Living The Next Chapter: Authors Share Their Journey

Episode 609 - Kristin Aurelia - SHE Wise Publications, illuminate, guide, and empower souls on their journeyMeet Kristin AureliaKristin Aurelia grew up in a small town in New England and currently resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She is a Soul-Led Author, Podcaster, Public Speaker, Coach and Teacher. Additionally, she is a Certified Health Coach (CHC), NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), Certified Wellness Coach (CWC), Certified Biofield Tuner and Reiki Master. Kristin obtained her MBA, M.A. in Human Resources Management and Instructional Design and B.A. in Psychology from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She has spent much of her life studying and observing human behavior. She has made it her life's mission to share experiences and bring wisdom and knowledge to the forefront of her works with the desire to help others along their journey.Kristin is a messenger sent to spread light and love while creating unity. As she puts it, "We are ALL CHILDREN OF GOD…one collective consciousness…Surviving the Human Experience!"https://www.shewisepublications.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 608 - Paul J.C. Edge - Mercurial Novels to Unleash Your Imagination, and a Local BakeshopPaul J.C. Edge is a leading independent author , his works include the gritty Summer Haven and Book of Xaal Sci-Fi horror trilogies, fusing his love of space sagas, fantasy and Lovecraftian gothic horror stories.Paul studied IT at university, which included modules in Astro Physics, which built real knowledge around his love of tales of space travel and alien contact. Finally forsaking a successful career in pharmaceutical IT system design and scientific informatics, he became a full time author in 2020.Paul lives in Cheshire and loves spending time walking in nature, whilst dreaming up new ideas and stories. He also has a passion for rock and jazz, cooking and reading (ranging from sci-fi and thrillers to Dostoyevsky). His offbeat sense of humour will often solicit a groan from his wife and full time editor, Elaine. "A novel begins with the seed of an idea. However, by putting myself in the role of the protagonist I follow a trail led by the decisions made. The story writes itself to some extent.As an indie author, I do not have access to expensive resources, the marketing and graphics are brought to life by myself. I collage ideas from real world photographs from numerous sources, bringing together an image to meet the needs of the novel in question".Paul JC Edgehttps://www.pauljcedge.co.uk/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 607 - M C Paas - Debut novel Broken Rules of The Hunt and of the Fight- Dark romantic suspenseM.C.Paas writes dark romantic suspense where happily ever after is earned through shadows, secrets, and a heartbeat of danger. Her obsession with storytelling began at fourteen with a single poem and has grown into six completed manuscripts that blend pulse pounding stakes with sinful chemistry. Her debut novel Broken Rules of The Hunt strands two broken souls on opposite sides of a crime that could destroy them or bind them forever.When she's not plotting twisted fates, M.C. haunts Estonian coffeehouses, sketches gothic‑tinged art, and spoils her horses to no end. A certified bookworm, she lives for late night page turners and reader DMs.Book: BROKEN RULES OF THE HUNTWildcat is an elite criminal, thriving in a world built on danger and deception. But when an unknown syndicate places a massive bounty on her head, she becomes the hunted. Betrayed by the very criminal society she once ruled, Wildcat is thrust into a high stakes game of survival where every move could be her last.Enter Fox, a seductive and cunning rival. Torn between claiming the bounty or helping her uncover the dark secrets of her past, he becomes both Wildcat's greatest threat and her only chance at survival. With powerful enemies closing in and her heart on the line, Wildcat must decide: can she trust the man who has the power to destroy her? Or will falling for him be her most dangerous gamble yet?In a world where loyalty is deadly and betrayal is currency, the ultimate prize is her life and the cost of love could be her death.This is a pulse pounding tale of passion, betrayal, and high stakes danger, where the price of trust is survival, and the ultimate heist is her heart.Book: BROKEN RULES OF THE FIGHTIn the brutal world of the Undercrowd, Serpent has built his own empire. An underground fighting ring where only men step into the cage. It keeps things simple. Controlled. But when his search for his abducted sister leads him to the Russian Bratva's human trafficking network, his path collides with the last person he ever expected to see alive – Phoenix.Once a rising star in the ring, Phoenix was supposed to be dead. Now, she's an Undercrowder, a ghost in the criminal underworld, fighting for survival. And she might be the key to unraveling the Bratva's secrets. Serpent swore he'd never deal with female fighters again, but Phoenix isn't just any fighter. She's a force of nature.To take down the Bratva and uncover the truth, they'll have to break every rule, fight against their pasts, and trust each other in a world where trust is a death sentence.Because in the Undercrowd, the only thing deadlier than the fight itself… is coming back from the grave.https://mcpaaswrites.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 606 - Claire Isenthal - Balancing Family and Writing, An Adventurous Duology Made to OrderClaire Isenthal grew up traveling all over the world with her family. She graduated from Purdue University and went on to live in Chicago where she worked in Digital Marketing and Ad Sales for over ten years. She has since relocated her family back to her Indiana hometown, but is still an avid traveler and loves nothing more than to lose herself in a good book. She still attributes her knack for structure and pacing to reading some of the Harry Potter books over 10 times. Claire is an International Thriller Writers (ITW) member and has a Substack for new authors — Rising Talent, Earning Your Space in the Publishing Industry. When Claire is not attending writer's conferences or classes, her evenings are spent with her husband, two children, computer or writers group. The Rising Order is her first novel.The Rising Order kicks off a series reflecting the rise of extremism and threats society faces in the digital age.Losing everything changed Wolf. Orphaned at a young age, he had no family, no home, and no future. Until a domestic terrorist organization seduced him into their ranks when he was eighteen. Over the next ten years, he's transformed into a merciless killer and discovers his life's purpose in the organization's mission of societal breakdown. Building a new totalitarian regime consumes him and it starts with collapsing Chicago's vulnerable electrical grid.Flynn is trapped in a soul-sucking job, recruiting at a renowned computing firm. When Wolf takes her hostage during a brutal attack on Soldier Field, she becomes a pawn in their mission to take control of the city. Forced to help Wolf infiltrate her company, right and wrong is no longer black or white. If Flynn refuses, he will murder every person she loves. If she agrees, Chicago will suffer unimaginable horror. Killing Wolf is her only solution. But, while searching for his breaking point, she discovers a glimpse of humanity she didn't know existed—a loneliness she also recognizes in herself. Now, it will take more than wit and willpower to stop him from destroying her city, it will take everything she has.The New Order lands readers right where Isenthal left them in book I — on the edge of a cliffhanger… Chicago has fallen and Flynn Zarytsky, an unwilling accomplice in the city's takeover by REDS, has gone into hiding. As she and her fellow Allies, rebels to the new terrorist regime, scrounge for supplies and survival among the darkened buildings, measures grow desperate. When a meeting gone awry sends Flynn across the path of a familiar face, she's flung once more into a troubled partnership that could determine the city's fate. Alliances are formed and tested as Flynn, Nate, and their comrades create an ambitious plan that could save the nation—or get them all killed. If they want any chance of success, they must learn to place trust and hope in unlikely places. Can redemption be found for those who have done the most harm but suffered the deepest hurt? Is forgiveness, empathy, even love possible among the broken pieces of REDS's new order? The action continues in this final installment of Claire Isenthal's thrilling series, a page-turning read not to be missed.https://www.claireisenthal.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 605 - Jayne Mills - BOTTOM OF THE BREATH - Seeking Answers in The Grand Canyon, Using Our Write BrainLike both my mother and my daughter, I have always loved to read. I also dreamed of writing a book someday. In fact, as a young person, I planned to be a writer by profession.Life, however, has a way of reminding us that we're not in charge. In the book, Cyd's aunt tells her, “Man plans and God laughs.” That has certainly been true in my life. It was a happy accident that I ended up changing my major from journalism to finance. I have enjoyed a long, successful, and rewarding career doing math (which I also love) and working with the best clients anyone could hope for.In 2019, as I was undergoing chemotherapy treatments and spending lots of time on my sofa, I began writing this book in earnest. I haven't stopped since.BOTTOM OF THE BREATH is the result. I took five years to write, and another year to get published. I knew nothing about writing a novel when I began, and it's a good thing I didn't know what I didn't know—otherwise I'm certain I would have never started.In the course of writing this book and questioning everything from my writing ability to my sanity, I kept coming back to the desire to leave a story for my children and all my readers in which I share some of the lessons I've learned in my life—about the importance of family, the absolute necessity of friendship, and the power of forgiveness.https://www.jaynemills.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 604 - Anne Louise O'Connell - Author, developmental book editor and partner publisherAbout the authorAuthor, developmental book editor and partner publisher, Anne Louise O'Connell, was a long-time expat, returning to Canada in 2016 after enjoying the sun and sand of Florida, Dubai and Thailand over a span of 23 years. Anne worked in the PR field for 17 years and then decided it was time to just write. From 2007 to 2016, Anne was writing books while freelancing, editing, author mentoring and social media consulting, along with conducting writing retreats and workshops. In 2013, she began facilitating the annual Paradise Writers' Retreat. In 2016, she founded OC Publishing and she continues to write her own books while mentoring other authors and providing developmental book editing, writing coaching and publishing services. While living the expat life, she contributed regularly to the Wall St. Journal Expat Blog, Global Living Magazine and Expat Focus. She has a passion for travel and that adventurous spirit has taken her all over the world. Anne grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and has a bachelor of public relations and an early childhood education certificate, both from Mount St. Vincent University. She is the author of @Home in Dubai… Getting Connected Online and on the Ground; Mental Pause, her first novel, a 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Award winner; and her latest novel, Deep Deceit, which launched March 8, 2015 and is the first in a planned mystery series. She has also contributed short stories to the Phuket Island Writers' anthologies and has published a collection of travel and expat life stories called Swimming with the Elephants and Other Adventures. Connect with Anne: Website: https://www.ocpublishing.ca/Blog: https://anne-writingjustbecause.blogspot.com/Twitter: @ocpubhfx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocpublishingSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Bonus - November Will Have 30 Episodes in 30 Days of Living The Next ChapterNational Podcast Post Month is a November challenge every year to produce and release an episode every day - Starting Nov 1st, we will be releasing 30 episodes featuring amazing authors!If you love what we do here, please consider supporting the show financially via our Buy Me A Coffee linkhttps://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacaIf you want to jump the line to see what is coming in the future head over to our YouTube Channel - be sure to subscribe and follow too!https://www.youtube.com/@LivingTheNextChapterhttps://livingthenextchapter.com/#NaPodPoMoSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 603 - Shannon Russell - Second Act Success - Leave unfulfilling careers to build joyful, purpose-driven businesses I spent over 16 years as a Television Producer overseeing multi-million dollar productions in New York City and Los Angeles working for companies like MTV, E! Entertainment, Yahoo!, Pop Sugar, A&E, TLC, etc.My second act began once I leapt into entrepreneurship and opened a franchise business serving families in my community, so I could be more present mom for my two kids. My business quickly grew to be amongst the Top 5 in the organization, and I successfully sold this business in 2024.While running my first business, I started Second Act Success® Coaching so I could help support women as they start a second act in life by changing careers to start a business.My focus as a business coach for women is to help others produce their best life, while finding the flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment they deserve.Now, I share my experience, as a television executive turned business owner with my clients, as we work towards their business goals.Book: Start Your Second Act - How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, & Create Your Best LifeThe ultimate guide to pivot with purpose, reinvent your career, and produce your best life. The career that once inspired you no longer fits your life, and a nagging voice inside tells you there's something more. When your mind, heart, and dreams no longer align with your current path, it's time to start your second act.Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and business coach, understands the fears and challenges of disrupting your carefully planned career and taking the leap into something more. Drawing on her personal experiences and the success stories of other women, she shares her proven three-step Second Act Strategy (reflect, research, realize) to guide you from where you are now to where you want to be.https://secondactsuccess.co/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 602 - Leslie A Rasmussen - TV Writer for Gerald McRaney, Alf, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey to Author of Books on Family Leslie A. Rasmussen was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, The Wild Thornberrys, and Sweet Valley High.After leaving the business to raise her boys, Leslie obtained a master's degree in nutrition and ran her own business for ten years. Leslie has been published in the Huffington Post over twenty times and speaks on panels discussing female empowerment. She's a member of the Writers Guild of America, Women in Film, and the UCLA Alumni Association.After Happily Ever After is Leslie's debut novel and has won over fifteen awards, and her second novel, The Stories We Cannot Tell, has won eleven awards, and she's been interviewed about it on NPR and XM radio. Leslie's newest novel, When People Leave, came out in 2025.When Leslie isn't writing, she loves reading, exercising, and spending time with friends. Leslie lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.What I Write:I have found that most women go through a multitude of similar issues in life. As a mom of two and having been married many years, I have seen this first hand. From the time we are in our thirties, we have experienced both joy and sadness. Whether that's through finding the right partner, having our heart broken, suffering infertility, or losing a loved one. As we go through life, families go through many changes. Children leave the nest, our parents age, our friendships change, and some marriages end. I write women's commercial fiction where I delve into the human experience and situations that are relatable to most of us. I want my readers to see themselves or their family or friends in my characters and to realize no matter what they are going through, they aren't alone. As my background is writing television sitcoms, I also try to find humor in the tough stuff, in fact, those moments are my favorite to write.https://www.lesliearasmussen.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 601 - Cal Logan - ShadowBane - One womb, one soul, two fates. One will rise. One will fallA full-time personal trainer and competitive powerlifter, Cal started writing seriously in 2017, drawing inspiration from history, his time spent practicing mixed martial arts, and of course, books. Cal lives in Chicago with his wife, Taylor, and his dachshund, Rizzo.At the end of the day, I'll be happy if ShadowBane earns me some loyal fans. As a debut author, I can't ask for more than that. In a way, ShadowBane is a promise to readers—here's what you can expect from my books, and if you like what you see, stick around. I'm just getting started, and there'll be plenty more to come.Book: ShadowBaneDescriptionOne womb, one soul, two fates. One will rise. One will fall. Shura and Jin are the last of a divine bloodline, operating at the bloodiest fringes of society where they wield might and magic against the demons they are sworn to destroy. For Shura, it's the only way to restore honor to her lineage and claim her rightful place in the world. For Jin, it's a matter of begrudging duty-and escaping the influence of the three kings vying for control of the continent.In their pursuit of the sadistic cult behind the demons' resurgence, the twins find themselves hunted by an ancient demon harboring a blood vendetta, and are forced to set aside past grudges and seek the kings' alliance. When Shura discovers a chilling prophecy, she fears that even her newfound allies may not be enough to stem the rising tide of shadow. Even the palest chance of victory will come at a brutal price. But the prophecy never foretold whose fate would settle the debt: Shura's or her brother's.https://callogan.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 600 - Dominick Domasky - Celebrating 600 Episodes, Tap Into Your Creativity, Go Beyond Learning, Embrace StartingEpisode 600 brings the return of Dom Domasky - every one hundred episodes of Living The Next Chapter, Dom returns to celebrate a podcast idea that he gave me 600 episodes agoDom shares publishing inside information and how we as creatives need to engage in action over information collecting!Check out Dom and his services here!!https://www.motivationchamps.com/Books Mentioned:Lean Learning - How to Achieve More by Learning Lesshttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lean-Learning/Pat-Flynn/9781668027646https://patflynn.com/____RICK RUBIN - THE CREATIVE ACT: A WAY OF BEINGRick Rubin is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and the most successful producer in any genre by Rolling Stone. He has collaborated with artists from Tom Petty to Adele, Johnny Cash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys to Slayer, Kanye West to the Strokes, and System of a Down to Jay-Z.https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeact____Book: GOOD TO GREATThis book addresses a single question: can a good company become a great company, and if so, how? Based on a five-year research project comparing companies that made the leap to those that did not, Good to Great shows that greatness is not primarily a function of circumstance but largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline. This book discusses concepts like Level 5 Leadership; First Who, Then What (first get the right people on the bus, then figure out where to drive it); the Hedgehog Concept, and the Flywheel.https://www.jimcollins.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 599 - Gary Barnes - The Traction Coach, On a mission to empower everyone that he connects withMy name is Gary Barnes, and it's my mission in life to help people find more creativity, passion, fulfillment, and, yes, wealth in their businesses.To do that, I help people just like you to learn how to get past their self-defeating behaviors. And I help business creators to:Stop running your business with "one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake"Live a life of vision and purpose, instead of exhausting yourself on the same old treadmillCreate more financial success and abundance (without working yourself into the ground)Heal relationships and marriages by working with your money instead of against itLearn to market your business with integrity and authenticityHave a lot more fun in your business and your life!My clients call me "The Traction Coach"Why? Because I specialize in quickly getting some "sand under your wheels" so you can move forward toward the life you want to live.I know that anyone can lead an empowered life, no matter what challenges you've faced or what circumstances you're in right now. And I've developed tools that will help you realize that potential, not just for today's challenges, but for tomorrow and the years to come.I also understand what it's like when things aren't so rosy. I've faced down a life-threatening illness . . . and won. That experience is part of what led me to dedicate my life to helping people maximize their lives and their businesses.Book: How a Beaver Saved My Life (Previously titled Into the Night): The Real Life Story of Adversity to Triumph Book is a dramatic look into one man's journey when doctors told him that he would be in a wheelchair or dead in ten years. You will share Gary's engaging, deeply touching, and sometimes hilarious stories. The experience will seem so real that you will think you are there with Gary as he faces death and disability and finds his way to win over both!https://www.garybarnesinternational.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

E598 - Imagination Wizard Jason DeGray Writes About Those Left Behind with his Typewriter - A Space Western and Weird Fiction UniverseAbout the authorImagination Wizard Jason DeGray conjures vivid worlds of adventure, from the lawless deserts of Those Left Behind to the cosmic horrors of The Dark Goddess. A master storyteller, he crafts tales of defiance, brotherhood, and survival that grip fans of Firefly, The Dark Tower, and beyond. Whether it's sci-fi westerns, fantasy epics, or pulse-pounding thrillers, Jason's stories ignite the imagination with rugged heroes and high-stakes action. When not weaving novels, he's exploring the wild deserts of New Mexico, seeking inspiration for his next epic. Dive into Jason's universe, where every book is a portal to rebellion and wonder—start with Those Left Behind and join the fight! Connect on Facebook for new releases and behind-the-scenes lore.Book: Those Left BehindOn Quad's ravaged frontier, survival is a brutal gamble. Zed, a brash mercenary, and Vyx, a brilliant mechanic, are recruited by the cunning Ezra Pound to defy the Colonyal Gyld's iron rule. Joined by Sygurd, a vengeful warrior-monk wielding the mystical Gram, they battle the Strays—ferocious dogmen unleashed by the Gyld to crush rebellion. From scorched deserts to neon-lit slums, their mission to seize a mysterious desert deposit unveils a cosmic conspiracy: a sentient ship, Yshtar, and a liquid that could reshape Quad's fate. Bound by brotherhood and driven by defiance, Zed's crew ignites an uprising against tyrants and alien shadows. Those Left Behind is a gritty sci-fi western packed with rugged heroes and pulse-pounding action, perfect for fans of Firefly and The Dark Tower. Will Quad rise or burn? Join the fight—grab your copy now!https://www.facebook.com/jasondegrayauthor/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 597 - Kate Woodworth - Little Great Island, A Story of a Commuity of fishing families to the lobsters and the butterflies impacted by Climate ChangeKate Woodworth is the award-winning author of the novel Racing into the Dark, which Publishers Weekly said, “hits the mark repeatedly with emotional truths and fluid prose” and which Kirkus Reviews called, “vivid and honest, dramatic and without pat resolutions: an impressive debut”.A passionate lover of the natural world, Kate is the author of essays on the impact of climate change on fishing and farming that have been published by the Climate Fiction Writers League and on her Substack, “Food in the Time of Climate Change.” Her novel about love, community, and climate change, Little Great Island, has been called “an extraordinary achievement and a pure pleasure to read” by National Book Award and PEN/Faulkner Award winner Ha Jin. Kate is the founder and creative force behind “Be the Butterfly”, a grassroots climate action initiative that invites everyone to do one small thing to help mitigate climate change. Kate received her MFA from Boston University.Little Great IslandOn Little Great Island, climate change is disrupting both life and love.After offending the powerful pastor of the cult where she's lived for a decade, Mari McGavin must flee with her six-year-old son. With no money and no place else to go, she returns to the tiny Maine island where she grew up—a place she swore she'd never see again. There Mari runs into her lifelong friend Harry Richardson, one of the island's summer residents, now back himself to sell his family's summer home. Mari and Harry's lives intertwine once again, setting off a chain of events as unexpected and life altering as the shifts in climate affecting the whole ecosystem of the island…from generations of fishing families to the lobsters and the butterflies.Little Great Island  illustrates in microcosm the greatest changes of our time and the unyielding power of love.“An uplifting and grown-up novel in which two lost souls find love and purpose”—Kirkus Reviews“…utterly grounded and achingly empathetic, developed with gorgeous, flowing prose and a steady, sometimes heart-wrenching plot.”—Booklisthttps://katewoodworth.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 596 - Amanda DuBois - Lawyer and Author Shed light on the profound realities people faceAbout the author: In addition to writing the Camille Delaney series, I'm the founder and busy managing partner of DuBois Levias Law Group, a woman-owned boutique family law firm on Lake Union in Seattle, where I maintain an active family law practice. Over the past thirty years, I've represented thousands of individuals – both in divorces and medical malpractice cases. I've argued hundreds of motions and taken many cases to trial. I've also provided pro bono legal representation for parents who served time in prison and have become very familiar with the issues they face. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a high-risk labor and delivery nurse at University of Washington Medical Center.Having a background in both medicine and the law has given me unique insight into the inequities of both systems. That perspective drove me to create the Camille Delaney mystery series. Camille's adventures weave questions about justice into a fast-paced reading experience with the twists and turns one would expect from a good thriller. My purpose in writing the series is to raise awareness of injustice and create an opportunity for readers to reflect on how our system could work better for those most marginalized.Book: The Complication - The first in the Camille Delaney Mystery series, The Complication is a fast-paced legal and medical mystery filled with greed, murder, and intrigue. After her friend Dallas Jackson suffers a fatal complication during routine surgery, Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is determined to find out why. Dallas was like a father to Camille, and she feels she owes it to him and his family to get answers. Book: Deliver Them From Evil - In book two of the Camille Delaney Mystery series, a mother turns to Camille for help investigating a top Seattle doctor after tragedy strikes the delivery room.Seattle attorney Camille Delaney is cash-strapped and struggling to balance the demands of her new solo legal practice with raising her three daughters. But when an emergency C-section goes wrong and a baby dies in the delivery room, the mother, Helene Anderson, shows up at Camille's office asking for help. Facing the challenge of a legal system where child-loss verdicts are limited by the dollar value placed on a child's life, Camille considers a quick settlement for the family. But Helene insists: her child's life had value, and Camille needs to prove it in court.Book: UNSHACKLED - A Camille Delaney MysteryShackled to her bed against the pleas of medical staff, Charli Zhao gives birth to a beautiful daughter named Willow. Charli had been transported to the hospital from prison, where she is serving time for a crime she didn't commit. Within hours of the birth the unthinkable happens: the newborn is abducted, leaving Charli devastated and wondering if she'll ever find her child, even after she gets free.https://amandadubois.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 595 - Terry Kirk - Pitfall, Chicago trader Frank Cork navigates the 1929 Market Crash. He's at the top of his game... and then he's notI write historical fiction novels—fast-paced, gritty financial thrillers that delve into real-life cataclysmic events.  Follow my cast of characters through three novels.In Pitfall, Chicago trader Frank Cork navigates the 1929 Market Crash. He's at the top of his game... and then he's not. Can he fight his back to his family, his fortune, and his life? Plunder is coming soon. Frank is dispatched to London at the behest of the President in July 1940 to raise a War Chest. Beset by bombs and politics, he must come up with a plan to finance the costs of America's entry into World War II. So much is riding on Frank's plan.  Probe is up next. Frank's daughter has taken the reins at the firm and helping the cash-starved Martin Company (now Lockheed Martin) launch a response to the Russian sputnik.Follow the Cork family on a rollicking journey through these world-changing financial events and more. Each book will send you reaching for the next in this multi-generational family saga.I have a Juris Doctor (Law) degree and practiced law for more than a decade. There is no better way to uncover riveting stories! Later, I migrated to the innovator sector as  Founder & CEO of Funding portal, a fintech platform for helping companies find funding. Recently, I led the sale of the company to a global firm.PITFALL IS FOR SALE ON AMAZON, INDIGO, AND OTHER MAJOR PLATFORMS AND BOOKSTORESPITFALL is Book #1 in my historical fiction series featuring rogue trader Frank Cork. Visit the 'PITFALL' page for a summary, and listen to Chapter 1.  The fast-paced, gritty historical fiction has been named a 'Top Book to Read this Spring' by CBC Reads!Coming Next I  PLUNDER. Beset by bombs and politics, Frank goes to London to build a war chest to fund America's entry into World War II. So much is riding on Frank's success! Visit the 'PLUNDER' page to learn more.https://terrykirkbooks.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 594 - Dr. Arthor L Faber - Effective - Seven Keys to Christian Leadership SuccessDr. Arthor L. Faber is an Oral Roberts University graduate with a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and a master's in Christian Ministry. He is the founder and proprietor of Telos Christian Life and Leadership Coaching, a Christian-based organization specializing in assisting in the future development and formation of tomorrow's leaders in established and grassroots corporations, helping innovative people launch new businesses with a Christian foundation and influence, and defining the overwhelming challenges faced by individuals while assisting in the formation of plans to overcome what's inhibiting their dreams and future success. Previously, he was the founder and chief executive officer of Platinum Business Enterprises in Long Island, New York, leading the company in offering over 500,00 natives within the region in urban hair care and beauty supplies since 1997. Dr. Faber is currently the founder and Pastor of Restoration Christian Fellowship Church in Aquebogue, NY, serving since 2014.Any inquiries or assistance toward your goals are welcome, as the way to make better Christian leaders and businesspeople for the future is to share what was once shared with us.Book: Effective! Seven Keys to Christian Leadership SuccessIn every facet of society, we encounter leaders-individuals in positions to guide and influence others for the greater good. Leaders can be found in schools, government, entertainment, sports, homes, and churches. While leaders deserve to be admired and respected for their roles, many have recently fallen short of our expectations, failing to embody the qualities we want our children to emulate. This disillusionment comes from witnessing failures, including those among leaders of our families and churches, where self-indulgence and greed have become prevalent. The pressing question is: what has led to this breakdown in leadership, and how can we address it?**EFFECTIVE!** by Dr. Arthor L. Faber directly identifies the problem of leadership failure and its roots, while proposing solutions. Through analysis of case studies and testimonies from leaders, the book highlights that many leadership challenges stem from inadequate preparation. Faber outlines seven "keys" to success for Christian leaders: PRAYER, FAITH, INTEGRITY, VISION, WISDOM, STEWARDSHIP, and AGAPE LOVE. Each key is defined, connected to biblical principles, and illustrated with personal insights from the author. Whether you are beginning your leadership journey, currently leading, or shaping future leaders, **EFFECTIVE!** serves as a vital resource. By applying its principles, the possibility of failure diminishes, allowing the vision of success as a Christian leader to become their reality. God calls us to be EFFECTIVE! With this guidebook, effective leadership is just a read away.https://arthorlfaber.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 593 - Richard Carson - The Book of Change, A Guide to manage organizational change in the workplaceRichard H. Carson's 40-year career includes being a practicing executive manager, organizational consultant, and research university academic. The latter was spent doing doctorate level research at a “Tier One” research university (Washington State University) in organizational psychology. For the first 30 years he worked as a senior executive manager and as a policy analyst, on economic and environmental issues, to three Oregon governors. He then spent the next 10 years as a change management consultant for a national management company. He worked helping both profit and non-profit organizations become more performance efficient and cost-effective.This experience resulted in his creating the PSOCM process model to achieve organizational change management. This also resulted in his founding the firm of Carson & Associates in 2018.The firm now provides services such as organizational change management, strategic planning, and executive coaching exclusively to individuals and organizations.Carson brings fresh new thinking to the process of organizational change management (OCM).Step-by-Step Guide to make Organizational Change Management The Book of Change is both a cutting-edge, meta-analysis model and a resource publication where the reader can learn about the change management process. You can learn about the history, terminology, institutions and current thinking regarding the topic. Much of the publication is built on the thinking of others who have been or are contributing to the field.The Book of Change is the first and only doctorate level, systematic meta-analysis of the seven decades of both the historical and the published organizational change management models. The book presents a comprehensive model that combines the best attributes of the various change management models that have been created in the last 75 years. One of the more unique and appealing aspects of the book is its readability, as in non-academic and non-metaphysical, in terms of explaining what needs to be done.https://www.bookofchange.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity LiesJoe made a bunch of short films and one feature length movie with friends and no money. To this day, I enjoy watching those early attempts to craft a story, but essentially this era of on-the-job-training was my film school. Now it was time to take my first big swing. I wrote a script I felt I could raise enough money to shoot myself, a found-footage film, and I spent a year begging for cash and favors. The star of a hit TV show, who had gone to the same high school as me, graciously agreed to act in it. An NBA player made a small investment. Actor, comedian, and Late Show with David Letterman regular, Jay Thomas agreed to make a cameo. The snowball was growing and eventually I scraped together enough cash to direct Life Tracker. The movie played over 20 science fiction conventions and got a digital distribution deal with Charter Communications (now Spectrum) and streamed into millions of American homes.Life Tracker Great! Now I needed a follow up to prove that my work ethic couldn't be mistaken for beginner's luck.​ Taking advantage of a group of talented actor friends and another who owned property outside of Fresno, I wrote and directed a super-low-budget homage to The Big Chill called The Drama Club which can currently be seen on Tubi.The Drama Club Looking back from that point, I could see the years of work I'd put in. Meeting people. Working with casts and crews. Going on adventures together. taking risks and building trust. Jobs started to fall into place. I signed my first manager. I joined the Writers Guild of America. I pitched big shot producers at legacy studios and powerhouse production companies. Always searching for that next opportunity. That's when I met Blair Underwood. A business lunch turned into an attachment (and a friendship), and soon I was hitting up everyone I'd ever done business with to see who wanted to join the team.Viral was written and produced by me, it's directed by and stars Blair, and he shares the screen with Sarah Silverman, Jeanine Mason, and the incomparable Alfre Woodard! The movie is finished and we're actively working with our sales team to bring it to audiences.In the mean time, I'm working with Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing) on a two-book deal titled Sins of Survivors about the plight of a family who lived in the once vital African American neighborhood of Black Bottom in 1930s and 40s Detroit. The first book is currently available everywhere books are sold, and the second hits shelves in the summer of 2026... So, go to your local bookstore's website get your copy!Why "Ginger Beard," you ask? My wife's maiden name is "Beard," and when our son was born he had a reddish tint to his hair. So, my company is named after my son, my "Ginger Beard"... It's only a bonus that I have red facial hair.https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcclean-6668b018https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565697/https://www.gingerbeardfilms.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 591 - Francene Gillis - Where Did i Go - A Memoir Plus, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury MTBIFrancene Gillis, author/consultant/educator/advocate, has been a writer her whole life, starting at the age of five with a writing contest created by her teacher at Port Hood Consolidated, Mother St. Magdalene. Fifty years later, she is still writing in multiple genres, both fiction and nonfiction for a variety of audiences. She devoured books in the school library and putting words to paper became therapeutic when life's tragedies hit. She discovered that her writing could speak for those in pain. Experiencing the devastating loss of loved ones, much of her first writings involved themes of inspiration, loss, overcoming adversity, and sharing her feelings with others so they would not feel alone. She started writing poetry as a teen and giving it to grieving friends, or as tributes to community members. She majored in English at St. Francis Xavier University, continued with a BEd, and obtained a master's in education in Multiculturalism, Administration & Leadership. A community activist, she writes advocacy pieces, such as those gathered in her book, A Rose in November and in her regular column for the Inverness Oran.Her latest book, Where Did i Go? A Memoir Plus, will launch June 2025, partner published by OC Publishing. It was written after her career as a high school English teacher came to an unexpected, painful end in 2016 due to a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work that caused mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Except for educational purposes, Francene has always lived in Port Hood on the coast of Cape Breton, NS. with the ocean at her backdoor.https://www.francenegillis.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 590 - Cedric Muhikira - Libaax - Grow Your Roots Where You Land, Finding Your Footing in a Foreign LandCedric Mu is a storyteller whose roots lie in migration, identity, and the search for belonging. Born into a world where stories were cherished like family heirlooms, Cedric grew up immersed in tales that spanned generations and geographies, stories of home, displacement, and resilience. These narratives inspired a lifelong passion for capturing the essence of the human experience—especially the delicate balance of living between cultures.With Grow Your Roots Where You Land, Cedric brings to life the poignant journey of Ayaan, a Somali immigrant who arrives in Detroit with nothing but dreams of a better life. Infused with cultural authenticity, Cedric's writing blends Somali traditions with American urban life, celebrating both the joy and pain of building a new identity in a foreign land. Through the rhythms of Somali qaraami music and the electrifying pulse of Detroit's techno beats, Cedric tells a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds.As a self-taught writer, Cedric's path to authorship has been shaped by listening to the experiences of immigrants and those grappling with identity, with a deep commitment to honoring both Somali and American traditions. A writer with a storyteller's heart, Cedric invites readers to explore the transformative power of becoming and growing roots wherever life takes them.https://cedricmuhikira.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 589 - Chris Castanes - Do You Need Some Sales Motivation - You're Going To Be Great At ThisChris Castanes is a humorous sales speaker who can be a great fit for your next event, meeting or conference.Book - “Nearly Motivated”. Filled with examples and more humorous “Dumb Stories”, the author offers more insights on how to find prospects, handle a sales meeting, closing a deal and other pieces of information to those in sales, as well as business owners and “self employed” people.Book - “You're Going To Be Great At This: A Sales Memoir”A short, irreverent book that gives the good, bad and ugly of a career in selling. This is the little book on sales you'll wish you had when you started!Chronicling a career in sales from childhood to present day, “You're Going To Be Great At This!” describes the good, bad, great and crazy in the world of sales.Do you want to get your message to the masses?Wouldn't you like to know how to make a networking event work efficiently for you?Do you need help keeping your head in the game?How is selling like dating?https://www.chriscastanes.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 588 - A O Wagner - The Karma Kantata - Thoughtful Suspense with Societal, Technological, and Spiritual Significance, Sobriety and Self-IdentityAbout the AuthorA. O. Wagner is an author whose personal journey through addiction and spiritual awakening influences his writing. While embracing a healthy life as a non-drinking alcoholic, he uses his transformative experiences to shape his work. With a background in technology and a strong interest in philosophy and spirituality, Wagner creates stories that combine deep thinking with personal growth. He hopes his books resonate with readers who are searching for a deeper understanding of life and their place in the universe.Genre: Intellectual Mystery, Spiritual/Philosophical FictionWhat if your genes know more about your future than you can imagine?Dan, an introverted computer genius, has fought his way back from a life-shattering crisis that left him isolated, powerless, battling addiction, and close to death. Now, he is asked to investigate a computer system for gene analysis, the very one he developed. On its own it has started predicting the exact date on which the analyzed people will die.Several deaths confirm the system's predictions.As Dan searches for answers, he embarks on a personal journey of finding new purpose and helping others face and recover from the addiction that once consumed him.The Karma Sequence is a thrilling novel of high-tech suspense that follows a young man's incredible journey to find himself and the meaning of life while unraveling an ominous mystery that directly affects the future of every human being. With its gripping plot and captivating characters, this story will keep you hooked until the very last page while offering a profound model for understanding life's purpose and the deeper meaning of existence.https://prbythebook.com/experts/a-o-wagner/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 587 - Tony Berryman - Mysteries and massage therapy thrillers, written two fingers at a timeTony writes mysteries and thrillers, two fingers at a time. His first massage therapy thriller, The Night Nurse, was published in 2020. His second, On Borrowed Time, is due out June 1.Tony spent 17 years as a registered massage therapist in Vancouver and now works for Parks Canada. When he's not making a paycheque or writing books, he can be found hiking and paddling the Columbia Valley or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting guests.Tony also co-writes with Juanita Rose Violini, his life partner and murder mystery plots expert, under the pen name Trigger Jones. Trigger's first two sci fi adventure books,Gravity Doesn't Lie and Atmosphere Meltdown, are available now. The first book in their time travel treasure hunt series will be out soon.https://tonyberryman.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 586 - Noël Stark - Steamy, Sassy, Smart Romance - Love, Camera, ActionAbout Noël StarkLOVE, CAMERA, ACTION is Noël Stark's debut novel. She's worked in almost every position in the Film/TV industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Although she's Canadian, she lives in L.A. with her young son, desperately missing winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real world intel from her three step kids.Love, Camera, ActionUp-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels knows sex. Well, okay, she knows how to shoot sex scenes, and she's been hired to direct a highly anticipated steamy episode of the popular series The Demon. This job is her chance at a big-time career in the film and television industry—all she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show using her hard-knocks know-how and ample creativity.If only the director of photography—effortlessly sexy Jory Blair—would stop shutting her ideas down at every turn. Jory has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list director of photography, but a recent health scare has him rethinking his life and craving the director spot. Now this creative newbie, who he can't get out of his mind, wants to change the look of his show. Even worse, the friction between them is sparking into blistering chemistry.As collaborating takes on a whole new meaning, and the show's producer not-so-subtly suggests that Jory sabotage Cali in order to achieve his own goals, they'll have to decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together. Fans of How to Fake It in Hollywood and Plot Twist will devour this steamy, enemies to lovers, workplace, debut romance.https://www.noelstark.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 585 - Ciara Blume - Natural Magic - A murder, a mystery, and a not-so-overactive imagination Ciara is a multi award-winning and bestselling author who creates uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical fiction about women facing challenges and finding ways to reclaim their magic.Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination. A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also an avid (if overly ambitious) crafter. When not immersed in writing, she enjoys scrolling through adorable pet photos and home organization videos – especially when procrastinating on a deadline.Follow Ciaran's stories and gain early access to works in progress by signing up for the newsletter.The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural MagicThe Witches Catalogue of Wanderlust Essentials The LitLovers Series and morehttps://ciarablume.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 584 - Albert Bramante - Rise Above The Script, Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing ArtistsAbout Albert Bramante"Veteran talent agent and no-nonsense coach inspiring actors to cultivate a growth mindset, conscientiousness, and rise above self-sabotaging habits."Dr. Bramante is a true triple-threat when it comes to empowering performers to overcome psychological roadblocks and achieve success. As a veteran talent agent with over 20 years of securing major roles for actors, he has unparalleled insights into the entertainment industry's challenges. However, Bramante's real superpower is his unique fusion of this experience with a Ph.D. in Psychology and certifications in hypnosis and NLP.This rare combination allows him to provide your audience with a credible expert perspective on the mindset and psychology of peak performance for artists. Bramante doesn't just understand the pressures of the acting world - he can prescribe proven psychological strategies to help performers break through self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of success, and self-sabotaging patterns.Your listeners will gain exclusive access to Bramante's psychological toolkit tailored specifically for the creative struggles actors face. With knowledge translated into practical exercises, they'll learn to adopt empowering mindsets, productive habits, and silence self-limiting beliefs.Book: Rise Above the Script: Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing ArtistsWe all hold dreams within, yearning to manifest our highest potential. Yet when opportunity arises, inner obstacles often trigger self-sabotage. What mental traps prevent actualizing our possibilities?In Rise Above the Script, psychologist and talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante unravels the hidden drivers behind self-defeat. By strengthening self-belief, managing motivation, optimizing natural talents, and confronting deep-seated fears like failure and success that distort our path, we clear the way for actualizing dormant gifts.Dr. Bramante integrates scientific research on peak performance with insights gained through guiding actors' careers. Practical strategies help construct unshakable confidence and self-efficacy. Examining personality traits in the Big Five model highlights maximizing strengths while overcoming weaknesses. Confronting fears of rejection, change, isolation, and other roadblocks paves the way for boldly pursuing aspirations.Rise Above the Script provides the mental toolkit for recognizing and breaking free of limiting patterns holding you back. Its wisdom applies equally to artists, entrepreneurs, students, parents—anyone feeling the friction between their ambition and their achievement.https://albertbramante.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 583 - Lucie Frost - How the Hell Did I Not Know That - My Midlife Year from Couch to CuriosityLucie is a no-longer-practicing lawyer and the author of How the Hell Did I Not Know That? (Trinity University Press, August 2025). She has written humor and satire for NextTribe, Slackjaw, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Emrys Journal, and others. She is active on social media, with 100k+ engaged followers across various platforms. She lives in Central Texas with her three needy, delightful dogs.How the Hell Did I Not Know That? My Midlife Year from Couch to CuriosityHow the Hell Did I Not Know That is a witty and honest companion, a girlfriend, if you will, for women in midlife who are struggling to find their place in the world, who are concerned about misogyny, climate change, and the industrial prison complex, just not while watching the latest episode of The Bachelor. Frost shows us that women “of a certain age” need to take themselves seriously while remembering to laugh at inappropriate things and that they can find meaning in life by relying on the power of curiosity.https://www.luciefrost.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 582 - Colin Mustful - Novels rooted in Minnesota history and History Through Fiction - The PodcastWelcome! I'm Colin Mustful, a historical fiction author, publisher, editor, and public speaker with a passion for unearthing the past to inspire the present. While my work began with writing novels rooted in Minnesota history, I've since expanded my mission—to help other writers bring powerful, historically grounded stories to life.Whether you're here to explore my books, book me for a speaking event, or need help navigating the world of publishing, you'll find the support and resources you need.https://www.colinmustful.com/https://www.historythroughfiction.com/podcastSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 581 - Thomas Cullen - Federal Trial Judge and Author Shares a Story of the journey toward manhood in the American SouthThomas Cullen is a Federal Trial Judge and former U.S. attorney in Virginia. He is also an accomplished writer, regularly publishing op-eds and essays for national and regional media outlets over the past decade. Thomas graduated near the top of his class from William and Mary Law School and was recently honored as its 2024 Carter O. Lowance Fellow. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Thomas studied history and ran track at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, which recently awarded him an honorary doctorate. Charlie-Man is his first novel.Book: Charlie-ManIt's August 1994, and Charlie Stewart begins his final year at St. Mark's Episcopal School, a prestigious all-boys school in Richmond, Virginia. Charlie, an undistinguished student by St. Mark's standards, faces tough odds as he seeks to rekindle his relationship with Katy Hendricks, a beautiful tennis star, and gain admission to a highly selective state university. Through it all, Charlie relies on Beau Miller, his best friend and the top student athlete in their class. Despite Beau's movie-star looks and infectious charm, he has a darker side, which becomes more apparent as the year progresses. Charlie endures his trials with wry determination and ultimately emerges with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a heartrending but hopeful story of one boy's journey toward manhood in the American South.https://www.brandylanepublishers.com/product/charlie-man/https://prbythebook.com/experts/thomas-cullen/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 580 - Debbra Blosnich - It Ends With Me - Breaking the Cycles that keep us StuckIt Ends with Me is a Movement to empower people to Reclaim their power after Trauma AND to educate people on how to protect our children from abuse today. The two part mission is a result of Debbra's story of growing up a victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse and living a life shadowed by the lingering affects of such a childhood. The mission includes helping others Reclaim their power in months versus years with specific tools and mindset shifts. The other focus is on education about how to keep children from abuse today.  A difficult conversation today avoids a painful healing process later.Book: It Ends With Me: Breaking the cycles that keep us stuckThe cycle of abuse ends here, now. I will heal myself. I will go boldly to share my story and end the shame of what was done to me; for me and those who need to do the same.These generational curses that plague our families have to end. I let it all go. It wasn't my fault. I was a child whose innocence was stolen. Whose identity was tarnished. I had been brave and strong for far too long.From now on I will love myself with the same love I have for others. I know love is supportive. Love cares when you are hurt. Love uplifts and encourages. Love seeks to help you become your best self. Love appreciates who you are. Love accepts your faults but requires you to rise above them when necessary and do better. Love wants you to be safe and happy. Love is a place to be your true self. Love is reciprocal. It cherishes you and celebrates you. Love wants to see the love you give returned to you tenfold. Love sees your pain and wipes away your tears. Love opens its arms and offers a safe place to lay it all down and know you are loved.Find the love you are so deserving of and give it to yourself!!I decided to create a book that is also a journal that will hopefully start you on a journey to loving yourself and seeing yourself as the amazing individual you are.https://www.itendswithme.me/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 579 - Bill Hulseman - Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass - Reflections on life, identity, and moving forwardSix to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward offers the unique opportunity for its readers to start a new dialogue, take an active hand in creating culture and reshaping the world, and think about making meaning from formative experiences and relationships. From family dynamics and professional challenges that bolstered and battered him to the TV shows, films, books, and people who impacted his queer identity, Bill deconstructs the world that he inherited and begins to reconstruct the person he wants to become through short, poignant, thought-provoking, and frequently hilarious essays. The post-2020 world revealed to Bill that social transformation only comes with individual choices. If he wanted the world to change, he had to truthfully and compassionately understand how choices made long ago brought him to this moment and how the choices he makes now shape the future.This book is not didactic or instructional; not self-help or psychology; not academic philosophy or cultural criticism. It is an exercise in honesty and a portrait of Bill, his family, and how we construct multiple identities—sexual, religious, philosophical, political, familial, relational—without reducing them to a monolithic whole, without being argumentative.For anyone looking to make meaning out of their lives and the world around them, this book offers a model.https://www.billhulseman.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 578 - Chad Boudreaux - From Homeland Security and US Justice Department to Thriller AuthorCHAD BOUDREAUX has a broad range of government, legal and corporate experience. Prior to serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the nation's largest military shipbuilder, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he advised Secretary Michael Chertoff on almost all significant matters facing the newly established department.Before working for Homeland Security, Boudreaux served in several high-ranking positions at the U.S. Justice Department, where he was hired the night before the September 11, 2001, attacks. During his time at the Justice Department, Boudreaux focused most of his time on matters relating to terrorism and homeland security.His career in the government led him to write his debut novel, Scavenger Hunt.https://www.chadboudreaux.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 577 - J Hall  - A Book for New Dads and A Book to Make College Clear for Students and ParentsJ Hall is an author, educator, podcaster from Oklahoma City where he lives in with his wife, two dogs, and a rotating cast of adult children who stop in for meals and occasional dog-sitting. Most importantly, he is a grandpa, and he will certainly bore you to tears telling you how awesome his grandson is.J is the author of two books - God Help Me! I'm a Young Dad: 10 Essentials for Becoming the Dad Your Kids Need and his new book - College Unpacked: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Preparing For, and Excelling in College. J clearly does not believe in short titles.  After more than 15 years in professional ministry, J has spent the second half of his career in higher education, currently serving as Dean of Social Sciences at Oklahoma City Community College and teaching sociology.Since 2021, J has hosted and produced the Okie Bookcast, a podcast dedicated to connecting curious readers with their next great read through interviewing authors and storytellers connected to Oklahoma. He also co-hosts a monthly book chat show through the Bookcast with his daughter, author and screenwriter Hannah Herron. J is a regular guest on a number of podcasts, talking about everything from books to pop culture to fatherhood and more. https://www.jhallwriter.com/https://www.okiebookcast.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 576 - Anne Mollova - The Trianid, the Young Adult Fantasy Triology that had to be writtenAnne Mollova is an award-winning fantasy author living with her family in Pittsburgh, PA. Aside from writing, she loves being in nature, making music, eating chocolate, drinking tea, and creating things out of yarn and needles. She still keeps an eye out for faeries and hasn't yet accepted the fact that she cannot have a pet baby dragon.Seer of Strands Book 3 of The TrianidA new and dangerous magic. A promise to the faerie king. A musical treasure map no bard can decode.With the darklings gone, the kingdom of Dúramair is no longer under threat. But the Trianid remains splintered, and behind the walls of Monstar Abbey, the Seer of Strands harbors two secrets: a seemingly destructive magic rising within her and a promise to the faerie king that must be kept.When Faer Dinnán appears to see the promise fulfilled, it ensnares the young Trianid in an adventure that will test the limits of both their magic and their bonds. But even as Lirianna hopes her efforts will strengthen the Trianid, her own destiny as the Seer of Strands becomes increasingly tenuous. Fearing for a future her secrets could destroy and confronted by a past she thought she left behind, Lirianna can no longer ignore her growing magic—or the consequences of using it.“The plot of Keeper of Scales is … executed with a confidence and verve that should have no problems hooking in readers with its venerable twists and turns.” - The BookLife Prize“Anne has truly written an epic YA Fantasy for the ages.” - Anne Sengstock“Thoughtfully crafted and impressively immersive, this novel is hard to put down.” - Judge, 10th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awardshttps://www.annemollova.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 575 - Maury Wood - Grit and Wit - Husband. Dad. Faith-filled smart aleck Maury Wood is a husband, dad, former teacher, and a lifelong student of faith, family, and sarcasm. He's been with his wife for almost 25 years, and together they're raising four kids who give him endless material and keep him humble.Grit & Wit by Maury WoodHusband. Dad. Faith-filled smart aleck. Sharing stories on marriage, parenting, and the mess between—with grit, wit, and a prayer.https://gritandwit.substack.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 574 - Lawrence C. Connolly - Science fiction, fantasy, and horrorAbout the authorLawrence C. Connolly's books include the collections "This Way to Egress," whose titular tale of psychological horror was adapted for the Mick Garris film "Nightmare Cinema"; and the Bram-Stoker-nominated "Voices," which features Connolly's best stories from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Twilight Zone, Year's Best Horror, and other top magazines and anthologies of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. A third collection, "Visions," was praised by Publishers Weekly for featuring an eclectic mix of “entertaining and satisfying” SF.His novels include the eco-thrillers "Veins," "Vipers," and "Vortex." World Fantasy Award winner T. E. D. Klein called "Veins" "a crime thriller as intense and fast-moving as a Tarantino movie."This fall, Caezik Science Fiction will release his new novel "Minute-Men: Execute & Run," a globetrotting adventure that combines elements of military science fiction, gaming, and medical suspense in a thrilling reinvention of the superhero genre. He is collaborating with brother Christopher Connolly and Academy Award-winning producer Jonathan Sanger to develop a feature film based on "Execute & Run."https://lawrencecconnolly.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 573 - Gabrýel Grimm-Goretez - Holy Water Hurts, A Vampire's Guide to Vampire HuntingI'm Gabrýel—a 22-year-old author, artist, and musician based in Portland, Oregon. My work lives somewhere between gothic allure and post-punk energy, often shifting between darkness and defiance. I was once a high school valedictorian and poetry prodigy, racking up nearly every academic accolade I could… but what truly defines my voice is my unflinching exploration of identity and the cultural intersections I was raised within.Book: HOLY WATER HURTS: A Vampire Guide to Vampire HuntingIt's 2007, and in the rain-soaked streets of Seattle Washington, Parker is fighting for his life in more ways than one. Not only is he a starving artist running away from a past that, like him, refuses to stay dead. But after one bender too many, he now finds himself deep in the underworld of vampire hunting while also battling the same infection he's hell-bent on eradicating. Parker's grapple with his agonizing reality of turning into the very monsters he hunts proves to be the most terrifying creature he's faced...https://www.gabryelgrimmgoretez.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 572 - David Galef - Where I Went Wrong - A must-read for anyone who has ever screwed up royallyDavid Galef is an American fiction writer, critic, poet, translator, and essayist because he can't seem to make up his mind what to specialize in, though he's been a writer for over 40 years. He's published over fifteen books, from novels and short story collections and children's books to poetry books, criticism, and translation. A few highlights: His third novel, How to Cope with Suburban Stress, made Kirkus' “Best Books of the Year.” His second short story collection, My Date with Neanderthal Woman, won Dzanc Books' inaugural short story collection prize, and the title story was performed at Selected Shorts at Symphony Space. David received a B.A. in English from Princeton, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Columbia, with a specialty in British Modernism. From 1989 to 2008, he was a professor of English at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he administered the M.F.A. program in creative writing until 2007. In 2008, he received a Fulbright Fellowship to live in Tokyo for four months, after which he returned home, landed a job in New Jersey, and hopped back over the Mason-Dixon line. He is now a professor of English and the creative writing program director at Montclair State University.David is married to the journalist and editor Beth Weinhouse. Their son, Daniel Galef, is a writer, too, God help him. David and his family live in Montclair, New Jersey, a cool, artsy community where you can't throw a rock without hitting at least three writers.Fun fact (at least some people find it fun): David has also been a humor columnist for Inside Higher Ed, where he wrote for years about a school called U of All People.Book: Where I Went WrongTony Mazza is having a bad day, which is what a lot of his days are like lately. He's worked at a real estate agency, a bike shop, and a bar, among other places, and he's currently managing as a hospital orderly. Or at least he was until, high on Percocet, he drove off with stolen property in an ambulance owned by the hospital and crashed into another ambulance. “Where did I go wrong?” he wonders aloud from his jail cell. Tony often wonders about this, whether it's losing the affection of his kids (he's twice divorced) or making a gaffe when selling a house to a prospective buyer. But he's not hapless, he's rather smart, and he's even rather likeable. So where did he go wrong? This question keeps cropping up as each chapter takes Tony further back in time: issues with his first wife, disastrous investments, unfortunate family events in high school and earlier . . . all the way back to his birth, as recounted by his mother. Where I Went Wrong is Tony Mazza's story, a novel that's both comic and serious, exploring why some people fail while others get away with little short of murder.https://davidgalef.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 571 - Marc Sapir - I'll Fly Away, 40 Stories about Amazing Disabled EldersMarc Sapir, a retired primary care, geriatric, and public health physician, is an essayist and political activist. He was the first Medical Director of the Center for Elders' Independence for disabled elders for 9 years. He also previously worked for United Farm Workers and was a panel member of the Mad as Hell Doctors for Single Payer Health Care. A graduate of Brandeis University (BA) and Stanford Medical School (MD), he also holds a Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH) epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley.He is the author of five plays and writes fiction, poetry, and music. He recently published a memoir, Deja Vu with Quixotic Delusions of Grandeur (May, 2024), and his writing has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, the Berkeley Daily Planet, the Palo Alto Times, the Stanford Daily, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), American Journal of Public Health, American Journal of Epidemiology, and more. He lives in Berkeley, CA.I'll Fly AwayStories about Amazing Disabled Elders by Marc SapirI'll Fly Away invites readers to delve into the intimate narratives of 40 extraordinary elders, revealing their profound stories of resilience and the vibrant spirit that often persists in the twilight years. This collection not only highlights the challenges faced by aging individuals but also champions the beauty and dignity of every life story.“A collection of wonderful real-life stories on aging. Dr. Sapir vividly portrays a complex series of human emotions, struggles, and relationships.”—Thomas Irungu MD, MPH, medical director Sentara Health Plans, VA“Could the lives of 40 disabled oldsters in a geriatric program make interesting reading? ‘Interesting' is an understatement. These stories are fascinating.”—Anthony Somkin MD, medical director RotaCare West Contra Costamarcsapir.netSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 570 - C B Strul - Papillon IV - A Space Opera, Trash Talk and  a Waste Filled Derelict Ark Spacecraft c.b.strul is author of such novels as The Ancient Ones, CONNECTIVITY, and Papillon IV as well as the founder of Odom's Library. Additionally, he has in print the short story The Last Trucker and three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? His short play Leading the Blind was produced in Los Angeles by the former artist organization ImageneseFree. And his three Minuet short films as well as the animated feature screenplay for Critter Crossing have received awards and recognition at multiple festivals in California and around the worldPapillon IV - A Space Opera unlike anything you've read before.Ancient Earth calls for an initiative to clean up the planet. They send the majority of humanity's excess waste into space -- on the back of a recently derelict ark spacecraft.What the people of Earth don't realize is the effect this payload will have on the alien race of an unknown world.https://odomslibrary.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 569 - Robin Nathaniel - Social Media SYNC - Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with IntentionRobin NathanielTEDx SpeakerRobin Nathaniel has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin's artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emphasis on connection and storytelling, naturally paved the way for his transition into the professional world of social media. Living by the motto "Connect. Create. Contribute," he aims to inspire a wave of positive transformation.Social Media SYNCA Framework for Intentional Human Connection in the AI EraStop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention.Social Media SYNC is not another “how to go viral” book.It's a bold framework for creators, professionals, and mission-driven leaders who want to build real human connections in a digital world obsessed with trends.In the AI era, if you're not building authentic human connection...you're getting left behind.Grab your copy of Social Media SYNC and build a presence that outlasts any algorithm.Recommended by Writers:“Robin's work is a comprehensive guide for those seeking authenticity, willing to do the work to carve out a unique and intentional path for themselves in an otherwise overcrowded market.” –Joél Leon: TED Speaker, Storyteller, Gotham Book Prize Nominated Author“Digital media, AI, and other technologies are never going away, nor should they. "Social Media SYNC" helps today's connected professionals understand how to build better and more connected relationships with each other.” –Ramon Ray: Keynote Speaker, Author, Host - USA Today Hosthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robbinmarx/https://robbinmarx.substack.com/https://books.by/RobinNathanielSupport the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 568 - Bret Davis - Bretisms - Adopted, Borrowed and Modified Philosophies For a Life with LESS ANXIETY and MORE CONFIDENCEhttps://bretisms.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 567 - Mali Bain and Shayna Lee - Next Gen Story - Preserve your family stories for generations to comeNextGen Story is about helping families capture the stories of their loved ones.My name is Mali, the founder of NextGen Story. I am a former high school teacher with a background working in university, non-profit, and philanthropic settings. I'm a family historian, facilitator, and certified Guided Autobiography instructor. I hold a B.A. (UBC), B.Ed. (SFU), and an M.A. in Adult Learning and Education (UBC). I'm also the author of Our Homes on Indigenous Lands: Stories of My Ancestors Across Turtle Island.This work began when I helped my grandmother publish her memoirs. She had typewritten stories and old albums of photos. I worked with her to type, scan, organize, edit, design, and eventually publish a family history book. She was so proud of her book, and it has meant so much to our family.I've always dreamed that I could help other families publish their own family history books. Thanks to the team of talented writers, editors, and designers at NextGen Story, we have helped dozens of families complete their book for friends, family, and beyond. Check out our books to see some examples.Without NextGen Story our family's precious book would not have been made. Mali's keen eye for detail and her sense of the overall picture brought our Grandmother's memories together to form a beautiful, fascinating, and meaningful arc. Not only did this project create an absolute treasure of a book, but the process also allowed many of us grandchildren to spend time connecting with Grandma through photos, writings, and conversations as we helped curate and edit. Mali was organized and professional yet completely sensitive to our family's feelings and priorities throughout.Sam, NextGen Story Clienthttps://www.nextgenstory.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 566 - Dheepa R. Maturi - An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the FutureDheepa R. Maturi is an Indian-American writer who explores ecology, culture, identity, and how they intersect. Her essays, poetry, and fiction have appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including Literary Hub, PANK, The Fourth River, Sequestrum, Tiferet, and How to Write a Form Poem. Her work has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize, and she is the author of 108: an Eco-Thriller, to be published by GFB in June of 2025. In the past, Dheepa has worked as a lawyer, consultant, and education grant director. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago and now lives with her family in Indianapolis. To read some of her work, visit DheepaRMaturi.com.Book - 108: an Eco-ThrillerNow available!An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the FutureWhen journalist Bayla Jeevan experiences a mysterious vision deep in an Indian forest, she's thrust into a battle against ZedChem, a powerful agrochemical corporation with a dangerous secret. As she unravels the truth, Bayla discovers her family's hidden ties to an ancient force—one that may be the key to stopping a global catastrophe. 108 is a pulse-pounding eco-thriller that blends science, mysticism, and the urgency of environmental justice in an unforgettable race to save humanity.https://www.dheeparmaturi.com/Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond FearElizabeth Gilberthttps://a.co/d/exCk8y0Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 565 - Lee Clark - Matthew Paine Mystery Series - Including the upcoming book Killer ConvergenceLee Clark is the author of the Matthew Paine Mystery series of classic murder mystery novels, including Dead Spots, Prefer Death, MIA, Christmas Punch, Iced, Forbidden Relics, and the upcoming Killer Convergence to be released in the spring of 2025. According to multiple reviews across the book series on goodreads and Amazon, Clark "writes like Agatha Christie," and is reminiscent of Margaret Maron and Louise Penny. A North Carolina native, Clark grew up in Raleigh with family roots in Virginia. An admitted chocoholic and coffeeholic, Lee Clark still resides in North Carolina with spouse, two mostly grown children who are in and out, and a dwindling petting zoo of geriatric dogs and cats.  Lee Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master's in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. Following a twenty year career in the software development industry of corporate America at IBM, Clark turned to writing fiction in 2021 with the release of Dead Spots, the first in the Matthew Paine Mystery series. The Matthew Paine character is a beloved character to the author. Though a fictional character, Matthew was inspired by two very important men in the author's life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will catch glimpses of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew's struggles.  https://cypressrivermedia.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 564 - Sally McQuillen - Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild ChildSally McQuillen, LCSW, CADCCertified Grief Educator Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery. She provides ongoing support for addiction recovery, as well as support for those recovering from the impact of a loved one's addiction. She sees adults seeking relief from mood symptoms, helps them navigate their personal and professional relationships and lead more fulfilling lives. She works with clients to find peace and healing from trauma and loss. Her goal is to bring light into the lives of her clients intuitively pulling from different therapeutic models and resources to support their specific needs.Book: Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild ChildA luminous story of how love triumphs over pain, love transcends fear, and love never dies; this debut memoir from a mother grieving her young-adult son's death is a must-read for any parent who has lost a child, is raising a child from the edge of their seat, or whose family struggles with addiction.When Sally's twenty-one-year-old son died in a boat accident, her greatest fear is realized. Christopher was often drawn to risk and struggled with addiction. In this riveting memoir, Sally captures the wild ride of his jam-packed life and her deep love for him while reflecting on her own childhood and family's legacy of alcoholism. Sally shares insights about what it's like to experience the emotional aftershocks of acute grief, filtered through the lens of her personal experience as a mother and her professional vantage point as a psychotherapist. Even if they have not been touched by loss in this way, readers may see themselves in Sally's bittersweet illusion of trying to keep her son safe, in how she is challenged to let go of her fear, guilt, and regret in order to forgive herself, and in the ways grief teaches her about the power of love.https://www.sallymcquillen.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 563 - Judith Valente - From Journalism to Author of The Italian Soul - Add the Italian Good Life into your homeJudith Valente is an awarding-winning author, print and broadcast journalist, poet and essayist.She is a sought-after speaker and retreat leader on such subjects as living a more contemplative life, discovering inner wisdom through poetry, and finding meaning in your work. She is a lay associate of the Benedictine monastery Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, which is the subject of her 2013 memoir, Atchison Blue: A Search for Silence, a Spiritual Home and a Living Faith, which was chosen by Religion Newswriters Association as one of the three best spirituality books of that year.Her book, The Art Of Pausing: Meditations For The Overworked And Overwhelmed won a Best Book Award from the Catholic Press Association.More recently, she wrote How to Live: What The Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community, which was followed in 2021 by How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship.Judith and Associated Press President, Will Stevenson.She began her work in journalism at the age of 21 as a staff reporter for The Washington Post. She later joined the staff of The Wall Street Journal, reporting from that paper's Chicago and London bureaus. She was twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, first in the public service category as part of a team of reporters at The Dallas Times Herald investigating airline safety. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer in the feature writing category for her front page article in The Wall Street Journal chronicling the story of a religiously conservative father caring for his son dying of AIDS.Judith was a regular contributor to the national PBS TV news program Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. She won numerous broadcast awards for her work on the show. Her work also appeared on The PBS News Hour. She previously covered religion, interviewed poets and authors, and served as a guest essayist on National Public Radio and Chicago Public Radio, and was a senior correspondent at WGLT radio, an NPR affiliate in central Illinois.Book - The Italian Soul offers practical guidance into how we can transport a taste of the Italian “good life” into our own homes. Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. It is both a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but are yearning for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives.https://www.judithvalente.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 562 - Kate Maruyama - The Collective and The Alterations - Hollywood History, Horror and Family DynamicsKate Maruyama is the author of Harrowgate, Bleak Houses, and The Collective and her novella Family Solstice was named Best Fiction Book of 2021 by Rue Morgue Magazine. Her short work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies and she is a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, and winner of the Uncharted Short Story Prize. She served on the working Board for Women Who Submit, and the Board for the Shirley Jackson Awards. She writes, teaches, cooks, and eats in Los Angeles.https://www.katemaruyama.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 561 - Joesph Bolton - Old Grandmother's Tree - Celebrating Cultures and History through FolktalesAbout the AuthorJoseph Bolton was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island during the twilight of the golden age of French-Canadian culture in New England. Growing up emersed in his mother's French-Canadian family, Joseph enjoyed hearing the stories told by his grandparents and great aunts of a mysterious and magical place called Québec, otherwise known as “the place we came from.”After high school, Joseph's adventurous nature led him to enlist in the U.S. Army and he served in the Army's airborne forces as a paratrooper jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, much to the worry of his mother.Since he retired from the Army, Joseph has worked in various project manager roles as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Air Force. While writing Old Grandmother's Tree, Joseph took a sabbatical from the U.S. Air Force and taught mathematics to young students for a semester at Holy Family Academy in Gardner Massachusetts.Bolton is of French-Canadian, Native American, Spanish, English, and Irish descent, and is profoundly inspired by the stories of his heritage. He lives with his wife in Massachusetts, and, in his free time, enjoys hiking and skiing through Québec and New England landscapes. His favorite places to go for outdoor adventure are the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and Mont-Orford in Québec. When he is not writing, hiking, or skiing, Joseph enjoys reading about science, history, philosophy, mathematics, and worldwide mythologies. Old Grandmother's Tree is his first book.Meet the IllustratorAbout Natasha Pelley-SmithNatasha Pelley-Smith, born in Toronto, is a seasoned professional artist who graduated from the prestigious Écohlcité fine arts academy in France, in 2017—now integrated into Émile Chol of Lyon. Equipped with a diverse skill set that spans from crafting murals of all sizes to illustrating books and creating canvas paintings in oils, acrylics, and mixed media, Natasha's professional journey is a continual creative adventure.Her artistic focal point revolves around expressive portraiture, wherein she delves into the realms of self-identity exploration and cultural influences. Natasha is known to embody her Native American, Jamaican, and Newfoundland roots, as well as other cultural threads from her life. Her work serves as an invitation for others to embrace their multifaceted layers, both culturally and emotionally, promoting messages of unity and self-love.Natasha's private clientele is also noteworthy, where her artwork has garnered recognition, including four fully illustrated published books, leading to her collaboration with U.S. author Joseph Bolton on her most extensive project to date. This book intricately dives into French-Canadian folklore, character self-growth, and prominently explores Joseph's heritage and Native American roots from the Algonquin tribes while also embracing the unified connection to Natasha's roots from the Ojibwe and Cree tribes, featured subtly throughout the book. https://oldgrandmotherstree.com/https://welcome.natashapsartwork.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 560 - Barret Baumgart - Yuck - turning your Joshua Tree vacation into a terrifying revelationBarret Baumgart is an essayist, screenwriter, and the author of the nonfiction books China Lake and YUCK. His essays have appeared in The Paris Review, The Gettysburg Review, The Iowa Review, The Rumpus, Vice, LitHub, The Seneca Review, and The Literary Review, among others. He lives in Los Angeles.Book: Yuck: The Birth & Death of the Weird & Wondrous Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifoliaAre you headed to Joshua Tree this summer? Get ready to hate your life. It's not the heat that will wilt your spirit, nor the choke of traffic waiting to trample the park, but the enduring grotesquerie of its cherished namesake, the Joshua Tree."One can scarcely find a term of ugliness that is not apt for this plant... A landscape filled with Joshua Trees has a nightmare effect even in broad daylight: at the witching hour it can be almost infernal." -Joseph Smeaton Chase, 1919Similarly, few terms exist that do not fit Barret Baumgart's appalling YUCK. Part prose poem, pamphlet, collage, history, essay, memoir, and fiction, YUCK is a grotesque malformation beset with uncanny connections, jarring juxtaposition, and a buried true history that will have you asking yourself the big questions, particularly... Why am I here?Who knows, but here you are... in the weird and wondrous world of YUCK, a brief and searing ode to the world's hottest desert, the Mojave, its divine and dying mascot, Yucca brevifolia, and the magical land that killed it all, Los Angeles.From the publisher:YUCK presents an unsettling new history of one of the most loathed and beloved objects on the planet, the Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia. It primarily focuses on the discovery, naming, and attempted eradication of the Joshua Tree beginning in the late 1870s in Southern California. The Joshua Tree was universally reviled as the most grotesque object on earth following its discovery by white Europeans in the 1840s. Numerous schemes arose to extirpate it from the planet, the most promising among them an attempt to turn the tree into paper, "California Cactus Paper" [YUCK is, of course, printed on faux CA Cactus Paper]. The book excavates this unknown, buried history against the ironic backdrop of the Joshua Tree today becoming the ultra-hip signifier of some kind of cultural authenticity, and its national park the most photographed and fastest growing in the nation #JoshuaTree. This current popularity boom, in a further irony, is occurring just as scientists warn that the tree will likely vanish due to climate change by the end of the century.https://www.barretbaumgart.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca