This Week in America is a program that delves into the issues that matter most to its audience, offering a blend of informative, educational, and entertaining content. Hosted by Ric Bratton, the show is making significant strides across the nation, now airing on over 100 stations and featuring a diverse lineup of nationally recognized guests discussing contemporary topics that resonate with viewers.
Recently, the program was honored with the prestigious Philo T. Farnsworth Award for Best Professional Talk Show by the Central States Alliance for Community Media, a testament to its excellence in the television landscape.
Ric Bratton’s extensive media career encompasses various roles, including news reporting, anchoring, weather, and sports, culminating in “The Ric Bratton Show,” which holds the distinction of being the longest-running and highest-rated local TV talk show in the country. Beyond his impressive achievements in media, Ric has devoted 28 years to serving as a chapter president for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where he has hosted telethons in multiple cities, raising over $20 million for the organization since 1975—all without ever accepting payment for his services.
Author and illustrator, Marian Flores has spent her life living in small Connecticut towns. She is married and has a son and an elderly cat. She attended Paier School of Art, where she earned a certificate in Advertising and Commercial Art and later Central Connecticut State University, where she was inspired to write this book. Currently, she is an art teacher at a private special needs school. She greatly enjoys her students who are children on the autism spectrum with multiple disabilities.
In this interview on This Week in America, the author Michael J. Ulrich shared the inspiration behind his poignant masterpiece, “On Becoming a F*cking Man.” This book covers men’s concerns and provides a spiritual viewpoint on how to deal with them. It does not utilize the phrases “God,” “Jesus Christ,” or “Holy Spirit,” instead using “Higher Power.” There is no discussion of religious principles or beliefs.
The author, Michael J. Ulrich, grew up in a Catholic home in Western Washington and has always believed in God’s presence through life’s highs and lows. After the tragic loss of his wife in 2019, Michael’s faith was tested, yet he found strength in God’s love and the healing power of inner peace. A husband, father, and man who has walked through pain, Michael felt called to share his journey to encourage other men to grow into the strong, kind-hearted people God created them to be.
“On Becoming a F*cking Man” is a bold, honest, and practical guide for men searching for purpose, healing, and spiritual growth. While the title is provocative, the message is deeply heartfelt—men become who they’re meant to be by embracing faith, responsibility, forgiveness, and love. Michael writes for those who believe in God but may not be connected to organized religion. Through personal stories and spiritual insight, he helps men overcome fear, anger, and shame, inviting them to live with peace, compassion, and strength.
Ultimately, “On Becoming a F*cking Man” by Michael Ulrich is a call to become the man God has always seen in you, not through perfection, but through transformation. With faith, courage, and a willing heart, every man can step into the life God intended. Let this be the beginning of your journey toward becoming a whole, God-honoring man.
Listen to the full interview below: