Hour 1: A Pen to Change the World: The Life of J.K. Rowling
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About our Guest: Solomon Schmidt
Solomon Schmidt, author of A Pen to Change the World: The Life of J.K. Rowling, is the 22-year-old author of ten books. These include eight books in a series called History Bites, as well as biographies on Alan Dershowitz and J.K. Rowling. Solomon wrote his first book at the age of 12 and was described by national media as “the youngest child historian in America.” He has traveled to all seven continents to film videos for his History Bites YouTube channel, has spoken at conferences throughout the US, and runs historical tours in England and Scotland. He is also working to help expand education in rural parts of Nepal through the JAPA Workbook Initiative. Solomon’s book, Legal Gladiator, is the authorized biography of Alan Dershowitz. It contains groundbreaking, archival research and interviews with some of the most significant historical figures of modern times. The book was lauded by prominent reviewers as a “must-read,” “engrossing,” “a significant biography,” “objective and fascinating,” and containing “gripping prose based on rigorous research.” His latest book, A Pen to Change the World, is the first complete biography of J.K. Rowling, and it includes bombshell revelations and many never-before-seen photographs. Solomon’s work has been praised by Mike Tyson, Jocko Willink, Glenn Greenwald, Nima Rinji Sherpa, Steven Pinker, John Solomon, Jay Sekulow, Robert Shapiro, Amb. Mike Huckabee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sec. Mike Pompeo, Noam Chomsky, Jane Goodall, and Pres. Donald Trump, among many others. He lives near Buffalo, New York. |
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A Pen to Change the World: The Life of J.K. Rowling
By Solomon Schmidt THE ONLY COMPLETE BIOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS AUTHOR Features exclusive interview content with relatives of Rowling With nearly 150 full-color photographs - many published here for the first time Contains 5 maps and a Family Tree specially created for this book *J.K. Rowling tried to impede research efforts of author, who uncovered bombshell revelations* Joanne “Jo” Rowling is known to readers the world over as J.K. Rowling, author of the best-selling book series of all time. The creator of Harry Potter was once a single mother writing in cafés and living on welfare, who experienced a fairytale-like rise from poverty and obscurity to becoming one of the richest and most influential women on the planet. And following her controversial stances in the cultural and political war over transgender rights, Rowling found herself a pariah in circles that had previously adored her. |
Wunderkind author Solomon Schmidt spent years studying Rowling’s life and books. He spoke with her reclusive ex-husband in Portugal, along with relatives who shared substantial memories and never-before-seen photographs of Rowling and her family. While Schmidt was conducting research in the UK, Rowling tried to impede his research efforts and directed her legal team to send a threatening message to the young author. During the course of his extensive interviews and research, Schmidt discovered dark family secrets that have remained concealed until now. He also uncovered numerous autobiographical references that Rowling hid in plain sight within her bestselling work. By systematically unpacking and “decoding” these references, this biography reveals entire new layers to Rowling’s books, which will forever change how the world reads and understands her work.
This book follows Rowling from her childhood in pastoral England, to seaside Porto where she became entangled in a violent marriage, to the depths of poverty in cloudy Edinburgh, to buzzing studios and red-carpet premieres in London, and beyond. New light is shed on her formative experiences of abuse, depression, and the tragic death of her mother, whose horrifying illness left Rowling emotionally shattered. Extensive coverage is also devoted to unpacking the tortured relationship between Rowling and her father, which had an indelible mark on Harry Potter, her post-Potter books, and her decision to speak out in the battle over transgender rights.
The full story of Rowling’s writing of Harry Potter is chronicled for the first time. Schmidt provides fascinating background on how she came up with her iconic characters and how she developed the magnificent, overarching plot of the seven-book series. The exciting production of the Harry Potter movies is also captured from Rowling’s unique perspective, along with the making of the Broadway play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the Fantastic Beasts film franchise.
On top of all this, woven into the story is a complete account of Rowling’s involvement in the conflict over sex and gender. Rooted in her experiences of sexual assault and domestic abuse, Rowling morphed from supporting trans rights in 2016 to later being seen as a fierce foe of the trans community. Sparring with politicians and media figures, she played a key role in the hottest controversies in the UK, which played out on social media, before the highest courts, and inside the halls of power. Along the way, she became a “cancelled” figure, facing the condemnation of prominent actors and fans from the Potter community and multiple threats on her life.
This dramatic book is the definitive biography of J.K. Rowling’s momentous life – a must read for all those intrigued, uplifted, or triggered by this era-defining billionaire.
This book follows Rowling from her childhood in pastoral England, to seaside Porto where she became entangled in a violent marriage, to the depths of poverty in cloudy Edinburgh, to buzzing studios and red-carpet premieres in London, and beyond. New light is shed on her formative experiences of abuse, depression, and the tragic death of her mother, whose horrifying illness left Rowling emotionally shattered. Extensive coverage is also devoted to unpacking the tortured relationship between Rowling and her father, which had an indelible mark on Harry Potter, her post-Potter books, and her decision to speak out in the battle over transgender rights.
The full story of Rowling’s writing of Harry Potter is chronicled for the first time. Schmidt provides fascinating background on how she came up with her iconic characters and how she developed the magnificent, overarching plot of the seven-book series. The exciting production of the Harry Potter movies is also captured from Rowling’s unique perspective, along with the making of the Broadway play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the Fantastic Beasts film franchise.
On top of all this, woven into the story is a complete account of Rowling’s involvement in the conflict over sex and gender. Rooted in her experiences of sexual assault and domestic abuse, Rowling morphed from supporting trans rights in 2016 to later being seen as a fierce foe of the trans community. Sparring with politicians and media figures, she played a key role in the hottest controversies in the UK, which played out on social media, before the highest courts, and inside the halls of power. Along the way, she became a “cancelled” figure, facing the condemnation of prominent actors and fans from the Potter community and multiple threats on her life.
This dramatic book is the definitive biography of J.K. Rowling’s momentous life – a must read for all those intrigued, uplifted, or triggered by this era-defining billionaire.
Hour 2: CA Gas Crisis is also a supply chain issue
United States Navy
1984 – 1989
1989 – 1990
1990 – 2003
2003 – 2007
2015 – Present
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About Mike Ariza I was born in Fairfield California on October 8, 1965. Raised in Vacaville California graduating from Vacaville High School in June of 1984. In July of 1984 I joined the United States Navy in the delayed entry Nuclear Power program. While in the Navy I obtained the rank of Machinist Mate petty officer 2nd class working in engineering. I left the Navy to hire at the Chevron Richmond Refinery in 1989. At Chevron I qualified as an operator at the North Isomax (hydrocracker) plant. I left Chevron in October of 1990 to work at the Exxon Benicia Refinery. Built in 1969, The Exxon Refinery in Benicia was a pioneer design. To this very day the former Exxon, now Valero refinery has a unique complexity that still makes it the most advanced and efficient refinery in the state of California. After 3 years I went into the Control Room to certify on the “A” complex units. Within 5 years I obtained the highest non-management pay level certification of senior refinery technician. And within the same timeframe I completed qualifications as a Control Board Supervisor for all 8 of the “A” Complex units. As an “A” control Supervisor I was responsible for the safe operation of 8 major refinery units at the same time. These 8 simultaneously operated units are the pioneer design that is unique to Benicia. Very few Refineries are built like this in the entire world. In other locations operators typically operate and control one major refinery unit. In the case of Valero, a Control Board Supervisor controls 8 major units at the same time. When you combine the Hydrogen Generation Unit and the Hydrocracker Unit that I ran down in Bakersfield with the units that I ran at Valero it has given me a complete understanding of how an entire Refinery operates. My experience-based understanding is unique in the refining industry. It is this understanding that has driven me to collaborate with Assemblyman Ellis and Professor Mische in order to deal with the crisis that is already upon us. |
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About our Guest: C.J. Nord C.P.M., CSCP
Founder: Supply Chains for Good With over 25 years of distinguished leadership in the manufacturing sector, C.J. Nord is recognized for her supply chain acumen, visionary thinking, and steadfast commitment to ethical standards. |
Throughout her career, C.J. has collaborated with government and private entities to avert major disruptions to the supply chain, and to support public safety. In 2019, C.J.’s personal battle with cancer fueled her drive to make a broader impact, leading her to establish Supply Chains for Good. Through this innovative platform, she leverages supply chain methodologies to tackle pressing societal issues, driving legislative changes, and fostering impactful initiatives. Notably, C.J. is the architect behind the Supply Chains for Good Civic Academy and the pioneering “There’s Cash in that Trash” Profit-Driven Circularity workshop. In addition, C.J. offers comprehensive services encompassing training, consulting, appraisal, and advocacy.
Beyond her professional endeavors, C.J. exemplifies a deep commitment to education and community empowerment. Her collaboration with VCare underscores her dedication to equipping high school students and individuals seeking second chances with valuable supply chain skills. As an advisor for The Center for International Trade and Transportation and various education advisory boards, she champions learning and growth on a broader scale.
C.J.’s advocacy extends to esteemed high school career programs such as SkillsUSA, EXP, and Vital Link, where she serves as a proud ambassador. Her ambition to expand VCare education nationwide, starting in her native California, reflects her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
C.J.’s professional expertise is underscored by her Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager credentials from The Institute for Supply Management and her Certified Supply Chain Professional designation from The Association for Supply Chain Management. Her contributions to community service have been recognized with accolades such as the BRAVO award for bravery in community service as Neighborhood Watch Captain, and the “Woman of the Year” honor from the Women’s March Foundation for her efforts against racism.
Widely acknowledged for her expertise, C.J. Nord has been featured in esteemed publications including the Los Angeles Times Business section and The Wall Street Journal. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments her dog remains unimpressed.
Beyond her professional endeavors, C.J. exemplifies a deep commitment to education and community empowerment. Her collaboration with VCare underscores her dedication to equipping high school students and individuals seeking second chances with valuable supply chain skills. As an advisor for The Center for International Trade and Transportation and various education advisory boards, she champions learning and growth on a broader scale.
C.J.’s advocacy extends to esteemed high school career programs such as SkillsUSA, EXP, and Vital Link, where she serves as a proud ambassador. Her ambition to expand VCare education nationwide, starting in her native California, reflects her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
C.J.’s professional expertise is underscored by her Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager credentials from The Institute for Supply Management and her Certified Supply Chain Professional designation from The Association for Supply Chain Management. Her contributions to community service have been recognized with accolades such as the BRAVO award for bravery in community service as Neighborhood Watch Captain, and the “Woman of the Year” honor from the Women’s March Foundation for her efforts against racism.
Widely acknowledged for her expertise, C.J. Nord has been featured in esteemed publications including the Los Angeles Times Business section and The Wall Street Journal. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments her dog remains unimpressed.
Most people think California’s refinery closures are only about gasoline prices. They’re not.
The bigger supply chain risk may be the petrochemicals that quietly feed thousands of products we use every day.
I’m currently researching the downstream impacts tied to the loss of California production of:
• Asphalt
• Isobutane
• Naphtha
• Slurry Oil
These materials are upstream inputs into:
disinfectants
aerosol cleaners
spray adhesives
plastics
packaging
asphalt paving
industrial solvents
rubber products
automotive chemicals
electronics cleaning products
This is how shortages really begin. Not at the retail shelf. Upstream…in raw materials, transportation capacity, storage infrastructure, and production transitions.
At this point, there may or may not be supply interruptions. The goal is not alarmism. The goal is verification before disruptions occur.
I’m continuing to work with the California Problem Solvers Caucus to arrange meetings with Phillips 66 and Valero to better understand:
what production is being replaced,
what is shifting overseas,
what will be imported,
where the logistics bottlenecks may emerge.
California’s refinery closures may become one of the most important real-time supply chain case studies in the country.
The bigger supply chain risk may be the petrochemicals that quietly feed thousands of products we use every day.
I’m currently researching the downstream impacts tied to the loss of California production of:
• Asphalt
• Isobutane
• Naphtha
• Slurry Oil
These materials are upstream inputs into:
disinfectants
aerosol cleaners
spray adhesives
plastics
packaging
asphalt paving
industrial solvents
rubber products
automotive chemicals
electronics cleaning products
This is how shortages really begin. Not at the retail shelf. Upstream…in raw materials, transportation capacity, storage infrastructure, and production transitions.
At this point, there may or may not be supply interruptions. The goal is not alarmism. The goal is verification before disruptions occur.
I’m continuing to work with the California Problem Solvers Caucus to arrange meetings with Phillips 66 and Valero to better understand:
what production is being replaced,
what is shifting overseas,
what will be imported,
where the logistics bottlenecks may emerge.
California’s refinery closures may become one of the most important real-time supply chain case studies in the country.