”It’s A Wrap with Rap”

In this episode of It's a Wrap with Rap, Lorie Kleiner Eckert—writer, storyteller, quilter, and author of Chai on Life—shares warm, candid stories about family, faith, and personal reinvention. She discusses turning quilts into books, finding meaning in everyday moments, and the Jewish idea of "chai" as a life-affirming theme. Lorie offers practical advice on writing, staying resilient through life changes, and taking one small step each day toward a new life. The conversation is full of humility, humor, and heartfelt takeaways meant to inspire readers of all ages. Sponsors:     Barbara Grassey, author of "American Expat-Moving                       Abroad Solo After 60                      Jay Setchell, author of "The Strength Within You It's Always                       Too Soon to Quit"                      Blue Sky CBD-Click link to order and receive 20% off                       first order                   https://www.bluesky-cbd.com/pages/_go_?ref=3251:615856&discount=ron                       Links:   loriekleinereckert.com                                 Etsy: lorie kleiner eckert                                 https://itsawrapwithrap.com    

Ron talks to Eddie and his wife Katie Zingleman about Eddie's lifelong battle with RP, a group of eye disorders that cause progressive vision loss.  Eddie was thrown several roadblocks in life but talks about his resiliency to overcome and today  his ability to make handcrafted country home furnishings . Links:       www.tennesseewoodworks.com                 https://itsawrapwithrap.com                 #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with Jeff Johnston who has experienced compound loss , first his 23 year old son to Fentanyl poisoning in 2016 and most recently his wife to addiction. But Jeff is "Living Undeterred" by loss, doing what he can to change the narrative in the United States when it comes to mental health, overdose and addiction.  Links:    www.livingundeterred.com             https://itsawrapwithrap.com             #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with Tee Forton-Barnes, a household toxin health coach on guiding us to avoid toxicants and chemicals that could cause cancer and other illnesses and lead us toward living a healthier low-tox life. Tee navigates us through the process of making healthier choices and informs us of alternative products and options that are not harmful to our health and the environment. Sponsor:   Carolyn Breinich, author of Faith, Hope and Cancer, The Journey of a Childhood Cancer Survivor Links:        leukemiagirl.com                  https://thegreenlivinggurus.com                  https://itsawrapwithrap.com                  #HC Universal Network

Dr Kim Fischer explains to us why we need to have an advanced care directive in our possessions so we are clear on what we want to happen to us should an accident or illness arise that renders us unable to speak for ourselves and to avoid family  conflict around this issue. Dr Fischer has supported countless families through difficult conversations and decisions regarding advanced care planning issues. Sponsor:        Nadean Barton, Author of "Can A Girl Catch A Break"                       www.canagirlcatchabreak.com Links:             www.lucidadvocate.com                       https://itsawrapwithrap.com                       #HC Universal Network        

Ron talks to Sara Im, a survivor of the killing fields of Cambodia  where up to 3 million people perished.  She tells us of her escape from the fields and her journey of starting her new life in America. Sponsor:    Hero Soap Company                   www.herosoapcompany.com Links:         www.saraim.com                   https://itsawrapwithrap.com                  #HC Universal Network

Ron has an in depth  interview with Guy Monroe, a verbal coach who discovered how to control his own stammer and social anxieties by applying the same techniques used by professional singers. Guy was a social anxiety sufferer who gained confidence by mastering control over his voice and mindset. He now teaches others how to do the same.  Sponsor: The Hero Soap Company                www.herosoapcompany.com Links:      https://guymonroe.com                [email protected]                facebook.com/group/stutterchallenge                https://itsawrapwithrap.com                #HC Universal Network

Frank Rivera discusses with Ron how he was misdiagnosed and treated for lung cancer only to find out 7 years later he actually was suffering with Sarcoidosis.  Despite being told in 2018 that his condition is terminal, Frank  remains incredibly active in the Sarcoidosis and Rare Disease communities.  Frank will tell us how he stays positive and hopeful throughout his journey. Sponsor:    The Green Living Gurus-Owner Tee Forton-Barnes                   Tees Organics                  www.thegreenlivinggurus.com Links:        www.strongerthansarcoidosis.org                  www.sarcoidosislongisland.org                  https://itsawrapwithrap.com                  #HC Universal Network                                                

Ron talks with Chuck Keels-who shares his miraculous story of complete healing from Stage 4  cancer when given only three months to live by his doctors. He discusses how he met his now wife Hannah,  also a stage 4 breast cancer survivor and their work going forward with their nonprofit, the Living Hope Cancer Foundation which offers free cancer coaching and  inspiration to people to live their lives  to the fullest. Sponsor:   Sara Im- author and holistic wellness coach                 Books- How I Survived The Killing Fields,  Holistic Approach                  www.saraim.com    Links:    www.getupandlive.org                 FB, IG, You Tube:  Living Hope Cancer Foundation                 https://itsawrapwithrap.com                 #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with Chris Vane , the founder and executive director of the Little Bear Sanctuary in Punta Gorda, Florida. Chris originally from New York overcame  some very major life challenges and through resiliency moved to Florida where his desire to rescue neglected and abused farm animals came to fruition. Sponsor:    Aurthor-Mary K Savarese                    Books:  Tigers Love Bubble Baths and Obsession Perfume, Who Knew                                The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper  Links:        www.maryksavarese.com                   www.littlebearsanctuary.org                   https://itsawrapwithrap.com                   #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with Patrick Chester, author and speaker on the subject of gambling addiction. Pat spent 15 years  as a raging gambling addict, lost millions and destroyed his family in the process.  Pat is now living a life of recovery and educating people about what gambling addiction is, how to recognize it and what the dangers are as well as helping those suffering from it. Sponsor:   Can A Girl Catch A Break Chic Boutique LLC                  canagirlcatchabreakchicboutique.com Links:        Twitter      @patrickchester9                  https://itsawrapwithrap.com                 #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with motivational speaker, podcast host, author, and wilderness liason Ari Gunzburg about how a traumatic event he experienced at age ten affected his life and changed his perspective forever. Links:    www.arigunz.com              https://itsawrapwithrap.com              #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with pediatric cancer survivor Eric Newman who overcame life challenges to create the Roc Solid Foundation which builds playsets and provides "Ready Bags" for pediatric cancer patients.  This is a real inspirational and heart warming story. Sponsor:  The Hero Soap Company Links:   www.rocsolidfoundation.org             IG   @thenewmanexperience             https://itsawrapwithrap.com             #HC UNIVERSAL Network    

Kitt O'Malley has been one of the leading mental health advocates for several years through her widely known social media presence and her ground breaking blog.  Ron talks with Kitt about her goals to affect change, break down barriers to care and to educate people about mental illness. Links:   www.kittomalley.com             https://itsawrapwithrap.com             #HC Universal Network

With forty years experience working as an administrator, teacher, college instructor and seminar leader James Burns gives us an insight into today's classrooms concerning the bullying issue.  James has written books on the subject and has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for his work in the area of antibullying. Links:    www.bullyproofclassroom.com              Antibully 101 Podcast              https://itsawrapwithrap.com              #HC Universal Network    

Dr Kylie Burton one of the premier functional medicine doctors educates us on the concepts of functional medicine and how our routine lab reports can be used to go beyond the diagnosis to treat us. Sponsor:  The Hero Soap Company                 www.herosoapcompany.com Links:   Podcast-Beyond The Diagnosis With Dr Kylie             www.drkylieburton.com             https://itsawrapwithrap.com             #HC Universal Networlk  

Ron interviews Bullseye who talks about his life growing up being bullied, his career as an actor and stand up comedian, and how he became an anti bullying clown. Bullseye leaves us with many helpful pointers on how to handle different bullying situations. Links:    bullseyetheclown.com              https://itsawrapwithrap.com              #HC Univeral Network

Ron talks with Aaron Smith-nationally recognized Elvis Presley Tribute Entertainer about how he handles being autistic and overcoming the challenges it presents and his love for the Elvis persona and how it molded his life and career. Sonsor:  Hero Soap Company               www.herosoapcompany.com Links:     Facebook: Elvis Tribute Artist               Twitter:     @aaronsmith               https://itsawrapwithrap.com               #HC Universal Network   

Ron talks to Jonathan McLernon  from Alberta Canada who rebuilt his life from the ground up after surviving an attempted murder, losing his life savings in a failed business venture, suffering from multiple anxiety attacks per day, food addiction, and binge eating.  Jonathan today is a very successful online nutrition coach and mentor to other coaches in the field and shares with us his approach to weight loss using his well studied methods on the subject. He has lost over 100 pounds and kept it off after many failed attempts.  Sponsor-Author James Burns   "The Power Of Consistency" . www.bullyproofclassroom.com Links: www.freedomnutritioncoaching.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with Jenny Dalton, author of Butterflies and Bullies, a creative non fiction book about her experience being bullied in the 5th grade and beyond.  The discussion brings increased awareness to the passive qualities of girl bullying and hopefully will inspire young girls who may be victims to know they are not alone and transformation is always happening. Sponsor:  Authoress J.R. Tilman-Self help/woman empowerment journal,  "Get A Grip Will Ya-You Matter www.jrtilman.com Links: www.butterfliesbullies.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks to Arman Vestad, at  one time , one of Norway's most notorious criminals.  Arman shares his life experiences doing criminal activity and tells us how he turned his life around to become a very productive member of his community and the work he is doing today  to help other people.   Sponsor:  Danny Vann-Author of 99 Days OF 100%  Encouragement                 www.DannyVan.com                 [email protected]  Links: [email protected]  https://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron relives with 9/11 survivor Ari Schonbrun the fateful day he escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One  of the World Trade Center and his miraculous rescue of a third degree burn victim.    Ari also tells us how the event changed his life. Sponsor: Author Maria Balestrieri-Saved By Grace Links: www.arischonbrun.comwww.whispersandbricks.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron relives with 9/11 survivor Ari Schonbrun the fateful day he escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One of the  World Trade Center and his miraculous rescue of a third degree burn victim.   Ari also tells us how the event changed his life. Sponsor:  Author Maria Balestrieri- Saved By Grace Links: www.arischonbrun.comwww.whispersandbricks.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with Matt Ode, personal trainer who at age 24  was diagnosed with Stage 3C testicular cancer and tells us about his incredible recovery and about his second chance at life as a keynote international speaker,  transformational coach helping people transform their mind, body and spirit. Sponsor:  www.arischonbrun.com/whispersandbricksacademy Links:       www.matodespeaks.com                 https://itsawrapwithrap.com                 #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with reputation repair coach Jennifer Cunningham who has coached hundreds of individuals on career and relationships, and more recently focusing her work with people who have experienced humiliation or public trauma, which may have resulted from harassment, bullying or something else.  Jennifer discusses her own personal incident of public humiliation.   Sponsor:  Jenny Dalton, author-"Of Butterflies And Bullies"                 www.butterfliesbullies.com   Links:       www.reputationrepaircoach.com                 https://itsawrapwithrap.com                 #HC Universal Network    

Our host Ron Rapaport talks with Michelle Dickinson, author, mental health advocate, TEDx Speaker  about working to eradicate the mental health stigma in the workplace and beyond and about dealing with Covid issues affecting our mental health. The mental health stigma concerning our First Responder community is also discussed. Sponsor:  Kitt O'Malley, mental health advocate, blogger, author of Balancing Act-Writing Through A Bipolar Life                 www.kittomalley.com Links:      www.michelleedickinson.com                https://itsawrapwithrap.com                #HC Universal Network                     

Ron discusses a very sensitive topic with Peggy Green, a specialist who helps people through the grieving process of losing a child.  Peggy unfortunately lost two children of her own, one by accident and one by suicide.  Peggy is also an Amazon best selling author, speaker, suicide bereavement coach and owner of her own business,  Thee Grief Specialist. Links: www.theegriefspecialist.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with best selling author, self esteem expert, motivational speaker around the world,  breast cancer survivor, humanitarian, FOX Radio and TV guest speaker Christine Handy. Christine shares and inspires us with her incredible journey  back from several medical challenges and her passion to help others.  She discovers true beauty is inside of us, not outside. This is a must listen!! Sponsor:  Len Handeland, Author of "The Darkest Gift"                  www.lenhandelandauthor.com Links: www.christinehandy.com Instagram:  christinehandy1 https://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with author Kathleen Ho about her  philosophy of helping people after they have suffered the death of a loved one. She has authored a superb book titled " Living Forward After Loss".  Links: www.livingforwardafterloss.comkathleenho6@gmail.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with writer and visionary and top U.S. intuitive (psychic medium)  Corbie Mitleid  who has learned the value of the examined life. She has created a career out of experiences. Her career now spans the globe. Her talents as an intuitive are featured in best selling books. Her attitude is "I'm Not Special,  You Can Do What I Do." A very interesting Listen Links : Sponsor-Frank Talaber-Canada's foremost offbeat author -featuring the series 'Stillwaters Run Deep" www.twosoulmates.wixsite.comhttps://corbiemitleid.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron discusses with Ash his perspective of life growing up and the societal challenges of being native American.  He gives us an understanding of their struggles and challenges and the strides being made to persevere and  thrive. Sponsor: Philip Jones, Author of the play/book "The Lion Hotel" www.inspectorhorace.comwww.crazyhorsememorial.orghttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Ron talks with Kim "Kid" Curry, former radio DJ legend and executive for 33 years about his life in the business and his subsequent struggle dealing with his MS diagnosis. Kim tells his story in an inspiring way to give us all the knowledge to never give up and keep on persevering. This is a real treat to listen to. Sponsor: Liborio Lungaro,  Author of The 3-0 https://kcurry.com Facebook:  KRCurrytheAuthor https://itsawrapwithrap.com You Tube:   its a wrap with rap the podcast uncut #HC Universal Network

George Siegal, the founder and CEO of Move The World Films.org, who also produced and directed the award winning documentary "The Last House Standing"  discusses with Ron about how everyone needs a home that doesn't blow away, wash away or burn down. This documentary film opens one's eyes to the subject of natural disasters and what we can do to be proactive in protecting ourselves. https://www.thelasthousestanding.orghttps://itsawrapwithrap.com Sponsor: Kim Curry,  Author-"Come Get Me Mother, I'm Through" #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks with Chicago author Lisa Lilly of how she coped with losing both her parents to an intoxicated driver and her journey back which includes her work to help others. Lisa gives her opinion on the grieving process and discusses her new book "Happiness, Anxiety and Writing" Sponsor: Gail Hamilton, author of "Soaring Into Greatness" https://soaringintogreatness.comwww.lisalilly.comhttps://www.aaim1.orghttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Brenda takes us on a journey describing what it is like to live with dystonia,  what dystonia is, her nine brain  surgeries at a young age  and how she has dealt with the challenge of living with it since age seven. A great listen!!! Links: Author-Brenda Currey Lewis-A Twisted Fate, My Life With Dystonia [email protected]://thecareprojectinc.orghttps://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Carrie shares her story of overcoming breast cancer  as a single mom and founding her non profit  organization, The Care Project Inc to help those going through the breast cancer journey needing  financial and emotional support,  doing it while barely out of treatment. This extraordinary woman's story is well worth listening to as she shows us anything is possible to  accomplish despite your fears and hesitations if you become resilient and "go for it". Links: https://thecareprojectinc.orghttps://itsawrapwithrap.com Sponsor: Pamela Thibodeaux-Author of "Love's Overcoming Power" fiction collection https://pamelathibodeaux.com #HC Universal Network

Ron asks one of the top personal trainers in the United Kingdom to explain to us the real reasons people  want to lose weight, and get tips on starting a weight loss journey and being successful at it. You will also learn what you need to do to find the right trainer. Links: www.dotheworkcoach.comwww.dalewallacept.com @thedotheworkcoach https://itsawrapwithrap.com Sponsor:  Lisa Lilly, Author of Happiness, Anxiety And Writing, Using Your Creativity To Live A  Calmer, Happier Life https://lisalilly.com #HC Universal Network

Denise Bossarte is a novelist, poet, award winning photographer, PhD in developmental neuroscience and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She is the author of "Thriving After Sexual Abuse, Break Your Bondage To The Past And Live A Life You Love", which is a self help book written to help survivors of abuse have a resource to start their journey of healing. The book is also an excellent resource for non survivors to educate themselves on the subject especially if they have a survivor in the household or know a survivor and can give non survivors a concept of understanding the subject. https://thrivingaftersexualabusebook.comhttps://itsawrapwithrap.com Sponsor:  Debby Montgomery Johnson www.thewomanbehindthesmile.com/show to register for the Stand Up Speak Up Show www.benfocomplete.com                     

Ron talks with Barbie Wharton-dancer from childhood, entrepreneur, survivor of Bell's Palsy, depression, anxiety and a  major concussion about how her life changed due to her adversities and how she overcame them. Barbie shares with us her philosophy on life.  Sponsor: Brenda Currey Lewis, Author of "A Twisted Fate-My Life With Dystonia"   www.barbiewharton.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network   

Frank King -longtime comedian and writer for the Tonight show with Jay Leno for 20 years  uses his life's lessons to start a  conversation giving people permission to give voice to their feelings and experiences surrounding depression and suicide. Frank does it by coming out, as it were, and standing in his truth and he does it with humor. https://www.thementalhealthcomedian.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network Of Podcasts Sponsor: Author, Kathleen Ho,   "Living Forward After Loss:  Rebuilding Your Life After Losing Your  Life Partner"

Danny Vann tells Ron his journey from a chaotic household to foster care to Elvis Presley impersonator hall of fame recipient to corporate leader and now author, foster care advocate and youth mentor. Danny is such an inspiration to listen to while following his amazing journey. www.dannyvann.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.comhttps://thrivingaftersexualabusebook.com #HC Universal Network Sponsor: Denise Bossarte-Author of "Thriving After Sexual Abuse-Break Your                           Bondage To The Past And Live A Life You Love"

Ron has an interesting conversation with Sam Shelley who was run over at age 6  by a van and suffered most of his life with multiple disabilities such as MS, head trauma, autoimmune diseases.  Sam tells us how he found his "perfect spirit" and  made a full recovery and now is no longer disabled  and no longer needs medicine. Sam  explains "mindset mentoring" and the concept of "headtrash".  Well worth the listen!! https://itsawrapwithrap.comhttps://headtrashanonymous.org #HC Universal Network Sponsor:  Sweet Pete's Candy Shop-Jacksonville, Florida                 www.sweetpetescandy.com    

Ron interviews Debby Montgomery, a woman that that was scammed out of over one million dollars on a online  romance dating site. Debby was a victim of "catfishing", bottom feeders who create a fake profile to target potential  victims they find on social media or dating apps. Debby explains to us how this happened to her and how she turned this painful experience around to bounce back and lead a great new life.  This is a must listen! Links: Sponsor: Gail Hamilton- Author of "Soaring Into Greatness" www.thewomanbehindthesmile.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network  

Ron has an in depth interview with Justin Brien from Western Canada who has spent over half of his life riddled with an endless cycle of addiction stemming from his mental health. This courageous young man shows all of us that no matter what the challenge, we must never give up and we must persevere. Well worth the listen.   Links: www.justinbrien.comwww.itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

Mike shares with Ron his story of being abused and how he handled it,  and then moved forward to overcome it's negative effects and begin to advocate for male child sexual abuse awareness. Links: https://childabusesurvivor.nethttps:/rainn.orghttps:/itsawrapwithrap.com Facebook:  itsawrapwithrap Email:  [email protected] #HC Universal Network  

Ron talks to Deanna Carpenter about her life as a survivor of childhood and adult  domestic abuse. Deanna courageously  shares her personal insights into this subject and we learn how she transforms from a victim to an advocate.  Well worth the listening Links https://emergingfromthedark.com Facebook: Its's A Wrap With Rap You Tube : It's A Wrap With Rap https://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network

This episode features Gail Hamilton, born 10 weeks  premature,   totally blind by age 11,   and abused as a child.  Gail  overcame the odds against her to become a singer, musician, author,  2013 Ms. Colorado Senior America  and public speaker. She shares with Ron her message of bravery, empowerment, gratitude and positivity.  Links: soaringintogreatness.com You Tube  itsawrapwithrap https://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network    

In part 2, Dr Partovi continues the discussion with Ron about  practicing medicine on skid row and the homeless situation in Los Angeles . https://hhcla.org https://rrapaport.podbean.com See the complete interview on You Tube Channel IT'S A WRAP WITH RAP https://itsawrapwithrap.com HC Universal Network   Real Stories   Real People Real Life

Dr Susan Partovi who pioneered "street medicine"  on Los Angele's Skid Row discusses her experiences treating the homeless and gives us an insight into  what life is like for homeless.    https://hhcla.org https://rrapaport.podbean.com See the complete interview on You Tube channel It's A Wrap With Rap https://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network   REAL STORIES    REAL PEOPLE  REAL LIFE!!  

Eighteen year old Sam Mitchell who was diagnosed at age 4 with autism ((Asperger Syndrome) discusses candidly and bluntly how he handled being on the autism spectrum throughout his transformative years and his current role as an advocate for people with autism. His mother Gina joins in the conversation to give us a mother's perspective.  REAL STORIES !!!!                                  REAL PEOPLE  !!!!                                      REAL LIFE !!!!   Links: [email protected]://itsawrapwithrap.com #HC Universal Network