Back in Manhattan.  Busy trip.  Nine interviews 'in the can'.  Yea!  

I began planning the trip with the thought of capturing four - six interviews.  But as sometimes happens, a discussion with a guest clearly indicates the need for more time to talk.  By the time we called it a wrap after a few days in the WMTV studios, nine was the final show count. 

I interviewed Dr. Stan Lee, a Consultant Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, twice.  The first covered the basics of his studies & his evolution into orthopedic & spine surgery.  The second piece included facets of Lucent Spine, his company based on his passion for education & informed decision-making.  Delve into his website:  www.lucentspine.com.  You cannot imagine the wealth of information, the links available, the value of this website.  Check it out.  Thank you, Dr. Lee!   This is also the value of LinkedIn, our connection.

Dr. Ali Shakir, whom I interviewed in my very first season of In a Heartbeat, was kind enough to return for an update.  & what an update it was!  Dr. Shakir is an EP - Electro-Physiologist.  He is the cardiologist whose specialty is dealing with the electrical conduction of the heart; pacemakers, cardioversion, ablation are all 'tools of the trade' for him.  Here was another pre-interview phone discussion clearly making a 'Part Two' mandatory.  Our second interview focused on the skill & the value of listening.  After he completed a Master's in Academic Medicine, he said he has looked at medicine in a new light.   His passion has always been teaching: patients, students, residents, fellows, etc.  Watch the interviews & learn about another passion: Listening.   Listen well.   Dr. Ali Shakir's website: www.cvi-m.com.  Thank you, Dr. Shakir! 

Dr. Quresh Khairullah made a return visit (most oft-interviewed physician?  I think yes & for good reason!) to talk about research: what's new whether it is bench, clinical or pharmaceutical research & how they interweave to our benefit.   We then added Tamika Thompson-Sloan, DDS, a peritoneal dialysis patient of his to our discussion per the updates in home PD.  Dr. Thompson-Sloan is a periodontist whose successful home treatment allows her to stay ahead of her hectic full-time professional schedule.  She is inspiring.  Thank you Dr. Thompson-Sloan!   Dr. Khairullah's website:  www.scsp.net.  Thanks Dr. K! 

From our own studio I interviewed Lauren Parrott to see what is new in her life.  Besides having her own show, Things To Do at The War Memorial, on WMTV, she continues with her treatment for MS as well as her travels & educational talks about MS.  She is now writing a book; stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.  She is a wonder & always a delight!

Jeremy DuLac is our valued WMTV studio editor.  Did you know he is also a musician? 
Besides his impact on every show taped & aired from the WMTV studios, his creative powers flow into music.  Watch the show for a highlight from 'The Hand in the Ocean', his group.   Wow!   We also spent time discussing trends in music technology.  It cracked me up to hear old-fashioned words like 'LP' & 'record player' coming from this young editor's mouth.   Now see, if you (meaning Baby Boomers) hold onto anything long enough, it is bound to make a comeback!   Along the way we chatted about my website, www.LizAiken.TV, making its appearance right after Labor Day.   It's coming! 

I was hyper-pleased to welcome Steve Geresy, head of the department of TV Production for Grosse Pointe South High School, onto my set.  We worked together a decade ago on his set when we created, taped & aired, via cable TV20 (known at the time), Lizard's Lounge, a totally demented cooking show.   Man, that show was fun; I did actually make stuff, edible stuff (& ask me about my 8ft tall velcro Christmas tree, now taller & in my apartment here in Manhattan, no joke).  I had a pieced-together kitchen set which fit the elements of a demented show perfectly, plus a fantastic crew, made up of his students.  I loved that show.  I loved working with high school students, the most fascinating age group, still, to me.   Back in my studio, we covered what is new in TV technology.   But wait - there's more!

Obtaining & maintaining keepsake photos & memories remind us of who we were & where we are going.  Steve & I delved into this important personal-history creation.  Check out his website, www.skgdigitaldesigns.com.   Then we launched ourselves into the future...  the future of television.  Computer vs TV, which has a stronger future?  We spoke about the technologies advancing to create television viewing to our advantage, not the networks'.   An interesting aside to this is TED.com's Peter Hirshberg piece.  

Last but definitely not least, our In a Heartbeat crew sat down to talk about our own television history in the making.   What started out as a dream show in my head (years ago, before there were any medical shows on TV, I might add), & launched, finally, in 2008, our show is heading into its FIFTH SEASON on WMTV!   I am beholden to my co-producers, co-hosts, cohorts (& good friends) Joan Patrick Morris & Dr. David Balle for joining me in bringing you the experts in medicine, science & technology.  Of course, my huge thanks always to Kermit Potter, the chief of our station for understanding my vision & giving me the 'go-ahead'.   Our TV team blew through 28 minutes giving you a preview of our upcoming season.   All I can say is 'Stay Tuned!'   AND, thank you all for being part of In a Heartbeat!