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Playlist: Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views's Portfolio

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Anji Fussell - She Spies Private Eye

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:45

Anji is a private investigator with her own firm, She Spies Private Eye, Inc. She specializes in child custody and infidelity cases. She also handles criminal investigations, missing persons and background investigations. What sets her and her team apart is their creative approach to getting the information they need . . . always within the law, of course. She shares some amazing stories using unconventional investigative approaches.

Anjifussell2_small Anji is a private investigator with her own firm, She Spies Private Eye, Inc. She specializes in child custody and infidelity cases. She also handles criminal investigations, missing persons and background investigations. What sets her and her team apart is their creative approach to getting the information they need . . . always within the law, of course. She shares some amazing stories using unconventional investigative approaches.

Natala Constantine - Reversed Diabetes & Prevented Amputation

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:46

32-year-old Natala weighed 420 pounds by age 21. She was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, took insulin & 13 medications for it and developed arthritis, nerve damage, and a series of infections. When her doctor told her she might require amputation due to an infection, she completely changed to a whole-foods plant-based diet. Within 6 months she had lost a huge amount of weight, was off all medications and all signs of diabetes had disappeared.

Natala_constantine_small 32-year-old Natala has struggled with weight most of her life, reaching 420 pounds by age 21. When she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes as an adult, her blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol were out of control. She was on 13 medications and had tried every diet, but nothing seemed to help. She developed arthritis, nerve damage, and a series of infections. When she developed a calf infection that her doctor said might require amputation, Natala decided to try "food as medicine" on the recommendation of a friend. She began to eat a whole-foods plant-based diet and, within 3 weeks, was no longer needing to take insulin. Six months later she was off all of her medications. Eighteen months later and she has lost over 150 pounds. Her vital signs are all normal and the arthritis, nerve damage and infections have gone away. 

Nerd Nite Austin!

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:56

If you are extremely passionate on a niche or non-mainstream topic and want to share it with others, then Austin's Nerd Nite is for you. Nerd Nite's Nerd Bosses Dan Rumney, JC Dwyer and Lewis Weil joined me in the studio to talk about all things nerd, including a lengthy discussion about exactly what (or who) a nerd is. Nerd Nite also takes place around the world, including Ireland, New Zealand, Germany and more!

Nerdniteglasses_small If you are extremely passionate on a niche or non-mainstream topic and want to share it with others, then Austin's Nerd Nite is for you. Nerd Nite's Nerd Bosses Dan Rumney, JC Dwyer and Lewis Weil joined me in the studio to talk about all things nerd, including a lengthy discussion about exactly what (or who) a nerd is. Nerd Nite also takes place around the world, including Ireland, New Zealand, Germany and more!

Khotan Shahbazi-Harmon - Father Executed During Iranian Revolution

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:20

Khotan was born in Iran but fled at the age of 13. Shortly after she left, her father was executed, her mother was imprisoned and their home was razed to the ground. Khotan is also the winner of the prestigious Gracie Award for her interview with Dr. Ebadi, an Iranian Muslim woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Khotan_small Khotan is the host of Idea Lounge on KOOP 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas, an interview show dedicated to exploring "ideas, beliefs, strategies, skills, and resources that help shape a fulfilled life." Khotan was born in Iran but fled at the age of 13. Shortly after she left, her father was executed, her mother was imprisoned and their home was razed to the ground. Khotan is also the winner of the prestigious Gracie Award for her interview with Dr. Ebadi, an Iranian Muslim woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Khotan is a wonderful storyteller. And what is so intriguing - believe it or not - is that she knows so few details about what happened to her father and mother. She shares her story of adjusting to American life, living with various families, being lied to about what happened to her father, and never knowing what really happened to her mother.

Bijoy Goswami - What Happens When You've Led a Charmed Life?

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 27:20

Austinites know Bijoy for any number of reasons—he started Bootstrap Austin and he's the author of the book, The Human Fabric. In this interview, he talks about what happens when you actually grow up with loving parents, lead a charmed life, living in exciting places and attend a top-notch university (Stanford)? Oddly enough, such a life can create its own challenges when you have nothing to bump up against, nothing that forces you to figure out who you are or who you are not. Bijoy is a fantastic and engaging speaker, and a terrific storyteller.

Bijoygoswami_small Austinites know Bijoy for any number of reasons—he started Bootstrap Austin and he's the author of the book, The Human Fabric. In this interview, he talks about what happens when you actually grow up with loving parents, lead a charmed life, living in exciting places and attend a top-notch university (Stanford)? Oddly enough, such a life can create its own challenges when you have nothing to bump up against, nothing that forces you to figure out who you are or who you are not. Bijoy is a fantastic and engaging speaker, and a terrific storyteller.

Rob Hodges - Walked Through a Guatemalan Insurgency

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 21:01

In 2005, Rob Hodges and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Kate were in Guatemala, on a chicken bus heading to a lake town for a few days of relaxation. When the bus pulled off the main highway and began navigating winding hairpin-turn roads, they knew something was wrong. It turns out they were in the middle of an insurgency over sacred Mayan land. Rob is a freelance travel writer; more details about this story and other adventures can be found at http://robhodges.com.

Rob-work_small In 2005, Rob Hodges and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Kate were in Guatemala, on a chicken bus heading to a lake town for a few days of relaxation. When the bus pulled off the main highway and began navigating winding hairpin-turn roads, they knew something was wrong. It turns out they were in the middle of an insurgency over sacred Mayan land. Rob shares the journey he and Kate went on to get to their destination. Rob is a freelance travel writer; more details about this story and other adventures can be found at http://robhodges.com.

Alan - Former Meth Addict

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:32

Alan, who wishes to remain anonymous, smoked crystal meth for 5 years and actually kept his life under control during that time. He switched over to injecting meth and then his life went to hell. After getting fired from a couple of jobs, he checked himself into rehab and got himself clean. He speaks candidly of what meth is like, how it affected him and what it feels like to be clean.

Default-piece-image-1 Alan, who wishes to remain anonymous, smoked crystal meth for 5 years and actually kept his life under control during that time. He switched over to injecting meth and then his life went to hell. After getting fired from a couple of jobs, he checked himself into rehab and got himself clean. He speaks candidly of what meth is like, how it affected him and what it feels like to be clean.

Saffire T. Stone - Drag Queen

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:03

Saffire is a popular drag queen in Austin, TX, winning local Best Drag Queen awards. She raises money for charity through her performances, and is known for her celebrity impersonations, including Barbra Streisand, Cher, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion and more.

Saffire_small Saffire is a popular drag queen in Austin, TX, winning local Best Drag Queen awards. She raises money for charity through her performances, and is known for her celebrity impersonations, including Barbra Streisand, Cher, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion and more.

Saffire T. Stone (real name = Olin Meadows) speaks openly about why he performs as a drag queen and what it was like to grow up in a small Texas town as a gay man who likes to perform in women's clothing.

Pantera Blacksmith - Competitive Pole Dancer

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:01

As a pole dancer, Pantera travels all over the world performing and giving workshops. She has won titles (who knew such things were awarded for pole dancing?) and she's got a pole dancing DVD. Oh, and did I mention she is covered neck to calf in tattoos? She talks candidly about starting as a stripper and things like wardrobe malfunctions.

Pantera_small As a pole dancer, Pantera travels all over the world performing and giving workshops. She has won titles (who knew such things were awarded for pole dancing?) and she's got a pole dancing DVD. Oh, and did I mention she is covered neck to calf in tattoos? She talks candidly about starting as a stripper and things like wardrobe malfunctions.

Mikaya Heart - My Sweet Wild Dance

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:53

Mikaya wrote a memoir, My Sweet Wild Dance, about growing up with parents who seemed to wish she didn't exist, boys and men who constantly used her as a physical object for their own pleasure, the struggle to realize she was a lesbian, and ultimately a journey of self-acceptance and expression. She is honest and insightful.

Mikaya_small Mikaya wrote a memoir, My Sweet Wild Dance, about growing up with parents who seemed to wish she didn't exist, boys and men who constantly used her as a physical object for their own pleasure, the struggle to realize she was a lesbian, and ultimately a journey of self-acceptance and expression. She is honest and insightful.

Robert Beck - Falsely Arrested for Marijuana Possession

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:27

In March 2009, Robert Beck was arrested for possession of 277 marijuana plants in his home in Taylor, Texas and was placed in jail for 5 months without bail. It turned out he was innocent and, in the meantime, he lost his home, his pets and his business. Almost a year later, he is still trying to put his life back together.

Robert_herbert_beck-thumb_small In March 2009, Robert Beck was arrested for possession of 277 marijuana plants in his home in Taylor, Texas and was placed in jail for 5 months without bail. It turned out he was innocent and, in the meantime, he lost his home, his pets and his business. Almost a year later, he is still trying to put his life back together.

Robert had a thriving trucking company. When he hired an employee, she turned out to have substance problems. When she wasn't working out and Robert let her go, she "planted" marijuana all over the greenhouse he owns for regular gardening.

Lacy Coleman - stroke at age 25

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:39

At age 25, Lacy had a stroke that left her right side paralyzed and unable to speak. After 3 months of hospital therapy, she was far from recovered, but had to quit because she had no insurance and had run out of money. Enter Austin Speech Labs, a non-profit speech therapy center offering drastically reduced or free services to stroke survivors. Lacy spent 6 months in their programs - she recovered her speech and reading and was able to re-enroll in college.

Lacy_coleman_2_small At age 25, Lacy had a stroke that left her right side paralyzed and unable to speak. After 3 months of hospital therapy, she was far from recovered, but had to quit because she had no insurance and had run out of money. Enter Austin Speech Labs, a non-profit speech therapy center offering drastically reduced or free services to stroke survivors. Lacy spent 6 months in their programs - she recovered her speech and reading and was able to re-enroll in college.

Andrew Shapter - The Teller & The Truth

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 27:22

Andrew is a filmmaker whose credits include Happiness Is and Before the Music Dies. Andrew is working on a new film, The Teller and the Truth, about the search for Francis Wetherbee, a 24-year-old bank teller who disappeared without a trace from Smithville, Texas in 1974. Andrew discovered her through a haunting photograph and decided he had to try to find her (and make a film about it), which has literally taken him around the world on a 5 1/2 year search. The Teller and the Truth is slated to open at SXSW in 2012. In this interview, he tells us what he knows about Francis before she disappears, some thoughts about what might have happened to her, and his travels in pursuit of her.

Franciswetherbee_small Andrew is a filmmaker whose credits include Happiness Is and Before the Music Dies. Andrew is working on a new film, The Teller and the Truth, about the search for Francis Wetherbee, a 24-year-old bank teller who disappeared without a trace from Smithville, Texas in 1974. Andrew discovered her through a haunting photograph and decided he had to try to find her (and make a film about it), which has literally taken him around the world on a 5 1/2 year search. The Teller and the Truth is slated to open at SXSW in 2012. In this interview, he tells us what he knows about Francis before she disappears, some thoughts about what might have happened to her, and his travels in pursuit of her.

Carl Webb & Hart Viges - Army Deserter & Conscientious Objector

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:55

Carl and Hart joined the army in 2001 and both left in 2004 because they stopped believing in what they were doing. In Carl's case, he became an army deserter just after being called to Iraq and went underground. Hart became a conscientious objector for religious reasons shortly after returning from Iraq and received an honorable discharge.

Carl_hart_copy_small Carl and Hart joined the army in 2001 and both left in 2004 because they stopped believing in what they were doing. In Carl's case, he became an army deserter just after being called to Iraq and went underground. Hart became a conscientious objector for religious reasons shortly after returning from Iraq and received an honorable discharge.

Carl joined the military because he needed money and thought it unlikely he would be called to serve. But then September 11 happened and, one month before he was supposed to get out, he was called to duty. He realized he had joined the military for the wrong reasons and he didn't believe in the Iraq War to boot, so he chose to desert rather than serve.

In Hart's case, he served in Iraq. During one particular month-long leave, he was introduced to the teachings of Jesus Christ, decided he wanted to live his life in the image of Christ and decided that war was no longer compatible with that. He tried to finish out his tour of duty but was having anxiety attacks. He ultimately became a conscientious objector.

Keith Cunningham - Riches to Rags to Riches

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 24:23

Most of us are familiar with the bestselling book by Robert Kiyosaki, "Rich Dad Poor Dad." But most of us don't know that Keith Cunningham is Rich Dad. Keith's own story is incredible: He amassed $100 million in real estate, only to lose all of it (ALL of it) during a real estate crash in 1986, declaring bankruptcy in 1991. Keith has since re-amassed millions by buying and growing businesses and teaching business seminars. His company is Keys to the Vault.

Keithcunningham_small Most of us are familiar with the bestselling book by Robert Kiyosaki, "Rich Dad Poor Dad." But most of us don't know that Keith Cunningham is Rich Dad. Keith's own story is incredible: He had amassed $100 million in real estate, only to lose all of it (ALL of it) during a real estate crash, declaring bankruptcy in 1991. Keith has since re-amassed millions by buying and growing businesses and teaching business seminars. His company is Keys to the Vault. In this interview, he takes us through what it was like to lose his fortune and file bankruptcy, the 18-month sabbatical he took to find himself again and get his mojo back, and then how he turned it around and regrew his millions. Keith is a fantastic storyteller and shares quite openly  about the darkest time of his life.

Better This World - Documentary about the "Texas Two"

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 24:51

Two boyhood friends from Midland, Texas – David McKay and Brad Crowder – fall under the sway of a charismatic revolutionary ten years their senior. At the volatile 2008 Republican Convention the "Texas Two" cross a line that radically changes their lives. The result: eight homemade bombs, multiple domestic terrorism charges and a high stakes entrapment defense hinging on the actions of a controversial FBI informant. I interviewed Brad Crowder, producer Mike Nicholson and cinematographer David Layton. "Better This World" is a documentary about David and Brad's story. I interviewed Brad Crowder, producer Mike Nicholson and cinematographer David Layton.

Betterthisworld_small Better This World is the name of a documentary film premiering this week at SXSW, directed by Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega. It’s about Brad Crowder & David McKay, 2 longtime friends who protest at the 2008 Republican National Convention. They had fallen under the sway of Brandon Darby, a well-known community organizer, but what they did not know is that Brandon had become an FBI informant. Brad & David make Molotov cocktail bombs and though they don’t use them, they end up going to prison. David is still there. Ultimately, the big question is: Did Brandon Darby induce them to make Molotov cocktails, or did they do so on their own? If he did, it’s a case of entrapment; if he didn’t, were Brad & David young guys who went too far and needed to be caught? Better This World doesn’t really answer these questions but rather paints a picture of complex characters doing complex things.I  interviewed Brad Crowder, producer Mike Nicholson and cinematographer David Layton. 

Cristen Andrews - wins contests, including a trip around the world

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:22

Ever since she was a child, Cristen has been entering contests . . . and winning! She won the mother of all contests in 2008: a yearlong trip around the world from Lonely Planet. It was a photo contest — see Cristen's winning entry at circleourearth.org (photo at Golden Gate Bridge). Cristen shares details of that trip, and talks about some of the other contests she's won.

Cristenandrews_small Ever since she was a child, Cristen has been entering contests . . . and winning! She won the mother of all contests in 2008: a yearlong trip around the world from Lonely Planet. It was a photo contest — see Cristen's winning entry at circleourearth.org (photo at Golden Gate Bridge). Cristen shares details of that trip, and talks about some of the other contests she's won, including a Tofurkey cooking contest, a dog photo contest (year's worth of free dog food), $1,000 to teach recycled plastic bag crocheting in India, and more.

Sharon Downer - former nun

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:07

Sharon is a Realtor today but in the 60s, she was a nun. She grew up in St. Louis where the parish was the center of activity and, for her, entering the convent was a natural step. Her parents supported her - her friends thought she was crazy. What was it like inside the convent? What was the daily routine? What were the rules? Sharon says she had a lot of fun - what exactly is she talking about?!?! Sharon answers all these questions and more.

Sharon_downer_small Sharon is a Realtor today but in the 60s, she was a nun. She grew up in St. Louis where the parish was the center of activity and, for her, entering the convent was a natural step. Her parents supported her - her friends thought she was crazy. What was it like inside the convent? What was the daily routine? What were the rules? Sharon says she had a lot of fun - what exactly is she talking about?!?! Sharon answers all these questions and more.

While Sharon loved the convent and being a nun, after seven years when it was time for her to take her final vows, she thought long and hard about whether or not she could take a vow of chastity - and decided she wasn't sure she could. It was at that point that she left the convent. For her, life was all brand new. She had never heard the Beatles or Elvis Presley and didn't know how to dress. She got married, had a child, got divorced, and is now happily married.

Israel Hernandez - Former Drug Smuggler

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:52

Israel grew up surrounded by drugs, alcohol and violence. At age 13, he started to sell drugs himself, forming a crew of 9 "business associates" who traveled as far north as Michigan selling pot. At 18 he got ratted out and sent to prison for a total of 5 years. Israel is now 40, owns his own remodeling business and has turned his life around. He also volunteers with at-risk kids, becoming, as he puts, a "stepping stone" rather than a "stumbling block" for them.

Israel_hernandez_small Israel grew up surrounded by drugs, alcohol and violence. At age 13, he started to sell drugs himself, forming a crew of 9 "business associates" who traveled as far north as Michigan selling pot. At 18 he got ratted out and sent to prison for a total of 5 years. Israel is now 40, owns his own remodeling business and has turned his life around. He also volunteers with at-risk kids, becoming, as he puts, a "stepping stone" rather than a "stumbling block" for them.

In this interview, Israel describes how the drug smuggling operation got set up, how it worked, and how much money he made. He also describes his family life - the drugs and violence he saw - and how he himself was a violent person growing up, picking fights with men and hitting women. He's been stabbed and shot at, and he has shot at others. After he got busted, he was sent to prison and got paroled after 3 years. On the outside, he tried hard to get a good job and stay clean but felt his parole officer made that difficult for him. He ended up back in prison. He says it was after he found Jesus Christ that he turned his life around and decided to be part of the solution, not the problem.

The Road to Livingston

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 27:00

I interviewed filmmakers Erik Mauck and Chelsea Hernandez about the feature length documentary they're in the process of making, called The Road to Livingston. It features Delia Meyer, whose brother Louis Perez has been on death row since 1999 but steadfastly maintains his innocence. She has been visiting him virtually every weekend for the last 12 years, making the 4-hour drive from Austin to Livingston, TX. In the process, she has come to know many families and friends with loved ones on death row, as well as the community members who service the prison.

Erik_chelsea2_small I interviewed filmmakers Erik Mauck and Chelsea Hernandez about the feature length documentary they're in the process of making, called The Road to Livingston. It features Delia Meyer, whose brother Louis Perez has been on death row since 1999 but steadfastly maintains his innocence. She has been visiting him virtually every weekend for the last 12 years, making the 4-hour drive from Austin to Livingston, TX. In the process, she has come to know many families and friends with loved ones on death row, as well as the community members who service the prison.

Erik & Chelsea tell fascinating stories of European women who marry men on death row after being their pen pals; of the woman who touched her husband for the very first time at his funeral after he had been executed; of the communities that depend on the prison for their economic well being; and much more. 

Stephanie Guerra - former heroin addict & prostitute

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:14

Stephanie was born to alcoholic parents. As one of seven children where every single one of them became addicted to drugs or alcohol, Stephanie's drug of choice was heroin. Whatever you can imagine someone doing under the influence of heroin, Stephanie has been there, including prostitution and 8 years in prison for robbery and burglary. One day, she finally realized she was done and got sober. She is going on 4 years clean and now works for an agency that helps people with HIV. In this interview she shares details of her family life, what it was like on the street as a prostitute, why she used heroin and how she finally quit.

Stephanie_guerra_small Stephanie was born to alcoholic parents. As one of seven children where every single one of them became addicted to drugs or alcohol, Stephanie's drug of choice was heroin. Whatever you can imagine someone doing under the influence of heroin, Stephanie has been there, including prostitution and 8 years in prison for robbery and burglary. One day, she finally realized she was done and got sober. She is going on 4 years clean and now works for an agency that helps people with HIV. In this interview she shares details of her family life, what it was like on the street as a prostitute, why she used heroin and how she finally quit.

Organic Vegetable Garden at the Travis County Jail in Austin, TX

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:13

Starting in May 2010, the Travis County Jail has been growing an organic vegetable garden - and, as you can guess, is tended by the inmates. The work assignment is popular and the inmates enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor - as well was eating those fruits. In its first year, the garden has produced several tons of fruits & vegetables, including pumpkins, radishes, beets, broccoli, peas, spinach, carrots, winter peas, mustard and collard greens. From the Sheriff's office, I interviewed Pete Trotman of the Marketable Skills Program and Sgt. Dianne Bratchett, who oversees the kitchen. All the produce is consumed by inmates but starting this year, when the garden triples, any leftovers will go to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Travis_county_jail_garden_small Starting in May 2010, the Travis County Jail has been growing an organic vegetable garden - and, as you can guess, is tended by the inmates. The work assignment is popular and the inmates enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor - as well was eating those fruits. In its first year, the garden has produced several tons of fruits & vegetables, including pumpkins, radishes, beets, broccoli, peas, spinach, carrots, winter peas, mustard and collard greens. From the Sheriff's office, I interviewed Pete Trotman of the Marketable Skills Program and Sgt. Dianne Bratchett, who oversees the kitchen. All the produce is consumed by inmates but starting this year, when the garden triples, any leftovers will go to the Capital Area Food Bank.

John Marshall - Criminal Turned Pastor

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:34

Growing up, John's parents just weren't around, so he and his sister essentially raised themselves. They were also poor and no one at school wanted to be friends with John. Craving attention, he got in the with the wrong crowd and, from a young age, started getting into trouble, including drugs, theft, armed robbery, auto theft and more—leading him to jail many, many times. One day, John had a moment that changed his life—he cleaned up his act, started a church to help others like himself and has been happy and thriving ever since.

John_marshall_small Growing up, John's parents just weren't around, so he and his sister essentially raised themselves. They were also poor and no one at school wanted to be friends with John. Craving attention, he got in the with the wrong crowd and, from a young age, started getting into trouble, including drugs, theft, armed robbery, auto theft and more—leading him to jail many, many times. One day, John had a moment that changed his life—he cleaned up his act, started a church to help others like himself and has been happy and thriving ever since.

Carla Contreras - heartwrenching adoption story

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 30:00

In 2009, Carla took in a beautiful 8-month-old baby boy named Julian after he and his 2 siblings were taken from their parents by CPS. The parents willingly gave over Power of Attorney and the yearlong adoption process was set in motion. But just 6 months later, out of the blue, Carla was notified that CPS was coming to take Julian away because the parents had changed their minds and wanted him to go to a different family. A legal battle ensued but Carla lost in April 2010. She is still devastated to this day and believes that justice was not served.

Carla_julian_small In 2009, Carla took in a beautiful 8-month-old baby boy named Julian after he and his 2 siblings were taken from their parents by CPS. The parents, Julia and Ray, willingly gave over Power of Attorney and the yearlong adoption process was set in motion. But just 6 months later, out of the blue, Carla was notified that CPS was coming to take Julian away because the parents had changed their minds and wanted him to go to a different family. A legal battle ensued but Carla lost in April 2010. She is still devastated to this day and believes that justice was not served.

The 3 children were taken from their parents because they were drugs users and homeless, and the final straw was when the father urinated on his children. Carla and her partner had been trying for several years without success to have children via artificial insemination, so when the call from a friend came to take Julian, it was the answer to their dreams. Or so they thought.

The birth parents were willing to give up custody of their children and happy for Carla (and her partner) to be Julian's adopted parents. Six months passed with family visitations and caseworker visits and all seemed to be going well. Then, the birth parents met another couple, the Askews, and everything changed. The Askews had money and bought a car for Julia and Ray, as well as providing a home for them to live in. The Askews had fallen in love with Julian's older brother Cai, and decided they wanted to adopt both boys. CPS rejected this plan but the Askews persisted and persisted, going up the chain of command, until CPS changed their minds. This, despite the fact that Melanie Askew was a convicted felon and had never even met Julian.

Carla hired an attorney and got an injunction to keep Julian with her. A court battle ensued and Carla got the worst possible judge - that is, this judge is known to side with the mother's wishes and Julia, apparently swayed by the money from the Askews, had changed her mind about Julian going to Carla and wanting him to be adopted by the Askews instead. The judge ordered Julian to go with the Askews. On the hardest day of Carla's life, Julian was handed over in April 2010. She has not seen him since and the wounds are still fresh.

Stephanie Guerra - transgender woman

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 26:34

I interviewed Stephanie in May 2011 about her 30 year addiction to heroin, her life as a prostitute to support her habit, committing burglaries and spending 8 years in prison for those crimes. (http://www.prx.org/pieces/63254-stephanie-guerra-former-heroin-addict-prostitu)

I interviewed her again a month later, this time about being a transgender woman. Stephanie underwent hormone therapy and has breasts, but she has not had genital surgery. As a prostitute, she didn't usually tell her johns this in advance, which led to some interesting situations. Despite living as a woman, she was placed in a men's prison and, while treated well by the other inmates, she was not treated so well by the guards, who would tease her and make her strip.

Stephanie_guerra_062211_small I interviewed Stephanie in May 2011 about her 30 year addiction to heroin, her life as a prostitute to support her habit, committing burglaries and spending 8 years in prison for those crimes. (http://www.prx.org/pieces/63254-stephanie-guerra-former-heroin-addict-prostitu) I interviewed her again a month later, this time about being a transgender woman. Stephanie underwent hormone therapy and has breasts, but she has not had genital surgery. As a prostitute, she didn't usually tell her johns this in advance, which led to some interesting situations. Despite living as a woman, she was placed in a men's prison and, while treated well by the other inmates, she was not treated so well by the guards, who would tease her and make her strip.

How to Pick Locks & Tamper with Tamper-Resistant Devices - Jamie Schwettmann & Eric Michaud

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:20

Jamie & Eric met while working at Argonne National Laboratory, a division of the Department of Energy focused on science and engineering research. (They are both super smarty pants.) Eric has a strong background in security and Jamie has always been interested in picking locks and tampering. On the show they explained why it's easy to pick locks and tamper with tamper-resistant devices, and even explained how to do such things.

Jamie_eric_072011_small

Crockett Grabbe - Explosives Caused the World Trade Center to Collapse

From Abigail Mahnke, host of Inner Views | 25:27

Crockett has a PhD in Applied Physics from Caltech and was a research scientist at the University of Iowa for almost 30 years. In his professional opinion, the World Trade Center collapses were the result of pre-planted explosives, not from fires due to the plane attacks, as the official 9/11 Commission report states. He has written a book on the subject, National Swindle on the World Trade Center, detailing all the evidence for his assertions. Conspiracy theorist? Or credible scientist? You be the judge. His book is available at http://sealane.org.

Crocket_grabbe_small Crockett has a PhD in Applied Physics from Caltech and was a research scientist at the University of Iowa for almost 30 years. In his professional opinion, the World Trade Center collapses were the result of pre-planted explosives, not from fires due to the plane attacks, as the official 9/11 Commission report states. He has written a book on the subject, National Swindle on the World Trade Center, detailing all the evidence for his assertions. Conspiracy theorist? Or credible scientist? You be the judge. His book is available at http://sealane.org.

In the book, Crockett closely analyzes time-lapse photos of the towers. He claims the behavior of the debris and the fires, as well as the tower collapses clearly indicate extraordinary force beyond the capability of fires (or gravity) to bring the towers down. He believes the 9/11 Commission did not make use of the all the evidence available, such as molten steel, which can only happen at temperatures above what fire can reach. While he doesn't know who would have planted explosives or why, he gives his theory as to how the explosives got there.