Close Up Radio
Close Up Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and radio hosts/media personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaini
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Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Licensing Agent Stephanie Glamack for the Book “Littluns and the Book of Darkness”
West Bloomfield, NY - Stephanie Glamack, licensing agent and passionate advocate for the enchanting adventure “Littluns and the Book of Darkness,” is opening up about the deeply personal journey that led her to champion her late brother’s animated fantasy masterpiece. With family history, perseverance, and creative devotion at the heart of her story, Stephanie is not only searching for the right producer to bring Littluns to an even wider audience, she is also offering a message about honoring one’s own dreams and those of loved ones.A Family Story Etched in Bold StrokesStephanie Glamack’s story is anything but ordinary. Born the youngest of three siblings, her early years unfolded under the long shadow of a unique family legacy. Her father, George Glamack, first became a basketball legend when he played for the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina (1938-1941). His number, 20, is retired and hanging in the Dean Smith arena at Chapel Hill and includes a two-time All-American title in 1940 and 1941, and a two-time Helms Foundation Player of the Year. Later, he became a professional legend and celebrated NBL/NBA player (1941-1949), joining the Rochester Royals in 1945. His skills on the court were quite impressive for that era. Yet, the household was far from simple glory. The competitive intensity and expectations that came with athletic fame left indelible marks on the Glamack children.Stephanie’s brother, Mark, inherited his father’s height and, potentially, his ticket to a basketball career at North Carolina. However, his heart was set elsewhere in animation. Against the current of family tradition and heavy parental hopes, Mark plotted a quiet escape. As soon as he graduated high school, he drove off to California, leaving police searches and paternal confusion behind, all in pursuit of his true calling at Disney.“When your family is rooted in one history, and you’re called to something completely different, it takes courage to go your own way,” Stephanie reflects. “Mark wanted to animate, not dribble a ball, and he had to fight for that. His fight has stayed with me.”Navigating Generational Lessons and ChangeThe Glamack saga is not just about basketball and animation—it’s about how parents and children walk the tightrope between protection, expectation, and letting go. Stephanie watched her brother’s struggle from the sidelines, inheriting both the ache of estrangement and the inspiration of persistence.“My father’s generation did not know how to help someone come down from the high of fame or how to let their kids follow new paths,” she shares. “I learned from that. I watched Mark do what made him happy, even if it meant breaking with tradition.”Stephanie’s candidness about her own role as a parent brings the story full circle. Facing the familiar anxiety of steering her own son’s future, Stephanie has chosen to support rather than steer, allowing him to find his unique path. “You want to protect your kids, to give advice, but they have to make their own way. I learned from my father's and brother's relationship that happiness does not come from fulfilling someone else’s dream.”A Passion Project Built on Talent—“Littluns and the Book of Darkness”At the center of Stephanie’s mission is her brother’s project, “Littluns and the Book of Darkness,” a richly illustrated, 411-page adventure that weaves themes of courage, individuality, and hope. Shaped by his years at Disney and inspired by stories of perseverance, Mark Glamack’s talent as an animator shines through every page.Stephanie acknowledges the challenges of getting such a distinctive work into the right hands. “Animation isn’t always the easiest sell, but it was Mark’s passion. He poured himself into Littluns, and I carry that torch now. I’m not doing this for the money. I want to see talent get its chance, to finish the work he began.”Her determination stretches to every detail, from handling inventory to navigating the complexities of Amazon sales and distribution. She is determined to ensure the integrity of her brother’s work is protected and presented as he intended.Seeking the Right Creative PartnerStephanie is on the lookout for producers and creative partners who recognize the unique possibilities within “Littluns and the Book of Darkness.” With its original artwork and fully realized characters, the project offers a rare opportunity for adaptation and one that sidesteps the need for extensive development from scratch.“I’m ready to work with those who see the value in what Mark created,” Stephanie says. “It’s all here, characters, story, vision. All it needs now is someone who believes in stories that celebrate independence and creativity.”She is also acutely aware of the challenges facing the entertainment industry, from shifting attention spans to the rise of AI in creative fields. Still, Stephanie remains optimistic. “The heart of a good story is universal, and Littluns delivers that. The right producer will see that, too.”Legacy, Resilience, and an Open InvitationStephanie Glamack’s journey is an example of the power of honoring family, embracing change, and daring to support creative dreams—even when it means rewriting your own story. She invites producers, publishers, and fans alike to explore the world her brother built and to consider joining the adventure. “Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is to help someone else finish telling their story,” Stephanie emphasizes.About “Littluns and the Book of Darkness”Written and illustrated by veteran animator Mark Glamack, “Littluns and the Book of Darkness” is a 411-page fantasy adventure for all ages. Rich in hand-drawn artwork and meaningful storytelling, the book explores timeless themes of community, courage, and the quest for identity.For more information about Stephanie Glamack and “Littluns and the Book of Darkness”, please visit https://www.littluns.net/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Career Ownership Coach Christine Melekian of The Entrepreneur’s Source
Washington, DC - In an era when career pivots are more a necessity than a luxury, Christine Melekian of The Entrepreneur’s Source is offering a free, accessible, and a refreshingly candid path to business ownership. Her unique, no-pressure coaching approach is helping professionals nationwide rethink their career possibilities and explore business ownership through franchising as a practical solution to achieving greater control over their income, lifestyle, wealth, and equity.No Fees, No Pressure, Just PossibilityChristine Melekian stands out in the crowded world of career coaching and consulting for one key reason: her services cost clients nothing. Instead, Christine is compensated only when her client decides to invest in a franchise and the franchise itself pays her a placement fee. This means her sole focus is on education, genuine exploration, and finding the right fit for each person, without hard selling or obligations.“We create a genuinely safe space where people can think about what they actually want without judgment, pressure, and any upfront cost,” explains Christine. “Many of my clients start out convinced that business ownership is out of reach, but through conversation, exploration, and real-world examples, they discover it’s much more attainable than they ever imagined.”ILWE: Rethinking Success on Your Own TermsA cornerstone of Christine’s method is the ILWE concept: Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity. She guides her clients through these four priorities, helping them reflect on what matters most and how business ownership can offer a path to those goals.“Most people end up in their careers by accident. Out of financial necessity, they take the first job that’s offered, then years later, wonder how they ended up in a field that doesn’t fit them,” Christine reflects. “We encourage people to get intentional, to ask themselves tough questions, and to identify what’s truly important.”Business Ownership Is for EveryoneChristine and The Entrepreneur’s Source franchise network represent more than 250 franchise brands that include a vast range of industries. While many think of fast food when they hear “franchise,” Christine’s roster includes everything from business consulting to property management, pet services, senior care, automotive, children’s services, logistics, marketing, and much more. Notably, food businesses represent only a small slice of the options available.“Whatever your skill set or interests, there’s probably a franchise for it,” shares Christine. “And you don’t need prior industry experience. Franchisors provide thorough training and support, which is a major advantage over starting a business from scratch.”Christine’s clients come from all walks of life: millennials burned by multiple layoffs, mid-career professionals seeking a fall back plan, seasoned executives looking for flexibility, and retirees looking for a productive way to spend their next chapter. For example, two recent clients started franchises while keeping their full-time jobs, with their spouses running the day-to-day operations. The flexibility to design your own path is a recurring theme.Why Not Just Start a Business Alone?According to Christine, the franchise model relieves the isolation and guesswork that often intimidate would-be entrepreneurs. “When you invest in a franchise, you’re investing in a ready-made system, ongoing training, and a network of support. The difference in ramp-up and sustainability is huge,” she notes. “For many, the risk of going it alone is overwhelming and franchising dramatically lowers those barriers.”No Obligation, Just EncouragementChristine is upfront about her process: “Most people who work with me don’t invest in a franchise, and that’s okay. My reviews are filled with people who say our conversations clarified their goals and helped with their next career moves, even if it wasn’t business ownership. All I ask for is honesty, openness, and respect for my time.”A Career Coach Who’s Walked the WalkHaving navigated her own career crossroads, Christine brings both empathy and practical wisdom to her work. Her journey includes roles in operations, nonprofits, and international development, and she’s not shy about sharing the “dark nights” that led her to coaching. Her clients often find themselves reflecting on life’s big questions, sometimes for the first time.“I want people to realize they don’t have to stay stuck in careers they never chose,” emphasizes Christine. “It’s never too late to choose something better.”What’s Next for Christine Melekian?Christine’s love for her work is palpable. With the flexibility to coach from anywhere, Christine is committed to helping more professionals discover new possibilities. She’s considering how to expand her reach and is focused on leaving every client in a better place, whether they become business owners or simply gain clarity for their next move.For more information about Christine Melekian, Career Counselor with The Entrepreneur’s Source®, please visit the following pageshttps://cmelekian.esourcecoach.com/ https://cmelekian.esourcecoach.com/meet-career-coach-christine-melekian/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-melekian-930186239/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Psychiatrist, Telehealth Pioneer, and Author Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai
Easton, PA - Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD, one of the nation’s leading psychiatrists and a pioneer in telepsychiatry, has released a riveting new book detailing his two-year legal battle with the US Department of Justice. In “Doctor Not Guilty” (published July 2024, Amazon #1 Bestseller), Dr. Rifai shares the extraordinary events surrounding his indictment on federal healthcare fraud charges, his steadfast refusal to accept a guilty plea, and his ultimate acquittal by jury verdict.Dr. Rifai’s story is not only one of personal resilience but also a rare look inside the mechanics of federal healthcare investigations, the challenges physicians face under regulatory scrutiny, and the urgent need for reforms within the nation’s legal and medical systems.Pioneering Telepsychiatry Long Before the PandemicDr. Rifai’s dedication to medicine began early, with a natural inclination for psychiatry and a deep interest in understanding human behavior. As a quadruple board-certified physician in psychiatry, internal medicine, addiction medicine, and medical management, as well as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a Fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Dr. Rifai has long been recognized as a leader in his field. He was elected president of his local psychiatric society and has been acknowledged for his innovative work in delivering psychiatric treatment to rural and underserved populations.His work in telepsychiatry began in 2006, well before telehealth became mainstream. Serving thousands of vulnerable patients in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Rifai saved Medicare significant resources while increasing access to mental health care. His efforts were recognized by Medicare, which commended his cost-saving practices and commitment to patient care.In November 2022, at the height of the nationwide shift to telehealth services, the Department of Justice brought four counts of healthcare fraud against Dr. Rifai, alleging that he did not provide psychotherapy in line with government time requirements. Specifically, investigators claimed that his telehealth sessions did not consistently meet the 16-minute minimum for reimbursement, despite documentation to the contrary.Dr. Rifai, who has written manuals and taught courses on telepsychiatry, found himself embroiled in a confusing and contentious legal battle. Despite his compliance with American Medical Association codes and Medicare guidelines, and despite his pioneering status in telehealth, he faced intense pressure to accept a plea agreement. He refused, certain of his innocence and confident in his documentation.“I did not do anything wrong,” Dr. Rifai says. “I followed all the rules, taught others how to do so, and urged my staff to comply with every regulation. Yet I was targeted and prosecuted as an example at a time when telehealth was expanding across the country.”Inside the Six-Day Jury TrialThe federal trial, which began April 30, 2024 and ran for six days, unveiled the weaknesses in the government’s case. The prosecution relied on non-clinical interpretations of Dr. Rifai’s medical notes and brought in an expert who, under cross-examination, reversed her position and admitted that she did not support the government’s charges or its investigation. The government also compelled former staff to testify under threat of prosecution, yet their statements were discredited in open court using their own authenticated documentation.The government’s claims extended to accusing Dr. Rifai of billing for deceased patients, with evidence so inconsistent that it included patients who had died before Dr. Rifai’s medical career began and even before his birth. Ultimately, the jury deliberated less than three hours before returning a definitive “not guilty” verdict on all charges.The Personal Cost and Fight for AccountabilityDr. Rifai’s defense consumed over one million dollars in legal expenses, made possible only by the support of his physician siblings and parents. His acquittal has prompted him to seek reimbursement of attorney fees and sanctions against the prosecutors under the 1997 Hyde Amendment, which allows prevailing defendants to recover costs in cases deemed frivolous, vexatious, or prosecuted in bad faith. That legal fight continues on appeal.“The government’s case was built on a fundamental lack of understanding and a disregard for both evidence and the realities of modern medicine,” Dr. Rifai explains. “Despite all I had done for Medicare, for my patients, and for the profession, I became the target of a baseless prosecution. My story is about the need for accountability, transparency, and reform.”“Doctor Not Guilty” shares Dr. Rifai’s first-hand account of this ordeal, offering important lessons for physicians and professionals facing legal scrutiny. He discusses the critical importance of never speaking directly to investigators without legal counsel, the pitfalls of government quotas in prosecutions, and the disconnect between regulatory agencies and practitioners.“There is a profound disconnect within the system,” Dr. Rifai notes. “While the Department of Justice was trying to convict me, Medicare itself was urging me to continue seeing my patients, knowing that my work was essential. The people who suffer most from these misguided prosecutions are the patients: the elderly, the disabled, and the underserved who rely on dedicated doctors willing to serve rural communities.”A Voice for Physicians and PatientsAs Dr. Rifai resumes his clinical practice and leads the fight for redress, he continues to write and advocate for policy change. His next book, tentatively titled “People V Medicine,” will further document the challenges faced by physicians targeted by regulatory bodies.“Doctor Not Guilty” is available now on Amazon and select booksellers.About Muhamad Aly Rifai, MDDr. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a quadruple board-certified psychiatrist, Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Fellow of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, author, and telehealth pioneer serving Pennsylvania. He is a former NIH researcher and past president of his local psychiatric society. His work has been recognized for advancing patient care in psychiatry and expanding access to mental health services. Dr. Rifai is available for interviews, podcasts, and speaking engagements to discuss his case, his views on healthcare reform, and the future of medicine in America.For more information about Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD and “Doctor Not Guilty,” please visit https://doctornotguilty.com/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Retired Urban Planner Richard G. Bickel
Ardmore, PA - In a world where city planning can feel shrouded in jargon and authority, Richard G. Bickel, retired urban master planner, cuts through the noise with a message that’s as refreshing as it is overdue: urban planning is simply a conversation, not a mystery. After decades shaping communities in the Northeast and beyond, Bickel is charting a new path for the field by replacing intimidation with invitation and top-down mandates with good old-fashioned listening.Bickel’s philosophy rests on the powerful yet under appreciated idea that planning is a communication mechanism, not just a technical discipline. “Everyone should know more about it and not be mystified,” he says. “Urban planning relies on common sense. The real skill is friendly persuasion.” In an era when debates about affordable housing, public transit, and neighborhood character often erupt into acrimony, Bickel’s approach couldn’t be more timely.Rather than showing up to public meetings with a predetermined plan and a planner’s badge, Bickel urges colleagues to recognize their own perspective and affiliations. “As an urban planner, you are usually not an independent actor. You have to see where you’re coming from, who you represent, and how that shapes your vision,” he explains. This humility, rare in stories of urban master builders, distinguishes Bickel from the likes of Robert Moses, whose towering legacy in New York City remains both legendary and cautionary. Moses, as Bickel recounts, wielded exceptional power thanks to political backing and a forceful personality, leaving behind expressways, bridges, and parkways sculpted to his will. But Bickel is quick to point out the perils of unchecked authority: “Most planners would love to have that kind of power, but we never do and that’s for the best.”Bickel’s career has taken him from the neighborhoods of Philadelphia to the ferry docks of Nantucket, confronting the hopes and fears of residents at every stop. He’s seen firsthand how communities react when change comes to their doorstep, sometimes with curiosity, more often with suspicion. The famous “Not In My Backyard” syndrome, or NIMBYism, is a recurring challenge. As Bickel notes, “NIMBY comes up whenever people feel threatened at any scale. Whether it’s a neighborhood facing new development or a city losing funding, the reaction is the same: dig in, delay, defeat.”His tenure at Philadelphia’s public transit agency created a front-row seat to these dynamics. Tasked in the 1990s with managing a new parking garage project adjacent to the Ardmore train station, Bickel faced a roomful of residents convinced that congestion and chaos were imminent. “They didn’t see opportunity, only the worst-case scenario. It took decades before construction finally began.” For Bickel, this underscores the essential work of planners: patiently building trust, answering fears with facts, and, above all, embracing compromise.Central to Bickel’s vision is the delicate dance between growth and the preservation of neighborhood character, which is always a tension that defines cities across America. “From a planner’s perspective, diversity is a good thing,” he observes. But for many suburban homeowners accustomed to uniform blocks of single-family houses, that same diversity can seem like a threat. The mention of affordable housing or mixed-use development can instantly sour the mood, conjuring images of high-rises or unwanted apartments next door. “The social principles of integration and mixed development are alien to most people’s experience,” Bickel reflects. Yet he remains optimistic that, with persistence and genuine dialogue, communities can break down those mental barriers and imagine a broader, more inclusive future.His analysis stretches from the crowded commuter corridors of the Northeast to the rail ambitions of California, tracing the uneven progress of American cities and the distinctive challenges they face. Bickel is quick to highlight the places where architecture, design, and land use have blended with success, citing the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin or the vibrant networks of rail towns outside Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. But he also warns of pitfalls, from ill-conceived infrastructure projects to missed opportunities for compromise.Bickel’s insights are not limited to the drawing board or planning commission. He believes the human stories embedded in every neighborhood are the real blueprint for a thriving city. Whether it’s a generations-old family home or a new arrival seeking community, every voice has a place in the conversation. And for Bickel, the most essential tool isn’t a map or a zoning code, it’s the willingness to listen.As cities today grapple with the growing pains of density, affordability, and changing work patterns, Richard G. Bickel’s legacy offers a road map that is as practical as it is profound. “The theory of planning is one thing,” he says, “but the reality is you’ve got to work with people. Be ready to compromise. That’s what makes a city work.”About Richard G. BickelRichard G. Bickel is a retired urban planner who has served with distinction at the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). He is currently a Senior Advisor at EconSalt, supporting thoughtful, pragmatic approaches to urban planning nationwide.For more information about Richard G. Bickel, please visit https://econsultsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bickel-Richard-G.-Bio-1.pdf/ and https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/526916/richard-g-bickel-faicp-celebrated-for-excellence-in-the-field-of-urban-planning/
Part 3: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Susan Schall of SOS Consulting
Front Royal, VA - Susan O. Schall is a woman with an extraordinary set of skills and engineering education that she parlayed into an engineering career followed by a consulting practice. While her PhD is in industrial engineering, and manufacturing operations are a major segment of those she supports, her work impacts many different operations, processes and levels of leadership. She has delivered $250 million in results driven by process improvements and organizational health methods. In addition to providing operational management for SOS Consulting (clearly derived from her name) Susan volunteers for ABET, a nonprofit global accreditor of STEM education, aligned with her expertise in engineering and quality.Dr. Schall, informally known as just Susan, is also recognized as the founder and operations leader of SOS Consulting, where she works with manufacturing leaders to maximize their leadership potential and improve organizational performance. SOS Consulting was formed in 2004 in response to a friend who sought her out for assistance delivering Six Sigma training to a global food and beverage manufacturer. Recognizing her experiences and approaches have broad application, Dr. Schall diversified her offerings and provides training, coaching and thought leadership for a variety of clients and business segments.“SOS Consulting creates a means for everyone to contribute and create an organization that is more effective and positioned competitively. Most of the clients are smaller manufacturers and nonprofits; teams who have been ignored by the local, state and federal economic development groups. Everything is changing all at once for them. We enable these organizations to deal with productivity, quality, technology, and organization health in this sea of change.”While the bottom line is always ROI and turning a profit, people make it all happen. The best places to work recognize this, and create a workplace where everyone can flourish, which impacts the bottom-line. Those who understand and implement, see a higher return than those who do not (upwards of 13%). She enjoys making that kind of impact. This is one reason she was honored with the Medallion Award from Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. This award recognizes those who make strides in leadership, education and mentoring programs, and plant productivity and quality.Dr Schall has over 30 years of experience that she leverages in all of her engagements. Client industries have included higher education, and non-profits as well as industrial operations.Dr. Schall met with our hosts before and will review some principles she discussed in the past. The last show in her extended series will be an opportunity to review who she is, how she became a consultant, and the type of client companies she focuses on. As she wraps up her shows, she will also talk about the honors and foresight that led to her being recognized as a thought leader in engineering and manufacturing.“There is a famous quote from Robert F Kennedy that meshes with my idea of possibilities. I have great foresight, I grasp systems and data, and I am not afraid to stand up and point things out.”RFK once said “Some see things as they are and say why? I see things as they could be and say why not?” This is what Susan demonstrates in her consulting approach.SOS Consulting is dedicated to solving problems with a six sided approach that appears in their logo and has been outlined in some prior shows. They include operational and leadership improvements and strengthening communication at every level of an organization. In addition to internal partners, she emphasizes the importance of external supplier and customer relations.Dr. Schall’s website further enforces the message: if we don’t execute on organizational health and process improvements, we cannot stay competitive in a sea of change. There are new challenges arising daily: digitization, tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts that impact manufacturers and their ability to thrive. With a new year starting, even more changes are bound to be on the horizon, and Susan O Scahll has the vision and experience it takes to make the most of it. She specializes in supporting the smaller companies and manufacturers who may have been overlooked by other consulting firms.For more information about Dr. Schall, please visit www.execute2compete.com
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