David Cowan had a skilled career in geographic information systems — linking data to maps, when he thought he’d try his hand at financial services. Instead of making more money, he made none. Hard times quickly followed. In his early fifties, David found himself without a car, renting a single room to live in, and walking to a nearby McDonald’s where he worked the drive-thru window overnight.  “You just can’t give up on yourself,” David tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart. This week, Dean and Monday Morning Radio debut The Comeback Project, an occasional series of profiles featuring great global comeback stories.  Rallying from misfortune — be it financial, health, a relationship gone bad, a natural disaster, a violent crime, or any other variety of setbacks — may seem impossible in the moment. But as David’s story demonstrates, it is possible to rebound from the depths of despair and inspire others to do likewise. Do you have your own comeback story to tell or do you know someone — a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor — who rebounded after a major setback and can serve as an example to others? Please send any leads for our Monday Morning Radiol Comeback Project to [email protected]. Photo: David Cowan, The Monday Morning Radio Comeback ProjectPosted: October 18, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 39:59

More than six million listeners worldwide tune in each week to hear Scott Jeffrey Miller’s On Leadership podcast, produced by Franklin Covey. In his newest book, Master Mentors, Scott draws on interviews he’s conducted with his podcast guests — including Daniel Pink, Seth Godin, and Susan Cain — to offer tightly focused, transformative insights aimed at current and would-be leaders. What overarching trait do the 30 mentors share?  Host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart asked Scott the question, but Dean disagreed with Scott’s answer. Listen in, and see how you think about it. Photo: Scott Jeffrey Miller, Master MentorsPosted: October 11, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 50:26 For Your Monday Morning Radio Bookshelf: Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights From Our Greatest Minds -- Scott Jeffrey Miller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition -- Steven R. Covey Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us -- Daniel H. Pink Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us -- Seth Godin Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking -- Susan Cain September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story -- Dean Rotbart

Chrysta Castañeda was a solo legal practitioner in Dallas when the legendary oil magnate T. Boone Pickens asked her to represent him in a decade-old business dispute involving investments he made in the three-billion barrel Red Bull region of West Texas. After about three hours of deliberation, the jury awarded Pickens $146 million. Host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart says he doesn’t know who is more impressive, Chrysta Castañeda for winning the case so convincingly or the late Boone Pickens, who was 88 years old when the trial began in November 2016. This week Chrysta shares behind-the-scenes details of the lawsuit and the “real” Boone Pickens. She is joined by Loren C. Steffy who, with Chrysta, co-authored The Last Trial of T. Boone Pickens. Photos: Chrysta Castañeda and Loren C. Steffy, The Last Trial of T. Boone PickensPosted: October 4, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 41:46

When he was starting out, Rob Cornilles founder of Game Face, Inc., had the unenviable task of selling season tickets to the Los Angeles Clippers, which at the time was the most forlorn franchise in the NBA. Who wanted to go to a Clippers game, when Los Angeles had the Lakers? Yet, Rob soon figured out the secret to attracting sports fans and has gone on to train the sales forces of more than 300 other sports teams and a whopping total of 50,000+ sales executives and leaders. Rob, author of “The Sales Game Changer,” shares some of his most effective techniques with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, including Rob’s SW-SW-SW-N philosophy - Dean’s favorite.  As Rob notes, whether or not you think you’re in sales, you are. Photo: Rob Cornilles, Game Face, Inc.Posted: September 27, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 49:52

This week, our host, Dean Rotbart generated a lot of media attention over the past two weeks, including coverage in The Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE, and on NPR, among more than a dozen other news outlets. Dean, a faculty member at Wizard Academy who coaches business owners and entrepreneurs on how to attract free publicity, took his own “Reputation Tool Chest” advice to produce an avalanche of coverage for his new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story.” Of all his guest appearances on radio shows and podcasts, Dean favored his live Facebook and YouTube conversation with Charlotte Kosa, a West Coast journalist who has been broadcasting for more than 18 years. Listen in, as Charlotte and Dean talk about the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the resiliency of the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters for The Wall Street Journal who covered the unfolding drama even though their own newsroom was destroyed that day and their dedication came close to costing some of the journalists their lives. NOTE: September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story is now available as an eBook on Amazon. Download your copy today for only $29.95.   You can subscribe to Charlotte Kosa’ popular podcast, California Haunts Radio, here. Photo: Charlotte Kosa, California Haunts Radio Posted: September 20, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 1 Hour 23 Minutes

[Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story. Visit Gutenberg’s Store.]    Joel Schwartzberg has two crucial pieces of advice for anyone tasked with making a presentation or giving a speech: 1. Have a point. 2. Get to it. Surprisingly, many business executives, politicians, and non-profit leaders fail to heed those simple rules for effective speaking. Joel knows what he’s talking about. A communications coach and the author of two books, his clients include American Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield, State Farm Insurance, and Comedy Central. Using only three simple words, Joel tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart that anyone can become a more effective speaker.  Oh yes, you won’t want to miss this: Dean reprises a portion of his Bar Mitzvah speech, just to see how Joel evaluates it. Be sure to pick up copies of Joel’s books: The Language of Leadership: How to Engage and Inspire Your Team Get to the Point: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter Photo: Joel Schwartzberg, The Language of Leadership Posted: September 13, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 46:16

Let’s play a game. We’ll call it Two Business Truths and a Lie.  Which one of these three statements is false? Thomas Alva Edison said: “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.” Owners and CEOs who “let loose” in the office often lose the respect of their employees. One element of Google’s success as a company has been office Nerf-gun battles. Playing games and encouraging others to have a great time at work is a passion for Dr. Bob Nelson, co-author of the new book, “Work Made Fun Gets Done: Easy Ways to Boost Energy, Morale, and Results.” Dr. Bob, who has worked with 80% of the Fortune 500 companies, knows that office play is a serious business. This week, he and host Dean Rotbart go mano a mano to see which one of them has the finer-tuned lie detector. But don’t worry, it’s all in good fun. [Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story. Visit Gutenberg’s Store.]    Photo: Dr. Bob Nelson, Work Made Fun Gets Done! Posted: September 6, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 54:38

[Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story. Visit Gutenberg’s Store.]    Many companies don’t realize they are sitting on a mother lode of extremely valuable assets that they underutilize or don’t use at all. The assets are customer purchase data and preferences, and unless companies use artificial intelligence — AI —  to effectively mine that data, they are missing out on an undeveloped vein of marketing gold.  Raj Venkatesan is a professor of business administration at the University of Virginia and one of the nation’s most respected experts on using AI in marketing. Co-author of “The AI Marketing Canvas,” this week Raj shares with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart his five-stage road map that any company can follow to reap AI riches. Photo: Raj Venkatesan, The AI Marketing Canvas Posted: August 30, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 38:12

With all due respect to Facebook and other so-called business change agents, the methods they use to innovate are really outmoded. That’s the premise of Radhika Dutt, a teacher of entrepreneurship and innovation at Northeastern University. Dutt is a critic of the prevalent method used by most companies of rapidly launching a new product into the marketplace and then tweaking it time and again until they get it right. In her forthcoming book, Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, she maintains that shotgunning products out of R&D and then repeatedly tweaking them is akin to driving a fast car without having a roadmap or a destination. As Radhika tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, it’s the destination — i.e., which customers the product serves and why it will radically change their world — that needs to precede the development of innovative products.     [Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story. Visit Gutenberg’s Store.]    Photo: Radhika Dutt, Radical Product Thinking Posted: August 23, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 39:42

Host Dean Rotbart recently conducted an informal poll of business owners and his social network friends. What, he asked, is the one thing they would most desire more of? About 40% of those who responded answered “money.” Another 40%, however, replied that they wish they had more energy. Dr. Amy Novotny, founder of the PABR Institute, which stands for Pain Awareness Breathing and Relief, says that over the past dozen years she’s helped countless clients — without caffeine, medication or surgery — address a wide variety of restrictive conditions, including a lack of energy. More money, Dr. Novotny points out, may or may not buy you more energy. But more energy is very likely to help owners and professionals earn lots more money and check off other high-priority items on their wish lists. [Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now pre-order a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story.” Visit Gutenberg’s Store.] Photo: Dr. Amy Novotny, PABR InstitutePosted: August 16, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 35:14

Jeff Seckendorf, educator, author, and filmmaker, draws a clear distinction between experts and experts who can teach. Very often, he believes, they are not one and the same. Jeff’s specialty is teaching and training. Whether it’s scuba diving, aerial acrobatics, brain surgery, or auto repair, Jeff’s company, The Training Cycle, can not only teach the subject but can train others to teach it as well. His secret is allowing business owners, inventors, and other specialists to be the subject-matter experts, while he zeros in on the process of education.  As Jeff tells host, author, and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, you can teach a person to fish, or you can teach that person how to teach anyone how to fish and then reel in the profits for your company. Photo: Jeff Seckendorf, The Training Cycle Posted: August 9, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 37:51 [Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now pre-order a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story.” Visit Gutenberg’s Store.]

Sean Dowdell and his wife Thora are the founders of Club Tattoo, which currently has six locations, including a booming studio at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Over the years, the artists at Club Tattoo have inked or pierced hundreds of celebrities, including musicians Blake Shelton and Miley Cryrus, actors Ewan McGregor and Chrissy Metz, and athletes Héctor Sanchez, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Frank Trigg. [Listeners to Monday Morning Radio can now pre-order a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story.” Visit Gutenberg’s Store.] Sean, who dubs himself the “Tattooed Millionaire,” is a business disruptor, and in his and Thora’s new book, Brand Renegades: Our Fearless Path from Startup to Global Brand, the couple showcase the successes and failures that have rocketed them to the top of their industry. Host, author, and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart confesses that he doesn’t have even one tattoo or piercing. Nonetheless, he says that Sean and Brand Renegades have left an indelible impression on him. Photo: Sean Dowdell, Club TattooPosted: August 2, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 43:03

With the Tokyo Olympics underway and the Beijing Olympics slated for early next February, this week host, author, and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart has a timely conversation with four-time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez, who aims to be the only Olympian ever to compete in five Olympics in five different decades. Not only that, but if Ruben, who competes in the luge, makes it to Beijing, at age 59, he’ll be the oldest Olympic competitor on record. Has anyone ever told you that you’re too old to chase your dream? As Ruben tells Dean, he’s not buying any of that ageism negativity, and you shouldn’t either.  [You can help Ruben defy the naysayers by making a donation to his GoFundMe page at OldestOlympian.com. For a contribution of at least $100, Ruben will include a photo of your or your family in a montage that he’ll place on his sled.] Photo: Ruben Gonzalez, OldestOlympian.com Posted: July 26, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 39:17

We’ve all heard tales of the perplexed man or woman who climbs a mountain, sits with a guru, and returns all the wiser. In 2007, Helen Yu, a technology leader with clients including IBM, AT&T, and Cisco, spent 14 days on an expedition to reach Mount Everest’s base camp. There was no guru, but Helen came away with an increased awareness of how to identify and surmount hurdles.  Yu, author of “Ascend Your Start-Up,” tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart about the five most prevalent “disconnects” that haunt new and existing companies alike, and the methods she’s developed to scale past them. Pre-Register to Purchase a Copy of Dean Rotbart’s Book:September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story Photo: Helen Yu, TigonAdvisory Posted: July 12, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 39:02

They are the middle children of Corporate America. They have a boss and they are a boss. Mid-level executives, be they in large companies or small, need help learning how to satisfy all the demands put upon them. That’s the premise of Scott Mautz’s latest book, Leading from the Middle. Scott is a former senior executive at Procter & Gamble, who in his consultancy has surveyed well over 3,000 “caught-in-the-middle” managers to discover the problems they face and offer real-world solutions. Scott was first a guest on Monday Morning Radio in 2017. This week he joins host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart to offer a personal plan of action for middle managers. “Even if you are not in middle management. Even if you are a solo entrepreneur or the woman or man at the top of the org chart, the ideas that Scott offers in Leading from the Middle will help you tend to your duties more effectively,” Dean tells listeners. Recommended Books by Scott Mautz: Leading from the Middle: A Playbook for Managers to Influence Up, Down, and Across the Organization Find the Fire: Ignite Your Inspiration and Make Work Exciting Again Pre-Register to Purchase a Copy of Dean Rotbart’s Book: September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story Photo: Scott Mautz, Leading from the Middle Posted: July 5, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 41:44

On September 11, 2001, The Wall Street Journal's main newsroom, located just across the street from the World Trade Center - was obliterated by falling debris and flaming smoke.   Ahead of the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart has written a richly detailed book revealing the never-before-told story of the traumatized men and women of the Journal and how they overcame their personal anguish and confusion to publish a Pulitzer Prize-winning edition on September 12th. This week on a special edition of Monday Morning Radio, Dean shares an exclusive audio preview of his book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story,” narrated by him and featuring a small cast of voice actors.  Dean wrote the book because he believes it reflects the indomitable spirit of America and Americans. The way the Journal and its staff responded on 9/11 offers many lessons for any organization, business, or individual who is confronted with an unexpected, large, setback and can either rebound or quit. The audio chapter is titled, “I Don’t Want My Life to Be Dust.” It’s guaranteed to leave you with a lump in your throat. Pre-register to purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, “September Twelfth: An American Comeback Story,” and receive a signed, first edition at no additional cost when it’s published in August.  Where were you on 9/11? Contribute your memories of that day. Entries will be included on the September-Twelfth.com book website and may eventually be used in a dedicated book of recollections. Photo Collage (Clockwise): “September Twelfth” Cover; Author Dean Rotbart; Interior of The Wall Street Journal on 9/11; and September 12, 2001 front pagePosted: June 28, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 31:08

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the percentage of Americans leaving their current employers for new opportunities is at its highest level in two decades. Pamela Hackett knows why, and she regularly advises CEOs and business owners on how to stem the exodus. Hackett is the Global CEO of Proudfoot, a consultancy that has worked with more than one million leaders — Wow! —  helping them retain and engage their best employees. Hackett has written a just-published book, Manage to Engage: How Great Managers Create Remarkable Results, and this week she shares some of her best ideas with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart. Pre-register to purchase a copy of Dean Rotbart’s new book, “Ground Zero On 9/11 with The Wall Street Journal,” and receive a signed, First Edition copy at no additional cost when it’s published in August. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the financial daily managed to publish a next-day edition, even though its New York headquarters was destroyed by fallout from the World Trade Center.  Photo: Pamela Hackett, ProudfootPosted: June 21, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 42:39

Mark Nation is a global technology expert who has spent more than two decades laser-focused on inspiring people and organizations to work with more vision, purpose, and passion in all they do. Mark, author of “Made for Amazing,” is founder & CEO of Nation Leadership, which advises executives at companies large and small how to unleash their full creative potential. As Mark told host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart back in September 2017, each of us has a voice — an internal song — that we need to nurture and share with the world. Sing along with Mark and Dean this week during a Best of Monday Morning Radio encore . Photo: Mark Nation, “Made for Amazing”Originally Posted: September 18, 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: June 14, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 36:09

Ita Olsen, founder of Convey Clearly, is one of the world’s leading speech coaches, training CEOs, politicians, actors, and even podcasters, how to communicate most effectively. Over Ita’s 25-plus year career, she’s proven that the manner in which you deliver your message, regardless of the audience, can actually be more important than what you say. This week, on a Best of Monday Morning Radio encore, Ita not only shares with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart her tips on how anyone can speak more clearly, but also the many benefits that accrue when you do. Photo: Ita Olsen, Convey ClearlyOriginally Posted: December 13, 2015Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: June 7, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 37:52

Piloting an F-16 fighter jet at speeds exceeding 1,500 miles-per-hour can surely steel the mind on what’s most important. Before becoming a corporate leadership trainer, Rob Shallenberger spent 11 years as a fighter pilot in the United States Airforce, where he came to understand the enormous leverage of strategic, operational, and tactical focus. Now Rob and his father, Steve, are helping executives at companies including Pepsi, Dell, Charles Schwab, and the Dallas Cowboys soar, taking their personal efficiency to new heights. This week on a fresh podcast, Rob shares with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart advice from his new book, “Do What Matters Most,” which he promises can boost anyone’s productivity by at least 30 to 50 percent. Off we go. Photo: Rob Shallenberger, Becoming Your Best Global Leadership Posted: May 31, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 48:11

After publishing her book, Carla Moore quit her job as an executive at HBO and launched her own successful business consultancy. Charlie Epstein wrote “Paychecks for Life” and soon earned the moniker, “The Betty Crocker of 401 (K) Advisors.” Shelly Henderson used her book to promote her and her husband’s Charlotte, North Carolina real estate firm. It worked. What Carla, Charlie, and Shelly have in common is that they are three of the well over 1,300 authors who Adam Witty and his companies have helped leverage their influence and authority by publishing books. Adam is the founder and CEO of Advantage Media Group, which now supports authors in business, finance, medicine, and other professions in more than 40 U.S. states and 13 countries. Host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, who first interviewed Adam in February 2018, notes that unlike conventional publishers, Adam’s core product is not ink on paper, or even digital ink, but raw, impactful influence. A Best of Monday Morning Radio encore. Photo: Adam Witty, Advantage Media GroupOriginally Posted: February 17, 2018Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: May 24, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 48:46

Many people get the concept of motivation all wrong. They think it involves willpower and sacrifice. They either offer themselves a reward to achieve their goals or they threaten themselves with penalties if they don’t. Susan Fowler says that science and practice proves otherwise. Fowler, whose book on the topic is titled — Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work...and What Does — previously co-authored three books with none other than management guru Ken Blanchard. As she told host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart in May 2015, motivation is a skill that anyone can learn, practice and master. A Best of Monday Morning Radio encore. Photo: Susan Fowler, Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work...and What Does Originally Posted: May 15, 2015Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: May 17, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 36:05

For those of us who make our livings relying on effective communications, the correct choice of words is essential. Dr. Per-Olof Hasselgren, a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, has studied the relationship between human anatomy and English-language phraseology. It’s extensive. In his book, “Body Language — From Head to Toe,” Dr. Hasselgren dissects 2,000 idioms, words, and expressions containing body parts. Host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, who interviewed Dr. Hasselgren in March 2016, says his amusing book is not only eye-opening, it will also give creatives a head start on becoming superior wordsmiths. A Best of Monday Morning Radio encore. Photo: Dr. Per-Olof Hasselgren, “Body Language — From Head to Toe”Originally Posted: March 27, 2016Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: May 10, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 25:10

This week host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart features a Best of Monday Morning Radio doubleheader dating back to April 2012, when in separate interviews, he spoke with two small business all-stars, Tom Ziglar and Brad Kriser. Tom, the son of the incomparable Zig Ziglar, discusses his book, Born to Win: Find Your Success Code, co-written with his father just months before the legendary motivational speaker passed at age 86. Brad was the founder and CEO of Kriser’s, an all-natural pet food and supplies chain that was on the cusp of breakout success.  Both Tom and Brad share a passion for entrepreneurship and a belief that anyone can join them at the top. Photos: Brad Kriser (l) and Tom ZiglarOriginally Posted: April 2012Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: May 3, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 29:26

Franz Owen “Frank” Armbruster was the most colorful guest that host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart ever interviewed. Literally.  Joining Dean in his Denver radio studio in 2013, Armbruster, an extraordinary inventor, came dressed in a furry pimp hat braided with a floral lei, tie-dyed suit, matching rainbow-colored shoes, candy-striped socks, and a bushy, all-white Santa Claus beard. 83-years-young, Frank invented or created 96 products, including the Guiness record-holding bestselling game, Instant Insanity. Frank had a stroke and passed less than a month after his interview. But each April, in honor of Frank’s birthday, Dean fondly recalls Frank’s infectious can-do entrepreneurial spirit and insights. Photo: Frank Armbruster, InventorOriginally Posted: February 25, 2013Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: April 26, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 37:15

Some people call it the “Quarantine 15,” others the “Covid 19.” Regardless of how they refer to it, they’re talking about the weight gain that 61% of Americans say they put on since the coronavirus pandemic began. Well before coronavirus, inventor Paul Francis figured out a way that anyone, anywhere can easily get fit, even on the International Space Station. Paul’s OYO Personal Gym uses resistance — not weights — to build muscle and shed those pesky pounds.  Not every talented inventor can also build a successful business. When host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart caught up with Paul in January 2017, the fitness CEO shared the routines he uses to stay physically and fiscally fit. Photo: Paul Francis, OYO FitnessOriginally Posted: January 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: April 19, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 35:01 Coming in August 2021 from TJFR Press: September Twelfth: Ground Zero on 9/11 with The Wall Street Journal by Monday Morning Radio Host Dean Rotbart. On September 11, 2001, The Wall Street Journal's main newsroom, located just across West Street from the World Trade Center - was obliterated by falling debris and flaming smoke. This is the true story of how the traumatized men and women of the Journal and Dow Jones - journalists, graphic designers, technicians, administrative assistants, compositors, and delivery truck drivers - overcame their personal anguish and confusion to publish a Pulitzer Prize-winning edition on September 12th. To reserve your autographed copy, email Dean @ MondayMorningRadio . com with your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

Lovers of great literature will love this week’s reminiscence with Bel Kaufman, the granddaughter of Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem, best known for his many stories about life in the shtetl, including one that was adapted as the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Aleichem died in 1916 and Bel died in 2014. But Monday Morning Radio Host Dean Rotbart and his son, Maxwell, interviewed Bel, then 102 years old, in late 2013 for a Jewish-oriented radio show the father-son duo hosted.  Bel not only shares her recollections of her famous grandfather, she also talks about her own career, having penned the 1965 bestseller, “Up the Down Staircase.” Caution: Bel is a bit difficult to understand, as was her right as a centenarian. But you’ll want to listen closely anyway, so you don’t miss any of her pearls of wisdom. Photo: Bel Kaufman and her grandfather, Sholem AleichemOriginally Posted: January 19, 2014Best of Monday Morning Radio Adaptation: April 12, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 23:14

Does the name Beth Harmon sound familiar? The fictional Beth, an orphan, is a chess prodigy who captures the hearts of viewers and earns the world chess championship crown in the incredibly popular 2020 Netflix miniseries, “The Queen’s Gambit.” Elliott Neff is a real-life Chess Federation National Master, who helps others, especially young and disadvantaged people, discover valuable life lessons through the game of chess. In October 2018, two years before America fell in love with Beth Harmon, Elliott schooled host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart on the ways in which chess teaches sportsmanship, good decision-making, patience, planning, and how to learn from mistakes. Listening to this week’s Best of Monday Morning Radio episode is a smart opening move for any entrepreneur who aims to checkmate the competition. Photo: Elliott Neff, Chess4LifeOriginally Posted: October 15, 2018Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: April 5, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 50:18 Coming in August 2021 from TJFR Press: September Twelfth: Ground Zero on 9/11 with The Wall Street Journal by Monday Morning Radio Host Dean Rotbart. On September 11, 2001, The Wall Street Journal's main newsroom, located just across West Street from the World Trade Center - was obliterated by falling debris and flaming smoke. This is the true story of how the traumatized men and women of the Journal and Dow Jones - journalists, graphic designers, technicians, administrative assistants, compositors, and delivery truck drivers - overcame their personal anguish and confusion to publish a Pulitzer Prize-winning edition on September 12th. To reserve your autographed copy, email Dean @ MondayMorningRadio . com with your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

Did you know that older entrepreneurs are more successful than younger ones? Or that many of the best entrepreneurs never set out to launch independent businesses? Syracuse University Professor Carl J. Schramm knows both from personal experience, and because he has spent a lifetime as an evangelist for entrepreneurship, including heading a $2 billion private foundation dedicated to helping business owners succeed. When host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart interviewed Professor Schramm in June 2018, the “Entrepreneurial Evangelist” and author of Burn the Business Plan: What Great Entrepreneurs Really Do, dismissed the notion that earning an MBA is the surest ticket to success. The proven path, the professor says, is paved with passion, determination, and a willingness to experiment and innovate. Photo: Carl Schramm, “Burn the Business Plan”Originally Posted: June 17, 2018Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: March 29, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 35:19 Coming in August 2021 from TJFR Press: September Twelfth: Ground Zero on 9/11 with The Wall Street Journal by Monday Morning Radio Host Dean Rotbart. On September 11, 2001, The Wall Street Journal's main newsroom, located just across West Street from the World Trade Center - was obliterated by falling debris and flaming smoke. This is the true story of how the traumatized men and women of the Journal and Dow Jones - journalists, graphic designers, technicians, administrative assistants, compositors, and delivery truck drivers - overcame their personal anguish and confusion to publish a Pulitzer Prize-winning edition on September 12th. To reserve your autographed copy, email Dean @ MondayMorningRadio . com with your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number.

Daniel Burrus has 1.2 million followers on LinkedIn, which named the technology futurist one of the world’s Top 10 influencers. Burrus is the originator of the Anticipatory Organization model, which allows business owners and entrepreneurs to accurately foresee new opportunities, spot growing problems, and understand ever-changing customer needs. Host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart asked Burrus to forecast some future trends when he interviewed him in October 2017. This week, discover just how accurate a soothsayer Burrus really is. Photo: Daniel Burrus, The Anticipatory OrganizationOriginally Posted: October 16, 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: March 22, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 32:15

If you happened to read the March 12, 2021, edition of The Wall Street Journal, you no doubt spotted the profile of Black Rifle Coffee Company, which reported that sales of its weapons-themed roasts and blends almost doubled in 2020 to $163 million. That came as no surprise to host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, who first profiled Black Rifle Coffee and its former Green Beret founder, Evan Hafer in 2017. Evan’s vision, then and now, is to appeal to fellow military veterans and 2nd Amendment advocates with brands such as his popular AK-47 Espresso Blend. Most people take their coffee with sugar or cream. But Evan is undeniable proof that a growing segment of the population like their java with a strong dose of politics stirred in. “I don’t need to be everything to all people,” Evan told the Journal, “We’re going for roughly half.” Photo: Evan Hafter, Black Rifle Coffee CompanyOriginally Posted: May 1, 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: March 15, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 39:51

In his classic hit, American Pie, released in 1971, songwriter Don McLean intones:  “I went down to the sacred store where I’d heard the music years before but the man there said the music wouldn’t play.” Every time host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart hears that verse, he’s reminded of rock ‘n roll concert promoter Barry Fey, who over the course of his three-decade career organized mega-shows featuring Jimi Hendrix, The Who, U2, Rolling Stones, Three Dog Night, and many other music legends. Fey died eight years ago, age 74, but the story of his unconventional path to success lives on. This week, Dean plays highlights of his two interviews with Fey and demonstrates why the rocker was an entrepreneurial and marketing genius. [Pick up a copy of Barry Fay’s 2011 book, Backstage Past, featuring forewards by Pete Townshend and Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne.] Photo: Barry Fay, FeylineOriginally Posted: May 6, 2013Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: March 8, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 1 hour, 13 minutes

The landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars has reignited the public’s interest in space exploration and possible associated commercial opportunities. Christine Nobbe, an educator, space enthusiast, and past president of St. Louis Space Frontier, has been dreaming about conducting classes on the moon — or perhaps Mars — her whole life. When host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart caught up with Christine in September 2018, the two of them discussed the coming age of entrepreneurs in space and the prospects for small businesses to participate in the push to the stars. Listen in on this Best of Monday Morning Radio episode as the two space buffs explore out-of-this-world business concepts and opportunities. Photo: Christine Nobbe, Educator and Space EnthusiastOriginally Posted: September 16, 2018Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: March 1, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 34:12

Azi Hendi and her husband, Dr. Ali Hendi, now in their fourth year of operations, are the founders of Luminora, a stylish clothing line designed to protect women from the sun’s harmful rays. When they were featured on Monday Morning Radio in August 2018, they were still feeling their way as entrepreneurs, aware of the great potential but also struggling with the realities of being small business owners. Monday Morning Radio host Dean Rotbart forecast they would be a success, and by all outward appearances, he was correct. Luminora’s offerings now include resort wear, fashionable activewear, and even matching facemasks. It’s been bone-chilling cold over the past couple of weeks in most of the country. So Dean thought a reminder that bathing-suit weather and summer are only 119 days away would be in order. Listen in as Azi and Ali shine some light on both their accomplishments and their frustrations as first-time entrepreneurs. Photo: Azi Hendi, LuminoraOriginally Posted: August 13, 2018Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: February 22, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 44:56

Which of the following sentences do you think conveys costly, erroneous “business think”? This is the way we’ve always done it; no reason to change now. You get what you pay for. We can probably do that ourselves. The customer is always right. The correct answer is “E” – all of the above. As business consultant Jack Quarles first explained to host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart in March 2017, American companies pay a massive penalty for buying into outdated thinking. Jack’s book, “Expensive Sentences,” is an international bestseller and will make you think twice about bogus business aphorisms. Photo: Jack Quarles, “Expensive Sentences”Originally Posted: March 13, 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: February 15, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 43:52

Sarah Cooper has become a TikTok superstar. Her hilarious video lip-syncs to the voice of former President Donald Trump made her a national celebrity, even serving as a substitute host for Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night ABC talk show. Host Dean Rotbart knew Sarah was special when he interviewed her four years ago about her half-serious, half-humorous book, “100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings.” Sarah was inspired to write the book after sitting through boring meetings at her previous employers, Yahoo! and Google. This week on a Best of Monday Morning Radio episode, Dean reprises his 2017 conversation with Sarah, and “objectively speaking” – as you’ll hear [Trick #19], he’s still the best podcast host on the planet. Photo: Sarah Cooper, 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in MeetingsOriginally Posted: April 10, 2017Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: February 8, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 30:06

Fifteen years ago, three college friends holed up in a yurt in Santa Barbara, California, and set about engineering a new sales and marketing software platform designed specifically to help small businesses succeed. Today, Ontraport and its 120-plus employees power thousands of global businesses, and serve as a role model for how any size business can attract and retain high-quality, fulfilled employees. Ontraport founder and CEO, Landon Ray, first shared his blueprint for building a profitable corporate culture with host and award-winning reporter Dean Rotbart in November 2014. If anything, Landon’s guidance is even more relevant now. Photo: Landon Ray, OntraportOriginally Posted: November 8, 2014Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: February 1, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 23:07

The global office real estate market – both for tenants and landlords – is in total chaos. Even after the Covid-19 pandemic has passed, America’s workplaces will never return to the old normal. Chris Kane, a former senior real estate executive with The Walt Disney Company and the BBC, has reimagined tomorrow’s workplace. In his new book, Where is My Office? Chris spells out what it will take to make the office an attractive place to work and serve as a means of invigorating employee productivity. Where will you and your employees be working in the years ahead? Chris shares his forecast with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart. [Pick up your own copy of “Where is My Office?” here.] Photo: Chris Kane, Six IdeasPosted: January 25, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 53:38

Peet’s Coffee & Tea, which will celebrate its 55th anniversary this year, has more than 200 retail outlets and is sold in more than 14,000 grocery stores across the United States. The Boston Beer Company, whose best-known brew is Samuel Adams, was founded in 1984 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company produces which produces beers, hard ciders, hard iced tea, spiked sparkling water, and high alcohol kombucha. Peet’s and Boston Brewing share a lot in common. Both companies began with a single visionary crafter. Both grew large by attracting a niche following of deeply loyal customers. And both saw fit, eventually, to ask Dave Burwick, a former executive at PepsiCo and Weight Watchers, to take charge of their businesses. When host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart interviewed Dave back in May 2016, he was president and CEO of Peet’s, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Today, Dave runs the Boston Beer Company, also serving as president and CEO. In both cases, Dave’s specialty, as he described it, is “scaling the smallness” — a method that allows businesses to remain true to their founding principles, while constantly keeping pace with the changing times. Dave's is a recipe for growth and success that every entrepreneur should know. Photo: Dave Burwick, Boston Beer CompanyOriginally Posted: May 9, 2016Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: January 18, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 26:44

How do you say “One Thing” in Chinese? Or Spanish. Or Russian? Since Jay Papasan first spoke with host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart in April 2013, Jay’s mega-bestseller, The One Thing, co-authored with Gary Keller, has been translated into 40 foreign languages. The wisdom contained in their book, obviously, is universal. Jay’s premise is that everyone should decide on what matters most in their personal and work lives, and then focus their energy on one thing at a time. Voted one of the Top 100 Business Books of all time, The One Thing, from the incomparable Bard Press, is one life-changing concept that you can’t afford to miss. [Pick up your own copy of “The One Thing” here.] Photo: Jay Papasan, “The One Thing”Originally Posted: April 29, 2013Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: January 11, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 26:42

The lucky children in Mrs. Hassenger’s 4th grade class at Brown Elementary in St. Joseph, Michigan, have no idea what a superstar entrepreneur their teacher is. Sarah Hassenger launched her home-based business, Four Black Paws, in 2010, working after school and on weekends to hand-sew the doggie bow ties and related accessories. Since host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart first spoke with Sarah in April 2016, her line has expanded dramatically to include an organic collection; dog treats, toys and shampoo; and even t-shirts, hats, headbands, and scrunchies for her loyal two-legged followers. Sarah Hassenger continues to demonstrate that solopreneurs can succeed even in a dog-eat-dog world. While Dean is on book leave, we hope you’ll enjoy this Best of Monday Morning Radio re-airing. Photo: Sarah Hassenger, Four Black PawsOriginally Posted: April 25, 2016Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: January 4, 2021Monday Morning Run Time: 30:26

Author Jen Sincero has turned being a “Badass” into a mini-industry, incorporating books, audiobooks, notecards, calendars, refrigerator magnets, even a “Badass” talking button. She is also a success coach who helps people transform their personal and professional lives at seminars, speaking engagements, and in newsletters. When host and award-winning reporter Dean Rotbart first interviewed Jen in June 2013 for his Business Unconventional radio program, few people had heard of her fresh-off-the-presses book, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. Dean takes no credit for the book’s amazing global success, charting at the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list and selling more than three million copies in 35 languages. But in this Best of Monday Morning Radio replay of his 2013 interview, you will hear for yourself why Jen’s book and career took off like a badass muscle car. [The Jen Sincero "Badass" Library: You are a Badass; You are a Badass Every Day; You are a Badass at Making Money; and Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick.] Photo: Jen Sincero, “You Are a Badass”Originally Posted: June 17, 2013Best of Monday Morning Radio Update: December 28, 2020 Monday Morning Run Time: 26:23

After a year in which all of our lives have been turned topsy-turvy, the notion that we can be in full command of our lives going forward may seem fanciful. But Dr. Paul Napper, a renowned psychology expert and business consultant, has developed a science-based approach to living life on our own terms. In his latest book, “The Power of Agency,” co-authored with Dr. Anthony Rao, Dr. Napper outlines seven empowering steps that anyone can use to take charge of their life. Of the seven principles, Dr. Napper tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, one that is particularly important during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is to associate yourself with supportive positive people who you can learn from. Hear all seven of Dr. Napper’s steps now and start off 2021 fresh; ready to succeed regardless of what life throws your way. [Resolve to purchase your own copy of “The Power of Agency” here.] Photo: Dr. Paul Napper, Performance Psychology Consulting Posted: December 21, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 51:16

Bill Fox is helping businesses in the United States design the workplaces of the future, from, of all places, his base in Estonia. American-born and educated, Fox is co-founder of Forward-Thinking Workplaces and the author of The Future of the Workplace. With more than three decades of experience in project management and leading successful transformations, he’s now focused on helping organizations get more done with fewer people. In addition to his own leadership experience, Fox tells host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart that to formulate his “Forward-Thinking Workplaces” approach, he interviewed more than 100 top global business leaders and executives. To learn how your workplace can become forward-thinking, and to discover why Fox runs his operations out of Estonia, you’ll have to listen in for yourself, right now. [Pick up your own copy of Bill's book, The Future of the Workplace: Insights and Advice from 31 Pioneering Business and Thought Leaders, here.] Photo: Bill Fox, Forward-Thinking WorkplacesPosted: December 14, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 44:53

Matt Murray, editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, describes Joann S. Lublin as relentless, blunt, persistent, honest, collegial, exhaustive, and exhausting. Joann, arguably the nation’s top authority on careers and management, is the author of the forthcoming book, Power Moms: How Executive Mothers Navigate Work and Life. For the book, she interviewed 86 executive moms and 25 of their grown daughters to document the rapidly changing landscape facing women in the “C-Suite.” Power Moms, says host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart, is not only for women on the rise or already at the top but also for men who still have lots to learn about making parenthood work for all employees. Photo: Joann S. Lublin, Power MomsPosted: December 7, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 44:51

Charles Duhigg is the mega-bestselling author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better. His books use masterful storytelling and real-life examples to help readers be more productive, and improve all aspects of their lives. Shortly after The Power of Habit was first published in 2012, host and award-winning journalist Dean Rotbart interviewed him for this podcast. Earlier this month, Dean caught up with Charles again to discuss both books and how he applies the lessons of his writing to his own life. This week on Monday Morning Radio, peel back the covers and delve into the mind of one of this decade’s most successful business authors. Photo: Charles Duhigg, AuthorPosted: November 30, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 43:06

Tim Ringo has some unconventional ideas about how owners and CEOs can inspire greater productivity from their employees and turbocharge their companies’ profitability. Among these: hire people on the Autism spectrum, forget about requiring a college degree for job candidates, and use robots to replace employees who hold repetitive, mundane jobs — retraining the displaced workers for better, higher-paying positions. Tim, with more than 30 years in the Human Resources field, is the author of the newly published book, “Solving the Productivity Puzzle: How to engage, motivate and develop employees to improve individual and business performance.” This week, Tim shares with host Dean Rotbart why he believes America is entering a “perfect storm” of new opportunities for employees and organizations. Photo: Tim Ringo, Solving the Productivity PuzzlePosted: November 23, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 42:06

Four-time Olympic athlete Ruben Gonzalez likes to recite the Proverb “Iron sharpens iron,” in explaining the philosophy of his new Facebook group, the Goal Achievers Club. Launched earlier this month, the group not only relies on Ruben himself for success and leadership tips, it draws on its growing roster of accomplished owners and entrepreneurs to share the wisdom of their experiences. Host Dean Rotbart first interviewed Ruben — a much-in-demand corporate speaker and author — four years ago, when the two discussed how he overcame a lack of athletic talent to become the first Olympian ever to compete in four Olympic games in four different decades. This go-around, Ruben shares the formula he’s using to attract and grow a quality membership to his Goal Achievers Club and why other ambitious entrepreneurs might want to sign up (it’s free, of course). [Note: Listeners can register as a member of Ruben’s Goal Achievers Club and get a free copy of his popular e-book at RubenU.com.] Photo: By TimeinaBottlePhotographyPosted: November 16, 2020Monday Morning Run Time: 44:42