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Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Chef Sean Kinoshita of Blue Menpachi

Posted November 24, 2025 • 00:32:17

Henderson, NV - Chef Sean Kinoshita, the innovative culinary consultant and owner of Blue Menpachi, is redefining the standard for exceptional dining across the country. Drawing inspiration from his roots in Hawaii and his extensive experience in some of the world’s most demanding kitchens, Kinoshita is sharing his expertise with clients ranging from elite stadium venues to high-end restaurants and major food retailers.Kinoshita’s culinary journey began with a dose of “tough love” from his mother in his early teens. “She told me, ‘You’re not going to live with us forever. You have to figure out what you want to do when you grow up,’” he recalls. That simple nudge began a lifelong relationship with food. “I knew I liked eating, and I loved watching ‘The Great Chefs’ on PBS. That was my light bulb moment—I realized if I have to do something for the rest of my life, it should be something I love.”From those formative experiences in Hawaii, including his enduring affection for a Vietnamese spring roll at a local Honolulu eatery, Kinoshita set his sights on culinary mastery. Attending three culinary schools, one in Hawaii, another in Minnesota, and a third, California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, he also trained in the kitchens of Lespinasse and with David Burke in New York City, where he absorbed the fine dining standards that now inform his consulting practice.Chef Kinoshita’s career encompasses executive roles at major venues and restaurants, including Allegiant Stadium, Tao, and the Super Bowl. At Allegiant Stadium, he orchestrated five rotating menus across different suite levels, pairing celebrity chef partnerships with dynamic, customized offerings. “My approach is to utilize whatever skill sets I’ve gained—especially from fine dining—and apply them to any budget. With the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can exceed expectations, even at an NFL stadium where people don’t expect A5 Wagyu or Chilean sea bass,” shares Kinoshita.His ingredient philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Menu should always be based on seasonality and product quality. If I get great tomatoes, the menu starts there. If the fish is exceptional, that becomes the focus. You get the best results from ingredients that are at their peak.” Although Las Vegas is his home base, Kinoshita navigates the challenges of sourcing by leveraging seasonal availability from the West Coast’s prime markets and maintaining close vendor relationships.A Leadership Style That InspiresKinoshita’s kitchen leadership is rooted in respect, cooperation, and skill over ego. “A well-run kitchen depends on attitude—no egos, just people getting along and working together,” he notes. Unlike the archetypal screaming chef, he prefers calm, constructive guidance. “I’ve seen toxic environments, and I know people perform better without fear,” he explains. “Creating a space where cooks can learn, grow, and deliver consistency is key.”Japanese Heritage, Multicultural VisionGrowing up in Hawaii surrounded by seafood and Asian flavors, Kinoshita’s expertise in Japanese technique his signature. “Knife skills, sushi methods, and detailed presentation all give my dishes that extra layer of refinement,” he says. The multicultural dynamism of Las Vegas has further deepened his ability to adapt and innovate, blending influences in creative combinations—like his family favorite oxtail braised in Thai curry.Championing Culinary Education and Patient SuccessFor aspiring chefs, Kinoshita offers practical advice: “Be patient. Learn the craft, and the money will follow. Too many young cooks race after paychecks before they have the skills. Chefs notice dedication and invest in people who want to learn, not just earn.” He distinguishes the different roles in a professional kitchen: “The chef’s real job isn’t to cook one perfect meal, but to ensure every plate leaving the kitchen is right. That means teaching, managing, and overseeing every detail.”Blue Menpachi: Culinary Consulting for a New EraToday, under the Blue Menpachi LLC banner, Kinoshita is collaborating with clients such as the acclaimed Naxos Taverna at Red Rock Casino—just named the number one Greek restaurant in Las Vegas and among the top Greek restaurants nationally.Future plans include consulting opportunities internationally and continuing to shape the way hospitality groups, restaurants, and food service operations approach menu development, staffing, kitchen design, and guest experience. As he puts it, “Every new challenge is a chance to deliver something unexpected.”About Chef Sean Kinoshita & Blue MenpachiChef Sean Kinoshita is a Hawaii-born, Las Vegas-based culinary consultant and the owner of Blue Menpachi LLC. With roots in Asian-Hawaiian cooking and formal training in the nation’s top culinary academies, Kinoshita has led kitchens in world-class restaurants, casinos, stadiums, and events. Blue Menpachi specializes in culinary consulting for restaurants, luxury venues, and food retailers looking to raise the bar on flavor, service, and consistency.For more information about Sean Kinoshita, please visit https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/527536/marquis-whos-who-recognizes-sean-h-kinoshita-for-excellence-in-culinary-and-hospitality-leadership/

Part 4: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Retired US Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and Public Speaker Wendy Wayman of Whiskey Squared

Posted November 24, 2025 • 00:35:36

Fayetteville, NC - At the time of her retirement ceremony in June of 2024, Wendy Wayman, retired as the longest continually serving active duty warrant officer in the United States Army. Following that, she is proud to announce the launch of Whiskey Squared LLC. This new venture focuses on bringing her unique story, insights, and unparalleled experience to audiences as a military, leadership, and resilience-focused public speaker.Wayman’s journey began at eight years old, inspired by her Great Uncle Leo’s World War II service and stories of camaraderie and sacrifice. At 17, she convinced her parents to sign her Army enlistment contract, marking the start of a 40-year, 5-month, and 10-day career that spanned from the Cold War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fluent in Russian after training at the Defense Language Institute, Wayman’s skills carried her from the tactical front lines of Desert Storm to the strategic corridors of the National Security Agency, and on to the pinnacle of Army technical expertise as a Chief Warrant Officer 5.A Legacy of ExcellenceAs one of only three Chief Warrant Officer 5’s in her specialty at the time of her promotion, Wayman broke barriers in a role few might understand but on which many rely. “The warrant officer is the connective tissue between the enlisted soldiers and the officers—the subject matter expert, the technical anchor, and the mentor,” Wayman explains. Over her 28 years as a warrant officer, she personally recommended 34 individuals for warrant officer selection, each of whom was chosen and mentored under her guidance.Wayman’s story stands as an example of perseverance, excellence, and the critical but often misunderstood role of the Army warrant officer. Her advocacy for female soldiers and her mantra—“No is Just the First Step to Yes”—have inspired countless service members to pursue their ambitions and overcome institutional barriers. In her speeches, she often talks about ways we limit our thinking and create our own roadblocks to success.Serving on the Battlefield and at HomeWayman’s deployments included multiple tours to Iraq where, uniquely, she served alongside her son and daughter, both Army soldiers themselves. She shares moving experiences of pinning on their ranks during combat deployments and building family memories under the most trying circumstances. “Everything we do is so we can bring America’s sons and daughters home,” asserts Wayman, who remains focused on supporting today’s soldiers and drawing attention to issues such as veteran homelessness.Continuing Service Through Whiskey Squared LLCThrough Whiskey Squared LLC, Wayman brings her story to corporate, academic, government, and community audiences. She offers expertise on topics such as leadership, decision-making, resilience, and the real-life impact of military service. Her presentations draw on her vast experience as a signals intelligence and electronic warfare analyst, her rare perspective as a female leader in a male-dominated field, and her ongoing commitment to mentorship and service.Wayman also serves as the Chief Growth Officer at Aumakua Technical Solutions, supporting training, operations, and evaluations for the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and law enforcement. In her newest shows, she discusses this consulting job and how she manages to meet so many simultaneous prioritiesAbout Whiskey Squared LLCNamed for her Army callsign, Whiskey Squared LLC is the realized vision of Wendy Wayman to motivate, educate, and mentor the next generation of leaders through speaking engagements, consulting, and advocacy.About Wendy WaymanWendy Wayman, US Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Retired), served over 40 years on active duty, becoming the Army’s longest continually serving active duty warrant officer and one of only a handful at the top of her field. A renowned expert in signals intelligence and leadership, she continues to serve through speaking, mentoring, and consulting.For more information about Wendy Wayman, please visit www.whiskeysquaredllc.com

Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Acclaimed Human Rights Activist Justin B. Mudekereza of Rescue Democracy International

Posted November 24, 2025 • 00:33:33

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 1: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Professional Staffing Leader Tiffany Scott of myScout and Leveling Up

Posted November 24, 2025 • 00:32:46

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 Welcomes Back Personal Trainer Paul Medina of Capital Energy Training

Posted November 24, 2025 • 00:28:54

Washington, DC - At Capital Energy Training, Paul Medina is redefining what it means to train for life, not just for the gym. With an approach that weaves together physical health, mental resilience, injury prevention, and innovative modalities like breath work and cryotherapy, Medina is helping clients discover new strengths—both inside and out.“Movement is about more than muscles,” says Medina, a certified expert in kinesiology and functional fitness. “It’s about building a strong mind, healing from injury, and preparing for whatever life throws your way, whether that’s a pickup basketball game or keeping up with your grandkids.Beyond Exercise: Mindset, Memory, and Breath WorkStep into a session at Capital Energy Training, and you will find yourself learning more than squats and push-ups. Medina’s philosophy centers on teaching clients to push past mental hurdles, not just physical ones. “I hear it all the time: ‘I can’t do ten push-ups.’ But that ‘I can’t’ doesn’t stop at the gym door because it follows you to all areas of life. We replace ‘I can’t’ with, ‘I can,’ and suddenly, we see progress everywhere,” Medina explains.A key element of Medina’s method is breath work, which goes far beyond “just breathing.” By guiding clients to focus deeply on controlled inhalation and exhalation, Medina taps into benefits for both short-term and long-term memory. “Anaerobic workouts and breath work help improve short-term memory, while aerobic exercises support long-term memory,” he explains. “Coupled with meditation techniques, breath control can reset your mental state before, during, and after workouts.”The Science of CryotherapyIntegrated recovery is another signature at Capital Energy Training. Medina offers cryotherapy—the use of super-chilled nitrogen gas at a brisk -210°F—to help clients recover faster and feel their best. “What’s great about cryotherapy is that it’s not as invasive as cold-water immersion. You get the benefits (reduced lactic acid, lower cortisol, faster muscle recovery), without the bone-chilling discomfort,” Medina notes. “It’s is also wonderful for repairing collagen and maintaining healthy skin, ligaments, joints, tendons and cartilage.”Cryotherapy isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s also about restoring balance to the nervous system. The process decreases stress hormones, boosts dopamine and serotonin, and can even help with sleep and inflammation. “High cortisol is a major issue these days,” Medina adds. “Left unaddressed, it can cause nerve damage, disrupt sleep, and contribute to faster aging. Cryotherapy, paired with smart training, helps keep those levels in check.”Injury Prevention and Client Care: A Personalized ApproachEvery fitness journey at Capital Energy Training begins with a thorough assessment—going well beyond standard gym checklists. Medina looks into each client’s sports history, daily activity, nutrition, and current recovery regimen. “It’s about understanding the whole person,” Medina emphasizes. “Are they walking miles each day? Sitting at a desk? What do they eat and how do they recover? All of this informs how we train.”For injury prevention and recovery, Medina leverages techniques ranging from manual manipulation and massage to modern tools like NormaTec compression sleeves, which help flush out lactic acid and cortisol while giving clients that “hugged” sensation, offering a boost for both body and mood.“My goal is always to help people build not just strength, but resilience,” says Medina. “If someone can’t hold a wall squat for more than 30 seconds, we start there. We build up endurance and neuromuscular response gradually, always keeping the client’s limits in mind.”Training for Every Age: Fall Prevention and LongevityMedina takes particular pride in working with seniors, a group often overlooked in mainstream fitness. “You’re never too old to get stronger,” he asserts. One long-term client in his eighties has seen marked improvements in posture, stability, and overall mobility after just a few sessions of targeted manual therapy and corrective exercise.Fall prevention and bone health are cornerstones of Medina’s senior training. “Stronger muscles support your bones. If you can’t activate your muscles, you’re putting too much stress on your skeleton, increasing the risk of fractures and falls. We focus on proprioception, teaching the body to sense its position in space, to help prevent accidents before they happen.”Strength in Community: Trusted Partners and ReferralsRecognizing that no trainer is an island, Medina has built a network of trusted colleagues, including experts in rolfing, physical therapy, and osteopathy. “If a client needs care outside my expertise, I have partners like Rebecca Mills, Rebecca Carly, Dr. Patrola, and Dr. Hackquist to refer them to,” he shares. “It’s all about ensuring people get the right support, every step of the way.”About Capital Energy TrainingCapital Energy Training offers personalized fitness, injury prevention, and recovery services in the Washington, D.C. area. Led by Paul Medina, the studio blends science-backed training, mindset coaching, and innovative recovery modalities to help clients of all ages build resilience, strength, and longevity.For more information about Paul Medina, please visit https://www.capitalenergytraining.com/