Imagine having a tool at your disposal that could help spark innovation and that this magical tool didn’t require capital investment. Now imagine that we are all capable of possessing this tool, if only we were able to open ourselves up to the vulnerability that makes it possible. What am I talking about? I’m glad you asked. I’m talking about empathy. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This deep understanding of how other people feel can be honed to fuel both new product ideas as well as innovations to make existing products more useful. April Bell, today’s guest, knows this well and describes how we can further develop our own empathy so that it fuels inspiration, and I couldn’t have been more excited to speak with her about that. MEET APRIL BELL April loves to solve problems. She has conducted more than 11,000 hours of empathy research through her boutique research agency, April Bell Research Group, working with many of the world’s giant brands such as PepsiCo, P&G, Hewlett Packard, and Pfizer to name a few. She’s observed the impact of empathy, not only on user experiences but also on personal and organizational transformation. These experiences inspired April to write her first book, The Fire Starter: Igniting Innovation with Empathy. KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE How April got into the insights business and how she uncovered how important empathy is to her work. Where the idea for The Fire Starter came from. What she learned about herself during the writing process. The distinction between empathy and sympathy, and why so many people confuse the two. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MY TALK WITH APRIL Ask for help. The Fire Starter is April’s first book and, while she was inspired to write it, she had a difficult time maintaining focus. Working with an author coach will help with the process of crafting your book so that it is structured well and well-paced from start to finish. Empathy is not easy. It takes vulnerability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their feelings as if they are your own. While there’s always a risk associated with doing this, it pays off in the form of having a deeper understanding of what other people are going through. In this way, it is fuel for innovation. Gateway to empathizing. Being in tune with your senses can help you be more empathetic. Innovation is key. New products and processes will always be needed to meet our every changing needs as a society. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but empathy is required to help craft the right inventions. ADVICE FROM APRIL “If you thought about emotion differently, that emotion is actually a gift to give you information in order to create something new and use it as that, it actually does solve really big problems. I mean, you and I know that it when we're innovating products, the way to the key to the kingdom is to find the emotional attachment associated with whatever is wanting to be created, because that gives a purpose or a point for it. But when we allow like our bodily sensations and our emotional sensations and our mental sensations to kind of come together, the sixth, seventh and eighth sense, then we can actually create, you know, a more holistic way of thinking or solving a problem. And so I think, you know, again, you know, empathy is kind of a gateway to doing that.” WHERE TO BUY Amazon   GET IN TOUCH Instagram Website If you liked this conversation, please tell a friend about it as well as like, rate, and review Uncorking a Story wherever you get your podcasts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first ever best of episode of Uncorking a Story. Today, we revisit our first ever episode with Fr. Dave Dwyer, who talks about how he pivoted from working in comedy to becoming a Catholic priest after hearing a calling at a World Youth Day. I hope you find this story as inspiring as I did. Check out Fr. Dave on Instagram @fatherdavedwyer and at BustedHalo.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Sullivan, known as Sully to his friends, is a former Division 1 basketball coach who discovered a love of Shakespeare later in life. He penned his first novel back in 2001 and kept his fans waiting for two decades before publishing his second—Tilting with Lips, a comedic mystery to setting four friends on an adventure to uncover who William Shakespeare really was. How did he become a D1 basketball coach? What key lessons did he learn after penning his first novel that he applied to his second? Why is it so important to research your subjects and experience their environment firsthand? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions as well as Sully’s take on the greatest hockey movie of all time (hint, it’s not Youngblood). MEET SULLY William “Sully” Sullivan is a 1995 graduate of The University of Connecticut. He is a retired D1 college basketball coach living in Connecticut with his wife, Jennifer and their children Holden and Conor. As the world’s greatest collector of friends, he can also be found hoisting the occasional pint in the corner pub with his brothers. “Tilting With Lips” is his second novel. KEY TOPICS: How and when he discovered his love of Shakespeare His motivation for writing What he’s learned about himself through the writing and publishing process How he got into coaching D1 College basketball The inspiration behind “Tilting With Lips” Advice he received from Wally Lamb, the Bestselling author of “She’s Come Undone” Life lessons from the 1980’s classic Mr. Mom KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MY TALK WITH SULLY Show up to class. You can’t teach yourself Shakespeare. Do your Homework. In-depth research your subject brings authenticity to your writing Embrace the Pivot. He’s a former division one basketball coach who is transforming his love of writing into a new career. Inspire Others. As a D1 basketball coach, Sully had to inspire his team on the court. Listen in to hear his advice to aspiring authors. MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE “If you're not ready to work to promote yourself and the book, get ready for your friends and family to be the only ones who read it. Because that's the hard part for me! I love coaching basketball and I love parenting my children, but I am not in love with the idea of throwing the books in the trunk of my car and going to the Lebanon Shakespeare Festival [but you must do it].” “Finding a literary agent is the equivalent of finding a leprechaun riding a unicorn at a Red Sox victory parade in the 1960s. I got one response out of all the ones I sent out, and it's always been hard for me to figure why no one jumped on a book about Shakespeare written by a college basketball coach.” Where to buy his book: Amazon, Bookshop How to get in touch with William Twitter: @twotwenty221 If you liked this conversation, please tell a friend about it as well as like, rate, and review Uncorking a Story wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up without a father figure can be difficult for someone who has no other male role models in their lives. Author Kendall Smith, son of a single mother, joins me to share the wisdom he has gathered from his own experience as a father, from observing other dads, and from interviewing various generations of men.  How did being raised by a single mother lead to his desire to write this book? What has he learned by interviewing various generations of men about their perspectives on fatherhood? What is the most important thing you can do as a father? Listen in to uncover the answers to these questions and be inspired by his story. Meet Kendall Smith Kendall Smith is the author of Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First time. His work includes self-help, fiction, and satire, and he’s a dedicated father and husband living in New Jersey. His core focus is fatherhood and providing relevant, pragmatic advice to new dads. Key Topics in this podcast: His motivation for writing non-fiction after establishing himself as an author of fiction. The importance encouragement plays for writers. How being raised by a single mother impacted his life and his desire to write this book. The differences between writing fiction and non-fiction. What he’s learned by interviewing various generations of men about their perspectives on fatherhood. How he feels fathers are portrayed in the media, and what we should do about it. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MY TALK WITH KENDALL Be Present. Fatherhood is not easy but being there for your kids no matter what makes the struggle worth it. Be Patient. It's a parenting feat all parents should strive to achieve. It's all About Them. Never forget that your role as a father must be rooted in the lives of your children. Sharing is Caring. Kendall is a role model not just to his children but to other fathers and he generously shares his advice and observations in his book. The Hot Seat Questions for Kendall: What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid? How do you feel when you are staring at a blank piece of paper or a blank computer screen? What lesson about writing or publishing did you learn the hard way? What’s the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author? What words of advice would you give your younger self? Memorable Quotes/Advice From Kendall “Bear in mind that whatever you endured in your childhood— watching your parents separate or divorce—a new child represents a clean slate. You can craft your path of fathering however you'd like. Be patient and know that your child it's a fresh start, and you can correct a lot of imbalances that you experienced when you become a dad yourself.” Where to buy his book: Amazon, Bookshop How to get in touch with Kendall Smith Website: https://therookiefather.com/ Instagram: @therookiefather Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkendall  If you liked this conversation, please share it with a friend. Also, please like, rate, and review Uncorking a Story wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An editor should be an author’s best friend, but oftentimes authors view editors as taskmasters. Editor and author coach Claudia Volkman wants to smash this notion! Editors not only help correct errors in grammar and spelling but can also provide valuable insights to make a story stronger and polished to perfection Claudia joins me today and we explore how she helps authors journey through the writing and publishing process with an eye towards making it more marketable. Her tips will be applicable for every writer who is in the process of writing a book. What drew Claudia into this field? What are the qualities of an effective editor that every author should know? How can an author coach help make a writer’s work more marketable? Listen in to uncover the answers to these questions as well as her take on what aspiring authors need to know to be successful. CLAUDIA VOLKMAN Claudia has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, from her early days on the staff of a bi-monthly magazine and over eight years with a leading Christian publishing house working in special sales and product development. With forty years of experience in acquisitions, product development, editing, and typesetting, she now loves assisting all types of clients with their editorial and typesetting needs. A Chicago native, Claudia, and her husband now reside in Southwest Florida with their two charming Corgis. CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvolkman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmvolkman   Personal Website: CreativeEditorialSolutions.com   Key Topics in this podcast: How did Claudia's editorial career begin within the publishing industry? What motivated her to become an editor? What is the role and importance of an editor in the publishing process? The best ways to find the right and qualified editor and publisher for your writing project. What is the role of an author coach and why is it important for authors? The Hot Seat Questions for Claudia: How do you feel when you're about to open a fresh manuscript from a new client? What lesson about the publishing industry do you feel like you had to learn the hard way? What's the best piece of advice you could give to an aspiring author? What do you wish most authors knew or understood better about editors? What's your least favorite part of the editing process? What words of advice would you give your younger self? KEY TAKEAWAYS Editors are vital to the success of every book. Without editors, books wouldn't be as successful. They're one of the key players in making sure that a manuscript makes it from beginning to end without any errors or mistakes showing up along the way! Editing a book is not an easy task. The editor's role is to make the book more successful, compelling, and let the author's voice be heard. Look for the right editor. The cost of entry is a firm grasp on the rules of grammar and storytelling. That said, authors are encourage to find someone they can work well with and that may mean interviewing multiple editors before you find the right fit. Consider an author coach. When it comes to writing, some authors and especially new writers will benefit from the services of an author coach. Coaches can help shape creative ideas and educate prospective authors on the business side of publishing. Memorable Quotes/Advice From Claudia  Keep that dream alive. Just do what you need to do to get your book written. Don't get intimidated by the blank page, don't get halfway into it and think, 'Oh, well, I'm just gonna set it aside.' If you have that dream, do it. Make it happen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a rise in anxiety and depression among teens resulting from several factors including increased pressures on kids to succeed, unrealistic expectations set through social media, and, of course, social restrictions due to the pandemic. In this episode, Jay Reid joins me to uncork an intense story about teenage suicides with a personal story about losing his son to suicide. What are the factors that are leading to teenage suicide? How to spot if your child is suffering from anxiety or depression? How can you as a parent try to resolve this issue? Listen in to uncover these answers—and maybe help to save a life. JASON REID Jason Reid is a partner at CEO International, where he coaches CEOs on how to be successful. He is a leader, entrepreneur, and family man. Following the suicide of his 14-year-old son, Jason started the foundation Chooselife.org. The organization’s goal is to end teen suicide by 2030. Jason is on a mission to educate families nationwide and help young people heal and speaks to audiences around the country about his own experience and how parents can converse with their children about mental health empower every parent in the US knows how to have a conversation with their kid about depression and suicide. CONNECT WITH JAY Linked IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid/ ChooseLife.org https://www.chooselife.org/ Tell My Story Film https://www.chooselife.org/film Jay’s Talks https://www.chooselife.org/jays-talks Key Topics in this podcast: Jay’s personal experiences with suicide. What he learned about the prevailing factors of teen suicide. The importance of taking ownership of your child’s mental health. How to create an open and proactive environment for your kids. How to resolve teenage suicides across the country by 2030.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Vulnerability isn’t weakness. Let your kids (and family) know that it’s okay to have good days and bad days. That way they won’t be left thinking that something is wrong with them if they are not as “perfect” as you appear to be. Parents have to own their childrens’ mental health. Just like we ask questions when our kids experience physical pain (where does it hurt? when did it start? etc.), we must respond to their emotional pain as well (how long have you felt this way? Do you always feel this way? What triggers these feelings? Do these feelings ever go away? etc.). Being proactive is important. We all must do a better job of proactively asking people to share how they feel when we observe that someone feels sad or anxious. The need to adapt. The culture our kids are growing up in is vastly different than the one we grew up in. We can’t expect the culture to revert to where it was, but we can control how we help our kids navigate the world they live in. Asking them questions, listening to their answers, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable coming to us are all important. Memorable Quotes/Advice From Jay “Kind of match vulnerability up with weakness, and I don't think the two are the same. Because I can tell you now that I am a lot more vulnerable, I'm definitely not weak. No one would ever assume that. Because if I were my son, that I am weak in any way. Because that's not how I show up every day. Right? I still show up as a really tough guy. But I am more vulnerable than I used to be. I think people respect that more, as opposed to the guy who always just actually, he's got his act together. And your family needs to see that. Your friends need to see that. Your spouse needs to see that. It's not, it's not a sign of weakness.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest misnomers in publishing is that there are overnight successes. Being a writer requires hard work, creativity, and persistence. All authors, including new and experienced, will face setbacks and many challenges. Rea Frey was a former boxer who became an Author, and she joined me recently to share the story about how she became a successful author. How did she go from flop to a multiple book deal with St. Martin Press? How did she pivot from writing nonfiction to being a bestselling fiction writer? Why was it not a good idea to get married at 22? Listen in to uncover the answers to these questions as well as her take on what aspiring authors need to know in order to be successful. REA FREY Rea Frey’s passion in life is telling stories, connecting with readers, and helping other aspiring authors tell their stories too. She’s the celebrated author of Not Her Daughter, Because You're Mine, and Until I Find You. She also is the founder and CEO of Writeway, which helps aspiring writers become published authors. CONNECT WITH REA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reafrey/ Website: https://www.reafrey.com/ Company Website: https://www.writewayco.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reafrey/ Link tree: https://linktr.ee/writewayco Where to purchase “Secrets of Our House” book? Bookshop.org, Amazon, Fantastic Friction, Barnes & Noble Key Topics in this podcast: How does Rea Frey's writing career start? How did she go from first-time flop to a multiple book deal with St. Martin Press? What is her process of writing and wow can she craft a story quickly? Why is she driven to the domestic suspense genre? What would her career be if she weren't a writer? What is the concept of the book "Secrets of our house"? How does Rea help support other offers? What kind of chord did her podcast episode, “Dear, Publishing Industry, F*ck You!” strike with fellow authors? The Hot Seat Questions for Rea: How do you feel when you are staring at a blank piece of paper or blank computer screen? What lesson about writing or publishing did you learn the hard way? What’s the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author? How do you celebrate your success? If somebody you loved was having a bad day, what book would you choose to cheer them up? What will you be most proud of in your final moments? What words of advice would you give your younger self?     KEY TAKEAWAYS Success never comes overnight. Rhea Frey first book was not considered a success but she pivoted genres and began to approach publishing differently. The good side of failure. When the first book she published failed, it wasn't just a case of giving up for her. The failure gave way to an opportunity that would allow room for growth and success. Inspirational Journey. Writing is a journey. Rea’s story is an inspiration tale aspiring authors and is a blueprint for helping set themselves up for success. Powerful Voice. When she released a solo episode of her podcast called "Dear Publishing Industry, Fuck You!" it became an advocate for other writers who are experiencing difficulties in the publishing industry. Memorable Quotes/Advice From Rea “Understand the business that you're about to get into. I know a lot of people say write the best story you can, and that's great. That's the fun part. But all the stuff that comes after that are the pieces and parts that components that will separate you from just writing a good story to being a successful author.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to experience healing after having a traumatic childhood characterized by neglect, sexual assault, and crime? The answer is yes, but it takes a brave soul to stare down the trauma of their past only to come out the other side stronger and able to love oneself. Join me and Lauren Dollie Duke as we uncork the story about how writing, therapy, and yoga helped her empowered her to heal the wounds of her past and find her voice. Listen as she tells the tale of how she shed the overwhelming weight of shame that she’d been carrying around since childhood and why it was so important for her to immortalize these experiences in her memoir, Sh!thouse. LAUREN DOLLIE DUKE Lauren Dollie Duke is the author of “Sh!thouse” a memoir, and is also an educator, entrepreneur, and community activist. She’s taught thousands of yoga students over the last 15 years, led dozens of international retreats, and continues to push the edge between yoga, mental health, and trauma. She founded a one-of-a-kind community center and yoga studio in Encinitas, California. In a sea of corporate yoga, where most independent studios don't survive, she created a thriving community, teaching and hosting a variety of beloved yoga classes, educational seminars, and writing workshops. She devotes her time to help educate people on the anatomy of trauma and how those experiences are woven into the tapestry of our lives. She has studied with the world’s leading traumatologists: Bessel van der Kolk, Peter A. Levine, Gabor Mate, and Stephen Porges. CONNECT WITH LAUREN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollieduke83/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lauren-Duke-104095274562505/  Link Tree:  https://linktr.ee/LaurenDollieDuke  Where to purchase Sh!thouse?   Amazon, Bookshop.org, Goodreads, Elliot Bay Book Company, Target, Booktopia Key Topics in this podcast: Lauren’s story and where it all started The story behind Lauren’s “Love Thyself” tattoo The traumatic childhood Lauren experienced How she copes with PTSD How writing has been a critical part of the healing process How the book has helped Lauren repair her relationship with her sister Hot Seat Questions for Lauren:  How do you feel when you stare at a blank piece of paper or computer screen? Do you feel pressure for book number two? What lesson of writing or publishing did you learn the hard way? What advice would you give to an aspiring author? How do you celebrate success? What are you capable of doing now that you couldn’t do before writing your book? What advice you would give your younger self?     KEY TAKEAWAYS Healing is a process. Lauren's childhood was filled with trauma, which made it hard for her to heal and become the person she wanted to be. Movement helps. Lauren discovered that yoga allowed her to heal herself and brought a sense of normalcy. She found it as an outlet for calming herself down and feeling like she fit in with others. Writing as therapy. Lauren's journey to healing began with the written word. She would write whatever came into her head, no matter how painful it was, and this led to an incredible story of survival that will inspire you too! Workshops were important. When she started writing, there were no rules or processes to follow. To make things more streamlined for herself, Lauren attended several workshops on how best to approach the process from start to finish.  An inspiring story. Lauren's story is a memoir of what she went through in her own life. This inspires and  motivates all aspiring authors to let their stories be heard! Memorable Quotes/Advice From Lauren  “There's no better time than now, just start writing. Many people will say, ‘I need to do this first, or I need to do this workshop first.’ There’s a bit of imposter syndrome because it's something new, you've never done it before. Just start now because, literally, the first draft, you're just telling yourself the story anyway. Right now is the time.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the daughter of a college professor, Kaira Rouda moved around a lot as a kid. Being constantly thrust into new environments helped her develop the resilience that she’s carried with her throughout her life; which is a good thing because it's a big requirement for becoming an author! Kaira is a USA TODAY, Amazon charts, and international bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her domestic suspense novels include Best Day Ever, The Favorite Daughter, All the Difference, and The Next Wife.  How did she go from working two jobs to becoming a bestselling author? How did her third grade teacher impact her career choice? Is Dallas one of the best TV shows ever? Listen in to hear Kaira’s answers to these questions as well as discuss her new novel, Somebody’s Home, which will be released on Tuesday, January 18th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you skip doing your chemistry homework so that you can read historical romance novels? You might not learn about the substances of which matter is composed, but if you are Jill Shalvis it just might set you up to become a bestselling romance novelist. What proof do I have (and man, I wish proofs were used in Chemistry and not just geometry so I could keep this comparison going)? Well, Jill is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written more than fifty acclaimed, award-winning romance novels. She is a three-time winner of the National Reader's Choice Award and has been nominated for the RITA Award and for Romantic Times' Career Achievement Award. Her latest novel, The Family You Make was released on Tuesday, January 11th.  How did she pivot from keeping track of debits and credits to being a bestselling novelist? What’s so inspiring about living in a small town? What happened when her dog had a celebrity death match with a porcupine? What famous rock musician drops in from time to time to play at a bar in her small town in the Sierra Nevadas? Listen in to uncover the answers to all of these questions as well as learn which accomplishment Jill is most proud of (here’s a hint, it has nothing to do with writing). Happy Listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Authors get to play God when writing a character. We shape them, give them characteristics to make them memorable, and ultimately control their destiny. Elizabeth George knows this well, and takes the role of God seriously when writing her mysteries. If you love a good mystery but aren’t familiar with her work, allow me to introduce you to Elizabeth George. She’s The New York Times and internationally best selling author of twenty British crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his unconventional partner Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers. Her crime novels have been translated into 30 languages and featured on television by the BBC. Her latest novel, Something to Hide, was released on January 11th How did she transform herself from a HS English Teacher to a bestselling author? How does writing and creativity help her in managing depression? What important lessons did she learn from early failures? Listen in as we cover all of this as well as a spine tingling story about the Universe bringing Elizabeth together with someone who needed her in her life.  Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Art is medicine—that’s the core message that poet, musician, and artist Aliana Kann Michals wants to convey with her forthcoming poetry collection entitled In Defense of Science.  What valuable life lessons did a relationship coming to an end during the pandemic teach her ? Why does she believe that vulnerability is her superpower? What words of advice would she give her younger self? Listen in as Aliana answers all of these questions and more in today’s insightful episode of Uncorking a Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve had many different types of storytellers on Uncorking a Story including authors, comedians, and filmmakers. What I haven’t had yet is one of the most popular types of storytellers these days—fellow podcasters! That changes with today’s episode featuring Kathy Kay, the host of Strictly Anonymous.  I came upon her show by accident. Over the past few years I’ve been on a self-improvement kick, part of which involves listening to podcasts by the likes of Lewis Howes, Brene Brown, and Brooke Castillo. While looking for something new to arouse my ears on long runs, I came across Kathy’s show. I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to hear in episode 411, and it’s true what they say—you never forget your first time. The episode’s headline was, “Peter Tried Swinging After His Divorce, and he’s Been Swinging Ever Since.” Now I knew something about “the lifestyle,” as swinging was a key plot point in my novel All the F*ucks I Cannot Give and I had to do some research while writing that story. While the content of the episode was certainly provocative, the way Kathy guided the conversation and made “Peter” feel comfortable sharing his story left me wanting more after my listening refractory period was over. I wanted to chat with Kathy to uncover how she came up with the idea for the show, take a deep dive into what she’s learned about people by hosting an advice show focused on sex, and talk about her autobiographical book, The Cartoon Misadventures of a Total Trainwreck. This is a fun conversation that you aren’t going to want to miss! Be sure to check out Strictly Anonymous at http://strictlyanonymouspodcast.com/ or listen wherever you get your podcasts. For bonus content, including sexy (and anonymous) pictures of some of her guests, check out Kathy’s Patreon. Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the many guests I’ve hosted on Uncorking a Story, Michael Macari may have one of the most varied tales to tell. The son of immigrant parents, he was in Adonis, an up and coming rock band that was just about to feel the sensation of stardom with a record contract until a kidney stone sidelined his musical ambitions and put him on the path to a career in film and television. There’s no way he could have predicted that another medical issue three decades later would put him on the path to publishing a passion project—a book on the birth of Jesus. Inspired by the big budget biblical films of his childhood, Michael started the project over thirty years ago and originally envisioned it as a screenplay. After being sidelined with Covid-19, he found himself with ample free time and dusted off the yellowed pages now close to three decades old and reimagined his story as a novel. The result is a work of fiction entitled The Star of Bethlehem: The Epic Story of the Birth of Christ, recently published by Trilogy Christian Publishing.  Listen in as Michael bridges the gap between the rock and roll lifestyle of his youth and his faith filled work of fiction. We also discuss how he weaved Old and New Testament biblical stories with historical fact in this faithful retelling of the Christmas story. This book couldn’t have come at a better time—with only a handful of shopping days left until Christmas, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you that books make great gifts. Happy Listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nadine Crocker survived a suicide attempt when she was 23 years old. After leaving home at 16 to pursue a career in front of the camera, maybe she thought she could leave the intense feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety back in Fresno. Also, really pretty and talented people aren’t supposed to have those kinds of feelings, are they? Well, they do and Nadine wasn’t immune to the feelings that run through her family. She wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Continue as a gift to the world to help us all have better conversations about mental health. Most working actors will tell you that overnight success is a myth. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule, but there’s a lot of rejection that comes when seeking an on-screen career. Authors tell me the same thing—many of us can line our walls with rejection letters from agents we’ve queried over the years. Just like there are few overnight successes, depression and anxiety are slow burns that, for some, eventually may lead to suicidal ideation, attempts, and, for too many, death. Those of us who have experienced these emotions, or who have loved ones who live with them, know that we all need to do a better job at recognizing mental health issues, addressing them, and loving those who experience them.  If you look closely at the cover art for the film, you will notice that the title is spelled Cont;nue, with a semicolon replacing the letter i. A friend of mine had to educate me on the significance behind this. She pointed me to a website for Project Semicolon whose late founder, Amy Bleuel, explained, “A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.” There is a tragic beauty to that sentiment; tragic that it had to be written at all but beautiful because the second chance/hope it implies. I know that you will enjoy my interview with Nadine, which is certainly much more upbeat than the subject matter we discussed. She’s an amazing person with a light that comes through in her voice.  My only regret is not asking her if she was familiar with the 1986 mini series Fresno which took place in her hometown! Think Dallas but about raisins instead of oil. Please visit https://www.continuethefilm.com/ for more information about Nadine and the film. Follow Nadine on social @nadinecrocker.  If you, or anyone you know is in distress please know that help is available through Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cindy Finch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in helping people through their darkest times. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, HuffPost, and CURE magazine. A survivor of traumatic life events, Cindy writes and works from lived experiences. She's helped thousands of people through their suffering, encouraging them to move forward and keep enduring to come out invincible. Her latest book, When Grief is Good, was released this past September and, at some point during this interview, we actually talked about it. Before that, though, she turns the tables a few times and puts me in the hot seat. This is definitely one you have to buckle up for and stay to the end because if you do I’ve got two words for you—hot monogamy! You can learn more about Cindy at her website, cindyfinch.com. Additionally, Cindy would love it if you learned more about Love to Pivot, an organization that helps individuals, couples, families, and groups pivot from unhealthy relationships into healthy relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

C. Frederic John enjoys a global reputation as a strategic researcher with a career spanning over 40 years. He specializes in melding profound insights into concrete recommendations for clients, and in crafting compelling research deliverables using story-telling techniques. Fred and I have a few things in common; we both worked in the market research industry, we both worked for MasterCard, and we both value the power of storytelling when it comes to presenting findings to clients. In fact, Fred is so passionate about storytelling in market research that he literally wrote a book called Storytelling and Market Research: A Practical User Guide. While the market research industry has gotten better about storytelling with regards to presenting research findings, the need for Fred’s book is undeniable. In it, he discusses the importance of story to keep a reader’s attention and gives practical and tangible advice for transforming mundane reports into page turners. I caught up with my former colleague just a few days before the book launched to discuss his career as a researcher, what compelled him to write this book, and how he went about finding a publisher and turning his idea into reality.  Storytelling and Market Research: A Practical User Guide will be available for sale on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In her 30+ year career as an author, Laura Davis has written seven non-fiction books that have changed peoples’ lives. The Courage to Heal paved the way for hundreds of thousands to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. Becoming the Parent You Want to Be helps parents develop a vision for the families they want to create. And I Thought We’d Never Speak Again: The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation teaches the skills of reconciliation and peace building to the world, one relationship at a time.  Laura’s ground-breaking books have been translated into 11 languages and sold more than two million copies.  Her new memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars, tells the story of Laura’s dramatic and tumultuous relationship with her mother, Temme, from the time of Laura’s birth until her mother’s death. This story about “two souls who just wouldn’t quit each other” provides a no-holds-barred peek at the real Laura--the woman behind the teacher, the facilitator, and author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kris Clink is the author of Goodbye, Lark Lovejoy and Sissie Klein is Completely Normal, which have received praise from Bustle, Midwest Book Review, Kirkus Reviews, Women.com, Lone Star Literary, Brit + Co, Travel and Leisure Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. Set in middle America, her novels are laced with love, heartbreak, and just enough snark to rock the boat for the relatable characters as they confront transformative challenges. I had a great conversation with Kris about her writing including why she sets her stories in what most would consider “fly over” states, what she loves most about writing, and our mutual appreciation for the movie Hope Floats. We also get into a great conversation about the publishing industry today, how to write characters we hate, and why Hallmark will never adapt any of our stories (their loss). You can learn more about Kris at https://krisclink.com/ and be sure to check out her podcast Kris Clink’s Writing Table on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. It’s a great listen for writers and book lovers alike. Her forthcoming release, Sissie Klein is Completely Normal, will be available for sale wherever books are sold on Tuesday, November 11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why there are so many legal dramas on TV? I know I’m dating myself here but off the top of my head I can think of LA Law, Boston Legal, Law and Order, and Night Court. Okay, so maybe that last one isn’t a drama, but it was damn funny. Maybe it’s because so many authors I’ve interviewed recently have fled the legal profession to follow writing as a career. If you think about it, Lawyers, especially trial attorneys, have all the makings of good writers—good listening and analytical skills are the cost of entry, they have to be creative with how they present cases (hopefully not too creative) and they have to be passionate about their work. Reyna Marder Gentin is no exception. In 2014, after practicing law for over two decades, Reyna decided it was time for something new. She followed a friend to a class on memoir writing at Sarah Lawrence College and got bit by the writing bug. Ever since, writing has become her passion.  Her third novel, Both are True, has her returning to women’s fiction, her legal roots, and a setting she knows all too well—New York City. To learn more about Reyna, please visit her website at https://reynamardergentin.com/. Her three novels can be purchased wherever books are sold, including bookshop.org where a portion of the proceeds goes to help support local independent bookstores. Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I was presented with the opportunity to interview J.M. Thompson about his memoir, Running is a Kind of Dreaming, I sprinted to say yes for two reasons; I’m an avid runner and wanted to know what inspired the title and it deals with mental health issues, specifically men’s mental health issues. A few years ago, my twin brother was suffering from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. I’m not telling tales out of school here, he chronicled all of that in his own memoir. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life was check him into the psychiatric hospital where he spent a long week of in-patient treatment followed by multiple weeks of outpatient treatment. It pained me to see this strong man, who I shared so many life experiences with, come to the brink of falling apart.  Even in this day and age, men’s mental health is still very much a taboo subject given our sex’s aversion to vulnerability. I hoped that by interviewing J.M. about his book, I wouldn’t just leave with another powerful story but that I’d also help the cause to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues in general. But enough about me.  You might be asking yourself who J.M. Thompson is. Well, I have answers. He was born in England and holds a BA in English literature from Oxford University and a doctorate in clinical psychology.  He completed his psychology training at the University of California, San Francisco, where he conducted research on the brain mechanisms of meditation and the physiology of trauma. He is also an ordained Zen practitioner and certified yoga teacher.  Critical to this story is the fact that he has finished over 40 ultramarathons, and multiple solo adventure runs in the Sierra Nevada, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley. Thompson currently serves as a staff psychologist at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. His aforementioned memoir, Running is a Kind of Dreaming, became available for sale as of October 5th.  Listen in as we uncover the emotionally charged story that is the genesis behind the book as well as how running helped J.M. turn his life around. This is a powerful story and one that I was honored to uncork. Please share it with anyone who you think could benefit from it. Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine you are a father of two young children going through your morning routine of getting them—and yourself—ready for the day when there’s a knock at the door and the intimidating people right out of central casting on the other side are about to share news that will rock your world. John Vandemoer doesn’t have to imagine that; in fact, I bet he wants to forget it. John is the former Stanford University sailing coach and the first person sentenced in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal. He’s now speaking out about what happened. This comes on the heels of the release of his new book: RIGGED JUSTICE. How the College Admissions Scandal Ruined an Innocent Man's Life. Listen in as we discuss not just the day that changed his life forever, but what his life was like in the aftermath. John courageously talks about opening himself up to vulnerability so that he could share his side of the story. We also discuss the importance of community and having a support system to lean on in times of need.  Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Jay French is an American guitarist, manager, record producer and founding member of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. He is a columnist, author and motivational speaker who oversees licensing and intellectual property rights for the Twisted Sister brand. His new book, Twisted Business, is part memoir and part business book follows French’s adventure-filled life, from growing up in New York City in the sixties, to working as a drug dealer and struggling as an addict before quitting cold-turkey, and finally, to creating and cultivating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world. Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock ‘N’ Roll can be purchased wherever books are sold. Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a brief hiatus between seasons, I’m happy to report that Uncorking a Story is back for its 5th season. Our first episode features a great conversation I had with Heather Frimmer whose second novel, Better to Trust, will be released on Tuesday, September 21st.  As a young woman, Heather was a bookworm who used to write short stories for her own entertainment. However, she did not write her first novel until after realizing that there was a void in her life that wasn’t being fulfilled in her career as a radiologist. After taking a class on creative writing and hearing some strong words of encouragement from her teacher at the Westport Writer’s Studio, Heather penned her first novel, Bedside Manners, which went on to receive numerous awards as well as high praise from breast cancer survivors. We discussed how being an avid reader is an important ingredient to being a successful author as well as the role curiosity plays in the creative process. We end with some words of advice that Heather offers her younger self around being careful not to suffer from imposter syndrome, and to learn more about that, you’ll have to tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dani Klein Modisett is a comedian, actor, and author of the book “Take My Spouse, Please,” about how to create shared laughter to keep your marriage happy and healthy. That book was preceded by 2009’s “Afterbirth...stories you won’t read in Parents magazine.” Additionally, her writing has appeared in AARP, NY Times, LA Times, Parents Magazine and on many websites. In addition to publishing two books, Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years. She has also coached keynote speakers, business leaders, and Congressional candidates to use more humor in their communication. You may have seen her on the show GHOST for Starz where she has a currently recurring role. Dani is a graduate of Dartmouth College.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Bartz is a Brooklyn-based journalist and author of the forthcoming WE WERE NEVER HERE. Her second thriller, THE HERD, was named a best book of 2020 by Real Simple, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, CrimeReads, and other outlets. Her LA-Times bestselling debut, THE LOST NIGHT (Crown, 2019), was optioned for TV development by Mila Kunis. It was named a best book of the year by Real Simple, Glamour, Marie Claire, Library Journal, Crime Reads, Popsugar, She Reads, and other publications.  Andi’s work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Martha Stewart Living, Elle, and many other outlets, and she's held editorial positions at Glamour, Psychology Today, and Self, among other titles. Listen in as we dig into her path to becoming a writer, her pivot from magazine journalism to becoming a novelist, and her passion for challenging cultural conventions through her work. We Were Never Here will be available wherever books are sold on August 3rd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lea Konen is the author of All the Broken People and of several young adult novels, including Love and Other Train Wrecks and The Romantics. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied journalism and English literature. She lives in Brooklyn and Saugerties, New York, with her husband; their daughter, Eleanor; and their dog, Farley. Listen in as we discuss how Lea's navigated the transition from writing YA novels to thrillers and why it's so important for her to work from an outline, and the inspiring advice she'd give her younger self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, and The End of Her, which have all been New York Times and The Sunday Times (London) bestsellers. Her books have been sold in thirty-seven territories around the world. She lives in Toronto and Not a Happy Family is her sixth thriller. Listen in as we talk about her writing process, why so many lawyers want to become writers, and the secrets to becoming a bestselling mystery author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Chiarella is the author of And Again. She holds an MA in writing and publishing from DePaul University and an MFA in creative writing from the University of California, Riverside. In this interview, I learned that she wanted to be a writer when she was seven years old so, when she told me that she had a degree in Political Science, I had to ask about that.  It turns out, she didn't think she could make a living as an author. Clearly, she was wrong. Listen in as we discuss the differences between writing a mystery and writing speculative fiction, what Jessica go out of her two Masters programs, the powerful advice she would give that seven year old girl with aspirations of becoming an author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World, Christina Baker Kline is published in 40 countries. Her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other prizes, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as "One Book, One Read" selections.  Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in publications such as the New York Times and the NYT Book Review, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, LitHub, Psychology Today, Poets & Writers, and Salon. Born in England and raised in the American South and Maine, Kline is a graduate of Yale (B.A.), Cambridge (M.A.) and the University of Virginia (M.F.A.), where she was a Hoyns Fellow in Fiction Writing. Listen in as we talk about the pioneering spirit embodied in her family of origin, her experiences teaching in a supermax women’s prison, and the inspiration behind her latest book, The Exiles, which should be at the top of your Summer reading list. This episode of Uncorking a Story is sponsored by Mike Carlon’s latest novel, The Ruin of Souls. If you like books about gladiators, then this isn’t the book for you. But, if you can appreciate a good mystery, jaw dropping plot twists, and a generous pour of espionage, then The Ruin of Souls should be on your summer reading list. You can buy The Ruin of Souls in e-book or paperback format wherever books are sold online. Enjoy the show. Happy listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nigerian born and raised debut mystery author Noel Obiora watched the George Floyd video and said to himself, That could have been me. Having come to the United States when he was 17 in 1983, and having attended the University of Texas Law School, Noel, a black man in very white Texas, was pulled over many times for minor infractions and believes it was his accent that kept him safe from police brutality.   His debut crime novel, A Past that Breathes, takes place in Los Angeles in the early nineties when he practiced law in the City of Angels during racial turmoil bookended by the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson trials and years before the Black Lives Matter movement gave people a forum in which they could express their grief and anger. Listen in as we discuss his childhood in Nigeria to his University education in the United States and how he found working as a practicing attorney in Los Angeles a far cry from the expectations set by the hit TV drama L.A. Law. We also discuss how he found the confidence to write again after facing rejection, why it's important to get out of your own way in the publishing process, and his favorite Seinfeld episode.  This episode of Uncorking a Story is brought to you by Michael Carlon’s latest novel, The Ruin of Souls. You can purchase The Ruin of Souls in e-Book or paperback format or wherever books are sold. Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Dixie is the daughter of Designing Women star, Dixie Carter and step-daughter of Hal Holbrook. Her writing has appeared in Time, The Economist, San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and more. She worked at The Observer for five years as the publishing director, and has worked as a professional actor. Mary Dixie has an honors degree in English Literature from Harvard College and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children.  Her first novel, The Photographer, has been called "an explosive debut” (Library Journal) and “a breathless psychological thriller about epic mind games” (from People Magazine's 20 Best Books to Read This Summer). It is destined to be the book everyone will be reading this summer. This page-turner about a family photographer, desperate to belong, who lives off of images rather than experiences will stay in readers minds for a long time. Brilliantly observed, suspenseful, a story of envy and obsession, mesmerizing, this is a unique novel and will make us doubt that seeing is ever believing. Listen in as we dig into the real-life event that inspired the story, why it’s so important to write every day, and what it’s like driving an RV from coast-to-coast. The Photographer is available wherever books are sold. This episode of Uncorking a Story is brought to you by Michael Carlon’s latest novel, The Ruin of Souls. You can purchase The Ruin of Souls in e-Book or paperback format or wherever books are sold. Enjoy the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Basting, Ph.D. is an artist, scholar, and educator committed to the power of the arts and culture to transform our lives as individuals and communities. She is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and founder and President of the award-winning non-profit TimeSlips. Basting's innovative work as both a community-engaged artist and a scholar has been recognized by a MacArthur Fellowship, an Ashoka Fellowship, a Rockefeller Fellowship, and multiple major grants. She is author/editor of multiple books, including her latest, Creative Care (HarperOne); as well as The Penelope Project (U of Iowa), and Forget Memory (Johns Hopkins). TimeSlips fosters an alliance of artists and caregivers bringing meaning and joy to late life through creativity, and has over 900 certified facilitators in 48 states and 20 countries. Her latest book, The Creative Care Imagination Kit, is available for sale beginning June 8th and is a perfect resource for friends, family, and caregivers to make connections with and spark conversation and engagement among anyone living with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, including memory loss. Learn more at https://www.anne-basting.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marilyn Peterson Haus’ story begins when she was born in 1941 on a farm on the Minnesota Plains. Twins, mental illness, sexism/favoritism, religion, farm life in the 40s and 50s, forgiveness and reconciliation are all topics she meticulously weaves together in this extraordinary memoir. While we touched upon all of that in our interview, what struck me hardest was the struggle she faced with her twin brother. This hit home for me as, like Marilyn, I have a twin brother and our relationship was also strained by favoritism and mental illness, though to a much lesser extent. While her memoir has elements of tragedy, at the end of the day it is a story about a woman who found the courage and strength to break free and live life on her own terms. Half of a Whole, My Fight for a Separate Life is inspiring, uplifting, and available for sale wherever books are sold on June 8th. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Yoon grew up in Orange County, California, and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife, novelist Nicola Yoon, and their daughter. He drew the illustrations for Nicola's #1 New York Times bestseller Everything, Everything. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Frankly In Love, which was a William C. Morris Award finalist and an Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature Honor book, the YA novel Super Fake Love Song, and the adult thriller Version Zero. Before he made his living as a writer, David spent more than a dozen years working in the tech industry as an interface designer and user experience expert, a role that immersed him in all the cultural and technical workings of core online industries like advertising technology, social media, cybersecurity, and content strategy. It was during this time that he observed a paradox: while these companies believed its work was making the world a better place, the staff behind these platforms had a serious mistrust and disdain for the very things they were creating. Yoon mines this experience in VERSION ZERO, his first novel for adults, which tackles everything from social media and personal privacy to data mining, surveillance capitalism, and the responsibilities of individuals in a globalized society. Part satire, part tech thriller, this propulsive tale centers on Max, a blackballed data whiz who assembles a team of disillusioned tech workers to create chaos in the world of social media—with disastrous consequences. Yoon uses his dazzling abilities to bring this contradictory and often insidious world to life with startling prescience and ease, establishing himself as one of the most exciting and dynamic voices writing today in the tradition of Blake Crouch, Ernest Cline, and Max Barry. Version Zero is out everywhere books are sold on Tuesday, May 25th. Please consider picking it up at your local bookshop or at bookshop.org.  Follow me at all socials @uncorkingastory and be sure to rate and subscribe to Uncorking a Story wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the one where I talk to author, musician, and comic Aug Stone about his newly released memoir, Nick Cave’s Bar. Don’’t feel bad if you don’t know who Nick Cave is because I wasn’t cool enough to know of him either. The important thing here is that Aug and his friend Andy know who he is and, more importantly, believed he owned a bar in Berlin, based on a rumor overheard in Spain (are you with me so far?). Twenty years ago they had what can best be described as a misadventure in Europe complete with bad decisions, near misses at true love, and drinking. Lot’s of drinking. Check out Nick Cave’s Bar here or at the following retail locations: City Books (Hove, England) Happy Valley (Melbourne, Australia) Grimey’s (Nashville, TN) Atomic Books (Baltimore, MD) Buch Bund (Berlin, Germany) Brookline Booksmith (Brookline, MA) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alta Ifland was born in Transylvania (Romania), took part in the overthrow of Romania's communist dictatorship, and experienced two years of post-communism before emigrating to the United States in 1991.  After a PhD in French language and literature, and several years in academia, she now works as a full-time writer, book reviewer, and translator (from French, Italian, and Romanian). She is the author of two books of short stories―Elegy for a Fabulous World (2010 finalist for the Northern California Book Award in Fiction) and Death-in-a-Box (2011 Subito Press Fiction Prize)―and two collections of prose poems―Voix de Glace/Voice of Ice (bilingual, French-English, winner of the French prize Louis Guillaume) and The Snail’s Song Listen in as we discuss why she had to leave Romania, what it was like moving to the united states to seek asylum, and the journey she took to make a career in writing and publishing. Along the way, we of course had to talk about Romania’s either most infamous or heroic figure depending on your point of view, count Dracula himself. Her novel, The Wife who Wasn’t, is available for sale as of Tuesday, May 18th and can be purchased wherever books are sold. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Hankin is the author of Happy & You Know It and A Special Place for Women. Her musical comedy has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. She splits her time between NYC, where she has performed off-Broadway, and Washington, D.C., where she once fell off a treadmill twice in one day. Listen in as we talk about her path to success as a performer, why her days working as a children’s musician were instrumental in her getting a two book deal, and the spark that ignited the idea for her forthcoming book A Special Place for Women, which will be released on Tuesday, May 11th. As a kid, Laura was drawn to funny and spunky characters and those two adjectives can also be used to describe her personality. You can buy her novels wherever books are sold, but please consider supporting your local independently owned bookstore. If you must buy online, consider purchasing at Bookshop.org.  Follow Laura on Instagram and Twitter @LauraHankin and feel free to follow me @uncorkingastory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christina Sweeney-Baird lives in London where she works full-time as a corporate litigation lawyer. Listen in as we discuss her debut novel, The End of Men, which will be available wherever books are sold on April 27. Listen in as we discuss her journey from litigator to author, what inspired her to come up with the idea for The End of Men, and why, at its core, this is a book about hope (and not a fantasy). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua M Greene is a popular lecturer on Holocaust History and an author whose biographies have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his books and films. He sits on the board of Yale University Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies and has served as director of strategic planning for the United Nations Summit of Religious and Spiritual leaders.  This all begs the question, why is such a decorated individual talking to me? Well, I interviewed him about his new book entitled Unstoppable. It’s the story of Siggi Wilzig and his astonishing journey from Auschwitz survivor and penniless immigrant to Wall Street legend. Before we get to the book, though, I had to uncork Joshua’s story a bit and learn how he went from being a hippie who got to jam with George Harrison to becoming a Holocaust scholar. Along the way I learned that he and the subject of his latest book share a few things in common, but you will have to listen in to find out what they are I found it fascinating that after being approached to write this book by one of Siggi’s sons, Joshua’s first instinct was to turn him down saying he’s written too much about darkness and it was time to focus on something that brought more light. That was, of course, before he knew Siggi’s story which is at its core a celebration of human ingenuity, a testament to the power of faith, and a tale of triumph in the face of adversity. I know you will enjoy this interview and urge you to pick up Unstoppable, which can be purchased wherever books are sold, though Joshua would urge you to consider buying it at your local bookstore. If you must buy it online, please consider buying it here, at Bookshop.org where a portion of every sale goes to support local bookstores. You can learn more about Unstoppable at https://unstoppablesiggi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An interview I did this week got me to thinking about how little things can make a big difference. This one Uncorks a story about U2 and a Bodega owner I met this week whose business is being threatened by the pandemic. Listen in to see the connection between them. Trust me, it will be one to grow on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While interviewing author Christina Sweeney-Baird about her debut novel The End of Men, I started thinking about how most authors, and other creators in the arts including comics and actors, have to work additional jobs long before they can earn a living off of their art. Christina herself is a lawyer (but I don't think she'll have to practice law for long as she's quite a gifted writer). Her full story will be shared in April closer in to her book's publication date. For now, though, her story got me thinking about the importance of living a dual life when you are just starting to explore your passion in the arts. It also reminded me of a character I created—Kelly Carson—who was leading a secret life but just didn't know it. You see, he had a secret identity hiding just beneath the surface and it took a fiery red headed actress on the run to bring it out his inner Superman. His name is Kelly Carson and he’s the protagonist in All the F*ucks I Cannot Give.  The audio book recently came out and I wanted to share the first few chapters with you here. If you like what you hear, please consider buying it on either Amazon or Audible. Mike Dawson did a great job with the narration and really brought the story to life. Happy Listening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Ryan McGue was born in Chicago, Illinois. She and her identical twin sister were adopted together. Her debut memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging is about the search for birth relatives. Listen in as we discuss what prompted her to find her birth parents, the emotions she experienced along the way, and what this experience has taught her about herself. This conversation also prompted me to share the adoption story within my own family of origin. It’s a very powerful conversation and when I know you will enjoy. In her other writing, Julie focuses on about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Her weekly blogs focus on identity, family, and life's quirky moments. If she's not at her computer writing, she's out exploring with her camera, or on the tennis court. She is the mother of four adult children and splits her time between NW Indiana and Sarasota. You can follow her at https://www.juliemcgueauthor.com. Her book will be released on May 11th and is available for pre-order now. While you can pre-order it wherever books are sold online, we’d like you to consider supporting your local independent bookstore and preordering through Bookshop.org where every purchase helps support local, independently owned bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past weekend, my sister gave me one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received—a stack of letters I had written to my grandparents back in the 1980s. This inspired me to record and share this episode with you.  Reaching out and touching someone used to mean picking up the phone and calling them. Today, it means Facetiming them or maybe just sending them a text. How about this, instead of doing that, why not write an old-fashioned letter? Fold it in an envelope, slap a stamp on it, and send it by mail. Sure it will take a lot longer to get to the recipient than an email or text, but some things are worth waiting for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I sat in on the first of hopefully many episodes of Comedy Roads, an online show featuring interviews with established stand up comedians reflecting on their path to success. It's hosted by the one and only Bob DiBuono. A-Lister Eddie Brill told a story about performing in front of 12 people that I'll never forget and it inspired me to reflect on the importance of always giving 100% whenever you make a commitment to something. Find more about Comedy Roads by clicking here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are going to switch gears a bit as I'd like to share with you the first chapter of my latest book The Ruin of Souls. Now look, I'm not a professional voiceover artist nor am I an audio engineer, so keep both in mind as you listen in. If you like what you hear and want to listen to more, let me know by emailing [email protected]. if there's enough interest, I'll release the second and third chapters. As always, thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the second part of my interview with my twin brother, Jim Carlon. In it, we discuss his decision to join the Jag Corps at almost 40 years of age and why that marked such a turning point in his life. Buckle in and grab the Kleenex.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have easily interviewed a few thousand people in my career as a moderator and interviewer. I can honestly say that Interviewing my twin brother about his book, Conversation with a Desperate Man, was one of the toughest interviews I’ve ever had to conduct. It isn’t easy hearing someone you love describe the pain they’ve faced in their lives and the darkness that enveloped them. But his story isn’t a tragedy; far from it. It’s actually a love story and you will hear how Jim was able to overcome the challenges he faced. I had to cut it into two parts because, frankly, it’s a lot to take in at once. Also, Jimmy can be a bit long winded, but I didn’t want to cut anything. Look for the second part to be released this Friday. If you know someone who would appreciate listening to this interview, please share it with them. Jim’s book is available for sale now in paperback or ebook formats wherever books are sold online. Why not show a little love to your local independent bookshop and ask if they can order it for you?  As always, thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices