People Of Distinction

What if the biggest threat to your organization isn't the crisis you see coming, but the one you can't? Derek M. Stevens—consultant, author, and former programmer—joins People of Distinction to unpack Top Gun Governance, a radical rethink of leadership built on military-grade situational awareness. Drawing lessons from the 2008 financial crash, COVID, and fighter squadron doctrine, Derek explains why "gradual, then sudden" collapse is the pattern every leader must learn to spot before it's too late. This conversation will change how you think about risk, adaptation, and what it really means to lead in an unpredictable world.

At 15 years old, Jan Rustad snuck onto a freighter to Norway and gave his life to Jesus in a narrow bunk somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. Decades later, after facing cancer, COVID, and back surgery, he brings his story full circle with his new book, "Lessons on Jesus: Who Is This Man Jesus Christ?" In this episode, Jan sits down to unpack the historical, personal, and spiritual case for the most polarizing figure in history. If you've ever wondered who Jesus really was beneath 2,000 years of tradition, this conversation is for you.

After nearly five decades serving in the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense, Keith Stelzer set out to answer one question: what does he actually believe? What started as a personal journal after a 2023 revival conference became What I Believe—a book that traces his walk from Operation Desert Storm's "Victory Division" to a deeper understanding of Christ's sacrifice. In this conversation, Keith opens up about the three callings God places on every believer, the tragic story behind his signature word "victory," and why you don't need a seminary degree to know your faith. Grab your copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and start your own journey through what you believe.

She says she's from heaven—literally. Dr. Nantume Sovereign opens up about growing up in Uganda, the family breakdown that reshaped her faith, and how a quiet, "reserved" girl became a woman convinced God had marked her for something bigger. In this conversation, she unpacks the heart behind her new book, God Sent: Living Under Divine Anointing, and reveals the one verse, buried on page 29, that she says changes how you see your own purpose. If you've ever felt an unexplainable pull toward something greater, this episode is your sign.Get the book: Amazon & Barnes & Noblenantumesovereignspks.com | eternalgodchristianchurch.org Listen to her podcast: Heavenly Royalty Today

She packed a single suitcase at 17, boarded a plane to the Netherlands alone, and came back a completely different person Now, 50 years later, Margot Stornelli has turned that journey into a memoir the whole world needs to read. In this episode of People of Distinction, Margot unpacks the real story behind The Big Red Suitcase — from changing host families mid-year as a teenager 5,000 miles from home, to building lifelong friendships across three countries, to the powerful truth that home isn't a dot on the map. If you've ever felt the pull of something bigger, this conversation will light a fire under you.The Big Red Suitcase — Available now on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.

What if a single pair of hands could save lives, coach champions, heal souls, and warn a generation about the collapse of civilization? Vietnam veteran, rehabilitation director, soccer coach, and climate researcher Robert J. Ackerman returns to People of Distinction to unpack his profound new book I Heal You With My Hands — a decades-long reckoning with a divine message he received in 1969 that he's only now fully understood. From the soccer field to the sixth great extinction event, Robert's story will challenge the way you see God, humanity, and the fragile world we share. Get your copy now at ihealyouwithmyhands.com or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What happens when a diagnosis lands you in a world you never asked to enter and no one around you knows what to say? Tricia Ann Roloff, author of Navigating Through a Strange Land, joins People of Distinction to share how a pituitary tumor diagnosis led her to create a one-of-a-kind resource that weaves together dozens of real patient stories into a lifeline for brain tumor patients and their families. From navigating hospitals and neuropsychologists to what family members should actually say (hint: stop with the platitudes), this conversation is raw, practical, and deeply human.Pick up the 4th edition of Navigating Through a Strange Land on Amazon, and if someone in your life needs this, get them a copy too.

He flew combat missions over Vietnam, got spit on when he came home, and didn't speak about it for decades—until God gave him a reason to. Colonel David O. Sheiding returns to People of Distinction to share Wings of Faith, a raw and riveting memoir that takes you from the cockpit of a warplane to the quiet courage it takes to survive what war does to a man's soul. This isn't just a soldier's story—it's a love story, a faith story, and a masterclass in resilience that will meet you exactly where you are. Grab your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at davidosheidingauthor.com.

A Holocaust survivor's son who escaped communist Hungary, swam across a river to freedom, and became a decorated physician — now he's writing murder mysteries. Dr. Andrew I. Schafer joins us to discuss The Panacea Doctor: The Mysterious Disappearance of a Beloved Physician, a gripping historical fiction thriller rooted in a real unidentified body that washed ashore in Florida decades ago. From the halls of Harvard and Penn Medicine to the small-town panhandle of Florida, this story has twists you won't see coming. Grab your copy now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What if 40 years of hard-won career wisdom could be absorbed in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee? Author and systems engineer Michael Alan Bell joins us to break down his book 40/40: 40 Years of Career and Life Advice in 40 Minutes — a razor-sharp guide built for busy professionals who are done wasting time on fluff. From leading without brute force to creating "islands of tranquility" in a demanding career, this conversation is packed with no-nonsense advice that hits no matter where you are in your journey. Grab your copy at beta4helps.com or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

He carried the weight of Vietnam for over 50 years and then he wrote it all down. In this episode of People of Distinction, Vietnam Marine veteran, Robert Janicki, opens up about his 13 months on the front lines with the 3rd Marines, surviving the Tet Offensive, and the survivor's guilt that never left him. Looking Back isn't just a war memoir — it's a raw, unfiltered account of what it costs to answer your country's call, and what it takes to live with that answer for the rest of your life. Grab your copy at robertjanickilookingback.com or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

He never lost a battle, was mourned by 10,000 people including a sitting U.S. president and today, almost no one knows his name. In this episode, author David Stinebeck joins us to unpack the deliberately buried story of Civil War General George Henry Thomas, a Virginian who chose the Union over his own family, and whose extraordinary leadership was systematically erased by the very men who feared his legacy. This isn't just a history lesson, it's a mirror held up to the fractured moment we're living in right now, and a powerful reminder that the people brave enough to stand in the middle are often the first ones forgotten. Grab your copy of A Civil General on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and discover the leader America needs to remember.

What happens when a dream becomes a message the world desperately needs to hear? Vietnam veteran and postal worker Keith Scott joins People of Distinction to share the story behind his novel A Time and Place for Healing — a beautifully simple tale about an unlikely connection that quietly challenges everything we think we know about community, division, and the quiet power of showing up for someone else.

She was six years old, hiding under a table in fear and decades later, she would hold the very woman who caused that fear as she took her final breath. Leah Beth's memoir How God Breathed Life Into Me is a raw, unflinching account of growing up in an Amish Mennonite home marked by rejection, rage, and silence and the long, unlikely road to genuine forgiveness. This conversation will challenge you to examine the walls you've built, the grudges you've nursed, and whether you're ready to let God into the parts of your heart you swore you'd never open.Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What if the miracle you've been waiting for was never a moment, but a community? In this episode of People of Distinction, author Cleous G. Young takes us from a boyhood dream of becoming the next Pelé in Jamaica to a divine writing journey that produced The Mountain of Miracles, a story about a grandfather, a grandson, and a hidden village built on something the world is desperately running short on: respect. This conversation goes far deeper than a book review; it's a wake-up call about greed, division, and what we owe each other as neighbors, parents, and human beings.Get your copy: themountainofmiracles.com Also available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.

What if one simple act of kindness could change everything? In this episode of People of Distinction, we sit down with author John W. Sangwin to explore Johnny's World: The Series in One; a heartfelt, coming-of-age story about friendship, belonging, and the quiet power of showing up for someone who feels like an outsider. From John's unexpected journey into writing to the timeless lessons woven through TNT, Johnny, and the gang, this conversation will have you reflecting on the people who shaped you and the person you could be for someone else.Pick up your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at jwcreativewriter.org, and check out John's other title, A Storybook Collection, while you're there.

She was born unable to breathe and for nine years, no one knew why. Seena Rothrock sits down to share her memoir I Survived: Bilateral Choanal Atresia, an unflinching account of medical neglect, growing up deaf in a hearing world, and the one curious doctor who finally changed everything. Her story isn't just about survival, it's a call for all of us to be better witnesses to the quiet battles happening around us.Grab your copy on Amazon and stay tuned for her upcoming sequel, I Survived: Chaotic Driveway.

What if the deepest wounds of war aren't in your head, but in your soul? Retired Army Chaplain Wayne A. Keast spent decades watching soldiers medicated into silence, and he discovered that the answer to PTSD isn't in a pill bottle, it's in ancient scripture. In this episode, Wayne breaks down the "invisible wound" that the medical community keeps missing, and why Biblical Cures for the Wounded Spirit is a lifeline not just for veterans, but for every loved one trying to carry the weight alongside them.Get your copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble now.

What happens when a brand-new dinosaur moves into a magical paradise of unicorns and decides to ruin everyone's fun? In this episode, we sit down with Connie Clanton, author of Trouble Comes to Bagel Mountain to explore the chaotic arrival of Sam the dinosaur and the toll his bullying takes on his new neighbors. But when Sam pushes things too far and gets hurt, he receives a shocking lesson in unexpected kindness from the very peers he tormented. Listen in to hear how this heartwarming story tackles tough playground dynamics, empathy, and the incredible power of a second chance!

How do you rebuild your reality when a high-speed police chase crashes into your world and shatters everything you know? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kaitlyn Daly, author of In the Blink of an Eye to hear the harrowing story of their near-fatal 2019 collision and the grueling journey of trauma recovery that followed. Sharing raw insights from her darkest moments, she offers a lifeline of hope for anyone navigating the complex labyrinth of physical and emotional healing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical coping mechanisms that will empower you to overcome the unthinkable and reclaim your life!

Have you ever been done dirty, left deeply hurt, or forced to say a painful goodbye? We dive into the new book, Quotes for the Mentality Notes for the Reality, by Antonia Harris, to untangle life's messiest situations and emotional plot twists. Hit play to discover how reading just one quote a day can completely transform the way you navigate the hard notes of your reality.

What happens when ambition quietly becomes obsession and costs you everything? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Maxon (aka Dr. Johnny Delirious), author of The Need for Greed: Dracula's Curse, a memoir that draws haunting parallels between his own rise and collapse, the fall of the Roman Empire, and the state of America today. From a national magazine empire to devastating personal loss, Michael shares a raw formula for recognizing and escaping the curse before it consumes you.Grab your copy at drjohnny.net, and don't sleep on this one.

She survived molestation, addiction, and a family torn apart by dysfunction and then she wrote every word of it down so you wouldn't have to face yours alone. Marlene Essence Dotts joins People of Distinction to discuss her raw, redemptive memoir Coming Out of the Woods. A book that wasn't written for fame, but to save lives. Eight years sober and still showing up for others, Marlene's story is proof that clarity isn't gifted, it's carved out of the very things meant to destroy you. Get your copy at dorothycelestinbooks.com or wherever books are sold.

Step right up to the deadliest show on earth, where the price of admission might just cost you your humanity! In this episode, author Kristopher McClendon takes us inside the twisted world of his novel Freak Show, where the sinister Shadow Carnival is abducting citizens and transforming them into super-powered, chaotic monsters. Listen in to discover how one teenager faces down a circus of nightmares in this thrilling conversation about dark fantasy, supernatural stakes, and unlikely heroes!

What if being the kid who didn't fit in was never the problem, it was always the point? Author Lonnie Beerman joins us to discuss Tears of the Phoenix, a coming-of-age novel that readers are calling a lifeline for men, boys, and the women who love them; exploring friendship as survival, the quiet brutality of boyhood, and why the things that nearly broke us are often what make us whole. Beerman unpacks the emotional blueprint behind the book, the one rule about manhood he burned to the ground, and why now is exactly the right time for this story.Grab your copy at beermanbooks.com or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What happens when a retired oncologist, trained across three continents, fluent in healing, turns her life's grief and wonder into poetry? Dr. Maya Mitra Das returns to People of Distinction to share Rhythms Primeval, a collection that maps the fault lines between loneliness and love, despair and transcendence, the cosmos and the human heart. If you've ever needed a reminder to rise above and move forward, this episode is for you.Get Rhythms Primeval + her other books: drmayamitradas.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What happens when a development economist, lifelong social justice advocate, and grandmother of four decides she's had enough and writes the progressive answer to Project 2025? Jacqueline Brux joins People of Distinction to break down her brand-new book Project 2026: A Mandate for Leadership on the Progressive Promise. A raw, week-by-week account of surviving Trump's second term and a bold policy blueprint for what comes next. From the 45 million people facing starvation due to the Iran war's ripple effects, to the single-payer healthcare math both parties refuse to touch, this conversation goes places most podcasts won't.Pick up the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and follow her Substack blog Progressive Now to stay in the fight.

For decades, the western world has sensationalized Filipino psychic surgery and mediumship, but what is the true story behind these profound indigenous practices? In this eye-opening episode, researcher Scott Matthew Taubold dives into his groundbreaking work, The System of Healing Used by the Filipino Espiritistas, revealing the authentic truth of this system straight from the healers' own cultural perspective. Stripping away the biases of skeptical parapsychologists and western doctors, Taubold explores the deep, fascinating connection between human consciousness, illness, and alternative medicine. Tune in to uncover the essential principles of this unique healing model and discover what the Espiritistas can teach us all about the mind's untapped capacity to heal the body.

What happens when a casual college séance turns into a terrifying brush with demonic forces and undeniable premonitions of your own death? In this gripping episode, Kent Lyle Hutchinson shares the harrowing true story behind his deeply personal book, Good People Don't Go To Heaven: Only Saved People Do. Journey back to a 1970s fraternity house where dangerous dabbling in witchcraft pushed Kent to absolute rock bottom, ultimately leading to a miraculous, life-saving encounter with Jesus Christ in a remote Indiana cornfield. Listen in to hear a raw, unforgettable testimony of radical redemption that proves why simply being "good" is never enough to save your soul.

Peanut butter has a problem and the answer might change how your child sees the world. Author and veteran educator, Brian Taylor joins People of Distinction to share the story behind his breakout children's book, his battle through COVID that sparked a poetry collection, and why a Hollywood screenplay is now on the table. Grab your copies at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and briantaylorbooks.com.

What happens when a bad day threatens to become a defining one? Christine Leonardi-Kramer; dance teacher, studio owner, and children's book author with 50 years in the industry, returns to People of Distinction to talk about A Difficult Day at Dance, a story about grit, determination, and the quiet heroes who believe in us before we believe in ourselves. Christine shares the real-life inspiration behind the book, the mentor who changed her life, and a sneak peek at her upcoming release Dancing with Daisy. Pick up your copy at clkdancebooks.com or wherever books are sold.

What if your spiritual exhaustion isn't a time management problem, but instead a presence problem? In this powerful episode of People of Distinction, retired federal research scientist and author Kimberly F. Miller joins to unpack why so many of us are burned out, spiritually starved, and carrying crosses God never asked us to carry alone, and how getting into His presence changes everything. Drawing from her book Bible Bits: In His Presence, Kim delivers a conversation that is equal parts raw, real, and life-giving. Get your copy at watwm.org or wherever books are sold.

She was born with a broken heart and spent 20 years quietly fixing everyone else's. In this episode of People of Distinction, author Michael Purles shares the story of his daughter Tracy, nicknamed "Turtle Toes," whose short life delivered a masterclass in love, grace, and what truly matters. Grab your copy of Turtletoes on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at michaelpurles.com and explore Michael's three other titles while you're there.

What Christmas has become and the startling hidden pattern most believers never noticed, until now. In this episode of People of Distinction, PhD scientist and Bible teacher David Elliott reveals how the number four is woven with mathematical precision throughout the Christmas accounts, pointing unmistakably to Emmanuel's arrival on Earth and why uncovering it may be the most refreshing thing you do this holiday season. His book Four: The Number of Emmanuel, Christmas by the Numbers is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, alongside his other title Air, Earth, Fire and Water. If you're done with the noise of Christmas and ready for something real, this conversation is your starting point.

What does it really mean to find your street paved with gold, and what did it cost to get there? Dr. Robert Dattilo, historian and author, unpacks his novel A Street Paved of Gold; a gripping generational saga rooted in real characters, Prohibition-era shadows, and the raw immigrant experience that built this country. From picking up horse manure on the Pennsylvania Railroad to outrunning the Black Hand, Vincenzo Martinelli's journey is equal parts brutal and inspiring.Grab your copy at astreetpavedofgold.org or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What happens when a scientist who invented an artificial tornado, had an experiment on Skylab, and got a private visit from Brad Paisley, also writes six albums and starts a family band with his grandkids? Joe Eagleman's memoir My Love Affair with Music isn't just a book about songs; it's a testament to how creativity, shared across generations, becomes the most enduring legacy you can leave behind. From college dance halls to performing for 3,000 people on a Carnival Cruise, Joe's story will make you want to pick up an instrument, call your family, and start playing. Grab your copy at joeagleman.com or wherever books are sold.

He was chosen as his family's emotional punching bag, a child designated to absorb rage he didn't cause, but what he did next will leave you speechless. In this episode of People of Distinction, Walter Lawrence opens up about surviving a childhood of abuse and channeling that pain into real, undeniable success, as chronicled in his powerful book Life of Abuse to Success: A Child's Story. Walter's story isn't just his though, it's a mirror for anyone who has ever felt worthless, overlooked, or broken by the people who were supposed to protect them. Grab your copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and don't just read the lines, read between them.

What does it cost to save someone from themselves? And what happens when your past refuses to stay buried? Author Marguerite Nardone Gruen joins us to unpack The Madness of March, a gripping love story set against the chaos of college basketball where addiction, fame, and a devastating secret collide. From a career in global inventory management to crying at her keyboard over characters she never expected to create, Marguerite's journey to becoming an author is as unexpected and compelling as the stories she tells. Grab your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at authormargueritegruen.com — and don't sleep on her trilogy, The Band Four.

What if everything you've been taught about the Book of Revelation is missing the most critical piece? In this episode of People of Distinction, retired veteran and unlikely author David Ceiga breaks down his groundbreaking book End Time Prophecies Amplified, a scripture-by-scripture deep dive that doesn't add to the Bible, but uncovers what's been hiding in plain sight. From the four horsemen to the generation that ends in 2048, David's research will challenge your assumptions and send you straight to the source. Get your copy now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble — make sure it's the updated 2025 edition.

The world changed when the pandemic hit, and Dr. Rose Bruce didn't just survive it she documented it daily through the lens of a radical choice: love. In this powerful conversation, the veteran social scientist and author of Pandemic. A Call to Love, unpacks the spiritual diary she kept during eight of the most turbulent weeks in modern history. Revealing how data, prayer, and conscious choice became her lifeline. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love is still a decision you can make. Pick up her book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or visit rosesobriety.com

What if the most profound life advice didn't come from a therapist's office, but from a colony of penguins in Antarctica? Clinical psychologist Dr. Muriel McClellan traded her couch for a camera, traveled to the frozen edge of the world, and came back with Advice from the Penguins, a breathtaking photo book that delivers real psychological wisdom through some of nature's most unlikely gurus. In this episode of People of Distinction, Dr. McClellan shares the deeply personal journey behind the book, why she believes curiosity is the greatest gift you can give yourself, and the story of a bullied young girl who found the courage to "just walk on by." Don't miss this one, then grab your copy at drmurielmcclellan.com

What if everything falling apart around you isn't the end — it's actually a sign that something new is being born? Author and biblical researcher Everett Triplett joins us to unpack his book You Can Survive World War III, drawing on decades of scripture study, a near-death accident, and a jaw-dropping encounter with a Navy veteran who witnessed nuclear testing firsthand. From Ezekiel's ancient warnings to Deuteronomy's curses and Daniel 9:11, Everett connects the prophetic dots in a way that's equal parts sobering and strangely hopeful. This isn't doom and gloom, it's a delivery room.You Can Survive World War III — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, everetttriplett.com | biblicly.com

What if the real secret to healing isn't found in therapy or self-help shelves — but in a single act of reaching out? Author Dalia Vernikovsky joins People of Distinction to share her extraordinary journey from a freezing car in New Jersey to the pages of Reflections III: The Magic Beyond the Pain — a poetry collection that turns personal darkness into a roadmap for others. She unpacks the power of one (yes, even a starfish can change everything), the responsibility that comes with true leadership, and why healing others is the fastest way to heal yourself.Grab your copy at daliabooks.net — available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What happens when your entire life changes in a split second — and no one around you truly understands what you're going through? Kaitlyn Daly survived a devastating multi-car collision caused by teenagers fleeing police, endured seven surgeries, and had to relearn how to walk and talk — then wrote the book she desperately needed but couldn't find. In the Blink of an Eye is part memoir, part lifeline, and in this episode, Kaitlyn opens up about grieving your old self, the words well-meaning people say that quietly sting, and why surviving isn't the same as being a victim.Get your copy now at kaitlyndaly.com, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

Before the internet. Before CCTV. A bomb nearly decapitated the British government — and that was just the beginning. Author Stephen James joins us to unpack High Vis Murder, a historically grounded thriller rooted in the IRA, the miners' strike of 1984, and a personal vendetta that spirals into something far darker — and uncomfortably familiar. If you think the battle between the public and the institutions meant to protect them is a modern problem, this book will remind you it's been burning for decades.

What if your mother made you feel like you'd never measure up — and then forced you to become Empress? Mark Gaebler joins us to break down Chronicles of the Yankee Trader: Empress Rising, a sweeping sci-fi saga over a decade in the making — co-authored with his son — that blends empire-building, genetic warfare, reluctant royalty, and first contact with humanity in ways you won't see coming. Five books are planned, and once you start, you'll understand why this world was built to last.

What started as a grandmother searching for bedtime books worth reading became a five-part series that turns the boldest stories in the Bible into sacred, peaceful moments your child will never forget. Dr. Gloria Akinniyi — educator, scholar, grandmother of 11 — joins us to discuss Young Hearts: Kingdom Builders, the stunning final volume in her children's series that brings the radical faith of the early church to life for the youngest believers. From Pentecost to shipwrecks, she reveals how she translated courage, miracles, and even martyrdom into language that inspires without scaring — and why your child might just ask better theological questions than you.Grab your copies of all five books at Amazon today.

She served her country for 20 years — and the system she swore to protect told her no one would ever take her word over an officer's. Captain Dawn Ottman joins People of Distinction to share the raw, unflinching story behind her memoir Unwelcome, a precedent-setting account of sexual harassment, assault, and institutional silence inside the Canadian Forces. Her case became the first in Canadian history to receive Veterans Affairs benefits for PTSD induced by sexual misconduct — and she's sharing it so no one else has to suffer in silence. Whether you've worn a uniform or not, this story is about being seen, being believed, and refusing to be erased.Pick up Unwelcome at captaindawnottman.com, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

What if your rejection letter wasn't a dead end — but a divine commission? In this episode of People of Distinction, author Morgan Smith breaks down his debut novel Auroran Templar Omega Night, a faith-rooted fantasy epic where a high school senior is called to don armor forged from the power of God and battle evil on an alien world. Morgan shares the inspiration behind the book, its spiritual foundation in Ephesians 6, and the message he hopes every reader — especially the lost and uncertain — walks away with.Get your copy at aurorantemplar.com or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What do you do when God keeps telling you wait — and your whole life feels stuck on pause? In this powerful episode of People of Distinction, author Lea Giesbrecht opens up about immigration battles, cross-cultural tensions, and the quiet, stubborn faith that kept her from throwing in the towel — all detailed in her raw and riveting memoir, The Courage to Wait: A Memoir of God's Goodness and Faithfulness. Whether you're white-knuckling your way through a delay you don't understand or simply tired of being told "trust the timing," this conversation will give you the permission slip you didn't know you needed. Grab your copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble — and pick one up for someone who needs it too.