Every Soul Has A Story

How do you break generational patterns when you had no healthy models to follow?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes Cari Fund, an advocate for women's empowerment and healing from generational trauma. Cari doesn't hold back. From recognizing toxic patterns at just 14 years old to her current work with her Surviving Roots podcast, she shares her journey with narcissistic parents and the difficult decision to establish boundaries. "I took back the f@#$ing pen," she declares, perfectly capturing her determination to rewrite her narrative despite family pressure and societal judgment.  What happens when motherhood becomes the catalyst for breaking cycles? Cari reveals how parenting her own children forced her to confront and heal childhood wounds. She offers practical insights about setting boundaries, navigating estrangement, and creating healthier family dynamics. This conversation isn't about perfect parenting—it's about making hard choices to end toxic patterns. Through personal examples and unflinching honesty, Cari demonstrates how confronting your past can transform your future and protect the next generation from repeating painful histories.  Cari Fund is a fearless advocate for breaking toxic generational patterns and women's empowerment. After spending over a decade in the New York City beauty industry and eight years in corporate social media management, she's now channeling her experiences into her memoir and the "Surviving Roots" podcast. Born in West Virginia and raised on a horse ranch, Cari brings authentic grit to her work helping others heal from toxic parenting. With her trademark honesty, she guides women to become the people they were born to be and the parents they never had.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Welcome and introduction to Cari Fund (03:48) The pivotal decision at age 14 (06:08) Recognizing covert narcissism as a teenager (11:07) Dealing with judgment around family estrangement (15:18) Past relationship patterns and control mechanisms (17:53) The turning point: choosing herself (22:07) Finding purpose through healing your own story (26:41) Motherhood as a pathway to healing (31:08) Siblings' different responses to toxic upbringing (34:38) Standing firm after reconnection attempts (40:21) Closing thoughts   Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: Cari Fund Surviving Roots Podcast Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com  

 What happens when the preventative surgery you chose to avoid cancer reveals you already have it?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes author Gila Pfeffer, whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through losing both parents to cancer at a young age and her own battle with breast cancer. With refreshing candor and signature wit, Gila shares how her Orthodox Jewish identity shaped her experiences and how becoming a mother to four children galvanized her commitment to preventative healthcare - ultimately saving her life when a preventative mastectomy revealed aggressive cancer.  Weaving together themes of resilience, authentic storytelling, and finding humor in life's darkest moments, Gila reflects on the profound significance of reaching age 50 - making her the first woman in four generations of her family to achieve this milestone. Her powerful metaphor of a broken mug still worth saving resonates deeply as she discusses her advocacy work and how sharing her story has inspired countless women to prioritize breast health. Like the cracked vessel on her book cover - weathered yet still holding precious contents - Gila's narrative embodies the beauty of imperfect survival.  Gila Pfeffer is a Jewish American humor writer whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through loss, cancer, and survival with unflinching candor and unexpected hilarity. A fifteen-year breast cancer previvor and survivor, Gila's "Feel It on the First" campaign has directly led to earlier diagnoses for countless women through its tongue-in-cheek reminders about breast health. As an Orthodox Jewish mother of four who underwent preventative mastectomy at 34 only to discover early-stage cancer, Gila's writing - featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and McSweeney's - transforms tragedy into empowerment through her signature wit. She splits her time between London, New York City, and Instagram.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Meet Gila Pfeffer: Author of "Nearly Departed" (05:26) "Making fun of something is taking your power back" (08:12) What does authentic branding really mean? (13:07) Breaking the cycle: First to reach 50 (19:11) The delicate balance of telling your truth in memoir (23:51) How four children saved their mother's life (29:16) Beyond the pink ribbon: Rethinking breast cancer awareness (34:42) One person at a time: The impact of sharing your story (38:45) The metaphor of the broken mug  (39:55) Closing thoughts   Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: https://www.gilapfeffer.com/ @GilaPfeffer on Instagram Nearly Departed Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

What if your greatest challenges were actually your most profound teachers?  In this soul-stirring conversation, educator and writer Daphne Gregory-Thomas weaves together the threads of loss, resilience, and transformation through her journey as an innovative educator, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Her narrative illuminates how life's greatest challenges often become our most profound teachers, from early maternal loss to creating groundbreaking educational programs for students with learning differences, and ultimately facing her own mortality through cancer diagnosis and recovery.  Through her raw authenticity and deep wisdom, Daphne reveals how staying open to life's lessons - whether they come from students, strangers on New York City streets, or her own healing journey - has shaped her understanding of purpose and meaning. Her story reminds us that every moment holds the potential for transformation if we remain receptive to the teachers who appear in unexpected forms, from classroom students to cancer diagnoses, each offering their unique wisdom for those willing to listen.  Daphne Gregory-Thomas is an essayist and educational innovator who spent 45 years as a high school educator in the New York/New Jersey area, specializing in programs for students with learning differences. After retiring and overcoming two cancer diagnoses, she became a patient-to-patient volunteer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and discovered her voice as a writer through their Visible Ink program. A passionate advocate for authentic living and self-advocacy, Daphne's work focuses on finding wisdom in life's challenges and staying open to unexpected teachers. Her essays explore resilience, transformation, and the power of sharing our stories.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Introduction to Daphne Gregory-Thomas and her background in education (02:16) Early life experiences and learning from her children as teachers (07:38) Creating an innovative program for students with learning differences (09:29) Impact of student's death and continued advocacy (10:41) The inspiring story of student advocacy and transformation (13:05) Impact of the program over 40 years and breaking educational barriers (15:01) Journey through second cancer diagnosis and life-changing decisions (17:37) Finding strength and wisdom from strangers on New York City streets (19:11) Discovering writing through Visible Ink and service as patient volunteer (21:11) Learning from grandchildren and everyday moments, developing intuition and believing in meaningful connections (24:26) Finding balance and gradual transformation Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: Daphne Gregory-Thomas LinkedIn  Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Instagram Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Medium Memorial Sloan Kettering Visible Ink writing program  Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

In what ways did author Sheila Athens transform her personal grief into a powerful source of resilience and creativity, leading to the release of her third novel?In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes novelist Sheila Athens to share her inspiring journey from a corporate HR executive to a successful author. Sheila recounts her early passion for writing, which was reignited in her 40s after a serendipitous NPR ad and the support of her husband. Sheila's HR background had quite an impact on her storytelling, offering a unique perspective on human behavior that now enriches her narratives. Sheila opens up about navigating the grief of losing her husband and soulmate to cancer, finding resilience through writing and the support of a vibrant women's writing (and hiking!) community. Her experiences highlight the importance of maintaining work-life balance and remaining open to life's serendipitous messages. With her third novel on the horizon, Sheila's story is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the courage to follow one's creative calling.Sheila Athens writes smart fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine State. Her stories are about women navigating internal and external battles to find peace. Her stories resonate with readers who believe in everyday heroes making a difference. After growing up in the Ozarks, Sheila relocated to Northeast Florida, where she now enjoys life living near her two grown sons. From a career in corporate HR, she gained deep insights into human nature, which fuels her writing. A feminist, nature lover, and audiobook enthusiast, Sheila is also discovering the joys of cooking while embracing a quiet life of writing and reflection.In This Episode: (00:00) Sheila's path from an HR career in corporate America to novelist(03:15) Career shift from journalism to business, HR career and human behavior insights, a supportive spouse and NPR ad inspiring a writing career, moving to Florida(11:51) Grieving her husband's death and finding resilience, writing and community support during personal grief, creativity and planning life after loss(19:00) A family of men and boys, value of female friendships and writing community(23:30) Neena Lee is Seeing Things: the novel's unique premise, Cumberland Island, the Carnegies and Kennedys(28:15) Signs, synchronicities and messages, closing thoughtsLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!Resources:www.SheilaAthens.com We Should All Be MillionairesJennie NashSign up for Dara's NewsletterListen to other podcast episodes HereConnect with Dara on Instagram and FacebookVisit DaraLevan.comVisit DaraLevan.com

Why is the fight against book banning so crucial for maintaining diverse viewpoints, and how can literature empower us to embrace empathy and understanding?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes bestselling author Emily Bleeker. This episode is a must-listen for writers and book enthusiasts as it delves into the art of weaving historical truths into fiction, a technique brilliantly showcased in Bleeker's latest novel, "Once We Were Enemies," inspired by her grandmother's wartime experiences. You'll hear Bleker and Levan offer a critical examination of media bias, and advocate for open access to diverse perspectives, especially amid book-banning controversies in places like Florida. Emily shares her own journey from a conservative upbringing to embracing diversity, largely influenced by her children's identities. Through heartfelt exchanges, this episode emphasizes the value of perseverance and the profound impact of empathy and connection in personal and collective transformation. It's a rich narrative tapestry that resonates deeply with those passionate about the written word and its power to change lives.  Emily Bleeker is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of seven novels. Combined, her books have reached over two million readers and counting. When she's not writing or mom-ing, Emily performs on the house team of a local improv group in suburban Chicago where she lives with her husband, kids and kitten muse, Hazel.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Emily's fiction has been inspired at times by mysterious and exciting family anecdotes, blending fact and emotion, discussing today's parallels to WWII, and the power of firsthand experience (08:09) Exploring bias and truth in media, fiction vs. nonfiction story, media literacy and book banning, humanitarian implications (12:20) Changing perspectives through empathy, being a parent of non-binary and LGBTQ+ children, book banning and religious programming (17:23) Emily's journey to embracing diversity and personal growth, divorce, conservative beliefs and family history, grace and openness (25:00) Challenges and rewards of pursuing difficult but meaningful paths, perseverance and personal growth Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources: https://emilybleeker.com/ Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

How did author and writing teacher Sarahlyn Bruck's journey through unexpected twists and turns in the publishing world lead to her ultimate success as an author?  Today host Dara Levan welcomes Sarahlyn Bruck to discuss the intricate paths of the publishing world. Sarahlyn's setbacks, and ultimate success, reveal her belief in the power of perseverance and the crucial role of timing in the industry. Sarahlyn candidly shares her experiences with various publishing houses and the significance of persistence. You'll hear her views on feedback and encouragement as a writer, the intersection of writing and past careers, and the mental health benefits of running. With an emphasis on authenticity and positive reinforcement, Sarahlyn and Dara explore the transformative nature of writing and the vital support needed in creative endeavors. With heartfelt anecdotes and insights, this episode is a celebration of creative evolution and the enduring belief in oneself.  Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). Sarahlyn lives in Philadelphia with her family and is a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Intro to author Sarahlyn Bruck - perseverance, timing, and the lessons learned from agent feedback, challenges of finding an agent (09:34) Receiving feedback, balancing criticism with positive reinforcement, the crossover between storytelling and math(14:00) Running and walking for mental and physical health, exercise myths(18:00) “No bad kids” and enjoying your children's vibes and evolution(20:40) The evolution of the Every Soul podcast, (celebrating four years!)(22:35) Transforming personally before, during, and after writing a book, the Pitch Wars experience(27:05) Artists and the encouragement from loved ones, the importance of someone believing in your talents(31:00) Closing thoughts, how to get in touch with SarahlynLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources: Sarahlyn Bruck Sarahlyn Bruck Links Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @sarahlynbruck Pitch Wars Comes to an End Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

We all live with the possibility that we won't wake up one day, but not everyone is consciously aware of that fact. Today's guest lives with a daily reminder of her mortality. In today's episode, you'll hear from Andra Watkins, a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating writing and soul-stirring speeches. Andra, who has navigated the waves of adversity with unwavering resilience and turned her life into an adventurous journey, offered us an enlightening conversation about life, growth, and self-discovery.   Andra discusses her challenging circumstances and the path she's forged. She was diagnosed with a chronic parasitic illness that led to partial blindness and grappled with family dysfunction; yet, she chose not to let these issues define her life. Listen to the episode to hear what she has to say about her medical challenges, the manipulative dynamics within her family, empathy, and her pursuit of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth.   Topics Discussed in This Episode   ●      Discussion on Andra's life-changing diagnosis and its impact on her life's perspective ●      Andra's pursuit of adventure and exploration ●      Deep dive into Andra's past and the dynamics of her family ●      Andra's experiences with gaslighting, manipulation, and narcisstic personality disorder ●      Importance of compassion and empathy in dealing ●      Conversation on Andra's struggles with setting boundaries, particularly with her mother ●      Loving family members from a distance and estrangement ●      Discussion on Andra's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth ●      Exploration of how adversities shape our identities ●      Reflection on finding blessings in challenging situations  Resources Andra Watkins 

Bringing my first book to life felt like an emotional adventure akin to childbirth—filled with excitement, challenges, and profound self-discovery. In this heartfelt solo episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," I open up about the intense journey of editing, revising, and ultimately letting go of my "book baby." With poignant advice from a dear friend guiding me, I reflect on the incredible personal and professional growth I've experienced over the past six months. A highlight I cherish deeply is the warmth and acceptance I felt at my initial big book event in Miami, where the esteemed Brad Meltzer introduced me, marking my official entry into the literary world.  Celebrating the power of connection, I dedicate a substantial part of this episode to the meaningful exchanges I've had with listeners and readers through social media. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, my website, or email, your messages and stories are a vital part of this journey. I promise to respond to each one, as these interactions bring immense joy and foster our vibrant community. Tune in to uncover more about my ongoing work on my second book and the essential lessons learned, all while navigating the often tumultuous path with integrity and kindness.  Topics Discussed in This Episode The exhilarating and challenging journey of publishing a first bookReflections on valuable advice from a friend about letting go once a book is published A memorable moment at Dara's first big book event in Miami, where Brad Meltzer introduced herThe importance of communication and maintaining integrity and kindness while navigating challengesThe role of social media in connecting with listeners and readersDara's ongoing work on her second book and the lessons learned from her first book's journeyInsights on protecting oneself emotionally and professionally, including setting boundaries and recognizing the importance of community supportAdvice on being open to helping others with communication challenges and maintaining high standardsThe significance that every reader has Personal stories of meaningful interactions at book eventsThe importance of listening to one's body and setting boundaries as acts of self-love and respect for others Resources:Dara Levan Dara on Instagram Dara on Substack 

What does it mean to receive an autism diagnosis in your 40s? Today's guest, Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D., shares her unique journey of navigating life with a late autism diagnosis—an experience surprisingly common, particularly among women. Katie is an accomplished author, mental health advocate, professor, and mother who brings a rich blend of personal and professional expertise to the conversation. Diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and autism, she has become a powerful voice in the mental health and neurodiversity communities. Katie has authored several influential books, including A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education and Even If You're Broken: Bodies, Boundaries, and Mental Health, both of which have won prestigious awards. Her newest work, Parenting Neurodiversity: An Insider's Companion, is forthcoming from Johns Hopkins University Press and provides a firsthand perspective on raising neurodivergent children. She is also an author of fiction books, including The Hollywood Lights Series.  In addition to her writing, Katie is a sought-after keynote speaker and educator who draws on her academic and lived experiences to shed light on mental health, disability, and neurodiversity. As an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she combines her academic background with her passion for advocacy, frequently contributing to national publications like The Chronicle of Higher Education and Psychology Today. In this episode, Katie talks candidly about the intersection of gender, identity, and neurodivergence, drawing from her experiences growing up in the 1980s, navigating societal expectations, and parenting a neurodiverse child. Katie also delves into her work within the equestrian world, where she founded the NeuroEq show team to promote awareness and accommodation for neurodivergent riders. Join us as we explore the complexities of autism, neurodiversity, and identity through the lens of Katie's remarkable journey, learning from her insights into how we can all better understand and support neurodivergent individuals in every aspect of life.  Topics Discussed in This Episode  Katie's journey of receiving an autism diagnosis in her 40s and the high rate of undiagnosed autistic women and girls The high rates of non-binary and queer identification within the autistic community and their vulnerability Katie's reflection on her upbringing as an autistic girl in the 80s and the struggle to conform to societal norms The intersection between gender identity and neurodivergence Parenting a neurodivergent child with comorbidities and its impact on family dynamics The influence of Katie's own diagnoses on her treatment compliance The importance of incorporating neurodivergent characters in fiction and how Katie's books reflect neurodiversity The effort to raise awareness and gain accommodations for neurodivergent individuals in the equestrian world  Resources  Katie Rose Pryal 

The journey of “Every Soul Has a Story” began with an unexpected Instagram Live session during the early COVID-19 lockdown. These impromptu conversations, born out of a need for connection, have grown into a sanctuary for authentic dialogues. This season opener is a heartfelt recounting of my personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the profound loss of loved ones. It's a testament to the power of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments, which have become the cornerstone of this podcast.   We're kicking off this season with stories that embody resilience and authenticity. Joining us are Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins, two remarkable women whose narratives will inspire you to embrace your true self and the support of those around you. Together, we'll delve into how living in alignment with your values can empower you to overcome adversity and live a fuller life. I invite you to enter a space where genuine connections thrive, and perfection is left at the door. Your engagement is invaluable, and I'm excited to share upcoming episodes that will further unpack these compelling themes.  Topics Discussed in This Episode Introduction to the new season of "Every Soul Has a Story" Reflection on the podcast's beginnings as an Instagram Live show during COVID-19 lockdown Dara's personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the loss of loved ones The importance of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments The podcast's evolution from spontaneous chats to structured interviews The role of authenticity and connection in the podcast Introduction to the first two guests of the season, Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins Professor and author Katie Rose Pryal's journey of resilience, including her diagnosis of autism and bipolar disorder Author and speaker Andra Watkins' story of overcoming chronic illness and family challenges Ways for listeners to find Dara online and connect with the podcast community  Resources Dara Levan Dara on Instagram Dara on Substack 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!Quotes:"I as a kid definitely did not envision this as my future. Not at all. I mean it didn't even occur to me.” “We existed kind of in radical opposition to each other.” “I think maybe replacement children may be prone to having some survivor's guilt.”

Allison Hong Merrill is a self-professed loveaholic. We discussed living, loving, and letting go. And how the choices we make to find joy come from within. 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. 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.

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.Tune in here for an inspiring, evocative conversation.

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.What an insightful, honest conversation. Sariah shared about her incredible publishing journey, parenting four kids, and much more.

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.

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. We talked about thriving after childhood abuse, living authentically, breaking the cycle, finding and using your voice, self love, and much more!

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.

Every Soul Has a Story with guest @swetavikram. 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.

Every Soul Has a Story with guest Lieutenant Tina Guiler. What began as a Facebook group, Triple F has grown to 7,000 members in 56 countries. Triple F stands for Fierce Female First Responders, The Triple F Foundation was founded in 2020 by its president, Miami-Dade Lieutenant Tina Guiler. 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!

Every Soul Has A Story LIVE with guest Barri Grant @thememorycircle. Barri, chief grief officer ®, has combined her background as a yoga and meditation teacher with a personal mission to heal and help the bereaved. 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. 

What a fun, lively, and connective conversation! In case you missed today's Every Soul Has A Story LIVE, watch it HERE! (We missed you @lizfenton1 ) but Lisa @lisaandliz shared your publishing and friendship journey.

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.

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!

Every Soul Has A Story LIVEwith guest @parentcompass Cindy Muchnick.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.

Julianna Miner 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!

Every Soul Has a Story LIVE hosted by Dara Levan with guest Rea Frey!What an insightful chat! Thank you, Rea, for sharing your inspiring story. I loved our conversation. Listen here.We discussed social media, turning off to tune into ourselves, healing modalities, creating, publishing paths, podcasting, boundaries, parenthood, and so much more.

Every Soul Has A Story Podcast hosted by Dara Levan with guest Meredith Schorr! We chatted about romance, writing inspiration, authenticity on and off the page—and lots of laughter in between! A born and bred New Yorker and “lifelong daydreamer,” Meredith fueled her passion for writing everything from restaurant reviews, original birthday cards, and even work-related emails into a career penning romantic comedies. When she's not writing books filled with grand gestures and hard-earned happily-ever-afters or working as a trademark paralegal, she's most often reading, running, or watching TV…for research, of course. Meredith's trade paperback debut with Grand Central Publishing/Forever, AS SEEN ON TV, published on June 7, 2022.

Every Soul Has a Story LIVE With guest Jean Meltzer. Grateful for our honest, heartwarming conversation! 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.

Every Soul Has a Story LIVE With guest Maggie Giles

Every Soul Has A Story Podcast hosted by Dara Levan with guest, Nina Badzin. Nina and I discussed one of my favorite topics — FRIENDSHIP. We talked about boundaries, navigating social media, parenting, and how relationships evolve.Unfiltered conversation. Real talk in real time.

Every Soul Has a Story LIVE Guest @darcey_gohring_writer

Every Soul Has a Story LIVE With guest @c.dangelo.author What a fun, insightful conversation! Thank you to C D'Angelo for tonight's discussion about 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!

Every Soul Has a Story LIVEWith guest @meghan.riordan.jarvis @griefismysidehustleLast night I texted Meghan at 9:30. I sensed like many of us she was wide awake. Processing. Grieving. Feeling. And providing support not only to her own family but her clients as well.I wrote, “Are you feeling spontaneous?”“What do you mean by that?” she replied.I asked her if she'd jump on my Every Soul Has a Story LIVE podcast today. She said she wished she could but she's booked solid. Then, a rainbow in this horrific storm, Meghan reached out to me literally an hour ago.

REAL TALK IN REAL TIME With guest Natalie Silverstein @simpleactsguide 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. Thank you, Natalie.

Dara Levan chats with Robert Gwaltney Jr. Author an advocate for early childhood literacy. Robert shared about his publishing journey, losing his sister at a young age, growing up as one of “four feral boys” in a small Georgia town, and balancing his writing life with a full-time job at Easter Seals of Atlanta. And we chatted about Robert's stunning debut novel, “The Cicada Tree.”This is our second conversation in three days. And the first ever Saturday morning EVERY SOUL HAS A STORY LIVE. We didn't plan to chat twice. But the Universe had other plans.A gracious, generous soul, Robert pivoted with me. Today's connective conversation included laughter when my phone fell mid-recording! We decided our collective energy must just be that ebullient.

Dara Levan chats with Steven Rowley on Every Soul Has A Story Podcast. They talk about grieving (humans and pets), overcoming challenges, rejection in publishing, and Steven's passion for telling poignant, witty, and heartwarming stories.Steven is the author of bestselling book LILY AND THE OCTOPUS, THE EDITOR, and his latest novel, THE GUNCLE. His writing has been published in twenty languages. His works are in development stages of being made into feature films.Steven has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College.

Dara Levan chats with author and blogger, Alison Hammer!If you missed our conversation, you can watch it here! 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.Alison is co-writing an upcoming book with @bradeighgodfrey, which will release in June! Check out their process and journey at @alibradybooks.

Every Soul Has A Story LIVE episode with guest @maggiesmithwrites.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Maggie is a former psychologist and CEO/founder of a national art consulting company. In 2017 she pursued her dream to become a full-time writer.​​​​​ Maggie is also the host of “Hear Us Roar," a podcast for the Women's Fiction Writers Association. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Her debut novel, TRUTH AND OTHER LIES, will be released next week. The novel is at its heart about how, at a formative age, young women often pattern themselves after someone older and seemingly wiser and how that choice can affect the trajectory of their lives.​​​​

Dara Levan and Dara Kurtz discuss finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. A podcast episode on self-care, love, loss, life lessons and being grateful for everyday moments.