Debbie Russell

Kathryn interviews Author Debbie Russell.While researching her family history, prosecutor Debbie Russell stumbled across her respected physician-grandfather’s letters during his voluntary commitment to a federal drug treatment facility in 1951, known as a “Narcotic Farm.” The discovery sets Russell on a journey of self-discovery whose unexpected turns unearth previously unknown information about her father — just as he is losing his battle with Parkinson’s disease. She collects her experiences along the way and courageously examines middle age’s internal struggles, while providing a blueprint for redefining oneself beyond the constraints of addiction and dysfunctional family dynamics. She spent 25 years as a County Prosecutor in Minneapolis, litigating numerous high-profile cases and specializing in those involving domestic and child abuse.Kathryn also interviews Author Sophia A. McClennen PhD.According to sought-after politics and satire expert Dr. Sophia A. McClennen, the only way to cure the overwhelming political fatigue that many people are experiencing as we gear up for the 2024 election is through comedy, specifically satire. As she explains: There is one antidote to the depression, anxiety, and frustration we feel in having to pay attention to the politicians and issues that exhaust us and that's comedy, especially satirical comedy. My groundbreaking new research proves that satire is the #1 most powerful political tool -- it likely stopped Trump from being reelected in 2020, and the party that manages to use satire best will have a massive advantage in the 2024 election.” She has appeared on CNN’s 6-part series, “The Story of Late Night,” on Neil de Grasse Tyson’s National Geographic show “Startalk,” and in a top performing Vox video. She is also a regular columnist for Salon.com. Dr. McClennen, a Harvard graduate, is Professor of international affairs and comparative literature at Penn State University and founding director of the Center for Global Studies, where she has raised over $6 million in funding.