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Submitted by Douglas Newsom on 19 April 2021

Headlined Guests

Guest Biography:

MARK KLEIN is the whistleblower who exposed AT&T’s participation in the National Security Agency’s illegal warrantless spying on millions of Americans.  Klein grew up in New York City and in 1962 entered Cornell University’s School of Engineering. As the 1960s exploded in social upheaval he was moved with his generation to investigate society and graduated in 1966 with a B.A. in history. Later he returned to technical school, obtaining certificates in electronics and computers which led to employment in computer manufacturing in the 1970s.  He was hired by AT&T in 1981 as a communications technician and worked for the company for over 22 years. In 2003, he discovered the illicit NSA installation in San Francisco and three years later brought it to public attention. He retired from AT&T in May 2004, and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife.

ABOUT MARK KLEIN'S BOOK: Wiring Up The Big Brother Machine...And Fighting It

Whistleblower Mark Klein tells the story of the illegal government spying apparatus installed at an AT&T office by the National Security Agency, and his battle to bring it to light and protect Americans’ 4th Amendment rights. After the New York Times revealed in 2005 that the NSA was spying on Americans’ phone calls and e-mail without Constitutionally-required court warrants, the Bush administration openly defended this practice which also violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. All details of the highly secret program remained hidden from the public—until Klein came forward. A technician for over 22 years at telecom giant AT&T, Klein was working in the Internet room in San Francisco in 2003 and discovered the NSA was vacuuming everyone’s communications into a secret room, and he had the documents to prove it. He went to the media in 2006, and then became a witness in a lawsuit brought against the company by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Guest Category: Education, History, News, Politics & Government
Guest Occupation: Whistleblower and Documentary Filmmaker
Guest Biography:

BEN BLUM is a 13 year old documentary filmmaker who lives in San Rafael, CA. He is an 8th grader at Saint Mark's School, also in San Rafael. His latest video, Data Obsession, focuses on the overuse of government surveillance in the U.S, and won second place in the national C-SPAN StudentCam competition; out of over 5,000 people. In addition, he runs a highly acclaimed Youtube channel, which has accumulated over 1.1 million views and 4,000 subscribers.  His channel can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/user/interactivevideos5   He is passionate about U.S. history, current events, and foreign affairs.  Currently, he is working on a documentary relating to human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Ben's school - Saint Mark's - is so proud of Ben and wants everyone to know that Ben is a product of his environment as you can tell from Saint Mark's description:

"For over a decade Saint Mark's media and information literacy program has fostered in students the ability to understand information, interpret meaning and communicate with others across multiple forms of media, from novels to news, from writing an essay to producing a video. This innovative program, honored by the National Association of Independent Schools with a Leading Edge Award, raises students' awareness of how mass media influences individuals and society.

Students learn to identify and deconstruct the codes and conventions media use to sell, persuade, entertain and educate. They also learn fundamental critical thinking, communication, research and technology skills, along with how to use the power of voice to make a difference in the world."

Please visit Ben's Youtube Channel to view his award winning CSPAN StudentCam film and other works:  https://www.youtube.com/user/interactivevideos5

Guest Category: Education, History, News, Politics & Government
Guest Occupation: Esoteric Practioner, Wudan Taosism, Gaqua, Qigong, Daoyin Methods, Shamanic Student, Alchemist
Guest Biography:

Max Christensen, also known as Lama Ngakpha Dorje (Tibetan), Ching Fung Dao Shr (Chinese Taoist), Sifu Max, has dedicated his life to studying, understanding, and bringing forth a wealth of traditional spiritual and esoteric practices from around the world.

His path towards spiritual life and understanding began early, in his youth. At age six he embarked on his journey and commenced studies with Wudang Master Wu Xiao Deng of Hubei province, studying traditional Wudang Taoism, Baqua, Qigong and Daoyin methods and practices in order to strengthen his body, mind, and spirit.

His thirst for knowledge and understanding of Spiritual truths inspired him to travel around the world and led him to study with many traditional teachers from diverse cultures.

It is from his travels, diverse experiences, and in-depth studies, that Max draws on and presents time tested, esoteric root practices, through his KUNLUN NEI GUNG™ System.

In addition to his extensive education and training in the Taoist arts, Max is also trained in Shamanic studies. Having spent time with the Mongolian Blue Wolf Shamanic tradition, where he learned the traditional way of the Shaman, Max enjoys teaching the Shamanic arts.

His work with the Mongolian tradition also led him to the way and healing methods of the Apache and Navaho traditions and membership in the medicine path of the Red Willow Society in New Mexico. He is trained in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Lapa’au from the PeleKu and KaneLu traditions and has also received empowerment of the Santig Dorje Phurba from Ralo Rinpoche. Of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, Ralo Rinpoche gave him the title “Ngakpha Dorje” which identifies him as one who has the power to awaken dormant powers within.

With an association of over twenty years with his most recent teacher from the Shang-ching Taoist tradition of Southern China, Max has learned and teaches the extraordinary Taoist alchemical practices, which lead to the gold dragon body attainment.

Max Christensen has taught over 10,000 people worldwide, and continues to teach small group classes for those interested in learning and cultivating the ancient knowledge and practices, while discovering the mysteries of these arts.

Some of the traditions that Max has training in:

* Apache and Navaho tradition; medicine path of the Red Willow Society in New Mexico.
* Taoist tradition of the Shang-ching and Wudang.
* Shamanic tradition of the Blue Wolf clan of Mongolia.
* Peleku and Kanelu tradition of Kauai, Hawaii.
* Esoteric practices of Egyptian yogic tradition.

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Alternative Health, Energy Healing, Yoga, Philosophy, Spiritual, Shamanism
Guest Occupation: Real Estate Consultant and special contributor to the Miami Herald and a real estate columnist for The Real Deal magazine
Guest Biography:

Peter Zalewski is a nonpracticing licensed real estate broker, consultant, and special contributor to the Miami Herald and a real estate columnist for The Real Deal magazine.

Zalewski founded Condo Vultures® in 2006 based on using public records to better assess the South Florida real estate market at a time of uncertainty.

Under Zalewski's direction, the Condo Vultures® concept has developed into five companies working independent in South Florida.

Condo Vultures® LLC is a analytics firm that distributes a weekly newsletter, publishes books, and hosts seminars dealing with the real estate topics of the day.

Condo Vultures® Realty LLC is a licensed Florida real estate brokerage that represents buyers to acquire distressed assets.

CVR Realty™ is a licensed Florida real estate brokerage that represents sellers in real estate transactions.

The Condo Ratings Agency™ is focused on grading the economic condition of nearly 1,000 associations in South Florida's seven largest coastal markets.

CraneSpotters.com™ - in conjunction with the Miami Association Of Realtors - provides extensive information and maps on South Florida's Preconstruction Condo Market.

Guest Category: Business, Investing and Finance
Guest Occupation: Entrepreneur, Business Builder, CEO of Vionic, Author
Guest Biography:

KOSTA GARA is the quintessential American entrepreneur, but the lifestyle he enjoys today, living on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, is a million miles from his humble beginning. As a young, aspiring student, Kosta was awarded a nationwide scholarship to a Canadian university, however, a year before he was to earn his engineering degree, he followed in the footsteps of such legends as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates and took a leave of absence from the university to pursue his dream of starting his own marketing company.

In 2001, Kosta founded his second venture, a unique, creative and innovative virtual platform to bridge sales and marketing within the digital world. This technological breakthrough launched his direct-selling, software business, generating millions in sales. Five years later, at the age of 33, Kosta retired. Two years later, finding retirement unfulfilling, he partnered with his best friend to co-found an energy drink company that today operates in over 30 countries with sales in excess of $200 million in just six years. Beyond his private ventures, Kosta’s extensive portfolio includes Regional Sales Director and General Manager with two Fortune 500 companies, managing hundreds of employees with millions of dollars in sales.

As President of three privately held companies, Kosta’s passion for staying at the forefront of innovation could not be quelled and, in 2011, founded Vionic, https://vionic.com/. As CEO of Vionic, Kosta works closely with his highly talented, tech-savvy team to strategically position his vision of Vionic becoming a premier software company in the blossoming world of social media marketing. His corporate mission is to develop and integrate cutting-edge marketing technologies that will revolutionize the social media world.

Kosta has resided in 9 countries, traveled to 46 countries, and visited 196 major cities around the globe. These experiences inspired him to launch his Global Konnoisseur E-magazine, that advises travelers where to find the best restaurants, hotels and attractions on every continent. Kosta is co-author of two highly-acclaimed books that hit the number one spot at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and has been featured in a half-dozen international magazines and major publications. He is in the process of releasing his long-anticipated memoir.

In his spare time, Kosta enjoys playing tennis, an intense game of ping-pong, running, working out, and reading books that satisfy his thirst to discover the world.

Guest Category: Business, Philosophy, Self Help
Guest Occupation: computer security expert
Guest Biography:

Since first learning of the binary system in grade school, Scott Penwell has followed the developments in computing with great interest. He built his first computer (a mechanical model) in fifth grade, used the first remote terminal attached to the Case mainframe in eleventh, wrote programs at Kent on decks of punch cards, and brought early graphic capable computers to the workplace. He has been regional manager for several technology companies, and worked for two consulting firms. I opened my own design, consulting, customizing and repair practice, and have been specializing in digital security for over ten years.

Guest Category: Business, Education, Technology
Guest Occupation: Spiritual Practitioner
Guest Biography:

Lordiel host a regular radio show on blog talk radio, she is also a internationally known lecturer and author. She has recently completed three lectures in Canada: Quieting the Mind, Freeing the Mind Body & Soul, and Massaging the Mind Body & Soul. Lordiel has authored two books, Words For The Soul and A Chance To Be Better "Trust Your Journey" (audiobook).

The healings and blessings that flow through her are unpretentious, unrehearsed and straight from the heart, soul and Spirit. She can talk to your callers about helping each other ... and finding solutions to that which they seek!!! Programs that are for the people and by the people to share, teach and reach out to each other in living life. As in life, we are all in it together and if each of us just REACH out and TOUCH someone,we can and will make a difference!!! 

Some of her credentials are: Spiritual Artist, Certified Soul Healer,Life Coach, Certified Soul Communicator, Crystalline & Celestial Divine Healer, Registered Nurse, Ordained Minister, Shamballa Multi-Dimensional Healing Master, Certified Clinical & Medical Hypnotherapist, Lymphologist, Certified Access Conciosness, Reiki Master, Certified in Energy Balance, Certified Re-Connector,Clairvoyant, Medium, Clairaudient, Channel the Spirit Worlds and so much more....... 

Guest Category: Health & Lifestyle, Physics & Metaphysics, Self Help, Spiritual
Guest Occupation: Grammy Award Winner, Singer, Songwriter and Keyboard Player
Guest Biography:

Pat Hunt has had a long and distinguished career in the music business. A 36 yr veteran in the business, his credits include:
I Never Thought I’d Fall in Love Again- Jennifer Holiday- writer
After She’s Gone- Mickey Gilley – writer/ producer
Forbidden Love/ Con Todo El Corizon – La Mafia – co-writer
I’m Gonna Make A difference –Shades Of Gray- writer/ performer
The CD Lifestories – Artist/producer/ writer
The Son- Forgiven – co-writer
Man Of Action _ World 5
Pat has produced and played on many Cd’s for artist such as Johnny Nash, La Mafia, Mickey Gilley, The Franchise, Liza Lamb, Bob Garraza, and Jimmy Edwards. He has been associated with 5 Grammy nominated projects winning one. Pat has also appeared with The Temptations, Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle, Willie Nelson, George Jones, The Pointer Sisters, Merle Haggard, Everette Harp and many others. Pat also was a finalist on the original Star Search. Pat is currently Worship Pastor at Parkway Fellowship Church in West Houston.

Guest Category: Performing Arts, Music
Guest Occupation: Culinary Author, Food Activist, Fermentation Specialist, Cultural Revivalist
Guest Biography:

Sandor Ellix Katz (aka sandorkraut) is a fermentation revivalist. His book Wild Fermentation (2003) and the hundreds of fermentation workshops he has taught across North America and beyond, have helped to catalyze a broad revival of the fermentation arts. A self-taught experimentalist who lives in rural Tennessee, the New York Times calls him “one of the unlikely rock stars of the American food scene.” His latest book, The Art of Fermentation (2012), received a James Beard award. Sandor teaches fermentation workshops in Tennessee and many other places.

Guest Category: Food, Alternative Health, Nutrition
Guest Occupation: Pastor, Chaplain for the Haines Police Department, President of Life University, Radio and TV Host
Guest Biography:

Dr. Samuel Malave planted three churches and has been a pastor for 28 years. He is a Chaplain for the Haines City Police Department and has been the President of LIFE UNIVERSITY since 2010. He’s had numerous radio and TV programs in New York and Florida.

He received a Doctorate Degree in Pastoral Psychology from Carolina Christian University and received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Windsor College. Dr. Samuel Malave trains pastors and leaders in various areas such as Leadership, Church Growth, Administration, Finances, Creationism Vs. Evolution, Biblical Preaching (The Art of Public Speaking), Revivalist and many more topics. He is 52 years of age and speaks English and Spanish.

Guest Category: Religion, Spiritual
Guest Occupation: Author, Animal Communicator, Transformational Coach, Nature Communicator
Guest Biography:

As a child Maia spent much of her time living in the world of nature, communicating with animals, plants, insects and the earth. Being highly sensitive she felt the emotional and physical well being of the humans and animals around her.

When a dear friend was challenged with a health problem Maia had an intimate understanding and sense of what this was like. Apart from viewing the physical body she was able to feel the emotions that were stored and see how they contributed to the physical challenges.She literally felt the discomfort, which propelled her into a journey of self discovery to understand what she was feeling. She also came to realize that she could receive information from people and animals from all parts of the planet, without having previously met them or having them in her presence.

The desire to understand these gifts and the responsibilities involved, perhaps inspired her great interest over the years in holistic wellness, in particular how to nourish the body, mind and spirit.

During these formative years, Maia adopted wild horses and burros and utilized her communication abilities and principles of nature and energy to work with them in a manner of comfort, cooperation and mutual respect with great success. Her mother would often look out the window with amazement to see her ride by on one of the new arrivals.

As a teenager, Maia was particularly moved by the books, The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale, and Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.. At sixteen she began an experiment working with a young horse and herself. The goal was to take her horse from the back yard to the national championships utilizing The Power of Positive Thinking as a guide.

This goal might seem unrealistic and impossible, especially with the fact that at the time Maia had very little experience showing or training horses. She had only been to the national championships once herself, but she was very determined and wanted to see if this could really work. Maia was diligent in changing her manner of thinking and her use of energy in thinking about the goal, and in working with her horse in her training and preparation.

The following year, at seventeen, Norman Vincent Peale’s then tattered book traveled with her throughout all the preparation to their first championship, and ultimately to the national championships in Kentucky where she succeeded in surprising her parents and the audience with the success of an unknown horse, and an unknown rider/trainer. This achievement and the determination behind this accomplishment continue to be an inspiration and some of the same principles help her clients accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams today!

Maia chose the field of holistic nutrition to deepen her understanding about the power of humans to create environments and lives that not only nurture themselves, but also align with the highest good for all life. Maia was awarded a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition in 1996. Having completed her formal education in holistic nutrition, Maia felt passionate about sharing what she had learned. In addition to carrying on her animal communication practice, she devoted six years to counseling teenagers from various backgrounds instilling the unlimited potential of humans to experience the fulfillment and satisfaction of achieving their goals. Maia came to understand that fulfillment in life is generated primarily by an attitude or manner of relating with oneself. This primary relation serves as the foundation for well-being, contentment and relations with others, and the environment.

With Maia's sincere desire to make a difference and her joy in encouraging others to their success she discovered her own sense of purpose and realized her talent as a mentor and coach in life. In addition to her work in communication with animals, Maia, has twelve years of life mentoring experience. She delights in working with clients to build lifestyles of balance, including the essential elements for fulfillment, giving rise to passion for life itself. Maia lived in the Galapagos Islands, Andes Mountains and The Amazon rain forest for two and a half years, from 1999 to 2002. In the Amazon she had the opportunity to live in a remote region with a tribe of nearly extinct indigenous peoples. During this time in South America she enjoyed communicating with the native peoples, amazing creatures, and the plants of these regions.

Maia is a talented artist, as well as a writer. Maia has three new books. Maia encourages clients to listen to the life around them, including plants, animals, insects and the earth. She believes that we all have the gifts to listen, to live naturally with ease and grace, and she empowers clients with how to do this.

Guest Category: Plant & Animals, Pets and Animals, Self Help, Animal & Plant Communications
Guest Occupation: CEO/Founder of the 'Candidates Platform', Political Community Activist and advocate for DC Statehood
Guest Biography:

Kathleen Gomez began her political career working for President Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign. She went on to work at the Democratic National Headquarters in Washington and was the Administrator for the Democratic National Convention which first nominated Bill Clinton for President. She has worked for several members of Congress including Jim Mattox of Texas and Congresswomen Pat Schroeder of Colorado. She has also worked for a national trade association and was a community activist and organizer for issues involving the New York City public school system. Kathleen moved from Manhattan back to her home town in Arizona, where she helped her father get elected Mayor. She holds a degree in International Service from American University in Washington, DC.

Kathleen also was the co-host on SHADOW POLITICS (on the BBS Radio Network every Sunday at 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm Eastern on Station 1) along side Democratic Senator Michael D. Brown of the District of Columbia. SHADOW POLITICS is a grass roots talk show giving a voice to the voiceless. For more than 200 years the people of the Nation's Capital have ironically been excluded from the national political conversation. With no voting member of either house of Congress, Washingtonians have lacked the representation they need to be equal and to have their voices heard. SHADOW POLITICS will provide a platform for them, as well as the millions of others nationwide who feel politically disenfranchised and disconnected, to be included in a national dialog .

Currently, Kathleen is the CEO/Founder of a new project called 'Candidates Platform' which provides a virtual 24/7 political platform that is affordable and easy to use for all candidates and free to the voter! 'Candidates Platform' gives a place for the common person who wants to get involved to connect their campaign with the voter. It offers a simple easy to use interface where a candidate can interact with their constituents, link all other social media, post videos and schedules and hear back from the voter. We also provide technical support for any questions or problems the candidate may encounter.

Knowing where to find information about local candidates without having to seek a vast number of websites and news sources is key to keeping the voter engaged. That is why the mission of the Candidates Platform is to provide a virtual 24-hour platform where the voter can become knowledgeable on where candidates stand on the issues.     

Kathleen strongly believes that while national elections are very important, smaller elections down the ballet are just as vital to the continued strength of a nation. Due to this belief our service and information is free to the voter, providing the means for a better-educated and more knowledgeable voting base. Take a look at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2052224993/1696116936?token=be010573.

Kathleen is also a consultant for 'Statehood; No Other Way'. This is a nationwide campaign to get the word out about the disenfranchisement of the citizens of our Nation’s Capital. It is the start of a new movement to finally fulfill the promise of democracy for the residents of the District of Columbia by making DC the 51st state of the union, New Columbia. It recognizes that only through statehood will the citizens of our Nation’s Capital finally be equal members of the democracy that they have served, paid for and died to defend for more than 200 years.

Guest Category: Education, History, Kids & Family, News, Politics & Government, Self Help, Society and Culture, Variety
Guest Occupation: author, business consultant, activist for aging
Guest Biography:

The Community Center for Aging in Place (CCAIP) has one major goal in mind: upgrading services available to Southwestern Pennsylvania seniors. Suzanne Caplan who serves as the Founder and CEO of CCAIP comes to this position with a rich array of experience. The author of 13 books on business techniques, she has created and presented seminars throughout the US and the UK. Suzanne has also worked to educate and encourage older entrepreneurs and to implement strategies that will help to make small businesses more efficient.

Guest Category: Business, Health & Lifestyle, Self Help
Guest Occupation: Bestselling Author, Modern Spiritual Teacher, Conscious Chic
Guest Biography:

Molly McCord, M.A., is a bestselling author and modern spiritual teacher with no religious affiliations. Her debut memoir, The Art of Trapeze: One Woman's Journey of Soaring, Surrendering, and Awakening, hit #1 in 2 Amazon categories within 3 days. She is published in The Thought That Changed My Life Forever alongside such luminaries as Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. Joe Dispenza, and Dr. Bernie Siegel.

The Art of Trapeze is Book One in McCord’s The Awakening Consciousness Series. The second book, The Modern Heroine's Journey of Consciousness, connects The Art of Trapeze with Joseph Campbell's archetypal hero's journey, the essential stages of spiritual growth, and life as a modern woman. Book Three in the series, The Unlimited Sparks of a Bonfire is scheduled to be released Summer 2014.

Molly's other current published books include Conscious Messages: Spiritual Wisdom and Inspirations For Awakening and Conscious Thoughts: Powerful Affirmations To Connect With Your Soul's Language.

Molly's popular website, ConsciousCoolChic.com was nominated by Intent.com for Best Spirituality Website in 2011. She is also a practicing intuitive astrologer and the official contributing astrologer every month to Happiness + Wellbeing magazine. Molly's popular weekly radio show attracted over 70,000 downloads in the first year. She has a Master's of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy and lives in Seattle, WA with her husband.

Guest Category: Philosophy, Psychology, Self Help, Spiritual, Access Consciousness
Guest Occupation: Internationally Acclaimed Tenor
Guest Biography:

James Valenti
Internationally Acclaimed Tenor

Internationally Acclaimed Tenor, James Valenti has a voice of Italianate luster and is part of the long-standing tradition of great Italian tenors. The sought after 6’5 tenor, has built a global reputation for his elegant musicianship, commanding stage presence and ardent vocal style.

At age 25, Valenti made his professional debut at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma where he played Rodolfo in the Franco Zeffirelli production of “La Boheme.” Since his debut, he has scored one triumphal role after another and has had the opportunity to perform in many of the most celebrated citadels of Opera in the world including Teatro alla Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House London, Opera National de Paris, Sydney Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich, Salzburg Festival, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and Opernhaus Zürich. He has showcased his vocal ability and acting versatility in a variety of roles such as Rudolpho Valentino in “Dream of Valentino,” Don Carlo in “Don Carlo,” Alfredo Germont in “La Traviata,” Duke of Mantua in “Rigoletto,” Lt. Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly,” Maurizio in “Adriana Lecouvreur,” Edgardo in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Werther in “Werther,” Romeo in “Romeo et Juliette” and Doctor Faust in “Faust.” Valenti has also had the pleasure of working alongside some of the greatest opera voices and maestros in the industry including Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Thomas Hampson, Simon Keenlyside, Bryn Terfel, Placido Domingo, Leo Nucci, Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, Maestro Antonio Pappano, Maestro Daniele Gatti and Maestro Carlo Rizzi to name a few. Valenti has recorded with fellow opera star, Angela Gheorghiu at Abbey Road Studios in London for her “Tribute to Maria Callas” CD on Virgin/EMI.

Valenti has received a number of accolades in his young career including the New York City Opera’s Outstanding Debut Artist Award in 2008, the Maria Callas Debut Artist Award in 2009 and the Richard Tucker Award in 2010.

In July, Valenti took on the challenging title role in Verdi’s “Don Carlos” at the Caramoor Festival which The New York Times noted his “dark-centered, expressive tenor.” Recently, Valenti performed as a guest soloist during Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Currently, Valenti is expanding his musical repertoire and preparing for a number of exciting roles for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Valenti is scheduled to perform as Cavaradossi in “Tosca,” Don Jose in “Carmen” and will be making his triumphant return to the Metropolitan Opera as he performs in “Madama Butterfly” in April 2014.

When Valenti is not performing, he gives his time to many organizations close to his heart such as Children International (which he is currently a celebrity ambassador), UNICEF, Greenpeace, PBS and NPR. Valenti always makes time in between his rigorous performance schedule to give back to young emerging artists and has given master classes at University of Texas, University of Arizona, Northwestern and University of Minnesota.

Guest Category: Arts, Performing Arts, Music, TV & Film
Guest Occupation: ESPN College Basketball Analyst
Guest Biography:

Malcolm Huckaby is a College Basketball Analyst for ESPN.  Huckaby played college basketball at Boston College.  Huckaby went on to play in the NBA for the Miami Heat, as well as professionally in Europe.

Guest Category: Sports & Recreation, Professional, High School, College
Guest Occupation: Sports Agent
Guest Biography:

Forbes has called Leigh Steinberg "the greatest sports agent in history."  Steinberg's career as a sports agent has spanned over 40 years.  Steinberg's client list has included Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Howie Long, Mark Brunell, Dusty Baker, Lennox Lewis, and many more!

Guest Category: Business, Careers, Marketing, Management, Sports & Recreation, Professional, High School, College
Guest Occupation: Healer via astrology
Guest Biography:

Tom ‘Kaypacha’ Lescher has more than 35 years of experience as an astrologer and spiritual practitioner. His approach to healing spirit, mind, and body through emotional release and Kundalini yoga utilizes astrology as a healing art.

In addition to personal readings, he brings astrology to everyone through international lectures, experiential workshops, writing and teaching.

He is the author of The Pele Report, a weekly astrological YouTube forecast and numerous magazine and online articles. Using yoga, meditation and nature for self-renewal, and natural law as his guide, his work brings balance, love, and joy to others and the planet.

On Cosmic Love, Kaypacha will share his insight on the ‘Big Event’ in April and 2014 -- the ‘Cardinal Grand Cross’ astrology -- as it effects psychology, spirituality and intensified personal and planetary testing with extraordinary paradigm shift potential.

If you are interested in conscious evolution as relates to ‘cosmic weather’, you’ll appreciate Kaypacha’s insight into quantum shift dynamics in April and 2014.

Guest Category: Earth & Space, Physics & Metaphysics, Spiritual
Guest Occupation: Associate Professor, Researcher, Blogger, Speaker, Community Activist, Talk Radio Host
Guest Biography:

On Sunday, May 18, 2014 – Professor Julian Vasquez Heilig will be back to start Part 1 of a Series of discussions on "Teach for America".

Julian Vasquez Heilig is an award-winning researcher and teacher. He is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Policy and Planning and African and African Diaspora Studies (by courtesy) at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Mexican American Studies and the Warfield Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Since 2007, he has served as an Associate Director for the University Council of Education Administration (UCEA).

In addition to educational accomplishments, Julian Vasquez Heilig has held a variety of research and practitioner positions in organizations from Boston to Beijing. These experiences have provided formative professional perspectives to bridge research, theory, and practice.

His current research includes quantitatively and qualitatively examining how high-stakes testing and accountability-based reforms and market reforms impact urban minority students. Julian’s research interests also include issues of access, diversity, and equity in higher education.

His work has been cited by the New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press, USAToday, Education Week, Huffington Post and other print and electronic media outlets. He has also appeared on local and national radio and TV including PBS, NBC, NBCLatino, NPR, Univision, and MSNBC.

He obtained his Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy Analysis and a Masters in Sociology from Stanford University. He also holds a Masters of Higher Education and a Bachelor’s of History and Psychology from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

He blogs at Cloaking Inequity, consisistently rated one of the top 50 education websites in the world by Teach100.

Contact him at:

Julian Vasquez Heilig, Ph.D. ▪ Associate Professor, Educational Policy and Planning ▪ The University of Texas at Austin College of Education Department of Educational Administration George I. Sanchez Building (SZB) 374D 1912 Speedway D5400 Austin, TX 78712-1604 Tel: (512) 471-7551 email: jvh@alumni.stanford.edu

Guest Category: Education, History, Kids & Family, Local News, Politics & Government