Abigail Carter was an expat Canadian living in New York with her husband and two children, when her husband was lost in the attack on the twin towers on 9/11. Following the catastrophe, Abby moved to Seattle with her children and began keeping a journal to try to come to terms with what had happened to her family. That act opened another world to her and Abby now works as a full-time writer. Links: www.abigailcarter.com Books: The Alchemy of Loss: A Young Widow's Transformation Comment from Abigail: I truly enjoyed my interview with Brad. He asked such introspective questions, ones that I hadn't heard before, and allowed me to give a unique perspective on things that I have spoken about many times before. I was very impressed that Brad was so well prepared, and wasn't just asking questions based on the information he found on my website. It was definitely one of the most upbeat and refreshing interviews I have done to date.
Thank you!
Abby | 
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New York Times bestselling author Andrew Bridge spent 11 years in Los Angeles County foster care, then went on to earn a scholarship to Wesleyan, become a Fulbright Scholar, and graduate from Harvard Law School. He'll join us to share his account of his life with his mother, a young mentally ill woman, of her efforts to keep and care for him, and of his life in foster care without her. And we'll find out how it has inspired him to spend his career bettering the lives of America's most vulnerable children. Links: www.hopesboy.com Books: Hope's Boy Comment from Andrew: I just wanted to send a note to thank you. It was an honor and privilege to be on your show. Most of all, I appreciate your interest in this area and your willingness to bring awareness of it to your many listeners. That really is a tremendous thing! Thank you for giving me, of all people, the opportunity to talk about those issues. Thank you for the generous time and thoughtful questions. Thanks for reading a book about a boy who loved his mom and a mom who endured more than anyone ought to. The very best to you.
Most sincerely, Andrew
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Have you ever done a search on yourself and then found someone with the same name as you? They're called "vanity searches". Brad's been doing them for years (not surprising, given his overactive need for admiration and attention) and through that time he's followed the careers of some of his namesakes. Brad Brooks, the San Francisco musician and vocalist, has worked hard to build a music career. In fact, you may have even sung along with him since he's worked as a vocalist on several games including Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution video games. Almost everyone has dreamed of becoming a singer at some point. We'll find out what it's really like. Brad Brooks (the talented musician) debuts his birthday song dedicated to CKNW's Brad Brooks. Links and CD's: www.brad-brooks.com | 
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What would you do if you were the only one in your family with a secret about your missing brother? He is lost at sea and only you know where he is. After two months and not a word or post card from David, including a broken family tradition of calling on your birthday to reconnect, you begin to worry. Could he be lost? Cathy Ostlere shares her truly remarkable account of her journey to find answers about her brother David. She recounts her questions about living, risks and what it means to live an authentic life. Links: cathy-ostlere.com Books: Lost: A Memoir
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Who would have thought that Canada played a role in bringing democracy to the former Soviet Union? That's what Brad uncovered during his discussion with journalist Christopher Shulgan as they discussed the book "The Soviet Ambassador". The impact and example that Canada played in showing a former Stalinist that democratic principles such as land ownership, free elections and a separate justice system could increase the happiness and productivity of a country were instrumental in changing the mind of an influential Soviet statesman. A personal relationship that grew to the level of close friendship with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau sowed the seeds of freedom in a man who was previously a hard-line communist.
This interview was a fitting tribute to the birthday of our nation.
Links: www.shulgan.com
Books: The Soviet Ambassador: The Making of the Radical Behind Perestroika | 
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Major-General Lewis Wharton MacKenzie, C.M., CMM, MSC (and bar), O.Ont , CD, is a retired Canadian general and writer. Heis most famous for establishing and commanding Sector Sarajevo as part of the United Nations Protection Force or UNPROFOR in Yugoslavia in 1992. He joins us to discuss the lessons hard-learned on the battlefield and how inspiration - not orders - will take the hill. Big Ideas: - Whether we agree or disagree with the missions that Canadian soldiers are involved with, a sense of patriotism should drive our support for our troops
- The Canadian Armed Forces have become a competitive career choice because salaries have risen substantially
- Major-General Lews Mackenzie is rich with stories and his perspective is straightforward and frank
Books:
Soldiers Made Me Look Good Comment from Major-General Lewis (ret'd) “It’s always a pleasure to be interviewed by someone who has actually researched the subject to be discussed – like Brad! “ All the best, Lew MacKenzie Major-General (ret'd) | 
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You'd better be prepared if you want to discuss politics with Jeff Jacobson. A 23 year-old from Victoria, Jeff has a keen mind and doesn't mind sharing his opinions. He's part of the group that brought Al Gore to Victoria and Colin Powell to Vancouver. Brad and he discuss the challenges of being a young entrepreneur and his experience dealing with professional speaking firms. Later, the conversation shifts to U.S. Politics and the strategies for the Democrats in the next election. Links: www.dsjcommunications.com Comment from Jeff Jacobson: Thank you so much. It was a great honor to be a guest on The Brad Brooks Show. I enjoyed it a great deal and would be happy to be a guest again in the future.
Jeff Jacobson
DSJ Communications |
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In 2005-06, Julie Angus rowed nearly 10,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first woman in the world to voyage across it from mainland to mainland in a rowboat. She was accompanied by her now husband, Colin Angus, as part of his epic expedition to circumnavigate the world by human power. Links: www.angusadventures.com Books: Rowboat in a Hurricane Comment from Julie: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me on the show. Brad's a dynamic interviewer and I really enjoyed it. Julie Angus | 
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Kevin Sullivan is the man behind one of Canada's best-loved movie and television characters. As the director of the first Anne of Green Gables movie, Kevin went on to produce more than 100 additional hours of Anne's story in Road to Avonlea and Wind at My Back. Anne returns to the screen on December 14, 2008 with Anne of Green Gables - A New Beginning. Kevin both wrote and produced this update set 40 years later with Barbara Hershey playing an older Anne Shirley. Silver-screen legend Shirley Maclaine plays Amelia Thomas. In this interview, Kevin discusses the movie and his career. He also explores why Anne is so popular, not just here in Canada, but around the world. Links: www.anneofgreengables.com
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Writer and artist Lewis DeSoto chats with Brad about one of BC's favourite daughters, Emily Carr. Having studied at what is now the art institute named after her, Lewis brings an interesting and very personal perspective to life on a remarkable woman. Links: www.extraordinarycanadians.com/Lewis DeSoto Books: Extraordinary Canadians Emily Carr Blade of Grass Comment from Lewis DeSoto: Please could you convey my thanks to Brad for a really excellent conversation. He asked very pertinent and intelligent questions and graciously allowed me to talk...I hope your listeners enjoyed the hour as much as I did. Many thanks!!!
With best regards,
Lewis DeSoto
Author of Emily Carr
Extraordinary Canadians Series | 
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What do you do when you've reached the pinnacle of success? You find worthy causes and give it away. That's what Lynda and her husband Bob have been doing over the past few years. And while you might think that a life that wants for nothing materially would be easy, it's quite the contrary. In a rare media appearance, Lynda shares her unique perspective on giving back. Lynda describes how poverty, disease and human rights walk in lock step creating inhuman conditions in many countries. The work of the Cedar Foundation focuses on the cure for all three - Education. Their view of education goes a long way beyond literacy. This is about providing young people with the chance for high school and college when they never would have had the chance. Links: www.cedarfoundation.com |
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Photos of child victims of war appear regularly in the North American press. While the pictures may move us, or cause us to lament about the cruelty of war, the children remain anonymous pawns in conflicts that are well beyond our control. In The Bite of the Mango, the face of war becomes all too real as Mariatu Kamara relates her horrifying experiences at the hands of rebel soldiers in her native Sierra Leone.
As a child growing up in a small rural village, she lived peacefully surrounded by family and friends. But during rebel uprisings, 12-year-old Mariatu was kidnapped and tortured by soldiers who were themselves children. In a brutal act of senseless violence, they cut off both her hands. Mariatu miraculously survived and eventually found her way to Canada, where she lives today. This heart-rending memoir, written by journalist Susan McClelland as told to her by Mariatu, not only chronicles Mariatu's physical and emotional journey, but stands as a testament to her courage and astonishing resilience. Links: www.mariatufoundation.com www.susanmcclelland.com Books: The Bite of the Mango | 
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Brad was as surprised as anyone that Canada had a link to the first modern day superspy. During his discussion with Peter he finds out about the sordid past of this fiery, jockey sized pioneer of espionage. It included supplementing his paltry income as a spy with a job as a graverobber where he stole the body of not only a father but a son of a U.S. President. His motivation for being a spy is particularly apt for a Father's Day Show. Books: Delusion: The True Story of Victorian Superspy Henri Le Caron
Comment from Peter Edwards: I really enjoyed the interview. It really was nice to speak to someone who had read and thought about the book. I liked the wrap up question about what lessons should be learned from Le Caron's story.
A good interview like that helps me focus my thoughts and makes it easier for me to talk about the book in the future. I'm giving a speech later in the week on Le Caron, and the interview with Brad will help me gather and focus my thoughts for that.
I liked the way each segment seemed to have a topic/theme. I also enjoyed and appreciated the chance to give full answers and not just snappy clips, as this is a pretty complicated story. I also liked the way the interview was tied to Father's Day. After the interview, I drove my daughter back to university, and I told her how much I enjoyed the interview, and speaking to someone who had actually read the book and thought about it. When the publisher asks how the interview went, all I have is praise. My only advice would be, Keep up the great work. Thanks
Peter Edwards
Author of Delusion-The True Story of Victorian Superspy Henri Le Caron | 
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Richard Wagamese is an Ojibway from the Wabasseemoong First Nation in northwestern Ontario. Following a distinguished journalism career in which he became the first Native Canadian to win a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing, he moved into the realm of fiction writing. His latest book is a non-fiction memoir. Links: www.richardwagamese.com Books: One Native Life | 
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| Simma Holt has been described as articulate and fearless, tough and loyal. She spent her life as a journalist and politician. She's in-studio with Brad to discuss her life and the people who shaped both her career and her life. Books: Memoirs of a Loose Cannon |
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For those who are going through the pain of a marriage that is ending, Theo has some words of encouragement...there is hope. But what if you haven't been through this experience? Brad and Theo's conversation reveals some lessons for all of us including some sage words about cherishing all of your relationships (even the one's that aren't quite perfect). Links: www.theopaulinenestor.com Books: How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed: A Memoir
Comment from Theo Pauline Nestor: Thanks for the positive feedback. My amazon.ca jumped way up after our interview...to #3 in Divorce books. So someone must have been listening! Theo Pauline Nestor
Author of How to Sleep in a King Size Bed-Memoir | 
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Biographies
