EPISODE 64

Today’s guest is author, poet, editor, and writing teacher Michelle Cameron. Michelle is also a director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing instruction to adults and kids. She recently published her fourth novel, Babylon: a novel of Jewish Captivity, which is published by Wicked Son Books.

In this episode, Michelle joins the conversation to share how she learned that we can't always predict our paths for ourselves or our children. She talks about her experiences with four different publishing houses, adapting to unexpected changes, and why both patience and persistence are important. Michelle also delves into her creative process, why she loves her craft, and how characters often lead writers to unexpected plot twists. Her favorite part of the creative process is that moment when she is birthing a new idea or story. We also discussed the fulfilling journey of growing a small organization into a larger one, teaching young creators, parenting, and much more. What an insightful, engaging, and heartfelt conversation!

EPISODE 63

Today’s guest is author Elizabeth Sumner Wafler. She recently published her fourth novel, A Cleft in the World. In this episode, Elizabeth shares how she learned that her grandfather was Jewish when she was 50 years old. Elizabeth talks about her childhood, sharing she grew up in “an insular world and provincial community” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She talked about how her family in the ‘60s swept controversial or topics perceived as embarrassing under the rug. We laughed as we bantered about our mutual love of Yiddish, an endearing language, and that she and her cousins enjoy exchanging Rosh Hashanah cards.

Elizabeth now lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She discussed her unique writing process, cultural influences, and the fascinating revelations about her heritage that impacted her upcoming book.

We also chatted about Elizabeth’s love of words, the influence of her first editor's advice, and how observation plays a key role in storytelling. She shared how she explores the themes of identity, love, and compassion in her novels. And why it's taken her a long time to not worry about what others think of her; she lives life on her own terms. What an insightful, lively, and connective conversation!

EPISODE 62

It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has experienced life in two vastly different environments. Today’s guest is @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg, who recently published her fourth novel, A Norn In Bloom. A New York native and former executive recruiter, Jennifer experienced a significant turning point after falling in love and moving to Sweden. Learn how Jennifer adjusted to a new country, language, and culture. Jennifer talks about her career shift, her publishing journey, and being true to yourself.

We chatted about authenticity on and off the page, what inspires Jennifer, and how she stays connected to her family in the U.S. We also delved deep into the impact of social media, community, and connections.

Jennifer shares her experience of self-discovery during the pandemic, the importance of self care, and how self-publishing her novel expanded her journey. We also discussed how the choices we make in life shape us. When Jennifer returned to the United States for five years, she rediscovered who she was and what she wanted. Loved our conversation @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg and your insights!

EPISODE 61

Jennifer Vido is the author of the Piper O'Donnell Social Lite Mystery series, a mystery and romance author with a love for all things cozy. When a twist of fate landed Jennifer at the "Reading with Ripa” roundtable discussion with Kelly Ripa and Meg Cabot, her entrée into the publishing world officially began. As an avid book lover, she blogs about bestselling book releases and writes the Jen’s Jewels author interview column for FreshFiction.com. She also is a certified copy editor. A longtime Romance Writers of America member, she recently began penning the Gull Island Series with The Wild Rose Press. Serendipity by the Sea is the first book in the series.

Jennifer is also a national spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation, she has been featured by Lifetime Television, Redbook, Health Monitor, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Healthguru.com, and Arthritis Today. As a former national trainer for The Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic and Land Exercise Classes and a current aquatics instructor, she advocates for those like herself who suffer from arthritis, the nation’s #1 cause of disability.

On today's episode, we talked about letting of what we cannot change, how we are both adjusting to being empty nesters, and the highs/lows of life. When Jennifer was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis as a young child, she realized she couldn't control how her body may ache or swell. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges and also shares why this diagnosis doesn't define her. Yoga, prayer, and reading are a few of the ways Jen cares for herself. We also chatted about writing, family, and much more! What an honest, hopeful, and inspiring conversation!

EPISODE 60

What an honest, heartfelt, and profound conversation. Loved chatting with @May Cobb May is the author of MY SUMMER DARLINGS, THE HUNTING WIVES and BIG WOODS. Originally from East Texas, May moved to San Francisco where she studied Victorian Literature; then she lived in Los Angeles for a few years working for filmmaker/writer Ron Shelton and his wife, the actress Lolita Davidovich.

She resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and son where she says, “I enjoy napping, staring into space, making to-do lists for my to-do lists, shoveling cookies down my throat when I'm writing a particularly difficult scene (and even when I'm not), wearing my PJ’s as often as I can get away with and collapsing into bed at the end of a day with a great book.”

May’s currently finishing a book about the late, jazz great, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, a project which has been in the works for twenty years. Kirk was a human phenomenon—a multi-instrumentalist who was best known for his miraculous ability to play three saxophones simultaneously. During his brief life, he defied staggering odds—from blindness, to prejudice, to a paralyzing stroke—to play the music that came to him through dreams. And May shares on today’s episode why she felt a deep connection with Kirk’s story, which also inspired her to become a writer.

The mother of a child with autism, May talks about societal expectations and the judgment she’s experienced. And we also talked about the representation of autism in her latest book, A LIKELY WOMAN. In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about May’s inspiring story, how she carves time to create, and what inspires her writing.

Thank you, May, for this honest, poignant conversation.

EPISODE 59

What a lively, heartwarming conversation with Rob Schwartz! We chatted about Rob’s late father, Morrie, his childhood memories, and the indelible impact of Morrie’s wisdom on his family and the world. The book Tuesdays With Morrie touched my heart in the 1990s and has stayed there ever since.

Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others. He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan and has been an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine since 2008. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan.

In today’s episode, we chatted his father, childhood memories, and the layers of loss. We discussed how Rob discovered his father’s manuscript, written before Morrie was diagnosed with ALS that became the book Rob just edited/published—The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively & Joyfully.

Rob’s journey is inspiring, fascinating, and a life well lived.

EPISODE 58

Corie Adjmi is the author of the short story collection Life and Other Shortcomings, which won an International Book Award, an IBPA Benjamin Franklin award, and an American Fiction Award. Her prize-winning essays and short stories have appeared in dozens of journals and magazines, including HuffPost, North American Review, Indiana Review, Medium, Motherwell and Kveller. She’s been featured in Travel and Leisure, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Times, Parade and BuzzFeed. Her novel, The Marriage Box, was named a Must-Read New Book of 2022 on Katie Couric Media. When she is not writing, Corie does volunteer work, cooks, draws, bikes and hikes. She and her husband have five children and a number of grandchildren, with more on the way. She lives and works in New York City.

On today's episode, we discussed the danger of repeatedly showing a group in only one way; people can become "othered." We also chatted about how we evolve as individuals in a marriage, compromise, and the nuances within the Orthodox community. Corie writes about the Syrian Jewish community, and she shared why it's important to have a more expansive view of what Orthodox Judaisim can and does look like.

We talked about the name of her book; the marriage box was a real place in the early '80s! Teens would gather during the summer in New Jersey--boys would go there to ask them on dates. Originally from New Orleans, Corie shares that she avoided the Marriage Box and why. She chose to write a novel instead of memoir because she found writing fiction is so much more fun. Initially a teacher, Corie fell in love with writing when working on her graduate school thesis on storytelling. We also talked about how being creative is when we feel most alive, the joy it brings us, and much more.

Thank you, Corie, for the fascinating, lively conversation!

EPISODE 57

Loved chatting with Jennifer Rosner is the author of the novels ONCE WE WERE HOME and THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS, a National Jewish Book Award finalist in debut fiction and book club and a Massachusetts Fiction Honors Book. She is also author of the memoir IF A TREE FALLS: A FAMILY'S QUEST TO HEAR AND BE HEARD, and the children's book, THE MITTEN STRING, a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable.

Jennifer's books have been translated into a dozen languages. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Times of Israel, The Massachusetts Review, The Forward, and elsewhere. In addition to writing, Jennifer has taught philosophy. She earned her B.A. from Columbia University and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her family.

The hearing parent of two deaf children, Jennifer shares about how her experiences raising children with hearing loss in a hearing world have had a significant influence on her work and themes throughout her writing. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn more about Jennifer’s inspiring story and background.

And how to navigate “…handing over this child to native speakers, which means you’re losing this intimacy and connection.” Jennifer explains what those challenges were like, how the experience differed from her first child to her second, and how the politics of her decisions for her daughter’s evoked reactions from people outside the family.

Thank you, Jennifer, for this insightful, poignant chat.

EPISODE 56

Many mothers can relate to juggling kids and careers, and Julie Chavez is no exception. An elementary school librarian, mother, and writer, Julie experienced her first panic attack at the age of thirty-eight. She had a happy life, a solid marriage, and a fulfilling job. What could possibly be the matter? Julie’s upcoming memoir, Everyone But Myself, explores this difficult time period and her journey back to a healthier, balanced life.

Julie “writes to explore the joys and impossibilities of mothering and modern womanhood.” Her writing has been featured in Zibby Owens’s “Moms Don’t Have Time to Write” and the Story Circle Network. Listen to our conversation to learn how she came up with the title of her memoir, what it was like to navigate depression and anxiety while parenting, and what she does now to keep herself grounded.

We shared, we laughed, and we went there. Thank you, Julie, for sharing your relatable story infused honesty and humor. Loved our chat!

EPISODE 55

I loved connecting with guest Joanna Rakoff on today's Every Soul Has a Story episode. Joanna is the author of the international bestselling memoir My Salinger Year and the bestselling novel A Fortunate Age, winner of the Goldberg Prize for Fiction and the Elle Readers’ Prize. Rakoff’s books have been translated into twenty languages, and the film adaptation of My Salinger Year opened in theaters worldwide in 2021 and is now streaming. She has been the recipient of fellowships and residencies from MacDowell, Sewanee, Authors’ Guild, PEN, Ragdale Foundation, Art, and Saltonstall; and has taught at Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and Aspen Words. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, O: The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, Elle, Porter, and elsewhere, and her new memoir, The Fifth Passenger, is forthcoming from Little, Brown in 2024.

Joanna discusses her upcoming project, a memoir about her own family, and the revelation of a shocking, life-altering family secret. Listen to our conversation to hear about her background, including her experiences with being bullied as a child, family dynamics, motherhood, the concept of "replacement children," and much more.

Thank you, Joanna, for sharing your evocative, inspiring story!

EPISODE 54 | MARCH 23, 2023

Allison Hong Merrill is a self-professed loveaholic. A Taiwanese immigrant, she is an award-winning & bestselling author who shares her Chinese culture with strong storytelling skills to create empowering memoirs, to build understanding and love.

She was born and raised in Taiwan and arrived in the U.S. at twenty-two as a university student. Allison has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and writes in both Chinese and English, both fiction and nonfiction. Her work appears in The New York Times and has won both national and international literary awards. Her debut memoir, Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops, launched in September 2021.

Tune in here for a heartfelt conversation!

EPISODE 53 | MARCH 15, 2023

We will chat about how we find joy even in grief and loss. Jessica is a fellow writer and podcaster.

Her daughter Dalia was diagnosed with an ultra-rare disease, MERRF Syndrome. At 9, Dalia lost her ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. Jessica had to figure out how to navigate day-to-day life with a severely ill child while attempting to retain some sense of normalcy for her three children, a happy marriage, and job as vice president of a billion-dollar global company. Along the way, Jessica became a fierce advocate, a nurse, and a warrior – and learned that her heart could be broken and overflowing at the same time.

EPISODE 52 | MARCH 15, 2023

USA Today Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance.

She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their children in Utah, along with cats named Pixel, Callie, and Belle who do not get along. (The cats, not the children. Although the children sometimes have their issues, too.)

Sariah's book ROYAL DATE was selected as one of the first winners in Amazon's Kindle Scout program. Her novella ROYAL DESIGN helped launch Amazon Publishing's Kindle in Motion technology, and she had her own Kindle World for THE ROYALS OF MONTERRA. Her books THE FRIEND ZONE and ROOMMAID were selected by Amazon as one of the Best Romances of 2019 and 2020, respectively.

EPISODE 51 | FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Tune in for our conversation about self love, mental health, and the healing power of vulnerability.

We talked about thriving after childhood trauma, living authentically, self love, feeling all the feels, finding the right therapist, and not giving up.

EPISODE 50 | JANUARY 26, 2023

A Utah-based author, Lauri is an inspiring speaker and frequent guest with writing groups, podcasts, and business, talking about art, embracing fears, and learning to love yourself after abuse.

She’s the owner of Inner Enlightenment and is a child abuse advocate. Her business helps people connect with their inner light and child within.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about thriving after childhood abuse, finding and using your voice, self love, and much more!

EPISODE 49 | JANUARY 19, 2023

An Emmy-nominated songwriter, performer, and impact artist, Alexander merges music with social impact. Based in South Florida, he’s done Super Bowl campaigns and United Nations collaborations to primetime TV and international features!

Through strategic partnerships with other impactors, Star has performed in 10+ countries and has even helped 500+ teens in foster care write & record original music via his proprietary “Impact Songwriting” workshops.

EPISODE 48 | DECEMBER 21, 2022

Sweta is an international speaker, bestselling author, and Ayurveda-based Health & Mindset Coach in New York City who is committed to helping people thrive on their own terms. She has a background in eastern and western nutrition/wellness is an award-winning wellness changemaker who graduated from Columbia University and studied with Dr. Vasant Lad (the man credited for bringing Ayurveda to the US).

Voted “One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times” and winner of the “Voices of the Year” award (past recipients include Chelsea Clinton), Sweta has dedicated her career to writing, speaking, coaching, and teaching a more holistic approach to creativity, health, and wellness.

What an insightful conversation about balance (especially during the holidays), wellness, writing, self compassion, and much more.

EPISODE 47 | DECEMBER 14, 2022

In 2018, while serving as a firefighter/paramedic, Tina learned the devastating effects of occupational cancer first hand. Determined to lighten the load of others in similar circumstances she decided to form a foundation to help.

Tina’s mission and her organization support front line first responders dealing with the challenges of cancer, injury, physical and mental illness.

We talked about female fighter fighters, the empowering dolls she created, surviving breast cancer, and much more. What an inspiring, empowering conversation!

EPISODE 46 | DECEMBER 13, 2022

We had an honest, evocative conversation about all types of grief, showing up for loved ones, and we shared our own personal experiences.

Barri offered suggestions for coping with loss, the spectrum of emotions that arise, especially during the holiday season, and much more.

Barri founded The Memory Circle to make the grief cycle a shared experience. Learning to live with loss is the centerpiece of her coaching philosophy. She helps facilitate ways to remember and reflect on the lives of loved ones lost and loss of every incarnation through writing, intuition, dreams, movement and one-on-one meetings and in support groups.

EPISODE 45 | DECEMBER 8, 2022

Liz and Lisa have been best friends for over three decades and survived high school and college together. They’ve co-authored seven novels, including the Amazon Charts bestseller, The Good Widow. Their forthcoming book, Forever Hold Your Peace, will be published on July 11, 2023. 

In addition to writing books, they created a podcast, We Fight So You Don’t Have to: Lessons from a thirty-year friendship. Liz and Lisa also appear monthly on a San Diego news station to share their favorite book club picks. 

We talked about publishing, friendship, travel, leaning into the suck, and how we don’t live with regrets.

Episode 44 | DECEMBER 1, 2022

Barbara has been a teacher, therapist, qualitative researcher, educational advocate, "serious amateur" pianist, and full-time mom. She’s also run a not-for-profit organization, mentored PhD students, counseled families, done webinars and radio interviews on how to nurture out-of-the-box children.

Her eclectic careers had something important in common—they were always about storytelling and creating a story of who one is (or who one’s child is). And the power of creating new narratives.

We also chatted about writing! And what it was like to write her latest book, The Color of Ice, during Covid quarantine, how that affected her personally, what inspires her, and much more.

Episode 43 | NOVEMBER 29, 2022

Leigh is a writing mentor and she currently teaches at The Workshop, her online writing community. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, New York Times, and Vox among others, and her book The Writer's Roadmap: Paving the Way To Your Ideal Writing Life has helped hundreds of writers find their way in the writing world. She currently lives in Argentina with her family.

We talked about narcissism, family dynamics, and the holidays. Leigh recommended her favorite books about setting boundaries.

We also chatted about writing, discussed the difference between feedback versus opinions, and much more. What a wisdom-filled, honest conversation!

Episode 42 | NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Cindy is an author, speaker, and educational consultant. She discussed her journey family building. And the many paths that have led to her life today. We talked about how geography and family loyalties are impacted.

We also chatted about enjoying our older kids as young adults and how parenting shifts during these years. Cindy delved into fascinating areas of parenting. And we spoke from the heart about our own personal growth moments as parents, partners, and human beings.

Episode 41 | OCTOBER 13, 2022

Julianna is the author of a book about raising kids in the tech age called Raising a Screen Smart Kid. She’s a mom of three and also a blogger formerly known as Rants from Mommyland.

We discussed parenting, ADHD, anxiety, and Julianna’s love/hate relationship with social media. We chatted about self regulation and boundaries regarding when to engage or take a break. Not just on social, but also in group chats as well. What a meaningful, insightful conversation!

Episode 40 | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

We discussed social media, turning off to tune into ourselves, healing modalities, creating, publishing paths, podcasting, boundaries, parenthood, and so much more.

Episode 39 | SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

We chatted about romance, writing inspiration, authenticity on and off the page—and lots of laughter in between!

With Dara Levan and Stephanie Justine | SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

Dara Levan — writer, podcaster, and founder of Every Soul Has a Story — chats with guest and fellow mom, Stephanie Justine. A Pilates master trainer, dancer, and owner of Studio 108 in Vermont, Stephanie shares her journey with eating disorders, self-worth, coming out, and loving ourselves at all ages. In our candid conversation, we chatted about not only accepting, but also celebrating, who we are.

Episode 38 | AUGUST 4, 2022

We discussed Jean’s journey with chronic illness, anxiety, truths in fiction, Judaism, and much more.

Jean’s authenticity and joy is a gift she shares with such a generous spirit. In her novels, THE MATZAH BALL and the upcoming MR. PERFECT ON PAPER, are rom-coms filled with heartwarming, hilarious characters.

Episode 37 | JULY 26, 2022

Maggie shares about her publishing journey, discovering aphantasia, being authentic, social media, and having a zest for life!

Maggie is a Canadian author who enjoys creating new connections and experiencing new opportunities. Her writing interests span across various genres, but focus women’s fiction with thriller elements.

Episode 36 | JULY 21, 2022

Nina and I discussed one of my favorite topics—FRIENDSHIP. We talked about boundaries, navigating social media, parenting, and how relationships evolve.

Thank you, Nina, for your insights about friendship and and so much more! I appreciate our unfiltered, real-time conversation

Episode 35 | JUNE 29, 2022

We discussed why it’s healthy, and sometimes necessary, to cut ties with abusive family members. We also chatted about navigating false narratives and pressure from others. And also that we always have a choice—to stay or leave.

Episode 34 | JUNE 14, 2022

On self-care, self publishing, working as full-time mental health counselor and so much more.

And if you’re wondering why I am wearing a hat, listen to our hilarious conversation!

Episode 33 | MAY 25, 2022

I have endless questions. But I have no answers. I feel helpless—I know I’m not alone. And I want you to know you are not either.

I hope our conversation brings comfort and healing to your hearts. Meghan also demonstrated ways to connect with our bodies and identify the pain. And she shared other insights as well.

Episode 32 | MAY 14, 2022

We chatted about mothers, mothering, grief, and being honest about the person we’ve lost even if it’s a complicated relationship. We also talked about service, kindness, and showing up for others. What an honest, lively conversation.

Episode 31 | APRIL 9, 2022

Our connective conversation included laughter when my phone fell mid-recording! We decided our collective energy must just be that ebullient.

Episode 30 | MARCH 24, 2022

We discussed grieving (humans and pets), overcoming challenges, rejection in publishing, living an authentic life, and Steven’s passion for telling poignant, witty, and heartwarming stories.

Episode 29 | MARCH 22, 2022

Alison and I chatted about balancing a full-time job and author life. We also discussed #jewishcommunity #jewishbooks and the power of stories that empower, educate, and lift up others. And “protecting the flame,” which is Alison’s mantra for 2022.

Episode 28 | MARCH 3, 2022

We talk about truths in fiction, mother/daughter relationships, female friendships, and more.

Episode 27 | FEBRUARY 15, 2022

We talked about thriving after cancer, loss, gratitude, and living an authentic life. And how there are always silver linings—even during the toughest times.

Episode 26 | FEBRUARY 1, 2022

We discuss Gabi’s debut novel, "Love's Journey Home", and how she navigates life in America as a British-born author and blogger.

Episode 25 | JANUARY 25, 2022

Live Episode with Dan Blank. Dan helps writers foster meaningful connections with readers and launch what they create. We discussed his long-standing, structured routine - what he leans into as his super power.

Episode 24 | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Live Episode with Jenn Bouchard. Jenn is a Boston-based writer, debut novelist, devoted Red Sox fan, avid cook, and social studies teacher. We discuss food, family, and more.

Episode 23 | DECEMBER 8, 2022

We talked about gratitude, grief love, loss, friendship and more. Thank you @lesliehooton for sharing your story. And with such kind candor, compassion, and soulful wisdom. I loved our conversation.

Episode 22 | NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Live Episode with Leslie Rasmussen, author of "After Happily Ever After." Leslie is an L.A. native, dog lover, mom and wife. She is a former television sitcom writer, having worked with Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, and Ralph Macchio.

Episode 21 | NOVEMBER 4, 2021

We chatted about motherhood, breaking generational patterns, writing, and how our own childhoods shaped who we are today.

Episode 20 | OCTOBER 26, 2021

Live Episode with Robin farmer, author of "Malcolm and Me." A journalist, seasoned speaker, and storyteller, Robin pursued her passion at a young age. She continues to write about complex issues with accuracy and authenticity.

Episode 19 | SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

With guest Ali Wenzke. Ali and I discuss her expertise in the realty and organization worlds, her book baby, and her journey to the joyful life she’s created.

Episode 18 | SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

With guest @jackiefriedland. Jackie shares about her route to writing and finding her passion for it amidst motherhood. She is a dynamic, witty human being. A former lawyer and mother of four, Jackie just published her third book.

Episode 17 | JULY 26, 2021

With Guest Melissa Face @melissafacewrites, author of “I Love You More Than Coffee. An Essay Collection For Parents.” We discuss parenting, coffee, and more!

Episode 16 | MAY 26, 2021

Episode 15 | MAY 6, 2021

Leslie is an author, lover of color, powerful speaker, and sharp observer of people. Listen to our live conversation! We discussed mothers, writing, overcoming challenges, resilience, loss, love, and living authentically. And Leslie’s “stroke of luck.”

Episode 14 | APRIL 7, 2021

Brett shares how his perspective shifted following a sudden life-threatening medical condition. And how he shifted from surviving to thriving.

We also chat about fatherhood, parenting, and navigating through healing while raising and nurturing his family. Brett Rose is an extraordinary, inspiring human being.

Episode 13 | MARCH 10, 2021

Julie Chan is a passionate mother of three daughters. In our conversation, we talk about childhood, unconditional love, following our passions, living a life of purpose, breaking familial cycles, and moving forward from our experiences.

Episode 12 | MARCH 2021

Eric Trope is a dancer, choreographer, soulful spirit, and selfless community supporter. One of five siblings (he’s a triplet, too!), Eric speaks candidly about finding his path and living authentically.

Episode 11 | APRIL 2021

Zameer shares openly about his humble beginnings, moving with his family from East Africa to Canada where they opened a jewelry store. While his passion for creating innovative designs flourished, Zameer's dislike for such a transient industry left him longing for more. He later became a Harvard Business School graduate (there is even now an MBA course taught there about Zameer's engaging storytelling process) and has worked under the tutelage of De Beers and Louis Vuitton.

Episode 10 | FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Jennifer Nayak Feldman shares her extraordinary journey of love, loss, living, and parenting.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

I am grateful for Jennifer’s honesty about heartache and healing.

Episode 9 | SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Fellow mom and writer, Rachel speaks with humor and honesty. Here’s a clip (below) from our candid conversation. We had a blast bantering about marriage, parenting, sex, motherhood, and more!

Episode 8 | AUGUST 2020

Joel is a father, teacher and certified life coach with a refreshingly positive outlook on life’s challenges. In our conversation, Joel shares a glimpse into his son’s, and his own, medical struggles, the heartbreaking task of talking to your own child about death, and how he continues to overcome these difficult moments.

Episode 7 | JULY 8, 2020

Wendy is currently the president and CEO of Leadership Florida. She has a vast background in leadership and service through government administration, public speaking, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, and disaster relief. Wendy is a true connector and authentically loves people and her community.

Episode 6 | JUNE 2020

Julie is an extraordinary soul, world traveler and stage 4 cancer survivor. Her exquisite jewelry designs and resort style lines are sold throughout the globe. Thank you, Julie, for connecting with me and sharing your story!

Episode 5 | JUNE 2020

Cey is a legendary visual artist whose work focuses on themes including pop culture, race and gender relations, cultural and community issues. I’m grateful Cey shared his inspiring story!

Episode 4 | MAY 2020

I appreciate every second of our banter, laughter, and connection--on today's podcast and offline as well. In our conversation, Bari talks about her parents, who I was blessed to know. They supported steadfastly, gave wholeheartedly, and parented her without judgment.

Episode 3 | MAY 2020

Ronni speaks beautifully (and with humor!) about emotional eating, keeping the mind and body healthy, and immune-boosting foods.

She offers nutritional suggestions for maintaining emotional and physical strength, especially during this pandemic. Ronni also shares candidly about her own health journey.

Episode 2 | APRIL 2020

In our conversation, Randi speaks about wellness and mindfulness.

She is an inspiring woman who emanates strength, resilience, and wisdom. While she lives with multiple myeloma, this does not define her. Randi's story will inspire and elevate you!

Episode 1 | MARCH 2020

Shannon shares openly about her soul-moving journey. Shannon is an Emmy award-winning journalist, mother of twins, and an extraordinary woman. She talks about parenting a child with special needs, the media, and MUCH more.