Show Schedule | CONVERSATIONS LIVE with VICKI ST. CLAIR | Talk Radio to Inspire, Inform, Stimulate.

SEP 01: Dr David Weill with Exhale-Hope, Healing, & a Life in Transplant

September 1, 2021

Memoir of a top transplant doctor who rode the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives — until it was time to step back and save his own.

Dr. David Weill joins us to talk very openly about his painful journey with major burnout — something that’s impacting Americans in droves right now. He discusses the importance of selfcare, decisions he had to make, experiences that changed his life. And some of the challenges of transplant medicine from the perspective of doctors and patients.

About David Weill, MD

David Weill is the former Director of the Center for Advanced Lung Disease and the Lung Transplant Program at Stanford. He is currently the Principal of Weill Consulting Group, which focuses on improving the delivery of transplant care. Dr. Weill’s writing has appeared in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. And he’s been featured on media platforms such as CNN and the Wall Street Journal. Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant is Dr. Weill’s first book.

Non Fiction, Science

AUG 25: It’s Elemental-The Hidden Chemistry in Everything with Dr. Kate Biberdorf

August 25, 2021

“Dr. Biberdorf shows that science is everywhere & it’s fun!” — Bill Nye

STEM trailblazer Dr. Kate Biberdorf smashes stereotypes as a leader & mentor for women & girls entering the world of science.

Kate the Chemist’s new book is as dynamic as its author. It’s Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything shares fascinating insights into things we may have been told, but never quite understood, such as: How fat leaves the body. Do humans really give off pheromones? Do aphrodisiacs really boost libido? From eating breakfast and putting on makeup, to baking a pie and sipping your morning coffee, Dr. Kate Biberdorf shows that chemistry is pretty cool … and the more you know, the more you understand.

About the Author

Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a scientist, science entertainer, and chemistry professor at The University of Texas. She has a PhD in inorganic chemistry from The University of Texas, and has published her work in Catalysis, Science, and Technology. Her 6-book series for kids with Penguin Young Readers breaks down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching those who might otherwise be intimidated by science. She has appeared on The Today Show, Wendy Williams Show, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

AUG 19: NYT Bestselling Novelist Heather Gudenkauf Shares Summer Reads

August 19, 2021

5 books to read & authors to look out for

Heather Gudenkauf takes a break from her busy schedule to share four of her summer reading recommendations with us — from laugh-out-loud funny to darker suspense, crime, and mystery.

And to complete the list we’re adding Heather’s most recent thriller, This is How I Lied.

Grab a pen and notepad, and listen up!

About Heather Gudenkauf

Heather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, Not A Sound, and This is How I Lied. Heather has worked with students of all ages during her career and continues to work in education as a Title I Reading Coordinator.

Health & Wellness, Non Fiction

AUG 18: Yoga to Support Immunity with Melanie Salvatore-August

August 18, 2021

Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health

#1 New Release in Homeopathy & Preventive Medicine

Can yoga really boost your immunity to create healing change? Science says a resounding YES, and Melanie Salvatore-August joins us to share insights from Yoga to Support Immunity: A Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health.

Melanie shares how the practices in her book helped heal her own autoimmune disease. How yoga creates resilience and directly supports immune function. Why clarity is key, a strong foundation necessary. And how transitions and regular practice can make the difference between stress, illness, and pain versus wholistic heart-filled wellness.

About Melanie Salvatore-August

In addition to raising three growing boys and managing a homestead, Melanie Salvatore-August is a 30-year veteran yoga and meditation teacher, and teacher trainer. She is a Reiki Master and author of three books — Fierce Kindness: Be a Positive Force For Change, Kitchen Yoga: Simple Home Practices to Transform Mind, Body & Life. And Yoga to Support Immunity: A Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health.

Fiction, Poetry, Writers on Writing

AUG 11: Summer Reads & Celebrations with Susan Wiggs & Maggie Smith

August 11, 2021

One novelist. One poet. A whole lot of good reading!

“Even sitting closed on a shelf, a book had a life of its own.”
― Susan Wiggs

Today #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs shares some of her favorite books for summer reading, authors to follow, and her best summer cocktail recipe.

Susan joined us last year with her latest novel, The Lost and Found Bookshop. Now she celebrates the premium edition, which includes special features, including book club resources. But Susan’s favorite feature of the new edition is the recipe in the back of the book. It’s ” … the best banana bread in the world!” she says. Find earlier conversations with Susan Wiggs here .

Long-celebrated in the poetry community for her lyricism and style, Pushcart Prizewinning poet Maggie Smith gained star status in 2016 with her viral poem Good Bones.

Today, Maggie shares her latest collection, Goldenrod. Celebrating “the contours of daily life”, Goldenrod explores the space between thought and experience – reminding us that we decide what is beautiful. Maggie reads and discusses a couple of her poems with us. And shares her writing journey, and why poetry is her chosen form.

About Susan Wiggs

Susan Wiggs’ novels have appeared in the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List, and have been translated into more than 20 languages, and read in over 30 countries. A former Harvard graduate, Susan Wiggs has been featured in the national media, including NPR, PRI, and USA Today.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is the bestselling author of Good Bones, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, Lamp of the Body, and the national bestseller Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. A 2011 recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, Smith has received several awards including a Pushcart Prize.

Fiction, Short Stories

AUG 04: The Impossible Shore with Marc Porter Zasada

August 4, 2021

“The universe gives and…takes away, but the taking is sudden, while the giving is slow.”

When Marc Porter Zasada wrote The Impossible Shore, he set out with two intentions: “To explore the way in which we don’t so much move through time, as become different people, in different times. But more importantly, to understand how each person’s longing for ‘the infinite’… pulls us relentlessly forward.”

Marc’s new book is a story cycle of 14 related tales exploring cultural perspectives, belief systems, and connections. Today we discuss some of his inspirations, challenges, and thoughts on storytelling and life. He also reads passages from The Impossible Shore.

About Marc Porter Zasada

Marc Porter Zasada is best known for his six years of commentaries as The Urban Man on NPR, KCRW, Los Angeles. His many careers range from newspaper editor to high-tech marketer, podcaster, and author. As a book reviewer, he was one of the founders of the Bay Area Book Awards. The Impossible Shore is Marc’s first book.

Uncategorized

JUL 28: How Creative & Performing Artists (& Everyone Else) Can Finally Meet Their Goals with Creativity Expert Eric Maisel

July 28, 2021

The Power of Daily Practice – psychology, practice, & benefits

Eric Maisel lives and breathes creativity – understanding it, teaching it, and developing it to help others on their creative journeys.

Regardless of what’s holding you back – self-doubt, fear, raising kids, lack of time or money – Dr. Maisel‘s deep understanding of the psychology of creativity, living with purpose, and doing what’s important can help.

He defines “daily practice”; and the psychological and practical benefits of it. We explore ways to overcome challenges. Identify some of the 20 elements to make your practice successful. And examine the dreaded P word – procrastination.

About Eric Maisel

Eric Maisel, PhD, is the author of more than 50 books in the areas of critical psychology, writing, creativity, and the creative life. He’s a former psychotherapist and current creativity coach. His new book is The Power of Daily Practice: How Creative and Performing Artists (and Everyone Else) Can Finally Meet Their Goals.

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.

Fiction, Writers on Writing

JUL 14: Eileen Patricia Curran with Hungry Hill

July 14, 2021

How The World’s Oldest Virgin inspired Hungry Hill

Degrees in finance, marketing, and design can go a long way to helping you independently publish your work. Today Eileen Patricia Curran discusses her journey from inspiration, to writing, and publishing her debut novel Hungry Hill.

Eileen shares some of the challenges of writing her first novel — including being a slow writer. We also explore why she chose to publish independently. How she plays with humor in a story of love, loss, and healing. And why, sometimes, we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves.

About Eileen Patricia Curran

EILEEN PATRICIA CURRAN was born in Massachusetts and spent much of her childhood in Connecticut. She has degrees in Economics and Finance, Marketing, and Interior Design. Hungry Hill is her first book.

Health & Wellness, Nature, Non Fiction, Psychology

JUL 07: Dr. Rochelle Calvert – Healing with Nature

July 7, 2021

Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma

The WHO says more than 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 little 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, and the founder of New Mindful Life. She specializes 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. 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.

Memoir of a top transplant doctor who rode the emotional rollercoaster of saving and losing lives — until it was time to step back and save his own.

About David Weill, MD

“Dr. Biberdorf shows that science is everywhere & it’s fun!” — Bill Nye

STEM trailblazer Dr. Kate Biberdorf smashes stereotypes as a leader & mentor for women & girls entering the world of science.

About the Author

5 books to read & authors to look out for

About Heather Gudenkauf

Mind Body Breathing Guide to Whole Health

#1 New Release in Homeopathy & Preventive Medicine

About Melanie Salvatore-August

One novelist. One poet. A whole lot of good reading!

“Even sitting closed on a shelf, a book had a life of its own.” ― Susan Wiggs

About Susan Wiggs

Maggie Smith

“The universe gives and…takes away, but the taking is sudden, while the giving is slow.”

About Marc Porter Zasada

The Power of Daily Practice – psychology, practice, & benefits

About Eric Maisel

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.

About Alka Joshi

How The World’s Oldest Virgin inspired Hungry Hill

About Eileen Patricia Curran

Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma

About Dr. Rochelle Calvert

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“Even sitting closed on a shelf, a book had a life of its own.”
― Susan Wiggs