Well Done You

Meet the engaging, smart and talented Michelle Wirth - Owner, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield and Founder, FeelGoodShopLocal.com.  After 15 years with Mercedes-Benz USA in engineering, public relations, and national marketing leadership, Michelle and her husband moved  to Western Massachusetts to open Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, a full-service dealership for Mercedes-Benz cars and vans.
In 2022, she founded FeelGoodShopLocal.com, a mission-driven marketplace designed to help small businesses thrive by making it fun and easy to shop local online.
Both ventures have earned multiple honors, including the Super60 Award from the Springfield Regional Chamber and the A+ Innovation Award from the Amherst Area Chamber. Michelle has also been recognized as a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty and Working Mother of the Year by the Advertising Women of New York and Working Mother magazine.
Check out www.Feelgoodshoplocal.com and www.mbspringfield.com
 
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net.

Today’s episode is about the importance of  passion – whether it’s for family, business or food.   Meet Elaine and Vincenzo Grande, owners of Vincenzo’s Cucina in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.    You will love hearing the journey their family has been on and the dedication they have to each other, their restaurant and community. 
Visit www.vincenzocucina.com and they have an app too. You can check out the book they mention, Until My Last Breath, Fighting Cancer with my Young Heros, by Dick Vitale.   
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net.

Rick "V” Kostanski – The Storyteller
Music lovers, tune in! Rick V from The Storytellers joins RA and guest cohost Karin Elizabeth for a conversation about growing up with his twin brother, his family's early sacrifice, and how their music-loving mother shaped their home. Hear about Rick's journey to mastering instruments and the story behind his nickname "Rick V".
Follow Rick on social media and check out their show schedules at @rickkostanski @storytellerbrothers and www.thestorytellerbrothers.com. 
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net.

 
Today we are talking with Patric Young, ESPN Analyst & former professional basketball player.   We discuss maximizing your potential and the discipline of doing something hard every day. Patric and I quickly bonded over the best MLB team, people that have come into our lives and taught us so much (shout out to Brandon and Isaih) and his idea to have a half time wheelchair basketball game at a Florida Gators game. 
Patric Young is a proud Jacksonville native and former University of Florida basketball standout. After a successful college career, he went on to play professionally signing with the New Orleans Pelicans and overseas in Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
In 2022, Patric’s life changed when a single-vehicle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Through his recovery, he discovered the strength and resources required to regain independence. Determined to help others facing similar challenges, he founded the Patric Young Foundation, dedicated to providing financial, emotional, and physical support to individuals and families navigating life-altering injuries.
Today, Patric is a well-recognized ESPN and SEC Network basketball analyst, the author of Sit To Rise, and a highly sought-after motivational speaker. His story of resilience continues to inspire audiences across the world.
Stay connected with Patric on social media @patricyoung4 or visit www.patricyoung.com and py4foundation.org.
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net.
 
 

 
This inspiring conversation with Eric Spottswood includes the impact and influence of wonderful Moms, memory bricks at Oceanfront Park, pancakes, his longtime bff, FSU, importance of family, how they named their rescue dog, working with the best people and the importance of showing up strong. If you need a mood booster, some positive energy or a reason to smile, this is the episode for you.  You can follow Eric on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and don’t miss his Monday motivational - @ericspottswood.
Originally from New Jersey, Eric Spottswood has called Jacksonville home for most of his life. A proud graduate of Florida State University, he is even prouder to be a husband to his wife Marie—whom he met in Tallahassee—and a devoted father to their three children: Kaia, Elias, and Charlotte.
With over 24 years of experience in the lending industry, Eric currently serves as a Regional Sales Leader with Prosperity Home Mortgage, overseeing the sales team across the state of Florida. Throughout his career, he has worked with a broad range of clients, from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to first-time homebuyers, and has led teams across sales, processing, underwriting, and closing. His true passion lies in educating and supporting clients and real estate agents, and he genuinely loves what he does.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys coaching his son’s basketball and football teams, attending his daughter’s musical theater performances, and soaking up the Florida sun. A beach bum at heart, he finds joy in long walks or runs by the ocean and cruising around on his beach bike with friends and family. He’s also an avid traveler and hopes to one day retire and explore as much of the world as possible.
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net

Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Kim Tong, a board-certified veterinary surgeon based in San Francisco. Dr. Tong serves as the Chief of Surgery at a specialty veterinary hospital in Petaluma, owns a mobile surgery business called Golden Gate Mobile Surgery, and is active on social media under the handle @dr.kimpawsible.
We discuss the interesting path that brought him to the veterinary field, why his friends picture him driving around in a van, social media reach, and the whoosh sound.  You don’t want to miss his advice for pet owners.   He is a thoughtful, candid guest you are going to enjoy getting to know.
Dr. Tong’s career provides a front-row seat to a wide range of fascinating cases and includes collaborations with organizations such as the California Academy of Sciences and the Oakland Zoo.
As a published author of various veterinary research, Dr. Tong is currently building two businesses centered around a passion for veterinary surgery.
Outside of work, Dr. Tong enjoys traveling with his family including two children, two dogs, making the most of every adventure together.
You can follow Dr. Tong @dr.kimpawsible or visit www.ggmobilesx.com
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net.
 
 

 
Gina provides an engaging account of how she met her husband, outlines her journey to becoming a first-time author, and introduces her book, "No Fault of His Own." The discussion offers valuable insights into the impact of neurological factors on behavior and explains Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Additional topics include the significance of having great sisters in our lives, an appreciation for Kyle Kelce, our signature chicken dishes, and an explanation of the origins and meaning of the Northwood room.  
Gina Biskupic is an ASHA certified speech and language pathologist with nearly thirty years of experience serving both children and adults. In 2019, she opened Comprehensive Speech and Language Services, a private speech therapy practice.
In 2023, she took a hiatus from private practice to focus on writing the book No Fault of His Own. Gina is a 2024 ASHA ACE Award recipient. A passionate lifelong learner, she enjoys researching health and disease topics, cooking for family and friends, and traveling in the US and abroad. Gina has two children and lives with her husband in western Massachusetts. 
To purchase No Fault of His Own online, visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  You can follow Gina on social media @authorginabiskupic and learn more about her upcoming book events and lectures.  For more information on FTD, please visit www.theaftd.org.
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you!
For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net

In this engaging conversation with Nadim Kashouh, we explore a passion filled journey, dogs named Charlie, me being his favorite cooking class student, the importance of family, the discipline of hard work, the significance of hospitality in his culture, and his heart-centered approach to leadership and life. He elaborates on his journey to becoming a successful business owner and how he stayed open to a changing path and the valuable opportunities he created.  
Nadim was born in Monrovia, Liberia and moved with his parents to Lebanon at the age 9.  He came to the United States as a young man in his twenties to escape the civil war and begin a new chapter.  Always committed to hard work and making the most of any opportunity, Nadim worked in hospitality, delis and sales sometimes holding multiple jobs.  He built a successful career in the jewelry industry, first with the Hannoush family and later with E.B. Horn Company in Boston where he became their pearl buyer.  Nadim had a a goal to build the best life for his family and in 2000 he purchased what was known as Café Lebanon in Springfield Massachusetts.  He relocated his family to western Massachusetts and opened Nadim’s Café Lebanon on State Street.  In 2005, the current 1390 Main Street location became available, Nadim loved that location and moved his restaurant and renamed it Nadim’s Downtown.  Throughout the journey, Nadim stays committed to providing the best experience for his customers.  From training his talented staff to implementing technology for online ordering, Nadim continues to raise the bar of excellence. His focus on quality food and hospitality has earned Nadim’s stellar reputation as one of the area’s best restaurants with a loyal following for his delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Visit www.nadims.com to view the impressive menu or sign up for a cooking class with Nadim.   The grill is on and they would love to cook for you!
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net
 
 

Meredith O’Brien-I Can Do Something
Meredith is amazing.  We discussed the experience of growing up loving books, beginning a career in newspaper journalism, transitioning to investigative journalism in Washington DC, developing a passion for novel writing, teaching college journalism, advocating for multiple sclerosis, how family & life experiences inspire her writing and why she emphasizes sharing appreciation for those she values. 
Meredith O'Brien is the author of six books, most recently Louie on the Rocks, a novel about an estranged father-daughter duo duking it out in court over control of the dad's finances, and Uncomfortably Numb 2: An Anthology for Newly-Diagnosed MS Patients. Meredith's 2017 book Mr. Clark's Big Band -- about a charismatic Massachusetts middle school music teacher guiding his students through the loss of one of their bandmates -- won two national awards. Meredith teaches journalism at Northeastern University in Boston and writing for the Bay Path University's MFA program. An active multiple sclerosis advocate, Meredith is a trustee for her local National MS Society chapter and a volunteer advocate for the Society speaking with state and national lawmakers about issues affecting the MS and chronic illness communities. Meredith holds a master of fine arts in creative nonfiction from Bay Path University, a master's degree in political science from The American University, and a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from UMass-Amherst. The mom of three adult children, Meredith lives in the Boston area with her husband Scott and their neurotic dog Tedy. Read more about Meredith at her website, mereditheobrien.com.
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net

Today you will meet the engaging and impressive Kristine Allard. She discusses growing up as one of six children and living throughout the northeast, along with the skills she developed to adapt to change and new opportunities. Kristine will provide insights from her career in radio, journalism, and broadcasting, including details about working in a newsroom and a memorable news story that made an impact on her. She will share lessons learned and her journey to working in the non-profit sector. 
Kristine Allard serves as the Vice President of Development & Communications for Square One. In this role, Kris oversees donor relations, fundraising, special events, marketing, social media, and public relations. Under her leadership, the agency raises over $500,000 annually in corporate and individual support for Square One's programs and services.
In 1883, Harriett Merriam, the daughter of Charles Merriam (yes, of Merriam-Webster Dictionaries!) founded Springfield Day Nursery – now Square One – in response to a critical and unmet community need for childcare among Springfield Massachusetts’s working families. The vision of Square One is to affect meaningful change that results in better lives and more promising futures for children, families and our communities. Square One achieves this vision by raising funds, advocating on behalf of children and families, delivering research-based solutions, and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development and self-reliance.
Kris’s past non-profit experience includes her role as Senior Vice President of Development & Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Greater Springfield; and Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Northern York County YMCA and Sanford-Springvale YMCA, both located in southern Maine. Prior to her work in the non-profit sector, Kris was the Director of Communications & Public Relations for Imaj Associates in Providence, Rhode Island, where she supported clients in a wide range of industries including education, health care, entertainment and technology.
Kris began her career working as a broadcast journalist for several radio and television news stations in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Kris is an active volunteer for the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the Wonderfund of Massachusetts, and Ride-To-Remember Springfield. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Caring Health Center and the marketing committee for the Providers' Council.  She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.
You can learn more about Square One at startatsquareone.org  
Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 
Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.
Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele
Sound Editing by Textures Sound
Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  
Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G
Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)
To inquire about advertising, contact cookieproductions@att.net