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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Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Pamela Trigg of JAJO Divorce Solutions
Denver, CO - Divorce is never easy, but Pamela Trigg is on a mission to show that it can mark the beginning of a brighter, more secure future. As the founder of JAJO Divorce Solutions (pronounced “Jay-Joe”), Pamela leverages over 30 years of financial expertise and first-hand experience to help clients rediscover emotional assurance and financial understanding during and after divorce.Pamela’s journey to founding JAJO Divorce Solutions is both personal and professional. After a long career in corporate finance, she found herself navigating the choppy waters of divorce despite her background in numbers. “Even with my experience in business and accounting, I struggled with the process,” she shares. “It was not just the legal and financial hurdles, but the emotional unraveling that caught me off guard.”Pamela recognized that many women were even less prepared, especially when it came to their overall financial picture. The realization struck in a divorce recovery group, where she witnessed the anxiety that uncertainty causes. “I was surprised and a little disheartened to see how many of my own and other women’s greatest fears revolved around not knowing what their financial lives would look like after divorce.”This experience lit a spark. Combining her aptitude for numbers and her desire to help others facing similar crossroads, Pamela became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). Unlike attorneys, a CDFA specializes in deciphering the financial implications of divorce. “Although attorneys facilitate settlement negotiations, their primary role is to advocate for their client’s legal rights. A CDFA, on the other hand, helps clients understand the short- and long-term financial implications of divorce settlements. They can provide expert guidance on things such as asset division, tax consequences, retirement plans, and post-divorce budgeting to support informed, equitable decisions.” Pamela explains.Three Key Messages Drive Pamela’s Practice:• Divorce as a Reset, Not an Ending: “Divorce is difficult. It shakes your foundation. But it can also be a turning point and a chance to reset,” Pamela says. She relates to her own story of picking up the pieces, taking things one day at a time, and realizing a new beginning is possible.• Clarity Creates Confidence: “Most people’s biggest fear is the unknown, especially where money is concerned. My role is to educate clients so they can move forward with confidence,” Pamela explains. She enjoys seeing the relief that comes when clients have full knowledge of their financial picture and understand their options.• Support Every Step of the Way: “No one should feel they have to figure this out alone. I understand that emotional stress can impair one’s judgment. Having an experienced professional in your corner is immensely reassuring.”JAJO Divorce Solutions works in three distinct capacities: (1) as a financial advocate for individuals, (2) as a neutral party assisting both spouses in amicable or collaborative situations, and (3) as a financial resource for divorce attorneys requiring detailed analysis or data preparation. “Every divorce is unique. Some people need an advocate, others need a bridge, and some simply want clarity. I adapt to what helps my clients move forward.”Pamela’s experience underscores her approach. Having balanced a demanding finance career while raising two sons, she understands both the mechanics and the heartache of starting over. Her company name, JAJO, even reflects her personal journey, honoring her sons Jacob and Jonathan. “They are the heart behind why I care so deeply about helping others move through this process.”Beyond the Numbers: A Blend of Expertise and EmpathyPamela’s warm, approachable style sets her apart in a field that can often be seen as formal and impersonal. “I want clients to feel supported - not just with spreadsheets and legal forms, but emotionally as well. A divorce doesn’t just divide assets. It changes lives. My goal is to make sure my clients gain financial knowledge regarding their unique situation, giving them confidence as they rebuild their lives.”Pamela has honest conversations with her clients on topics such as alimony, child support, and the reality of lifestyle shifts post-divorce, advocating for practical solutions.A New Chapter for Every ClientJAJO Divorce Solutions continues to grow, with most new clients referred by word of mouth. Looking ahead, Pamela’s vision is clear: “I want to help as many people as possible move from fear and confusion toward hope, security, and a new sense of self.”Her message to everyone facing divorce is simple: “There is life after divorce. It may not be the one you planned, but it can still be beautiful—and you don’t have to walk that path alone.”About JAJO Divorce Solutions:JAJO Divorce Solutions, led by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Pamela Trigg, provides tailored financial guidance to individuals and couples navigating the complexities of divorce. Based in Denver, CO, JAJO serves clients both locally and virtually, offering clarity, compassion, and a confident path forward.For more information about Pamela Trigg and JAJO Divorce Solutions, please visit https://www.JAJOdivorcesolutions.com/
Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Spiritual Guide and Nature Advocate Rita Faruki of Sacred Earth Walks
Sedona, AZ - In a world often dominated by digital distractions and concrete jungles, Rita Faruki, founder of Sacred Earth Walks, shines as a guide for anyone longing to reconnect with the natural world—and with themselves. From Moroccan classrooms to the red rocks of Arizona, Rita’s journey has been anything but ordinary, and now she is inviting everyone to take their own sacred steps, with curiosity and courage, toward lives of meaning and joy.From the Peace Corps to Red Rocks: The Making of a GuideRita Faruki’s story begins after her college graduation, when she joined the Peace Corps and found herself in Morocco. Immersed in a world vastly different from home, Rita quickly learned about resiliency, creative problem-solving, and what it truly means to stand on one’s own two feet. “I thought independence meant being alone,” she reflects. “But what I discovered is that real independence is not being tethered to others’ expectations or judgments. It’s about holding your own truth and acting from that foundation.”Resourcefulness became second nature, whether that meant teaching English when supplies ran out or finding new ways to connect across cultures and languages. Rita’s later experiences on the Navajo reservation at Rock Point, Arizona, only deepened her appreciation for nature’s vastness and the richness of human diversity. “I fell in love with those immense red-rock landscapes,” she says. “The stars at night were so brilliant they could make you cry.”The Call of Dark SkiesRita’s passion for nature extends to fiercely advocating for “dark sky” communities—places where the stars can still tell their ancient stories unmarred by artificial lights. She educates others about the importance of darkness not only for our spirits, but also for wildlife, trees, and the unseen cycles of life. “Our circadian rhythms, the birds, the insects—so many beings need darkness for their well-being,” she explains. “Motion sensors, targeted lighting—small changes make a big difference.”A Life Rooted in Resilience and ConnectionWith a life shaped by her Palestinian-Irish roots and global experiences, Rita’s perspective is both broad and deeply personal. She shares stories of her father’s odyssey from Palestine to Egypt and, decades later, back to the family’s ancestral land. “My father’s journey taught me the power of memory, persistence, and healing,” Rita reflects. “Sometimes closure comes in ways we don’t expect, and often, it is the courage to show up in person that makes all the difference.”This wisdom threads through her work as a guide, healer, and teacher. Rita believes in the irreplaceable magic of being physically present. “Technology is wonderful, but it can’t replace the heart’s energy,” she explains. “When we gather in person, the synchronicities multiply, and the real work begins.”Sacred Earth Walks: Shamanic Practice, Medicine Wheels, and MoreThrough Sacred Earth Walks, Rita draws on decades of study and practice in shamanism, energy healing, and indigenous wisdom. Her approach honors the interconnectedness of all beings and guides clients to expand their own spiritual toolboxes. “Shamanism is ancient and universal,” Rita shares. “It teaches us that our world is part of a vast, invisible tapestry—and that our thoughts and intentions shape what we experience.”A favorite teaching tool is the medicine wheel, with its six sacred directions—each offering lessons, energies, and guidance. On her own land in Arizona, Rita maintains a living medicine wheel, inviting participants to “map their consciousness” and honor the support available in every moment.Rita’s philosophy is practical and kind-hearted. She encourages people to recognize the rhythms of their bodies and the need for daily “micro-vacations”—pauses to realign, breathe, and restore. “Our culture glorifies constant striving and goal-setting,” she notes. “But sometimes, the most important progress happens when we soften, listen, and allow ourselves to simply be.”Whether teaching about ultradian rhythms, guiding nature walks, or sharing stories from her global adventures, Rita brings humor, warmth, and a deep respect for individual paths.As she sees it, “Earth is a school, and the lessons never really end.” Rita’s role is to offer tools, insights, and encouragement so that each person can journey a little lighter, a little wiser, and a little closer to their own truth.For those ready to step onto a new path—or rediscover one that’s always been beneath their feet—Sacred Earth Walks with Rita Faruki offers a unique invitation to adventure, insight, and connection.About Sacred Earth WalksFounded by Rita Faruki, Sacred Earth Walks offers in-person retreats, shamanic experiences, and nature-based guidance in Sedona, Arizona. Rita brings decades of teaching, conservation, and cross-cultural experience to her work, helping clients reconnect with the wisdom of the Earth and the deeper currents of their own lives.For more information about Rita Faruki and Sacred Earth Walks, please visit https://sacredconcierge.com/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Pamela Kenyon of Kenyon Insurance Agency
Worcester, NY - Established entrepreneur and distinguished professional Pamela Kenyon, carries with her nearly four decades of experience, years marked by resilience, dedication, and deep commitment to the people she serves. To her clients, insurance is often a stressful maze. To Pamela, it is an opportunity to guide, protect, and reassure. And that is precisely what she has done, day after day, for almost forty years.Her story begins in Worcester, New York, where she grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a natural talent for helping others. After earning her Associate of Applied Science degree from SUNY Cobleskill, she began her professional life in office administration. Those early roles, including her position as an office manager at Northwest Mutual, taught her organizational discipline and attention to detail that would later become hallmarks of her career.But her path truly took shape in 1986 when she joined Joseph J. Kenyon Inc., the family-owned insurance agency. What began as a job in customer service quickly grew into something more meaningful: a calling. She learned to listen closely to clients’ needs, to translate industry complexity into clarity, and to treat each policy not as a transaction but as a promise of protection.With every policy written and every family helped, she grew not just in skill but in confidence. She learned the insurance business from the inside out, sharing lessons that went far beyond insurance forms and underwriting. She also learned the value of patience, the importance of understanding people, and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted advisor.When she eventually took ownership of the agency in 2015, rebranding it as Kenyon Insurance Agency, she stepped into a legacy while simultaneously building one of her own. She expanded services, modernized operations, and built a reputation rooted in exceptional customer care. To her clients, she is not merely an agent, she is an advocate.Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Senator Peter Oberacker honored her as the New York State Woman of Distinction for the 51st Senate District—an achievement highlighted in the Times-Journal and celebrated across her community. For Ms. Kenyon, the award was more than a recognition of professional success; it was a tribute to the values she’s upheld her entire life: service, integrity, and compassion.Beyond the office, Ms. Kenyon’s impact continues. She supports breast cancer research, donates to local fire departments, and helps fund activities in nearby towns and schools. Her commitment to community well-being is woven into everything she does—both personally and professionally.She is also a creator in her own right, contributing to the 2025 publication PROGRESS Looking Forward, a project showcasing the agency’s growth, vision, and longstanding roots in the region.Despite her many achievements, Ms. Kenyon remains grounded. She enjoys walking, cherishes time with her family, and finds joy in the simple moments shared with her spouse, James, their three children, and eight grandchildren. Ask her what matters most, and she answers without hesitation: family and community.As she looks to the future, she intends to continue growing her agency with optimism and purpose, carrying forward the lessons that shaped her career while remaining committed to the people who have always been at the heart of her work.In the end, her story is not just about insurance—it is about a woman who built a career by putting people first. And that is the legacy she continues to strengthen every day.For more information about our guest, please visit https://kenyoninsurance.com/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Professor and Author of “Discrimination” Kenneth J. Welch
Springfield, MA - Author Kenneth Welch brings a unique perspective to the national conversation on discrimination with his newest book, “Discrimination.” Drawing on decades of experience as both an accounting professional and a college educator, Welch delivers practical tools for business leaders and communities alike to help reduce workplace discrimination and encourage fair treatment for all.Kenneth Welch’s professional journey began in the fast-paced world of accounting, working closely with business owners to analyze financial statements and guide major decisions. It didn’t take long for him to realize that advising was more than just numbers; it was about helping people think, solve problems, and lead with integrity. “When clients asked about expanding or buying new equipment, our job was to help them analyze their options. I was basically teaching, showing them how to think through the consequences and make sound decisions,” explains Welch.Welch took his talent for teaching from the boardroom to the classroom, spending years instructing accounting courses at local colleges. It was there that a new challenge emerged. “I started noticing that younger generations were having real difficulty thinking outside the box,” he says. “Simple questions, like how many zeros are in a trillion, or classic problem-solving riddles, would trip them up. Most could follow instructions, but they weren’t developing independent reasoning skills.”According to Welch, this lack of critical thinking is more than a classroom issue; it is a growing concern in the workforce. In today’s digital-first environment, Welch observes that young professionals often rely heavily on technology and quick on line solutions, rather than developing the analytical muscles needed for real-world problem solving. He attributes some of this to modern parenting dynamics and the prevalence of electronic distractions at home. “Parents are busy, kids have access to every gadget, and there’s a real gap when it comes to guiding children to think for themselves,” he explains.Welch brings these insights into his approach to both business leadership and the fight against discrimination at work. As someone who grew up in a diverse, large family where acceptance was taught by example, he believes that meaningful change happens when workplaces foster honest dialogue and ongoing education, not just compliance with the letter of the law.In “Discrimination,” Welch provides actionable strategies for business managers and human resources departments to create more inclusive environments. He advocates for regular meetings to discuss current discrimination laws, review updates, and share best practices for managing diverse teams. “HR has a vital role, not only in communicating policies but in making sure everyone understands and respects each other. It’s about working together, keeping the focus on the shared goals of the organization, and reducing unnecessary conflicts,” he notes.Welch candidly addresses the roots of discrimination, emphasizing that while laws are essential, true progress depends on addressing personal attitudes and biases, which too often, are deeply rooted in upbringing and individual experiences. He suggests that businesses take a proactive approach by combining legal education with open conversations, periodic training, and support systems for those struggling with prejudice.Welch’s faith and community involvement offer another layer to his perspective. Active in his local Catholic parish, he draws parallels between the values of acceptance in his church community and what he believes is possible in the workplace. “Whether at church picnics or in the office, when people from all backgrounds come together, share their stories, and break bread, it creates genuine understanding,” he reflects.“Discrimination” explores case studies, real-life scenarios, and Welch’s own experiences to illustrate how managers can reduce friction and help every employee feel valued. He rejects the notion that one-size-fits-all solutions can erase discrimination, acknowledging that it is an ongoing challenge affected by culture, economics, and personal histories. However, he maintains that steady effort through education, honest conversation, and a commitment to fairness can make a significant difference.“Ultimately, it’s not just about following rules. It’s about treating each other decently and remembering why we’re all there in the first place—to work together and make the organization successful. When you build that kind of teamwork and respect, everyone wins,” Welch says.With “Discrimination,” Kenneth Welch offers both a thoughtful reflection and a practical handbook for leaders, educators, and anyone interested in building a fairer workplace. Readers will find wisdom drawn from a lifetime of helping others think sharper, act justly, and bridge divides that too often hold organizations and communities back.About Kenneth WelchKenneth Welch is an author, educator, and business advisor with decades of experience in accounting and higher education. His work focuses on practical strategies for solving real-world problems, with a special emphasis on fairness and thoughtful leadership in today’s workplaces.For more information about Kenneth J. Welch, PhD, CPA, or “Discrimination,” please visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/868412-discrimination/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Professor Emerita Dr. Cynthia Darche Park, PhD of the Institute For Transformative Education at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - Dr. Cynthia Darche Park, Professor Emerita at San Diego State University and Director of the Institute for Transformative Education, is inspiring a fresh perspective on education that connects personal history, cultural identity, and hands-on experience. Drawing from her lifelong journey as an educator that began as a teenager in the Girl Scouts, Dr. Park’s work and the Institute’s initiatives are reshaping the way educators and students approach teaching, learning, and self-development.Growing up surrounded by educators, Dr. Park first discovered her gift for teaching at the age of 14 while leading younger Girl Scouts in song. “I was just able to stand up, teach them, and help them have fun,” she recalls. She attributes her early confidence to watching her mother, an educator, and learning intuitively from family experiences. These formative moments helped her realize that many essential teaching skills are not innate for everyone and that effective guidance, as well as positive interaction, can be learned.This understanding lies at the core of the Institute for Transformative Education at SDSU. The Institute is dedicated to guiding students and educators not just to improve skill sets, but also to re-imagine their own potential and influence. Dr. Park differentiates between continuous improvement (getting incrementally better at a skill) and the deeper change that happens when a person shifts how they see themselves and interact with the world. Her approach is as much about personal growth as it is about professional progress.A critical turning point in Dr. Park’s career came when, after taking on three major educational grants simultaneously, she recognized the need for outside support. “I was really in over my head. That’s when I realized the importance of reflection and rethinking how I worked with others,” she shares. This led her to a long-term relationship with a consultant, illustrating her belief that real change rarely happens in isolation. Dr. Park emphasizes the value of identifying mentors, consultants, and sponsors who can provide the honest feedback and cultural insight necessary for meaningful professional and personal development.The Institute’s unique approach integrates academic coursework with real-world service learning, particularly in underrepresented communities. “What we’re teaching is not just content; it’s collaboration, reflection, and the ability to connect classroom knowledge to community service,” Dr. Park explains. Students at SDSU engage in service-learning courses that require them to work hands-on in local schools, connecting theory to practice. These experiences are intentionally structured, with reflection exercises helping students draw connections between their actions and their growth as individuals.Dr. Park’s research also highlights the importance of developing a personal voice, especially for women and students from historically marginalized backgrounds. At the Institute, students are encouraged to explore who they are and what they want, rather than simply responding to external expectations. Through projects like “Voices from the Third Space,” students write autoethnographies (personal narratives that explore their cultural backgrounds and educational journeys). “Many women I’ve worked with struggle to articulate what they want for themselves. Our programs help them find that voice, which is a liberating experience,” Dr. Park notes.The Institute actively addresses the differences between transactional and deeper learning environments. Dr. Park critiques traditional teaching methods that rely solely on lectures or checklists. “If you want people to learn, you have to engage as most people don’t really know how to listen,” she says. Service-learning at SDSU is designed to be collaborative and interactive, moving away from passive learning towards active participation and group reflection.In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, Dr. Park argues that the biggest challenge is cultivating better educators prepared to guide holistic student development. “You have to have really good teachers, and there aren’t enough out there,” she emphasizes. She advocates for teacher preparation that goes beyond technical skills to include reflection, critical thinking, and the ability to facilitate meaningful discussion and growth among students.The Institute’s work bridges disciplines, drawing connections between science, the humanities, and the arts. Dr. Park is a strong advocate for integrating creative disciplines into STEM education, emphasizing that science is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about embracing change and creativity. She recounts supporting colleagues who successfully combined scientific and artistic perspectives, helping students and teachers alike discover new dimensions of learning.Looking ahead, Dr. Park and the Institute continue to develop models for authentic service-learning and research that encourage students to reflect, collaborate, and grow. Their approach equips students not just for academic success, but for lifelong self-discovery and adaptability. As Dr. Park sums it up: “Listen to your intuition. Very often, what you’ve suffered can educate you more than your accolades.”About the Institute for Transformative Education at SDSU:The Institute is dedicated to connecting academic learning with hands-on community experience, supporting students and educators to develop both professional expertise and deep personal insight. Programs include service-learning courses, research on student narratives, and support for underrepresented groups in education and health sciences.For more information about Cynthia Darche Park, PhD and the Institute For Transformative Education at San Diego University, please visit https://ite.sdsu.edu/directory/cynthia-park-ite/ and https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/528463/cynthia-darche-park-phd-presented-with-the-albert-nelson-marquis-lifetime-achievement-award-by-marquis-whos-who/
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