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 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Retired Urban Planner Richard G. Bickel
Ardmore, PA - Urban planning in the Philadelphia region has a long, storied history, and few have lived it quite like Richard G. Bickel. From a humble beginning in Montgomery County to overseeing major regional initiatives at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Bickel’s five-decade career maps an evolving landscape of communities, challenges, and solutions threaded together by a commitment to public engagement and pragmatic action.Now retired, Bickel offers his vast experience as a Senior Advisor with Econsult Solutions, a national consultancy with a unique model: blending the fresh energy of its 35-member staff with the wisdom of over 60 senior advisors. For Bickel, retirement has meant selective participation. “If there’s something interesting, I’m happy to get involved,” he says, “but otherwise, I’m enjoying my retirement.”The Accidental PlannerSurprisingly, Bickel didn’t always have his sights set on city grids or transit corridors. “I wanted to be a doctor. I was fascinated by medical dramas in the ‘60s and liked the idea of helping people,” he recalls. Yet, after a run-in with organic chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, Bickel pivoted to sociology and anthropology, areas that more closely matched his curiosity about people, places, and communities. A fateful urban geography course introduced him to the world of planning, prompting him to stay at Pitt for a Master’s in Urban Regional Planning.Assigned as a community planner in Norristown, his first major project took Bickel to Rahway Avenue, a small minority neighborhood surrounded by dead-end streets. Residents were content with their unique arrangement and wanted no thoroughfare slicing through their peace and quiet. Bickel listened—and his recommendation to preserve the neighborhood’s layout became his first successful study. “That experience taught me an important lesson for planning. You cannot go into a community and impose your ideas. You need to talk to people and listen.”From County to Region: A Career Built on CollaborationBickel’s subsequent work at the Montgomery County Planning Commission involved helping local governments with zoning, subdivision, and comprehensive plans. He describes a professional culture “where relationships are critical to implement plans.” This collaborative spirit followed him to the regional stage at DVRPC, where he dealt directly with federal transportation policies, complex funding streams, and the challenge of aligning the interests of nine counties across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.Later, his move to SEPTA deepened his insight into transportation planning—a world of acronyms, technical studies, and, at times, public skepticism. “Credibility is something that planners deal with. You go to a meeting and people wonder, ‘Who is this guy from the county?’” Over time, Bickel learned that trust, transparency, and a willingness to educate are a planner’s best tools.Bickel’s roles also placed him on federal research panels and the American Planning Association, where he served as chapter president for Eastern Pennsylvania, (a uniquely Pennsylvanian position, considering the state had three separate chapters reflecting its diverse regions). He became an advocate for broader perspectives, always returning to the fundamentals: “All transportation issues start with demographics, population, and employment. That’s where planning begins.”Lessons Learned and Challenges AheadThrough the years, Bickel has navigated a shifting landscape of priorities: from infrastructure renewal in the Northeast to managing travel demands and the delicate politics of public-private partnerships. He’s witnessed the rise of NIMBYism (Not in My Back Yard) and the perennial challenge of affordable housing—all issues that remain front-and-center today.Asked about his relationship with technology, Bickel is candid. “No, I don’t use AI now, and I didn’t then. But I was fortunate to have great technical people around me.” His focus has always been people, places, and plain language, qualities that served him well as a communicator and consensus-builder.Bickel is under no illusions about the ease of reform. “If you want to see the ultimate in someone who got things done, it was Robert Moses. He was an implementer, but he didn’t want to be bothered by the concerns of people.” For Bickel, the better path is clear: “Selling planning is a communications effort and requires trying to get people to understand your concepts. And a successful planner is always prepared for compromise.”Richard G. Bickel’s decades of work in urban planning offers more than a resume, it provides a blueprint for how cities and regions can tackle the obstacles ahead. Honored to have worked with planning commission members who were citizen-based at the local, county, and regional levels, as well as elected officials at all levels, his advice for the next generation is simple: “You need a comprehensive approach to implementation and not get sidelined into just one thing. Talk to people, listen, and be ready to adapt.”As the Philadelphia region continues to grow and change, it does so with the benefit of Bickel’s wisdom. His story stands as a reminder that great planning starts, and ends, with people.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/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Tech Leader and Podcast Host Kenneth Johnson
Celina, TX - Kenneth Johnson, Director and Solution Engineering Manager at Microsoft, brings a wealth of real-world experience, from military service to tech leadership, to the ongoing conversation about safety, security, and digital growth in today’s connected world. Through his perspectives and his “Secured with Dr. KJ” podcast, Johnson highlights that at the core of technological progress lies a simple truth: education and transparency are essential for everyone, from digital natives to the tech-wary.With over a decade in the United States Air Force, Johnson sharpened his skills first as a jet engine mechanic on F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s, and later as a technologist bridging the worlds of defense, commercial banking, telecom, and enterprise technology. His journey has instilled a deep commitment to lifelong learning and the conviction that every individual and organization must proactively adapt to ongoing digital transformation.Practical Advice from Decades on the Front Lines“Education is everything,” Johnson emphasizes. “Whether you’re fixing a jet engine or learning to use a smartphone, you can’t skip the basics. The same principle applies to navigating AI and the internet safely.”Johnson’s practical approach to digital safety is rooted in everyday experience. He recounts teaching his 77-year-old mother to use her iPhone for the first time and guiding his daughter through the potential pitfalls of social media as a pre-teen. “When my daughter asked for a Facebook account at age 11, I had her research the security implications and present her findings. Those early lessons prepared her to make smarter choices on line as an adult,” Johnson states.Security Is Everyone’s ResponsibilityAs AI technology continues to shape the digital landscape, Johnson is quick to remind audiences that security isn’t just a “big tech” issue. “Security is not a Kenneth Johnson or Joe Blow problem—it’s everybody’s problem. No single person or company can solve it all. We have to leverage collective knowledge and best practices across industries, whether in healthcare, manufacturing, or finance,” he explains.Johnson emphasizes that regulatory frameworks like PCI-DSS and SOX are essential but not foolproof, urging individuals to be vigilant about where and how they share sensitive information. He advocates for using credit cards on line over debit cards for added fraud protection and encourages a healthy skepticism of “too good to be true” digital offers. “If it doesn’t look right, feel right, or smell right, it just isn’t right,” he quips.AI is a Tool, Not ThreatWith the rapid adoption of AI, Johnson is a strong proponent of responsible use and continuous learning. Drawing from Microsoft’s internal practices, secure by default, secure by design, and secure in operations, he underscores the importance of fairness and transparency in building AI systems. “AI is here to enhance our lives, not replace thoughtful decision-making. Human judgment remains essential, especially as AI models can hallucinate or pull in incorrect data,” he notes.Johnson encourages users to approach AI with curiosity but also with a healthy dose of skepticism. “The quality of AI’s output is only as good as the data it’s trained on. Prompt engineering and fact-checking are non-negotiable. At the end of the day, you have to ask questions and verify,” he emphasizes.Resources for Lifelong Digital LearningFor those looking to build their digital skills, Johnson points to resources like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and industry podcasts, including his own, “Secured with Dr. KJ.” The podcast, born from Johnson’s drive to encourage his team’s growth and improve his own public speaking, has grown into a respected platform for IT professionals, security practitioners, and business leaders to discuss everything from cybersecurity best practices to leadership lessons.Listeners can find “Secured with Dr. KJ” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and on Acast at acast.com/secured-with-dr-kj. Dr. Johnson also welcomes connections on LinkedIn.About Kenneth Johnson, PhD, CISSPKenneth Johnson’s career has spanned military service, public sector defense contracting, and leadership roles in commercial technology. As Director and Solution Engineering Manager at Microsoft, he leads teams focused on security, innovation, and growth. Johnson is committed to sharing knowledge and building a collaborative approach to digital safety for individuals and organizations alike.“When it comes to technology and AI, we all have to make choices about what to share, how to learn, and how to help others. Growth happens when we ask questions and trust the process together,” Johnson concludes.For more information about Kenneth Johnson, PhD, CISSP, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjohnson2324/ and https://theciotimes.com/dr-kenneth-johnson-on-a-mission-to-build-a-safer-digital-world/. To listen to Secured with Dr. KJ, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/secured-with-dr-kj/posts/?feedView=all/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Holistic Practitioners Danniel Worthen Cullumber and Gvnage Mishipeshu of Willow Medela Wellness
West Jordan, UT - Willow Medela Wellness, led by Danniel Worthen Cullumber, LCSW, and Gvnage Mishipeshu, introduces an innovative, inclusive wellness practice integrating trauma-informed therapy, life coaching, Indigenous wisdom, and holistic care. The practice is built on the understanding that healing requires acknowledgment of cultural, spiritual, physical, and emotional backgrounds, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional mental health services in Utah.A Team United in HealingDanniel Worthen Cullumber brings over a decade of expertise in social work and trauma therapy, specializing in treatment spanning adolescents to geriatrics. Currently pursuing a doctorate at Simmons University, Danniel combines clinical knowledge with a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity. Her background includes time as a recreational therapist, activity director in care facilities, and extensive work in child welfare and mental health for first responders and educators in the Salt Lake City area.Gvnage Mishipeshu, a life coach and medicine man with roots in the Chippewa (Ojibwe) and Cherokee tribes, complements the team with spiritual and cultural guidance. His focus incorporates ancestral traditions, energy work, and a nuanced understanding of the mind-body connection, especially as it relates to gut health, nutrition, and spiritual wellness.A Unique Philosophy:Willow Medela Wellness addresses a critical gap in the mental health field by creating space for culturally sensitive, holistic care. Clients receive support for mental health, trauma, and spiritual questions that might otherwise go unspoken in traditional therapy settings. The approach is non-denominational and inclusive, welcoming individuals regardless of their spiritual or cultural background.For clients in Utah, Danniel offers therapy on-line with state licensure. For those outside Utah or not seeking formal diagnoses, both Danniel and Gvnage provide life coaching and mentorship—sharing their expertise, tools, and compassionate guidance.Recognizing that prolonged talk therapy alone can sometimes reinforce feelings of victim hood, Danniel has developed a practical “hidden coping skills” template. This three-step, quick-activation method can be used discreetly, teaching clients how to self-regulate in the moment. These skills are provided freely to ensure everyone can access tools for resilience and emotional regulation.Additionally, Willow Medela Wellness considers the physical aspects of well-being, such as nutrition, gut health, and the influence of stress and hormones. Both practitioners understand the importance of individualized approaches, whether that pertains to diet, neurodiversity, or navigating stigmatizing labels in mental health.The practice supports a wide range of healing modalities, from Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for PTSD and trauma, to sound baths and energy work. Clients may also be referred to trusted professionals for modalities outside the team’s expertise. Both Danniel and Gvnage are trained paranormal investigators, able to support families and individuals experiencing distress related to unexplained phenomena—offering both scientific and spiritual perspectives.Their commitment includes providing culturally resonant care, integrating traditions from Japanese energy movement (such as Tai Chi), Indigenous medicine, and Western therapeutic models. This intersectional approach allows clients to engage with their healing on multiple levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.Client Stories and Community FocusWillow Medela Wellness has already made a difference for clients with complex trauma who have not found success with more conventional approaches. For example, one client with multiple diagnoses, including PTSD and anorexia, found renewed hope and progress after combining trauma therapy with sound bath sessions. Another client overcame a longstanding smoking habit through a medicine cord-cutting session, illustrating the range of issues addressed by this unique partnership.The team also responds to community needs by conducting paranormal investigations and supporting individuals whose distress may be linked to environmental or ancestral factors. This work is approached with empathy, cultural respect, and a focus on helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported.Mission and VisionWillow Medela Wellness is committed to individualized care—listening first, educating second, and walking alongside clients as they explore healing. The practice acknowledges the challenges and barriers many face with traditional mental health care, especially those rooted in stigma and systemic limitations. By embracing holistic, culturally informed practices and honoring the whole person, Willow Medela Wellness helps clients discover narratives and solutions that resonate with their unique journeys.About Willow Medela Wellness:Founded by Danniel Worthen Cullumber, LCSW, and Gvnage Mishipeshu, Willow Medela Wellness is a holistic mental health and wellness practice based in Utah. The center offers therapy, life coaching, spiritual guidance, and culturally responsive care for individuals and families, drawing upon both clinical expertise and Indigenous wisdom to help clients achieve meaningful, lasting well-being.For more information about Danniel Worthen Cullumber, LCSW, Gvnage Mishipeshu, and Willow Medela Wellness, please visit https://www.willowmedelawellness.com/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Visual Artist Charles G. H. Trott of Diasporic Images of Africa
Asbury Park, NJ - Charles Trott, a lifelong arts educator, visual artist, and founder of Diasporic Images of Africa (DIA), is on a mission to reconnect the world with Africa’s global legacy — one classroom, one gallery, and one story at a time.Born in Brooklyn and raised in Asbury Park, Trott’s journey began in the vibrant neighborhoods of New York and New Jersey. His path to the arts was not straightforward: after an initial year at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with interests in psychology and sociology, he quickly realized his true calling. A transfer to the prestigious Pratt Institute opened doors to the world of fine arts, where Trott flourished as an illustrator, sculptor, and educator. “I always wanted to be a fine artist, you know, the type with a tam living in Paris,” Trott jokes, recalling his youthful ambitions.But Trott’s artistic sensibilities have always been married to a passion for teaching. “My parents suggested getting a teaching degree,” he remembers. “I actually listened for once, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.” Early in his career, Trott began teaching art within New York City’s prison system, and later served in public schools and even the Ministry of Education in Bermuda.“I’ve always enjoyed learning and teaching,” Trott shares. “When you’re learning from students, you realize that age and experience don’t preclude insight.” Yet, he reflects candidly on the challenges within education, noting that much of his career felt less like teaching and more like “babysitting and bouncer duty.” Amidst the changing tides in education, especially in the U.S., Trott remains convinced of the necessity for arts and collaborative learning. “The arts shouldn’t be an afterthought. They are the ancestors you find at the foundation of all modern day core subjects,” he insists.From this blend of artistic vision and educational commitment, Diasporic Images of Africa (D.I.A.) came into being. The project is dedicated to identifying, including and essentially redeeming Africa’s rightful place as the premiere civilization and culture bringer of the world. Trott presents Africa’s connections to countries and cultures around the world, challenging outdated narratives and inviting audiences to see the threads that tie humanity together.“One thing I want everyone to understand is that we’re all connected,” Trott emphasizes. “There’s solid evidence, both scientific and historical, that Africa played a central role in the beginnings of many world civilizations. We are not taught this fact in school. It’s time to see the fuller picture.”Through his research, exhibits, and talks, Trott offers rich examples: from the striking Olmec heads in Mexico that bear classic West African features, to the overlooked legacies of Africans in the foundations of architecture and art across Europe and the Americas. He also encourages deeper inquiry into iconic symbols; for example, few Americans realize that the original model for Lady Liberty was a Black woman (a revelation Trott is eager to share on his Substack and in public conversations).Trott is passionate about challenging audiences to question what they’ve been taught. “Don’t just take my word for it. Read the books, check the sources, think it through.” His presentations often coincide with key cultural heritage months: Black History in February, Women’s Herstory in March, Asian and Pacific Islander History in May, Hispanic Heritage in September and October, and Indigenous American observances in November. “These months are a good starting point,” Trott notes, “but learning about the African diaspora and its global influence needs to be a year-round exploration.”Beyond the classroom and the gallery, Trott is a traveler and lifelong learner. He’s exhibited artwork in places as varied as Cuba and Bermuda, and his curiosity continues to take him around the globe, both physically and through rigorous research. For the future, Trott hopes to visit southern Spain to speak with descendants of the Moors and Black Hebrews expelled in 1492, and to Mexico’s Yucatan so he can walk among the Olmec sites. “Everyone has a diasporic story,” he reflects. “If you trace your lineage, you’ll find journeys that cross oceans and centuries. We’re all products of migration and connection.”When asked what advice he’d offer aspiring artists and educators, Trott doesn’t hesitate: “Never stop learning. Be curious, be critical, and trust your intuition. Don’t let your first answer be your final answer, especially now, with so much information swirling around us.”With Diasporic Images of Africa, Charles Trott invites all people, especially those in the Americas, to reconsider their histories, reclaim their connections, and see themselves as part of a long, intertwined human story. As he says with a characteristic smile, “We all have a few diasporic stories to tell ourselves. There’s always more to discover.”About Charles TrottCharles Trott is an artist, educator, and founder of Diasporic Images of Africa (DIA). With decades of experience bridging the visual arts and teaching, Trott is committed to reshaping narratives about Africa and its diaspora through research, exhibitions, and public engagement.For more information about Charles G. H. Trott, please visit https://diaproject.substack.com/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back The Honorable Mattielyn B. Williams
Antioch, TN - The Honorable Mattielyn B. Williams, Tennessee’s first African American administrative judge and a lifelong advocate for justice and equity, is receiving well-deserved recognition for a decades-long career dedicated to public service, fairness, and legal reform. Recently featured by the Wall Street Journal, Judge Williams’s story demonstrates the difference one woman can make in the legal landscape through thoughtful leadership and genuine commitment to fairness.Growing up with an initial interest in medicine, Williams pivoted to law during her undergraduate studies after discovering her passion for helping people and problem-solving. “I was interested in law for its potential to help people. Whether that’s always realized today is another question, but the potential remains—and that’s what drew me in,” she explains.Williams’s legal career began with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, where her work was focused on desegregating public universities and community colleges, striving to enhance opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, across racial lines. She also addressed the licensing of proprietary schools, giving her early exposure to advocacy and regulatory decisions. Her appointment as Tennessee’s first African American administrative judge marked a historic moment, championed by Speaker Pro Tempore Lois D. Berry and then-Secretary of State Riley Darnell. Williams credits this milestone to the importance of relationships and mentorship in advancing professional opportunities, particularly for women and minorities in the legal profession.Throughout her tenure as a judge, Williams presided over complex cases, including health facility expansions and medical licensure reviews, often involving sensitive public safety issues. She recounts a memorable case regarding a dentist who, after serving prison time for a serious offense, sought to regain his license without oversight. “The board and I agreed that supervision was necessary if he were to practice at all,” Williams states. “It reminded me that fairness cannot come at the expense of public safety, and that hearings should not be abused as a means to circumvent responsibility.”Williams also found meaningful examples of fairness in cases related to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program. These hearings provided citizens the chance to appeal denied medical services, ensuring their voices and those of their physicians were heard. “I saw a lot of fairness in the TennCare arena—individuals advocating for medically necessary services, with each side given an opportunity to present their case. That’s how the process should work.”Her journey was not without its personal hurdles. Williams admits that, early in her career, she did not view herself as a litigator, often working more behind the scenes on administrative and rule-making tasks. A pivotal moment came when she was called to argue a significant case before the Higher Education Commission, a challenge she embraced and overcame, building resilience and self-assurance that would serve her throughout her judicial career.As a lifelong advocate for civil rights, Williams has dedicated time post-retirement to causes close to her heart, particularly the widespread issue of voting rights restoration. Tennessee has one of the highest rates of disenfranchisement for former inmates, a fact that troubles Williams deeply. “Once you’ve served your time, it should be over in terms of adverse situations in your life. But in Tennessee, that’s not the case. I feel strongly that we need to address these injustices.”Her reflections extend to broader issues within the American penal system. Williams points out the challenges faced by public defenders, the inequities experienced by minorities and the differently abled, and the vital role of organizations like the Innocence Project, in correcting miscarriages of justice. “The system is supposed to be just, but that is not always the case. Some of the underlying problems are financial inequities that translate into unequal access to legal resources,” she observes.Williams’s advice to women aspiring to leadership in law is both practical and encouraging: “Practice, practice, practice. Know that you may have to work harder and longer than your male colleagues, but see it as an opportunity to become better. Others have paved the way; now it’s your turn to take the ball further and make a real difference.”In her retirement, Williams continues her involvement with the NAACP at both the national and local levels and is active with organizations such as the National Organization for Action and Hope (NOAH) and her church’s justice ministries. “I’m busier now than I was as a judge,” she laughs, “but it’s fulfilling to contribute toward positive change for more people.”Judge Williams’s legacy is one of thoughtful leadership, compassion, and the consistent pursuit of fairness. Her story serves as a call to current and future generations to work toward a legal system that truly serves all people.For more information about The Honorable Mattielyn B. Williams, please visit https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/527187/mattielyn-b-williams-featured-in-the-wall-street-journal/
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