This Week in America with Ric Bratton

Episode 3726: The Divided Christ: Can Christianity Overcome Denominational Division? | Lenvel E. Hale

THE DIVIDED CHRIST by Lenvel  E. Hale In your hands lie the answers to the most perplexing questions of modern Christianity. We have all experienced frustration and confusion while trying to understand the teachings of the church. From the true purpose of Jesus Christ's arrival nearly 2,000 years ago to the divergent teachings of Sabbath keepers and Sunday keepers, the divisions between the many Christian denominations can be baffling. Hale's thoughtful analysis, The Divided Christ, serves as the bridge that spans the abyss between those divisions to more effectively serve the word of Christ. Motivated by the desire to unify the disparate teachings of the various churches, Hale seeks to recall the original meaning of the scriptures and reveal the truth within them. Reading like a personal journal, The Divided Christ follows the spiritual development of the author as he explores various Christian denominations from the inside and shares his knowledge with you. His conversational tone and presentation of biblical facts, however, enable each reader to draw his or her own conclusions based on the evidence presented. In its efforts to transcend the teachings of people to attain the true meaning of Christ's words, The Divided Christ may serve as an inspiration to begin one's own journey of discovery and as a reference to be used throughout one's life. Lenvel E. Hale is an Arkansas native whose lifelong pursuit of biblical truth inspired his debut book, The Divided Christ. Driven by a desire to reconcile the divisions among Christian denominations, Hale combines his personal experiences with a deep avocational interest in early church manuscripts and anthropological data. An active community leader, Hale sponsors the Faithful Youth Challengers, leads adult Bible studies, and edits a monthly scriptural publication. He is also a member of the NRA and the American Family Association. Hale works as a maintenance supervisor for Whirlpool Corporation and lives in Fort Smith, 1 Arkansas, with his wife, Dolores, with whom he shares four children. He is currently finalizing a collection of poetry. https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Christ-Lenvel-Hale/dp/080593765X#detailBullets_feature_div [https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Christ-Lenvel-Hale/dp/080593765X#detailBullets_feature_div] https://www.primixpublishing.com/ [https://www.primixpublishing.com/] http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/61826lhah.mp3 [http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/61826lhah.mp3]

Episode 3725: Willie and Bo at the Party: A Heartwarming Children's Adventure | Margaret Cardenas

The 'Willie' stories were written for my grandchildren, but they were also enjoyed by the students I worked with, so I decided to share the stories with all children. Willie and Bo were pets owned by Margaret, and for the most part the "Willie" stories depict their true behavior. Welcome! I’m a children’s book author who has spent a lifetime surrounded by kids, adventure, and learning. My journey began in New Mexico, where I originally set out to become a nurse. I loved helping people—but before long, I realized my true calling was working with children. To stay close to my own kids, I opened an in-home daycare. Over time, my work grew into supporting developmentally disabled children—first through specialized programs and later in schools. Each role strengthened my commitment to helping children grow, learn, and thrive. Alongside that work, I served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. The training was intense and the calls were demanding, but the experience shaped me with resilience and compassion. Even after our volunteer fire department closed, neighbors still reach out in emergencies—skills I’m grateful to have, even if I’m no longer officially an EMT. These days, I homeschool four of my seven grandchildren in a schoolhouse I built on my property. Our classroom is lively, curious, and often filled with extra energy when friends and cousins join us during breaks. I encourage the kids to explore music, sports, and new experiences—from violin and saxophone lessons to Taekwondo—because confidence grows when children discover what they love. Adventure is a big part of our lives, too. Together, we’ve gone hot air ballooning, ziplining, skydiving, and even white-water rafting through the Grand Canyon. Moments like these remind me that learning doesn’t just happen at a desk—it happens everywhere, especially when it’s joyful and shared. My books are inspired by the children I’ve known and the adventures we’ve lived. I hope they spark imagination, courage, and curiosity in every young reader. https://www.amazon.com/Willie-Bo-Party-Margaret-Cardenas/dp/1968069429/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title [https://www.amazon.com/Willie-Bo-Party-Margaret-Cardenas/dp/1968069429/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title] https://olympusstoryhouse.com/ [https://olympusstoryhouse.com/] https://margaretcardenas.com/ [https://margaretcardenas.com/] http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/61826mcosh.mp3 [http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/61826mcosh.mp3]

Episode 3724: Peak Performance at Any Age: The Science Behind Athletic Longevity with Jeff Bercovici Weekend of 6-27 seg 3

Why are athletes like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Carli Lloyd continuing to perform at elite levels long after previous generations would have retired? In this fascinating episode of This Week in America, author and journalist Jeff Bercovici explores the cutting-edge science, technology, training methods, and mindset strategies that are redefining what it means to reach—and maintain—peak performance. Drawing from extensive time spent with professional and Olympic athletes, coaches, physicians, and innovators, Bercovici reveals how advances in nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, brain science, and sports medicine are helping athletes extend their careers and perform at extraordinary levels. From cryotherapy and high-intensity interval training to the latest anti-aging technologies, discover what really works, what doesn't, and how everyday people can apply these lessons to improve their own health, fitness, and longevity. Whether you're a sports fan, fitness enthusiast, or simply interested in aging well, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing your potential at any age.

Episode 3723: Peak Performance at Any Age: The Science Behind Athletic Longevity with Jeff Bercovici Weekend of 6-27 seg 2

Why are athletes like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Carli Lloyd continuing to perform at elite levels long after previous generations would have retired? In this fascinating episode of This Week in America, author and journalist Jeff Bercovici explores the cutting-edge science, technology, training methods, and mindset strategies that are redefining what it means to reach—and maintain—peak performance. Drawing from extensive time spent with professional and Olympic athletes, coaches, physicians, and innovators, Bercovici reveals how advances in nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, brain science, and sports medicine are helping athletes extend their careers and perform at extraordinary levels. From cryotherapy and high-intensity interval training to the latest anti-aging technologies, discover what really works, what doesn't, and how everyday people can apply these lessons to improve their own health, fitness, and longevity. Whether you're a sports fan, fitness enthusiast, or simply interested in aging well, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing your potential at any age.

Episode 3722: The Future of Immersive Entertainment: VR, AI, Theme Parks & Experience-Driven Leisure with Michael Mascioni Weekend of 6-27 seg 1

Entertainment is no longer something you simply watch—it’s something you experience. In this episode of This Week in America, Ric Bratton sits down with futurist and author Michael Mascioni to explore the explosive growth of immersive entertainment and how it’s transforming the way we interact with the world around us. Drawing from his book Expanding the Immersive Landscape in Leisure Facilities, Mascioni reveals how technologies like virtual reality (VR), mixed reality, AI, and projection mapping are reshaping everything from theme parks and museums to cruise ships and entertainment districts.  From immersive art installations and escape rooms to interactive theater and next-generation attractions, the boundaries between physical and digital experiences are rapidly disappearing. This conversation dives into the rise of social, interactive entertainment—and why audiences are craving deeper, more engaging experiences than ever before. You’ll discover: *  How VR, AR, and AI are redefining entertainment  *  The rise of immersive attractions like Meow Wolf and AREA15  *  Why passive entertainment is giving way to interactive experiences  *  The future of leisure, storytelling, and shared social experiences  If you’re curious about where entertainment is headed next—or how technology is shaping the future of fun—this episode offers a fascinating look at what’s coming.