Tag

Author Interview

Journalism, Non Fiction, Social Issues

NOV 24: Pulitzer Prize Winner Eric Eyre with Death in Mud Lick

Why Death In Mud Lick Booka town called Kermit with only 382 residents prescribed 12 million pills in 3 years.

In Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies that Delivered the Opioid Epidemic, journalist Eric Eyre set out to expose the mysteries, tragedies, and government corruption behind the opioid crisis in West Virginia.

Eric joins us to share stories from the investigative research that took him to counties at the heart of the opioid crisis—small rural counties with the highest overdose rates in the United States.  We discuss the  importance of strong independent journalism, and community journalism in particular. Eric also shares the  concept of sustained outrage and how even tiny actions can make a huge impact.

About Eric Eyre

For more than 20 years, Eric Eyre was a reporter for the Charleston Gazette-Mail.  His series of investigations into massive shipments of opioids to West Virginia’s southern coalfields was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2017, and led to his book, Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies That Delivered the Opioid Epidemic.

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Journalism, Memoir, Non Fiction

NOV 17: Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth with Michelle Black

How a Green Beret wife restored her husband’s good name

When Green Beret Bryan Black and three of his team were killed during an ambush in Niger, the military spun a tale of disinformation, misdirecting blame and shame. The media repeated it. Over and over. And that fueled widow Michelle Black‘s journey to find the truth.

Michelle shares how she went from being wife and mom to investigative journalist. We discuss life before the fatal mission–one that wasn’t supposed to happen. How leadership ignored the plea to abort. And the many challenges Michelle faced in interviewing survivors, and exposing the military cover up that left her children fatherless.

About Michelle Black

Michelle Black is mother to two boys, a Gold Star widow, and author. She has a degree in environmental sciences and horticulture. She’s been published in the New York Times, The Daily Beast, and Task & Purpose. Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth is her debut book.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

NOV 10: Alice Henderson with A Blizzard of Polar Bears

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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Memoir, Non Fiction

NOV 03: Laura Galloway – Dálvi: Six Years in the Arctic Tundra

What did Laura Galloway do when her DNA test said she was related to the Sami?

She did what all good travelers do, and set out to learn more…which led to an affair with a reindeer herder, and to leaving the hustle of NY for the silent tundra of the Arctic. Laura Galloway‘s memoir Dálvi  is a story of courage and hope, and a love letter to the people and frozen landscape of Norway.

We discuss how adversity that brings us to our knees, can strengthen our character and build us back stronger and wiser. What life was like living with a reindeer herder. The meaning of home. And, how the silence of nature made Laura realize that love had always been there, just when she needed it.

About Laura Galloway

Laura Galloway began her career at the Los Angeles Times and holds a Master of Arts in Indigenous Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Dálvi: Six Years in the Arctic Tundra is Laura Galloway’s debut book.

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Health & Wellness, Nature, Non Fiction, Psychology

OCT 27: Dr. Rochelle Calvert – Healing with Nature

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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Fiction, Writers on Writing

OCT 20: Juliette Fay with Catch Us When We Fall

Catch Us When We Fall delivers a character who seems beyond help — but is anybody ever beyond reach?

Her characters first appeared in a dream, and today we learn how Juliette Fay always knew she’d write a story about an alcoholic.

Juliette shares her research into AA, recovery, and the fears addicts often have about getting sober. How childhood trauma can shape our lives. The development of  protagonists, Cass and Scott. And what’s coming next for this bestselling author.

About Juliette Fay

Juliette Fay is the bestselling author of five previous novels including City of Flickering Light and The Tumbling Turner Sisters, a USA Today bestseller. Her book awards include: Library Journal’s Top 5 Best  Books of 2012-Women’s Fiction, a Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Book, and Indie Next pick. Juliette is a graduate of  Harvard University.

 

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Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Spirituality

SEP 22: Letting Go of Nothing with Peter Russell

Relax Your Mind  & Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature

Letting Go of Nothing is packed full of real world wisdom and empowering practices. Today, Peter Russell shares some of his approaches to help us release thoughts and feelings that block happiness, impede growth, and hinder self-acceptance.

We discuss why there is no such thing as ego. The difference between emotions and feelings. How imagination can get in the way of happiness. And why Peter says “Think of letting go as, not another thing to do, but as an un-doing of holding on.”

About Peter Russell

Peter Russell is an author, speaker, and thought leader on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He has degrees in theoretical physics and psychology, a masters in computer science, and extensive studies in meditation and eastern philosophy. Peter Russell has  authored 12 books. His latest Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature is a special Eckhart Tolle Edition.

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Fiction

SEP 15: Robert Dugoni with The World Played Chess

A story of hope, breaking away, shaping a life, finding one’s place in the world

Robert Dugoni returns to talk about his latest novel The World Played Chess, a coming of age story told from three different perspectives and timelines.

We explore the story behind the story, and what drove Robert to tell it. He shares why it’s his most personal work to date. Where he gathered inspiration for his characters and research on Vietnam. And what Robert means by “life’s not a straight line”.

About Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series. He also wrote The David Sloane series, Charles Jenkins series, and several stand-alone novels including The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (listen to podcast). More about Dugoni’s books and The World Played Chess.

 

 

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Memoir, Non Fiction

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

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.

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Non Fiction, Science

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

“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 ShowWendy Williams Show, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert. 

 

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