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April is Autism Awareness; some call it Autism Acceptance Month. But today we’re discussing a different kind of story about Autism. It’s a story, about being on the spectrum, but also about family love, resilience, perseverance and how to handle bullying - while not allowing society to define you who are. I discussed with Leland Vittert…..a journalist……host of On Balance on NewsNation and co-author of: Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorectal cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in younger Americans and has officially become the leading cause of cancer deaths for men under 50, and second for women under 50. Dr. James McCormick, a respected surgeon and Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Chairperson, Colon/Rectal Cancer Program to me why. AND, when most of us think about our military it instills a sense of pride in our country. And the epitome of that vision is often a Navy Seal. Commander Jack Ratliff, has written a memoir about how the experience changed his life. It is titled Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Black History Month draws to a close, we take a closer look at an organization that’s quietly shaped generations of opportunity. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Executive Vice President at UNCF joined me to talk about the legacy and future of the United Negro College Fund. AND would you know what to do if you or someone you were with was poisoned? It happens to someone every few seconds in our country. I discussed the dangers with Dr. Krys Johnson, Epidemiologist for America's Poison CentersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some reason, when we think of heart disease in our country, we think it only affects men. But, the number of women diagnosed with heart disease every year is significant. Celina Gorre CEO of WomenHeart and I discussed the disconnect. AND, you’d think a hospital is one of the safest places you could go in our society, but that hasn’t always been the case. But, not for the reasons you’d think. Dr Chris DeRienzo, Chief Physician Executive and Senior Vice President at the American Hospital Association told me about the strides they’ve made in improving outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manny Munoz discusses the history behind Black History Month this year because, if the math is right, this marks the 50th anniversary of our country officially recognizing February as Black History Month. Manny Munoz spoke with the Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, author of Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation From the Inside Out, about its history and continued significance. AND, eating disorders affect millions of Americans, yet they are still widely misunderstood and often go undetected until serious harm is done. Registered dietitian Lee Cotton spoke with Manny Munoz about that issue and about February being National Eating Disorders Awareness Month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunday evening well over 100-million Americans will be tuning in to watch the Super Bowl, but many wont be watching for the game or even the halftime show, they’ll be watching for the ads. Dave Shoffner of SpotBowl.Com AND, as we celebrate Black History Month, I thought it interesting to share an often overlooked chapter in American History an alliance between Native Americans and formerly Enslaved Black Families. Recounted in The book: The Free and the Dead – the untold story of the Black Seminole Chief, the Indigenous Rebel and America’s Forgotten War, by Jamie HolmesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IHeartRadio has been conducting a Thank a Teacher Campaign. That campaign has been powered by DonorsChoose. Manny Munoz got an update on the campaign from Alix Guerrier, the CEO of DonorsChoose. AND, more than 40 million Americans lost tens of billions of dollars last year alone to fraud, scams, and identity theft. Jonathan Walton is a victim-turned scam artist vigilante. He detailed his experience and how we can avoid becoming victims in his book titled Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January of 1986 was the first official federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Manny Munoz discussed why we celebrate it and the day’s significance with historian Kenneth C. Davis, author of the “Don’t Know Much” series of books. His most recent is titled The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction. And January is National Blood Donor Month. While the title might be self-explanatory, the impact is much more than just a name. Rodney Wilson, national spokesperson for the Red Cross, told Manny Munoz how.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re living in a day and age where tens of millions of American families are working harder than ever, with less to show for it. Dr. Willie Jolley a Hall of Fame speaker and best-selling author spoke with Manny Munoz about his new book, Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better. And have you noticed that some of these modern, futuristic cars have the worst headlights? They can be and often are blinding to oncoming drivers. Manny Munoz discussed the issue with Dr. Peter Papadakos, Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of Rochester.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Americans will either become new pet owners or receive a pet as a holiday gift. But too many go into pet ownership without a real understanding of the joys and responsibilities that come with it. Dr. Michael Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, discussed the issue with Manny Munoz. And this time of year, many of us are in the holiday spirit attending parties, gatherings, and celebrations. For others, though, it isn’t a very joyous time of year. Tens of millions of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Dr. Matthew Rudorfer, Chief of the Psychopharmacology Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, gave Manny Munoz some clarity on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the time of year when many of us start thinking about a better version of ourselves making New Year’s resolutions, often focused on self-improvement. Invariably, most of those vows don’t stick. Manny Munoz spoke with Stephanie Stolzenbach, Senior Director of Individual and Family Therapy at Charlie Health, for advice on how to approach the idea more realistically. And music is something so many of us turn to manage stress, shift our mood, and more. Why does it help, and what makes music connect with us so deeply? Manny Munoz got answers from Dr. Robert Zatorre, a cognitive neuroscientist at McGill University and author of From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week—December 17th—marks the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, 121 years ago. Manny discussed how they pulled it off and just how far aviation has come with Nick Engler—an author, pilot, flight historian, and director of the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company. AND, one of the things that can help anyone turn their life around is gaining a better understanding of how to manage money. Manny learned about a group helping Americans do just that from Kevin Boucher, Director of HOPE Global Forums for Operation HOPE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to believe, but three or four generations have passed since World War II. This weekend marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. Manny had the chance to speak with David Kilton, who leads Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. AND, there’s another conversation happening in homes across the country: should parents let their kids play certain sports, given growing concerns about brain injuries? Manny explored this issue with Bruce Parkman, author of Youth Contact Sports and Broken Brains: Understanding the Hidden Risks of Mental Illness from Early Exposure to Concussive Trauma.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s one of the stark realities of the world we live in today… 1 in 4 Americans serve as caregivers, with millions providing care for loved ones with disabilities or complex medical conditions. Manny Munoz discussed it with Megan O’Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs for Health and Family at AARP. AND, nearly 40 million Americans have diabetes, and about half will develop diabetic retinopathy the leading cause of irreversible blindness in working-age adults. Manny got insight on the illness from Dr. Geoffrey Emmerson, President of the American Society of Retina Specialists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new school year means more than just back-to-school shopping it’s also Campus Safety Awareness Month. Manny talks with Laura Egan, Interim Associate Executive Director at the Clery Center, about what students and families need to know. Plus, with football season kicking off, Manny dives into the magic behind the gameday experience. Veteran sports event director and author Don Costante shares insights from his book BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation.

It’s been 24 years since the 9/11 terror attacks. The unity that once brought us together has faded, but each year we honor the anniversary through the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Manny speaks with Jay Winuk, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of 9/11 Day, about the importance of keeping that spirit alive. Plus, September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Leigh Clark, Sr. Director of Patient Programs at the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, joins the conversation to share insights and resources for patients and families.

This episode explores the history and meaning behind Labor Day with historian Kenneth C. Davis, author of the “Don’t Know Much” series. Plus, we recognize National Suicide Prevention Month with Bob Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in an important conversation about raising awareness and taking action on mental health.

On this episode, IHeartRadio’s Thank a Teacher Campaign powered by DonorsChoose takes center stage. Manny Munoz sat down with Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, to dive into the impact this partnership is having on classrooms across the country. PLUS, Rawle Andrews, Jr., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, joins Manny to discuss a new survey revealing that most Americans want schools to step up with mental health education and connect students to the support they need.

If football is America’s pastime, golf has become part of our DNA and August is National Golf Month. Manny Munoz sits down with Mike Trostel, Director of the World Golf Hall of Fame, to talk about the sport’s rich history and its lasting place in our culture. PLUS, with roughly 73 million kids playing Roblox, it’s more than just a game; it can be a playground for bullies and a target for predators. Manny talks with Nicky Jackson Colaco, VP and Global Head of Public Policy at Roblox, about new safety tools to help parents protect their kids online.

Nothing hits the spot on a sweltering summer day quite like an ice-cold beer — and August just happens to be International Beer Month. Manny Munoz sits down with Dr. Malcolm Purinton of Northeastern University, who teaches the History of Beer, Alcohol, and Food, to explore the fascinating story behind the world’s favorite brew.