Shaping Opinion

Shaping Opinion

Tim O'Brien

The Shaping Opinion podcast helps you see through the spin. It reveals things you may not know, and it exposes other things some may want to keep hidden. Its focus is on how your thoughts and attitudes are influenced to create change in the culture, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Host Tim O’Brien – author, senior media advisor and veteran damage control expert – empowers you with a fresh perspective. He comfortably takes you inside trending issues, stories and to the people who unravel it all through deep-dive conversations. After decades in handling high stakes and complex crisis management situations, Tim pr...

Zantac and Cancer, with Brent Wisner

Zantac and Cancer, with Brent Wisner

One of the nation’s leading trial attorneys Brent Wisner talks about his role in current litigation against several big pharma companies who’ve all been manufacturers of the popular heartburn drug called Zantac, which has been taken off the market amidst concerns over possible cancer diagnoses. Brent is the managing partner and lead trial attorney at the law firm of Wisner Baum. He’s been recognized as one of America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers by Trial Lawyer Magazine. And he serves as

Jul 29, 2024 • 49:03

ChatGPT is Bullshit, with Michael Hicks

ChatGPT is Bullshit, with Michael Hicks

One of the co-authors of a groundbreaking academic paper, Michael Hicks, makes the case that “ChatGPT is bullshit.” That’s not only the title of his paper, but a compelling point of view that we dig deep into in this conversation. Michael is one of the three co-authors of the paper, along with James Humphries and Joe Slater. All three are educators at the University of Glasgow.Michael Hicks is a Lecturer in Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University.  He’s mostly interested in the wa

Jul 22, 2024 • 54:03

Do Schools Care About Kids’ Safety Anymore?, with Mo Canady

Do Schools Care About Kids’ Safety Anymore?, with Mo Canady

The head of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), Mo Canady joins us to talk about a self-inflicted safety crisis at many American schools because school boards are terminating their in-school police presence. They are banning School Resource Officers, and more and more parents are outraged. Mo has been a member of NASRO’s board since 2005. And before that he held positions in law enforcement, and as an instructor for NASRO.One of the more notable recent events is where a

Jul 15, 2024 • 28:48

Defeating Anxiety through Courage, with Janet Jackson Pellegrini

Defeating Anxiety through Courage, with Janet Jackson Pellegrini

If you suffer from anxiety, you may be given a lot of options. Drugs, illegal or legal. Alcohol. Therapy. But one thing most may not bring up to you is something that’s inside of you. Courage. In this episode, we talk with Janet Jackson Pellegrini, one of the authors of a new book called, “You Can Overcome Anything with Courage.”  The book contains 17 different stories from 17 different people. Each shares his or her personal stories and life lessons that have one thing in common – they found th

Jul 8, 2024 • 42:14

Don't Cancel the SAT, with April Bleske-Rechek

Don't Cancel the SAT, with April Bleske-Rechek

University professor and researcher April Bleske-Rechek makes her case for standardized testing in college admissions at a time when there’s an aggressive movement to get rid of the tests.  She co-authored an article recently in Skeptic Magazine where they say the standardized tests are not biased, but are in fact more fair than other measures to gauge student potential.April is a Professor, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where she focuses on Individual Differences and Evolutionary Psycholog

Jul 1, 2024 • 51:32

How Private Companies Target & Censor You, with JP Messina

How Private Companies Target & Censor You, with JP Messina

Author and university professor JP Messina talks about how private companies and others have emerged as the new censors in society. JP wrote the new book called, “Private Censorship.” In it, he describes a new kind of censorship where there are no government-sanctioned book burnings, no prosecutions, no laws or committees. In fact, the state doesn’t publicly appear to be involved at all. Instead, the censors are social groups, employers, media companies, social media platforms and search engines

Jun 24, 2024 • 51:10

Why is School Choice Gaining Traction?, with Patrick Wolf

Why is School Choice Gaining Traction?, with Patrick Wolf

Patrick Wolf joins Tim to shed light on why school choice is exploding across the country. The list of states passing or pursuing legislation for more school choice is on the rise weekly. Patrick has long been at the forefront on the issue of school choice. He talks about the impact on the pandemic, which he says revealed a lot to parents about their kids’ public school education.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Why_is_School_Choice_Gaining_Traction_auphonic.mp3He is a Distingui

Jun 17, 2024 • 37:57

Why School Choice is Gaining Traction

Why School Choice is Gaining Traction

Patrick Wolf joins Tim to shed light on why school choice is exploding across the country. The list of states passing or pursuing legislation for more school choice is on the rise weekly. Patrick has long been at the forefront on the issue of school choice. He talks about the impact on the pandemic, which he says revealed a lot to parents about their kids’ public school education. He is a Distinguished Professor of Education Policy. He is the 21st Century Endowed Chair, in School Choice in the D

Jun 17, 2024 • 37:57

Bursting the Overpopulation Myth

Bursting the Overpopulation Myth

Marian Tupy joins Tim to burst the myth that the world is overpopulated. Through his work, he has demonstrated that as the world’s population has grown, humankind has actually become more abundant. Marian is the founder and editor of HumanProgress.org, and a senior fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity at the Cato Institute. He is the coauthor of: The Simon Abundance Index, Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting, and Superabun

Jun 12, 2024 • 49:44

Why Isn't ESG Living Up to the Hype?

Why Isn't ESG Living Up to the Hype?

Author and university professor Sanjai Bhagat joins Tim to talk about his research findings on ESG investing and what he calls “an inconvenient truth” about it. According to Sanjai, ESG investing is simply not living up to the hype, and he knows why. If your retirement finds are invested in ESG funds, or if your financial advisor wants you to invest in ESG funds, you need to listen to Sanjai. Sanjai Bhagat is Provost Professor of Finance at the University of Colorado, and he’s the author of the

Jun 12, 2024 • 1:03:43

What's Going On with Vatican Art?

What's Going On with Vatican Art?

Catholic artist Eric Armusik joins Tim to talk about the current trend at the Vatican to embrace ugly art at the expense of so much beauty it could showcase. Eric paints classical figurative art. His work is reminiscent of the old masters. His works are inspired by grand and vivid murals that he first saw in Gothic cathedrals as a child. But what caught my attention was a social media post from Eric that highlighted something we all may have noticed but may not have thought much about, which is

Jun 12, 2024 • 42:59

Are Doctors Overmedicating Kids?

Are Doctors Overmedicating Kids?

Author, writer and advocate Brooke Siem joins Tim to talk about her own experience with doctors prescribing anti-depressants to long-term negative effects. Brooke is an advocate for the practice of safe de-prescribing for psychiatric drugs. In 2022, she published a memoir on her own struggles with antidepressant withdrawal. The title of that book is called, “May Cause Side Effects.” Brooke is also a chef who co-founded New York City’s Prohibition Bakery in 2011, and in 2017 she was crowned a Foo

Jun 12, 2024 • 50:32

Is Cancel Culture Killing Comedy?

Is Cancel Culture Killing Comedy?

Author and crisis manager Evan Nierman joins Tim O’Brien to talk about cancel culture and its attacks on comedians and comedy in general. Will it kill comedy as we know it? And how can you defend yourself if the “cancel vultures” attack? Evan is the author of "The Cancel Culture Curse: From Rage to Redemption in a World Gone Mad."#cancelculture #comedy #entertainment #crisiscommunications #crisismanagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get

Jun 12, 2024 • 45:28

Parents of School Shooter Convicted

Parents of School Shooter Convicted

Attorney Mark Chutkow joins Tim O’Brien to talk about a rare case where the parents of a mass shooter are prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to prison. Is this a one-off or a sign of things to come? That’s just one of the questions we discuss.#massshooter #schoolshooter #thelaw #crime This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.shapingopinion.com

Jun 12, 2024 • 34:32

Bursting the Overpopulation Myth, with Marian Tupy

Bursting the Overpopulation Myth, with Marian Tupy

Marian Tupy joins Tim to burst the myth that the world is overpopulated. Through his work, he has demonstrated that as the world’s population has grown, humankind has actually become more abundant. Marian is the founder and editor of HumanProgress.org, and a senior fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity at the Cato Institute. He is the coauthor of: The Simon Abundance Index, Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting, and Superabun

Jun 10, 2024 • 49:44

Why Isn’t ESG Living Up to the Hype?, with Sanjai Bhagat

Why Isn’t ESG Living Up to the Hype?, with Sanjai Bhagat

Author and university professor Sanjai Bhagat joins Tim to talk about his research findings on ESG investing and what he calls “an inconvenient truth” about it. According to Sanjai, ESG investing is simply not living up to the hype, and he knows why. If your retirement funds are invested in ESG funds, or if your financial advisor wants you to invest in ESG funds, you need to listen to Sanjai.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/ESG_Audio_Podcast_auphonic.mp3Sanjai Bhagat is Provost

Jun 3, 2024 • 1:03:43

What is Going On with Vatican Art?, with Eric Armusik

What is Going On with Vatican Art?, with Eric Armusik

Catholic artist Eric Armusik joins Tim to talk about the current trend at the Vatican to embrace ugly art at the expense of so much beauty it could showcase. Eric paints classical figurative art. His work is reminiscent of the old masters. His works are inspired by grand and vivid murals that he first saw in Gothic cathedrals as a child. But what caught my attention was a social media post from Eric that highlighted something we all may have noticed but may not have thought much about, which is

May 27, 2024 • 43:00

Are Doctors Overmedicating Kids?, with Brooke Siem

Are Doctors Overmedicating Kids?, with Brooke Siem

Author, writer and advocate Brooke Siem joins Tim to talk about her own experience with doctors prescribing anti-depressants to long-term negative effects. Brooke is an advocate for the practice of safe de-prescribing for psychiatric drugs. In 2022, she published a memoir on her own struggles with antidepressant withdrawal. The title of that book is called, “May Cause Side Effects.”https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Are_Doctors_Overmedicating_Kids_with_Brooke_Siem_auphonic.mp3Broo

May 20, 2024 • 50:32

Is Cancel Culture Killing Comedy?, with Evan Nierman

Is Cancel Culture Killing Comedy?, with Evan Nierman

Author and crisis manager Evan Nierman joins Tim O’Brien to talk about cancel culture and its attacks on comedians and comedy in general. Will it kill comedy as we know it? And how can you defend yourself if the “cancel vultures” attack?https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Cancel_Culture_Raw_Audio.mp3Check out this FULL EPISODE at YouTube: Is Cancel Culture Killing Comedy?, with Evan Nierman (youtube.com)Check out this FULL EPISODE at Rumble: https://rumble.com/v4sxg5i-is-cancel-cul

May 13, 2024 • 45:31

Unprecedented: Parents of Mass Shooter Convicted, with Attorney Mark Chutkow

Unprecedented: Parents of Mass Shooter Convicted, with Attorney Mark Chutkow

Attorney Mark Chutkow joins Tim O’Brien to talk about an unprecedented case where the parents of a mass shooter are prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to prison. Is this a one-off or a sign of things to come? That’s just one of the questions we discuss.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Parents_of_School_Shooter_Convicted_auphonic.mp3Check out this FULL EPISODE at YouTube:     https://youtu.be/LIgv_NK9PL4Check out this FULL EPISODE at Rumble: https://rumble.com/v4s33lo-unprecedent

May 6, 2024 • 34:32

Preview: Shaping Opinion 2.0

Preview: Shaping Opinion 2.0

If you follow us on social media or have subscribed to our new Substack page you may already know we’ve been on hiatus in recent months. Most of the episodes you have heard since the start of the New Year have been encore episodes.Today, we have some good news. Starting next week, you will be seeing and hearing Shaping Opinion 2.0!https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Preview_-_Shaping_Opinion_2.0.mp3We’ve used the last few months to revisit every aspect of the podcast and make improv

Apr 29, 2024 • 5:47

Encore: What They Won’t Tell You About Socialism

Encore: What They Won’t Tell You About Socialism

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.” This episode was first released January 4, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/157_-_What_They_Wont_Tell_You_About_Socialism.mp3If you want to see whe

Apr 22, 2024 • 32:35

1979: City of Champions

1979: City of Champions

This is a Special Edition of the Shaping Opinion Podcast called “1979: City of Champions.” In this extended episode (90 minutes), we take you to when Pittsburgh became the “City of Champions,” and how its impact went well beyond the field, or just baseball or football fans. In the end, it’s about what sports can do to bolster an entire people who are going through hard times. Guests include: Kent Tekulve, Joe Gordon, Lanny Frattare, Michael MacCambridge, John Steigerwald and Walter Iooss, Jr. Th

Apr 15, 2024 • 1:27:28

Encore: She Spied on the Germans in WWII

Encore: She Spied on the Germans in WWII

Julia Parsons joins Tim to talk about her role as a code-breaker during World War II. Julia was part of a a team of Navy women stationed in Washington, D.C. during World War II who worked to decipher German submarine messages that were sent in secret code using the Enigma machine. Her work relied on the now legendary Bombe machine invented by Alan Turing. This episode was originally released on July 22, 2019.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/339_-_WWII_-_Cracking_the_Enigma_Code.m

Apr 8, 2024 • 26:43

Encore: CNN’s Aaron Brown Tells His 9/11 Story

Encore: CNN’s Aaron Brown Tells His 9/11 Story

Former CNN lead news anchor Aaron Brown joins Tim to tell his story from September 11, 2001, where he brought the event to 1.4 billion viewers around the world, live as it happened. It was Aaron Brown on that day, standing on a rooftop in New York City, bringing us one of the most historic and tragic moments of our generation in real time. This episode is part of our special series, “9/11: A Generation Removed.” This episode was originally released on September 7, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com

Apr 1, 2024 • 49:47

Encore: Free Speech is the Most Basic Human Right

Encore: Free Speech is the Most Basic Human Right

Author and professor Eric Heinze joins Tim to talk about freedom of speech and expression at the most fundamental level. He recently wrote a book on free speech, but it’s not exactly what you might expect. He explores free speech in a larger more fundamental context than America’s First Amendment. He talks about it in the context of universal human rights. Eric tells us about the thinking behind his new book called, “The Most Human Right: Why Free Speech is Everything.” This episode was original

Mar 25, 2024 • 51:20

Encore: The Story of a MOTH Storyteller

Encore: The Story of a MOTH Storyteller

Storyteller Margot Leitman joins Tim to talk about the art of storytelling, and how you can be a better storyteller.  Margot is an award-winning storyteller, best-selling author, speaker and teacher and a Moth Storytelling “GrandSlam” winner. This episode was originally released January 17, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/222_-_Margot_Leitman_Storyteller_auphonic.mp3If you’re a regular podcast listener, there is a good chance you heard about a group called The Moth. It’s a

Mar 18, 2024 • 47:15

Kent Tekulve – The Closer

Kent Tekulve – The Closer

If you like baseball you’ll love this interview. If you like Pittsburgh sports, you’ll love this interview. Former Pittsburgh Pirate closer and World Series Champion Kent Tekulve joins Tim in this special extended episode. Kent talks baseball, Pittsburgh, how to teach kids about sports, and somewhat about life.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Kent_Tekulve_-_The_Closer_auphonic.mp3This is an extended conversation where I promise you that after you listen to this, you’ll feel like

Mar 11, 2024 • 1:51:47

Encore: Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator

Encore: Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator

FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema joins Tim to talk about how to negotiate when the stakes are high, even when lives are on the line. Scott teaches organizations how to use the power of life-saving negotiation principles to get results. This episode was first released March 14, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/334_-_Scott_Tillema_Secrets_of_a_Hostage_Negotiator.mp3Scott Tillema was trained by the FBI in hostage negotiating. He spent over seven years as a negotiato

Mar 4, 2024 • 58:35

Encore: 7 Random People on Their View of The American Dream

Encore: 7 Random People on Their View of The American Dream

In this episode we hear from seven people who talked with Tim to answer the question, “What is the American Dream?”  Tim set out to get the answer to the question on the streets of his hometown, Pittsburgh.  You’ll hear from Vidya, Dwayne, Chuck, Leah, Jack, Tamara and Charlie. Each person was selected randomly in “man on the street” interviews, and we had no idea what they would say, but all of their answers were moving, thought-provoking and inspiring. This episode was first released July 4, 2

Feb 26, 2024 • 47:47

Encore: How the Nazis Turned Ordinary Men Into Kill Squads

Encore: How the Nazis Turned Ordinary Men Into Kill Squads

Historian and author Christopher R. Browning joins Tim to talk about his study of the Holocaust and the “Final Solution” in Poland. In this episode, Christopher discusses his book, “Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland” and how a group of otherwise average, everyday men turned into one of Hitler’s most prolific killing squads in World War II. This episode was first released January 24, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/223_-_Ordinary_Men

Feb 19, 2024 • 1:07:21

Encore: The Art of Cross-Examination with Attorney Charles Rose

Encore: The Art of Cross-Examination with Attorney Charles Rose

Advocate, author and attorney Charles H. Rose, III, joins Tim to talk about the art of cross-examination in the court of law. Charles is a successful lawyer, a trial advocate, an author, and currently, he’s the Dean of the Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University. In this episode, he talks about one of the most dramatic features of any courtroom, the cross-examination of a witness at trial. Cross-examination is often where cases are won or lost in the court of law. This episode was orig

Feb 12, 2024 • 48:37

Encore: The Story of Fallen Police Officer Drew Barr

Encore: The Story of Fallen Police Officer Drew Barr

Cayce, South Carolina Police Chief Chris Cowan joins Tim to talk about something both of us wished we didn’t have to talk about. He tells the story of the recent and tragic loss of one of his officers who was shot and killed while responding to a call. He tells the story of and pays tribute to Officer Drew Barr. In the process, he tells the story of the risks and sacrifices police officers take every day to ‘protect and serve.’  This episode was originally released May 16, 2022.https://traffic.l

Feb 5, 2024 • 50:17

Encore: It’s Groundhog Day…Again

Encore: It’s Groundhog Day…Again

Groundhog Club Inner Circle member John Griffiths joins Tim to talk about Groundhog Day and why a little town called Punxsutawney becomes the epicenter of weather prognostication one day a year. John is the handler of Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania ground hog famous around the world for predicting whether or not we have another 6 weeks of winter. February 2nd is better known as Groundhog Day. This episode was first released January 21, 2019.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/3

Jan 29, 2024 • 27:25

Encore: Marc Summers Remembers Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare”

Encore: Marc Summers Remembers Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare”

Television host and producer Marc Summers joins Tim to talk about the classic Nickelodeon show that put him and the Nickelodeon cable network on the map, Double Dare. Before Double Dare, kids didn’t have their own game show and the Nickelodeon network was not as widely known as it would become after this crazy, messy, green slimy “party” that millions of millennials would rush home after school to watch. This episode was originally released on March 16, 2020.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/sh

Jan 22, 2024 • 28:45

Encore: Mark Seal on the Making of The Godfather

Encore: Mark Seal on the Making of The Godfather

Author Mark Seal joins Tim to talk with Mark about the subject of his popular new book about the making of The Godfather movie. The book is called, “Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.” Mark has is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair where he’s covered scandals, history makers and pop culture icons. This episode was originally released January 10, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/221_-_The_Making_of_The_Godfather_auphonic.mp3The Godfather was the first of three motion picture

Jan 15, 2024 • 1:01:22

Encore: Amy Herman on What’s Hiding in Plain Sight

Encore: Amy Herman on What’s Hiding in Plain Sight

Amy Herman joins Tim to talk about a one-of-a-kind career she made for herself, all centered on using art to help people see the world differently and better in order to do their jobs better.  Amy is the author of the books, “Visual Intelligence” and “Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving.” In short, Amy helps people find information and solutions that are hiding in plain sight. This episode originally was released February 7, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinio

Jan 8, 2024 • 53:09

Encore: New Years’ Traditions

Encore: New Years’ Traditions

Alexis McCrossen, a professor at SMU and an expert on how cultures have marked time in history, Joins Tim to talk about our New Year’s Eve traditions with a special focus on the story behind that Times Square Ball Drop. This episode was first released on December 24, 2018.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/325_-_Encore_New_Years.mp3If you plan to watch the Times Square ball-drop at Midnight on New Year’s Eve, you’re not alone.  New York City expects to play host to over 2 million

Jan 1, 2024 • 32:37

Encore: 7 Random People’s Favorite Holiday Memories

Encore: 7 Random People’s Favorite Holiday Memories

Today is Christmas. We’re in the peak of the American holiday season, which started at Thanksgiving. So, it is with this in mind that I thought I’d take to the streets of Pittsburgh once again and talk to people about their holiday memories. That’s what this special holiday edition of the Shaping Opinion podcast is about. This episode was originally released on December 19, 2022.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/324_-_Encore_7_Favorite_Holiday_Memories.mp3In this episode, we talk

Dec 25, 2023 • 34:13

Encore: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Encore: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Plan on watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation this holiday season? Listen to the film’s director Jeremiah Chechik talk about the impact that movie has had on him and on our holiday entertainment traditions. He’ll talk about the making of the film and why the Griswold Family have become a staple in holiday viewing. This episode was originally released on December 2, 2019.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/323_-_Encore_-_Christmas_Vacation_Movie.mp3Are there any movies you

Dec 18, 2023 • 43:22

Encore: The Real Story Behind Santa Claus

Encore: The Real Story Behind Santa Claus

Author Gerry Bowler joins Tim to discuss the story of Santa Claus. Gerry is the author of the book entitled, “Santa Claus: A Biography.” He talks about everything from Santa Claus’s birth and evolution over the centuries, to his role in modern day culture. Santa Claus the philanthropist, Santa Claus the gift giver, and Santa Claus the ad man. This episode was originally released on December 17, 2018. Parental warning: If your child believes in Santa Claus, you may not want him or her to listen.h

Dec 11, 2023 • 32:03

Encore: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Encore: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Historian and author Terri Crocker joins Tim to talk about the still remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914 at the outset of the First World War. Terri wrote the book, “The Christmas Truce: Myth, memory and the First World War.” In this episode, we look at the Western Front where against all odds and their commanding officers, German and British troops, and others stepped out into no man’s land on Christmas Day for a day of peace. This episode was originally released on December 23, 2019.https://tra

Dec 4, 2023 • 44:29

A Children’s Episode

A Children’s Episode

This is our special Children’s Episode. It was written and produced for young listeners and was inspired by a movie that Tim recently saw. It is not designed to entertain, though it may. It is not designed to educate, though it will. It is designed to make the listener think, to question and to want to know more. As you listen, please know I can’t know what you like or don’t like, or more importantly, what your kids like or don’t like, unless you tell me. Please use the contact form on this site

Nov 27, 2023 • 22:50

Encore: The Real Story of The Mayflower

Encore: The Real Story of The Mayflower

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. This episode was

Nov 20, 2023 • 55:21

Robert Page: Does Weed Attack Your Heart?

Robert Page: Does Weed Attack Your Heart?

Robert Page, a professor in the Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Physical Medicine at the University of Colorado, joins Tim to talk about some new developments in determining significant cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana use, regardless of the reason. He’s the lead author on a new paper from the American Heart Association that exposes major risks. We talk about his paper, some of the myths surrounding medical marijuana usage, and what it all means.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forc

Nov 13, 2023 • 44:22

Kashmir Hill: The End of Privacy

Kashmir Hill: The End of Privacy

New York Times reporter and author Kashmir Hill joins Tim to talk about her new book called, “Your Face Belongs to Us: A secretive startups quest to end privacy as we know it.”  It’s about facial recognition tech, how prevalent it already is, and how we are leaving the age where privacy could be expected. In 2019, Kashmir wrote a story that exposed a future where anyone who shows their face in public will lose all privacy.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Kashmir_Hill_-_Facial_Re

Nov 6, 2023 • 49:09

Kaleb Gorman: When Your Thoughts are Not Your Own

Kaleb Gorman: When Your Thoughts are Not Your Own

Psychologist and author Kaleb Gorman joins Tim to talk about the way in which military psychological operations strategies have found their way into the mainstream. Kaleb is the author of an Amazon best-selling book called, “Psychwars: Self-Defence Against Psyops, Propaganda and Mind Control.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Kaleb_Gorman_-_Psychwars_auphonic.mp3 A few episodes back, we had a great conversation with a former CIA propaganda operative named Joe Goldberg. In

Oct 30, 2023 • 1:13:02

Encore: A Transplant Surgeon Story

Encore: A Transplant Surgeon Story

Dr. David Weill joins Tim to talk about those life-saving transplant surgeries, the patients, the system for care and the challenges it faces, and what it’s like to be a doctor of second chances. Dr. Weill was the Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease, and the Lung Transplant Program at Stanford. Today he operates the Weill Consulting Group, where he focuses on improving the delivery of transplant care. This episode was first released December 13, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com/force

Oct 23, 2023 • 1:04:08

13Q: A Top 40 Radio Story

13Q: A Top 40 Radio Story

This is a Special Edition of the Shaping Opinion Podcast called “13Q: A Top 40 Radio Story.” In this extended episode (90 minutes), we take you back to when it was all about the music, when radio was everywhere. A time when it was all about the culture, but mostly it was about having fun. In this episode, we talk to the people who were behind the mic and in front of it, telling at least a part of the story of one generation. We do it by telling the story of the last big Top 40 radio station in t

Oct 16, 2023 • 1:34:55

Encore: Who was Christopher Columbus?

Encore: Who was Christopher Columbus?

In this special Columbus Day encore episode, Professor William J. Connell, who is an expert on Italian history, joins Tim to talk about the life of Christopher Columbus. Bill is an Andrew Carnegie Fellow and holder of the La Motta Endowed Chair in Italian History at Seton Hall University. He’s also the co-editor of the Routledge History of Italian Americans.  In this episode, we’ll learn about Christopher Columbus, and as cliché as it may sound, the man, the myth, the legend. This episode was in

Oct 9, 2023 • 55:37

Fr. Vincent Lampert: An American Exorcist

Fr. Vincent Lampert: An American Exorcist

Catholic priest and exorcist Fr. Vincent Lampert joins Tim to talk about his work as an exorcist, and we separate myth and fiction from reality. In 2005, Fr. Lampert was assigned to serve as an exorcist from his base in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. At the time, there were only 12 priests in America who were exorcists. Now, there are over 100. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/American_Exorcist_auphonic.mp3You may not need anyone to explain to you what an exorcist is supposed

Oct 2, 2023 • 1:05:13

Joe Goldberg: Propaganda

Joe Goldberg: Propaganda

Former CIA propaganda operative, author and college professor Joe Goldberg joins Tim to talk about his time in the CIA, and then a wide-ranging discussion on propaganda, the media, social media and ultimately about trust. Joe writes best-selling novels that are often based on his experiences in the CIA. But today, we’ll focus on real life.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Joe_Golberg_CIA_II_auphonic.mp3Joe Goldberg has been with the CIA in a variety of capacities. He’s been a cor

Sep 25, 2023 • 1:00:14

Rick Porrello: The Ballad of Danny Greene

Rick Porrello: The Ballad of Danny Greene

Author Rick Porrello joins Tim to talk about his book that tells of story of the notorious and now legendary Danny Greene, who tried to take down the mafia in Cleveland in life, and may have done it in death. Rick was the chief of a suburban Cleveland police department, and over the years he has written a number of best-selling books about murder, the mafia and organized crime. The book we’re going to talk about today was even turned into a major Hollywood motion picture. That book is, “To Kill

Sep 18, 2023 • 1:16:47

LOST: 18 Million Military Records Go Up in Smoke

LOST: 18 Million Military Records Go Up in Smoke

Journalist Megan Greenwell joins Tim to talk about her comprehensive reporting for Wired Magazine on the 1973 St. Louis Military Records Fire where in two days, the nation lost the only roughly 18 million records of U.S. military personnel from the first half of the 20th Century. Back when paper was the primary way we kept records, the archives contained the data on millions of military personnel from U.S. military personnel going back to 1912.  Megan talks about the fire, the people still worki

Sep 11, 2023 • 1:06:02

Dr. Mark Pickering: Human Euthanasia is Here

Dr. Mark Pickering: Human Euthanasia is Here

Dr. Mark Pickering joins Tim to talk about the disturbing spread of  and interest in human euthanasia throughout western cultures, particularly in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Mark is a general practitioner of family medicine. He focuses his work on prisons and other similarly secure facilities. In addition, he is the head of the Christian Medical Fellowship in the United Kingdom. In this conversation, we talk about the myths and the realities of assisted suicide.https://traffic.libsyn.com/for

Sep 4, 2023 • 1:08:51

Helio Fred Garcia: Ethics & Crisis Communication

Helio Fred Garcia: Ethics & Crisis Communication

Author, professor and crisis communicator Helio Fred Garcia joins Tim to talk about ethics and crisis communications. Fred has had a long career at the highest levels advising organizations of all sizes on crisis communications and crisis management matters. In this conversation, we Fred tells his story, and he talks candidly about the kinds of ethical issues and dilemmas those of us in the crisis communications field face every day.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Helio_Fred_Ga

Aug 28, 2023 • 1:10:41

Encore: Seth Shostak – Is There Life in Outer Space?

Encore: Seth Shostak – Is There Life in Outer Space?

Seth Shostak joins Tim to talk about the serious scientific search for intelligent life beyond Earth.  Seth is the senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, which was created by NASA and is located in Silicon Valley. It is dedicated to the search for life beyond Earth. In this episode, Seth talks about what we’re learning about the potential for finding intelligent life, not only within our solar system, but well beyond it. This episode was first released on November 21, 2021.https://traffic.libs

Aug 21, 2023 • 52:47

Encore: James Fallon – The Psychopath Next Door

Encore: James Fallon – The Psychopath Next Door

Author and neuroscientist Dr. James Fallon joins Tim to talk about the dark side of the human brain and how common psychopathy may really be throughout society. And his story has a twist. Dr. Fallon is a neuroscientist, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior, and an author of the book, “The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain.” This episode was originally released on October 25, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Encore

Aug 14, 2023 • 1:00:43

Encore: Justin from the Generation Why Podcast

Encore: Justin from the Generation Why Podcast

Justin from the popular true crime podcast called Generation Why joins Tim to talk about America’s obsession with true crime and his podcast’s role in shaping the growing genre. Justin and his best friend and co-host Aaron launched their podcast in 2012, helping to pioneer the true crime podcasting. This episode was first released on October 18, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Justing_from_Generation_Why.mp3For a lot of people when they think of podcasts, they thi

Aug 7, 2023 • 1:11:02

Encore: NASA’s Jim Green – Revealing the Secrets of Mars

Encore: NASA’s Jim Green – Revealing the Secrets of Mars

NASA’s Chief Scientist Dr. Jim Green joins Tim to talk about big plans for the red planet, Mars. Jim has had a long and distinguished career on some of the agency’s major research projects and missions that have explored the rest of our solar system, from Mars to Pluto. In this episode, Jim gets into detail on what we have learned, can learn and will learn from Earth’s next door neighbor. He uncovers some of the secrets of Mars. This episode was originally released on September 27, 2021.https://

Jul 31, 2023 • 49:56

Rob Tate: It’s Not That Complicated

Rob Tate: It’s Not That Complicated

TV and film director Rob Tate joins Tim to talk about his documentary called “The Magic Pill” that was released in 2017 and has built a strong audience on Netflix and Amazon Prime. Why? Because it takes a look at you and me, what we eat, and our health. And it puts it all together into some simple lessons that will make you think twice before that next trip to the grocery store or the restaurant.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Rob_Tate_-_Magic_Pill_auphonic.mp3Before we get sta

Jul 24, 2023 • 56:17

Brady Crytzer: A Rebellion that Defined America

Brady Crytzer: A Rebellion that Defined America

Historian and author Brady Crytzer joins Tim to talk about his latest book on one of the lesser known stories of early America…the Whiskey Rebellion. Brady is the author of “The Whiskey Rebellion: A Distilled History of an American Crisis.” It comes along at a time when our newly formed republic was still in its infancy. Well not quite infancy. If the Civil War was America’s rebellious teen years, then the Whiskey Rebellion was our country’s Terrible Twos.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapi

Jul 17, 2023 • 58:29

Encore: Cordia Harrington – An American Success Story

Encore: Cordia Harrington – An American Success Story

One of the most successful self-made women in America (according to Forbes) Cordia Harrington joins Tim to talk about her journey and how it exemplifies the American Dream. Cordia is the founder of The Bakery Companies. It’s a Nashville-based group of companies that have made baked goods for restaurants and food companies like McDonald’s, Five Guys, and Pepperidge Farm. Last year, Forbes Magazine ranked Cordia among America’s top 100 Self-Made Women. This episode was first released February 8, 2

Jul 10, 2023 • 42:29

Encore: Liz Covart – Writing the Declaration of Independence

Encore: Liz Covart – Writing the Declaration of Independence

Historian Liz Covart joins Tim to discuss the events and circumstances that led to the American Revolutionary War, and the stories behind the actual drafting of the most revolutionary document ever written, The Declaration of Independence. Liz, who is also the host of the popular Ben Franklin’s World podcast, talks about the Declaration of Independence as a living, breathing document that is as relevant today as ever. This episode was originally released on June 25, 2018.https://traffic.libsyn.c

Jul 3, 2023 • 53:43

James Fishback: When Debate is Not Permitted

James Fishback: When Debate is Not Permitted

Competitive debate veteran and veteran debate coach James Fishback joins Tim to talk about free speech, and at times the lack of certain kinds of debate in high school debate. James founded an organization called Incubate Debate in 2019 after serving as a volunteer debate coach in Miami-Dade county for two-years. Prior to that, he competed in high school debate for four-years in Broward County.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Hijacking_High_School_Debate_auphonic.mp3James Fishba

Jun 26, 2023 • 38:17

Encore: The Story Behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Encore: The Story Behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Gavin McIlvenna joins Tim on the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Gavin is president of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army, but one of the more unique experiences he’s had is the time he spent guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. In this episode, Gavin tells the story behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the symbolic and real significance of one of the most hallowed p

Jun 19, 2023 • 41:44

Encore: 9/11, As It Happened, Minute by Minute

Encore: 9/11, As It Happened, Minute by Minute

This is a 100-minute, moment-by-moment telling of the story of September 11th 2001 “As It Happened” and the days that followed. Over the past three years, we’ve interviewed people who were there in New York, at the Pentagon and on site at that farm field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This year, we’ve talked to more people with their own personal stories of 9/11. Each provides a new perspective on the events that changed America, and their reflections now after 20 years.  This episode is part of

Jun 12, 2023 • 1:41:24

Encore: The Baby Story

Encore: The Baby Story

Dr. Lori Buzzetti joins Tim to talk about one of the most magical stories of all time, one we all think we know, but it’s amazing what we don’t. Lori is a board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has served in private practice, and at a large medical center, where she was on the teaching faculty. Today, she is the founder and president of a nonprofit organization that serves expectant mothers called So Big. In this episode we’re going to talk about one of the most basic questi

Jun 5, 2023 • 38:59

Tom McMillan: Saving the Most Famous Flag Ever

Tom McMillan: Saving the Most Famous Flag Ever

Author and historian Tom McMillan joins Tim to talk about his book called, “Our Flag Was Still There – The Star Spangled Banner that Survived the British and 200 Years. And the Armistead Family who saved it.”  Tom is the author of four books centered on stories related to 9/11 and Flight 93; two books about key figures in the Gettysburg battle during the Civil War; and now his latest book that tells the story behind the story of the most famous flag in American history.https://traffic.libsyn.com

May 29, 2023 • 1:07:58

Peter Gray: Do Kids Really Play Anymore?

Peter Gray: Do Kids Really Play Anymore?

Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology at Boston College, joins Tim to talk about whatever happened to free play among children. This is a problem in society. The fact that kids aren’t playing in the same ways or as much as they used to. And what it all means. Peter has conducted and published groundbreaking research in the area of play in human evolution.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Peter_Gray_-_Play_auphonic.mp3If I were to say the word, “play” to you, what would t

May 22, 2023 • 59:22

Jonathan Noyes: Confessions of a Former Atheist

Jonathan Noyes: Confessions of a Former Atheist

Jonathan Noyes joins Tim to talk about why he gave up on atheism and how he came to where he is today. This is a conversation about logic, about reasoning and research, about doubt, and ultimately, about faith. Jonathan is a former atheist who has lived a journey that few have. He’s now a Christian.https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/shapingopinion/Jon_Noyes_-_Confessions_of_a_Former_Atheist.mp3In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey on a number of topics. One of those topics was fait

May 15, 2023 • 1:15:12

Jerry Burger: Why You Obey

Jerry Burger: Why You Obey

Leading social psychologist Jerry Burger joins Tim to talk about landmark experiments on human obedience conducted by Stanley Milgram, and how decades later Jerry did a similar study that only validated Milgram’s earlier disturbing findings. Jerry describes his own research project in 2006 that re-affirmed some of the conclusions from a landmark obedience research project from 45 years earlier. Will people do what they’re told even if it harms someone else? We find out.https://traffic.libsyn.com

May 8, 2023 • 54:29

Ken Auletta: The Theranos Story

Ken Auletta: The Theranos Story

Journalist Ken Auletta joins Tim to talk about the story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos from the perspective as the reporter who helped introduce the woman and the company to the world.  In December 2014, Ken was one of the first to conduct in-depth interviews with all of the major players at Theranos and their booming start-up company. Little did he or anyone know at the time how the Theranos story would unfold.  Ken talks about his coverage of Elizabeth Holmes in The New Yorker and the story

May 1, 2023 • 49:55

David Greene: Should the U.S. Ban TikTok?

David Greene: Should the U.S. Ban TikTok?

The Civil Liberties Director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), David Greene, joins Tim to talk about current efforts to ban the social media app TikTok from American users. The EFF describes itself as the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Founded in 1990, EFF says its “mission is to ensure that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people of the world.”  In this episode, David talks about current legislation in the U.

Apr 24, 2023 • 32:06

Ken Brown: The Bystander Effect

Ken Brown: The Bystander Effect

Professor Ken Brown joins Tim to talk about a psychological phenomenon you see any time you log on to social media and no one is helping a victim of harassment or violence. It’s called the bystander effect. Ken teaches organizational psychology at the University of Iowa, and is perhaps best known for a TED talk he gave on the bystander effect. Why don’t people step forward and help when someone is in need? That answer may not be what you think.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Bys

Apr 17, 2023 • 55:42

Elizabeth Gilpin: Surviving “Troubled Teen School” Captivity

Elizabeth Gilpin: Surviving “Troubled Teen School” Captivity

Author and actress Elizabeth Gilpin joins Tim to talk about the story behind her bestselling book called Stolen: A Memoir. The story starts with how one night when she was 15 years old, she was pulled from her bedroom in the middle of the night and placed into what is best called the system for troubled teens. That was the beginning of the nightmarish life she would endure in a burgeoning and unregulated industry for troubled teens.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Stolen_auphonic

Apr 10, 2023 • 56:45

John Perkins: The Dirty Work of an Economic Hit Man

John Perkins: The Dirty Work of an Economic Hit Man

Author and former “Economic Hit Man” John Perkins joins Tim to talk about his New York Times best-selling book that’s now become a classic. That book is, “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man: China’s EHM Strategy, Ways to Stop the Global Takeover.” He just released an updated version of the book that covers the tactics that China, the U.S. and other major powers have used to wage economic “warfare” in 2023.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Economic_Hit_Man_auphonic.mp3For the most

Apr 3, 2023 • 1:02:06

Encore: How Free is Speech on the American College Campus?

Encore: How Free is Speech on the American College Campus?

Princeton professor and author Keith Whittington joins Tim to talk about the current state of free speech, or not-so-free-speech on the American college campus. Keith has a long resume of accomplishments, including the authoring of the award-winning book, “Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech.” But in this episode, we talk about Keith’s role in the formation of a new and already growing organization that champions freedom of speech called the Academic Freedom Alliance (AFA).htt

Mar 27, 2023 • 47:45

Encore: Walter Iooss, Jr. is Sports Photography’s GOAT

Encore: Walter Iooss, Jr. is Sports Photography’s GOAT

Legendary sports photographer Walter Iooss joins Tim to talk about his life and career that has spanned decades. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated and in many major media outlets and in unforgettable marketing campaigns. If you were to think of an iconic photo from any major American sport from over the past 50 years, there’s a decent chance Walter is the one who captured that image. Walter talks about his life behind the lens, a lens that has captured household names, helped make a fe

Mar 20, 2023 • 43:03

Encore: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

Encore: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

Long-time Director of Fallingwater Lynda S. Waggoner joins Tim to discuss the lasting impact Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece at Bear Run has had on how the nation continues to perceive house and home. This episode was originally released April 30, 2018.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Fallingwater.mp3Frank Lloyd Wright was born right after the American Civil War in Wisconsin. He started his career in 1887 and was a well-known architect well into the 20th Century. He was

Mar 13, 2023 • 29:59

Encore: The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Encore: The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Gavin McIlvenna joins Tim on the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Gavin is president of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army, but one of the more unique experiences he’s had is the time he spent guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. In this episode, Gavin tells the story behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the symbolic and real significance of one of the most hallowed p

Mar 6, 2023 • 41:44

Encore: What are Your Privacy Rights Online?

Encore: What are Your Privacy Rights Online?

Fred Cate joins Tim to talk about how big tech companies could use your personal data without your knowledge or explicit consent and some of the legal issues involved. Fred is vice president for research, a distinguished professor of law and a senior fellow at Indiana University’s Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research. This espisode was first released April 26, 2021.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_What_are_your_online_privacy_rights.mp3Earlier this month, Alaska was

Feb 27, 2023 • 39:20

Encore: Your Social Credit Score, the Price You Pay

Encore: Your Social Credit Score, the Price You Pay

Kelley Vlahos joins Tim to talk about how big tech companies are starting to use your data to grade you in ways that may surprise and shock you. The focus of our discussion is your Social Credit Score and how China may be illustrating just how alarming its applications can be. Kelley is a senior advisor at the Quincy Institute and editorial director at Responsible Statecraft. She’s written about this population monitoring tool that before now was unthinkable in America. That’s the focus of this

Feb 20, 2023 • 46:20

Encore: The American Front Porch

Encore: The American Front Porch

Author and journalist Michael Dolan joins Tim to tell the story of the American front porch. He’s the editor of American History magazine and the author of a book entitled, “The American Porch: An informal history of an informal place.” In this episode, he talks about how the front porch shaped life in America for well over 200 years. You could say that when it comes to our homes, the front porch was the original social media. This encore episode was originally released May 24, 2021.https://traf

Feb 13, 2023 • 46:54

Tim Schultz: What’s it Like to Win the Lottery?

Tim Schultz: What’s it Like to Win the Lottery?

Powerball winner Tim Schultz joins Tim O’Brien to talk about what it’s like to win the lottery, and what you should do if you ever hit the jackpot for that big lottery prize. Tim is a YouTuber and the host of a podcast called Lottery, Dreams and Fortune. While working in a gas station to put himself through college, Tim won the $28 million Powerball prize in 1999 and his life hasn’t been the same since.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Winning_the_Lottery_auphonic.mp3Even if you’r

Feb 6, 2023 • 50:56

Encore: She Pioneered Directed Evolution

Encore: She Pioneered Directed Evolution

Nobel Prize recipient Frances Arnold joins Tim to talk about winning a Nobel Prize honor for her pioneering work in “directed evolution,” which harnesses the power of evolution to enhance products throughout society – from biofuels and pharmaceuticals, to agriculture, chemicals, paper products and more. Directed evolution was in the news this week tied to Covid jab research. We talk with Frances about her journey and her work that is changing the world for the better. This episode was originally

Jan 30, 2023 • 26:16

Jack Barsky: Undercover KGB Agent in America

Jack Barsky: Undercover KGB Agent in America

Former Soviet KGB undercover spy Jack Barsky joins Tim to tell his story, and his long journey from Soviet Cold War operative to American citizen. Jack spent ten years in America as an undercover agent for the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. He’s the author of a book called, “Deep Under Cover: My Secret Life & Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America.” And he’s the subject of the podcast called The Agent.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Jack_Barsky_KGB_Final_auphon

Jan 23, 2023 • 1:44:44

Matt Campbell: The Ocean Hides Its Secrets

Matt Campbell: The Ocean Hides Its Secrets

Bloomberg BusinessWeek reporter and author Matt Campbell joins Tim to talk about the story behind his new book, “Dead in the Water,” and what that story tells us about some of the darker sides of the international shipping industry. Matt Campbell co-authored the book with Kit Chellel. It’s a true story of hijacking, murder and a global maritime conspiracy.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Matt_Campbell_-_Dead_in_the_Water_auphonic.mp3Over a three-year period, from 2008 to 2011, ro

Jan 16, 2023 • 57:16

Encore: Nadine Strossen – Free Speech Over Censorship

Encore: Nadine Strossen – Free Speech Over Censorship

Nadine Strossen joins Tim to talk about how to fight “hate speech” or harmful speech without censorship. She’s a best-selling author and a Professor of Constitutional Law at New York Law School. She’s also the first woman national President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  In this episode, she talks about private company censorship, the challenges, some solutions and all of it as addressed in her book “Hate: Why we should resist it with free speech, not censorship. This episode was

Jan 9, 2023 • 57:51

The ‘Silk Road’ Story: Busting the Dark Web

The ‘Silk Road’ Story: Busting the Dark Web

Former FBI Cyber Special Agent Chris Tarbell joins Tim to talk about cyber crime and some of his most groundbreaking cases, including the Silk Road that centered on crypto currency and drug trafficking. And  they talk about the take-down of the “Anonymous” hacktivist collective. Chris’s specialty is cyber investigations. He was the lead investigator on some of the more notorious cyber security crime cases in recent memory.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Silk_Road_auphonic.mp3Chr

Jan 2, 2023 • 1:04:32

Procrastination and Your New Year’s Resolutions

Procrastination and Your New Year’s Resolutions

Princeton University professor, researcher and author Nic Voge joins Tim to talk about procrastination, and more to the point, why we procrastinate every year just after we come up with those New Year’s resolutions. Nic directs Princeton’s McGraw Center Learning Programs. This includes the undergraduate learning program, and the graduate learning program.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Procrastination_and_New_Years_Resolutions_auphonic.mp3According to a study last year, the top

Dec 26, 2022 • 1:02:16

Seven Voices: Your Favorite Holiday Memories

Seven Voices: Your Favorite Holiday Memories

This week is Hanukkah and Christmas. We’re in the peak of the American holiday season, which started at Thanksgiving. So, it is with this in mind that I thought I’d take to the streets of Pittsburgh once again and talk to people about their holiday memories. That’s what this special holiday edition of the Shaping Opinion podcast is about.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Favorite_Holiday_Memory_Auphonic.mp3In this episode, we talk about some favorite holiday memories. You’ll hear

Dec 19, 2022 • 34:16

Encore: Remembering the Sears Wish Book

Encore: Remembering the Sears Wish Book

Writer, editor, producer and actor Jason Liebig joins Tim to talk about the Sears Wishbook. Jason is the creator of a website called WishbookWeb.com, which has archived complete, high-quality scans of Sears Wishbooks and other holiday catalogues going back to 1933. In this episode, we talk about a holiday tradition sure to bring a smile to your face.  This episode was first released on December 10, 2018.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Sears_Wish_Book.mp3The very first S

Dec 12, 2022 • 34:31

Martin Dugard: Taking Berlin

Martin Dugard: Taking Berlin

New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joins Tim to talk about his newest book called “Taking Berlin: The Bloody Race to Defeat the Third Reich.” It’s the story of the Allies’ campaign across Europe during World War II as seen through the eyes of five key figures. This book is part of the “Taking” trilogy on World War II, and follows Martin’s work with Bill O’Reilly on the popular “Killing” series of books.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Taking_Berlin_auphonic.mp3If you

Dec 5, 2022 • 1:02:11

Encore: The Story Behind Those Hallmark Keepsakes

Encore: The Story Behind Those Hallmark Keepsakes

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. This encore episode was originally released November 30, 2020.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shap

Nov 28, 2022 • 34:16

Sal Piacente: Casino Stories

Sal Piacente: Casino Stories

Gaming expert Sal Piacente joins Tim to talk about casino cheaters, scammers, and how casinos watch for and catch them. But that’s just the beginning. Sal has some great stories about his career in gaming. He is a consultant and a trainer for casinos and regulators around the world on gaming security.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Sal_Piacente_-_Casino_Stories_auphonic.mp3There’s a saying in some casinos. The eye in the sky don’t lie.That’s a reference to the cameras placed thr

Nov 21, 2022 • 52:22

Anthony Shore: Who’s In A Name?

Anthony Shore: Who’s In A Name?

Anthony Shore is one of the few people in the world who makes a living at naming things like companies, brands, products or services. He joins Tim to talk about the magic in a name, and the work that goes into creating the right name so that the right brand identity can become a household name. Anthony is an expert in naming products, branding, services and organizations. For the past 30 years, he’s introduced more than 250 product and company names to the world. Many are well-known to this day.

Nov 14, 2022 • 56:45

James R. Fitzgerald: Hunting the Unabomber

James R. Fitzgerald: Hunting the Unabomber

Former FBI profiler James R. Fitzgerald joins Tim to talk about his key role in cracking one of the most notorious serial killer cases in American history – the Unabomber.  James was involved in the pioneering of something called forensic linguistics. The FBI used this profiling approach to identify and capture one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, Ted Kaczynski, otherwise known as the Unabomber.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Unabomber_auphonic.mp3One of

Nov 7, 2022 • 1:05:25

Aaron Mackey: Swiping Your Privacy

Aaron Mackey: Swiping Your Privacy

Attorney Aaron Mackey joins Tim to talk about how intelligence agencies, law enforcement and private companies are buying your data as part of larger surveillance operations. Is this against the spirit of the Fourth Amendment rights to privacy?  Aaron works for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, or the EFF. The foundation is the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. It champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation. In this episode, Aaron talks

Oct 31, 2022 • 47:30

Worth Parker: Escape from Afghanistan

Worth Parker: Escape from Afghanistan

U.S. Marine veteran Worth Parker joins Tim to talk about an unprecedented story that centers on the shadow evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021. The operation was conducted by veterans and others from throughout all of the U.S. military branches to evacuate civilians caught in the chaos of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.  Worth is a retired United States Marine turned writer, who tells us about his role in what we’ve dubbed, “Escape from Afghanistan.”https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingo

Oct 24, 2022 • 1:03:57

Larry Csonka: A Football Story

Larry Csonka: A Football Story

Football legend Larry Csonka joins Tim to talk about his life and what football has done for his life. Larry’s a former fullback with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants. He was a Super Bowl MVP. He’s an NFL Hall of Famer and a College Football Hall of Famer. He’s a two-time Super Bowl Champion – a cornerstone of the NFL’s only undefeated team – with the Miami Dolphins. And he’s the author of a new book called, “Larry Csonka: Head On: A Memoir.”https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopi

Oct 17, 2022 • 1:08:59

Andrew Bustamante: Inside the World of Covert Intelligence

Andrew Bustamante: Inside the World of Covert Intelligence

Former covert CIA intelligence officer and U.S. Air Force combat veteran Andrew Bustamante joins Tim to talk about his life as a CIA operative, the lessons he’s learned, and we get some insights into the world of the CIA. Today, Andrew is a Fortune 10 corporate advisor, and he’s the man behind the EveryDay Spy self-improvement program, and the host of the EveryDay Espionage podcast.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Andrew_Bustamante_Episode_auphonic.mp3Before we talk to our guest,

Oct 10, 2022 • 1:16:24

John Abramson: Behind the Curtain at Big Pharma

John Abramson: Behind the Curtain at Big Pharma

Author, doctor and college professor John Abramson joins Tim to talk about his book called, “Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care and How We can Repair It.” John has been on the faculty of Harvard Medical School for over 25 years, and prior to that spent many years in private practice. In this episode, John about America’s healthcare system, which often traces its roots to how drugs are approved for use and marketed to both doctors and consumers.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/

Oct 3, 2022 • 1:17:18

Josh Chin: The Emerging Surveillance State

Josh Chin: The Emerging Surveillance State

Wall Street Journal Deputy Bureau Chief for China and author Josh Chin joins Tim to talk about his new book he co-authored with fellow WSJ journalist Liza Lin. It’s called “Surveillance State: Inside China’s Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control.” Josh tells about how China has led the way into a new era of mass surveillance on a scale the world has never seen. And it’s not limited to China.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Surveillance_State_auphonic.mp3The idea of an autho

Sep 26, 2022 • 1:07:11

Mike Mariani: Moving On with Life After Catastrophe

Mike Mariani: Moving On with Life After Catastrophe

Author Mike Mariani joins Tim to talk about what he learned about how people move on in their lives after enduring a life-changing trauma or catastrophe. He’s the author of the new book called, “What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us: Who we become after tragedy and trauma.” In this episode, Mike uses the famous saying that inspired the title of his book as a launching point to tell a story that doesn’t sugar-coat how people respond to adversity, while providing hope and inspiration.https://traffic.libsy

Sep 19, 2022 • 56:05

Dr. Warren Farrell: America’s Boy Crisis

Dr. Warren Farrell: America’s Boy Crisis

Best-selling author Dr. Warren Farrell joins Tim to talk about America’s boy crisis. Warren has written books that have sold around the world, and was named by the Financial Times as one of the world’s 100 top thought leaders.  In this episode he talks about his book called, “The Boy Crisis: Why our boys are struggling and what we can do about it.” We dig into the challenges boys face now and how parents and others can help them become the men everyone wants them to be.https://traffic.libsyn.com

Sep 12, 2022 • 26:57

Eight Voices: Where Were You on 9/11?

Eight Voices: Where Were You on 9/11?

In this episode we hear from eight people who talked with Tim to answer the question, “Where were you on 9/11?" But the real focus of this episode is on you, your experience with 9/11.  Just as importantly, even if you were too young to remember or weren’t even born yet, this episode is all about why 9/11 still matters to this day, even if you don’t realize it.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Where_were_you_on_9-11_auphonic.mp3It’s now been 21 years since the terrorist attacks on

Sep 5, 2022 • 1:01:47

Neuroscientist Karl Friston on Intelligence and Free Energy

Neuroscientist Karl Friston on Intelligence and Free Energy

Pioneering neuroscientist Karl Friston joins Tim to talk about a concept he’s developed called the free-energy principle, which may hold the key to advancing the understanding human intelligence as we know it. Karl is a theoretical neuroscientist. He’s an authority on brain imaging. His work has advanced mankind’s understanding of schizophrenia, among other things. At the moment, he’s becoming better known as the originator of the free-energy principle for human action and perception. In this ep

Aug 29, 2022 • 1:07:55

Encore: Miss Manners Talks about 21st Century Etiquette

Encore: Miss Manners Talks about 21st Century Etiquette

Judith Martin, better known to millions of readers as Miss Manners, joins Tim to talk about good manners, an understanding of etiquette and civility are as important as ever. Judith is an author and a syndicated columnist. In this episode, she talks about her career at the Washington Post, about how etiquette and manners in society have evolved, and about her new book called, “Minding Miss Manners: In an Era of Fake Etiquette.” This episode was first released April 27, 2020.https://traffic.libsy

Aug 22, 2022 • 39:03

Encore: The Story Behind the Electoral College

Encore: The Story Behind the Electoral College

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.” This episode was first released October 12, 2020.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_The_Electoral_College.mp3It’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

Aug 15, 2022 • 52:19

Encore: Sharyl Attkisson Focuses on “The Narrative”

Encore: Sharyl Attkisson Focuses on “The Narrative”

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. This encore episode was first released December 7, 2020.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingop

Aug 8, 2022 • 48:22

Encore – Sgt. Leroy Petry’s Medal of Honor Story

Encore – Sgt. Leroy Petry’s Medal of Honor Story

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. This episode was first released October 20, 2020.https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Sgt._Leroy_Petry.mp3 In Apr

Aug 1, 2022 • 49:43

Susan Wagner: An American Sculptor

Susan Wagner: An American Sculptor

Sculptor Susan Wagner joins Tim to talk about a life as an American sculptor, some of her iconic works, and the creative process.  Listen to Susan give insights into what it is about three-dimensional art, sculpture, that taps the human imagination, and draws us to it. She’ll also talk about what it means to “dance with clay.”https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/American_Sculptor_auphonic.mp3If you were to travel to the Vatican in Rome, or the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Ne

Jul 25, 2022 • 1:03:26

Seven Voices: That First Job

Seven Voices: That First Job

In this episode we hear from seven people who talked with Tim to answer the question, “Tell us about your first job?”  As he’s done before, Tim set out to get the answer to the question on the streets of his hometown, Pittsburgh.  You’ll hear from Liana, Luil, Jim, Deborah, Margaret, Rishu and Benjamin. Each person was selected randomly in “man on the street” interviews, and we had no idea what they would say. The interesting thing is how much time we spent talking of the meaning and value of wo

Jul 18, 2022 • 44:58

Seven Voices: Who is Your Hero?

Seven Voices: Who is Your Hero?

In this episode we hear from seven people who talked with Tim to answer the question, “Who is your hero?”  As he’s done before, Tim set out to get the answer to the question on the streets of his hometown, Pittsburgh.  You’ll hear from Peter, Estie, Ashley, John, Erin, Mary and Ken. Each person was selected randomly in “man on the street” interviews, and we had no idea what they would say, but all of their answers came from the heart and may surprise you. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapi

Jul 11, 2022 • 38:17

Seven Voices: The American Dream

Seven Voices: The American Dream

In this episode we hear from seven people who talked with Tim to answer the question, “What is the American Dream?"  Tim set out to get the answer to the question on the streets of his hometown, Pittsburgh.  You’ll hear from Vidya, Dwayne, Chuck, Leah, Jack, Tamara and Charlie. Each person was selected randomly in “man on the street” interviews, and we had no idea what they would say, but all of their answers were moving, thought-provoking and inspiring. Happy Independence Day! https://traffic.

Jul 4, 2022 • 47:47

Paul Tasner: It’s Never Too Late to Start a Business

Paul Tasner: It’s Never Too Late to Start a Business

Entrepreneur Paul Tasner joins Tim to talk about his unique story of becoming a successful entrepreneur after the age of 66.  He’s the founder of a growing company called PulpWorks, a company that’s focused on sustainability, solving the problems of toxic plastic packaging. In this episode, Paul talks about the time he lost his job, which for most people would end their careers. But for him it marked a new beginning. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Paul_Tasner_Final_auphonic.mp

Jun 27, 2022 • 59:18

Encore – Berlin’s Wall that Killed

Encore – Berlin’s Wall that Killed

Historian, author and Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow Lee Edwards joins Tim to talk about the Berlin Wall, the world that created it, the Cold War that fostered it, and the free world that brought it down. This episode was originally released April 1, 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Belin_Wall.mp3 The Berlin Wall was as much a symbol for communist oppression as it was a barrier created to contain citizens of communist East Germany. At the end of Wo

Jun 20, 2022 • 37:50

Encore – The “Lost Colony” is Found

Encore – The “Lost Colony” is Found

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. This episode was first released on September 20, 2020. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Lost_Colony.mp3 It was August of 1590, and Engl

Jun 13, 2022 • 47:27

D-Day: God – Family – Country

D-Day: God – Family – Country

In this episode, we tell the story of D-Day on its 78th anniversary through a historical narrative where Tim also talks about his family’s connection to one of the most pivotal events in our history. The June 6, 1944, allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France through Operation Overlord was one of the biggest military undertakings in world history. This event marked the beginning of the end for Hitler and Nazi Germany. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/D-Day_-_A_Podcast_Essay_auphon

Jun 6, 2022 • 47:58

Encore: Mike Vining – A Delta Force Original

Encore: Mike Vining – A Delta Force Original

One of the original members of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Delta unit, Mike Vining, joins Tim to talk about his highly decorated career that started in Vietnam and ended in the late 1990s, encompassing many historical missions. Mike was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator in the Delta Force, among many other responsibilities. He tells us what goes through the mind of an explosives specialist when time is tight and it could be a matter of life and death. This episode was originally r

May 30, 2022 • 1:00:07

Are Labor Unions Making a Comeback in America?

Are Labor Unions Making a Comeback in America?

Attorney Dan Johns of the Cozen O’Connor law firm in Philadelphia joins Tim to talk about why, all of a sudden, employees at some well-known companies organizing to unionize their workforces. Dan has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in America list for employment law, labor and employment litigation. Are unions in America making a comeback? Let’s find out. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Union_Organizing_Final_auphonic.mp3 Amid some union victories at some major

May 23, 2022 • 57:40

End of Watch: The Story of Officer Drew Barr

End of Watch: The Story of Officer Drew Barr

Cayce, South Carolina Police Chief Chris Cowan joins Tim to talk about something both of us wished we didn’t have to talk about. He tells the story of the recent and tragic loss of one of his officers who was shot and killed while responding to a call. He tells the story of and pays tribute to Officer Drew Barr. In the process, he tells the story of the risks and sacrifices police officers take every day to ‘protect and serve.’ https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Drew_Barr_End_of_W

May 16, 2022 • 50:17

Eric Heinze: Free Speech is the Most Human Right

Eric Heinze: Free Speech is the Most Human Right

Author and professor Eric Heinze joins Tim to talk about freedom of speech and expression at the most fundamental level. He recently wrote a book on free speech, but it’s not exactly what you might expect. He explores free speech in a larger more fundamental context than America’s First Amendment. He talks about it in the context of universal human rights. Eric tells us about the thinking behind his new book called, “The Most Human Right: Why Free Speech is Everything.” https://traffic.libsyn.c

May 9, 2022 • 51:20

Neuromarketing: Getting Inside Your Head

Neuromarketing: Getting Inside Your Head

Uma Karmarkar joins Tim to talk about neuromarketing. It’s a leading-edge way scientists have developed to get inside your head to understand your attitudes, preferences and perhaps future behavior when it comes to marketing to you. Uma is an assistant professor of marketing at the University of California at San Diego. Her work takes a closer look at the things that consciously and unconsciously influence how people make decisions. More deeply, she studies how people make buying decisions when

May 2, 2022 • 1:03:34

Bill Toti: Life & Work After the Military

Bill Toti: Life & Work After the Military

Retired Navy Captain and former corporate CEO Bill Toti joins Tim to talk about life and work after military service, particularly for leaders. You may remember Bill from two of our episodes on the story behind 9/11. He was in the Pentagon when the planes hit. In this episode, Bill talks about a new book he wrote that’s all designed to help military leaders find their place in leadership of society. The book is called, “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industr

Apr 25, 2022 • 59:45

Encore – How Business Influences TV News

Encore – How Business Influences TV News

TV news industry veteran and consultant John Altenbern joins Tim to talk about the business of TV news. John runs a consulting firm named Crawford Johnson & Northcott, Inc., that specializes in helping TV news operations get better ratings and grow their audiences. John tells what it takes for TV news operations to compete against each other for your time and attention. He gives a glimpse of some of the methods and strategies those news directors, producers and reporters use to keep us tuned in.

Apr 18, 2022 • 52:01

Shaping Opinion Unplugged: Take Your Podcast to the Next Level

Shaping Opinion Unplugged: Take Your Podcast to the Next Level

In this episode we introduce something new to our schedule. It’s in addition to our regular Monday interview episodes, which will not be changing. Every Monday, we’ll continue to serve up interesting interviews with interesting guests.  But during the week, we’re going to add something new to our schedule. We’re calling these episodes “Shaping Opinion Unplugged.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Take_Your_Podcast_to_the_Next_Level_auphonic.mp3 We’re going to talk podcasting

Apr 13, 2022 • 5:01

Encore: How Rush Limbaugh Changed the Media Landscape

Encore: How Rush Limbaugh Changed the Media Landscape

Brian Rosenwald joins Tim to talk about the rise of Rush Limbaugh and conservative talk radio. Brian is the co-editor of a daily Washington Post history blog called “Made by History.” He’s a Scholar in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also the author of a new book called: “Talk Radio’s America: how an industry took over a political party that took over the United States.” This Encore Episode was first released February 10, 2020. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/

Apr 11, 2022 • 50:13

Encore: The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing with Jay Baer

Encore: The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing with Jay Baer

Jay Baer, the author of the book, “Talk Triggers: The complete guide to creating customers with word of mouth,” joins Tim to talk about the power of word of mouth to sell products or services, increase awareness, educate the public and create a brand. Jay is a very popular keynote speaker, an inductee into the Word of Mouth Marketing Hall of Fame and the author of several books. This Encore Episode was first released in April 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Word_

Apr 4, 2022 • 42:41

Encore: How the Nuclear Bomb Came to Be

Encore: How the Nuclear Bomb Came to Be

Richard Rhodes won a Pulitzer Prize for his definitive book on the development of nuclear weapons called “The Making of the Atomic Bomb.” It’s one of 26 books he’s written, several of them focused on the world in the nuclear age. He joins Tim to talk about the wartime effort that changed everything, The Manhattan Project. This Encore Episode was first released November 4, 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_The_Building_of_the_Bomb.mp3 In 1938, nuclear fission w

Mar 28, 2022 • 1:00:36

Encore – Larry Gatlin: A Life In Country Music

Encore – Larry Gatlin: A Life In Country Music

Country music star Larry Gatlin joins Tim to talk about a life in country music, as a songwriter, as a performer and as a member of one of the most famous vocal groups in the history of country music. Larry is the oldest of the three Gatlin Brothers who hale from West Texas. He is an award-winner, a chart-topper and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. This Encore episode was first released May 25, 2020. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Larry_Gatlin_-_A_L

Mar 21, 2022 • 38:18

Scott Tillema: Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator

Scott Tillema: Secrets of a Hostage Negotiator

FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema joins Tim to talk about how to negotiate when the stakes are high, even when lives are on the line. Scott teaches organizations how to use the power of life-saving negotiation principles to get results. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Scott_Tillema_Secrets_of_a_Hostage_Negotiator_auphonic.mp3 Scott Tillema was trained by the FBI in hostage negotiating. He spent over seven years as a negotiator with the Northern Illinois Police A

Mar 14, 2022 • 58:35

Adam Carroll: Managing Your Moolah

Adam Carroll: Managing Your Moolah

Financial literacy expert Adam Carroll joins Tim to talk about all things money, from financial freedom, managing your own finances, and the current trend towards a cashless society.  Adam is the author of “Winning The Money Game,” “30 Days To $1K,” and “Mastery of Money for Students.”  He is a two-time TED talk speaker, with one of his talks surpassing 4 million views. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Adam_Carroll_Final_auphonic.mp3 Money. You either have a little or a lot

Mar 7, 2022 • 1:00:15

Charles H. Rose, III: The Art of Cross-Examination

Charles H. Rose, III: The Art of Cross-Examination

Advocate, author and attorney Charles H. Rose, III, joins Tim to talk about the art of cross-examination in the court of law. Charles is a successful lawyer, a trial advocate, an author, and currently, he’s the Dean of the Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University. In this episode, he talks about one of the most dramatic features of any courtroom, the cross-examination of a witness at trial. Cross-examination is often where cases are won or lost in the court of law. https://traffic.libs

Feb 28, 2022 • 48:37

Laila Mickelwait: Child Sex Trafficking and ‘Big Porn’

Laila Mickelwait: Child Sex Trafficking and ‘Big Porn’

Laila Mickelwait joins Tim to talk about her work and a movement she founded to fight child sex trafficking.  She’s the founder of the Justice Defense Fund and the founder of a global movement called #Traffickinghub. That movement is supported by millions around the world. Laila talks about the role “Big Porn” websites play, and her work to hold sex traffickers and their enablers around the world to account. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Laila_Mickelwait_Episode_final.mp3

Feb 21, 2022 • 46:49

Barry Schwartz: Freedom and Choice

Barry Schwartz: Freedom and Choice

Psychologist, author, researcher and professor Barry Schwartz joins Tim to talk about his landmark book called Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less. While Barry has written several books and is a popular public speaker, this book is about how having more choice may not be all it’s cracked up to be. In this episode, he discusses the balance between having the freedom of choice and the potential to be held captive by having too much choice. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Paradox_

Feb 14, 2022 • 56:05

Amy Herman: See What’s Hiding in Plain Sight

Amy Herman: See What’s Hiding in Plain Sight

Amy Herman joins Tim to talk about a one-of-a-kind career she made for herself, all centered on using art to help people see the world differently and better in order to do their jobs better.  Amy is the author of the books, “Visual Intelligence” and “Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving.” In short, Amy helps people find information and solutions that are hiding in plain sight. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Art_and_Perception_auphonic.mp3 Amy Herman teac

Feb 7, 2022 • 53:18

Megan Bruck Syal: Incoming! Can We Really Intercept Asteroids?

Megan Bruck Syal: Incoming! Can We Really Intercept Asteroids?

Dr. Megan Bruck Syal joins Tim to talk about something that until now was just the stuff of science fiction and Hollywood movies…defending Earth against deadly collisions with asteroids and comets. Megan is a planetary defense investigator at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She and a large team of scientific experts are actively working to establish ways to prevent an asteroid from making impact with earth and threatening life as we know it. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shaping

Jan 31, 2022 • 55:58

Christopher Browning’s “Ordinary Men:” The Making of a Kill Squad

Christopher Browning’s “Ordinary Men:” The Making of a Kill Squad

Historian and author Christopher R. Browning joins Tim to talk about his study of the Holocaust and the “Final Solution” in Poland. In this episode, Christopher discusses his book, “Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland” and how a group of otherwise average, everyday men turned into one of Hitler’s most prolific killing squads in World War II. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Ordinary_Men_auphonic.mp3 Long before the world heard the ter

Jan 24, 2022 • 1:07:21

Margot Leitman & The Moth: A Storyteller’s Perspective

Margot Leitman & The Moth: A Storyteller’s Perspective

Storyteller Margot Leitman joins Tim to talk about the art of storytelling, and how you can be a better storyteller.  Margot is an award-winning storyteller, best-selling author, speaker and teacher and a Moth Storytelling “GrandSlam” winner. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Margot_Leitman_Storyteller_auphonic.mp3 If you’re a regular podcast listener, there is a good chance you heard about a group called The Moth. It’s a nonprofit group based in New York City that’s dedicat

Jan 17, 2022 • 47:15

Author Mark Seal on the Making of “The Godfather”

Author Mark Seal on the Making of “The Godfather”

Author Mark Seal joins Tim to talk with Mark about the subject of his popular new book about the making of The Godfather movie. The book is called, “Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.” Mark has is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair where he’s covered scandals, history makers and pop culture icons. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/The_Making_of_The_Godfather_auphonic.mp3 The Godfather was the first of three motion pictures directed by Francis Ford Coppola about the fictional

Jan 10, 2022 • 1:01:22

Free Speech on Campus: Alumni Aren’t Happy

Free Speech on Campus: Alumni Aren’t Happy

Carl Neuss joins Tim to talk about the growing movement among alumni groups across the country to defend free speech on the college campus and why he decided to help lead the charge at his alma mater for freedom of speech. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Alumni_Free_Speech_auphonic.mp3 The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a graduate of Cornell University. Here’s what she had to say about free speech: “The right to speak my mind out, that’s America…The rig

Jan 3, 2022 • 47:53

Encore: The Story Behind Our New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Encore: The Story Behind Our New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Alexis McCrossen, a professor at SMU and an expert on how cultures have marked time in history, Joins Tim to talk about our New Year’s Eve traditions with a special focus on the story behind that Times Square Ball Drop. This episode was first released on December 24, 2018. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_New_Years_auphonic.mp3 If you plan to watch the Times Square ball-drop at Midnight on New Year’s Eve, you’re not alone.  New York City expects to play host to over

Dec 27, 2021 • 32:49

Encore: The Real Story Behind Santa Claus

Encore: The Real Story Behind Santa Claus

Author Gerry Bowler joins Tim to discuss the story of Santa Claus. Gerry is the author of the book entitled, “Santa Claus: A Biography.” He talks about everything from Santa Claus’s birth and evolution over the centuries, to his role in modern day culture. Santa Claus the philanthropist, Santa Claus the gift giver, and Santa Claus the ad man. This episode was originally released on December 17, 2018. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_Santa_Claus.mp3 In his book Gerry

Dec 22, 2021 • 32:10

Encore: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Encore: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Historian and author Terri Crocker joins Tim to talk about the still remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914 at the outset of the First World War. Terri wrote the book, “The Christmas Truce: Myth, memory and the First World War.” In this episode, we look at the Western Front where against all odds and their commanding officers, German and British troops, and others stepped out into no man’s land on Christmas Day for a day of peace. This episode was originally released on December 23, 2019. https://t

Dec 20, 2021 • 45:01

Encore: The Director of National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”

Encore: The Director of National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”

Plan on watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation this holiday season? Listen to the film’s director Jeremiah Chechik talk about the impact that movie has had on him and on our holiday entertainment traditions. He’ll talk about the making of the film and why the Griswold Family have become a staple in holiday viewing. This episode was originally released on December 2, 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Christmas_Vacation_Movie.mp3 Are there any movies you

Dec 15, 2021 • 43:46

Transplant Surgeon: Doctor of Second Chances

Transplant Surgeon: Doctor of Second Chances

Dr. David Weill joins Tim to talk about those life-saving transplant surgeries, the patients, the system for care and the challenges it faces, and what it’s like to be a doctor of second chances. Dr. Weill was the Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease, and the Lung Transplant Program at Stanford. Today he operates the Weill Consulting Group, where he focuses on improving the delivery of transplant care. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Doctor_of_Second_Chances.mp3

Dec 13, 2021 • 1:05:02

Encore: Marc Summers and Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare”

Encore: Marc Summers and Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare”

Television host and producer Marc Summers joins Tim to talk about the classic Nickelodeon show that put him and the Nickelodeon cable network on the map, Double Dare. Before Double Dare, kids didn’t have their own game show and the Nickelodeon network was not as widely known as it would become after this crazy, messy, green slimy “party” that millions of millennials would rush home after school to watch. This episode was originally released on March 16, 2020. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/s

Dec 6, 2021 • 28:45

Space: The Search for Intelligent Life

Space: The Search for Intelligent Life

Seth Shostak joins Tim to talk about the serious scientific search for intelligent life beyond Earth.  Seth is the senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, which was created by NASA and is located in Silicon Valley. It is dedicated to the search for life beyond Earth. In this episode, Seth talks about what we’re learning about the potential for finding intelligent life, not only within our solar system, but well beyond it. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Space_-_Searching_for_L

Nov 29, 2021 • 52:52

Thanksgiving Football: Play-by-Play with Dan Miller

Thanksgiving Football: Play-by-Play with Dan Miller

The voice of the Detroit Lions Dan Miller joins Tim to talk about America’s Thanksgiving football tradition and life as a pro football play-by-play announcer. Dan is the Sports Director at Fox 2 TV in Detroit, and he’s been the play-by-play radio voice of the National Football League’s Detroit Lions since 2005. In this episode, Dan talks about a Thanksgiving tradition that dates back to 1934. The annual Thanksgiving Detroit Lions football game. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/D

Nov 22, 2021 • 42:15

Encore: The Story Behind the Song “Play that Funky Music”

Encore: The Story Behind the Song “Play that Funky Music”

The founder of the band Wild Cherry and the creator of the iconic song “Play that Funky Music,” Rob Parissi, joins Tim to do an anatomy of a funky song. That funky song, which has been named one of the top 100-performing songs of all time. Rob tells stories and gives a hint why new generations are embracing it even today. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_Play_that_Funky_Music.mp3 The song is one of the best known of the disco era by one of the best-known bands of t

Nov 15, 2021 • 45:29

Hollywood: Showdown Over Safety

Hollywood: Showdown Over Safety

Milton Riess joins Tim to talk about the recent Alec Baldwin shooting and what it means to safety on the Hollywood set going forward, along with standard safety protocols for filmmakers. Milton is a writer, filmmaker and a college professor who has worked on nearly 300 film and television productions over 35-plus years. Milton talks about working conditions and safety on the set of Hollywood film productions. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Hollywood_Safety_auphonic.mp3 By

Nov 8, 2021 • 43:34

Encore: George Marshall Reshaped the World After WWII

Encore: George Marshall Reshaped the World After WWII

Author and historian Rachel Yarnell Thompson joins Tim to talk about the man with a plan, George Marshall, whose “Marshall Plan” reshaped Europe and the world after World War Two. After playing important military roles in winning both World War One and World War Two, he was tapped for what would become his most well-recognized legacy, the rebuilding of the free world. Rachel is the author of: Marshall—A Statesman Shaped in the Crucible of War. This Encore Episode was first released on November 1

Nov 1, 2021 • 1:02:14

Dr. James Fallon on The Psychopath Next Door

Dr. James Fallon on The Psychopath Next Door

Author and neuroscientist Dr. James Fallon joins Tim to talk about the dark side of the human brain and how common psychopathy may really be throughout society. And his story has a twist. Dr. Fallon is a neuroscientist, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior, and an author of the book, “The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/The_Psychopath_Next_Door_auphonic.mp3 I’m going to say a w

Oct 25, 2021 • 1:00:47

Generation Why: Solving America’s True Crime Obsession

Generation Why: Solving America’s True Crime Obsession

Justin from the popular true crime podcast called Generation Why joins Tim to talk about America’s obsession with true crime and his podcast’s role in shaping the growing genre. Justin and his best friend and co-host Aaron launched their podcast in 2012, helping to pioneer the true crime podcasting. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Justin_Evans_-_True_Crime_Obsession_auponic.mp3 For a lot of people when they think of podcasts, they think of true crime. And for a lot of peop

Oct 18, 2021 • 1:10:36

Heroes: The Guide Dog Story

Heroes: The Guide Dog Story

President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Christine Benninger joins Tim to we’ll talk about everything that has to happen long before that working guide dog meets his or her new partner.  Guide Dogs for the Blind works to give people with blindness freedom and mobility by helping them obtain guide dogs. That’s where their work culminates. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Guide_Dogs_auphonic.mp3 Close your eyes. Imagine not being able to see. Then imagine trying to go a

Oct 11, 2021 • 50:41

What’s Next in Afghanistan

What’s Next in Afghanistan

Journalist Hollie McKay joins Tim from Afghanistan where she lives and from where she files her reports as the Taliban strengthens its control over the country in the wake of the U.S. pullout. Hollie is a war crimes investigator, an author and a reporter who gives a view on what life is like for the people of Afghanistan now that the Taliban is in control. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Afghanistan_auphonic.mp3 Photo Source: Hollie McKay America just marked the 20th annive

Oct 4, 2021 • 45:05

Revealing the Secrets of Mars

Revealing the Secrets of Mars

NASA’s Chief Scientist Dr. Jim Green joins Tim to talk about big plans for the red planet, Mars. Jim has had a long and distinguished career on some of the agency’s major research projects and missions that have explored the rest of our solar system, from Mars to Pluto. In this episode, Jim gets into detail on what we have learned, can learn and will learn from Earth’s nextdoor neighbor. He uncovers some of the secrets of Mars. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Revealing_the_Secr

Sep 27, 2021 • 49:33

Encore: Nashville’s Magical Bluebird Cafe

Encore: Nashville’s Magical Bluebird Cafe

The COO and General Manager of Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café Erika Wollam Nichols joins Tim to talk about the Bluebird, its storied history and how this little place in a strip mall has impacted country music, songwriting and our culture. This encore episode was first released as Episode 81 on August 19, 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_Bluebird_Cafe.mp3 If you were to drive down Hillsboro Pike just outside of Downtown, Nashville, you could easily miss it. T

Sep 20, 2021 • 37:27

Encore: In Search of Kindness

Encore: In Search of Kindness

Mary Latham is on a mission to collect stories of kindness from all 50 states in the country for a once-in-a-lifetime journey. She joins Tim to talk about what and who inspired her mission and tells many stories she’s learned 41 states into her trip. This Encore Episode (#75) was first released on July 8, 2019. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/Encore_-_In_Search_of_Kindness.mp3 Mary Latham is in the middle of the kind of trip that many may dream of, but only a few take, whi

Sep 13, 2021 • 44:36

9/11: Never Forget

9/11: Never Forget

Ed Root joins Tim to talk about the people and the groups who have dedicated their lives to remembering the people and the lessons of 9/11.  Ed is a cousin of flight attendant Lorraine Bay, who was aboard United Flight 93 when it crashed into a field on September 11, 2001. Since then, Ed has been an active member of a group called, “Families of Flight 93.” Ed has dedicated much of his life to since that day. From September 12th until today, that story and the work involved can be summed up in tw

Sep 11, 2021 • 40:57

9/11: Never Forget

9/11: Never Forget

Ed Root joins Tim to talk about the people and the groups who have dedicated their lives to remembering the people and the lessons of 9/11.  Ed is a cousin of flight attendant Lorraine Bay, who was aboard United Flight 93 when it crashed into a field on September 11, 2001. Since then, Ed has been an active member of a group called, “Families of Flight 93.” Ed has dedicated much of his life to since that day. From September 12th until today, that story and the work involved can be summed up in tw

Sep 11, 2021 • 40:57

9/11: A Flag Raising

9/11: A Flag Raising

Award-winning photographer Thomas E. Franklin joins Tim to tell his story of Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, and the story behind that now iconic photo he took that day, one that gave a nation in shock and mourning, something new. A sense of hope. And something to rally around. Our collective sense of patriotism. He captured that image of those three firefighters raising the American flag amidst the ruins of the World Trade Center.  This episode is part of our special series, "9/11: A Generat

Sep 10, 2021 • 54:55

9/11: A Flag Raising

9/11: A Flag Raising

Award-winning photographer Thomas E. Franklin joins Tim to tell his story of Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, and the story behind that now iconic photo he took that day, one that gave a nation in shock and mourning, something new. A sense of hope. And something to rally around. Our collective sense of patriotism. He captured that image of those three firefighters raising the American flag amidst the ruins of the World Trade Center.  This episode is part of our special series, "9/11: A Generat

Sep 10, 2021 • 54:55

9/11: Inside the White House Bunker

9/11: Inside the White House Bunker

Retired Marine Lt. Colonel Robert Darling joins Tim to tell his story of what it was like in the White House bunker on 9/11, where the vice president and other administration officials gathered intel and made decisions minute by minute. Some of those decisions were not only life and death, but historically, never had to be made before. Robert gives an insider’s story on how the nation’s leadership responded to the most severe attack on America’s homeland since the Civil War.  This episode is par

Sep 9, 2021 • 1:11:29

9/11: Inside the White House Bunker

9/11: Inside the White House Bunker

Retired Marine Lt. Colonel Robert Darling joins Tim to tell his story of what it was like in the White House bunker on 9/11, where the vice president and other administration officials gathered intel and made decisions minute by minute. Some of those decisions were not only life and death, but historically, never had to be made before. Robert gives an insider’s story on how the nation’s leadership responded to the most severe attack on America’s homeland since the Civil War.  This episode is par

Sep 9, 2021 • 1:11:29

9/11: Running with the President

9/11: Running with the President

Former Bloomberg News White House correspondent Dick Keil joins Tim to talk about his story of 9/11 that started at 6:30 a.m. when he went on a morning run with President Bush in Sarasota, Florida, where the president was scheduled to make an appearance at a local elementary school.  Dick provides details and background on what the chain of events was with the president that morning, and what it was like to cover the President of the United States from Air Force One as history was unfolding.  Th

Sep 8, 2021 • 57:41

9/11: Running with the President

9/11: Running with the President

Former Bloomberg News White House correspondent Dick Keil joins Tim to talk about his story of 9/11 that started at 6:30 a.m. when he went on a morning run with President Bush in Sarasota, Florida, where the president was scheduled to make an appearance at a local elementary school.  Dick provides details and background on what the chain of events was with the president that morning, and what it was like to cover the President of the United States from Air Force One as history was unfolding.  Th

Sep 8, 2021 • 57:41

9/11: A Network Anchor Story

9/11: A Network Anchor Story

Former CNN lead news anchor Aaron Brown joins Tim to tell his story from September 11, 2001, where he brought the event to 1.4 billion viewers around the world, live as it happened. It was Aaron Brown on that day, standing on a rooftop in New York City, bringing us one of the most historic and tragic moments of our generation in real time. This episode is part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/A_Network_Anchor_Story_at_20.mp3

Sep 7, 2021 • 49:47

9/11: A Network Anchor Story

9/11: A Network Anchor Story

Former CNN lead news anchor Aaron Brown joins Tim to tell his story from September 11, 2001, where he brought the event to 1.4 billion viewers around the world, live as it happened. It was Aaron Brown on that day, standing on a rooftop in New York City, bringing us one of the most historic and tragic moments of our generation in real time. This episode is part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/A_Network_Anchor_Story_at_20.mp3

Sep 7, 2021 • 49:47

9/11: As It Happened

9/11: As It Happened

This is a 100-minute, moment-by-moment telling of the story of September 11th 2001 “As It Happened” and the days that followed. Over the past three years, we’ve interviewed people who were there in New York, at the Pentagon and on site at that farm field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This year, we’ve talked to more people with their own personal stories of 9/11. Each provides a new perspective on the events that changed America, and their reflections now after 20 years.  This episode is part of

Sep 6, 2021 • 1:42:17

9/11: As It Happened

9/11: As It Happened

This is a 100-minute, moment-by-moment telling of the story of September 11th 2001 “As It Happened” and the days that followed. Over the past three years, we’ve interviewed people who were there in New York, at the Pentagon and on site at that farm field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This year, we’ve talked to more people with their own personal stories of 9/11. Each provides a new perspective on the events that changed America, and their reflections now after 20 years.  This episode is part of

Sep 6, 2021 • 1:42:17

9/11: An NYPD Story

9/11: An NYPD Story

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.  This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/An_NYP

Sep 5, 2021 • 51:25

9/11: An NYPD Story

9/11: An NYPD Story

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.  This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/An_NYP

Sep 5, 2021 • 51:25

9/11: A Shanksville Story

9/11: A Shanksville Story

Former FBI special agent Bill Crowley joins Tim to discuss his role as the FBI’s lead spokesperson on the scene in Shanksville, Pennsylvania in the days following the Flight 93 hijacking and crash on September 11, 2001. Bill talks about his own role, the crisis communications challenges and takes us back to that time and that place. This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/A_Shanksville_S

Sep 4, 2021 • 39:40

9/11: A Shanksville Story

9/11: A Shanksville Story

Former FBI special agent Bill Crowley joins Tim to discuss his role as the FBI’s lead spokesperson on the scene in Shanksville, Pennsylvania in the days following the Flight 93 hijacking and crash on September 11, 2001. Bill talks about his own role, the crisis communications challenges and takes us back to that time and that place. This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/shapingopinion/A_Shanksville_S

Sep 4, 2021 • 39:40

9/11: A Pentagon Story

9/11: A Pentagon Story

Captain Bill Toti, a retired Naval officer, joins Tim to discuss his firsthand experiences from the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Bill remembers the attack on the Pentagon moment for moment, and what he did in the immediate aftermath and throughout the recovery. One thing we talk about is how the Pentagon’s story may be the least known in the conversation on 9/11.  This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/se

Sep 3, 2021 • 1:02:45

9/11: A Pentagon Story

9/11: A Pentagon Story

Captain Bill Toti, a retired Naval officer, joins Tim to discuss his firsthand experiences from the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Bill remembers the attack on the Pentagon moment for moment, and what he did in the immediate aftermath and throughout the recovery. One thing we talk about is how the Pentagon’s story may be the least known in the conversation on 9/11.  This episode is an encore presentation as part of our special series, "9/11: A Generation Removed." https://traffic.libsyn.com/se

Sep 3, 2021 • 1:02:45

9/11: They Just Couldn’t Stop The Journal

9/11: They Just Couldn’t Stop The Journal

Author Dean Rotbart joins Tim to talk about how the September 11th terrorist attacks destroyed the main newsroom of the Wall Street Journal, yet the team persevered and found a way to put out a newspaper the next day in defiance of the terrorists. Dean is an author and a former reporter at the Wall Street Journal.  His new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story,” tells the lesser known tale of what happens when one of the nation’s leading news organizations becomes part of the stor

Aug 30, 2021 • 49:02

Colonel Robert Adams, MD: The Making of a Navy SEAL

Colonel Robert Adams, MD: The Making of a Navy SEAL

Dr. Bob Adams, a former Navy SEAL joins Tim to talk about how a Navy SEAL is made, from what he needs going in, to Hell Week, to the SEALS’ intensive training, and life as a SEAL. Bob also became a medical doctor after his SEAL career, and then joined the US. Army’s elite Delta Force as a medical doctor . In this episode, Bob about the a very specific part of his military history, and that is the storied orientation would-be SEALs have to go through before they can become Navy SEALs. Today we’re

Aug 23, 2021 • 57:40

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