Mike Bako currently serves as the host of Newsmakers on Speaking Channel TV as well as Inside Communications on Speaking Channel TV and is a Senior Trainer and Vice President of Media Training Worldwide. He is the Director and Producer of the internationally seen documentaries Secret to Speaking Like Obama and The Epic Disasters of BP. His work has been profiled on CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, RTL TV and quoted on SLATE.com and FoxNews.com. Bako has served as a featured host on LockerBlogger.com, TJ Walker Interactive and moderator/host of live broadcasts for PRSA, Bulldog Reporter, FLVS and CommPro.Biz. As a Senior Trainer at Media Training Worldwide Bako has been working with international clients for the past three years. Sectors include pharmaceutical, energy, technology, banking, legal as well as health experts and book authors. Past clients include The National Park Service, EverBank, Duke University, National Medical Association, OK Foods and Everlast Nutrition. In addition to his hosting and directing duties Bako is also the producer and editor of the largest series of online interactive learning schools on the Internet. His work with Business Week best selling author and speaking expert TJ Walker has produced a series of courses that help the public with online training in topics ranging from presenting skills to media training. Bako and Walker also worked with the educational company Connections Academy to develop an online speech and debate course that is in use in over 20 states in the US

I'm a very simple person, my life is very simple, though some believe it to be interesting. I have a mom, a dad in Georgia, and a stepfather who... hmph. Anyways, I'm an eighth grade honors student and I will be in class 805 this year at Booker T. Washington Junior High, which I'm very excited about. I like the simplicity of my life. I'm usually the class clown, and class brainiac. I try to make everyone happy, which usually ends in f a i l u r e. I can type extremely quickly and I'm great at solving puzzles(:

Kushman Currently serves as Producer/Host for The Daily National, Production Manager for BCTV in Branford CT, Comedy Writer for Upright Citizen’s Brigade, On-Air Host/Producer for Party934.com and Founder of The Social Clout Project. While at BCTV, Kushman received the Alliance for Community Media’s 2009 Station of the Year Award for the New England Chapter. Kushman recently served as Floor Director for Good Morning Connecticut, and Multiplatform Weather Editor for ABC News’s local affiliate WTNH News 8/WCTX My 9. As Floor Director of Good Morning Connecticut, he covered a wide range of news stories, and breaking news including the historic 2008 Presidential Election, and Connecticut’s historic gay marriage ruling. Kushman also assisted in various high profile interviews for ABC News 8 newscasts including promotional interviews with ABC Network actors, local chefs, musicians, politicians, and the world famous Radio City Rockettes. Kushman has directed numerous broadcasts of the television news adaptation of the “Branford Eagle”, an online section of the New Haven Independent Journalism Project anchored by veteran journalist Marcia Chambers. The New Haven Independent is a highly regarded independent online journalism project covering the greater New Haven area with various veteran print journalists, and has been referenced by The New York Times, Slate, Governing Magazine, AP, and The Guardian (UK). In 2009, Kushman started directing a special series of family focused broadcasts with guest co-host, and world-renowned author Dr. Bernie Siegel of the television education series “Classroom Connections”. In 2010, the series won the ACM-New England award for best talk show. Kushman produced an in-depth interview with world-renown Chef Jacques Pepin for BCTV in 2008. Kushman has directed and produced over 1000 hours of live and live-to-tape programs since 2007. In 2007, Kushman started his career as an intern for various programming at NHTV in North Haven Connecticut. Kushman holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications, specializing in Production from Southern Connecticut State University.

I started my career as an Advertising Executive for tech giants including Intel, Sony and Microsoft where I had the opportunity to practice the art of persuasion across multi-media platforms. Now, I’ve shifted my skills from persuading consumers to informing them. I love New York City, the Virginia Tech Hokies, all things related to digital and social media and innovative business practices that crusade to bring consumers top quality goods and services.

"Pop-culture has a remarkable impact on our society, and it's amazing to inform audience of that impact." -- JC Alvarez The son of Cuban immigrants, JC Alvarez, a native New Yorker was immersed in all things pop-culture from a very early age. If it was political, entertaining, and relevant JC was all over it. It was clear to him that nothing happened by happenstance and celebrity or notoriety wouldn't handed out on whims. His heroes include all the late night TV greats from Johnny Carson to David Letterman, but he's a study in the interview styles of his idols including NBC's Matt Lauer and Rolling Stone's Kurt Loder. Oprah Winfrey's grasp of the compassionate part of the interview exploration is also something that JC has incorporated into his assimilation of the great interviewers of our time, but for entertainment value Dick Cavett and Dean Martin are still among the greats, and JC hopes to one day emulate them for a new audience. This is JC Alvarez -- get to know him. He's just getting started!

Ever since I was 10-years-old, I fell in love with being in front of a camera. I was chosen to be a television announcer on a Nickelodean show and once I had the microphone in my hands, I did not want to put it down. I studied TV Broadcast and Journalism in college and I'm very passionate about reporting. I'm a freelance writer and my work has appeared in various publications, including Essence, The Source, and XXL Magazine. I was also the Researcher and Guest Host for the morning radio show, "Star & BucWild," on 105.1 FM in NYC.

I guess you could say I've been a journalist all my life. I remember during my days as a young girl, I would spend my time investigating the surrounding neighborhood and producing a mock newspaper for my family to read. It was only natural for me to choose journalism for my undergrad major at Boston University. I specifically chose radio-broadcast journalism as my major because of my passion and love for this specific medium. Of course, upon graduation, I realized the negative amount of radio jobs available to a freshly graduated adult. It was upon this realization that I put my radio passion on the shelf for a little and work at a marketing and public relations agency as a video editor and account executive. Those two years of work experience opened my eye to the media world as a whole. I then decided to dedicate myself to being a well-rounded media professional. I am now back in school to receive my Master's degree in Media Studies at Brooklyn College. I love everything about media and the way it operates. In my downtime, I also enjoy running, photography, yoga, painting, and relaxing with my friends.

Denis G. Kelly is the nation's leading identity theft prevention expert. He is the author of The Official Identity Theft Prevention Handbook; Chairman of the Identity Ambassador Commission (IdentityAmbassador.org), an identity theft education and training organization for mortgage professionals; CEO of ID Cuffs Inc. (IDCuffs.com), an identity theft prevention company; and Editor-in-Chief of TheIDChannel.com, a centralized resource of the latest identity theft news and information. Kelly is also a featured speaker at industry events. He resides in Miami Beach, FL. Contact (866) 938-4035 or Info@IdentityAC.com.

Debra Caruso has owned DJC Communications, a New York City media relations firm for the past 20 years. She also operates a blog about television and media at www.tvtakesall.com and has directed campaigns for corporate entities, large non-profit organizations, unions, trade organizations and leading universities. Debra is a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Press Club and represents the organization as its public relations consultant. A graduate of Fordham University with a degree in journalism, she is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Fordham College Alumni Association. She has been quoted on media topics by ABC News Radio, E-Commerce Times, Portfolio.com, MacNewsWorld, Arizona Republic, Forbes.com, AOL WalletPop, Christian Science Monitor and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and others. She has also authored articles on public relations in such publications as Ragan.com, O’Dwyer’s PR Magazine and CommPro.biz.

I am a Chicago Civic Leader who writes about politics in Illinois

I'm the author of the book, Real Moms Love to Eat: How to Conduct a Love Affair with Food, Lose Weight and Feel Fabulous (New American Library, Penguin Books, January, 2012) and a Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor. I love to cook, swim, run and play with my husband and 3 handsome sons. I never say no to dessert, but prefer to swim an extra lap tomorrow!

Bon Crowder has taught and tutored math to over 15,000 adults in living rooms, classrooms and conferences. She created the website Math Is Not a Four Letter Word and over 100 YouTube videos to help parents confidently support their children in math. She has appeared on CreateChatter.tv (August 25, 2011) and has hosted numerous webinars and emceed large conferences. She is also a Toastmasters Competent Communicator and teaches Family Numeracy classes at Literacy Advance Houston.

Lea is the founder and owner of Pig of the Month BBQ, a nationwide mail order barbecue company. Founded in 2010 as a bootstrapped venture, she quickly learned how to leverage her marketing and PR savvy to grow her business on the cheap. She now shares this knowledge with other entrepreneurs around the country. She has been mentioned in the New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine, Food Network Magazine, Thrillist, and Good Morning America among others.

Carolyn Mattocks is a summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in History. She also has a M.P.A. in Public Administration from North Carolina State University. Ms. Mattocks has a love and passion for History. She has worked in diverse settings such as federal agencies and academic institutions. Her accomplishments include the following:  Taught American History, African American History, World History, European History, and Career Planning and Personal Development at the community college and college levels  Presented on the topic “College Success Strategies” at the College of Southern Maryland  Presented on the topic of diversity at the College of Southern Maryland  Wrote the series, “Do Not Let Your Education Be A Rip-Off”  Authored the I Can Do Anything book/program  Presented at the South Carolina Council for African American Studies  Presented at the Annual Youth Conference at Morgan State University  Contributed to Best Selling College Guide, “5 Must Know Secrets For Today’s College Girl”  CEO/Founder, “I Can Do Anything” Organization, Inc. Honors/Achievements:  Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society  Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society  Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society  Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities Professional Associations  North Carolina Central University Alumni Association  North Carolina State University Alumni Association  Association for the Study of African American Life and History  Association for Professional Business Writers  Biltmore Who’s Who for Executives and Professionals

For the past 13 years, I have covered the top issues of the day on the local, state and national levels as a columnist, political analyst and TV and radio talk show host. My Ringside Politics show is based in the New Orleans area, but we have affiliates in other Louisiana markets. I strive to offer listeners and viewers political debate, commentary, and interviews with interesting political leaders and newsmakers. My goals include expanding the program to other markets and continuing to provide excellent programs to my audience.

Linda Webb (aka The Fraud Dog), has been the expert speaker for 20/20, Prime Time and multiple government and law enforcement agencies around the world. Linda Webb, who ran AIG’s Global Fraud operations, is the President of Contego Services Group. Contego provides high quality insurance services, including fraud investigations and cost-containment solutions. Ms. Webb continues to be a proven leader in the fraud and investigative industry, and a sought out speaker. “The Fraud Dog” specializes in the most complex organized crime rings and anti-money laundering including; insurance fraud, mortgage and financial fraud, medicare and healthcare fraud Complex Investigative Cases 2000-2005 (Florida) Organized Crime Ring - involving doctors, attorneys, and clinics (FBI) 2006-2007 (China) Counterfeit Retail Product Crime Ring 2000-2002 (Afghanistan) $300 Million Fake Insurance Ring (FBI) 1999-2001 (Egypt) $10 Million Fake Death Ring – Terrorist Link (FBI) 2006-2007 (Honduras) Anti-Money Laundering Case, with D&O Exposure to US Company Managed over 19,000 investigations worldwide and over $1.2 billion in exposure.

Roeser is the founder, owner and president of The Eisen Agency - Cincinnati's largest and lighest rated Public Relations Firm. He served as the 2005 president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and for several years on its Board of Directors. He is the founder of the chapter's Blacksmith Awards Program and in 2010 was named PRSA PR Professional of the Year. Roeser is the national chairman of the Public Relations Agency Owners Association, and serves on several boards and committees. He founded The Eisen Agency's Operation: Outrach program which provides non profit groups professional marketing services pro bono, and he is also the founder of the Rodger Roeser scholarship Fund, which provides dillars to minority and other graduating high school students seeking to enter a career in journalism or public relations. Roeser is an award winning print, radio and television journalist and has worked in both agency side and corporate side public relations He is a graduate of Kent State University and holds a degree in broadcast news. He continues to write for a number of publications, and also is the host of the award winning audio podcast "That Marketing Show," and the host of online webisode series Business Focus. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ A quarter a bale. From age nine to age 15, a young boy from the country outside of Cleveland would labor in the hot summer sun to work on his family farm ? baling hay, mucking stalls, detassling corn, and cultivating the fields of soy and alfalfa. He can ride a horse with the best of them, owns an honest to goodness cowboy hat, and knows how to wrangle a bull for a quarter a bale ? enough to buy his first car. The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme took this country boy named ?Roddy? through high school and college, where he graduated with honors from Kent State University and a degree in Broadcast News. During college, Roeser held only one job ? rock star ? which paid him enough by playing clubs and smokey bars to pay his way through, and oddly enough, forged his first foray into public relations. The lead singer and bass slinger in an ?80s Cleveland band, Roeser scored his first and only Billboard 100 hit in 1990 with a ?hair band ballad? called Was It You, and even had a video on MTV. He understands the value of hard work. Now clad in a suit and tie, he appreciates the power of growing up from nothing and working tirelessly to affect change and to bring the full expertise of his vision, clarity and tenacity to bear for marketing clients. The only child has even learned humility and sharing, and practices it occasionally. Through it all, Roeser understands and values the legacy of hard work and of dollars ? and works with client investments in their marketing as if it were his own money. Some agencies are good at generating reports and invoices ? Roeser generates results. The transplant to Cincinnati by way of Cleveland and New York, believes that through hard work, the right tools, and a forward thinking vision, all combined with the will to ?Git R Done,? are the cornerstones of why clients rely on his expertise time and time again. Giddyup.

Dr. Marlene Caroselli is a keynoter, corporate trainer, and the author of 60+ books, including Jesus, Jonas, & Janus: The Leadership Triumvirate. Contact her at mccpd@frontiernet.net.

At age 31 while in the process of a divorce Nancy took her 2 daughters and with no child support, alimony or other source of income, moved 70 miles away and started her own business. At the new location she was offered a salaried position at a higher pay then she had ever had before but realized they were hiring her at “the top of the ladder” leaving no place to grow. She did not want a job. She realized what she needed was a career. So, with no other source of income, Nancy opted for her own business. She knew nothing about saving, investing or financial planning and had never owned a CD, mutual fund or anything other than a savings account. Nancy told herself that even if the business didn’t work out, the knowledge and experience she would gain would be worth it since what she would learn about managing money would help to raise her children. Nancy became and remains extremely organized and focused. She got very good at marketing and media relations, enabling her to build the business quickly. She built her business from scratch to one of the top asset management and financial planning practices in the country with the company. Nancy also became one of the few Certified Divorce Financial Analysts in her state, and has testified in court as an expert witness for the financial aspects of divorce. Approx. ½ of Nancy’s 1,200 clients were over the age of 60. She often helped seniors with how to make their money last a lifetime. And, worked with them regarding things they could do to help maintain their independence longer. Nancy has also been looking after her 87 year old mother for more than 10 years. With approx. $200 million in assets under management, in 2007 Nancy sold her practice. She is now a consultant to small business owners in different parts of the country. And also a national speaker helping business owners do a better job for their clients and improve their bottom line and helping individuals live a successful life and realize their dreams. Nancy remains one of the few Certified Divorce Financial Analysts in her state. And, she currently teaches continuing education classes to financial advisors and insurance professionals to enable them to renew their licenses and continue to run an ethical business. Nancy have been quoted in many local and national publications including USA Today and The Day and has been a guest on several live TV and radio call in shows. And, has been a speaker for major corporations such as Pfizer, General Dynamics, Ameriprise Financial and Dow Chemical.

Jenny Triplett, originally from Saginaw, Michigan, always aspired for a career in media. Starting out as an intern at a radio station, she established a relationship with several entertainers and Ready for the World where she went on to head their marketing outreach team. Jenny also chose to explore the military where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience during her time in the United States Navy. After marrying Rufus and relocating to Atlanta she headed her own entertainment company for over 14 years. The Triplett’s now own Dawah International, LLC, a multimedia company, which publishes Prisonworld Magazine, distributes Prisonworld Records and are co-hosts of their own weekly radio show, the Prisonworld Radio Hour. They also have a successful blog and are requested speakers for correctional facilities, non-profit organizations, schools, radio shows and print magazines. Being parents of three boys, they know the trial and tribulations of not only raising children, but African-American men who could end up as stereotypes. They are passionate about family and detouring young men and women from the criminal justice system. Some of the subjects they speak about are dysfunctional families, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, marriage & relationships, self-conscious addictions, incarceration, stereotypes and the list goes on. Their appearances on Family Court with Judge Penny and Dr. Phil garnered rave reviews as to their parenting philosophies. Jenny’s appearance on The Mike & Juliet Morning show was phenomenal as she gave The Real Housewives of Atlanta a little wisdom. Jenny has traveled extensively and seem to draw attention wherever she appears. With her young look and laid back personality,she is never far from an intelligent conversation. Her creative talents has caused her to branch into film and television production. The combination of strong story writing and production skills of Jenny and equally as strong songwriting and production skills of Rufus could only be a match made in heaven. Anyone dealing with inmates has to have a tough demeanor. The Triplett’s like to take the non-judgmental and forgiveness approach with their work. Dealing with educating inmates and their families brings great satisfaction to the couple knowing they are a part of improving someone’s life. When asked the question what would make you start a magazine like this, the owners respond intelligently “We hope to bring new and different ideas to the multimedia game as well as enlighten views and perceptions of an uninformed and forgotten society.”

David Couper is a Vistage International Chair, leading CEOs and Business Leaders; executive coach; owner of a leadership and employee development consulting business; and published writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and in the USA, with major organizations including the BBC, Fuji Television, Mattel, Sony, and Warner Bros. He has successfully led organizational development solutions, coached individuals at all levels including CEOs of major companies, and designed and developed employee training programs around the world. David has published eight books. His latest; Outsiders On The Inside: How To Create A Winning Career…Even When You Don’t Fit In! was published August 2010 by Career Press. His other works on team building, interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA. David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television. He has dual US/UK citizenship, speaks French and Japanese, and is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Drew Stevens Ph.D. President of Stevens Consulting Group is one of those very rare sales and business development experts with not only 28 years of true sales experience but advanced degrees in sales productivity. Not many can make such as claim. Drew works with sales managers and their direct reports to create more customer centric relationships that dramatically drive new revenues and new clients, which this means to you is less focus on sales problems and more freedom for you. Our services have aided sales managers and sales teams to reach billions of dollars in new revenue by creating better relationships.

As a management side labor & employment attorney, Charles Krugel has represented businesses in hundreds of negotiations, in-house & 3rd party proceedings. His primary focus is helping businesses reduce their employment expenses & to efficiently & discreetly resolve disputes. He has 17 years of experience in the field. For the past 11 years, he has run his own successful management side practice. Besides having earned his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University, Charles has a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte & a Bachelors in Psychology from Bradley University. He's a published author & frequently the subject of numerous TV, radio & newspaper interviews regarding his field. Charles is on the boards of directors of numerous organizations including the Chicago Bar Foundation's Young Professionals Board, Vice Chair of the Board of the Greater O'Hare Association & Chair of the GOA's Government Affairs Team, Board Chair of the YMCA Alliance of Chicago, & Board Member for ChildServ, Youth Outreach Services, the Lakeside Community Committee & the Small Business Advocacy Council.

Deirdre Breakenridge is an author, entrepreneur and the CEO of Pure Performance Communications. A 20+ year veteran in PR and marketing, she is the author of four Financial Times Press books including her latest titles, “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations,” and “PR 2.0, New Media, New Tools, New Audiences.” Deirdre speaks nationally and internationally on the topics of PR, marketing and social media communications. She is also a blogger at PR 2.0 strategies, and also the co-founder of #PRStudChat, a dynamic twitter chat with PR professionals, educators and students.

Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogy research and as a way to connect with others in the family history community. Utilizing over 25 years of experience in the information technology field, Thomas writes and lectures on the many ways in which blogs, Facebook and Twitter can be leveraged to add new dimensions to the genealogy experience. As the creator of GeneaBloggers.com he has organized and engaged a community of over 2,000 bloggers to document their own journeys in the search for ancestors.

Erica Diamond is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of WomenOnTheFence.com, Entrepreneur, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Radio Correspondent, and Spokesperson. After enjoying seven years of great financial success with her Company, Erica sold her business in 2006 to Canada's Largest Bag Retail Chain. Her business journey along the way has awarded her a Young Entrepreneur Award, Top 30 under 30 Entrepreneur Award, Top 40 under 40 Entrepreneur Award nomination, among numerous others, and finally, The Profit Hot 50 Award - One of Canada's 50 Emerging Growth Companies. Erica Diamond is the author of the new release, The 99 Things Women Wish They Knew... Before Starting Their Own Business, endorsed by names such as Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York and Brooke Burke, and Suzy Welch. Women on the Fence was recently named FORBES TOP 100 SITES FOR WOMEN. Erica Diamond has been named 25 Best Twitter Feeds For Women, 50 Best Blogs By Women, and was recently named to the coveted list of THE TOP 20 WOMEN IN CANADA

Director of Epigenetics in Bendigo Australia. I work with Applied Positive Psychology assisting clients to Quit Cigarettes in 60 Minutes, Lose Weight for Life, Clear Fears and Phobias, also Manage Stress and Pain. I work personally with clients also via the telephone or Skype , anytime and anywhere. My training and work includes Hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Technique and client mentoring. My own life has been a great teacher with 3 -4 divorces, 6 children, financial failure, illness, chronic fatigue an AEROPLANE CRASH, stress + stress! My latest qualification a PhD in Divorce (from the University of Life ) is an important acknowledgement of this valuable experience, I now use the title 'Dr of Common Sense'. with pride.

Graham is the founder of Ultra Light Startups and acts as organizer, MC and panel moderator at events held in New York. Graham and is a frequent speaker, blogger, and press source on topics related to “ultralight startups”, bootstrapping, and building online businesses. He has been quoted in publications such as BusinessWeek, Entrepreneur Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and BBC News. Prior to founding Ultra Light Startups, Graham spent 10 years as an IT project manager at UBS and Deutsche Bank. Graham holds a BS in Philosophy from the University of Illinois and an MA in Economics from New York University. In his spare time, Graham races sailboats in the New York area and internationally.

A few years ago, Barbara Theodosiou had an idea: to bring together women who could help each other grow personally and professionally. It started with Mommy Mentors, a website on which other Mothers could learn from one another, share wisdom and nurture each other. The success of Mommy Mentors led to the launch of the Women’s Business Mastermind Group, a leads group model with a special focus on the unique needs of women. “I knew that women value friendships, building community and lending support when a friend is hurting.” One group grew into many with Chapters opening up throughout South Florida. Whether over lunch or over the phone, we shared and cared. We laughed and cried. We learned how to grow our careers, celebrated our successes and picked up the pieces when divorce, sickness or other obstacles got in our way. Barbara reached out to two women partners and founded a new business with an even bolder vision -- on a national scale. Women Helping Women Mastermind. WomenHelpingWomenMastermind.com offers women resources, tools, networking opportunities, teleseminars and great events at which our theme, “Together We Really Are Stronger” comes to fruition. A true leader and manager, Barbara has proven her generosity, compassion and interest in helping others in many ways and is committed to assisting people reach their potential, having worked with hundreds of individuals throughout her career. In the community, she has demonstrated her generosity by volunteering and planning several fundraising events for Gilda’s Club of South Florida, the Susan B. Anthony Foundation and Women in Distress.Through her work with women Barbara has garnered considerable media attention. She has been featured in the Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, Positive Thinking Magazine, Happy Herald, Comcast Newsmakers, and South Florida Parenting Magazine and has also been interviewed on all the major TV and radio stations in the region.She is the former Mainframe Computer Training Manager of Loews Corporation, where she developed and implemented a full training program, handled hiring and training candidates, developed training materials and seminars and received numerous achievement awards for her performance. Barbara also recently received her Master’s Degree in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.

Melissa Myers has worked as an entertainment journalist for ten years, both in London and New York. She has done a daily gossip column on British newspaper the Daily Star where she interviewed everyone from Tom Cruise and George Clooney to Simon Cowell and Jennifer Lopez. She also worked as the News Director of In Touch in New York for the past six years, before launching her own site www.celebzter.com, which aims to deliver exclusive interviews, celebrity style and fashion and backstage access to the best events.

Betsy Balega is an author, producer/host of Tuning in with Betsy, and an internationally renowned clairvoyant medium who assists on crime and cold cases.

I am a citizen soldier and a proud progressive. I enlisted during Viet Nam was a civilian for 25 years and came back to serve in Iraq in 2009-10 with a combat aviation brigade. I am the grandson of immigrants on both sides, a father of five and believe America is the place to make dreams reality.

Karl Kappler has worked in New York City for the past 13 years as a painter, a jazz musician and a classical composer. A self described "news junkie," Karl tackles contemporary politics and finance as a contributor for the Daily National.

To hear some tell it, I've been a Democrat from the time I was barely out of the womb. Soon after I was born, my father was being sworn in as a first term city councilman. During the ceremony, as a fellow councilman (a Republican) was taking his oath, I cried out just in time to interrupt the proceedings - to which the presiding officer noted "Harvey is getting him started early - already a Democrat!". That drew a round of laughter and, I hope, diffused my mom's embarrassment over the disturbance. It marked the beginning of my dad's political career and as well as my up close and personal education to the world of politics. I grew up with the 1st Tuesday in November as a holiday. With Bumper stickers, campaign pins, garages full of yard signs as normal surroundings. Election night, by the time I was old enough, meant canvassing neighborhoods and getting people to the polls. His career allowed me a front row seat to the joy of victory, agony of defeat, and the brutal nature of the campaign trail that ends in one of these two destinations. Most importantly, I forever understood the power of the media, specifically the 30-60 sec campaign ad that can tilt the outcome of a political race. Fast forward 20 years later, and the impact of media - commercials, TV journalists, cable channels, op-eds - on political outcomes and outlooks is stronger than ever. For my part, I’ve never considered being a candidate but I absolutely want to be involved in toppling the hypocrisy of the Reagan era. The Democrats need a better PR machine - one that can reframe the argument and firmly establish the Obama era. The politics of old are done and I aim to be one of the new voices to help announce it to the world.

JULIE ORLOV, MAOL, MSW, LCSW has devoted 24 years to helping people transform their lives through her work as a psychotherapist, executive coach, trainer, speaker, and consultant. She is the author of The Pathway to Love: Create Intimacy and Transform Your Relationships through Self-Discovery and remains passionate about helping people create relationships in their lives that work. She has written and published a variety of articles and has appeared on radio and television. Her books, programs and services provide an opportunity for people to grow and thrive within the context of human relationships. Her vision is to help create a global community in which we are all committed to each other’s well-being. Julie Orlov holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, a master’s degree in Social Work from University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Society of Training and Development, Los Angeles, where she served as the 2010 president on the board of directors. She has also served as foundation chair for KindredSPIRITS, a humanitarian organization located in San Pedro, California. For more information, please visit www.JulieOrlov.com.

Harmon is the author of six books, including The American Dream, The Harmon Chronicles, and Republican Like Me. His other stories have appeared in Esquire, Stuff, Salon, NPR’s, This American Life, True/Slant, Details, Maxim, High Times, Hustler, Penthouse, Black Book, Cosmopolitan, and Wired. Harmon has appeared on The Howard Stern Show, Last Call With Carson Daly, Penn &Teller’s Bullshit, 1000 Ways to Die as well as the BBC. Harmon also costarred with the infamous OJ Simpson on a hidden camera reality show called Juiced! He’s performed comedy around the world, including the Montreal, Edinburgh, Dublin, Galway, Vancouver, Adelaide and Melbourne Comedy Festivals. Harmon is low in sodium and perfect for the elderly.

Alyson Chadwick is a communications strategist and writer in Washington, DC. Her work experience includes four presidential cycles, the Clinton White House, both sides of Capitol Hill and the United Nations. She started volunteering on campaigns when she was eight years old. Her satirical pieces can be seen at www.pardonthepundit.com (Alyson Durden).

Janet Lawler is a freelance writer living in New York City.

http://www.youtube.com/user/dincin1?feature=mhee This is my youtube channel

Ex Air Force Intelligence and Patent Examiner, currently publisher and author, Proof of Guilt: Bush's Iraq Murders (e-book and print at website, including YouTube links, & summary of Chap. 1)

Jason Owen, Political Editor of Daily National Having spent years working for a worldwide ad agency, Jason leapt into the world of politics and journalism to pursue more enriching endeavors. Born and raised in the bucolic valleys of western New York state and a graduate from the State University of New York College at Brockport in Creative Writing and Philosophy, Jason has found himself deeply immersed in the pressing issues we face as a nation today. He hopes to one day write a national bestseller.

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Living in a town of 500 people, growing up in a mobile home with acres surrounding, and farms surrounding that, at first I felt underprivileged. Now, as a young adult developing in this high paced world of cell phones, fast food, and the internet, I feel quite fortunate of my past. Living near the farms, living on a tight budget,and living the slow, steady rural life, I was taught some very important things; taught to grow food, taught to fix my own clothes, taught to cook, and taught to preserve, and taught to enjoy working hard. I would like to revive those skills for my generation and new generations to come. I am Megan French, I am a student, a baker, a sister, a daughter, a lover, and an optimist of our future.

Theresa was the eternal New York City single woman, until she met her husband David and realized she now has to reserve tables for two. This driven, focused, funny, ridiculous newlywed writes how she speaks (although sometimes inappropriately speaking in the third person) and speaks her mind. A lot. Having found that most people talk more about wedding planning than the actual marriage, she decided to open the doors of communication and blog about it – the ups, downs, sideways, and everything in between. http://knottiednowwhat.blogspot.com

Shayna Gehl is a stay-at-home mother of two. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education, School Counseling. Between degrees, she worked and lived in Osaka, Japan for two years. After receiving her MA, Shayna worked as a mental health counselor for two years before moving to New York City with her husband, where they currently reside. In addition to taking care of her children, Shayna has done work for Alethea Cheng-Fitzpatrick of Nesting NYC on an as-needed basis. Shayna’s blog is intended to serve as a humorous take on the daily life of a stay-at-home parent. Whether you are a parent or not, Shayna hopes the blog can be a source of comic relief and at times, inspiration.