Tag

Book

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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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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Environment, Memoir, Non Fiction, Science, Social Issues

OCt 06: Dr Samantha Montano & Disasterology–Dispatches From the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

“At the start of every disaster movie, is a scientist being ignored.”

Dr Samantha Montano became passionate about studying disasters after spending years in New Orleans, working with various nonprofits on recovery efforts, related to Hurricane Katrina and the BP Oil Disaster.

Disasterology is part memoir, part expert-analysis. Dr. Montano shares insights on how climate crisis impacts what we call ‘natural disasters’. She discusses how media, politicians, and communities can hinder and help in such disasters. Why disaster resilience is the responsibility of every citizen. And what happens to those left behind after networks turn off their cameras.

About Dr. Samantha Montano

Dr. Samantha Montano has a B.S. in Psychology, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Emergency Management. She is currently an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She’s been interviewed in the New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Los Angeles Times, and published in the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, among others. Dr Montano is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis.

 

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Self-help

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

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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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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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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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction

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

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.

 

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Fiction, Short Stories

AUG 04: The Impossible Shore with Marc Porter Zasada

“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.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

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

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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