What happens when a marketing strategist decides history shouldn't be boring? In this captivating conversation, Paul Lloyd Hemphill shares how a simple question to his teenagers about history sparked an unexpected creative journey. When they repeatedly called history "boring," Hemphill set out to change the narrative, literally. Hemphill shares the…

What makes a truly unforgettable literary villain? According to bestselling thriller author Gary Braver, it's not mustache-twirling evil, but rather those "sweet smelling reasons" that justify their actions in their minds. Drawing from over four decades of teaching creative writing and penning critically acclaimed mysteries, Braver takes us behind …

What does it take to reinvent your life in your 40s, face down hundreds of rejections, and still come out on top? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christina LePort, a former cardiologist turned medical thriller author, about her remarkable journey from the operating room to the written word. Born in Bologna, Italy, Christina once dreaded writing a…

What if it didn’t take a life-altering tragedy to change your life for the better? In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Scott White, also known as the “Life is Too Short Guy,” who’s on a mission to make the world a happier place—one smile at a time. Scott breaks down the ten simple but powerful principles from his Amazon #1 bestselling book. …

When Patricia Bonis lost her children to international abduction, she was thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare—fourteen years of silence. In her memoir Jeddah Bride, Patricia recounts the unimaginable journey from Florida courtrooms to the heart of Saudi Arabia, where a judge’s decision to allow unsupervised visitation led to more than a deca…

When Karen De Bonis arrived at her library book reading to find zero attendees, she didn't crumble—she took a photo. That single photo of empty chairs would go viral on Twitter, reaching over a million views and revealing something profound about vulnerability in our success-obsessed world. Behind this viral moment lies a much deeper story. De Boni…

What if the secret to publishing success isn't TikTok or Instagram but good old-fashioned hustle and real-world connections? In this episode, I chat with Jean Alfieri, author of the beloved Zuggy the Rescue Pug series and an advocate for shelter pets everywhere. Jean’s journey into authorship began with one determined rescue pug and has blossomed i…

In this episode, I sit down with the marketing strategist and author of The Art of Resilience: The Refugee State of Mind—Hussein Al-Baiaty, to explore the power of writing communities and the evolving world of indie publishing. We discuss how building connections, honing communication, and embracing community can shape an author’s journey—whether y…

Renowned executive coach Antonia Bowring joins us to reveal how coaching has evolved in the digital age, especially amidst the challenges brought on by COVID-19. This shift has increased the acceptance and accessibility of coaching across regions like Africa and the Middle East. Through her book "Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior,…

What if the items gathering dust in your attic held the keys to unlocking your deepest healing? In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child, to explore the transformative power of confronting childhood memories through seemingly mundane objects. Anne shares her person…

In this episode, we focus on actionable strategies for aspiring writers and solopreneurs to thrive in the creator economy. Author and solopreneur ​Ayodeji Awosika shares his insights on leveraging personal strengths, mastering marketing skills, and the significance of building an audience to achieve financial independence. We discussed the followin…

In this episode, three authors come together to share their journeys through widowhood, highlighting the strength found in friendship and community. Karen Smith Racicot, Karen Justice, and Rebecca LaChance discuss their collaborative writing process in their book Widows Among Us, and the essential lessons learned about preparing for an unforeseen l…

🎥 You can watch the episode on YouTube here. Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a pioneering advocate for Muslim women's rights. From her early days in architectural design to becoming a powerful voice for gender equality, Dr. Khan shares her inspiring journey detailed in her memoir, Born with Wings. Her story unfolds against…

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Josh McConkey, best-selling author, emergency physician, and military leader. Hear how his dual roles have shaped his views on addressing Gen Z's mental health challenges, exacerbated by social media pressures. Dr. McConkey shares insights from his military and medical career on preparing Gen Z for success, empha…

Join us as award-winning entrepreneur and author Veronica Kirin discusses the transformative power of paradigm shifts, drawing on her anthropology background. We talked about how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can catalyze personal growth or pose significant challenges, sharing insights from her acclaimed projects, Stories of Elders and Stories …

Andrea Emily Stumpf shares the extraordinary story of documenting the life of her great-great-grandmother, Sayyida Salma, the first Arab woman to publish memoirs. We delve into her groundbreaking life, from defying cultural norms in the 19th century to her marriage to a German man, and her lasting impact on Arab and women's studies. Andrea also dis…

What happens when childhood memories collide with historical events? In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Zimlich—author, writing teacher at American University, and storyteller. Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her novel, Raising Panic, a story rooted in her own experiences and the tragic PSA 182 crash in San Diego. Set in 1978 in rural Sou…

Imagine spending nearly a decade dreaming about writing your first book, only to finally break through with a 30-day writing challenge. That’s exactly what happened with our guest, Bradley Charbonneau, an author who has now penned 35 books. He opens up about his battle with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing how he transformed his creative …

What if pursuing your passions could redefine aging? Meet James Flaherty, 89, who’s added not just years but vitality to his life. Starting his writing journey later, Jim has authored four books, including his latest, Embrace Your Age, a reflection on aging with a purpose that challenges the idea of “feeling old.” In this episode, he shares his ins…

Renowned dermatologist and author Dr. Steve Feldman shares the inspiring journey behind his book Bent Toward Justice, highlighting how diverse perspectives, including Holocaust survivor Murray Swartzman’s story, reshaped his worldview. He discusses the emotional complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yitzhak Rabin’s influence, and the ch…

Do you want to build a thriving writing career and monetize your content? Tune in as David Mcilroy breaks down the exact strategies he used to grow a massive audience on Medium and Substack. From consistent posting to effective networking, he’s got the blueprint for success—and he’s planning to go full-time by year's end, thanks to his supportive s…

Curious about how alcohol shaped American history and continues to influence our lives today? Join us for a compelling conversation with marketing expert and author Ella Parlor as we uncover the untold stories behind America’s relationship with alcohol. From the Prohibition era to today’s complex regulatory landscape, we explore the fascinating his…

Award-winning children's author Neil Rosen, also known by his whimsical pen name Professor Stork, joins me to share his inspiring journey from a bookish childhood to rediscovering his passion for writing later in life. His latest graphic novel, Mila on Purpose, celebrates friendship and diversity and aims to help children build confidence. We also …

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Winter, a French Cajun author whose writing is deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage and the vibrant history of South Louisiana. His historical fiction, Wake the Devil, is inspired by the notorious X-Men murders of 1918 in New Orleans. Join us as Ryan shares his journey to finding his unique voice, tr…

What happens when war disrupts the creative minds of writers? In this episode, I conversed with Franco-Moroccan-American writer Jordan Elgrably, editor-in-chief of The Markaz Review, where we delved into the intersection of literature and conflict. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation: Middle Eastern writers' anthology: We explore Jo…

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is shaking up jobs and our creative landscape? Join us as we unpack these changes with bestselling author Matt Witten. In this episode, Matt dives into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in his latest novel, Killer Story. He shares insights into the evolving challenges of journalism and how AI might …

In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press. We uncover surprising statistics about book sales, discuss the financial intricacies of advances and royalties, and reveal why independent publishers are outpacing traditional ones in today's fast-paced market. From self-publishing challenges …

Ever wondered how a book goes from a manuscript to a bestseller? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Elizabeth Briggs, the editorial director at Saqi Books, who gives an exclusive look behind the scenes at one of Europe's most unique publishing houses. Elizabeth shares the rich history of Saqi Books, which evolved from Europe's first Arabic …

Jordanian author and gender activist Fadi Zaghmout is passionate about the transformative landscape of Arabic science fiction. His novel Heaven on Earth and its sequel portray the prospects of a world free from the clutches of aging and invites reflection on the societal ripples such a future might create. In our conversation, we scrutinize how the…

When Mark Ryall coached his daughter Stephanie in competitive running, he forged a bond far beyond the track. Their story, Run Daughter, Run Father, is not just a training manual – it's a testament to their shared triumphs and a lifelong passion. Inspired by my own journey back into running and writing, this episode celebrates the limitless potenti…

Can laughter be the best medicine for aging? Humorist Neil Offen thinks so! He delivers a hilarious and insightful take on the trials and triumphs of boomer life in his book Building a Better Boomer. Join us as Neil shares his satirical wit and offers a refreshingly honest look at aging. We'll discuss the power of laughter, the evolution of book pu…

Toby Dorr, is a former prison librarian who made headlines in 2006 for assisting convicted murderer John Manard in a daring escape from the Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas. Toby, who faced legal consequences for her role in the escape, shares her side of the story, shedding light on the events that captivated the nation in her new memoir Li…

Kristen Van Nest, an author, actor, and comedian, joins us to recount the lessons learned while navigating this tumultuous yet exhilarating journey. From the conservative confines of her upbringing to globetrotting adventures, Kristen's story is a testament to the fearless pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, detailed humorously in her…

When a patient's desire for distraction developed into a realm of magic, fantasy author Danielle Orsino, who was working as a nurse, discovered her true passion. Join us as Danielle recounts her extraordinary journey from nursing to becoming a novelist, revealing the unexpected turns life can take. Her stories transcend tales of the mystical Fae an…

In this episode, Becky Parker Geist, CEO of Pro Audio Voices, joins us to explore the booming audiobook industry. We cover the technological advancements that have made audiobooks more accessible, their significant impact on multitaskers like myself, and the journey from tape to digital. We also discuss how platforms like Amplify Audio Books Create…

In this episode, Shireen Sabanegh shares her journey from museum management in Jordan to creating children's stories in the UK. She reveals the intricate process of traditional publishing, from the excitement of having two manuscripts accepted to collaborating with publishers and illustrators. The discussion delves into themes like representing dis…

Dr. Heather Davis, an expert book coach and advocate for diversity in literature, joins me to unravel the journey of an idea as it transforms into a compelling narrative. We discuss the nuances of authorship, from the birth of a concept to navigating the corridors of publishing, all while championing voices that reflect the true spectrum of humanit…

In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Eman Quotah, the Arab American author of the novel Bride of the Sea. Drawing from the experience of a family friend's real-life ordeal and enriched by Eman's bicultural background, we uncover the depth of storytelling that defines her work. We also shed light on the evolving presence and impact of…

With 16 books to her name, author Mary Carol Moore shares her journey from a distinguished food journalist to a fiction writer whose upcoming novel, Last Bets, covers the high-stakes backgammon boardgame in a sultry Caribbean setting. Throughout our conversation, Moore offers an insider's look at the intricacies of self-publishing and the marketing…

In this episode, I chat with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell. We discuss the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author. In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draws from his own upbringing amidst powerful women , as he intertwines personal stories with societal struggles on feminism and reproductive rights, invi…

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube. Author Paul Trammell lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery. When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against the unexpected, he's penning novels and self-publishing from his floating abode. In this podcast, we talked about t…

Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate. In this episode, we discuss the following: Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Deema Al Alami from corporate life to a renowned author and reading advocate, along with the inception of her "Mother to Author" program. Embracing Arabic children's literature: An explor…

📹 You can watch the interview on YouTube here. Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten, a certified book coach and published author. Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book coaching provides, from the germination of an idea to the pride of a completed manuscript and the various choices that the publishing world…

Pauls Toutonghi is the Pushcart Prize-winning author of the acclaimed novels Red Weather and Evel Knievel Days. He was born in Seattle, Washington, to an Egyptian father and a Latvian mother. His latest novel is The Refugee Ocean. In this episode, we explore various facets of writing, publishing, and the art of storytelling: Exploring The Refugee O…

Ever wondered what happens when two authors team up to write a murder mystery? Join us for a thrilling episode with Landis Wade and Sarah Archer, the dynamic duo behind the novella Death by Podcasting. This light-hearted murder mystery has won over readers with its unique blend of their distinct writing styles. They reveal the intricacies of their …

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube Indie author Douglas Weissman shares his journey from penning his first novel to navigating the world of small independent presses. Listen in as Weissman shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of this unique path in the literary world. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of the writing pr…

Alexandra Wyman transformed her devastating loss into a beacon of hope for others becoming, a mental health advocate and public speaker. She penned down her experience of losing her husband to suicide in her memoir - "The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death." Through her story, she aims to change the narrative around suicid…

Carrie Berk is a social media influencer, author, and blogger with over 3 million followers on TikTok alone. In her YA book, My Real Life Romcom: How to Build Confidence and Write Your Own Relationship Rules, Berk shares her dating adventures (and misadventures) to help others discover more about themselves and the relationship they deserve. In thi…

After battling a health crisis, Marjorie Turner-Hulman, embarked on a remarkable journey, creating the "Easy Walks" guidebook series. These aren't just books; they are a beacon of hope and exploration that help people find local trails, and they are a testament to her resilience and passion. Not stopping at the guidebooks, Marjorie took a leap of f…

Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi-Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel, The Mountains We Carry, was released in November 2021. His latest novel, Waters Under Baghdad , was published in October 2023, Growing up in Iraq, Brifkani witnessed many tr…