Category

Memoir

Essays, Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Nov 20: Peter Himmelman with Suspended By No String

A Songwriter’s Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder

Suspended By No String with author Peter Himmelman

From Emmy and Grammy-nominated musician, writer, and the creative force behind BIG MUSE, comes the timely and insightful book, Suspended by No String: A Songwriter’s Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder.

Peter Himmelman shares thoughts and reflections on universal subjects from grief and meaninglessness, to struggles with the pain that surrounds us. Written as a way through his own struggles in life, Peter offers a view outside our myopic world, and the daily onslaught of social and news media surrounding us.

Focusing on what we can control, we discuss what Peter means by creativity, and share insights from his book, including some his own turning points in life, how Peter’s mentors impacted him, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Meet Songwriter and Author Peter Himmelman

With over 25 critically acclaimed recordings to his credit, this singer-songwriter has been inspiring fans across the globe with his spiritually tinged Americana rock and roll for more than 40 years. Peter Himmelman is the founder of Big Muse, a company that teaches creative thinking, leadership skills, and deeper levels of communication in all facets of life – from personal to professional. His clients include The Wharton School, UCLA, and The Ross School of Business, The United States Army War College, and international bra//nds such as McDonald’s, Adobe, and Gap Inc.

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Biography, History, Memoir, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Relationships, Travelogue, Writers on Writing

Nov 13: Eric Weiner In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life

Ben & Me

Ben and Me with author Eric Weiner

When Eric Weiner followed Benjamin Franklin’s journey from Philadelphia to Paris, and Boston to London, in addition to discovering Ben’s life lessons, this self-described philosophical traveler discovered many of his own.

BEN & ME is a wonderful combination of Franklin’s biography, Weiner’s memoir, and a travelogue. It’s a guide to thinking well. Living a useful life. It’s about curiosity, diligence, constant learning. And – most of all – the elusive goal of self-improvement.

Eric Weiner shares how asking someone to do you a favor could improve your relationship – a psychological phenomenon known as The Ben Franklin Effect. We discuss Franklin’s seemingly conflicting views, his biggest strengths, human flaws, and what Eric found most disappointing about Ben. Eric also shares what he discovered about himself on this literal and metaphorical journey.

Meer Eric Weiner – Author, Speaker, Philosophical Traveler

Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker, Eric Weiners latest book is Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life. Weiner’s other books include The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, Man Seeks God and The Socrates Express. Eric Weiner is a former foreign correspondent for NPR, and reporter for The New York Times. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, BBC Travel, and AFAR, among other publications. He lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

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Biography, Historical, Memoir, Non Fiction, Travelogue

Jun 19: Ben & Me with Award-Winning Journalist & NYT Bestselling Author Eric Weiner

In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life

Ben and Me with author Eric Weiner

Part biography, part travelogue, part memoir, Ben & Me is not a traditional biography. It’s a guide to thinking well and living a useful life. It’s about curiosity, diligence, constant learning, and, most of all, the elusive goal of self-improvement.

Eric Weiner follows Franklin from Philadelphia to Paris, and Boston to London, to discover Ben’s life lessons, large and small.

We learn how to improve a relationship by asking someone to do you a favor—a psychological phenomenon known as The Ben Franklin Effect. Weiner discloses Franklin’s biggest strengths, his human flaws, and what most disappointed him about Ben. Eric also shares what he learned about himself on this journey. And much more.

Meer Eric Weiner – Author, Speaker, Philosophical Traveler

An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker, Eric Weiners latest book is Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life. His other books include The Geography of Bliss, The Geography of Genius, Man Seeks God and The Socrates Express. Eric is a former foreign correspondent for NPR, and reporter for The New York Times. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, BBC Travel, and AFAR, among other publications. And he lives in the Washington, D.C. area.

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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, Inspirational, Memoir, Non Fiction, Self-help

May 08: Can Love Survive the Onslaught of Chronic Illness? On My Way Back to You with Sarah Cart

One Couple’s Journey Through Catastrophic Illness to Healing & Hope

On My Way Back to You with author Sarah Cart

Suddenly becoming a caregiver for a loved often means massive life changes, steep learning curves, and long draining hours where normal life – let alone selfcare – seems impossible.

When Sarah Cart was thrown into the role of caregiver to her ailing husband, she assumed the life she loved was behind her.

Today we discuss life before and after her husband’s unexpected diagnosis. How Sarah and Ben coped with the news of life-threatening medical issues. Some of their biggest challenges, and how caregiving affected their relationship as husband and wife.

We also highlight key takeaways from Sarah and Ben’s journey, including the importance of finding new passions, new opportunities. The need to construct a plan for worst-case scenarios. Signs to pay attention to. How to embrace selfcare – and what that looks like. Sarah also shares one of the best questions that friends and family can ask the caregiver to provide support.

Meet Sarah Cart

Journalist Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England, and wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. When they became empty-nesters, the Carts moved to the Florida Keys, returning every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos, where each had lifelong family connections. On My Way Back to You is Sarah Cart’s debut book and was written with Glenn Paskin.

Glenn Plaskin: Celebrity Interviewer and columnist Glenn Plaskin is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five books, specializing in memoir, business, self-help, leadership, and inspiration. 

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

Apr 24: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love with Sydney Williams

Hiking Your Feelings

Hiking Your Feelings with author Sydney Williams

Unpack your trauma with wellness and wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams, who went from eating and drinking away her feelings, to learning to embrace new possibilities while reclaiming her body, mind, and spirit.

But what if hiking isn’t your thing? Sydney explains in today’s conversation what she means by this and how you can adapt to suit your likes and lifestyle.

We discuss Sydney’s journey from a decade of heartache, self-loathing, anxiety, and stifled trauma to finding self-love and healing. Overcoming blame and shame. Finding healthy coping mechanisms. And the healing power of nature rural and urban.

Meet Sydney Williams

Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her 15-year career in corporate communications included everything from working with Fortune 500 brands, to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. A certified Wilderness First Responder, Sydney is an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney Williams has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine and Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love is her debut book.

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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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Memoir, Non Fiction, Self-help, Social Issues

Jan 31: You’re Doing Great (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me) with Dustin Dunbar

From the pain of alcohol addiction to the joy of living

You’re Doing Great (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me) with author Dustin Dunbar

Dustin Dunbar had it all. A beautiful wife, two adorable baby girls, a doctorate in psychology, and property around the world. He drank socially for 20 years, happily believing every lie alcohol advertisements tell us … how whisky beer and doing shots are an integral part of being a real man … how drink eases pain … makes you freer, more fun, more popular. But eventually, and despite of being a TV ‘shrink’ and ‘coach’ to others, he too became addicted to alcohol.

Today Dustin shares his journey, challenges, recovery, and most importantly, solutions to overcoming alcohol addiction for good, and living an empowered, fulfilling, joyous life.

About Dustin Dunbar

Dustin Dunbar overcame his addiction to alcohol at the age of 48 and has since been helping others overcome theirs. He is a coach at WeAretheAFR.org, a non-profit online community helping others with alcohol addiction and raising consciousness. Dunbar’s true passions are spending time with his two young daughters, writing, and sports. His new book is You’re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)

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Health & Wellness, Inspirational, Memoir

Dec 20: Accepting Alzheimer’s Without Losing Yourself

Rebecca Chopp’s career was derailed but her life took on a new direction empowering others

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

As chancellor at the University of Denver, Rebecca Chopp had no plans to retire. She still had many things she wanted to accomplish. But in 2019, a routine visit to her doctor derailed those plans when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Rebecca now spends her days empowering others through her work with Voices of Alzheimer’s. Today she shares how she coped with the devastating news. Why she kept her diagnosis private for several months. How and why she went public, and why she cofounded Voices of Alzheimer’s. 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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Memoir, Non Fiction

Dec 06: What it Means to Be a Twin with Helena De Bres

How to Be Multiple: The Philosophy of Twins Explores Twinhood & What It Can Tell Us About Being Human 

How to be Multiple with author Helena De Bres

Wait, which twin are you? Who is the evil twin? Have you ever switched partners? Can you read each other’s mind?

Twins get asked the weirdest questions by strangers, loved ones, even themselves.

As a twin and professor of philosophy, Helena De Bres takes an indepth look at what it means to be a twin from personal and philosophical perspectives, including positive and negative stereotypes.

About Helena De Bres

Helena De Bres is Professor in the Wellesley College Department of Philosophy. Currently, she is researching the nature and value of memoir, and the question of what makes life meaningful. Earlier work in philosophy was on distributive justice in global politics. She has a major interest in creative writing, public philosophy and the intersection between the two. Lisa De Bres, Helena’s twin, drew all of the illustrations for How To Be Multiple.

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