Author

Vicki

Fiction, Writers on Writing

FEB 10: The Chanel Sisters with Judithe Little

February 10, 2021

One of USA Today’s “5 Books Not to Miss”

Say Chanel and we picture luxury, class, wealth. But THE CHANEL SISTERS grew up in anything but. Set from 1897 to 1921, the story takes us though the humble beginnings and ambitious rise of the sisters.

Author Judithe Little shares some of the extensive research she did to create authentic characters.  We discuss how their upbringing influenced the Chanel brand. We explore where and why Judithe took creative license. Why she told the story from the point of view of younger sister, Antoinette. And what Judithe wishes she’d known when she started out.

About Judithe Little

Judithe Little is the award-winning author of Wickwythe Hall. She earned a BA in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Continue reading
Biography, History, Non Fiction

FEB 03: Icebound with Andrea Pitzer

February 3, 2021

Shipwrecked At The Edge Of The World

“‘Icebound’ takes us back to the Arctic, in all its terror and splendor” — says The New York Times. And today Andrea Pitzer has two true stories to tell. The first about Dutch polar explorer, William Barents, who set sail in the 1500s to find a northern route to China.  The second, her own life-changing journey to sail in Barents’ wake.

We discuss the ancient explorer’s trials and successes during his three Arctic expeditions.  How Andrea sailed a tall ship and spent time high up the mast. How her expedition to the Russian Arctic changed her. And what surprised her the most.

About Andrea Pitzer

Critically acclaimed author Andrea Pitzer is a journalist whose writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Review of Books, The Daily Beast, Vox, and Slate. Her two previous books are One Long Night and The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov. Her latest is Icebound: Shipwrecked At The Edge Of The World.

Continue reading
Fiction

JAN 27: A Rainbow Like You with Andrea Fehsenfeld

January 27, 2021

A rock star with everything to prove. A teen stowaway with nothing to lose.

How did Andrea Fehsenfeld‘s love of music and interest in synesthesia inspire the story of a troubled rock legend returning to the stage?

A Rainbow Like You is a tale of hope, healing, and the power of home. Today Andrea shares where her inspiration came from and how she developed her musical protagonist. What makes good dialogue. Her favorite scenes to write. And why she wrote her first song for the novel.

About Andrea Fehsenfeld

Andrea Fehsenfeld is an author and award-winning TV producer. A Rainbow Like You is her second novel and was voted A Best BC Book of 2020. Her debut novel Completion is currently being adapted for television.

Continue reading
Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Psychology, Self-help

JAN 20: NYT Bestselling Author Dr. Judith Orloff with The Empath’s Survival Guide

January 20, 2021

Dr Judith Orloff Empath's Survival GuideLife Strategies for Sensitive People

If you feel anxious or stressed more than others think you should, if you’ve been called overly-sensitive or snowflake, you could be an empath. Today we talk with “the Godmother” of the empath movement, Dr. Judith Orloff.

We discuss how to tell what type of empath you are and what that means. Dr. Orloff shares the differences between introvert and extrovert empaths. The neuroscience behind empaths, which shows why some people feel things more than others — especially during COVID times.  How to overcome self-medicating with food and other substances. And solutions to help combat toxic energy.

About Judith Orloff, MD

The New York Times bestselling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide and Thriving as an Empath, Dr. Judith Orloff is a psychiatrist in private practice, and a member of the psychiatric clinical faculty at UCLA where she specializes in treating highly sensitive people and empaths. Her work has been featured with The Today Show, Oprah Magazine and The New York Times. See her online course Awakening Your Intuitive Healing Power.

Continue reading
Fiction

JAN 13: Brad Taylor with American Traitor, a Pike Logan Novel

January 13, 2021

New York Times Bestselling Author of Hunter Killer

Could China deliberately trick Taiwan into starting a full blown war by destabilizing its government and manipulating artificial intelligence defense systems?  Will Pike Logan find the man about to betray his country before it’s too late?

Returning guest, Brad Taylor, shares his experience writing American Traitor. We touch on Brad’s research, where he traveled, favorite spots, and surprises. He shares his favorite scenes to write. How he keeps his two protagonists fresh and evolving. And how growing up in rural Texas influenced Brad’s life.

About Brad Taylor

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Brad Taylor is a 21-year veteran of the US Army Infantry and Special Forces, including eight years with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment—Delta Force. Brad Taylor has written 14 New York Times bestsellers, and consults with various agencies on asymmetric security threats.

Continue reading
Business, Career, Non Fiction, Self-help

JAN 06: Design Your Own New Normal with Helene Segura

January 6, 2021

Kick 2020 chaos to the curb starting today!

If you were glad to see the back of 2020 (and who wasn’t!) what do you want to change or do differently in 2021?  Today Helene Segura discusses positive ways to overcome challenges that many of us faced last year, such as lack of focus and motivation. Impatience. Fear. The dread and anxiety of uncertainty. Feeling helpless and stuck.

Helene shares a very personal story with us…a life-changing challenge that some of you may have faced, in addition to those listed above. We also provide solutions to the stresses of working at home and being attached to your work 24/7. And most importantly, how to design a New Normal that works for you.

About Helene Segura

Bestselling author Helene Segura has written four books, including, The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.  She’s a featured expert in more than 200 interviews for publications such as US News and World Report, Money Magazine; and has appeared on Fox, CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates. Helene’s been a guest numerous times on Conversations Live with Vicki St. Clair, and is a listener favorite on managing our minds, energy, and lives.

Continue reading
Fiction, Writers on Writing

DEC 30: Award-winning Crime Thriller Author Glen Erik Hamilton

December 30, 2020

The Van Shaw series 5th novel: A Dangerous Breed

We’re ending the year with another chance to catch listener favorite, Glen Erik Hamilton.

We discuss how Glen develops his recurring cast of characters to keep them fresh and evolving. What kind of research he did for A Dangerous Breed. And where and why Glen took creative license.

Glen also shares his perspective on the responsibilities artists have in today’s social and political culture.

About Glen Erik Hamilton

Glen Erik Hamilton writes crime thrillers. His award-winning novels have been called “outstanding” (Publishers Weekly), “perfect mix of serious crime and caper movie” (Criminal Element), and “a must-read series” (Mystery Scene Magazine). Most of Glens’ books begin and end in Seattle, and growing up on a sailboat around local marinas and docks, provided him with a unique insider advantage to writing about the Pacific Northwest.

Continue reading
Fiction, Writers on Writing

DEC 23: Unrestricted Access with James Rollins

December 23, 2020

#1NYT bestselling author James Rollins discusses his first-ever anthology of short stories

If  you’re looking for a last minute gift, Unrestricted Access is packed full of exciting stand-alone stories, some familiar characters, and a brand new novella from  James Rollins.

We discuss how James approaches writing short stories versus novellas and novels. Story locations and the mystery surrounding them. And some of the unknown stories behind the stories.

About James Rollins

James Rollins is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of international thrillers. Unrestricted Access is his first book of new and classic short fiction, and includes Sun Dogs, a new novella. James’ books have sold more than 20 million copies throughout the world, and have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Continue reading
Health & Wellness, Nature, Non Fiction, Psychology

DEC 02: Sue Stuart-Smith on The Restorative Power of Nature

December 2, 2020

The Well-Gardened Mind

Connecting with nature is vital to long-term physical and mental health, and in her new book, Sue Stuart-Smith delves into why and how. She combines insights from the latest neuroscience, with personal stories, and her own experiences as a mental health professional.

We discuss what Sue means by a well-gardened mind, and how to cultivate one. We explore why nature inspires many successful artists, and helps unleash creative inspiration. How our brains change when exposed to beauty. And how we can use our natural green surroundings to allow nature to nurture and heal mind, body, spirit.

The book was published just months before COVID hit our shores and — with mental health issues at an all time high in the US — today is a perfect time to revisit our  conversation.

About Sue Stuart-Smith

She’s a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of THE WELL-GARDENED MIND: The Restorative Power of Nature — a Sunday Times Bestseller. Dr. Sue Stuart-Smith teaches at Tavistock Clinic in London, and is a consultant to the UK DocHealth Service.

Continue reading
Non Fiction, Personal Development, Psychology

NOV 25: Slay Your Dragons with Compassion with Malcolm Stern

November 25, 2020

10 Ways to Thrive Even When It Feels Impossible

Many people struggle to find their life purpose. And with so much unrest and uncertainty in the world, some even say, why bother! But when things seem impossible, that’s when we need to dig deep, and Malcolm Stern shares 10 ways to thrive in his new book.

We discuss why he dabbled with hallucinogenics and what that did for him. How grief, after the suicide of his daughter, forced him to question everything and face his dragons head on. What he means by “breaking the spells that bind us” and why he says, with compassion, “the only heart worth having, is a broken heart…”

About Malcolm Stern

As a psychotherapist, Malcolm Stern has worked with individuals and groups. He teaches internationally, and is the cofounder and codirector of Alternatives at St James’ Church in London. His new book is a distillation of 30 years in the therapy room, SLAY YOUR DRAGONS WITH COMPASSION – 10 Ways to thrive even if it feels impossible. 

Continue reading

  • Categories

  • Past Shows