Behind The Curtain

The rise of racism, bigotry, antisemitism, and nazism is a call to action for each of us. I invite you to answer that call by listening to one of the most important voices of our time, TIM WISE. Host Kathy Barrett interviews Tim Wise about his latest book, Dispatches From The Race War. Tim is among the nation’s most prominent antiracist essayists and educators and has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on over 1000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the nation. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Smith College School of Social Work, in Northampton, MA., and from 1999-2003 was an advisor to the Fisk University Race Relations Institute in Nashville, TN. Wise was featured in several documentaries, including “The Great White Hoax: Donald Trump and the Politics of Race and Class in America,” and “White Like Me: Race, Racism and White Privilege in America.” Media presence includes dozens of appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR among others. Videos posted on social media platforms have received over 20 million views. His podcast, “Speak Out with Tim Wise,” features weekly interviews with activists, scholars, and artists about movement building and strategies for social change. TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED           TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED

Addison Caruso was a young high-school student when his mother introduced him to the power of voting. As Mrs. Caruso knocked on doors to help elect former President Barack Obama, Addison accompanied her and became an intern for President Obama's campaign when he ran for re-election four years later. At an early age, Addison recognized the power that each of us holds to create positive change and he set his career sites on being of service to those marginalized by society as a lawyer working for the Legal Aid Society. As Republicans monopolized power at the state level, Addison witnessed a steady decline in the quality of life for Ohioans.  Addison is dedicated and passionate about solving the problems that extremist Republican rule have created. Addison is running as the Democratic candidate for District 36 against Republican incumbent Andrea White who does not believe in the rights of woman or girls to make autonomous decisions about their own body and reproductive functions. Tune in to meet Addison Caruso and listen to his plans to lead Ohioans into a future filled with unlimited possibilities and equality for all. We are two elections away from losing our democracy if Democrats do not hold on to the house majority and win more of a majority in the Senate. Vote. Vote Blue. Vote in large numbers like your life depends on it because it does. Vote Blue to Save Our Democracy. Vote Blue To Save America.

Kathy Barrett Host of Behind The Curtain speaks with Michard Richardson, who spends his days  producing Hate-Watch Report which monitors hate groups and other extremists throughout the Upper Hudson Valley and exposes their activities to the public and the media. Michael also teaches workshops in climate and environmental action through the Rivers & Mountains Green Faith Circle in the Upper Hudson Valley watershed. Michael’s activism began in the 1970’s fighting for war resistance and economic justice and, as an active member of the Zen Peacemaker Order, he brings fifty years of experience studying Buddhism to his social action for peaceful change. If we are to have any chance of surviving the lies that spread hate, global warming, and the Christofascism that threatens our right to worship or not as we choose, we must act now. Michael speaks about being aware of the connectedness of all things including our ancestral karma because it brings us to the present moment. If you are struggling with the state of hate that is polarizing our country and the world, this show will serve as a utility belt geared to open your heart and elevate your awareness as an activist for social change.  Tune in to be inspired.   Tune in to be informed.

KATHY BARRETT Host of BEHIND THE CURTAIN Interviews ROBERT IMBEAULT about his memoir Before I leave You: A Memoir on Suicide, Addiction, and Healing. Before I leave You: A Memoir on Suicide, Addiction, and Healingis a must-read book for our times. For anyone struggling with addiction, depression, suicide ideation, childhood sexual abuse, or have lost someone you love to suicide, you will find Robert’s memoir to be an anchor of hope.  I hope you’ll tune in to Behind The Curtainto hear my conversation with Robert Imbeault and how this successful entrepreneur and childhood sexual abuse survivor navigates his way through a five-year suicidal drug and alcohol binge to rewrite a happy ending to his life story. Every forty seconds around the globe a person commits suicide. https://www.befrienders.org/directory

KATHY BARRETT Host of BEHIND THE CURTAIN Interviews ROBERT IMBEAULT about his book Before I leave You: A Memoir on Suicide, Addiction, and Healing. For anyone struggling with addiction, depression, suicide ideology, childhood sexual abuse, or if you have lost someone you love to suicide, you will find Robert’s memoir to be an anchor of hope.  When a person is struggling with one or all of these issues, it’s important to know that you can get help, that others have survived the problems you're facing, and that there is a roadmap that could possibly lead you out of your darkness, and into the light. Robert's memoir does just that. Tune in to hear my conversation with Robert Imbeault and learn how this successful entrepreneur and childhood sexual abuse survivor navigated his way through a five-year suicidal drug and alcohol binge to rewrite a happy ending to his life story. Every forty seconds around the globe a person commits suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call for help. Life is a minute by minute choice. https://www.befrienders.org/directory - Global Hotlines          

Kathy Barrett, Host/Producer of "Behind The Curtain," interview Tamia Hill, a young woman on a mission to help others find their true selves with integrity and love. Tamia Hill was in her first year at Williams college studying psychology when the Corona virus smacked the world into a state of pause and bewilderment, fear and isolation. It felt like the end of the world to many of us and at the same time it became a calling for some to explore deeper within themselves. What did it all mean? Tamia Hill went on a journey of exploration through shadow work and what she learned about herself left her with a yearning to pay the knowledge she acquired through her own metamorphosis forward so that others could heal themselves. Tamia Hill became drawn to Tarot cards as a positive tool for helping others to be in touch with the "now." The cards are a tool for spiritual wisdom that gives those who are seeking, a chance to connect to their own inner wisdom.  TamiaTalksTarot.com was born from Tamira's experience and her business is thriving as is she.  Tune in to be inspired. Tune in to be informed. Intuitive Guidance With Intention And Love

KATHY BARRETT Host of BEHIND THE CURTAIN, Interviews award winning Ukrainian director and multi-media producer OLHA ONYSHKO of OLIA FILM about the universal impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.   Olha Onyshko's career began as a broadcast journalist in her hometown of Lviv, Ukraine where she was active in supporting free and fair elections in her newly independent country, and advocated through nationwide educational campaigns for democracy and human rights in Ukraine. Living in Bethesda, Maryland since 2002 Olha worked as an anchor, writer and producer for Voice of America while attaining her MFA at American University.   Olha's first firm, "Three Stories of Galicia," is a story of humanism in the midst of atrocities during and after World War II which sparked great debate over historic memory and its role in current events. Her second feature, "The Women of Maidam," is about the "The Revolution of Dignity," a spontaneous revolution that took place in 2013 when women of Ukraine courageously defended young students who were beaten by Russian backed government special police forces as they peacefully protested in the town square.   Both of Olha's films are streaming for free on gobehindthecurtain.com.

Kathy Barrett Host/Producer of “Behind The Curtain,” interviews Pastor Ron Buford, Writer, Speaker, Consultant, Seminarian and Pastor for the Congregational Church of Sunnyvale, CA. about Racists Anonymous, a 12-step program inspired by the teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous that he founded in December of 2015. Eliminating racism is the goal and creating an environment where people can become more mindful of their biases without judgement gives them freedom to explore what lies beneath. Pastor Ron believes that racism is an addiction and like alcohol the first step is to surrender and admit that there is a problem. “It is built into our society to look down on certain people who are different and we mistreat those people based on those differences,” says Pastor Ron. Our individual attitudes and beliefs are what is keeping systemic forces in place. If we each can look at our biases, and take responsibility for them, then we can spend our time eliminating racism instead of deflecting from the fact that we are racists to varying degrees. Tune in to be Inspired.   Tune in to be Informed. Join a meeting http://rainternational.org/ today and help obliterate racism.  

Kathy Barrett Host of Behind The Curtain interviews Attica Woodson Scott. When I came across a video of Attica Woodson Scott., State Representative for district 41 of Kentucky, talking about the obstacles she faced growing up, I was in awe of how she channeled personal adversities and the lessons learned  into becoming a dynamic CHANGEMAKER unwilling to settle for the status quo. Attica Woodson Scott.is the kind of woman who sees injustice and takes action to right the wrong. Now running for Congress to represent district 3 a seat currently held by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth who is retiring, Ms. Scott is ready to take her "fight for the people" to Washington.  Attica Woodson Scott. has raised awareness about Kentucky’s environmental issues, racial and economic justice, healthcare, and protecting a woman’s right to choose. If Scott wins, she will be the first Black woman to represent Kentucky on Capitol Hill. Attica Woodson Scott. is a breath of fresh air in a state with a history of being controlled by both Democrats and Republicans. When the Covid epidemic hit Kentucky, Ms. Scott was instrumental in fighting against the lack of access people of color had to testing and to the vaccine. Ms. Scott continues to fight for environmental justice, the Green Deal and demanding accountability for environmental polluters who have made living conditions and health safety an issue for all Kentuckians. 

Kathy Barrett HOST of BEHIND THE CURTAIN interviews James Maldonado, of DOG TRAINING WITH JAMES MALDONADO about the importance of obedience training for all dogs. Although training can take place at any time in a dog's life (you can teach an old dog new tricks) it is essential to put puppies into obedience training as well as to teach them how to socialize with other dogs. Training provides critical mental stimulation for your dog which is vital for their health. Training teaches your dog manners, and the discipline has a calming effect on the canine because it removes any guesswork for the animal.  Obedience training becomes the link to communication between you and your dog as humans don't speak dog and dogs don't speak English. Teaching a dog basic skills creates an environment of safety for both handler and canine and it sustains the unbreakable bond between you and your animal.   Approximately thirty percent of the six million animals that are dropped off to animal shelters each year are returned by their owners for a variety of issues, but behavioral issues are one. You can help lower the strain being placed on animal shelters and rescues as the overpopulation of homeless animals in America continues to soar by taking the simple step of getting your dog training. If you can't afford to hire a dog trainer there are videos you can access online for free. Help your dog live its best life it may give you a new "leash" on life!   TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED   TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED

Kathy Barrett HOST of BEHIND THE CURTAIN interviews James Maldonado, of DOG TRAINING WITH JAMES MALDONADO about the importance of obedience training for all dogs. Although training can take place at any time in a dog's life (you can teach an old dog new tricks) it is essential to put puppies into obedience training as well as to teach them how to socialize with other dogs. Training provides critical mental stimulation for your dog which is vital for their health. Training teaches your dog manners, and the discipline has a calming effect on the canine because it removes any guesswork for the animal.  Obedience training becomes the link to communication between you and your dog as humans don't speak dog and dogs don't speak English. Teaching a dog basic skills creates an environment of safety for both handler and canine and it sustains the unbreakable bond between you and your animal.   Approximately thirty percent of the six million animals that are dropped off to animal shelters each year are returned by their owners for a variety of issues, but behavioral issues are one. You can help lower the strain being placed on animal shelters and rescues as the overpopulation of homeless animals in America continues to soar by taking the simple step of getting your dog training. If you can't afford to hire a dog trainer there are videos you can access online for free. Help your dog live its best life it may give you a new "leash" on life!   TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED   TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED  

Help Save Dogmanity

Kathy Barrett HOST of BEHIND THE CURTAIN speaks with Val Ellsworth who is the co-founder with her husband Bruce of NOTHING BUT LOVE CANINE FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization that began in 2020. NOTHING BUT LOVE CANINE FOUNDATION, is dedicated to providing financial assistance with spaying, neutering, and heartworm treatment for rescue dogs in need. It is their core belief that every dog should have access to spay, neuter, and heartworm treatment to ensure healthy dogs can be placed in permanent loving homes. NOTHING BUT LOVE CANINE FOUNDATION believes that dogs don’t belong in shelters. It is their hope that their organization's work will void the need for “kill” shelters.   Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. According to the ACPCA Pet “overpopulation” is due to two issues: allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance to find homes for the offspring and owners abandoning their animals because they have behaviorial issues, or fall ill and can't take care of the animal, and various other reasons.   Overpopulation of homeless animals is escalating yet there are ways to fix the issue and save dogs from being euthanized. The level of awareness must be raised about the problems and their solutions.   HELP SAVE DOGMANITY.   TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED        TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED

HELP SAVE DOGMANITY This four-part series aims to raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs in America. We can help save thousands of these homeless dogs from being euthanized each day around the country so stay tuned to the series and may it inspire you to become involved and take action to help these animals. Our first show will highlight Volunteer KELLY AMBROSE of MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE a nonprofit organization run by volunteer fosters located in The Capital District of New York, Central New York, and Catskill Mountain areas dedicated to re-homing homeless dogs of all breeds. Some dogs are owner surrendered, but most come from kill shelters. KELLY AMBROSE and her staff of compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteers open their hearts and their homes to nurture these abused, frightened, abandoned dogs so that they may find a forever home. Mountain Rottie Rescue is known for its due diligence in reviewing applications of potential adopters and they work tirelessly to match each canine client with the right person/family environment.   MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE INSTAGRAM  TWITTER: @MountainRottie  MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE   NEXT WEEK SHOW #2  TUNE IN TO MEET  Valerie Ellsworth - Founder of the NOTHING BUT LOVE CANINE FOUNDATION which provides financial support for spay & neuter services and heart-worm treatment for rescue dogs in need all over the United States.  

HELP SAVE DOGMANITY This four-part series aims to raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs in America. We can help save thousands of these homeless dogs from being euthanized each day around the country so stay tuned to the series and may it inspire you to become involved and take action to help these animals. Our first show will highlight Volunteer KELLY AMBROSE of MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE a nonprofit organization run by volunteer fosters located in The Capital District of New York, Central New York, and Catskill Mountain areas dedicated to re-homing homeless dogs of all breeds. Some dogs are owner surrendered, but most come from kill shelters. KELLY AMBROSE and her staff of compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteers open their hearts and their homes to nurture these abused, frightened, abandoned dogs so that they may find a forever home. Mountain Rottie Rescue is known for its due diligence in reviewing applications of potential adopters and they work tirelessly to match each canine client with the right person/family environment.   MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE INSTAGRAM  TWITTER: @MountainRottie  MOUNTAIN ROTTIE RESCUE   NEXT WEEK SHOW #2  TUNE IN TO MEET  Valerie Ellsworth - Founder of the NOTHING BUT LOVE CANINE FOUNDATION which provides financial support for spay & neuter services and heart-worm treatment for rescue dogs in need all over the United States.  

HOST KATHY BARRETT interviews DR. KITTY OLIVER about how we can survive and thrive during one of America's most divisive times in our history. Dr. Kitty Oliver is a journalist, an author, oral historian, and media producer with a Ph.D. that focuses on race and ethnic communications. Dr. Oliver is the founder of the Race and Change Oral Histories Archive, the largest in size and scope of its kind. Her Race & Change television documentaries are utilized in schools and libraries around the country. “Voices of Race and Change: The Younger Generation: is also now a popular Apple podcast. Dr. Oliver was chosen as one of this year’s Encore Public Voices Fellows. Go to gobehindthecurtain.com for more information about Dr. Oliver, links to her website, books and music.  You can also go to kittyoliveronline.com

What is Spiritual Intelligence? Do we have to be religious to achieve it or is it something innate that we can tap into at any time? Betty Steinhauer, the author of "My Way," and "In Search of Spiritual Intelligence," speaks with Kathy Barrett Host of Behind The Curtainabout how one pivotal moment during the summer of 2013 led her to live as a Nomadic Intern on a global journey to clarify her spiritual beliefs.  Betty Steinhauer was born in England and raised in Toronto, Canada where she became a wife and mother before founding  Betty Steinhauer & Associates, her consulting firm in 1993. For twenty-five years, Betty used her unique talents to act as a catalyst, facilitator, and advisor to both the private and public sectors, by forging relationships between organizations and/or individuals for mutually advantageous outcomes. Betty also founded "The People Bridge," a  charity that was based in Canada that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for other charities in need around the world.  Betty Steinhauer continues to lead an extraordinary life as a Nomadic Intern. After selling and giving away her personal belongings she set out to travel the world in search of her own spiritual identity.  "In Search of Spiritual Intelligence," published by Fisher King will inspire you to search for your own answers. If we don't have peace within, there can be no peace in the world.  TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED - http://gobehindthecurtain.com

Grace Israel McKinnon was on her way to work one morning when she came upon a frightening scene. Police standing with weapons drawn were pointed at the head of a young homeless man living with mental health issues. Pulling out her phone, Grace begins to talk the young man into cooperating with the police as she records the action.  The police officers instruct her to get out of harms way but Grace is determined to make sure that another black man does not loose his life during a confrontation with police.  Tune in to hear this amazing story and meet Grace Israel McKinnon who was determined to see that Anthony's outcome would not be that of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Stehon Clarke who all died unnecessarily. Grace shares her personal story about growing up homeless herself, surviving her own thoughts of suicide and surviving the suicide of her older brother which propell her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns to turn her fear and heartbreak into love and compassion. Grace transforms her personal pain into a driving force to help others. Recognizing her purpose in the obstacles she was challenged to overcome she now sees it as her mission to share the knowledge of what healed her with the world. TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED                                                 TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED

BTC HOST KATHY BARRETT TALKS with JUAN FIGUEROA ABOUT WHY ITS TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP IN ULSTER COUNTY JUAN FIGUEROA considers himself to be "a big picture" guy, and he is ready to introduce a new kind of policing if he is elected Ulster County Sheriff.  But first, this Marine Veteran of Desert Storm who has served his country for twenty-three years must beat the present incumbent in the primary scheduled for September 13th.  As a State Trooper and investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Investiagations, Juan's work helped to take down drug cartels, seizing over sixty million in cash, 400 plus kilos of drugs and the arrest of key dealers in the drug trade. His twenty-five years of experience in law enforcement in addition to his years of military service in the Marines makes him a unique and exceptionally qualified candidate. The incumbent sheriff Paul van Blarcum politicizes the office and has cost Ulster County taxpayers close to a half-million dollars due to multiple lawsuites filed which claim gender and racial discrimination as well as sexual harrassment.   If elected Juan will institute training that instills respect and discipline within the organization. Juan has experience dealing with federal, state, county and local agencies.   Juan's visionary leadership style comes at a time when our country is so diversive. We need to elect leaders now who aim to unite and not divide us.  

Jacob Dunne was a 19-year-old high school dropout serving a 13-month sentence for manslaughter after throwing one unsolicited punch which took the life of 28-year-old James Hodgkinson, a paramedic trainee. The parents of James Hodgkinson (Joan Scourfield and David Hodgkinson) were devastated. How could Jacob receive such a light sentence committing manslaughter? What  lead Jacob to take the life of their precious son and what was preventing Jacob from repeating such a heinous act in the future?  Remedi UK, a charitable organization in the U.K. specializing in restorative justice, stepped in and facilitated a meeting between the two parties. BTC HOST KATHY BARRETT interviews NICOLA BANCROFT - Assistant Director of Remedi UK, Joan Scourfield and David Hodgkinson (parents of deceased James Hodgkinson) and Jacob Dunne, about how restorative justice is transforming lives in the United Kingdom. TUNE IN TO BE INSPIRED TUNE IN TO BE INFORMED. BTC Announcer - Mitchell Geller Night and The Music - Written and performed by Barbara Thies & Andy Barrett