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Craft of Writing, Creativity, Essays, Humor, Memoir, Non Fiction, Short Stories, Writers on Writing

Nov 26: Gary Lippman Sends Wishes to His Muse & Others

June 17, 2026

From fantastical to deeply personal, Lippman explores wishes in I Wish, Therefore I Am

I Wish, Therefore I Am with author Gary Lippman

What would you wish for if you really let yourself?

Never content to color inside the lines, Gary Lippman‘s writing breaks form on purpose. He’s self-reflective, critical, humorous, philosophical, creative, constantly pushing the envelope as a writer and author. And he’s not afraid to share and discuss his own neuroses.

I Wish, Therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune is exactly what it sounds like; and nothing like you’d expect.

We discuss: Why Gary strives to shatter traditional narrative structure. The writers and mentors who shaped how he views the world. And what this strange, funny, surprisingly vulnerable book taught him about himself.

We read some of Gary’s wishes aloud – from anxiety and self-doubt to love, longing, and the things we’re almost too embarrassed to admit we want. It’s a conversation about human nature. The big questions. The small questions. The petty, funny, and deeply relatable ones too.

Meet Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman served as an attorney on a pro bono basis with The Innocence Project before focusing on his writing. As an author, journalist, and cultural commentator, Lippman is known for his inventive storytelling and keen eye for the eccentricities of human nature. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vice, and numerous literary journal. His novel, Set the Controls for the Heart of Sharon Tate, won praise for its originality and darkly comic voice. Lippman’s latest book, I Wish, therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune, showcases his signature blend of humor, insight, and genre-bending.

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Creativity, Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Psychology, Self-help

Jun 03: You’re so close. The finish line’s in sight. Then you stop. Stall. Self-sabotage. Sound familiar?

June 4, 2026

A Deeper Dive Into Reaching The Final 8th with Bridgit Dengel Gaspard

The Final 8th: Enlist Your Inner Selves to Accomplish Your Goals with Bridgit Dengel Gaspard

If you’ve ever stopped working toward a goal you swore you wanted – a promotion, relationship, creative dream – right before it became reality, returning guest Bridgit Dengel Gaspard says: You’re not weak. You’re not broken. You’re definitely not self-destructive. You’re simply human … and not every part of you wants what you think you want.

Picking up where our last conversation ended, we drill down into Bridgit’s groundbreaking work with inner selves, exploring what it really takes to cross the finish line.

We unpack more neuroscience behind inner selves. What happens in your brain when different “parts” of you pull in different directions. How culture impacts you. How to turn your inner critic into an ally – it’s not your enemy; it’s a protector in a bad disguise.

We explore why we stay too long in jobs, relationships, and situations that no longer serve us. Inner dynamics that keep us stuck. And The Final 8th – that last stretch between where you are and where you want to be, and why it’s often the most psychologically loaded terrain of the entire journey

Meet Bridgit Dengel Gaspard

A psychotherapist, voice dialog coach, author, and founder of the NY Voice Dialogue Institute, Bridgit Dengel Gaspard has led workshops for Omega Institute, New York Open Center, and many other organizations. She’s a former performer and comic, and as therapist and voice dialogue expert, specializes in overcoming creativity blocks. The foreword to The Final 8th: Enlist Your Inner Selves to Accomplish Your Goals is written by the original creators of voice dialogue, Hal and Sidra Stone.

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Coming of Age, Fiction, Writers on Writing

Apr 22: How Paula Saunders Dance Experiences Inspired A Successful Sequel

April 22, 2026

Starting From Here – A Novel

Starting from Here with author Paula Saunders

Write what you know, they say, and sometimes that’s good advice. In this case, award-winning author Paula Saunders leveraged her own experiences in the predatory world of dance to write Starting From Here.

A sequel to The Distance Home, the Starting From Here is set in the 1970s competitive world of ballet, where protagonist René faces everything from cults to sexual exploitation, industry predators, and the worst kind of betrayal. As much as she wants success, at heart she longs for someone to love and accept her just the way she is – dancer or not, successful or not, perfect or imperfect.

Paula shares her own experiences as an aspiring ballet dancer, and what led her to become a writer and author. We look at how writing Starting From Here helped Paula see her own mother differently. And grab a sneak peek at what it’s like writing a book when you’re married to another author.

Paula reveals how she developed her unique characters, how she defines creativity. And with 50+ years of progress since the ’70s, how times have changed for today’s young women. Or have they?

Meet Paula Saunders

Paula Saunders is a graduate of the Syracuse University creative writing program, and was awarded a postgraduate Albert Schweitzer Fellowship at the State University of New York at Albany, under Schweitzer chair Toni Morrison. Her first book, The Distance Home, was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and named one of the best books of the year by Real Simple. Her novel Starting From Here begins in Rapid City, South Dakota, which is also where Paula Saunders grew up.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Apr 01: New York Times Bestselling Author Kate White with I Came Back For You

April 1, 2026

When her daughter’s murderer makes a deathbed confession, a mother risks everything in search of truth and justice.

I Came Back For You with Kate White

“Bree will do anything to find justice for her daughter and finish this nightmare forever. The real killer could still be out there, and as Bree begins digging through her daughter Melanie’s past, she questions everything she was led to believe — about the crime, the killer, and Melanie.“

Kate White joins us with her 19th novel, and new psychological thriller, I Came Back For You.

We discuss everything from the storyline and plot, and what it takes to keep a psychological thriller moving and suspenseful, to Kate White’s experience as editor-in-chief at Cosmopolitan, living in Uruguay, eco-tourism, and winning advice she received from other authors when she first began writing novels.

Meet Kate White

Kate White is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 19 novels of suspense: 11 standalone psychological thrillers, including the latest I Came Back for You and eight Bailey Weggins mysteries.

A former Glamour magazine Top Ten College Women Contest winner and cover girl, Kate had a long career in the media world, which included running five national magazines. For fourteen years she was the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which under her became the most successful magazine in single copy sales in the U.S. Though she loved her magazine career, she decided to leave twelve years ago to concentrate full-time on another passion: Writing suspense fiction.

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Inspirational

Feb 18: A New Orleans Pup That Won Hearts Around the Globe with Kaye Courington

February 18, 2026
Author Kaye Courington with SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience & Rescue

How SCRIM evaded capture for months while a whole city chased him.

What do you get when you mix a scrappy terrier, two gunshot wounds, flight from a second-storey window, a hurricane, a six-inch snowstorm, and the entire city of New Orleans on a nine-month search and rescue mission?

You get SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue — a beautifully illustrated picture book about the true story that made headlines around the globe.

From The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal to international publications and news stations around the world, the story of SCRIM had us glued to our screens routing for the scruffy white dog who outsmarted an entire city.

My guest today is Kaye Courington, the debut author of SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue.

Meet Kaye Courington

As an award-winning New Orleans attorney, a CEO, community leader, and animal advocate Kaye Courington has dedicated her life to service. She wrote this book because, “Scrim’s story represents the resiliency and strong community of New Orleans.” Kaye is a lifelong advocate for animal welfare, and has worked tirelessly to promote rescue, rehabilitation and responsible adoption. SCRIM: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue is Kaye Courington’s first book. She is donating all author royalties of SCRIM to local animal rescues. Illustrations by Aileen Bennett,

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Non Fiction, Professional Development, Psychology, Relationships, Self-help

Dec 31: Love Without Landmines: Kelli Miller’s Proven Hacks for Happier, Healthier Relationships

December 31, 2025

More love, less stress in 2026 with Love Hacks

Love Hacks with author Kelli Miller

Whether you want to strengthen a new romance, or deepen a long-term partnership, today’s guest offers tools you can start using today to create a more connected, fulfilling love life.

Author and psychologist, Kelli Miller, takes a deep dive into the 15 most common couples’ issues in Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues.

We discuss how to course correct some of those 15 issues, including cultural differences, our beliefs and the way we were raised, deep-rooted anger, the painful grief of infidelity, and of course, effective communication.

Kelli also shares thoughts around what she terms the four cornerstones of a solid partnership And when it’s time to quit trying and move on.

Meet Kelli Miller

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW, is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, and television/radio host. She is a three-time award-winning writer, with her most recent book, Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues, offering practical tools for navigating everyday relationship challenges. Kelli’s expertise has been quoted in various publications including Oprah Magazine, Authority Magazine, Wellness Magazine, The Georgetown Current, The Northwest Current, Now It’s Your Turn Mom!, and more. Kelli is also an advisor for Cognitive Leap’s app for ADHD as well as a spokesperson for Brillia.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Dec 10: TEQUILA – A Story of Success, Love, & Violence with Tim Reuben

December 10, 2025

Suspense novel introduces young lawyer Brian Youngam

Tequila A Story of Success, Love, and Violence with author Tim Reuben

What happens when ambition, love, and lethal violence collide in the high-stakes world of tequila production?

Author and legal entrepreneur Tim Reuben joins us to talk about his powerful debut novel TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, an epic tale set against the real-world landscape of Mexico’s booming tequila industry. It’s a story of risk, loyalty, betrayal – and the cost of chasing greatness.

We discuss craft, character, culture, and the line between success and destruction. Who Tim’s favorite character is, and why he made his lead antagonist absolutely irredeemable.

Tim also shares why writing his first fiction book was like “climbing a mountain“, from the highs and the thrills to the lows; and how he pushed through self-doubt.

Meet Tim Reuben

Novelist, Tim Reuben, is a veteran civil litigation attorney, a mediator, and a temporary judge in the LA courts. He founded his own law firm more than 30 years ago, and still manages the practice, while publishing widely on topics of law and society. Inspired by his law and travel experiences, and an appreciation of spirits, Reuben introduces his first novel, TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, and has plans for at least two more-family saga suspense novels featuring protagonist, Brian Youngman.

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Fiction, Humor, Memoir, Writers on Writing

Nov 26: Gary Lippman with A Literary Wish List

November 26, 2025

From fantastical to deeply personal, Lippman explores wishes in I Wish, Therefore I Am

I Wish, Therefore I Am with author Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman is a writer unafraid to take risks, who challenges both himself and his readers, while exploring the big (and little) questions of life.

Today, we dive into the nature of wishes with I Wish, Therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune.

Gary reveals why he often chooses to shatter traditional narrative forms and bend genres. We discuss some of the writers and mentors who have helped shape his vision. We talk form, structure, and storytelling – sharing some of the wishes from the book, from anxieties, self-doubt, and self-help desires, to love and rewards. And we discover what Gary learned about himself while writing I Wish Therefore I Am.

Meet Gary Lippman

Gary Lippman is an author, journalist, and cultural commentator known for his inventive storytelling and keen eye for the eccentricities of human nature. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vice, and numerous literary journals. His novel, Set the Controls for the Heart of Sharon Tate, won praise for its originality and darkly comic voice. Lippman’s latest book, I Wish, therefore I Am; or, This Here Is a List of Humble Appeals to Dame Fortune, showcases his signature blend of humor, insight, and genre-bending.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Nov 19: Kiss Her Goodbye, A Novel with Lisa Gardner

November 19, 2025

Can Frankie Elkin Find a Young Afghan Refugee in Time?

Kiss Her Goodbye with author Lisa Gardner

It’s always a great conversation with Lisa Gardner. As one of America’s leading thriller writers, Lisa loves to discuss the craft of writing. She also shares unique and interesting stories gathered from the extensive research she does to make her stories authentic.

When Frankie Elkin sets out to save an entire family from its haunting past in Kiss Her Goodbye, every decision could lead to disaster, as love and loss collide.

We discuss the emotional and moral undercurrents of Lisa Gardner’s Kiss Her Goodbye and hear some of the stories behind the story. We also learn how the concept for Kiss Her Goodbye was sparked by a conversation with strangers, while she was on sabbatical. And, Lisa shares some of the research that left her astonished.

Meet Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide). Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, and the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter.

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

Oct 15: Quiet Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, & Wonder with Grammy Nominated Songwriter

October 15, 2025

Peter Himmelman Author of Suspended By No String

Suspended By No String with musician, songwriter, and author Peter Himmelman

A quiet, reflective conversation about some of Peter Himmelman’s thoughts and experiences on issues we all deal with at some point in life.

Sharing insights from his book, Suspended By No String: A Songwriter’s Reflections on Faith, Aliveness, and Wonder (2024), we discuss what Peter means by creativity and some of the significant turning points in his life, including how his mentors influenced him, and lessons learned along the way.

Written as a pathway through Peter’s own struggles, his essays focus on what we can control and influence, exploring how to find inspiration and wonder amid the daily onslaught of negative news headlines and social media.

Meet Peter Himmelman

With over 25 critically acclaimed recordings to his credit, this singer-songwriter has been inspiring fans worldwide 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 brands such as McDonald’s, Adobe, and Gap Inc.

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