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 Author Dr. Susan Krup Grunin of SKG Creations
Naples, FL - Dr. Susan Krup Grunin, PhD, has worn many hats: educator, federal law enforcement leader, executive coach, and now award-winning author and founder of SKG Creations. Her life journey, marked by curiosity, a love for learning, and a knack for finding humor even in life’s trickiest situations, shines through her celebrated “Little MisFit” book series and her extensive work in education, criminal justice, and human capital strategy.A self-described “lifelong learner,” Dr. Grunin recalls joining the Future Teachers of America club long before most children have even considered what they want to be when they grow up. “Even as a child, I loved seeing that ‘aha’ moment, the spark when someone truly understands something for the first time,” shares Dr. Grunin. That passion guided her from teaching Sunday school and volunteering with kids, all the way to university classrooms at Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Virginia, and University of Maryland.Along this path, she discovered a universal thread: mentorship. “People who have someone guiding them, whether it be a mentor, a coach, or simply a caring adult, tend to thrive. It’s about sharing wisdom, even our failures, so others don’t have to stumble in the same ways,” she explains. Books and travel also became formative avenues for learning, experiences she now weaves into her writing for young readers.But education was just one act of Dr. Grunin’s careers. The turbulence of the Vietnam War era and a penchant for hands-on learning led her from the University of Michigan to Anderson College, where a dynamic professor introduced her to the complexities of criminal justice. “I started recognizing that life’s paths are NOT always straight, and not every-one grows up with the same opportunities or values,” Dr. Grunin notes. Her early work in juvenile court opened her eyes to the critical importance of intervention and adult support in young lives, a lesson that resonated throughout her three decades in federal law enforcement and career and executive coaching and development.Shortly after earning her master’s degree at age 21 in Chicago, Dr. Grunin became the youngest federal probation officer ever appointed in the United States. She broke new ground, supporting people who were transitioning back into society and developing a reputation for candor and fairness. “I always said: if you want to make it, I will help you. If not, I will help you go back,” she says with a signature blend of empathy and practicality.Her journey did not stop with law enforcement. In Washington D.C., she was the first woman appointed in the Federal Probation System headquarters as a law enforcement officer or criminal investigator. After working on many exciting projects including Witness protection and writing monographs, newsletters and being the first woman regional administrator, Dr. Grunin transitioned into human capital strategy, leading executive training programs, executive coaching. She also wrote for the University of Virginia, a graduate-level textbook, “Human Capital Strategic Consulting.” The book, which became a staple among HR and government professionals, encourages leaders to look beyond tactical decisions, paperwork and payroll to strategically build strong organizational cultures that nurture talent and innovation.After 32 years of federal service, she turned to executive coaching and consulting, both independently and with national consulting firms. Many of Dr. Grunin’s former clients still reach out, sharing their successes and crediting her tough-love guidance. “The most rewarding part is seeing someone take charge of their own story,” she shares.Yet perhaps the centerpiece of Dr. Grunin’s latest work is the “Little MisFit” series, published by SKG Creations. Written for children and young adults (with plenty of winks and laughs for adults as well), the books chronicle the adventures of Ivy Sue Klutz, a spirited girl who does NOT quite fit in. “Everyone feels like a MisFit at some point. The trick is learning when it’s okay to stand out, how to laugh at yourself, and how to build confidence through humor, all lessons I hope readers of all ages will take to heart,” Dr. Grunin notes.The current series follows Ivy from age three to young adulthood, tackling challenges from playground missteps to the complexities of finding your place in the world. Each book encourages intergenerational dialogue, inviting children and mentors to share stories, laugh together, and explore life’s ups and downs as a team. This is critical in an age of electronics – I-pads, I-phones, etc., that we need to put down and take time to have a series of discussions and dialogues and laugh out-loud together so we can build life-long bonding relationships. These relationships can be the foundation for many kids and young adults to become successful in life.The “Little MisFit” books have garnered widespread recognition, including the Pinnacle Achievement Awards from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs, the Global Book of Excellence Award, and a Top Author Elite designation. With three books published and more in the works, Dr. Grunin continues to collect humorous and heartening stories from her own life and career for future installments. Currently, she is finishing book Four: Life Has More than Two Certainties, Death and Taxes. The target age for this book is 16 into early 20s, a time, when we believe that we are invincible.Beyond writing, Dr. Grunin pursues her passion for oil painting, sharing her vibrant artwork on Fine Art America. Through SKG Creations, she bridges creativity and instruction, reinforcing her core belief that learning never truly ends, even when we “retire.”With her sons thriving in cyber and IT careers, and her granddaughter already delighting in Nana’s stories, Dr. Grunin remains committed to living and leading by example. “Laugh every day. Learn something new. And don’t be afraid to stand out, even if it means being the MisFit in the room.”About Dr. Susan Krup Grunin and SKG CreationsDr. Susan Krup Grunin is an award-winning author, educator, executive coach, artist and retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer, based in Naples, Florida. Through her company, SKG Creations, she publishes the acclaimed “Little MisFit” book series and sells original fine art. Her mission: to inspire, encourage, and help others find both humor and strength no matter where life’s journey lead, in order to help young adults become successful.For more information about Dr. Susan Krup Grunin and SKG Creations, please visit https://skg-creations.com/
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Coach and Consultant Catherine Oleksiw of Measured Transitions
Plano, TX - Catherine Oleksiw, PhD is a woman to listen to. She has decades of experience in education, government, and a special arm of consulting work known as measurement and evaluation. She is the founder of a dual-sided practice Measured Transitions--a self-explanatory name for the course of helping people to develop tools and systems used in evaluating every aspect of their organizations—goals, processes, team activities, and outcomes. She stays in it for the long term, guiding each organization to take steps to change the trajectory of success, and acting as a coach in making it all happen. Her business card says a mouthful: Focus. Measure. Change.Doctor O, as she is informally known, had a progressive education herself, culminating with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology: Measurement & Evaluation from Columbia University in New York City. The analysis involved in what she does relates to organizational and program needs and actionable data (not mental health as some might mistakenly think.)Doctor O has worked in some government data analysis and information asset positions, including for the tax assessor’s office and as the very first City CIO (Chief Information Officer). One of her greatest gifts is serving as the bridge between IT, other departments, and all the users and the customers down the line. This is also what makes her so effective in consulting roles, she not only evaluates data and situations, but Catherine O also makes information into something tangible for improvement across the organization. As she puts it, there is a way to turn numbers into words.In her December and January shows, she will look at what launching an evaluation program can be like in two different scenarios: when going at it alone and when using a consultant. Having new eyes on things can be powerful, she notes.Dr. O’s approach is both pragmatic and profoundly human. Clients and students respond to her because of her wisdom, patience, and the way she gives them permission to be who and where they are. Once when a client was late for a meeting, she told him it was fine, and that we all get to be human! Life, she says, happens while we are being human; open, vulnerable, and imperfect.Over the course of her engagements training clients in the implementation and ongoing use of their programs and systems, she realized that she was in effect coaching her clients. She helped them to improve team cooperation and communication, and in cultivating an accountability mindset. To further develop her coaching skills, she studied at a coaching school accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She has now held the ICF Professional Coach Certification (PCC) for over ten years.Dr. O has been engaged in scholarly positions over the years as an adjunct professor of research and statistics, director of education research, and most recently as department chair of Business Psychology for The Chicago School Dallas campus. Her sweet spot is advising PhD students on their dissertation research. Over the years, she has added coaching to her favorite interactions with her students, supporting them in addressing the inevitable psychological and emotional challenges of staying focused on their dissertations.The radio team has conducted a recurring series with Dr. O, with increasing opportunities to hear and learn from her as a subject matter expert in measurement and systems thinking. She is a definitive authority who has been both published in and written about in media, such as Who’s Who from whom she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. In her radio interviews Catherine has proven to be an informative and engaging guest, which is not that easy considering the technical minutiae of the consulting work and evaluation program follow up.For more information about Dr. Catherine Oleksiw and her accomplishments, please visit www.measuredtransitions.com
Part 2: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Child Abuse Survivor and Author Cynthia L. Keller
Sioux Falls, SD - Cynthia L. Keller, a human trafficking survivor, author, and mentor, is using her voice to address critical issues surrounding the recruitment and protection of children in educational systems. With a passionate commitment to raising awareness about child safety and the need for rigorous vetting of educators, Keller draws from her own harrowing experiences to emphasize the importance of creating a secure environment for young people.Keller's concerns about the vetting processes for teachers and adults in caregiving roles stem from her firsthand knowledge of the vulnerabilities that children face. “The vetting of individuals working with children should be as thorough as that of those who serve in military roles or handle significant financial responsibilities,” she asserts. “Our children are delicate, and their safety needs to be paramount. We can't ignore the signs that something is not right."As an author, Keller has documented her early childhood experiences in her book, “All in the Big Picture,” which reveals the complexity of childhood trauma and the road to recovery. The book captures her journey from victim to escape, offering insights that challenge societal perceptions of child trafficking. “People often believe that victims are always in chains or physically confined,” she explains. “In reality, trafficking can look quite different. It often occurs under the guise of normalcy, making it more difficult for outsiders to recognize.”Keller's commitment to sharing her story and advocating for others has grown particularly poignant as she works on her second book that will chronicle her life from the ages of 12 to 21. This upcoming volume will delve deeper into the challenges faced by youth in abusive environments and how they manage to survive in a world that often feels isolating and hostile. “Many young people do not receive the proper support and guidance during their formative years,” Keller shares. “They carry burdens that are invisible to others, and it’s crucial that we bring these issues to light.”Throughout her life, Keller has encountered numerous individuals who have played significant roles in her development, offering guidance during crucial moments. She recalls the influence of her boss and coworkers at Citibank, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to come out of her shell. Their support helped Keller to see her value and worth, igniting a determination to rise above her circumstances. “That kind of mentorship is invaluable,” she says. “It’s important to surround ourselves with people who believe in us, especially when we struggle to believe in ourselves.”Despite the profound challenges Keller has faced, she remains a strong advocate for mental health awareness and resilience. She encourages those currently experiencing trauma to focus on their mental well-being, advising them not to dwell on the past but to keep moving forward. “You have to train your mind to look for the positives,” she emphasizes. “Keep pushing through, even when it feels impossible. Life can be overwhelming, but we have the strength to navigate through it.”Keller is also acutely aware of the complexities surrounding family dynamics in the context of trauma. She has experienced the painful estrangement from her adopted children due to a smear campaign instigated by relatives, highlighting the often hidden struggles within families affected by abuse. “It’s disheartening to watch relationships deteriorate when they should be sources of support,” she reflects. “This experience has only fueled my desire to help others navigate similar situations.”Through her writing and mentorship, Keller is working to create a community where survivors can share their stories and support one another. She is hopeful that increased awareness will lead to better protective measures for children and a more empathetic understanding among adults. “We must work collectively to ensure that children are safe and their voices are heard,” she insists.Keller’s upcoming projects include not only her second book but also continued advocacy to engage communities in discussions about human trafficking and child safety. Through her work, she hopes to inspire action and change while providing resources for individuals in need.About the Cynthia KellerCynthia is currently drafting the five volumes while traveling the United States sourcing antiques and collectibles. Volume One captures early childhood memories and the conditions that made her vulnerable to abuse. Volume Two will explore the aftermath of escape and the long shadow of exploitation on adolescent and early adult relationships. Volumes Three through Five will trace her later marriages, entrepreneurship, care giving, faith, and advocacy. Portions of the works discuss sensitive subjects, including child abuse, trafficking, addiction, and grief; reader discretion is advised.Availability, Speaking, and MediaCynthia is available for interviews, readings, and panel discussions on survivor-informed policy, family resilience, and community-based prevention. She welcomes partnerships with schools, nonprofits, faith communities, and survivor networks to bring practical safety education and resources to families.About “All in the Big Picture”All in the Big Picture is a five-volume memoir series by Cynthia that confronts childhood abuse with honesty, compassion, and a blueprint for action. Written on the road across America, the series blends personal narrative with community advocacy to inspire safer schools, stronger families, and a culture that protects its most vulnerable.For more information about Cynthia L. Keller and Parents Against Pedophilia (PAP), please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-keller-b6402358/ and https://www.amazon.com/All-Picture-C-L-Keller/dp/1646289730 and https://www.facebook.com/groups/2681769492118196/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Professor and Author of “Discrimination” Kenneth J. Welch
Springfield, MA - Kenneth J. Welch, PhD, CPA, a seasoned professor, experienced accountant, and author of the eye-opening book “Discrimination,” is stepping forward with candid, decades-honed insights on America’s ongoing struggles and successes with acceptance, opportunity, and equality. Drawing from a lifetime of firsthand observation, academic rigor, and compassionate inquiry, Dr. Welch invites both organizations and individuals to reflect on the choices that have defined our collective journey toward a fairer society.In a time of intense cultural and economic debate, Dr. Welch brings a voice of clarity and practical wisdom rooted in real-world experience. His approach is both analytical and deeply personal, connecting historical moments with today’s most pressing workplace and societal issues. He is uniquely positioned to guide conversations around discrimination, workplace diversity, and human potential, offering not only critique but a constructive path forward.Dr. Welch’s perspective is shaped by an America he watched change before his eyes. He recounts witnessing firsthand the sharp lines that once divided communities: lines drawn by color, ability, and gender. Reflecting on these early experiences, Welch remains candid about the discomforts and wrongs of the past, while expressing gratitude for meaningful steps taken through government legislation such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet, he is quick to point out that legal remedies, while essential, are only part of the answer.“Accept others as they are. You can’t change them,” Dr. Welch asserts, capturing the heart of his philosophy. He recognizes that this is easier said than done, prompting honest questions about how frequently this ideal is lived out in everyday life. His candor breaks through layers of avoidance that often surround these discussions, insisting that real solutions begin with personal choice and persistent practice.Welch’s research and commentary delve into the mechanics of discrimination and how it quietly shapes the workplace, influences company culture, and affects not just the excluded, but the entire organization. He offers practical advice to managers and HR professionals, advocating for continuous education, open communication, and adaptive solutions for employees whose abilities are too often underestimated. Welch’s financial expertise as a CPA brings a unique dimension to his perspective, as he considers the fiscal realities of hiring, tax incentives, and the tangible costs of ignoring systemic inequities.Whether from the bustling grocery store or a visit to a long-term care facility, Dr. Welch’s stories remind us that every policy and every moment of inclusion or exclusion is deeply human. He encourages companies to look beyond check boxes and profits, promoting environments where individuals are recognized for what they can contribute, not limited by what they cannot.A persistent thread in Dr. Welch’s teaching is his belief in practical fairness. He sees the need for genuine, day-to-day acceptance, whether the topic is equal pay for women, opportunities for the disabled, or the evolving expectations of a multicultural workforce. He openly discusses the challenges managers face, including the pressure to prioritize efficiency and the bottom line. Yet, he advocates for patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt roles to individual strengths, insisting that such investment pays dividends in loyalty, morale, and organizational reputation.Dr. Welch is also unafraid to tackle uncomfortable realities, from the dynamics of family life changed by economic necessity, to the sometimes slow progress of public and private institutions. He reflects on his own upbringing, where hard work was non-negotiable and every child contributed to the household. His memories serve not as nostalgia, but as a foundation for practical dialogue about the direction America is taking.As an educator, Dr. Welch knows the power of example and the responsibility of leadership. He challenges organizations to create cultures where acceptance is not a slogan but a daily practice, where difficult conversations are encouraged and managed with skill, and where every employee has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.With “Discrimination,” Dr. Welch, delivers more than a history lesson. He provides a toolkit for understanding and addressing the persistent realities of bias and exclusion. His message is clear: the path to fairness and productivity is paved with open eyes, honest reflection, and the courage to embrace change, one workplace and one individual at a time.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/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Former Foster Child, Army Veteran, and Author Dr. Kay Kizer of Kay’s Carry On
Corpus Christi, TX - From humble beginnings as a foster child to a U.S. Army veteran, chaplain, and acclaimed author, Dr. Kay Kizer’s journey reads like a lesson in perseverance, faith, and service. Today, she draws from decades of lived experience to propel Kay’s Carry On, her grassroots nonprofit, and to inspire hope through her bestselling book series, “Faces of Foster Care.” Both enterprises are united by a clear mission: giving foster youth the dignity, respect, and practical support they need from day one.Turning Pain into PurposeDr. Kay’s story begins before her first birthday, with foster care papers signed by her biological mother. That signature led to a childhood marked by frequent moves, heavy responsibilities, and the lasting scars of abuse and neglect. Singled out for chores that rivaled Cinderella’s, she was left to shoulder burdens no child should bear. Yet, even now, she recalls those years with a smile of resilience: “I’m not afraid of work, that’s what I’m really saying.”After surviving the system, Dr. Kay found structure and belonging in the U.S. Army, where she discovered, perhaps for the first time, a sense of provision, camaraderie, and a rucksack that symbolized care rather than cast-offs. “What I loved about the military is they did not give us a trash bag. Even the military has got it right.”A Rolling Suitcase Full of DignityKay’s Carry On was born from an all-too-familiar scene: foster children arriving at her door with nothing but a bottle or a trash bag. The organization collects and distributes brand new, high-quality luggage filled with essentials for children entering or transitioning within the foster system. “Dignity, hope, and respect is all about the luggage,” Dr. Kizer explains. “Making sure that, even when they graduate or travel to see family, they can secure their belongings the way every traveler should.”Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s legislation outlawing trash bags for foster youth inspired Dr. Kay to dream bigger. “I would love for my name to be attached to a law like that, nationwide,” she says. “Children deserve better.”Stories That Connect and HealIn addition to suitcases, Dr. Kay delivers healing and visibility through words. Her “Faces of Foster Care” book series, now entering its sixth volume, offers a platform for current and former foster youth to share their experiences. The series includes over 50 contributors, many of whom, for the first time, face and process their pasts on the page. “They had to go back and relive their childhoods in their minds and then write about them,” she shares, describing a process that’s both cathartic and courageous.This project has grown organically as authors encourage others to add their voices, building a community that stretches across generations and states. Dr. Kizer is already envisioning writing camps, retreats, and even extending her work internationally, inspired by her son’s experiences in Kenyan orphanages.Unexpected Blessings and the Power of FaithFor Dr. Kay, faith is her foundation. A God-moment encounter with a pastor’s family introduced her to Christianity, changing her trajectory and providing comfort during difficult years. “Even through what I went through, the Lord, He was with me,” she reflects. Her experiences now fuel a calling to serve: “I’m here on this planet to serve. Even Christ Himself said that He came to serve and not be served.”That spirit of generosity is evident in her willingness to invest her own resources into Kay’s Carry On and her gratitude for every donation, including a recent surprise $1,000 check following a magazine feature. “When things like that happen, it’s like, thank you, Lord. Somebody sees what I’m doing.”Building Resilient FuturesDr. Kay knows firsthand that healing takes time and support. She encourages all foster youth to journal and to speak out, regardless of the “what happens here stays here” rule often instilled by foster families. She is in the process of developing custom journals for foster youth to help them process their journeys.Her vision extends beyond suitcases and books: retreat centers, event spaces, and writing camps where foster alumni can gather, share, and heal. “To see a 14-year-old become a published author, have her principal and teacher know about it, can you imagine what that does for her? I want to be a change maker for these kids.”About Kay’s Carry OnKay’s Carry On is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dignity and hope to foster youth by supplying rolling brand new luggage filled with essentials to children entering or transitioning in the foster care system.For more information about Kay Kizer, PhD and Kay’s Carry-On, please visit https://www.kayscarryon.org/
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