an unseen lady, but one that appeared to be quite visible to those children. The kids conversed in an unchoreographed way to the invisible woman.  But then on one of these appearances, with over 70,000 spectators watching, something unexplainable happened. On October 13, 1917, it was known as the day the sun danced. The day is remembered by the faithful as the Miracle of the Sun.  There are many accounts from that day of people watching the sun “dance” in the sky, fluctuate in color, swirl and descend toward earth. They describe howling winds, but still leaves in the trees. It was raining tremendously before the vision, but all clothes and mud had dried in an instant. One eyewitness by the name of Dominic Reis said of everyone’s clothes, “They looked as though they had just come back from the cleaners. Others claimed physical cures of those who were blind and disabled.  Given the time period, and the sheer numbers, there was much documentation of these stories to disprove or authenticize the event. Now, it’s 103 years later, and a new motion picture has found its way to whatever size screen you may have. The film is called Fatima, and one of the producers is Rose Ganguzza. Links Fatima The Movie, site Fatima, IMDb Story of Our Lady of Fatima, Franciscan Media Our Lady of Fatima, Catholic News Agency Shrine of Fatima, Portugal, Official Site About this Episode’s Guest Rose Ganguzza Rose Ganguzza is known in indie circles as the godmother of emerging filmmakers. Indeed, many of her films have been with first-time directors, including Afterschool (Antonio Campos),

Historian and author Scott Dawson joins Tim to talk about his team’s discovery of what actually happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks. He has spent the past 11 years working with a team of archaeologists, historians, botanists and geologists to try to uncover the truth behind the story of the Lost Colony. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/The_Lost_Colony__auphonic.mp3 It was August of 1590, and Englishman John White was about to return to the Roanoke Colony in the Americas, where he had been named governor three years earlier. John was among 115 English settlers who landed at Roanoke Island off the coast of what we now know as North Carolina in the Outer Banks region. After the group settled in Roanoke, John had sailed back to England to collect a load of supplies the settlers would need. He would have returned to Roanoke Island sooner, but England’s war with Spain complicated things. So, now, three years later, John is about to return to Roanoke, where he last saw his wife and daughter, along with his granddaughter, and the other settlers. Then something unexpected happens. When John White arrives at the colony, he finds no one. Not a single person is there to greet him. Not a trace. One clue, however, would prove to be the key to unlocking this mystery over 400 years later. On a wooden post, one word was carved.  It said “Croatoan,” which is the name of a local native American tribe, and the name of an island south of Roanoke where the Croatoans lived. Those are the facts we’ve known until now. Scott Dawson has studied this mystery more than most and decided to get some answers for himself. Links The Lost Colony and Hatteras Island, by Scott Dawson, Amazon The mystery is over. Researchers say they know what happened to ‘Lost Colony.’, The Virginian Pilot The 'Lost Colony' Wasn't Really Lost,  Outer Banks Voice The Lost Colony of Roanoke: Did they survive?, DNA Explained Roanoke's 'Lost Colony' was Never Lost, New Book Says, New York Times About this Episode’s Guest Scott Dawson Scott Dawson is a native of Hatteras Island whose family roots on the island trace back to the 1600s. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BA in psychology and minor in history and is a well-known local historian, local author and amateur archaeologist. He is president and founder of the Croatoan Archaeological Society Inc. and has participated in a decade of archaeological excavations and research on Hatteras Island under the direction of Dr. Mark Horton. He also serves on the board of directors of the Outer Banks History Center.

Retired NYPD detective Chris O’Connor joins Tim to tell his story of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York.  Chris was within walking distance from the World Trade Center when the first plane hit. We talk with Chris about his story and the story of many first responders who continue to live with the after-effects of 9/11. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/World_Trade_Center_auphonic.mp3 It’s September 11th, 2001 in one of the busiest cities in the world on a beautiful early fall day. As New Yorkers go about the business of starting another work day, little did they know that 19 terrorists from the extremist group al-Qaida were in the midst of executing a plan to hijack four commercial aircraft and crash those planes into predetermined targets. Among those targets were the Pentagon, another site in Washington that no one would ever confirm, and the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City. At 8:45 a.m. on that day, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York. Just less than 20 minutes later, a second aircraft – United Airlines Flight 175 – flew into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. St. Paul's Chapel, September 11, 2001 - Photo Credit Chris O'Connor Later, American Airlines Flight 77 would crash into the Pentagon. And finally, just after 10 a.m. that day, United Airlines Flight 93 would crash into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  The passengers on that jet were able to mount an attack of their own on the terrorists to foil their attack on Washington, D.C. That day marked the worst terrorist attack on the United States in the country’s history. Almost 3,000 people were killed then.  But as you’ll learn today, the real death toll was higher and it continues to grow to this day. The toll that September 11th took on the health of first responders is one that continues to this day. The Chronology of Events at the World Trade Center American Airlines Flight 11, from Boston, Massachusetts, to Los Angeles, California, had 92 people on board.  It took off from Boston’s Logan Airport at 8 a.m. At 8:19 a.m., flight attendant Betty Ong makes a phone call to report a hijacking. At 8:24 a.m., the lead hijacker, Mohammed Atta, is in the cockpit of the plane and thinks he’s talking to the passengers, but instead, he’s being picked up by air traffic control. About 21 minutes later, that jet would be the first to crash into the World Trade Center. Meanwhile, Air Traffic Controllers are monitoring another plane, United Airlines Flight 175 catches their attention, and as two air traffic controllers talk to each other about the plane and its erratic behavior, they get a visual on it as it approaches Manhattan. September 11, 2001, NYC, Photo Credit Chris O'Connor This was just the beginning of a day of horror for New York City and the world. The total number of firefighters and paramedics who were killed was 343. The number of NYPD officers who died that day was 23. The number of Port Authority police officers killed was 37. The number of Americans who knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks was 20 percent. That’s one in five of all Americans knew someone who was killed or injured in the attacks. The estimated number of New Yorkers who were reported as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the 9/11 attacks were 422,000. Chris O’Connor was a plain clothes detective member of the NYPD. What started as a day to appear in court for one of his cases, would change his life. Links Feal Good Foundation, No Responders Left Behind Legislation Allows Unlimited Sick Leave for 9/11 First Responders, Long Island Herald Rockville Centre Detective Feels 9/11's Lasting Effects, Long Island Herald 9/11 Memorial and Museum, New York City Flight 93 Memorial, National Park Service National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial