Episode 3739: Poetry, Sufism & Spiritual Beauty | Martin Bidney Explores Goethe, Ibn Arabi & Islamic Tradition

Episode 3739: Family, Hope & Second Chances | Mark Atkins and Miles To Go Before Redemption

What happens when tragedy forces a young teenager to become the strength his family desperately needs? On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Mark Atkins discusses his inspiring debut novel, Miles To Go Before Redemption, a moving coming-of-age story about family, resilience, responsibility, and the healing power of unconditional love. Fourteen-year-old Miles enjoys a life filled with stability, love, and family harmony until an unexpected tragedy changes everything. Suddenly faced with responsibilities beyond his years, Miles steps forward to support his mother and younger siblings while searching for his own identity in the absence of his father. Along the way, he discovers that courage isn't about having all the answers—it's about continuing to move forward, one step at a time. Filled with emotional depth, memorable characters, and powerful life lessons, Miles To Go Before Redemption explores the importance of unity, forgiveness, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds that connect families through life's greatest challenges. In this episode you'll discover: • What inspired Mark Atkins to write his first novel after a successful Wall Street career • Why Miles is a relatable hero for readers of all ages • The powerful themes of family, responsibility, and redemption • How adversity can become an opportunity for personal growth • Why stories about hope and resilience continue to resonate with readers Mark also discusses his own life journey, including his transition from a 35-year career on Wall Street to becoming a novelist, and how his personal experiences helped shape the emotional heart of this compelling story. This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's premier syndicated radio shows and podcasts, featuring engaging conversations with bestselling authors, business leaders, health experts, historians, innovators, and thought leaders. Heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, each episode delivers practical advice, inspiring stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions covering business, personal development, health, wellness, technology, history, education, entertainment, and the issues that matter most. Whether you're drawn to family fiction, coming-of-age novels, inspirational stories, emotional dramas, young adult fiction, or books about resilience and redemption, Ric Bratton's conversation with Mark Atkins offers an uplifting look at the strength of family, the importance of compassion, and the hope that can emerge even after life's greatest hardships. Don't miss this inspiring episode of This Week in America. Keywords: Mark Atkins, Miles To Go Before Redemption, family fiction, coming of age, coming-of-age novel, inspirational fiction, family drama, redemption, resilience, hope, grief and healing, overcoming adversity, second chances, emotional novel, young adult fiction, teen protagonist, family relationships, father and son, parenting, perseverance, courage, compassion, forgiveness, inspirational books, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, debut novel, Wall Street author, African American fiction, character driven fiction, motivational stories, book podcast, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, podcast interview

Episode 3739: Medical Mystery, Murder & Southern Secrets | Susann Camus and Bless Your Heart: A Jeannie Johal Thriller

What happens when a routine healthcare research assignment turns into a murder investigation? On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Susann Camus discusses her gripping novel, Bless Your Heart: A Jeannie Johal Thriller, a suspense-filled story that blends medical research, pharmaceutical intrigue, murder, and Southern charm into an unforgettable page-turner. Healthcare researcher Dr. Jeannie Johal arrives in Greenville, North Carolina, expecting to assist with an important public health study involving a promising new pharmaceutical treatment. Instead, on her very first day, her new boss is murdered, and Jeannie finds herself caught in a dangerous web of sabotage, deception, and hidden agendas. As she searches for the truth, she discovers that everyone has something to hide—and trusting the wrong person could be deadly. Drawing on her background in healthcare and her experience as a Master Gardener, Susann Camus creates an authentic, richly detailed mystery set against the unique backdrop of Greenville and the Pitt County Arboretum. The novel combines compelling characters, realistic medical details, and nonstop suspense that keeps readers guessing until the final pages. In this episode you'll discover: • The inspiration behind the Jeannie Johal thriller series • How Susann's healthcare career influenced her storytelling • Why Greenville, North Carolina, became the perfect setting for a mystery • How gardening, poisonous plants, and medical research become key elements of the story • What makes Jeannie Johal a smart, determined, and relatable heroine This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's premier syndicated radio shows and podcasts, featuring engaging conversations with bestselling authors, business leaders, health experts, historians, innovators, and thought leaders. Heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, each episode delivers practical advice, inspiring stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions covering business, personal development, health, wellness, technology, history, education, entertainment, and the issues that matter most. Whether you're a fan of medical thrillers, crime fiction, murder mysteries, suspense novels, strong female protagonists, pharmaceutical conspiracies, Southern mysteries, or compelling page-turners, Ric Bratton's conversation with Susann Camus offers an inside look at the inspiration behind Bless Your Heart and the creative process of building an unforgettable thriller. Don't miss this exciting episode of This Week in America. Keywords Susann Camus, Bless Your Heart, Jeannie Johal, Jeannie Johal Thriller, medical thriller, murder mystery, crime fiction, suspense thriller, pharmaceutical conspiracy, healthcare thriller, mystery novel, Southern mystery, Greenville North Carolina, Pitt County Arboretum, master gardener, women sleuths, female detective, hospital thriller, epidemiology, healthcare research, public health, suspense novels, page turner, mystery podcast, author interview, thriller books, crime novels, book podcast, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, bestselling thrillers, medical suspense, women in fiction, investigative thriller

Episode 3739: Poetry, Sufism & Spiritual Beauty | Martin Bidney Explores Goethe, Ibn Arabi & Islamic Tradition

Can poetry become a bridge between cultures, faiths, and generations? On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, acclaimed poet, translator, literary scholar, and Professor Emeritus Martin Bidney discusses three extraordinary books that explore the beauty, wisdom, and spiritual richness of Islamic tradition through poetry and intercultural dialogue. Featured works include: Beauty in Islam: Poems of Wholeness, Light, and Concord God the All-Imaginer: Wisdom of Sufi Master Ibn Arabi in 99 Modern Sonnets West-East Divan: The Poems, with "Notes and Essays": Goethe's Intercultural Dialogues Martin Bidney has pioneered a unique literary form he calls Verse Translation with Interview (VTI), creating poetic conversations with some of history's greatest writers and spiritual thinkers, including Goethe, Shakespeare, Rumi, Hafiz, Virgil, and the renowned Sufi philosopher Ibn Arabi. Through these remarkable works, he demonstrates how poetry can transcend time, language, and culture while encouraging understanding between people of different traditions. Drawing on more than six decades of scholarship, over 60 published books, and a lifetime devoted to literature, Bidney shares why poetry remains one of humanity's most powerful tools for discovering beauty, wisdom, and common ground. In this episode you'll discover: • How poetry can foster dialogue across cultures and religions • Why Goethe was inspired by Islamic and Persian literature • The enduring wisdom of Sufi philosopher Ibn Arabi • How Verse Translation with Interview creates conversations across centuries • Why literature continues to inspire empathy, imagination, and spiritual reflection This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's premier syndicated radio shows and podcasts, featuring engaging conversations with bestselling authors, business leaders, health experts, historians, innovators, and thought leaders. Heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, each episode delivers practical advice, inspiring stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. Discover new episodes every week covering business, personal development, health, wellness, technology, history, education, literature, and the issues that matter most. Whether you're interested in world literature, poetry, Islamic studies, Sufism, Goethe, Rumi, comparative religion, intercultural dialogue, philosophy, or spiritual exploration, Ric Bratton's conversation with Martin Bidney offers a fascinating journey into the timeless power of poetry to connect cultures and deepen our understanding of the human experience. Don't miss this enlightening episode of This Week in America. Keywords: Martin Bidney, Beauty in Islam, God the All-Imaginer, West-East Divan, Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Ibn Arabi, Sufism, Sufi philosophy, Rumi, Hafiz, Islamic poetry, Islamic literature, comparative literature, world literature, poetry translation, Verse Translation with Interview, VTI, intercultural dialogue, spiritual poetry, philosophy, religion, comparative religion, English literature, poetry podcast, author interview, literary criticism, poetry translation, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, podcast interview, literary podcast, Islamic tradition, Persian poetry

Episode 3739: Questioning Faith, Identity & Society | Steven Sheets and The Gospel of Steven Sheets

What happens when a deeply personal crisis changes the way you see faith, identity, and the world around you? On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, author Steven Sheets discusses his provocative new book, The Gospel of Steven Sheets, an honest blend of memoir, philosophical reflection, and social commentary inspired by his own life experiences. Following a religiously inspired psychosis, Steven began examining the beliefs, traditions, and social structures that influence the way people think and live. Rather than offering simple answers, he invites readers to wrestle with difficult questions about faith, personal freedom, identity, and the human condition. This is an open and thoughtful conversation about challenging assumptions, finding meaning after personal hardship, and encouraging respectful dialogue—even when perspectives differ. In this episode you'll discover: • How Steven's personal experiences inspired The Gospel of Steven Sheets • Why questioning long-held beliefs can lead to personal growth • The relationship between faith, identity, and individual freedom • How philosophical reflection can help us better understand ourselves • Why meaningful conversations often begin with honest questions rather than easy answers This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's premier syndicated radio shows and podcasts, featuring engaging conversations with today's leading authors, innovators, business leaders, health experts, and thought leaders. Heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, each episode delivers valuable insights, inspiring stories, and practical ideas on business, personal development, health, wellness, technology, history, education, and the issues that matter most. Whether you're interested in faith, philosophy, memoirs, personal transformation, identity, critical thinking, social commentary, or stories of resilience, Ric Bratton's conversation with Steven Sheets offers a fascinating look at one author's search for meaning and his willingness to explore life's most difficult questions. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of This Week in America. Keywords: Steven Sheets, The Gospel of Steven Sheets, faith, identity, memoir, philosophical reflection, philosophy, social commentary, personal transformation, religious psychosis, mental health journey, resilience, belief systems, spirituality, critical thinking, self-discovery, personal growth, human behavior, religion, society, cultural commentary, independent thinker, freedom, life purpose, meaningful conversations, worldview, nonfiction, inspirational author, This Week in America, Ric Bratton, author interview, podcast interview, book podcast, thought-provoking books, memoir podcast, philosophy podcast

Episode 3740: Can One Teen Hold a Family Together? | Mark Atkins on Miles To Go Before Redemption

How do you rebuild your life when everything changes overnight? On this episode of This Week in America with Ric Bratton, first-time novelist Mark Atkins discusses his heartfelt novel, Miles To Go Before Redemption, an inspiring coming-of-age story about family, resilience, responsibility, and hope. When fourteen-year-old Miles loses his father, the stable world he once knew is suddenly turned upside down. Faced with challenges far beyond his years, Miles steps into a new role—helping his mother, guiding his younger siblings, and searching for his own identity while discovering the true meaning of courage, compassion, and redemption. In this inspiring conversation you'll discover: More than a coming-of-age novel, Miles To Go Before Redemption is a moving story about overcoming adversity, embracing responsibility, and discovering that even life's hardest moments can lead to growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, young adult, or simply enjoy inspiring fiction with unforgettable characters, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Subscribe for more inspiring author interviews on This Week in America with Ric Bratton. This Week in America with Ric Bratton is one of America's premier syndicated radio shows and podcasts, featuring engaging conversations with bestselling authors, business leaders, health experts, historians, innovators, and thought leaders. Heard on more than 100 radio stations and podcast platforms worldwide, each episode delivers practical advice, inspiring stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking discussions covering business, personal development, health, wellness, technology, history, education, entertainment, and the issues that matter most. Whether you're drawn to family fiction, coming-of-age novels, inspirational stories, emotional dramas, young adult fiction, or books about resilience and redemption, Ric Bratton's conversation with Mark Atkins offers an uplifting look at the strength of family, the importance of compassion, and the hope that can emerge even after life's greatest hardships. Don't miss this inspiring episode of This Week in America. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964209331?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964209331?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] https://authormarkaatkins.com/ [https://authormarkaatkins.com/] https://christianworksmedia.com/ [https://christianworksmedia.com/] http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/71626macwm.mp3 [http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/71626macwm.mp3] Keywords: Mark Atkins, Miles To Go Before Redemption, family fiction, coming of age, coming-of-age novel, inspirational fiction, family drama, redemption, resilience, hope, grief and healing, overcoming adversity, second chances, emotional novel, young adult fiction, teen protagonist, family relationships, father and son, parenting, perseverance, courage, compassion, forgiveness, inspirational books, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, debut novel, Wall Street author, African American fiction, character driven fiction, motivational stories, book podcast, author interview, Ric Bratton, This Week in America, podcast interview