Episodes

  • "Unlocking Reading Success: A Metacognitive Approach with Dr. Natasha Cox Magno"

    "Unlocking Reading Success: A Metacognitive Approach with Dr. Natasha Cox Magno"
    Nov 5 2024
    This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning broadcaster Burke Allen on Big Time Talker podcast features an interview with Dr. Natasha Cox Magno, an award-winning author and reading interventionist. Her book, A Purposeful Reading Journey with a Metacognitive Approach, explores strategies to help students improve reading comprehension through "metacognition," which means thinking about what you're reading while you read. Dr. Magno discusses how she wrote the book to help students who can decode words but struggle to understand or retain what they've read. She highlights the importance of scaffolding reading strategies and tools for parents, teachers, and administrators to better support learners. The conversation also touches on the challenges of engaging younger generations in reading, especially in the digital age, where distractions like phones and video games compete for attention. Dr. Magno advocates for creating family reading groups and using purposeful questioning techniques to enhance comprehension. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes that understanding reading is essential for academic success across all subjects, including STEM. She also shares success stories of students who made significant progress with the help of these reading strategies, showcasing the potential for all learners, regardless of age, to improve their reading skills with the right approach. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by Speakermatch; subscribe today and get new episodes each week!
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    19 mins
  • "From Music to Memoirs: J.J. Maze on Creativity, Healing, and New Horizons

    "From Music to Memoirs: J.J. Maze on Creativity, Healing, and New Horizons
    Oct 30 2024
    This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning broadcaster, Burke Allen, went live at the American Library Association Podcast Pavillion in San Diego with author and singer-songwriter, J.J. Maze. Known for her powerful memoir, "Walk Into Sunrise," Maze writes with influence from a series of harrowing experiences within her own life, ultimately providing her readers with a deeply connected journey. Writing these memoirs served as a therapudic journey, helping Maze come to terms with her own story. Also discussing "Music Notes," her collection of short stories about singers, which bridges her love for musicians as well as the raw passion, struggles, and authenticity that fuel their art. As a songwriter herself, Maze contrasts her spontaneous process with the structured, sculpted effort of book writing. Don't miss the team highlight upcoming plans including memoir promotion, live concert opprotunities, and even the possibility of a remote podcast episode from her residency in Greece. Listen to this week's Big Time Talker Podcast for the inspiring resilliance displayed through Maze. Learn more about her upcoming and current novels, "Walk Into Sunrise," and "Music Notes" at JadeJ.Maze.com. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by Speakermatch; subscribe today and get new episodes each week!
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    20 mins
  • Children's Book Author Rita Reed's Magical Journey with 'Dogfish, Just Be YOU!'

    Children's Book Author Rita Reed's Magical Journey with 'Dogfish, Just Be YOU!'
    Oct 23 2024
    This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning broadcaster Burke Allen went live at the American Library Association's Podcast Pavilion in San Diego with award-winning children's book author Rita Reed. Reed shares the magic behind her book, "Dogfish, Just Be YOU!" the newest entry in her acclaimed "Dogfish Tales" series, winner of the 2023 Golden Wizard Book of the Year. Reed describes the origin of the "Dogfish" character—part dog, part fish—born from her father's scuba diving adventures. Reed discusses themes of individuality, environmental awareness, and bullying, all crafted for children, and the grownups who love them. With playful themes, powerful lessons and charming illustrations, Rita's books aim to inspire young readers and foster communication between parents and kids abourt important topics. Don’t miss her insights and plans for the next book in the series celebrating inclusion. Listen to this week's Big Time Talker podcast for a dose of creativity and storytelling magic! Learn more about Rita Reed and her book "Dogfish Just Be You" on her website: https://dogfishtales.com/ Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch; suscribe today and get new espidoes each week!
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    15 mins
  • Crossing Boundaries: Dignity and Humanity with Christa Bruhn

    Crossing Boundaries: Dignity and Humanity with Christa Bruhn
    Oct 15 2024
    This week, Billboard Magazine award-winning host Burke Allen speaks with Christa Bruhn, author of the poignant memoir Crossing: The Search for Dignity in Palestine. With decades of experience in the region since 1986, Christa brings a unique perspective to the complex Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the shared human desires of both Israelis and Palestinians for family, safety, and dignity. In this episode, Christa shares her personal journey as a Palestinian-American mother, highlighting the urgent need for fair policies from Western nations amidst the backdrop of recent events. She delves into the historical significance of the conflict and the impact it has on today's realities, advocating for equal rights and understanding in a landscape fraught with tension. With a background in international studies and Middle Eastern studies, Bruhn's insights make the intricate issues surrounding this conflict accessible to all. Listen to the candid conversation with Big Time Talker host Burke Allen to explore her award-winning book and they delve into this vital conversation. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink perspectives and envision a future rooted in dignity for all. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.com.
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    19 mins
  • Flipping the Script: Rodney Cloud-Hill on Reverse Racism, History, and Empathy

    Flipping the Script: Rodney Cloud-Hill on Reverse Racism, History, and Empathy
    Oct 9 2024
    This week, Big Time Talker host Burke Allen talks with author Rodney Cloud Hill live at the American Library Association's annual conference in San Diego, where they discuss his provocative book, Blackwash: The Untold Stories of Reverse Racism. Through a fictional parallel universe and 200 historical and contemporary events, Hill flips traditional racial roles to explore the concept of reverse racism, diversity initiatives, and equal opportunity hiring. Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.
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    18 mins
  • Writing with Heart: Nina Kelly on Inspiring Young Readers.

    Writing with Heart: Nina Kelly on Inspiring Young Readers.
    Oct 1 2024
    This week, Burke chats with Mom’s Choice award-winning children’s author Nina Kelly at the American Library Association’s annual conference. Nina shares her journey from working in elderly care and organ donation to becoming a beloved writer for kids aged 6-10. She discusses her debut book, The Honeybee Treehouse, which teaches children about the importance of bees, and her second book, Athena the Brave, inspired by her grand dog and the Barkus dog parade in New Orleans. Nina also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming release, Athena Tudor and the Eagle, which focuses on courage and overcoming fears. Throughout the conversation, she provides valuable writing advice for aspiring authors, stressing passion and authenticity while reflecting on the challenges of letting go of her finished work. Tune in to hear about Nina’s playful approach to writing, her collaboration with illustrator Herma Edwards, and her commitment to supporting independent bookstores. This episode is packed with inspiration for writers and parents alike! Learn more about Nina Kelly and her book on her website: https://ninamkelly.com Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.
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    16 mins
  • Radio, Rockets, and 1950s Tunes: A Special Crossover with The October Sky Minute

    Radio, Rockets, and 1950s Tunes: A Special Crossover with The October Sky Minute
    Sep 24 2024
    This week, Burke teams up with Jim O'Cain and Hal Bryan from the October Sky Minute Podcast. In this special crossover episode, they dive into 1950s music, radio, and the cultural impact of October Sky. Burke shares his unique perspective as Homer Hickam's manager while the group explores West Virginia's vibrant music scene and radio's pivotal role in small-town America. Enjoy Burke's personal stories from his radio DJ days, a discussion on the Grand Ole Opry’s influence on country music, and reflections on 1958’s nostalgic sound. The conversation also touches on October Sky’s lasting legacy, with touching anecdotes about Homer Hickam's interactions with fans and the contributions of legendary artists like The Platters and Frankie Lymon. Don't miss this unique collaboration with music, memories, and behind-the-scenes insights into a beloved American classic. Learn more about The October Sky Minute on its website: https://octoberskyminute.com/cm/ The Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.
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    28 mins
  • Unlocking Life's Signs: Journey with Liliane Fortna, Author of Winks from Above

    Unlocking Life's Signs: Journey with Liliane Fortna, Author of Winks from Above
    Sep 17 2024
    This week, Burke speaks with Liliane Fortna, author of the award-winning book Winks from Above, live from the San Diego Convention Center. Liliane dives into her personal journey, sharing how a profound experience with illness inspired her to explore life's hidden signs and synchronicities. Drawing from her diverse upbringing in Vietnam and France and an unexpected modeling career, Liliane discusses how these life events shaped her unique, spiritual (but non-religious) worldview. Throughout the conversation, Liliane introduces the structure of her book, which is divided into three parts, and offers practical exercises to help readers reconnect with their own life signs. With ten awards, Winks from Above encourages readers to rediscover the magic in everyday moments. Liliane concludes with hands-on advice for listeners to find synchronicities and reconnect with their inner child. At the same time, Burke wraps up the episode, thanking her for sharing such valuable insights. Learn more about Liliane Fortna and her book on her website: https://www.winksfromabove.com The Big Time Talker Podcast is sponsored by SpeakerMatch.
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    18 mins