Clea Simon is the Boston Globe-bestselling author of three nonfiction books and 30 mysteries, including The Butterfly Trap, Bad Boy Beat, World Enough and Hold Me Down. A graduate of Harvard University and former journalist, she has contributed to publications ranging from Salon.com and Harvard Magazine to Yankee and The New York Times. Clea, like so many, is also dealing with cancer and finds herself at a crossroad. Her cancer can essentially be cured if she gets a liver transplant. But the prospects for her receiving the organ are challenging. Still, this engaging, creative lady is tough and resilient as she advocates for herself and others. Learn more about the donor program that Clea is involved in at www.bidmc.org/liverdonor.

Today meet Allan Schiller, a retired violinist with the New York Philharmonic who performed from 1964 to 1999 under legendary conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta and Kurt Masur. In an effort to make classical music more accessible to all he has written, “The Wannabe Classical Music Aficionado: 46 Insights to Make Your Next Concert a More Enjoyable Experience.” Learn about how centuries of musical tradition have quietly shaped what we hear today. Allan shares backstage stories, and tips on everything from the role of the conductor to when it is appropriate to clap during a performance. Whether it is your first or fiftieth concert, the book helps to remove the mystery surrounding classical music. Your seat is waiting!

Screenwriter and novelist Gary Goldstein talks about his latest book, “ Canine Custody.” It is a funny, candid, sexy, at times bittersweet look at what draws lovers to each other, how those same things can send them packing, and the surprising role our pets can play in life’s major decisions. Told from three points of view—the wife, the husband and the wonderful Betty, their beloved dog, the story is witty, touching and totally relatable. For dog lovers and anyone in a relationship (I guess that means all of us) this novel is well worth the read!

Today’s guest is novelist Brinda Charry, a winner of the Society of American Historians Prize (formerly the James Fenimore Cooper Prize) for Historical Fiction. Her latest novel is entitled, “Hocus Pocus,” a well-researched tale about the clash of ambition and obsession in 1816 Boston. Based on the real-life Indian stage magicians who captivated nineteenth-century society, “Hocus Pocus” is an engaging adventure, set in an era that Brinda magically brings to life!

Today enjoy my conversation with Advertising Hall of Famer Linda Kaplan Thaler, author of “My Life in 30 Seconds.” The book chronicles her iconic ad campaigns that are so much a part of American pop culture – the Aflac “Duck,” the Toys ‘R’ Us jingle that most anyone can sing by heart, those sexy, edgy shampoo commercials that sparked nationwide buzz and much more. Linda shares stories of famous celebrity encounters in this rare memoir that proves life’s biggest lessons don’t take a lifetime. They often take about thirty seconds!

Taking better care of my body has been a key goal of mine and the hard work certainly pays off. Today, I’d like you to meet my personal trainer, an exceptional guide to better health through exercise. Mark Comstock is a fully licensed certified athletic trainer with a thorough background in human physiology, who focuses on prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic injuries and medical conditions. He trains people from all backgrounds and ages and is someone who cares deeply about his clients, treating the whole person, often becoming their trusted friend. Mark and I have been working together for a few years now. I feel that I am in the best shape of my life and owe much of it to him. We had the chance to talk before our workout in a quieter part of the gym about his winning philosophy and approach. You can find out more at www.markcomstock.com.

It is an honor to welcome one of the nation’s foremost historians Nathaniel Philbrick, author of several award-winning books including “Mayflower,” “Valiant Ambition,” and “Bunker Hill.” His latest is “The Rush : California Gold, the Civil War, and the Making of the Modern World.” Philbrick follows the gold from its discovery in the late 1840’s to a colorful cast of characters in the halls of power, revealing how vigilantism hardened into law and how debates over slavery in the West tipped the balance in Washington. His book is loaded with fascinating information about one of the most impactful events in our history. The Gold Rush involved a series of dramatic events, setting the stage for America’s economic, geographic and cultural history.

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it is my honor to welcome Air Force (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Jonathan Treacy to the podcast. General Treacy was the commander of the 101st Fighter Squadron at Cape Cod that provided the initial air defense response to the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. Tracer, as he is known to fellow fighter pilots and ground crews, also led the 101st through two combat deployments to Southwest Asia prior to 9/11: Operations Northern and Southern Watch. He served as the Joint Staff’s Deputy Director for Antiterrorism and Homeland Defense, as acting Director of Staff for the National Guard Bureau, and Commander, Joint Task Civil Support, U.S. Northern Command’s Standing Operational Joint Task Force. Major General Treacy has been awarded several service medals and was the keynote speaker during the 25th Annual Commemoration in the Massachusetts State House Chambers on September 11th. Special thanks to the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund for their dedication to remembrance and education. www.massfund.org.