EPISODE 654 - Linda Ambrus Broenniman - The astonishing story of eight generations of her Jewish ancestors

Linda grew up in Buffalo, New York. She is the middle child of seven born to Hungarian physicians who survived World War II and started their new life in the U.S. in 1949.

Linda graduated from Swarthmore College with a BA in psychology and went on to get an MBA from Carnegie Mellon. Several years after graduation, she left mainstream corporate America to follow her path as an entrepreneur. She let her passion for uncovering hidden potential in unexpected places guide her.

And she allowed this passion to fuel the search for her hidden family.

A Wilbur Award recipient, Linda is a GenerationsForward speaker for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center.

Linda lives in Great Falls, Virginia with her husband, Ed, of 30 years and their dog, Juno.

Book: The Politzer Saga
In this rich narrative, Linda Ambrus Broenniman’s search for truth becomes a remarkable epic – part memoir, part biography, part history – that illuminates the Hungarian Jewish experience over the last 300 years.

Linda finds her family: doctors, lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs, writers, musicians, art collectors, and philanthropists. And learns of the ir resilience in surviving religious persecution, wars, epidemics, and economic upheavals.

By telling their stories, Linda could honor the memories of her lost family. And she learns how finding your roots helps anchor your own place in the world.

https://politzersaga.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 653 - Alan Mueller - Improv Comedy and the Art of Leadership - Reading The Room and Active Listening

A sought-after keynote speaker and leadership trainer, Dr. Mueller blends deep expertise with engaging storytelling to spark real change in organizations. As Senior Consultant at Adaptive Challenge Consulting, he draws on decades of experience spanning finance, sales, higher education, and hospitality management to deliver practical, high-impact leadership development.

Dr. Mueller is the author of Leading with Emotional Intelligence and the TEDx speaker behind “Doing the Math: How Do We Measure Privilege.” His work is grounded in intercultural intelligence, helping executives and teams lead boldly across difference. He is also a Myers-Briggs Certified Interpreter, who teaches teams how to unlock the power of this tool to understand how leaders and followers can work better together.

What sets Alan apart? A background in professional improv comedy. For nearly a decade, he performed with an award-winning troupe—and now teaches organizations how to use improv to strengthen executive presence, build trust, and supercharge collaboration.

Whether in the boardroom or on the stage, Dr. Mueller is known for his authenticity, inclusion, and sharp sense of humor. He equips leaders not just to manage complexity, but to rise and thrive within it.

Improv Comedy and the Art of Leadership explores the connections between improv comedy techniques and leadership. This book skillfully borrows key improv concepts and connects them with the critical skills and competencies needed by leaders.

https://www.adaptivechallengeconsulting.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 652 - Randee Dawn - Journalist, Author, Storyteller - Short Stories, Non-Fiction and Standalones

I’m a Brooklyn-based author and journalist focusing on speculative fiction across the categories (science-fiction, fantasy and horror) at night, while writing entertainment and lifestyle stories during the day for publications including Today.com, Gold Derby.com, Variety, The Los Angeles Times and Emmy Magazine.

You may have seen my name in other publications over the years, including Soap Opera Digest and The Boston Phoenix, E! Online, New Musical Express and Mojo. I contributed to a French book about American television, Les Series Tele and co-authored (with Susan Green) The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion.

I’ve got a fair amount of short fiction in anthologies, and authored the short story/poetry compilation Home for the Holidays. I’m currently represented by Bridget Smith at JABberwocky Literary Agency, and I frequently appear at conventions and workshops on panels and to give readings.

My first novel, Tune In Tomorrow, was published by Solaris/Rebellion in 2022 and re-issued with additional bonus content in 2024 via Solaris Nova. Arc Manor will publish my next two novels in 2025: The Only Song Worth Singing (April) and Leave No Trace (August), and Solaris Nova will publish my follow-up to Tune, We Interrupt This Program in spring 2026.

Currently, I reside with the love of my life with a lot of books and never enough mangoes. No, I don’t have a fox, but if you want to meet a fox like this or donate to their care, JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center can help.

https://randeedawn.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca