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Podcast

Fiction, Suspense, Writers on Writing

MAR 23: Girl in Ice with Erica Ferencik

March 23, 2022

The ice caps of Greenland, a suspicious death, a frozen child who speaks a language no one’s heard of …

When linguist Val Chesterfield receives an urgent email asking for help, she reluctantly leaves the shelter of her books and studies, to head north.

Award-winning author Erica Ferencik spent a month in Greenland developing the backdrop for Girl In Ice. Today she shares highlights from the exciting boots on the ground, butt-in-the-kayak research expedition that informed her story. We also discuss character development, why she wrote the first draft before traveling to Greenland, and the inspiration behind Girl in Ice.

About Erica Ferencik

Erica Ferencik considers her MA in Creative Writing from Boston University just the beginning of her literary education. Her 35 years of writing — novels, short stories, essays, ghostwriting, 10 years of standup and sketch comedy, as well as dozens of screenplays, and a brief filmmaking stint — was her boots-on-the-ground training. Erica’s work has appeared in Salon and the Boston Globe, as well as on National Public Radio. Other novels include Into the Jungle and The River at Night.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Mar 16: Dinitia Smith with The Prince

March 16, 2022

A modern retelling of The Golden Bowl by Henry James

Inspired by Henry James’ story from 1904, England, The Prince is set in contemporary pre-pandemic times, from a grand mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan to a magical private island in Long Island Sound. Everything suggests that the wealthy Woodford family lives an idyllic life. But the reality is quite different.

How did author Dinitia Smith recreate James’ classic novel to make the story and characters her own? She shares what inspired her to reimagine The Golden Bowl, interesting facts  about the golden bowl itself; and why she writes about relationships.

About Dinitia Smith

For 11 years, Dinitia Smith was a reporter at the New York Times where she wrote on literary topics and intellectual trends. She is the author of four previous novels, including The Illusionist, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.  Dinitia’s won  numerous awards for her writing, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. She’s also written many short stories published in a wide range of magazines. Dinitia Smith’s Emmy Award winning film, Passing Quietly Through, was chosen for the New York Film Festival, and shown at the Whitney Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing, Young Adult Fiction

Mar 08: Sabaa Tahir with deeply personal novel – All My Rage

March 9, 2022

#1 NYT bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series

Sabaa Tahir describes All My Rage as the book of her heart. It’s a story that was 15 years in the making, and we find out why during our conversation.

Beginning in Lahore Pakistan, and moving to Juniper California, All My Rage is inspired by Sabba’s childhood growing up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel.

Sabaa shares what she means by being an honest writer and how that informs her work. Why she writes young adult fiction. How a playground friendship saved her. What challenges her most as writer. Why hope is important and failure is part of the journey. And why her new novel is called All My Rage.  

About Sabaa Tahir

Sabaa Tahir has been an author since 2015 . Before that, she was a journalist, and wrote her first book while working nights as a a copyeditor. All My Rage has received great reviews  from writers such as Jodi Picoult and Nicola Yoon, and a TV adaptation of the story is currently in the works with Picturestart.

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Business, Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Professional Development

Mar 02: Amy Herman with Fixed – How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving

March 2, 2022

How art can help you overcome challenges, make decisions, & sharpen critical thinking skills

Wayne Dyer said “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” And that concept inspired today’s guest to launch a whole new career as the president of The Art of Perception, Inc., based in New York.

Sometimes, all it takes to solve a problem is a paradigm shift. In Fixed, Amy E Herman shares how we can facilitate that shift and hone our powers of perception by looking at art – from paintings and sculptures to mixed media and photography. She shows how learning to see art more astutely, helps uncover deep-seated truths that often obstruct optimal decision-making.

About Amy E Herman – Author of Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving.

Amy E Herman is the founder and president of The Art of Perception, Inc., an organization that  conducts professional development courses for leaders around the world – from Secret Service agents, the FBI, the Department of Defense, Doctors Without Borders, and NATO. Herman is a lawyer and art historian. She was Head of Education at The Frick Collection, where she oversaw the museum’s educational collaborations and community initiatives.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Feb 09: Brad Taylor with End of Days

February 9, 2022

Book 16  in the NYT Bestselling Pike Logan Series

Listener favorite Brad Taylor returns with his latest Pike Logan thriller, End of Days. While working to solve a brutal murder, taskforce operators Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill stumble upon the trail of a serial killer loose on the streets of Rome, and follow evidence leading to the exalted Knights of Malta.

We discuss Brad’s biggest challenge in writing End of Days. How – known for his active boots on the ground approach to research – Brad gathered details for End of Days during a pandemic. Why he included Covid. Where and why he took creative license. How Brad’s daughter inspired one of the scenes … and more.

About Brad Taylor

Brad Taylor retired as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel after serving 21 years, including including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – popularly known as Delta Force. He’s the author of 16 New York Times bestselling books including American Traitor, Hunter Killer, and his latest, End of Days.

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Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Science

Feb 02: Use the New Science of Body Movement to Set Your Mind Free with Caroline Williams

February 2, 2022

Move! by the author of My Plastic Brain

Studies say sitting is the new smoking — and the average American adult spends 70% of their time sitting or lying down. Imagine what that does to your body over time. And now, we know, it also affects your mind and mental health.

In Move! journalist Caroline Williams explores the emerging science of how movement opens up a hotline to our minds. Interviewing Nobel prize winning scientists, yoga gurus, and practitioners of all kinds of movement, she reveals that while going to the gym is great, it’s not necessarily the best or only solution.

Today we discuss how core strength is linked to stress and anxiety control. Why stretching can override the mood-sapping effects of an overactive immune system. What dance can do for our emotional literacy. Why physical strength translates into emotional resilience … and more.

About Caroline Williams

Science journalist Caroline Williams says “I like talking almost as much as I like writing”, and over the years she has produced and presented radio programs and reports for the BBC, across Science, Natural History, and Children’s Radio. She has more than 20 years of experience in science journalism and writes regularly for New Scientist magazine, Her work’s been featured in the Boston Globe, BBC Earth, the Guardian, and more. She was  also co-presenter of the New Scientist podcast. Move! How the Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free is Caroline’s second book.

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Business, Non Fiction, Personal Development

Jan 26: A Roadmap to Realizing Your Personal & Professional Leadership Potential

January 26, 2022

Book Boundless Leadership Joe Loizzo and Elazar AslanBoundless Leadership: The Breakthrough Method to Realize Your Vision, Empower Others, & Ignite Positive Change

A recent study showed that the average human attention span is about eight seconds. That means that our average length of concentration on one detail is less than that of a goldfish — goldfish can concentrate for nine whole seconds!

If that doesn’t alarm you, it at least explains why we work harder than ever, yet seem to accomplish less and feel less fulfilled. Joe Loizzo and Elazar Aslan joins us to reveal how we can turn that around. They share the 5 Truths of Boundless Leadership, the 4 Qualities of Heart. And discuss how we can reimagine and rewire, our mind and body, to be our best selves.

About Joe Loizzo and Elazar Aslan

JOE LOIZZO, MD, PhD is a contemplative psychotherapist, a clinical researcher, and Buddhist scholar-teacher. On the faculty at the Weill Cornell Medical College and the Columbia University Center for Buddhist Studies, he lectures widely on the role of meditative learning in the future of health, education, and leadership.

ELAZAR ASLAN, MBA, PCC is an executive advisor, speaker, and entrepreneur. After a successful career as a business executive, he became a professional coach over a decade ago, bringing his meditative practice and leadership principles to corporations including Chase, D&B, MasterCard, and American Express.

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Fiction, Writers on Writing

Jan 19: #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jacquelyn Mitchard with The Good Son

January 19, 2022

Her very first novel was also Oprah’s very first book pick!

Since then, Jacquelyn Mitchard has become one of America’s iconic storytellers. Today we talk about her amazing journey from newspaper reporter to bestselling author.

Jacquelyn shares how a dropped book in a coffee line inspired the story for The Good Son.  She shares why she keeps her characters “on a short leash”; how she created sympathetic characters even though they are heavily flawed. And why, after all her success, she still has a hard time introducing herself as an author.

About Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jacquelyn Mitchard is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels for adults and teenagers, and the recipient of Great Britain’s Talkabout prize, The Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson awards. Her first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean — the inaugural selection of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club — was later adapted into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer.

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Memoir, Non Fiction, Spirituality

Jan 12: Dan Millman Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit

January 12, 2022

The True Story of My Spiritual Quest

Written to inspire others on their own quest, Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit: The True Story of My Spriritual Quest  is a new memoir by bestselling author, Dan Millman.

We discuss what it means to have a peaceful heart and a warrior spirit; and explore the four archetypes who mentored Dan, and helped shaped his journey from young champion gymnast, to spiritual teacher – the Professor, the Guru, the Warrior-Priest, and Sage. Dan shares some of his personal challenges along the way, as well as his unique views on reaching your potential, and self-sabotage.

About Dan Millman

He teaches “the peaceful warrior’s way” around the world, and is the author of 18 books, published in 29 languages. Dan Millman is a former world-champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. His original bestseller, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, was adapted to a feature film starring Nick Nolte.

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Inspirational, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Spirituality

JAN 04: Peter Russell’s Letting Go of Nothing

January 5, 2022

Relax Your Mind  & Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature

Peter Russell says “Think of letting go as, not another thing to do,but as an un-doing of holding on.”  Today, he shares approaches to help us release thoughts and feelings that block happiness, impede growth, and hinder self-acceptance.   

We’ll discuss why there is no such thing as ego, the difference between feelings and emotions, and how imagination can get in the way of happiness.  Letting Go of Nothing is filled to the brim with real world wisdom and empowering practices.

About Peter Russell

Peter Russell is an author, speaker, and thought leader on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He holds degrees in theoretical physics and psychology, a masters in computer science, and extensive studies in meditation and eastern philosophy. The latest of his 12 books, 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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