Kathryn Raaker: I t ’ s H er W orld Syndicated Television and Radio Host, Entrepreneur, Author, and More!

By Allison Chudina

It’s Kathryn Raaker’s world, and we’re all living in it.

Raaker, a globe-trotter who has lived on four continents, has worked as a syndicated TV and radio host (her latest project is called “Kathryn Raaker’s World”), entrepreneur, product spokesperson, and marketer for many years.

Raaker is the founder and chief executive officer of Tri-State Connection LLC and also has been a publisher of magazines and relocation guides for both U.S. and overseas locations, and she is an entrepreneur and founder of the PRO Referral Organization globally.

Through Raaker’s TV and radio shows, she is able to share her rich experiences from around the world.

When asked what initially led her down the path that would grow into her remarkable career, Raaker said: “After working for a few years in advertising and marketing across the United States and overseas, the companies I worked for wanted me to do interviews and commercials for them. I realized I liked being on the air and wanted to create something of my own.”

This became possible when Raaker began working for the Daily News of Newburyport newspaper in Massachusetts and their counterpart in New Hampshire. “I sold advertising and eventually became the assistant manager,” she said. “One of my clients, American Cablevision, asked me to create a TV program for children. I was thrilled to take on the challenge.”

This TV program was called “Kathryn’s Storybook Tree.” Raaker and her team created a set that looked like a small garden with a small tree in the center. The tree, Raaker explained, was the star of the show. “It talked!” Raaker said. “The leaves were books.”

Once the program began, Raaker and her daughter wrote the very first story and made the first book created by a mother and daughter team. “On TV, we encouraged kids to send in their stories, and our artist would illustrate the stories on air,” Raaker said.

Today, one of Raaker’s current projects is her newest TV show, “Kathryn Raaker’s World,” which takes viewers on the road, visiting interesting people and exotic places. The show is only 30 minutes long, and it allows Raaker to interview authors, politicians, inventors, and product developers. Raaker hopes to “introduce her audience to new ideas, inspirational inventions, and innovative people.”

Another one of Raaker’s shows, called, “The Chef, You and I,” focuses on preparing healthy meals with the goal of taking traditional recipes filled with fat and calories and making them healthier. In this show, chefs offer their favorite recipes with interesting cooking trends and secrets.

Raaker encourages beginning cooks to learn more about how to prepare dishes. “I would suggest people watch our show,” she said. “Learning to cook is not hard. Try looking online and making something. Join a cooking class with a friend or watch cooking videos on YouTube.”

Raaker said her inspiration for creating “The Chef, You and I” came from wanting to get healthier herself. “For years, I had a weight problem, and after living overseas I experienced food that was healthy and delicious and noticed portions were much smaller overseas than they were in the States,” she said. “I started losing weight, especially in Spain and Turkey. I was walking and exercising more and eating differently. This gave me the challenge. I decided that once I returned to the States, I would create a healthy cooking show from what I learned living overseas.”

Raaker also has a syndicated radio show, “Let’s Just Talk,” which is a “magazine-format talk show.”

In “Let’s Just Talk,” Raaker interviews guests on topics rele - vant to her audience. She says this can range from politics to health to family values, or even new books. “The topics are unlimited, and the conversation is fast-paced and entertaining,” Raaker said.

She explains that a “magazine-format talk show” features many topics ranging from fashion and beauty to food, and the latest travel tips and places to explore. “We have guests that give our audience the information they need or want,” Raaker said. “Guests discuss the latest in health and wellness, but you’ll also hear them discussing the latest issues and popular topics from around the world. It is entertainment for the entire family.”

Raaker says that some of her favorite guests have been religious icon Billy Graham; female astronaut Kim Ellis; science fiction author Fionne Foxxe Farraday; politician Michael Letts; and Jason Day, an Australian professional golfer who won the 2015 PGA Championship.

Raaker has appeared in numerous publications globally, and she is also a published author. Her second novel, Elizabeth Bromwell: The Case of the Chinese Leopard , was released earlier this year. Her son, Robert Taggart, co-wrote the novel.

“Writing with my son was a true joy,” Raaker said. “We are a great team, and he makes our books page-turners.”

Raaker’s life thus far has been filled with many exciting projects and memories. But what is she most passionate about? “I love working with authors and seniors, and volunteering with non-profits that support the military,” she said. “I also love creating TV for kids.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs or media hosts is to stay knowledgeable. “Before you quit your day job, learn as much as you possibly can about the business you want to start,” she said. “If it’s a food product, try your recipe out with family and friends first.”

Raaker noted that most product entrepreneurs create something that is unusual or needed in the marketplace. “For media, take courses in the town where you live,” she said. “You can take courses while volunteering at community access stations. There are courses in production and editing, and this will help you to create your own show.”

To learn more about Raaker’s adventures and current projects, visit her website, at Kathrynraakersworld.com.

(Photographs contributed)