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 Acclaimed Human Rights Activist Justin B. Mudekereza of Rescue Democracy International
San Diego, CA - "I will never rest easy if my people are suffering so greatly." These are the words of a great leader Dr. Justin B. Mudekereza who has made it his mission to combat some of humanity's toughest challenges. He aspires to eliminate social injustices, defend universal human rights, and mitigate extreme suffering. He has passionately advocated for lasting transformation, builds thriving communities, and improves societies all by peaceful nonviolent means while facing his own struggles, obstacles, and pressing challenges.Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Justin is a Philanthropist, Human rights activist and a political advocate. He is the founder and CEO of Rescue Democracy International (RDI), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization focused on strengthening and defending democratic values globally. He is also the Executive Director of New Neighbors Relief (NNR) 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization supporting refugees and immigrants as they try to navigate the complexities of acclimating to life in the U.S, one of Justin's most significant triumphs to date and he has had many.It isn't surprising that Justin's father, the late Chief Victor Bisimwa Mudahindwa, was also an exceptionally remarkable man of great kindness who brought peace to ill plagued communities in South Kivu, DR Congo where Justin was born and raised. As a youth, Justin and his family lived through the horrific mass killings of innocent civilians that were practically an everyday occurrence, where political instability is rampant and people fight over lands, power and minerals. Justin is proud to say that his father saved numerous lives when he brought peace to villages and his people loved him dearly. This instilled in young Justin the values of equality and developing compassion at a very young age laying the groundwork for his notable accomplishments throughout his entire life.During the 2006 DRC general election, Justin ran for a seat in the National Assembly, representing Kabare territory in South Kivu but in doing so was eventually forced to flee due to political persecution and sadly had to leave his wife and five children behind in Uganda to go teach in college in Somalia… When he arrived in Los Angeles in 2015, Justin faced homelessness, endured hunger and hardships, and terribly dark days but through much of his turmoil his faith in God never wavered… Eventually his luck changed for the better when he met good people that began helping him promote social justice causes.As he struggled, learned life lessons, soul searched, defied conventional paths, and delved deeper, it began to dawn on him how he needed to build effective action plans to help other refugees. He then volunteered in nonprofit work, sought higher education, and applied all that into community and developmental work.Transforming his compassion into action, Justin served as the country director for FreeToBeKids DR-Congo from 2011 to 2013 and became assistant production manager at Fresh Cuts Ltd in Uganda from 2010 to 2011 as well as general director of CEFEVO NGO — a nonprofit he founded and led in the DRC between 2000 and 2006 to assist widows, orphans and other war victims.In 2016, Justin taught at San Diego State University. As much as he wholeheartedly enjoyed teaching, he knew his mission was to continue to serve the less fortunate and support these vulnerable populations of refugees who were facing a long and arduous road ahead in adjusting to the complexities of life in America.In order to do this, Justin reasoned, refugees need to feel at home and have access to ample economic opportunities. Through his New Neighbor Relief programs he assists individuals from everything to securing safe housing, employment, accessing healthcare, quality education, to how to acquire a driver's license and maintain good credit scores, as such he leaves no stone unturned. Most of these refugees have lived in camps all their lives and never even used a toilet before so they experienced culture shock that's why it's essential they learn even the more simplest tasks. And even when Justin noticed English as a second language was ineffective for teaching refugees to master the English language, he developed his own language courses so they can learn English more quickly and more effectively to allow them have access to employment, healthcare and more. Today, Justin is proud and thrilled to have assisted countless refugees who came with nothing but the clothes on their backs, now actually own homes and live the American dream.From 2010 he became CEO and director general at Aspire for African Development and Consulting-ADEC.From 2019 to 2023, Justin served as national President of the Elites Movement for Democracy & Real Change, advocating for democratic reforms and real change within African societies.In 2020, Justin earned a Doctor of Philosophy in project management from Atlantic International University preceded by a Master’s degree in the same field. He also holds a bachelor's degree from the Institut Supérieur d'Etudes Commerciales et Financières in the DRC and a diploma in Human Resources from Dove Business and Technical Institute in Kampala, Uganda.The recipient of several awards including the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award received at Oxford University, the Refugee Resilience Award from the Alliance for African Assistance, and the World Friendship and Development Award from NRI, he continues to achieve more and more even in the face of adversity.He is also an acclaimed writer who has published eight scholarly books. His most recent works include "Critical Minerals, Dangerous Ties: Can Trump's Deal and Democracy in the DRC Work Perfectly?," published in three editions in 2025, "The New Model of Development & Humanitarian Aid Delivery: A Contribution to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals," released in 2025, "Understanding the Multifaceted Management Problems of Refugee Resettlement in the United States of America: The Only War that the United States Is Unlikely to Win," released in 2018, and "A Word of Warning to the World! (1st & 2nd Editions).Justin says, "People like me don't get support and very few care," and while that may be true in the context of good vs evil, the bright side of it all is he can inspire more people every day to see how effectively his light shines. He remains steadfast in his mission, determined that compassion can inspire global change so more of us will join him in fighting for human rights, equality, and social justice.On his upcoming radio interviews, Justin will share his harrowing life's journey. How he has developed numerous programs centered on promoting democracy which he believes can lead to a more peaceful, inclusive world. He will explain his extraordinary efforts to do away with injustice, war, and poverty.in the U.S. and beyond and discuss actual solutions. And he will also highlight his books including his latest release, "The New model of Development and Humanitarian Aid Delivery: A Contribution to the Success of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals."Justin's purpose-driven leadership transcends boundaries that are rooted in empathy for the benefit of humanity. He is quickly becoming one of the most iconic and respected leaders of our time always figuring out new ways to lead us towards a more compassionate heart-centered world.For more information about our guest, please visit: www.justinmudekereza.com
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Professional Staffing Leader Tiffany Scott of myScout and Leveling Up
Philadelphia, PA - In an industry where “you either love it or you loathe it,” Tiffany Scott has chosen—time and again—to love it with her whole heart. The founder of myScout, a cutting-edge lead generation software for staffing companies, and Leveling Up, a guidance hub for working women and mothers, Scott is redefining what it means to thrive in business and in life.Scott’s story is a familiar one to anyone who has spent time in the world of staffing: highs and lows, unpredictability, and, as she likes to say, a role that turns you into a matchmaker, “blamed when the match doesn’t work—but celebrated when it does.” After nearly 20 years in the trenches, Scott knows the inside of the industry better than most. “You get to meet all different walks of life, hear their stories, and if you’re honest and direct, you help guide people toward real decisions,” she explains.Bridging Gaps with myScoutmyScout is Scott’s answer to a glaring gap in the staffing space: the lack of tech-forward solutions that genuinely make prospecting easier for staffing firms. “I’m building what I always wanted,” she says. “There’s nothing out there that’s a true game changer—so that’s what myScout is set to become.”Unlike traditional lead generation systems, myScout doesn’t just dump cold leads into a spreadsheet. The platform harnesses insights such as alma maters, favorite pets, and those small details that make a first impression stick, to give staffing sales teams warmer introductions and a shortcut to meaningful conversations. “I’ve been in those C-level conversations where culture, grit, and real connections matter,” Scott explains. “With myScout, salespeople aren’t pounding the pavement the old way. They’re meeting prospects on common ground, with real touch points that matter.”Leveling Up: Real Guidance for Real WomenIf myScout is the business brainchild, Leveling Up is the heart. Designed for women and mothers navigating the challenges of modern careers, Leveling Up offers practical advice, relatable stories, and the kind of guidance Scott herself once longed for. “There’s no manual for mothers returning to work or switching careers,” she points out. “I wanted to create the resources and community I once needed with real talk, no sugarcoating, and strategies that actually move the needle.”Staffing, But With a Personal TouchWhat sets Scott apart is her relentless transparency and people-first approach, a philosophy she carried as a COO in the staffing world and now pours into her clients and users. When asked what makes a top staffing pro, she doesn’t hesitate: “Grit, a little game, and a lot of humanity. Throw out the script, build rapport, and get to know the person behind the resume. That’s how you make a professional match that lasts.”Her no-nonsense, honest voice is an antidote to industry platitudes. On why staffing gets such a bad rap, she’s candid: “It’s unpredictable. Companies change their minds, candidates change theirs. But when you’re transparent—when you reset people’s expectations with kindness but without false hope—you become their trusted partner, not just another vendor.”Scott’s approach is equal parts high-tech and high-touch. myScout’s lead data is designed to cut prospecting time in half, freeing sales teams to focus on deepening relationships, not hunting for names. And her vision for Leveling Up is to keep personal and professional progress top-of-mind for women everywhere: “You never want to be complacent. The secret is to always keep growing and always be leveling up, no matter where you start.”On Women in the Workplace: Labels and LeadershipScott is outspoken about the realities facing women in business. “I’m building tools and communities for women, but I don’t want to be called a ‘woman leader’—just a leader. The label can hold us back. What I want is for women to be recognized for their skills and contributions, period.”Her advice? “Find your voice, stand your ground, and support others without envy. Success is not a zero-sum game.”Looking ForwardWith myScout deep in development, Scott is focused on scaling the platform and nurturing long-term relationships with staffing firms looking for an authentic edge. Her goal over the next decade is to build, expand, and eventually pass the torch to the next generation of industry innovators. “Setbacks are just setups for comebacks,” Scott says with a smile. “And comebacks can be epic.”About Tiffany ScottTiffany Scott is the founder and CEO of myScout and Leveling Up. With nearly two decades of experience in staffing, executive leadership, and career mentorship, she is committed to building solutions that bridge the gap between technology and genuine human connection.About myScoutmyScout is a lead generation platform designed specifically for staffing organizations, delivering verified data, rapid business connections, and measurable ROI.About Leveling UpLeveling Up offers personal and professional development programs for women, empowering working mothers and female professionals to grow their careers and confidence.For more information about Tiffany Scott, myScout, and Leveling Up, please visit https://www.myscoutleads.com and https://leveling-up.net/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Fundraising Warrior and Account Executive Tosha Wise of RaiseAway
Garfield, AR - If you ask Tosha Wise what it means to dedicate yourself to fundraising, you might want to grab a coffee and settle in—her story is anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings as a temp at Walmart’s corporate offices, to steering innovative fundraising partnerships at RaiseAway, Tosha’s journey winds through Fortune 1 boardrooms, gritty retail aisles, and ultimately, the heart of America’s nonprofit sector.Diagnosed at just six months old with cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that once limited life expectancy to 30 years), Tosha never let her diagnosis define her. Instead, it became her launch pad.Climbing the Corporate Ladder (and Knocking Down Some Walls)Tosha began her professional journey in 2013 at Walmart’s headquarters, cutting her teeth on systems and vendor management before progressing into store layouts and merchandising support. “Walmart taught me a lot about adaptability and not being afraid of change,” she shares. Her career there included hands-on experience in mock store setups, special projects, and even surviving the volatility of corporate layoffs.Rather than be discouraged, Tosha pivoted. She brought her retail expertise to “supplier land,” helping launch the Tasty brand’s cookware line at Walmart. Later, she found herself slinging lattes at a local coffee shop, proving that sometimes, a detour is where you find your spark.An opportunity with Acosta soon led her back into the corporate world, managing retail activations for major brands like Banana Boat, Tabasco and Stonyfield. Her knack for leadership was recognized by Acosta’s Leadership Development Program, where she was the sole participant without a college degree. “Kudos to me,” Tosha laughs, “sometimes you just have to blaze your own trail.”A Life Changed by Science and GritWhile building her career, Tosha was also managing the daily realities of cystic fibrosis: hours of breathing treatments, handfuls of medications, and frequent hospital stays. “In high school, I was hospitalized about every four months for two weeks at a time,” she recalls.But in late 2019, the introduction of Trikafta (a breakthrough medication) transformed her day-to-day reality. “My life changed overnight,” she says, crediting years of advancement driven by medical research and robust fundraising.Now a mother to two daughters, Tosha’s daily routine that was once dominated by treatments and uncertainty has opened up. She is now able to give more of herself to causes close to her heart.Today, as an Account Executive with RaiseAway, Tosha connects nonprofits and schools nationwide with unique fundraising experiences—think luxury trips and bucket-list adventures custom-tailored for live and silent auctions. Her approach? Zero-risk, all-reward: “Nonprofits only pay when a package sells, so there’s no pressure and all the upside for their fundraising goals,” she explains.In just a few months at RaiseAway, Tosha has already facilitated a national partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, smoothening the path for event organizers hoping to supercharge their auctions. It’s a full-circle moment for someone who has spent over a decade fundraising for cystic fibrosis research. Tosha has been raising $3,000 to $5,000 a year, often in creative ways like gym fundraisers and head shot events.Why Partnerships Matter: Make A Wish, Ronald McDonald House, and MoreTosha’s vision for the future is born from personal experience. “When I was little, Make A Wish sent my family to Disney World, which is an experience I’ll never forget. And when I was hospitalized as a teen, my parents had a place to stay at Ronald McDonald House. Those organizations changed everything for my family and me.”In the not too distant future, she hopes to establish partnerships between RaiseAway and Ronald McDonald House and Make A Wish Foundation, leveraging her unique perspective as both a beneficiary and now, a builder of futures. “Having lived it, I can speak to the difference these organizations make. They offer more than just a roof over your head or a magical trip—these organizations offer hope when you need it most.”Advice for Aspiring Fundraisers and DonorsHer top tip for new fundraisers? “Start small. Do what you love and bring your friends along. Passionate fundraising isn’t about grand gestures, but about building community around causes you care about.”For donors, Tosha insists even tiny actions matter: “Every dollar counts, and so does your time. Volunteer, share a story about your favorite organizations on social media, or simply donate those extra cans of green beans during your next trip to the grocery store.”According to Tosha, “We can’t change the cards we’re dealt; we can only change how we play our hand.” She’s played hers with humor, hustle, and a heart for helping others.About RaiseAwayRaiseAway partners with nonprofits and schools to provide memorable, zero-risk auction experiences, helping organizations soar past their fundraising goals.For more information about Tosha Wise, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/tosha-wise-46a769148/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Retired English Professor, Author, and Artist Wesley Moore III
Folly Beach, SC - Wesley Moore, III, a retired English teacher, author, and digital artist, is proving that creativity knows no age limits. After 34 years teaching at one of South Carolina’s most prestigious independent schools, Moore has thrown himself—head, heart, and humor—into a second act that’s turning heads both in literary circles and the local art scene.Moore’s journey into storytelling began in the fourth grade, when he first recognized a writer’s spark that’s burned brightly ever since. Today, he grins at calling his visual work “fake art,” though it’s anything but. “They’re digital collages,” Moore explains. Using high-resolution photos (often captured in lively bar scenes on Folly Beach), he blends found imagery, cult magazine figures, and painterly filters to create striking, conversation-starting prints, now spotted on canvases, merchandise, and even the backs of hoodies at the Folly Beach bar Lowlife.A Sharp Eye on the South—Past and PresentMoore’s literary work sings with the same wit and observational power. His first novel, “Today, Oh Boy,” is a riff on James Joyce’s "Ulysses," but with a distinctly Southern flavor. Set during one day in his hometown of Summerville, South Carolina, the novel deals with adolescence, cultural upheaval, and the peculiar hilarities of growing up in the early seventies. Kirkus Reviews described it as “dazzling” and “a quietly sublime period piece,” and the book has since inspired a 15-minute short film from a local filmmaker. Moore is currently at work on a sequel set two years later as his characters return home from college during the Christmas holidays.If the cover art looks a tad like the Hardy Boys on a psychedelic adventure, that’s intentional. “People think it’s a YA novel, but it’s really for adults and baby boomers,” Moore laughs. “I’m so grateful to the artist David Boatwright, the Charleston muralist who painted the cover. David also wrote and directed "Summerville 70," the short film inspired by "Today, Oh Boy."A Mosaic Memoir: Memory, Modernism, and a Brush with a Serial KillerNot content to stop at fiction, Moore’s memoir, “Long Ago Last Summer,” is a kaleidoscopic blend of short stories, poems, and reminiscences. While the pieces stand alone, together they form a mosaic portrait of the South and its enduring complexities. The book addresses everything from the legacy of slavery to the region’s Gothic eccentricities. One chapter in particular has garnered attention: as a teenager, Moore was picked up hitchhiking by infamous South Carolina serial killer Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins—a chilling encounter that’s captured readers' imaginations and piqued the interest of true crime enthusiasts.As Moore puts it, “I’ve always been interested in modernism, Joyce, Picasso, Eliot, and the way they pick up the shattered pieces of civilization to rearrange them. That’s what I try to do, whether it’s with words or images.”The Classroom: A Front Row Seat to ChangeMoore’s three decades in education provided him a unique vantage point from which to observe shifting generational tides. “Students have gotten less worldly, but nicer,” he muses, chalking the change up to increasing parental protection and the omnipresence of technology. Ever the experimenter, Moore implemented his own device policy, collecting students’ phones in a basket at the start of class, which raised eyebrows at the time.Plagiarism detection software, multimedia lectures, and attention-span challenges were all part of Moore’s toolkit. “Even in my own writing, I find myself quick-cutting scenes now, like a film editor, to account for shrinking attention spans,” he shares.Now 73, Moore is determined that retirement is just the beginning. “I published my first novel at 71. I had my first art show at 69. If there’s anything I’d tell retirees, it’s to stay active and keep creating,” he says. “Old people sometimes project their own decline onto the world and become bitter. I’m not going to do that, even during these crazy times.”What’s NextWith a new novel and possibly a film adaptation in the works, and a growing reputation as a Southern voice unafraid to poke fun at himself or the world around him, Wesley Moore, III is a name to watch from Summerville to Folly Beach and beyond.About Wesley Moore, IIIWesley Moore, III is a retired English professor, author, and digital artist based in Folly Beach, South Carolina. Over a 34-year teaching career, Moore became known for his wit, experimental teaching methods, and keen observations about generational change. Since retirement, he has published two books: “Today, Oh Boy” and “Long Ago Last Summer,” and is earning attention for his digital collage art capturing both the charm and complexity of Southern culture.About “Today, Oh Boy” and “Long Ago Last Summer”“Today, Oh Boy” narrates a single day in 1970 through the eyes of Summerville High School juniors Rusty Boykin and Ollie Wyborn. Against the backdrop of a conservative Southern community caught in the throes of social upheaval, a colorful cast of characters navigates preppie, jock, hippie, and country boy divides.“Long Ago Last Summer” is a Southern Gothic collection blending short stories, poems, and memoir. Moore’s writing brings to life a cast of village eccentrics, beloved pets, and at least one serial killer, all set against a backdrop of antebellum plantations, shotgun shacks, suburban neighborhoods, Pentecostal churches, and juke joints.For more information about Wesley Moore, III, retired Teacher and Author, please visit https://wlm3.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-moore-23a0aa34/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Private Investigator Stephen J. Miller of S. J. Miller Associates
Cheyenne, WY - Private investigation is, at its core, a business built on trust, experience, and perhaps most importantly, a sharp nose for the truth. For Stephen J. Miller, founder of S.J. Miller Associates, the path to becoming one of Wyoming’s most trusted private investigators started not with a badge, but with a pair of muddy boots and a work ethic honed on a small family farm in Appalachian Ohio.Today, Miller’s career reads like a how-to manual for anyone looking to succeed in investigative work: start with humility, pack in hard-won experience, and never lose sight of the basics—whether you’re unearthing fraud or tracking down missing persons.From Security Guard to State Investigator: An Unlikely Career TrackMiller’s road to private investigation zigzagged through some unexpected territory. After working his way through college in Columbus, Ohio, by day attending classes and by night serving as a security guard (often in the volatile world of emergency rooms) Miller’s first brush with law enforcement came not via a job application, but courtesy of a surprise suggestion from a police officer that Miller should consider becoming a police officer.That seemingly offhand remark changed everything. Miller soon joined the police force, gained a great mentor and was swept into the world of white-collar crime investigations just as Ohio was ramping up its efforts to tackle healthcare fraud and complex financial cases.A five-year stint in Ohio law enforcement paved the way for Miller’s next chapter: heading west to join the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Arriving in the early 1980s during a regional energy boom, Miller put his white-collar expertise to use at the state level, climbing the ranks to ultimately serve as director of the agency. By 2003, after a career spent leading investigations into everything from homicides to embezzlement, Miller transitioned to private practice, launching S.J. Miller Associates.Private Investigation, Beyond the StereotypeForget the car chases, trench coats, and femme fatales of old Hollywood. According to Miller, the real work of a private investigator looks a lot more like methodical research, persistent interviews, and careful analysis—and much less like Magnum P.I.“People don’t want flash,” Miller says. “They want substance, somebody who delivers results.” That means long hours at courthouse terminals, painstaking construction of timelines for complicated fraud cases, and occasionally tracking down a missing person with nothing but a cold lead, a little grit, and some solid shoe leather.At S.J. Miller Associates, the approach is rooted in fundamentals Miller picked up during his law enforcement years: understanding the law, knowing when (and when not) to act in gray ethical areas, and, crucially, never forgetting that investigation is a people business.Human Touch in a Tech-Obsessed WorldTechnology, Miller notes, has changed the face of investigations, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the more worse. “There’s a tendency to believe that the latest gadget, whether it’s DNA analysis or AI, can solve everything,” he observes. “But you can’t forget the value of a well-managed, old-fashioned investigation. Ultimately, it’s about people, not pixels.”The challenge, says Miller, is to balance the new with the tried-and-true. While S.J. Miller Associates leverages the latest legal databases and digital tools, Miller is quick to remind clients and colleagues alike that there’s no substitute for getting out into the field, knocking on doors, canvassing neighborhoods, and talking face-to-face with witnesses.Corporate Caution and Practical WisdomFor business owners worried about internal misconduct, Miller’s advice is simple: do your homework. “Most red flags, whether it’s embezzlement or workplace harassment, are visible in hindsight. But they’re there in foresight. Listen to your team, conduct proper background checks, and don’t shy away from investigating when things seem off,” he advises.Having seen far too many small businesses blindsided by fraudsters with troubled histories, Miller underscores the importance of rigorous screening and clear-eyed management. “If you run a business, never skip the basics. They can save you a fortune and a lot of heartache.”Looking Ahead: The Future of Private InvestigationWhile technology will keep evolving, Miller remains convinced there will always be a need for experienced investigators who understand both the human and digital sides of the equation. “You’ll see more partnerships between technology and boots-on-the-ground work,” he predicts. “But at the end of the day, it’s still about intuition, hard work, and helping people make sense of their problems.”About S.J. Miller AssociatesBased in Cheyenne, Wyoming, S.J. Miller Associates offers a full range of investigative services to individuals, attorneys, and businesses across the Rocky Mountain region. Whether the task involves uncovering fraud, resolving workplace disputes, or reuniting families, Stephen J. Miller brings more than three decades of experience, a historian’s perspective, and a deep commitment to ethical, results-driven investigation.For more information about Stephen J. Miller and S.J. Miller Associates, please visit https://www.sjmillerassociates.com/
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