Author

Vicki

Journalism, Non Fiction, Social Issues

May 22: Untold Stories of Today’s Most Secretive, Invisible, Government-Backed Market with Nicole Perlroth

This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends

This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends with Author Nicole Perlroth

Cyber security, sabotage, and digital espionage expert Nicole Perlroth joins us with a big wake-up call. This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyber Weapons Arms Race might read like fiction, but it’s all fact, and author Nicole Perlroth shares untold stories of today’s most secretive, invisible, government-backed market.

Nicole sheds light on who is involved in cyber warfare and what they do – including why and how the United States Goverment is one of the biggest customers of hacked information. We look at why Russia targeted cyber attacks on Ukraine before it invaded on land, and why it continues to apply cyber attacks. Nicole explains what Zero Day means and the impact of the Zero Day Market … and that segues into why cyber security is national security. We also share the single, most important thing you should do today, to protect yourself and your data.

Meet Nicole Perlroth

This Is How They Tell me The World Ends: They Cyber Weapons Arms Race is a New York Times bestseller, earned the Business Book of the Year Award, and was shortlisted for the McKinsey and Financial Times Best Book Award. Nicole Perlroth was the lead cybersecurity, digital espionage, and sabotage reporter at The New York Times for a decade, where her work earned Nicole a Pulitzer Prize nomination, and was optioned for film and television. Nicole is a regular lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Today, she increasingly prefers life off the grid.

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Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction

May 15: Tom Seeman – Animals I Want to See

A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects & Defying the Odds

Animals I Want to See with author Tom Seeman

A coming of age story, Tom Seeman’s memoir shares his journey from child janitor to Ivy League success.

When you grow up with a disconnected, alcoholic father and 11 siblings, living on welfare and food stamps in the Projects of Toledo, what drives a young boy to work his way out? What’s the difference between someone who breaks away and someone who stays? What drove Tom to Yale, to Harvard. And what were some of the many challenges he faced?

Most importantly, Tom shares some of the lessons he learned along the way, the need for community and mentors. And why we must keep “wonder” and magic alive – even during our darkest days.

Meet Tom Seeman

As a businessman, Tom Seeman has owned and led several businesses. He grew up in a family of 14, on welfare and food stamps in the projects of Toledo, Ohio. He earned his B.A. in Economics from Yale, where he rowed on the crew team, and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, before going on to earn his J.D. at Harvard. Animals I Want to See: A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds is Tom Seeman’s debut book.

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Health & Wellness, Nature, Self-help, Spirituality

Mar 13: Live Your Soul’s Purpose with Rebecca Wildbear

Restore Balance, & Heal Your Heart, Mind, & Soul

Wild Yoga with author Rebecca Wildbear

Rebecca Wildbear helps people restore mental and emotional balance in their lives the natural way.

Nature” she says “can align us with our instincts” and help us live our soul’s purpose.

In Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration & Advocacy for the Earth Rebecca shares what she believes differentiates the soul from the spirit. We discuss the importance of stillness, of listening to trees, of sitting with the earth, of allowing. And how to “flow in the river of your heart waters”.

Meet Rebecca Wildbear

Rebecca Wildbear describers herself as an earth-centred writer and soul guide. She is the author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration & Advocacy for the Earth and has guided Wild Yoga programs since 2007. She worked as a yoga teacher trainer at Nosara Yoga Institute, and now guides nature and soul programs through Animas Valley Institute.

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Memoir, Non Fiction, Social Issues

Feb 21: Renegade MD – Dr Susan Partovi with Stories From the Streets

Dr Susan Partovi walks where many fear to tread

Renegade M.D. with author Dr. Susan Partovi

Renegade, pioneer, crusader, inspirational – just a few of the words used to describe our amazing guest today. Dr. Susan Partovi has dedicated her medical career to helping the impoverished, under-served, and homeless – people who, ordinarily, have no access to a caring doctor or medical resources.

We discuss her memoir Renegade M.D.: A Doctor’s Stories From the Streets where Dr. Susan shares stories of her own life, her career, and the people she meets on the streets. We hear why homelessness is not the black and white situation some would like us to believe, and learn why many – because of severe mental illness – aren’t capable of making rational decisions, let alone helping themselves.

With the number of Americans experiencing homelessness soaring above 680,000, Dr. Susan Partovi highlights real problems, shares real stories, and recommends real solutions to the growing problem across the country.

Meet Dr Susan Partovi

Dr. Susan Partovi is an internationally recognized expert in the field of street medicine, and a cofounder of HEAL –  a nonprofit that brings medical students and services to Haiti. Dr. Partovi is the medical director of Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles and her just released debut memoir is Renegade M.D.: A Doctor’s Stories from the Streets.

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Personal Development, Professional Development, Psychology, Self-help

Feb 14: Stay Calm, Clear, Focused Under Pressure with Dr. Dana Sinclair

Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matters Most

Dialed In: Do Your Best When It Matter Most with author Dr. Dana Sinclair

Performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair joins us with Dialed In – Do Your Best When It Matters Most, her unique brass-tacks guide to managing our emotions and performing well under pressure.

We discuss common myths and bad advice around performance, as well as helpful habits and routines, versus superstitions.

Dr. Dana also shares her views on why motivation is overrated, how to identify our own performance style, the importance of daydreaming, making a plan, and why character is better than talent.

Meet Dr. Dana Sinclair

Dr Dana Sinclair is a registered psychologist, holding doctorates from the University of Cambridge and the University of Ottawa. She’s a founder and partner of Human Performance International, a Toronto based management consultancy. A former athlete herself, she’s worked with elite athletes to help them achieve peak performance in professional hockey, baseball, basketball, and football for more than 20 years. She also works with surgeons and high-level medical and corporate organizations. Dr. Sinclair is a clinical assistant professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia.

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Health & Wellness, Inspirational, Non Fiction, Self-help

Jan 17: Holding On to Your Identity with Alzheimer’s Disease

Voices of Alzheimer’s Cofounder Rebecca Chopp

Activist, Author, Scholar Rebecca Chopp on Alzheimer’s Disease

Rebecca Chopp had a lot left to accomplish. As chancellor at the University of Denver, retirement was the last thing on her mind. That is until a routine check up at her doctor’s office left her stunned. How could she have Alzheimer’s disease?

Today, Rebecca shares how she coped with the devastating news. Why she kept her diagnosis private for several months. How and why she went public; why she cofounded Voices of Alzheimer’s to help empower others. And how she managed to write her upcoming book, Still Me.

Most importantly, Rebecca Chopp shares how she held on to her identity and finds ways to live well with friends and family.

About Rebecca Chopp

Rebecca Chopp, PhD, is an Alzheimer’s activist and educator. Chopp co-founded Voices of Alzheimer’s and serves as a member of the  Board of the National Alzheimer’s Association, and is a member of the board of the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She is a frequent speaker and writer on timely diagnosis, research for a cure, access and affordability of drugs, and lifestyle interventions for those with Alzheimer’s. Chopp’s book, Still Me, will be published in 2024. Before Chopp’s diagnosis with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s in 2019, she was a widely published author, editor, and renowned academic in the fields of education, philosophy, religion, and feminism. 

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Essays, History, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jan 10: Mystery Superfan & Foodie Turns Author

Recipes for Murder, 66 Dishes Celebrating Agatha Christie

Recipes for Murder with author Karen Pierce

Karen Pierce knew when she turned author that her book would somehow include food and mystery. She came up with the perfect solution in Recipes for Murder: 66 Dishes that Celebrate the Mysteries of Agatha Christie.

Karen shares what sparked the idea for her debut nonfiction book, sharing a peek into the life of Agatha Christie and the times she lived in. For example, did you know that when Christie went to cocktail parties, she only drank cream? And what about the burning question that many consider an unanswered mystery: What really happened when Christie herself mysteriously disappeared?

Superfan Karen Pierce did intense research for Recipes for Murder, and shares her insight on that and more today.

About Karen Pierce

Karen Pierce is a detective-fiction doyenne, food lover, and Agatha Christie Superfan. She’s made pilgrimages to Torquay and Greenway House, Christie’s hometown and home. Karen Pierce also attended and volunteered at several Anthony Boucher Memorial World Mystery Conventions. She lives in Toronto, Canada.

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Personal Development

Jan 03: Make 2024 A Change Your Life Year … in Just 3 Minutes a Day

Dr. Richard Dixey’s Rx for gaining clarity, expanding creativity, reducing stress

Three Minutes a Day with author Richard Dixey

Yes, it’s really possible, says scientist Richard Dixey to transform your life by incorporating his short, valuable practice into everyday life.

Dr. Richard Dixey explains how just three minutes of your time can turn your life around. He shares a direct path to gain clarity of mind, relieve stress, calm anxiety, sharpen thinking, improve concentration, and enhance creativity.

And his practice can be followed from anywhere, anytime, no matter how busy you are.

About Dr. Richard Dixey

Richard Dixey, PhD, is a scientist and lifelong student of Asian philosophy. He runs the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation in India with his wife Wangmo, the eldest daughter of Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku. He is a senior faculty member at Dharma College in Berkeley, and divides his time between California and India. His new book, Three Minutes a Day: A 14 Week Course to Learn Meditation and Transform Your Life.

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Career, Creativity, Personal Development

Dec 28: Breaking Through Creative Blocks with Patti Dobrowolski

Get Unstuck, Visualize New Possibilities, Create

Creative Genius You, the Equation that Makes You Great with author Patti Dobrowolski

In Creative Genius You, The Equation That Makes YOU Great! Patti Dobrowolski outlines a simple formula that helps you tap into your unique genius and creativity.

Today Patti shares the subtle math behind goal achievement. What it means to give yourself permission to listen to your inner voice. We discuss imagination, curiosity, and intuition. How sketching (yes, even for non-artists) can help release blocks and accelerate the creative process. And, the Desire + Love + Sweat equation.

About Patti Dobrowolski

Three-times TedX speaker, Patti Dobrowolski, is a critically acclaimed comic performer, international keynote speaker, writer, and business consultant. She has taught innovative visual practices to Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and small businesses. In an earlier podcast you can hear about Patti Dobrowolski’s first book, Drawing Solutions: How Visual Goal Setting Will Change Your Life.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Dec 13: Lesley Crewe with Recipe for a Good Life

A story of loneliness & belonging. A love letter to the women who’ve kept kettles warm & neighbors fed in rural Cape Breton.

Recipe for a Good Life with author Lesley Crewe

National bestselling, award winning author Lesley Crewe says if she hadn’t moved to a remote island off Novia Scotia she may never have become a writer. Today, Lesley joins us to to talk about her 15th book – Recipe for a Good Life.

We discuss how Lesley adapts ordinary moments and celebrates everyday things. How she develops her characters and who inspires them. What island life is really like, including community, connection, belonging, humor, and how Cape Breton features in her storytelling. And, of course, we share Lesley’s point of view on writing and what it means to be a writer.

About Lesley Crewe

Lesley Crewe is the Globe and Mail–bestselling author of 13 novels, including Nosy Parker, named one of Indigo’s Top 100 Books of 2022; The Spoon Stealer, longlisted for Canada Reads 2022; and Relative Happiness, which was adapted into an award-winning feature film. She has also published two collections of essays, the Leacock-longisted Are You Kidding Me?! and I Kid You Not! Lesley lives in Homeville, Nova Scotia. Recipe for a Good Life is Indigo Book’s 2023 Award Winning Book of the Year.

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