Mister K and Company

Is screentime bad for kids? Recent research says no, and that it can be rewarding. In this edition of "Mister K and Company," Ken talks with an official with Lingokids, the number one app for kids between the ages of two and eight, with more than 300 million downloads. Also, which are the healthiest cities in the USA? And which are the UNhealthiest? Ken runs down the list from wallethub.com.April is Naional Volunteer Month, and our guest is Matt Bertram, Vice President of Volunteer Services at the American Red Cross, which is modernizing its volunteer initiatives.

Spring is here, and a man's fancy turns to cars.  But which cars (or trucks) hold the best resale value?  We find out on this edition of "Mister K and Company" as Ken talks with Kelley Blue Book Managing Editor Sean Tucker. Also: PGA Golfer Max Homa and Dr. Tina Bhutani talk about Seborrheic Dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease Max has been living with for years, and ways to treat it.And between the two: which are the USA's most obese and overweight cities? WalletHub did a study on that, and Ken has the results.

Would you like a vacation in Las Vegas? Well, if you act before Friday March 13th at 10 pm Eastern Time, you have a chance to win one (or maybe more) vacation packages.  Ken talks with travel expert Gabe Saglie, who has the details.  But first: is there a recall on your vehicle? One out of every five cars have recalls on their vehicles, and most drivers don't know about it. Ken talks with an official from the National Safety Council about the "Check to Protect" program, an easy way to find out if there is a recall outstanding on your vehicle.

A triple threat of topics for you this time: Ken talks with Chef Jamie Gwen on putting together a SUPER party for the BIG GAME, and with Dr. Joyce Park on some self-care tips to get ready for Valentine's Day. Then, a talk with Dr. Courtney Lawrence from the American Red Cross about the nationwide blood shortage, and why you're needed to roll up your sleeve to donate the gift of life.

National School Choice Week is the last week in January, and in this edition of "Mister K and Company," Ken talks with a manager of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation about how parents can find the best school for their child.  Ken also talks with Beyond Finance's Chief Financial Wellness Advisor about how to financially recover after the holidays. And . . . we've always heard how we need to get more sleep - new data shows we're actually getting it!  Ken has data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Did you know that the United States Senate has a credit union? It's celebrating its 90th anniversary. And you can join it! Ken talks about the USSFCU with its president, Timothy Anderson. Also: questions to ask your eye doctor as you get older with opthamologist Dr. Ashley Brissette. And what are the best states to raise a family? Ken has the top ten - and the bottom five.

In the first edition of 2026, it's CES week in Las Vegas, and Ken talks with technology reporter Andrea Smith about tech trends and new products being showcased there.  Also, learning about "pharmacy deserts," and how Amazon Pharmacy is attempting to make it easier for people to get the prescriptions they need. AND, if you're thinking about making a fresh career start, Ken has a list of the best cities to find a job . . . and the worst.

It's flu season, which means it's time for a flu shot for most of us . . . especially for kids. Ken talks with a pediatric expert and nurse practitioner about the flu vaccine.  Then, Warren Buffett's last letter as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. It was informative, and poignant. And Ken reads a portion of it.

A medically-focused episode of "Mister K and Company" this time: we'll talk about navigating food allergies and a new emergency treatment for allergic reactions, and later about a rare disease with no treatment called SCA. You'll find out what its full name is, and about a new campaign to raise awareness of it.  We also have results of a new survey showing the best and worst cities for people with disabilities.

How is artificial intelligence making sports more interesting for the fan? As the U.S. Open continues in New York City, Ken talks with an IBM vice president about the company's AI initiatives with various sport and entertainment concerns.  Then, as kids get back to school, there's a growing drive to send them to school in safer, lower-emission buses. Ken talks with the president and CEO of the non-profit Propane Education Research Council about the benefits of using propane-powered buses.

This time, Ken Johannessen talks about the construction boom in the U.S. with a reprsentative of a company that has recently become traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Also, some details abouts the upcoming July 4th special on PBS, and wrapping up with a former Miss California about National Mac and Cheese Day (who woulda thunk?)!

With the holidays approaching, Ken talks with "Fragrance King" Harry Slatkin about how to add a nice scent to your home for the season . . . and about how he developed a new candle with Elton John. Then, with disasters a common occurence now, Ken talks with the executive director of airbnb.org about how it provides free accomodations to people and families displaced by hurricanes, flooding, wildfires and the like.And which are the best cities in the USA to drive in?  Which are the worst?  Ken has the list, compiled by wallethub.com.

With the holiday season here, mental health issues become important - especially in rural areas where access to mental health resources are difficult, and even impossible to find.  Ken speaks with Jeff Winton with the non-profit Rural Minds, and Nikki Shaffer with Pfizer, who have tips to cope with mental health issues during the holidays, and even any time of the year.There's also a message from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about their "Shop Smart" campaign to help consumers recognize the dangers of counterfeit and fake products.

It's the holiday season!  This time, Ken talks with John Goodwin, the president of the Hollywood Christmas Parade about its history and what's in store this year (the parade will be broadcast on the CW Network on Saturday, December 14th).  Then, it's the Salvation Army's turn, Ken talks with the Army's National Commander about the Red Kettle Campaign, as well as celebrity couple Carlos and Alexa PenaVega about volunteering for the Army.  Plus: what are 2024's Most Fun Cities? Ken has WalletHub's annual list.

It's the holiday season, and time to get a head start on your shopping!  With Singles Day just past, Valerie Geenburg has an idea of where to go to get a great deal on gifts, and literally millions of gift ideas!Also, what's the difference between "healthspan" and "lifespan?"  A new survey explores that, and Ken Johannessen talks about it with Holiday Durham of Amway Global.

On this edition of "Mister K and Company," medical issues.  First: ADHD - Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder.  It's summertime, and Dr. James Anderson shares strategies to help families get things in order when school begins.  Then, we talked with Dr. Bob Murry about how a "digital front door" to your physician can improve your healthcare, give you better access and more control over your healthcare needs.

Now that recreational marijuana is legal in New York State, a cannabis dispensary is preparing to open near the Big Apple, with one twist - it's owned by a woman.  Ken Johannessen talks with the owner of High Life Health, Inc., Jennifer Gierum.

On this episode, some tips for holiday shopping, and how to pay for it. Ken talks with Emily White of apply.com, and with Kate Bellman of Nordstrom.

On this episode, learn what's hot in diamonds for the holidays with expert Sally Morrison. Then, find out about one of the season's most fun spectacles - the Hollywood Christmas Parade - from the president of the parade, John Goodwin.

Is your car, truck or SUV under an open recall? On this episode, Ken speaks with the acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about "Vehicle Safety Recalls Week," and how you can check to find out if your vehicle has been recalled.Also, Ken talks with the chief medical officer at ViiV Healthcare about what's new in HIV treatments.

On this episode, learning about how more electric vehicle chargers are coming through a new program from General Motors. Ken Johannessen talks to a GM manager working with dealers to install chargers across the country. Then, bringing STEM training to underserved communities - and anyone who wants to learn - for free! Ken chats with a Chief Impact Officer at IBM.

In this episode, Ken talks with two technology experts about what's happening at the CES in Las Vegas, and some new products to check out.Produced 01/07/2023

In the first edition of "Mister K and Company," Ken talks with experts about the Medicare enrollment period, and specifically how veterans can get more with a Medicare Advantage Plan. He also talks with supermodel Veronica Webb about lung cancer screening, and its importance.