This Week in America with Ric Bratton

The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph. Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history. The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future. One of the standout aspects of The Ultimate Quest is Dr. Mataban's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and the author's research shines through, adding depth to the plot without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The book doesn't just recount events; it brings them to life, placing readers right in the middle of the action, whether it's a struggle for independence or a personal confrontation with the legacy of colonialism. While the historical context is rich and vital, the real strength of The Ultimate Quest lies in its characters. The author's skillful development of multi-generational storylines offers a nuanced understanding of how deeply the past shapes the future. Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York. AMAZON https://inkstartmedia.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51426abmis.mp3

Howie, The Unusual Bear by Laure Stack Howie wasn't your average bear. He looked different, acted differently, and did things unlike any other bear. Longing for companionship, Howie sets out on a journey to find a friend who will accept him for the unique bear he truly is. Will he succeed? An Amazon bestseller. With over 20 years as an educator, Laure Stack has spent her career supporting children through their struggles and dreams. Her deep understanding of young minds leads to her heartwarming stories. Through Once Upon a Boy, Howie the Unusual Bear and more future books, Laure hopes to inspire children to dream big and never let doubt keep them from reaching their full potential. Laure is recipient of the prestigious Evergreen Award for Best New Children's Book Author in California 2026 https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Unusual-Bear-Laure-Stack/dp/B0GRMN4C8V/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title https://authorlaurestack.com/ https://www.ecpublishingllc.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/twia/root/52126lsec2.mp3

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The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow “In a world of privilege and pretense, a young girl vanishes. Carol Snow’s propulsive and gripping The Girl On The Beach reels you in with a darkly charged love triangle and rich, compelling characters—none of them innocent. Just when you think you understand what happened, a shocking twist upends everything.” —Mary Dixie Carter, author of Marguerite by the Lake and The Photographer A missing child. A shattered family. And a truth that refuses to stay buried. Acclaimed novelist Carol Snow returns with The Girl on the Beach (Crooked Lane Books; June 23, 2026), a gripping psychological thriller set against the deceptively idyllic coastline of Santa Barbara’s “American Riviera.” When four-year-old Roxie Starr disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect summer day, the tragedy destroys her glamorous, high-profile family and leaves their young nanny, Colleen, haunted by guilt. Months later, Colleen returns to the beach house and sees something impossible: a child who looks exactly like Roxie. What follows is a chilling unraveling of memory, grief, and truth as Colleen questions everything she thought she knew about that day and the family she once trusted. With a dual timeline that moves between a sunlit summer and a shadowed aftermath, The Girl on the Beach explores: ● The unreliability of memory ● The psychology of guilt and trauma ● The secrets hidden beneath wealth and privilege Perfect for fans of psychological suspense, the novel builds to a jaw-dropping twist. Carol Snow is an American author of ten novels, most recently THE GIRL ON THE BEACH, a psychological thriller slated for June 2026 publication. Called “an author to watch” by Booklist, recognition for Snow’s previous titles includes: Target Bookmarked Breakout Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books of the Month, and Readers’ Crown Award Finalist. Foreign rights to Snow’s books have been sold to publishers in Germany, Norway, Poland, Indonesia, and Hungary. A former contributor to Salon’s “Mother’s Who Think” column, her writing has also appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books and Park City Magazine. Carol Snow holds a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in teaching English from Boston College. A native of New Jersey, she has lived all over the US, as well as in Strasbourg, France, and London, England. Married with two adult children, she now splits her time between Cape Cod and Southern California. To learn more about Carol Snow and her books, please visit www.carolsnow.com. https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Beach-Thriller-Carol-Snow/dp/B0FSC6XDBN https://www.carolsnow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/carol_snow https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/270463.Carol_Snow

The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph. Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history. The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future. One of the standout aspects of The Ultimate Quest is Dr. Mataban's ability to blend historical facts with compelling storytelling. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and the author's research shines through, adding depth to the plot without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The book doesn't just recount events; it brings them to life, placing readers right in the middle of the action, whether it's a struggle for independence or a personal confrontation with the legacy of colonialism. While the historical context is rich and vital, the real strength of The Ultimate Quest lies in its characters. The author's skillful development of multi-generational storylines offers a nuanced understanding of how deeply the past shapes the future. Each generation faces its own unique challenges, but the echoes of the past resonate, highlighting the enduring pursuit of identity, justice, and belonging. Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York. AMAZON https://inkstartmedia.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/51426abmis.mp3

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally: 10 SuperFoods That Work with Susan Smith Jones, PhD High blood pressure is a 'silent killer,' but do you need to rely on drugs to lower your blood pressure? Our guest today, holistic health and lifestyle expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, will talk about 10 superfoods, validated by clinical trials, that can naturally lower your blood pressure. Among other foods, you will learn how flaxseeds, beets, and more, all covered in detail in her book A HUG IN A MUG, have additive mechanisms to produce double-digit drops, with flax seeds actually rivaling prescription medication. I’ll be taking notes on our discussion today since most people I know are dealing with blood pressure issues. Welcome Susan! For a woman with three of America’s most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging & longevity, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan travels internationally as a frequent media talk show guest; she is also the author of many health books, including 1) A HUG IN A MUG: Revitalize with Superfoods & Healthy Living Extras and 2) UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Kindness, Peace & Vitality Refer to her website for more info about Susan, her books and her empowering work. SusanSmithJones.com 𝕏 @ Susan Smith Jones https://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphd http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj145.mp3

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Time for Trump's Patriotic Reparations by Thomas Redick Reparations time has come for American Blacks and Donald Trump is the key to making it happen. He can declare federal supremacy while dismissing the white supremacy charges he and other Republicans have faced. Polls show over 90 percent of Blacks and a majority of White folks will be okay with reparations by 2040. This book deals with the biggest challenge, the issue of reparations for slavery. This is too costly (seventeen trillion?), too unlawful (slavery was legal at the time, and Blacks owned slaves too), and fails to account for the credit of nearly seven hundred thousand men who died in the Civil War that ended slavery in the US. It is best left for later, if ever. The Civil War cost America trillions, making it a wash with slavery wages. America's been delaying payment of reparations since the end of the Civil War, when President Johnson took away the forty acres and a mule that General Sherman gave freed slaves. So Blacks were left with nothing during Reconstruction when the dark cloud or murder of crows called Jim Crow settled on the land in 1876. Reparations pioneer Callie House endured harassment and imprisonment in the early 1900s but got a movement underway that sought payment from rebel cotton, even if she was only offered an old folk's home. Federal reparations law would preempt the state attempts at reparations, forcing them to pay into the federal foundation that the law would create. California's report of over five hundred pages stops considering reparations after 1910, which is perplexing. They probably felt it was too much to cover Jim Crow and lynching since they included slavery illegally in the analysis. Donald Trump can reward families who suffered lynching, including Hispanics and Asians who were lynched. Churches, universities, and foundations are starting to fund reparations. These initiatives would be untouched by federal preemption. Precedents exist, including Ronald Reagan's payments to Japanese internees. Nazi nastiness toward Jews has everything to do with the US treatment of Blacks, and they paid for their killing of six million Jews, gypsies, gays, and others. The Germans paid Jews in 1952 and continue paying them into 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Trumps-Patriotic-Reparations-Thomas-Redick/dp/B0FY4HQ8FW/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title https://www.ecpublishingllc.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/5726trec.mp3

Gone Surfing!: Ice Queen's Cave by Donna Voss While the world and sites to see seem vast and endless, there is connection and community smaller than we think. A series of short stories and poems, Donna Voss demonstrates connections on a global front: world-class pilots and children of a farm, a surfer traveling the globe, the united experiences of veterans returning home from war. About the Author: Donna Voss lives in Southern California. As a volunteer at her public grade school, she began the Garden Club when her daughter started kindergarten in 1997. Since then, many parents and teachers have contributed their energy toward building a "Farm to Table" public school program, which teaches kids how to grow, make, reuse, repurpose, recycle food, expanding the program throughout the district. When Donna's daughter became the Garden Club teacher, she developed an educational curriculum and got a grant for the first farmhouse. Now offsite tours at the school district farm are provided to all the K-6 graders who enjoy field trips of the ever-expanding farm site. By teaching the next generation how to grow sustainable food, they are also learning how to build a healthy community and develop good relationships, by promoting inclusivity and teaching the importance of considering another person's perspective. Also, by learning how to listen with empathy and the simple act that being kind really does matter and, in some cases, can make all the difference. https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Surfing-Ice-Queens-Cave/dp/B0FQBMSW14 https://mainspringbooks.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/5726dvmsb.mp3

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