Live with Rachel Thompson, Author, Survivor, & Biz Owner

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast

Do you ever wonder what resilience, advocacy, and entrepreneurship look like in the face of adversity?

Rachel Thompson – Bad Red Head Media

In this episode, we had the incredible Rachel Thompson, author, survivor, and business owner, sharing her inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Rachel’s story is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

One of the key takeaways from the episode was how Rachel highlighted the importance of finding coping mechanisms and healing strategies for survivors of trauma. Through her advocacy work, she sheds light on the realities and challenges faced by survivors and offers a message of hope and support to those in need.

Plus, Rachel dives into the role of writing as a form of therapy and self-expression, discussing how sharing her story has been a cathartic experience for her. Her insights into the power of storytelling and advocacy are truly inspiring!

Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply looking for some motivation and empowerment in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive deep into Rachel’s story and uncover the strength and resilience that lies within us all.

Follow @BillyDees on X to keep up on the exciting guests and thought-provoking conversations on the Billy Dees Podcast.

You can follow Rachel Thompson on X @RachelintheOC

The podcast as featured on Spotify and Rumble are below.

HOPress – James Kobak – “Tennis Anyone?”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast

Hello tennis enthusiasts and humor lovers!

Get ready to indulge in a hilarious and insightful conversation about the world of tennis with the talented author James Kobak on the latest episode of the Billy Dees Podcast for HumorOutcasts.com! Special thanks to Donna Cavanagh for arranging this interview.

In this episode titled “HOPress – James Kobak – ‘Tennis Anyone?” James shares his unique perspective on the sport and his humorous take on the game.

James Kobak

Discover how James’ background as a lawyer influenced his writing style and how he found a fun escape through humor writing. Learn about his book “Tennis Anyone: The Wimps Guide to Tennis and Other Racquet Sports” which promises to make you laugh and see the lighter side of the sport.

We delve into the intersection of sports and humor and explore the value of laughing at oneself while enjoying the game. Find out how this book can provide a refreshing perspective on sports and help you embrace the joy of recreation and leisure.

Don’t miss this opportunity to laugh, learn, and appreciate the world of tennis in a whole new light!

Tune in now to the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and get ready for an entertaining journey with James Kobak and his witty insights on tennis and humor. Your day just got a whole lot funnier and more insightful!

For your convenience the episode is below in this post.

Stephanie’s Story – How a Drunk Driver Changed Her Life Forever

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast, Social Media

In the latest episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, we bring you “Stephanie’s Story – How a Drunk Driver Changed Her Life Forever.” Join us in listening to Stephanie’s powerful account of surviving a devastating accident caused by a drunk driver.

Stephanie Ronan

Picture a warm night in North Carolina, September 29, 2018. Stephanie was on her way home when her life literally took an unexpected turn. Struggling to recall the events, she woke up in the ICU, only to learn that she had to be cut out of her vehicle by the jaws of life and airlifted to a trauma center. Her injuries were extensive, including broken ribs, femur, tibia, and neck.

Stephanie shares her journey of recovery, the emotional toll of understanding she was hit by a drunk driver, and her newfound mission to raise awareness and advocate for stricter DUI laws. Her inspiring resilience and dedication to making a difference will leave you moved and motivated.

Stephanie was lucky to survive the first night.

Join Billy Dees in this poignant episode as we dive into Stephanie’s story of trauma, healing, and advocacy. Tune in to gain insight, perspective, and perhaps a renewed sense of responsibility towards ending drunk driving.

Don’t miss out on this impactful episode. Together, let’s raise our voices and work towards a safer road for everyone.

Catch the episode on your favorite platform and follow us on X (Twitter) @BillyDees for more engaging content. Your support means the world to us.

This episode was produced in-studio Friday August 30th, 2024, during Labor Day Weekend. This weekend punctuates what is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for impaired drivers.

You can find Stephanie on TikTok therapywithstephanie1 and Instagram therapywith.stephanie

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and apps.

For your convenience the full podcast interview is below on Spotify and the webcam version is available on Rumble.

Preview:

HOPress – Dan Rottenberg – “The Price We Paid”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast
Front and back cover of “The Price We Paid.”

Author Dan Rottenberg 

The Price We Paid: An Oral History of Penn’s Struggle to Join the Ivy League, 1950-55 (Shorehouse Books, 2024)

Are you aware of the largely untold stories behind the transition of the University of Pennsylvania’s football program into the Ivy League? In this week’s episode of the Billy Dees Podcast for HOPress, we dive into the fascinating history shared by author Dan Rottenberg in his book, “The Price We Paid.”

Join us as Dan takes us on a journey through the struggles, pain, and ultimate triumphs of Penn players, coaches, administrators, and fans during the turbulent years of the 1950s. Discover the personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that shed light on this pivotal period in both sports and academic history.

Dan Rottenberg

If you’re a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply love a good story, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now to gain a unique perspective on the intersection of academics and athletics, and explore the invaluable lessons learned from the past.

This episode was produced in partnership with HumorOutcasts.com HOPress Shorehouse Books.

You can find out more about Dan and his work on his website.

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all major podcast networks. For your convenience, the full interview is below on Spotify.

The Webcam version is below on YouTube.

Don Kotnik – What To Do and What NOT To Do After Having an Accident

by Billy Dees, posted in Podcast

This interview is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the legal advice of an attorney. If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash, you should seek the advice immediately of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Don Kotnik

This podcast episode features an insightful interview with Don Kotnik, an attorney at the Slagle and Kotnik law firm. The discussion centers on crucial actions to take, and mistakes to avoid, in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Don shares compelling anecdotes from his early career and highlights the profound influence of his father on his decision to pursue law. Driven by a passion for helping others, Don emphasizes the critical importance of having adequate insurance coverage, noting that many severely injured individuals often find themselves underinsured.

I’ve known Don for several years as we are both part of a business networking group here in Northeast Ohio. I had the opportunity to record him in-studio which was great for me.

You can find Don’s firm company website SlagleKotnikLaw.com.

The complete interview is below in the Spotify player or on video from YouTube.

Branding Candidates for 2024 – Do You Like Coke or Pepsi?

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the Biden-Trump debate and the RFK Jr. campaign, focusing on the branding and marketing aspects rather than the debate content itself. We contrast Biden’s weaker brand with Trump’s stronger one, underscoring the critical role branding plays in politics.

We also explore the candidacy of RFK Jr. as a new and revitalized contender, highlighting the necessity of a robust brand to captivate voters. RFK Jr. has the opportunity to leverage dissatisfaction with both Biden and Trump to enhance his brand and attract support.

Our discussion emphasizes the importance of branding in politics and the need for candidates to market themselves effectively to voters. Produced in the aftermath of the Biden-Trump debate, this episode examines the implications of branding on political campaigns.

Here is a 2 minute sizzler video. The full episode is available on your favorite podcasting platform and below for your convenience. The video version is also available on Rumble.

HOPress – Ed Friedman “I Will Not Be Ignored” Podcast Interview

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

Our guest on this episode is Ed Friedman who is the author of, “I Will Not Be Ignored.”

I Will Not Be Ignored combines fiction, non-fiction, and opinion to create a humorous take on three aspects of the author’s thinking: his outlook on the proliferation of “current wisdom” so plentiful in the internet age; his imaginings, providing multiple answers to different versions of “what if?”, and his personal experience in navigating his own shortcomings, failures, and fears.

During our conversation, Ed Friedman discusses his background growing up in the Bronx and his journey into the arts. We also talk about his inspiration for writing, particularly focusing on humor as a coping mechanism and its impact on readers. Interestingly, Ed also talks his involvement in founding a nonprofit which promotes arts education for older adults. The importance of community engagement and creative aging is highlighted throughout the interview.

You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on all the major podcasting platforms. For your convenience, a Spotify player is below in this post. Additionally, there is a YouTube link for the video version of the podcast. As always, a big thank you and shout out to Donna Cavanagh from HumorOutcasts for arranging the interview.