Fierce Conversations with Toby

Change doesn't happen overnight. But progress is progress, no matter how small. Take a moment today to celebrate those small wins—every step forward counts. Whether it's completing a task or making a decision, honor your journey and recognize the growth in each day.

Fear is a natural feeling, but it doesn't have to control us. Letting go of fear is about making peace with uncertainty. Trust that you have the resilience to handle whatever comes your way. Let fear be the fuel that drives you forward instead of the anchor that holds you back.

Self-belief is the foundation of everything you do. You have everything you need inside you right now. No one else has your unique combination of gifts, strengths, and experiences. Trust yourself. Believe that you are ready for the next chapter.

Courage isn't always about grand gestures—it's built in the small, everyday steps we take toward change. In this episode of Fierce Bits, we explore how embracing small acts of bravery can lead to powerful transformation. Whether it's speaking up, stepping forward, or simply refusing to give up, every moment of courage matters. Because real change starts with one bold step at a time.

In this episode of Fierce Bits, we dive into the transformative power of choice. Change starts with a mindset shift, and the first step is recognizing that you have the power to choose your path. It's easy to feel stuck in the face of uncertainty, but today, we're embracing the idea that your next step is yours to decide. We'll explore how small choices can lead to big transformations and how shifting your mindset can open doors to new possibilities. Tune in to reclaim your power and start making choices that align with the future you want to create.

What wisdom would you share with the person you once were? In this Life-Changing Questions episode of Fierce Bits, we pause to reflect on the lessons, love, and encouragement we'd offer our younger selves. What would you say? And more importantly—are you listening to that advice now? Join us for a moment of reflection and self-compassion.

When you're in the middle of a struggle, it's easy to feel stuck or defeated. But what if this challenge isn't just an obstacle—it's a stepping stone? In this Life-Changing Questions episode of Fierce Bits, we explore how adversity can shape, strengthen, and prepare you for something greater than you ever imagined. Take a moment to shift your perspective and discover the hidden growth within your challenges.

Life moves fast, but have you paused to ask yourself: What truly matters most to me? And more importantly—Am I living in alignment with it? In this short yet powerful Fierce Bits episode, we invite you to reflect on your values, priorities, and the small (or big) shifts that could bring you closer to a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. Take a deep breath, tune in, and let this moment of reflection guide your next step.

Fear holds us back from the life we're meant to live. In this short but powerful Fierce Bits episode, Toby challenges you to ask yourself: What would you do if you weren't afraid? When we strip away fear, we uncover our deepest desires and boldest dreams. Take a moment to reflect—what's waiting for you on the other side of fear?

One quiet act of defiance changed the course of history. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her quiet strength ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparking a movement that challenged racial injustice and reshaped the fight for civil rights. This Fierce Bit honors Rosa Parks' unwavering courage and the power of one moment to inspire change.

Harriet Tubman risked everything for freedom—not just her own, but for countless others. Escaping slavery was only the beginning; she returned again and again, guiding over 70 enslaved people to safety through the Underground Railroad. With unwavering faith and fearless determination, she defied the odds and became a beacon of hope. This Fierce Bit honors her extraordinary bravery and the legacy of liberation she left behind.

In this Fierce Flashbacks episode, we take a hard look at the fight for criminal justice reform—unraveling the injustices, the systemic failures, and the voices demanding change. Through past conversations with advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and legal experts, we explore the cracks in the system and the movements working to create a fairer, more humane approach to justice. From sentencing disparities to prison conditions, and wrongful convictions to second chances, this episode revisits powerful moments that shine a light on what needs to change—and how we can be part of that transformation. Because justice isn't just a concept—it's a fight worth having.

For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of division and oppression. But on November 9, 1989, the courage of ordinary people demanding freedom shattered that barrier. As protests grew and pressure mounted, the wall finally fell, marking the end of the Cold War and a powerful victory for unity. This Fierce Bit honors the resilience of those who dared to dream of a world without walls.

At just 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban's oppressive rule in Pakistan, refusing to be silenced in her fight for girls' education. Even after surviving an assassination attempt, she continued her advocacy, becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her courage reminds us that one voice can spark global change. This Fierce Bit honors Malala's unwavering determination to ensure that every girl has the right to learn.

On August 28, 1963, over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand civil rights, justice, and equality. This historic march became a defining moment in the fight for freedom, culminating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Their courage in the face of injustice changed history. This Fierce Bit honors their bravery and reminds us that collective action has the power to transform the world.

Fierce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute. Today, A Sequoia's Strength: Standing the Test of Time Sequoias stand tall for centuries because they intertwine their roots with others. Strength doesn't come from standing alone; it comes from connection.

Ferce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute. Today, A Butterfly's Transformation: Growth Through Change. The caterpillar's world ends in the cocoon, but that's where transformation begins. Growth often feels like the end, but it's really the start of something beautiful.

Fierce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute. Today, The Adaptability of a River: Carving its Path Through Rock. Rivers don't resist obstacles -- they flow around them wearing them down over time. Life's challenges aren't barriers but opportunities to find your flow.

Join us for this special episode of Fierce Flashbacks, where we spotlight authors sharing the stories behind their books. From the inspiration that sparked their creativity to the challenges they faced along the way, these storytellers take us behind the scenes of their writing journeys. Discover the passion and purpose that brought their words to life.

Fierce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute. Today, A Hummingbird's Journey: Small but Mighty. Hummingbirds are tiny, yet they travel thousands of miles on sheer determination. You don't need to be big to make a big impact -- just determined.

Fierce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute. Today, the Resilience of Trees. After a storm, a broken tree may seem lifeless, but with time, new leaves sprout. Like the tree, we too can regrow, stronger than before. Resilience isn't about avoiding the storm; it's about thriving after it.

“The past is a foreign country…” In this Fierce Bit, we explore L.P. Hartley's thought-provoking first line from The Go-Between. It's a reminder that while we can't relive the past, we can reflect on its lessons. What does this line inspire in you about your own journey?

“All children, except one, grow up.” In today's Fierce Bit, J.M. Barrie's wistful line from Peter Pan reminds us of the fleeting magic of childhood. Explore how this opening invites us to carry the wonder and imagination of youth into every stage of life. A little spark of nostalgia and hope!  

“Call me Ishmael.” This Fierce Bit unpacks the simplicity and mystery of Herman Melville's opening to Moby-Dick. Learn how these three words invite us into a profound journey and remind us that even the simplest beginnings can lead to transformation.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Charles Dickens' famous words from A Tale of Two Cities resonate through the ages. This Fierce Bit uncovers how duality shapes our lives and how growth often springs from the tension between opposites. Tune in for a spark of insight!

In this powerful episode of Fierce Conversations, we revisit heartfelt moments that explore the unbreakable bond between love and resilience. Through personal stories and deep reflections, we uncover how love—whether for others or oneself—can become a wellspring of strength during life's most challenging seasons. From enduring heartbreak to discovering the courage to rebuild, this episode celebrates the beauty of human connection and the resilience it inspires. Tune in for a journey of vulnerability, empowerment, and the transformative power of love.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged…” Today's Fierce Bit dives into Jane Austen's iconic opening from Pride and Prejudice. Discover how this single line challenges societal norms and invites us to question the 'truths' we often take for granted. A moment of irony, wit, and timeless wisdom—all in under a minute!

My guest, Rosalyn Rourke, MSW, has worked as a psychotherapist for over 30 years, specializing in trauma resilience, body dysmorphia, and imagined unworthiness (shame). After the unexpected death of her daughter, Melissa, Rosalyn experienced what many would call a Spiritual Awakening. This led her to write the bestselling memoir and non-dual fable When Wisdom Arrives: From Imagined Unworthiness to Freedom. The book delves into her journey of releasing profound grief, body dysmorphia, mother-daughter struggles, and imagined unworthiness. Rosalyn's chapter 'Quantum Belonging: Embracing Life Beyond Limitations' in the book Become Empowered became an Amazon Bestseller.   Currently, Rosalyn works as a Master Enneagram teacher and Oneness Coach, helping people discover the deeper meaning in their lives so that they experience, passion, purpose, and possibility through personality flexibility.

Candace Newman is an author, artist, teacher, and aromatherapy licensed massage therapist.  Her book, Your Inner River of Peace: Ten Messages of Love, is a Guide for building a deep, loving relationship with Your own Inner River of Peace. Her life experiences with the Messages, along with the Four Themes pave the way. Her Touch With Oils® work is based on Ten Principles and Ten Motions of Stillness. They support this devotion. www.TouchWithOilsInstitute.com  

Erica Richmond is the author of three books including: Pixie and the Bees, a whimsical tale about learning to trust yourself while living with an invisible illness; Pixie and the Fox, a story about remembering that you get to decide you are; and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, a collection of mail art from around the world that chronicles the Covid-19 pandemic. Through her business Open Sky Stories, Erica leads a variety of workshops and speaking engagements which focus on creative unblocking, the importance of sharing our stories, and overcoming our inner critic. Erica lives in Peterborough, Ontario finding joy and beauty in her messy and imperfect life. Follow her on social media @OpenSkyStories and visit her website: openskystories.ca Website: https://openskystories.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openskystories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openskystories

Originally from the VA/DC/MD area, Audrey is a devoted mother of two adult children, a proud grandmother of three, and the widow of former Army Lieutenant James Harrell. Audrey's personal interests include traveling, spending time with family, and rehabbing houses. In 2012, she founded Built by Her, a real estate investment company that established an apprenticeship program to help incarcerated women acquire skilled trades in the construction industry. In 2021, Audrey relocated with her husband to St. Paul, Minnesota and currently serves as the Executive Director of Hope House - St. Croix Valley, an adult foster care home. Audrey's career spans over 20 years, during which she has held senior-level positions in management, fundraising, strategic planning, and program development across various nonprofits and governmental agencies in the U.S. Audrey has worked with women bringing forth life as a birth doula and families experiencing a loss of life as a Grief Coach and Family Mediator. Audrey believes that her journey is part of a larger plan. Her commitment to improving the lives of others, especially those in need, is a testament to her dedication and compassionate nature. Audrey Harrell continues to inspire through her leadership, community involvement, and unwavering faith in her mission to serve and uplift those around her.

Priscilla Coleman Jenkins' mission is accomplished through her non-profit organization, Overcomers Journey Through Scriptural Prayers Ministries. The purpose is to foster hope and healing through her YouTube Channel, virtual and in-person-songs, scriptural prayers, and book readings at community events, nursing homes, hospice hospitals and local churches. Priscilla's books are the resource used for this purpose. Priscilla Coleman Jenkins is a retired music educator, singer, composer, YouTuber, and author of six books about her experiences of faith and God's love. Priscilla's first book, “An Overcomers' Journey from the Effects of Abuse Through Scriptural Prayers” is her autobiography that describes abuses and social isolation from an early age through young adulthood to a turbulent marriage for twenty-five years. The effects of her life manifested into suicidal thoughts, severe depression, PTSD, and an eating disorder. After divorce at age fifty she began the process of breakthrough from the past with application and diligent meditation of the word of God. Her autobiography includes a self-help section for the reader. The book has provided hope and healing in nursing homes, detention centers, prisons in Maryland, West Virginia and California. It also has been a resource for Women's Conferences, Bible Studies and personal use in Japan, Germany and throughout the United States. Find her on social media: @overcomersjourneythroughscript Or on her website:https://www.overcomerthroughprayer.org

Susan Mathews is a mother, author, speaker, and co-founder of Love Without Reason. Love Without Reason is a nonprofit that works to fight human trafficking, prevent it and end it before it starts. The organization was birthed through the journey of her first child, Philip. After obtaining her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and nursing, she went on to get her Master of Science in Nursing and served for over twenty years in the healthcare industry from CNA to Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner. She is the wife of Santhosh Mathews, and mother to Philip, Sara and Caleb. Her experiences with her children inspired her first book, "A Mother's Heart," sharing the daily struggles of parents of "normal" children and those with special needs. She and Philip wrote "If Philip Can, You Can Too" and she published it posthumously for Philip. It became an Amazon best seller in its category. Raising a child with multiple craniofacial differences to excel against all the medical odds and graduate from high school is a story she shares around the globe. Grieving the loss of a child, picking up the mantle of his dream, and driving her surviving children forward is a challenge she inspires in her audience. She has traveled to countries from Sweden to South Africa, sharing her story, motivating her audience in faith, and relaying the joy that can come after grief. In 2014, she laid down her stethoscope and picked up the spear to fight human trafficking and set captives free, physically and spiritually, through the work of Love Without Reason. info@lovewithoutreason.org l ovewithoutreason.org

Serene Singh is a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford pursuing a Doctoral degree in Criminology. Singh completed her postgraduate studies in Public Policy as the youngest student in Oxford's global cohort of 100+ individuals. A Truman Scholar, Fulbright recipient, and an alumnus of the University of Colorado, Singh graduated with summa cum laude honors in Political Science and Journalism degrees and attained a minor in Leadership Studies. Her work towards women's empowerment also led her to create The Serenity Project 501c3 nonprofit to give confidence and self-love tools to women survivors, write a best-selling children's book named The Queen Machine for young girls to develop confidence, win Victoria Secret's GRL PWR campaign (women's empowerment award), become a Diana Award recipient (UK's highest humanitarian award) perform a keynote at university's like Yale and California State Channel Islands, and serve as a Dalai Lama Fellow, US Selected Swiss Embassy Global Changemaker, and most recently, become a 2024-2025 John Lewis Fellow. Her other hobbies include teaching students public speaking professionally with 3P Speech, painting, snowboarding, and videography. Singh plans to advance her passion for public service to one day serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Shamayne Olivia is an author, a motivational speaker and a difference maker Shamayne's authentic message guides women on a path towards personal and professional growth by fostering a renewed sense of passion, purpose, and confidence. Her workshop empowers women with the essential tools to get unstuck and move beyond the behaviors and patterns preventing them from realizing their full potential. Some of our fierce topics today: [00: 6;24;] I just one thing about that situation is after he and I did the divorce and we went on our separate paths and we found our, we found what was best for us. He was killed in an accident four years after that. [00:12:35] And I had a dream, Toby, it came to me in a dream. And, dreams are special to me, but I only have them occasionally where they speak to me. And this one spoke to me on a level that I had never had before. So I was dreaming that I was going for a walk with a coworker. I worked in corporate America, and we used to walk on our breaks and things like that. [00:14:02] And I was sitting there and I when I looked into the mirror, I felt a warmth wash over me and it said, I heard these words in my head, and it said you were going to teach women to find shoes for their journey. And I was I immediately knew that was going to be my mission, my calling. [00:25:17] And it was important for me to understand who my support group is and who are the people that I needed boundaries with. Because I had let a lot of people into my life that were not helping me. They were bringing me down or not encouraging. And, it was not good for my life. [00:32:43] Well, this is going to be something I when when I first thought about this question, because this was one that you had mentioned that you might ask me, I did some thinking on it and I was trying to think of all those words that inspire people. And the one that came to me just this morning because, that's how a lot of things come to me is right when I need them. My word is women. [guest bio] Shamayne's transformational journey started with a simple question, “Who am I?” He decades-long quest to reclaim her identity led to profound insights and realizations that are the foundation of her business, Shoes that Fit Her Soul, LLC. Links mentioned in this episode:  [guest] https://www.instagram.com/shamayneolivia/  ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/

Kristin Caruso is a writer, editor, and researcher. She has a background in public relations and print journalism. Before Kristin joined Gaming Historian (hosted by her husband, Norman Caruso), she was an award-winning columnist and reporter. Kristin has a bachelor's degree in communications from Simmons College. Previously, she co-hosted the “Let's Go to Court” podcast. Currently, Kristin and Norm are co-hosts of An Ole Timey Podcast. Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [00:07:11] Writers often struggle with giving up control of their work to others. [00:09:47] An email was sent asking to join the novel critique group with a memoir, and it was agreed that it was fine. The chapter shared was so gripping that it was hard to believe it was nonfiction. [00:23:40] learned the most about writing and interviewing from Kristin's high school journalism teacher, Susan Massey. [00:25:21] People not from the Midwest often assume that everyone there knows each other, but it's actually a big place. [00:25:35] Kansas City has a small-town feel where it seems like everyone knows everyone. About Kristin Caruso: Kristin Caruso co-hosts An Old Timey Podcast. The show allows Kristin to justify her late-night deep dives into art heists, royal drama and old timey mysteries. She is a writer, a mutt enthusiast, and is only occasionally inappropriate.  Links mentioned in this episode: Kristin Caruso: An Ole Timey Podcast: https://linktr.ee/OldTimeyPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@GamingHistorian https://www.instagram.com/kristinpittscaruso/ ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/

As a Reality existential therapist, Jacqueline Stuckey shares with her patients the "choices" they indeed have to improve their lives but may not realize it. She also helps patients assess how they understand their existence in this life. Jackie's background is in drug and alcohol counseling. Sometimes all you might need is an ear to listen to your most intimate of moments. That's where she comes in.  Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [00:02:46] I wanted to stop (drinking), but I didn't know how because I was surrounded by people who drank and nobody was interested in stopping and I couldn't get advice. [00:05:26] I was in a domestic violence situation. So, I'm a survivor. That was hard to deal with. So, I was in two situations. I married two men who were know violent. And not only that, but they were also addicts. The second husband was an addict, and it kept setting me back. Every time he would use, you know, he would run away from the house. He would steal from the house, steal from me. I was working on my undergraduate at the time. And it's very difficult to go to school when you don't know where your husband is, or if he's dead or alive. [00:08:12] It was God who heard my cry when I was drinking and down. I didn't know how to stop; no earthly measures could help me. So I remember praying one night, uh, actually it was one day for God to take my life because I just couldn't continue on that way. [00:16:25] I wanted to be a counselor. I wanted to give back. And so, because she made the enrollment process so comfortable for me, it seems like God just opened the doors for me. [00:23:10] It hides in the dark and it tells you can't talk to anybody about these things. But you can. And once you start talking about shame, when you expose it, but of course you must have a safe space to do it. Then, as you said, the healing can begin. [00:29:35] People shouldn't be afraid to talk about tough, scary, unpleasant issues. About Jacqueline Stuckey: In her stunning memoir, Restoring the Southpaw: Abused Stalked Restored, Jacqueline Stuckey shares that regardless of a life dominated by parental and partner mental and physical abuse, teen pregnancies, addiction, phobias, and anxiety, she came back from the brink of desperation, renewed her strength, and reclaimed a positive productive life beyond her wildest dreams.  She restored her life. Links mentioned in this episode: Jacqueline Stuckey: Jackie's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7Zafn8i https://www.facebook.com/jackie.m.stuckey ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/

Katrina Butler is a certified social impact consultant and a restorative justice facilitator. She is also the author of a book written for children of incarcerated parents. Katrina is a resilient woman who transforms life's adversities into opportunities that inspire others. She believes in paying it forward by advocating for second chances, trauma-informed care, alternative sentencing and giving voice to those individuals let down by society. Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [02:30] I was one (incarcerated parent) that was not lucky enough to have regular visits from my children, or even regular phone calls from my children because they had to take care of themselves. When I left, my 18-year-old daughter got custody of my three younger underage children and they were just trying to make it through life the same way I was on the inside. [05:58] (My book) I took it from my lived experience, but it was just put in my heart to make the character a little boy and him losing his father. So it's about the initial shock of a child losing their parent. The mother is upset. He's saying how his house is just so quiet now, void of the father's presence. He doesn't want to play with his friends. And then in talking to one of his close friends, he finds she has a secret too. [09:13] I left them at a very important part of their life. I missed my youngest daughter's graduation and that hurt me. Especially when I heard her during a phone conversation. She says, Mom, I never thought my graduation would be this way… And yeah, they are incarcerated in their own prison as well with dealing with their own emotions trying to figure things out without the parent there. [00:10:32] trauma comes out in bits and pieces here and there as things happen or things are triggered. [00:12:32] I took my very last check and incorporated my business, Different Souls of One Accord. I got the website, the logo, and it's been existing since. And I am a social impact, project consultant company where I collaborate with different nonprofits and I help build programs that focus on things that I believe will be instrumental to the successful re-entry for individuals. I also provide legal services for men on the inside as well. [00:13:26] I use my lived experience to build programs, the infrastructure for programs that I know will communicate and speak the same language and support those coming home. [00:19:54] It's okay to stand up and say, you know what, this doesn't feel good. This doesn't work for me. And you don't have to be ugly or rude about it. About Katrina Butler: Katrina Butler's unwavering commitment to advocacy is deeply rooted in her strong spiritual beliefs. With the support of her network, family and close friends, she continues to uphold and promote her principles with integrity, compassion, and determination. Katrina firmly believes in the power of truth and the importance of acknowledging one's roots. She is known to live by the words, “Never forget where you came from and stand on your truth no matter what.” It is only when we stand on our truth that we can foster personal growth and work toward the betterment of humanity. Links mentioned in this episode: Katrina Butler: https://www.differentsouls1accord.com/ www.sofarsoclose.org So far, So close: Children Coping with the Incarceration of their Loved Ones by Katrina McCutchen Butler ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/

Bex Gunn considers herself a nomad. She's lived in 8 different states and seems to be able to find herself at home in just about any social circle. Music, tattooing, and poetry are the hobbies she's most passionate about. But her biggest purpose is helping people through the human experience, with love and kindness. Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [02:45] The hardest decision that I ever had to make was leaving my kids behind because I was in active addiction and I had to leave the state because I couldn't stop using. [14:45] Therapy is what helped me. And the reason I think that is because everybody that I know who has a form of addiction has an underlying mental illness that's not being treated. And I think that's, where we're failing as a society is because we're looking at mental illness and addiction as two separate things. [20:38] People who are incarcerated need some sort of advocate for their basic human rights - to be treated like human beings. [00:25:52] They're breeding recidivism just to make money. And, I don't think they're doing it just inside the correctional system. I think it's inside the judicial system too, because every time you take an inmate from El Paso County jail, (yeah, I'm calling them out) - every time they take an inmate from El Paso County Jail over to the courthouse, they get $100. [00:29:50] I mean, honestly, it's like our country has gotten so big and full of itself that we've decided who gets to be human beings and who doesn't. And that's really disappointing. [00:35:30] Accountability is super important, and it took a long time for me to get to that point where I was like, oh, I did this. I'm responsible for that because the only thing I can control, the only emotions and behaviors I can control is me. And so, I need to make sure that I control that because, like you said, if I'm putting out like anger and negative energy and vibrations, that actually attracts those kind of vibrations towards you. [00:40:45] And you're really only living half of a life. You're not unlocked because you're still holding stuff in for yourself and you gotta get rid of that. You gotta shed that part of your life so you can build a new one. I've lived like eight lives in this lifetime. About Bex Gunn Bex Gunn is a unique individual, rich with wisdom from life's lessons. A conversation with her will open your eyes. Here's one of my favorite Bex quotes, “music is what feelings sound like.” Links mentioned in this episode: Bex Gunn: https://www.facebook.com/florasunshine ____________________________________  Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/ 

Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. Her courses and training focus on author platform growth and creative ways to market books, especially for those who know nothing about marketing. She is also the founder and host of the Women in Publishing Summit and owns two publishing houses. In her spare time, she writes RomComs, usually set in Paris, France. Some of our fierce topics today: [09:48] You can't run from it. I mean, trust me, I tried and one of my scenarios was I just kept myself as busy as I didn't realize that I was doing it, but until years of therapy showed me this, but I just kept myself so busy and just adding more and more and more. And, you know, stuffing it all down. [12:58] When the event is super, super traumatic, it's really hard to find gratitude. [16:59] But one of the things that it's ironic, God places people in your life that you just need to know, about a year and a half before she transferred and, became the commander of our organization, her 20 year old was killed in an accident. And, she had also lost a baby at birth. Even though I had left the military by this point in time, we stayed in touch. She was just a beacon of light for me. [00:18:16] I have been very rich when it comes to finding people who have mentored me and helped me through different pieces of this journey, and I'm just, I'm so grateful to them, and so I try to also give that back to other people whenever the opportunity arises. [00:24:05] I chose to not stay stuck where I was. And that was really scary because when you've lost a child, it's very hard to stop grieving because you feel like you're afraid that you may forget them or that you're doing a disservice. I named my first company after her Kat Biggie Press and it's kept her very, very present in everything that I do. About Alexa Bigwarfe: Alexa Bigwarfe is the founder of Kat Biggie Press, Write-Publish-Sell, and the Women In Publishing annual Summit. Over the last decade she's helped thousands of authors through webinars, conferences, coaching, and services. Her team learns from and improves, honing skills as experts in the publishing and book marketing world, with every project they touch. Alexa is passionate about her role as an author advocate. Links mentioned in this episode: Alexa Bigwarfe: https://writepublishsell.com/ https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/ https://katbiggiepress.com/ ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/ 

In this episode, Michael Thompson discusses his writing path which began at the age of 13. Learn how one teacher's attempt to devalue his doodling led to his creative mentor. I pop into my local Barnes and Noble bookstore several times a month just to feel surrounded by books. When my trip happens to be on a weekend, I often come across local authors signing their books. A few weeks ago, I met Michael Thompson who told me, “Oh, I just sold the last copy of my book.” I congratulated him and discovered that he has quite the writing story to tell and invited him to be on my podcast. I think you'll delight in his journey as an author! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [02:07] Becoming a full-time author is kind of a scary decision. It's not exactly a traditional job and you wear a lot of hats.  [03:54] I was always creating from a very, very young age, and I was always drawing in class and creating all kinds of different characters. Epic battles were filling the margins of my notebooks. I couldn't help myself. And some of my teachers didn't like that. [04:36] It was at summer school that I met the greatest teacher that I'd ever had, Mr. A. He said, “we're going to make our own comic book”. And that was the first assignment. My mom contacted the principal and had me transferred into his class for the fourth grade. And it was there that I created Chicken Boy, my first ever character. [07:48] I loved reading my stories with my grandfather, and he had a great voice. And I always really enjoyed writing something just so I could hear him read it to me in his voice. [08:57] My grandpa passed away when I was in the middle of college. And the book hadn't come out yet. And I had just kind of a placeholder name for the currency. It was like, you know, kind of like your classic gold doubloon type looking thing. And I just called them pieces and I didn't know what to call them yet, but I wanted something unique. When it came time to do those final polishing up edits. I still needed a name for the currency. And I found a stack of my grandfather's edits and in his handwriting, he had circled that placeholder and I think he meant to write silver or something, but he abbreviated it SIV, S I V. So I named the little treasure pieces Siv. [33:05] I love the research process of these books. I call it the real-world tether. Each story has this root in reality or in real-world legends. So if you happen to search any of the creatures that Winslow sees on his voyages, you'll be, really excited to see it's like a whole bunch of old newspaper articles detailing other people's alleged encounters with those same myths. About Michael Thompson: Michael Thompson is an award-winning author and illustrator from Northern Virginia. He began his career at thirteen with the publication of his action-packed Chicken Boy series. His debut YA portal fantasy novel, World of the Orb, earned international acclaim in the Feathered Quill Book Awards alongside his sea adventure novel, Winslow Hoffner's Incredible Encounters. Michael continues to produce immersive stories across multiple genres while sharing the theme of plunging ordinary characters into extraordinary situations, with emphases on adventure, humor, and heart.  Links: Michael Thompson: If you want to see life as an opportunity, meet Michael! https://www.michaelthompsonbooks.com ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/ 

My guest today is my husband. Christian Dorr. While listeners may find it interesting to hear his perspective on my story, he has a powerful story of his own!  When I got out of prison, I had no intentions of ever getting married again. I was done with men, done with all the whole mess. I was just going to live my own little quiet life and then in walks Christian Dorr. And it became apparent that living a quiet life wasn't in the cards for me. Chris is my biggest fan.  Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today:  [03:08] Every part of my story has always been with one foot out the door. My future was always a confusing arc. There was no way to predict where my next step was going to take me. [12:13] I took some nosedives along the way, got mixed up in drugs and alcohol for several years, and it destroyed a lot of my character and my will to live. It took me a long time, maybe 20 years to recover from just a couple of years of severe drug abuse. [13:23] God stepped in at a point where I was so desperate, 38 cents in my pocket, about ready to die and didn't care if I did. And he changed everything. That story is one that it would take another few episodes of our podcast to explain, but ultimately God healed me nearly overnight. [22:13] I don't remember where I read it somewhere about an old man, he fears no one. He lives his life day to day with his heart on his sleeve, and will say whatever is on his mind, because there's nothing to lose, because when you get to be old, you start realizing that every minute of every day is just, it's all borrowed time. [00:52:36] John Manard was everything I expected. I talked to him on the phone, read his entire courtroom transcript, and had insight from my wife, who was an ex-lover and friend of his. He lived up to all of what I expected. He was charming, handsome, polite, and respectful. I needed him to know and you to know that I'm not afraid of John Manard, your history, or the event and you going on the run together for a 12-day vacation in Tennessee. There's nothing to be afraid of here. About Christian Dorr: Boston-Born and Maine-raised, Christian Dorr worked his dad's commercial blueberry farm until joining the US Navy, which took him to exotic places as well as naval combat in Desert Storm aboard an aircraft carrier in 1991.  After the Navy, Chris worked on a commercial scallop dragger off the coast of Maine.  Chris claims to be the fastest scallop shucker on the East Coast, but substance abuse and a troubled marriage forced changes in Chris' life.  He accepted Christian principles in 1995 and listens to God's direction to this day. As a field service engineer for Intel, Chris traveled to Japan, Korea, Ireland, Israel and many more. Today, Chris supports and shares Toby's vision to end wrongful and indiscriminate imprisonment imposed by an archaic law known as Felony Murder. Links mentioned in this episode: Christian Dorr: http://christiandorr.com/ ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/

William, my oldest son is 33 years old. He's autistic, blind, and non-verbal. I decided to do a marathon and when I told William, he wanted to participate. My daughter joined in and it became a family affair. We had to push William in a wheelchair because he's blind and it would be too difficult to lead him. Most of the race seemed to be uphill. But we finished! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [04:25] It was as if God had said “I'm going to send you some earth angels to come alongside you”. There were at least eight to twelve people who helped us up those hills. Pushed William up the hill. And one woman's name was Grace and she stayed with us the whole race. [06:24] My daughter and a few of the people that she had met, cause she's a socialite. So she met plenty of people going up that Hill. And she sent help my way, “if you see a woman in a yellow sweatshirt, that's my mom.” [08:05] And let me tell you something that was the best experience of that entire walk with all these different people. There was no competition because you got to understand that when you're doing a race, you're also getting timed. So everyone forgot about their time and helped us. I could do nothing but thank the Lord and just realize how much he is in my life. [00:11:35] Discovering at 18 months old that William was autistic took me by surprise, and it took my husband by surprise. And, um, the one thing I really loved about our, our marriage and he's passed away. He just was a little cutie. And they said, you know, he's nonverbal. He's autistic. And I thought, okay. All right. Well, let's just go from here. And so we did all the things that every, uh, parent does when they find out they have a special needs child. But William's the one that led me. He, he really, he's the one that really showed me what he was willing to do and what he was not willing to do. [00:14:40] Don't feel sorry for me. I think you have to look at how someone responds. I got a loving son. About Karen Mitchell Grant: Karen Grant is a Life Empowerment Coach, with Master' Degrees in Conflict Management and Business Administration. After retiring from her management position as a Registered Nurse Karen began pursuing her passion, working with women. Nicknamed the Encourager that is what you will often find her doing. Karen loves to encourage women to know who they are and what they are capable of becoming. Karen believes in sharing her faith with others. Karen enjoys walking and training for 5K and 10K races with her two adult children. In 2024 she plans on running her first half-marathon. Links mentioned in this episode: Karen Mitchell Grant: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_change_with_karen/ ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/  

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about child abuse, divorce, and personal trauma, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Remember to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Bathsheba Tolbert encourages women through inspiration, motivation and in building a sisterhood community! Born the year before the major earthquake in California her dad said, “you should have told us you were coming. You were shaking everything up. You've been shaking everything up ever since.” Head to https://www.youtube.com/@fierceconversationswithtoby to find all video interviews! Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/ Some of our fierce topics today: [00:05:03] Step back out of the emotion of it, of the devastation and say, how can I grow from this? Because I don't want to be bitter. I don't want to destroy me. I don't want to be the victim in this, even though in a sense I, we were, but how can I grow from it? [00:05:32] I believe vulnerability is a growing block. It's a block that you need in your life in order to step into who you are. You can't really become Bathsheba, Toby. You can't become that person unless you allow yourself to see where you're at, how that affected you, and be able to step into your next step of purpose. [00:08:11] The things, the bad, horrible catastrophes in our lives, are here to help others. I mean, that's the only way I can be and, and see that because if I don't see it that way, the things that happen, I'm like, I would be the most. dreadful, bitter person, you know, you wouldn't even want to look at me cause it's just not worth all of that. I think it makes us grow into the beautiful people that we are. Scarred, flawed. [00:11:22] I started journaling. I started writing them. What am I feeling? Why am I feeling it really delving in? What was that trigger for me? And the more I wrote, then I began to speak it, Oh, okay, this is why I am behaving this way, because. All of these other things, I became more aware and it's scary. Honestly, that first time of writing down those thoughts, I cried every single night. [00:26:43] Before I tell you who's Bathsheba, I'll say this. I was born the year right before the major earthquake in California. And a month later I was born and my dad said, you should have told us you were coming. You were shaking everything up. You've been shaking everything up ever since. About Bathesheba Tolbert: Many people have been through hard times in life, and each one is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Not only can we become stronger through hard times, but our tough experiences can help us find ways to encourage those around us. Bathsheba Tolbert is passionate about helping people heal and grow through vulnerability. She has her own story of overcoming adversity and helping countless others to embrace their broken sides and find strength in their vulnerability. Bathsheba is also a musician, singer, and mental health advocate with an extensive following who started singing professionally on national television at 21. Links mentioned in this episode: Bathesheba Tolbert: https://linktr.ee/TheRealBathSheba ____________________________________ Toby Dorr: Books and Audiobook Website   Patreon YouTube Instagram Facebook Or head to https://linktr.ee/fierceconversations for all things Fierce Conversations with Toby. Credits: Created by Toby Dorr. Produced by Number Three Productions, a division of GracePoint Publishing. Theme song: Lisa Plasse: Composer, arranger, and flutist Caroline Parody: Piano Tony Ventura: Bass For more information on these fabulous musicians, please go to https://tobydorr.com/theme-song/