The Relatable Voice Podcast

The Relatable Voice Podcast — RV Book Fair Special Romance in All Its Forms: Stories of Love, Connection & the Human Heart Love doesn't come in just one form—and neither do the stories we tell about it. ❤️ In this special RV Book Fair 2026 panel, Mandy, T.K. Bush, and Paola Santana join us to explore romance, relationships, human connection, and the emotions that bring their characters and stories to life. From unexpected love to complicated relationships, discover how these authors turn matters of the heart into stories readers can connect with. Love, stories, and everything in between—let's talk romance!

The RV Book Fair 2026 — Inspiring Young Minds How can stories help children dream bigger, discover who they are, and see the world in new ways? In this special RV Book Fair discussion panel, Diann Floyd Boehm, Dr. Gal Chivvis, and Christine Devane explore the power of books to inspire, educate, and encourage young readers. Special Speaker: Chester L.Richards Join us for a conversation about writing for younger audiences, nurturing imagination and confidence, and creating stories that can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Find out more at: https://www.relatable-media.com/the-rv-book-fair

The RV Book Fair 2026 — Living Well What does it really mean to live well—physically, emotionally, and creatively? In this special RV Book Fair discussion panel, Sarah Deschamps, Dr. Roxanne Daleo, and Dr. Christine Silverstein come together to explore resilience, well-being, healing, and the experiences that have shaped their work and writing. Special Speaker: Zachary Hagen Join us for an inspiring conversation about navigating challenges, finding inner strength, and discovering new ways to live with greater awareness and purpose. Find out more at: https://www.relatable-media.com/the-rv-book-fair

Acting, Audio & Storytelling | The RV Book Fair 2026 What happens when storytelling moves beyond the written page? In this special episode of The Relatable Voice Podcast, hosts Lucia Matuonto and Pat Backley welcome Heather Bridges, Rick Incorvia, and Leland Mergillano for a lively conversation about acting, voice, audio, and the many ways stories can come to life. Special Speaker: Amber Vilhauer Part of The RV Book Fair 2026. Discover more at www.relatable-media.com

on work both as a podcast introduction and as promotion for The RV Book Fair 2026. Creating New Worlds | The RV Book Fair 2026 What does it take to create a world that readers can step into, believe in, and never want to leave? In this special episode of The Relatable Voice Podcast, we bring you Creating New Worlds, a panel discussion from The RV Book Fair 2026. Hosted by Lucia Matuonto and Pat Backley, the conversation features authors Steven Joseph and Andy Case, who share their experiences with imagination, storytelling, character development, and the creative process behind building compelling fictional worlds. The panel also features a special opening message from Claudia Marta, setting the stage for a conversation that celebrates creativity and the extraordinary places stories can take us. Whether you're an author, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves discovering the worlds hidden between the pages of a book, this conversation offers inspiration and a glimpse behind the scenes of storytelling. Join us as we celebrate authors, books, imagination, and the power of stories at The RV Book Fair 2026. Find out more about The RV Book Fair and discover more conversations at The RV Online:www.relatable-media.com/the-rv-online

Welcome to the Resilient Women series. Today, we welcome Megan Cenicola. Megan is an event planner, culinary school graduate, podcast host, wife, and dog mom. Diagnosed with stage 3a melanoma in 2017 and re-diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma five years later, Megan has learned firsthand what it means to live with uncertainty. Alongside her husband, Justin, she co-hosts Between the Scans with M+J, a podcast about cancer, resilience, bipolar disorder, family, and the everyday moments that make life meaningful. You can find her @betweenthescanswithmplusj

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to Colorado to speak with two very special guests—a mother-and-son writing team. We have Amber Vilhauer, an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of NGNG Enterprises. For more than two decades, she has helped entrepreneurs and thought leaders bring their voices and ideas into the world. And joining Amber is her nine-year-old son, Clay Vilhauer—an author, soccer fan, adventurer, and someone who apparently takes his sleeping very seriously! Clay became an author at just six years old with The Long Forest Trail. Now, mother and son have come together to write What Nature Teaches Us: A Book About Being the Light. Find out more at: https://choosethelight.com/#book

Meet Zulma Williams, a mental health therapist whose journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue a dream. Zulma began her bachelor's degree at 42 and graduated at 46. Just six weeks later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced the challenge with determination, embracing the motto: “I had cancer, cancer didn't have ME!” At 50, she began her master's degree, and at 60, she started another new chapter—moving to Panama to fulfill her dream of living by the beach. Zulma joins the Resilient Women Series to share a message of courage, reinvention, and possibility: challenges may change the journey, but they don't have to stop the dream. Find out more at:  www.dragonflytherapyservices.net

Welcome to The Relatable Voice podcast.  Today, we're traveling virtually to Massachusetts to chat with Dr. Roxanne Daleo. Dr. Roxanne is a Harvard-trained Health Educator, founder of MindWorks for Children, and a pioneer in mind-body medicine, neuroscience, expressive arts, and emotional well-being.  Her upcoming book, Geography of the Self: SoulScapes, invites readers to explore their inner landscape and discover new pathways to healing and resilience. Find out more at: https://www.drroxannedaleo.com/roxie/

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast!  Today, we're driving to Santa Cruz to talk with Paige Gordon. Paige is an author, advocate, and speaker. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Eating Disorders Association and works alongside researchers, clinicians, and organizations to promote more compassionate, patient-centered care. Her upcoming memoir, Searching for Full, will be released in January 2027.  Find out more at: http://www.paigegordonauthor.com/

Today we are pleased to have with us, Sarah Hope Epting. Sarah is an  epilepsy and abuse survivor and a debut novelist who goes under the pen name: Hope Epting Loschak. She has written the novel, Chasing the Sunset, which is Part One of a trilogy.

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast!  Today, we are heading to Florida to speak with Frank DiMaio—author, artist, speaker, and founder of the Emotional Prosperity Network. Frank spent decades as a chiropractic physician helping people heal physically, but his life's journey led him to explore a deeper kind of healing. He is the author of A Promise Made, A Promise Kept, and his latest book, To Be... To Be With..., which explores emotional prosperity, resilience, and finding purpose, is out now.  Find out more at: https://www.emotionalprosperitynetwork.com

Welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to New York City to talk with Dr. Joanne Intrator—author, psychiatrist, political observer, and film critic. Born to refugee parents who escaped Nazi Germany, Joanne's life has been deeply shaped by history, identity, and the search for truth. From working in politics and film before entering medicine, to writing her memoir Summons to Berlin, Joanne has lived many lives—and brings all of them into her work today.

Welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to Connecticut to talk with Claire Stadtmueller. Claire is an opera singer, filmmaker, and activist who calls herself “Farm Girl by Day, Diva by Night.” Raised on a horse farm in New Jersey, Claire went from life in the saddle to performing on stages like Carnegie Hall. Now, she's combining music, storytelling, and activism in her latest production, The End of Tyranny. Instagram:  Instagram https://www.youtube.com/@clairestadtmueller2772

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we are heading to California to talk with Dr. Tony Nader. Dr. Nader is a physician, neuroscientist, author, and researcher of consciousness whose life's work has been devoted to understanding human awareness and how greater consciousness can improve health, happiness, relationships, and society. His latest book, The Power of Caring: Who Cares, Why It Matters, and How Conscious Caring Creates a Fulfilling and Connected Life is out now. Find out more at: https://drtonynader.com/

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! I'm your host, Lucia Matuonto. Today, we are heading to Iowa to talk with Terri Sterk. Terri is a wellness coach, speaker, author, and a two-time breast cancer survivor who has turned her personal pain into purpose. Today, we'll talk about resilience, reinvention, healing, and how Terri is helping women reclaim their lives. She is the author of Thrive After Breast Cancer and shares weekly encouragement on her YouTube channel. Her latest book, I Am Not a Statistic, is out now. Find out more at: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThriveWithTerriSterk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tsterk

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast!  Today, we are heading to Missouri to talk with author Norma Sawyers Kurz, a writer, substitute teacher, mother, grandmother, and someone whose life has been deeply shaped by love, loss, resilience, and healing. Today, we'll talk about her life, her writing, and the very human process of moving forward after unimaginable loss. Her latest book A Personal Grief: Finding Faith Through Loss is out now. 

Today, we are driving to Florida to chat with Angela Page. Angela is a writer, producer, and storyteller whose career spans finance, theatre, film, and publishing. Her films have been featured on ShortsTV, Indiepix, Funny or Die, and IWoman TV. She is also the author of several books, including Matched in Heaven, Suddenly Single Sylvia, There's a Dead Girl in My Yard, and her latest novel, Enrico G. Find out more at: https://angelapage.net/

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! I'm your host, Lucia Matuonto, and today, we are heading to New England to chat with a remarkable poet and novelist whose journey is just as inspiring as her work. D.M. Gordon is a widely published poet and novelist whose work has appeared in literary journals including The Cincinnati Review and Poetry Daily. After decades of dedication, perseverance, and artistic growth, D.M. is experiencing what she beautifully describes as a “late literary blooming,” with her poetry and novels finally reaching readers in powerful and meaningful ways. Find out more at: www.dmgordon.com

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to sunny California to chat with Darlene Koldenhoven — GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, composer, producer, actor, and the unforgettable soprano voice behind Aria in Yanni: Live at the Acropolis. Darlene is now sharing her remarkable journey in her upcoming memoir, Put Your Dress Down and Sing. Find out more are: https://www.darlenekoldenhoven.com/

Today, we are heading to Los Angeles, California, to chat with S.A Sizemore. S.A is a writer, playwright, themed entertainment professional, and storyteller with a fascinating connection to one of America's most intriguing historical events—the Salem Witch Trials. A proud member of the LGBTQ community, Shelley draws inspiration from history, genealogy, and family stories. Her debut novel, Whispers of the Pale Witch, launches the Beckett Coven series, blending Salem history, family secrets, magic, and mystery into a compelling supernatural tale. Find out more at: beckettcoven.com, @beckettcoven (TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, Substack), Beckett Coven Readers on Facebook, and Goodreads.

Hello, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we are heading to sunny California to chat with Tim Disney. Tim is a writer, filmmaker, artist, and creative thinker whose journey has crossed many worlds—from storytelling and film to business, technology, investing, and the arts. He is also the co-creator of the fascinating new graphic novel, The A.R.C., a thought-provoking story inspired by today's world of misinformation, truth, and the complicated ways we connect with reality. Find out more at: www.arcthebook.net

Hello  welcome to The Relatable Voice podcast!  Today The RV is headed to the Sunshine State! We are going to Florida to chat with a very special guest—Ritu Anand. Ritu is an author, storyteller, literary agent, actress, and lover of languages and culture. Ritu was born in New Delhi, India, and currently lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and Prince, her adorable Bichon Frise. She is the author of the beautiful picture book I Am My Language, which was featured in The Relatable Voice Magazine—and I had the chance to review it. Find out more at: https://rituzastoryteller.com

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice podcast! Today, we are heading to Chicago to chat with Stephen Bastien. His latest book, Suing the Vatican, is out now. Find out more at: suingthevatican.com Disclaimer: The content of this episode reflects the personal views, experiences, and opinions of the guest, Stephen Bastien, and is presented for informational and conversational purposes only. References to individuals, organizations, or institutions—including the Vatican—represent the guest's perspectives and allegations and should not be interpreted as statements of fact by The Relatable Voice Podcast or Relatable Media LLC. The host and platform do not endorse or verify all claims made during the interview. Listener discretion is advised.

Hello, and welcome to the Relatable Voice Podcast. Today, we are traveling to New York to meet Dr. Christine Silverstein. Dr. Christine is a Peak Performance Coach, Behavioral Health RN, and Hypnosis Specialist.  Her latest Wrestling Through Adversity is out now. Find out more at:  drchristinesilverstein.com Idealperformance.net

Candace Lynn Talmadge spent decades inside the most disciplined form of storytelling there is: journalism. Deadlines. Accuracy. Accountability. She wrote as a business reporter for major publications, trained to separate emotion from fact and deliver clean, verifiable truth. At the same time, she was quietly studying the emotional body, spirituality, and the unseen layers of human experience. Two parallel lives. One public. One private. Then grief fractured everything. She speaks with authority about: • Reinvention later in life • Healing through narrative • The psychology of grief • Leaving a long career to pursue calling • Why fiction can sometimes say what journalism cannot She does not romanticize pain. She analyzes it. Works with it. Shapes it into story. For hosts, she offers more than an author interview. She offers a conversation about how narrative reshapes identity — and how the stories we tell about our lives determine whether we remain trapped or transformed.

Today, we are heading to Ojai, California, to talk with Anne Rilley. Anne considers herself an author rather than simply a writer. Humor is essential to her process; if it doesn't make her laugh, she won't write it. This unique blend of intellect, wit, and purpose makes her work both thought-provoking and engaging. Her latest book The Human Idea: Earth's Newest Ecosystem is out now.   http://www.thehumanidea.com/

Today we are heading to London to speak with Luigi A. Kohli. Luigi A.K. is a retired corporate business professional who stepped away from his career in 2022 at the age of 57 to pursue his lifelong passion for writing. Born in London in the 1960s to an Italian mother and an Indian father, he was raised in a richly multicultural environment that deeply influenced his worldview and creative voice. journey. His Latest book Aletheia is out now. Find out more at:www.LuigiAKauthor.com

Today, we're heading to London to speak with Jeremy Cook. In this episode, Jeremy shares his fascinating journey and his work bringing to life the seventh, eighth, and ninth novels Jane Austen never wrote. He is the author of Speculation, with Courtship & Court Martial launching soon, and The Widow & The Mistress already in the works. Find out more at: https://www.austenesque.com/

In this episode, Vicky Oliver sits down with April Garcia to talk about the rooms we carry inside us—the ones filled with light, and the ones we keep locked away. April shares her raw and honest journey through addiction, depression, and recovery, and what it truly means to stop running and start healing. Find out more at: http://aprildaygarcia.com/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're hitting the road again with The RV, and this time we're speaking with a very special guest—Bella Olson, an incredible young author who has already published her debut novel at just 11 years old. Bella is not only an author, but also a creative powerhouse—a theater performer, a YouTuber, and what she calls a “Chief Imagination Officer.” Her debut book, Trapped, is a fast-paced, funny adventure about a young inventor who must escape a mysterious facility—with the help of a talking chicken and a team of unlikely friends. Find out more at: https://www.bellaolson.com/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're hitting the road and taking a drive to Ohio, where we'll be joined by a truly inspiring guest—Tricia Baxley. Tricia is an author, a Certified MBTI Practitioner, and a Certified Life Coach with a background in both finance and psychology. She's also a devoted mom of two boys, a runner, a seeker, and someone who helps others reconnect with their truth and rewrite the stories that shape their lives. Her latest book, The Stories We Tell Ourselves: The Soul Journey to Uncovering the Hidden Scripts That Define Us, is out now. Find out more at: apath4healing.com Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and personal loss. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional for support.

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to Delaware to chat with Joyce Wambua Osborne. Joyce is a finance professional by training—she holds an MBA and is also a CPA. Beyond her work in finance, she is also a writer, speaker, and the author of Seasons of Me, a powerful reflection on growth, identity, and life's many seasons. Find more about Joyce at IG: @joyful_faces and LinkedIn: Joyce Osborne

Hello, and welcome back to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, the RV is cruising along the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, California, to chat with Lindsay Manfredi. Lindsay is a musician, international bestselling author, and unapologetic truth-teller. As the bassist for the rock band Cold, she has performed across the U.S., connecting deeply with audiences through music and storytelling. Her latest book, The Girl Who Cried Love: A Pivot to Self-Worth, is out now. Find out more at: lindsaymanfredi.com

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're driving to Ft. Myers, Florida, to speak with Amy Hawk.  Amy is a nurse practitioner working full-time in the emergency room, a wellness provider, and the author of The Tales of Rumpus—a magical and empowering children's series inspired by imagination, family, and meaningful life lessons. Find out more at: amy-hawk.com

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're hitting the road again with The RV, and this time we're heading to San Diegoto speak with Jerry Troyer. Jerry is a counselor, chaplain, and author. Through years of working closely with individuals and families, he has heard powerful real-life stories that have shaped his perspective on human struggles, healing, and personal growth. His latest book, Awakening to the Truth, is out now. Find out more at: https://www.jerrytroyer.com/ Content Note:This episode includes conversations about sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a professional for support.

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we are hitting the road again with The RV,  and driving to Utah to speak with Chris Miles Chris is the founder of Money Ripples, author  , and host of the top-rated Money Ripples Podcast. He has helped his clients create more than $300 million in cash flow and passive income, and incredibly, he retired—twice—before the age of 40. His latest book, “The Work Optional Blueprint," is out now.  Find out more at: www.moneyripples.com

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today we are on the road, driving to the UK, to chat with our guest, Ellen Frazer Jameson. Ellen is a journalist, broadcaster, and author of more than twenty books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her work has taken her from writing for magazines to national newspapers, and eventually to becoming an on-air presenter with the BBC, where she interviewed more than 1,000 people in just one year — from celebrities and award-winning figures to everyday people with extraordinary stories. Her latest book, “103 Days Sailing Around the World on the Queen Mary 2,” is out now.  Find out more at:  www.ellenfrazerjameson.com

Today we're taking a little road trip — we're driving all the way to Alberta, Canada, to chat with J.S. Nathaniel. J.S. is a dark fiction author who writes gothic and dystopian stories. His work explores emotional resilience and identity through powerful storytelling. His latest book, Dominion of the Divine, is out now. Find out more at: https://jsnathaniel.link/

Hello and welcome back to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today we're heading to Redding, California, to chat with the incredibly talented J.D.R. Hawkins. J.D.R. is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She's also a singer and songwriter. I wish I could sing like her! Her latest book, Fool's Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience, part of The Renegade Series, is out now — and we're going to dive into that today. Find out more at: https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today, we are heading to Maine to talk with Samuel Clark. Samuel is a student and a writer whose life is a unique blend of discipline and creativity — balancing Exercise Science studies with building fictional kingdoms filled with leadership, love, and legacy. His fourth book, The Eternal Tide, part of the Secrets of Hawaii series, is out now. Find out more at https://samuelrwclark.com/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today, we are driving to Minneapolis to chat with author Sarah Deschamps. Sarah is a memoirist whose writing explores family, resilience, and the lasting impact of medical trauma. Her work brings honesty and deep empathy to stories of survival, parenting, and healing. Her latest memoir, I Couldn't Tell You, continues the journey she first shared in Journey to Japan: A Life-Saving Memoir. Find out more about Sarah at: Sarahdeschamps.com

With us today is our honored guest, Natalie Pickering. Natalie is a board-certified coach, organizational psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of Leading Becomes You: A Real-World Framework for Leading from the Inside Out. She works in leadership development and has helped executives and leaders navigate transitions, crises, and reinventions.

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today, we're taking a drive to Pike Road, Alabama, to chat with Beth Pellino-Dudzic. Beth was born in the Bronx, New York, and later moved to Hawaii. Beth is the proud mother of three daughters. She's a huge football fan who also loves cooking and baking. Beth is a songwriter and an author, and her latest book, The Perfection Saga, is out now. Find out more at: https://www.instagram.com/bpellinodudzic/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we are driving to Australia to chat with Paul Rushworth-Brown. Paul is a storyteller, podcaster, and bestselling author of many books. He writes historical fiction and thrillers, and his latest novel, Outback Odyssey, is out now. Be sure to check Paul's website at paulrushworthbrown.com

oday, we're heading to California to chat with Jenny Brandemuehl. Jenny is a USA Today bestselling author, executive leader, and a passionate advocate for resilience, healing, and community. She wrote a memoir about her journey through love, trauma, and transformation after her husband, Mark, survived a devastating private plane crash. Her book, Forever Fly Free, is out now. Find out more about Jenny at: https://www.foreverflyfree.com/

Hello and welcome to The Relatable Voice Podcast. Today, we're heading to Venice Beach, California, to talk with Andrea Leeb. Andrea is a USA Today bestselling author and advocate, and her memoir, Such a Pretty Picture, is out now. Find out more about Andrea at: https://www.andrealeebauthor.com/ Content Advisory: This episode includes a discussion of sexual abuse and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or skip this episode if needed. Listener discretion is advised.

With us today is our honored guest, Ann Abel. She is an author, storyteller, influencer, and TikTok sensation. Her memoir, High Hopes, is about her solo trip to Australia at the age of 60 to follow Bruce Springsteen, as a way to stay out of the despair of depression.

Hello and welcome back to The Relatable Voice Podcast! Today, we're heading to Edmond, Oklahoma to talk with Todd Graves. Todd is an author, golf instructor, and former professional golfer. His new book, The Intelligent Golf Swing: AI Unlocks the Natural Swing Already Inside of You, is out now. Find out more at: https://theintelligentgolfswing.com/

 Melissa Morelli Lacroix is a pianist, poet, and author of Song of Songs, a beautifully layered novel told across generations, interwoven with music and memory. Find out more at: https://www.instagram.com/morelli.lacroix/ and https://www.relatable-media.com/the-rv-book-fair

The RV Book Fair Special Today we have two amazing authors. Vivien Shapera shares with us how she began writing, and Leigh discusses her new book, Journey Back to You.