Author

David Vandver

Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Self-help

DEC 22: Girl Be Brave with Cheryl Hale

December 22, 2021

Finding Courage in 100 Days

When life throws you that unexpected curve, it takes bravery to hit it out of the park! Cheryl Hale knows that first hand and today we discuss her small but powerful book, Girl Be Brave: 100 Days to Chart Your Course.

We share the dangers of perfectionism, the pitfalls of overplanning, and taking your future into account with the choices you make today. Cheryl also shares how she overcame her fears and negative selftalk to walk more in love, empathy, and compassion.

About Cheryl Hale

Cheryl Hale is an entrepreneur–an author, writer, blogger, and founder of Girl Be Brave, an online community at GirlBeBrave.com. Cheryl’s book makes for a beautiful last minute Christmas gift or a treat for yourself!

 

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History, Non Fiction, Travel & Adventure

DEC 01: Brad Ricca with True Raiders

December 1, 2021

The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant

When author Brad Ricca learned his favorite movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, might have been based on a real life expedition, he felt as though his “… face was melting off.” So maybe it was inevitable that one day he’d dig deeper into the story and write his own book about the true archaeological exploration.

We discuss some of the real life characters from the 1909 event, and how Brad researched the facts (and maybe a few conspiracies). How he chooses what to include and discard when storytelling for nonfiction. And how he managed to climb into the mindset of each character to share their point of view.

About Brad Ricca

The author of the Edgar Award-nominated Mrs. Sherlock Holmes, Olive the Lionheart, and Super Boys, Brad Ricca is also the winner of the Ohioana Book Award for Nonfiction. He won the St Lawrence Book Award for American Mastodon. And his latest book is True Raiders: The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

NOV 10: Alice Henderson with A Blizzard of Polar Bears

November 10, 2021

Novel A Blizzard of Polar BearsAuthor of A Solitude of Wolverines

From writing official novels for TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, to creating a strong female protagonist in wildlife biologist, Alex Carter.

Alice Henderson’s love of wilderness, wildlife, and science inspired the Alex Carter thriller series. Today we are transported to Churchill, Manitoba for her latest adventure.

We discuss how Alice’s diverse background led to her dynamic career as a wildlife researcher and novelist. How her character, Alex Carter, came to her. Alice’s favorite, and least favorite, scenes to write. Some of the research that went into developing A Blizzard of Polar Bears. And, yes, of course we talked about polar bears, climate change, and nature!

About Alice Henderson

The author of more than 13 books, Alice Henderson is a dedicated wildlife researcher. She uses a variety of methods, including bioacoustic studies, to identify species present on conservation lands. Using geographic information systems, she also designs wildlife corridors. Alice Henderson has surveyed for the presence of grizzlies, wolves, spotted owls, wolverines, jaguars, endangered bats, and more.

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Health & Wellness, Nature, Non Fiction, Psychology

OCT 27: Dr. Rochelle Calvert – Healing with Nature

October 27, 2021

Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma

According to WHO, over 70% of us experience trauma; and 78% of those who’ve had a traumatic experience will develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the average American spends 87% of their time indoors. It’s no wonder many of us spend most of our days with shoulders hunched around our ears.

Psychologist Dr. Rochelle Calvert shares how somatic healing, combined with mindfulness, and nature-based therapy, can help heal trauma and PTSD. We look at the science behind this therapy – and the research that shows the benefits of spending time in nature. We also share how to incorporate Dr. Calvert’s practices into everyday life.

About Dr. Rochelle Calvert

Rochelle Calvert, PhD is a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Diego, specializing in mindfulness, nature-based therapy, and somatic experiencing. Dr. Calvert works with individuals struggling with life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, pain conditions, and eating disorders. The founder of New Mindful Life, she also works with families of developmentally delayed children and adults. Healing with Nature: Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma is her first book.

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Self-help

SEP 29: You Are Not Alone with The Anxiety Sisters’ Survival Guide

September 29, 2021

How You Can Become More Hopeful, Connected, and Happy

More than one in three of us suffer from anxiety, and despite anxiety being highly treatable, only 36% of suffers seek help says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Today’s guests have lived with anxiety their entire adult lives, so much so that it shaped the work they were driven to do.  Abbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek, aka The Anxiety Sisters, say you are NOT alone–even though it may feel that way.

We discuss what living with anxiety is like, what we can do about it, and how feelings of isolation are often accompanied by shame, which stops people from seeking help.

About The Anxiety Sisters

Co-founders of The Anxiety Sisters online community, and co-authors of The Anxiety Sisters’ Survival Guide.

Maggie Sarachek’s expertise is counseling, and teaching people to find strength through community. As a social worker in a New York City high school, she specialized in the development of youth leadership, as well as counseling individuals and families.

Abbe Greenberg has two degrees in the communication field, a certificate in Adult Education, and a Masters in Creative Writing. In addition to a 25-year career as a professor, Abbe has been a divorce mediator, a Myers-Briggs trainer, and communication consultant.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

JUL 21: Alka Joshi’s New Novel – The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

July 21, 2021

NYT Bestselling of Author of The Henna Artist

Set in India, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is a tale of loyalty, ambition, and love that plunges readers back into the world of The Henna Artist – a world of power, money, and secrets.

Today, returning guest ALKA JOSHI shares detailed insight into the culture and traditions of India, that richly permeate her novels. We discuss creativity and how she approaches her work. Why, unlike many authors, she doesn’t consider a writing routine important. And – as a marketing and PR expert – Alka shares her best advice to authors and creatives about getting your work into the world.

About Alka Joshi

Born in Jodhpur, India, ALKA JOSHI has lived in the U.S. since she was nine-years-old. A Stanford University graduate, Alka worked in advertising and PR before starting her own marketing consultancy. In 2011, she earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the California College of Arts in San Francisco, California. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is Alka Joshi’s second novel.

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Business, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Psychology

JUN 23: The Pit of Success #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller with Dave Jennings

June 23, 2021

How Leaders Adapt, Succeed, and Repeat

If you’re living in the worlds of stuck, should, fear – or any other limiting belief – Dave Jennings says “Stop right now! Everything you need to break this pattern and move forward is learnable.”

We explore some of the concepts from The Pit of Success, which work equally as well in our personal and family lives, as they do in business – from how to navigate The Pit and imposter syndrome, to trading up, and slowing down to speed up.

About Dave Jennings

Coauthored with Amy Leishman, The Pit of Success: How Leaders Adapt, Succeed, & Repeat is Dave Jennings latest book. A leadership and organizational change consultant and speaker, with a PhD in sports psychology, Jenkins has guided leaders from across the globe to navigate The Pit for themselves. He’s worked with organizations including Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, and the FBI. And has been published or featured in the Washington Post, Forbes, and more.

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Fiction, History, Thriller, Writers on Writing

FEB 24: Steve Berry with The Kaiser’s Web

February 24, 2021

New York Times & #1 International Bestselling Author

Steve Berry returns to Conversations Live with his latest book, which happens to be #16 in the Cotton Malone Series, and Berry’s 20th novel — The Kaiser’s Web. When a secret dossier from a World War II-era Soviet spy is exposed, it could rewrite history and impact Germany’s upcoming national elections, forever changing the political landscape of Europe.

Since Steve is an avid historian and travels extensively for his research, how is he handling pandemic restrictions? How did this impact background material  for The Kaiser’s Web? And what is Steve’s most important piece of marketing advice for authors?

About Steve Berry

History lies at the heart of every Steve Berry novel. His title’s include The Kaiser’s Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, and others. Berry’s books have been translated into 41 languages with 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times,USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. And in 2010, a NPR survey named The Templar Legacy one of the top 100 thrillers ever written.

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Non Fiction, Personal Development, Self-help

DEC 16: Unlock Your Radical Intuition with Kim Chestney

December 16, 2020

A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power

Nothing stays the same forever and as we move away from the information age, Kim Chestney says we’re at the start of the intuition revolution. It’s time to own your real power by tapping into your intuition – in business and in life.

We discuss what Radical Intuition means, and the difference between instinct and intuition. How radical intuition can help support your life and personal growth. And how knowing the 4 archetypes of intuition, and identifying your primary style, can help remove blocks and open up flow.

About Kim Chestney

An author, innovation leader, and the founder of Intuition Lab, Kim Chestney‘s work has been featured or supported by leading-edge organizations including SXSW Interactive, Carnegie Mellon University, and Hewlett-Packard. Kim’s new book is Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing, Young Adult Fiction

DEC 09: #1 NYT Bestselling Author of Matched – Ally Condie

December 9, 2020

Celebrating a Decade of Success with New Gold Release of Matched

In what some may call dystopian times, stories with that theme seem more popular than ever. Ally Condie joins us today with a commemorative 2020 Gold edition of MATCHED – a #1 New York Times and international bestselling story, first published a decade ago.

Set in a flawed utopia, citizens in MATCHED are ruled by the Society who dictate what they eat, where they work, who they love, and even when they die. But what happens when a young girl starts questioning the rules? When she tries to decide between the rules and her heart?

We discuss how Ally Condie’s first book started a bidding war, and what it takes to write young adult fiction. How this dystopian world came to life; how it became a trilogy. And how Ally is coping with our own strange times.

About Ally Condie

In addition to writing MATCHED, which spent a year on the New York Times bestseller list, Ally Condie is the author of two sequels, as well as the novel Summerlost, an Edgar Award finalist. She also co-authored the Darkdeep middle grade series. And The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe — also set in the world of MATCHED but with different characters.

A former English teacher,  Ally has an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is the founder and director  of the WriteOut Foundation. She lives and writes in Utah.

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