Podcasts about Creative writing

This week on Mostly Horror, Steve and Sean sit down with author Jess Hagemann; the brilliantly twisted mind behind Mother Eating and Headcheese. Jess joins the boys for a wild, spoiler free conversation about transgressive fiction, cult psychology, why Marie Antoinette's legacy is more complex than you've heard, and how the grotesque can be used to explore power, femininity, and body autonomy in bold new ways. It's funny, it's weird, it's thoughtful, and Jess is an absolute blast to talk to. Before the interview, the guys dive into the latest horror news, and after, they close things out with this week's Mostly Horror Recs. If you're into unflinching horror that uses fiction to explore bigger truths and discovering the next author your group chat will obsess over, this episode's for you sooo... COME HANG OUT!!! Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpodTikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorrorSteve: @stevenisaverage (all socials)Sean: @hypocrite.ink (IG/TikTok), @hypocriteink (Twitter/X)Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more horror fans like you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Aaron: Curiosity.Stellar: Community building.Creating a delicious beer that is 100% gluten-free and celiac-safe is no small feat. Yet, Aaron Gervais and Stellar Cassidy, the co-founders of Otherwise Brewing, have achieved just that. Their mission is clear: to create craft beer that tastes as good as traditional beer while being accessible to a growing community of people who avoid gluten for health reasons.Stellar explained, “Otherwise Brewing is a passion project that Aaron and I launched in 2021 after years of R&D. The beer is 100% gluten-free and celiac safe. We brew with grains alternative to barley, like rice and millet, which also have a smaller carbon footprint.” This dual focus on inclusivity and sustainability has been central to their journey.The need for gluten-free beer is significant. Aaron, who has family members with gluten sensitivities, highlighted the growing demand, saying, “We've gotten a lot of inbound requests from people across the country to ship gluten-free beer to them because there just aren't that many options out there.” With nearly a third of people reporting they try to avoid gluten, Otherwise Brewing is filling a critical gap in the market.What makes their beer stand out isn't just the absence of gluten—it's the taste. “We wanted to make sure that we were doing something unique,” Aaron said. “We developed a way to make gluten-free beer that tastes just like regular beer. Beer is not health food—we drink it for the enjoyment.”This innovative approach, combined with their dedication to building a loyal community in the Bay Area, has positioned Otherwise Brewing for expansion. The company is currently raising capital on SMBX, a regulated crowdfunding platform, to support statewide distribution and marketing efforts. “We want to make a big splash,” Stellar shared.As they prepare to scale, Aaron and Stellar are inviting supporters to invest in their vision of making craft beer more inclusive. Through passion, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, they are leading the gluten-free beer revolution.If you're interested in supporting their mission, you can learn more about their campaign at SMBX.tl;dr:Today's episode highlights Otherwise Brewing's mission to create delicious, 100% gluten-free craft beer.Co-founders Aaron and Stellar share their journey to develop a sustainable, celiac-safe brewing process.The company is raising capital on SMBX to expand distribution across California and grow its community.Aaron's superpower, curiosity, drives innovation, including the creation of gluten-free beer recipes.Stellar's superpower, community building, fosters inclusivity at the taproom for gluten-free beer lovers.How to Develop Curiosity and Community Building As a SuperpowerAaron's superpower is his relentless curiosity, which drives him to explore new ideas and solve challenging problems. “I've always been a naturally curious person,” Aaron said. “When something piques that curiosity, I want to learn more and figure it out.” This mindset led him to develop Otherwise Brewing's gluten-free beer. He explained, “I wondered if I could make gluten-free beer that tastes good… it was a difficult technical challenge, but we figured it out.”Stellar's superpower is her ability to build inclusive, vibrant communities. “If I had to pick my superpower, I think it's honestly building community,” Stellar shared. She explained how creating a welcoming taproom for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities has been a core part of the brewery's success. “So many people with gluten issues can't hang out at breweries. We're proud to provide a space where they can enjoy a beer with their friends.”Aaron taught himself web programming to address a business challenge. He wanted better insight into Otherwise Brewing's sales data, but existing systems fell short. Driven by curiosity, he learned to write web hooks to connect inventory systems and create real-time dashboards. This innovation streamlined operations and demonstrated his ability to turn curiosity into actionable solutions.Stellar's community-building skills are best illustrated by the Otherwise Brewing taproom. She takes time to connect personally with customers, remembering names and stories while introducing people to one another. This thoughtful, inclusive approach has fostered a grassroots community of gluten-free beer lovers. “At any given time, you'll see people from all walks of life bonding over our beers,” Stellar said.Tips for Developing Aaron's Superpower:Ask “Why not?” when faced with conventional ideas or approaches.Pursue curiosity with action—learn new skills or experiment to find solutions.Embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate.Tips for Developing Stellar's Superpower:Take time to truly listen to people and remember their stories.Create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome.Focus on building relationships by introducing people with shared interests.By following Aaron's and Stellar's example and advice, you can make curiosity and community building a skill. With practice and effort, you could make these superpowers that enable you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileAaron Gervais (he/him):CEO, Otherwise BrewingAbout Otherwise Brewing: Otherwise Brewing makes gluten-free beer using a proprietary process that allows us to match the flavors beer-lovers expect—with no limitations on style. We're making the world's most popular alcoholic beverage accessible to all, regardless of dietary restrictions.Website: otherwisebrewing.comLinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/company/otherwise-brewingCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/otherwisebrewingInstagram Handle: @otherwisebrewing Other URL: smbx.in/wowBiographical Information: Aaron Gervais co-founded Otherwise Brewing in 2019 with Stellar Cassidy, following several years of experimentation as a homebrewer. He oversees the company's operations, R&D efforts, and recipe design. In this role, he is responsible for developing Otherwise Brewing's production protocols, and his research into gluten-free brewing processes has led to a number of technical improvements that are unique to the company.Outside of beer, Aaron has led a diverse career, with 10 years of tech industry marketing, 5 years of arts nonprofit administration, and over 15 years as a freelance classical composer. As a composer, he has won many prestigious awards, and his music has been played around the world. He holds a Master of Arts in Composition from UC San Diego and a B.Mus from the University of Toronto.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/aaron-gervaisStellar Cassidy (she/her):COO, Otherwise BrewingBiographical Information: Responsible for managing Otherwise's sales and customer relations, Stellar Cassidy is a veteran of the San Francisco craft beer scene. She has held positions as diverse as front-of-house manager, purchasing agent, sales representative, and event planner. Prior to founding Otherwise, Stellar led front-of-house operations at a number of well-known craft beer bars in San Francisco, including the Church Key and City Beer Store, and she has built a reputation in the local industry for attention to detail and customer satisfaction.Stellar holds a BA in Creative Writing and Performance Poetry in addition to a Cicerone® beer certification, the beer equivalent of sommelier credentialing.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/stellar-cassidy-1a879830aSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, and Envirosult. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. 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Do you love the dark?  Do you yearn for sunset and the amber glow of a fire with the night growing deeper, more inspiring all around you?  Most of us don't - though our ancestors through all of history have lived by firelight, moonlight, starlight... until the modern era of light at the flick of a switch.  But there's a world out there of sheer, unadulterated magic that is only revealed when we put aside the lights and the phones and the torches and step out into the night  - as this week's guest has done. Leigh Ann Henion is the New York Times bestselling author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark and Phenomenal: A Hesitant Adventurer's Search for Wonder in the Natural World. Her writing has appeared in Smithsonian, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Backpacker, The American Scholar, and a variety of other publications. She is a former Alicia Patterson Fellow, and her work has been supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Henion lives in Boone, North Carolina.  Wall Street Journal says of this book. "Lovely…truly inspired…and very clever…An appreciation of nature's nocturnal organisms can help us reset our relationship with the night…That's the gift of Night Magic: It may make you think differently about the night."Leigh Ann's Website https://leighannhenion.com/Night Magic book (UK): https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/night-magic-leigh-ann-henion/7832118

In 2022, Anne made the bold and audacious decision to leave her job as a tenured English professor, sell all her earthly possessions and embark on a European adventure. In this episode, I am going to talk to Anne about her decision to reset her life and find a new way of being in the world.  She is the author of the viral Substack newsletter Audacious Women, Creative Lives, where she writes about her transition from an academic in the US to a creative life in the UK. She has just completed a Master's in Creative Writing at the University of Manchester. She is now working towards her life-long dream of publishing a novel, while coaching writers and hosting retreats. She is also the author/editor of seven books from her 23-year career as a literature professor. She wrote two critically acclaimed books published by W. W. Norton: Constance Fenimore Woolson: Portrait of a Lady Novelist (2016)  reviewed on the cover of NY Times Book Review  and Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters (2018). This was voted best books of the year by Library Journal.  Anne received four National Endowment for the Humanities awards, two for public scholarship. She also has appeared on NPR, BBC Radio, and CBS Sunday Morning, and has bylines in many paces, including the Washington Post and Literary Hub.   Chart Your Career Instagram: @chartyourcareerpodcast Ellen Fondiler, Career & Business Strategist: ellenfondiler.com, IG: @elfondiler  

If you're curious about how to handle unlikeable protagonists, this episode is for you! In Hitchcock's classic, DIAL M FOR MURDER, the protagonist is the villain — he plots the murder of his wife, and that's about as unlikeable as it gets! His anti-hero's monologue is a veritable masterclass and his shadow reveals that he's actually kind of a nice guy underneath it all ... when he's not blackmailing people and planning murders that is. -V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

How do you set realistic expectations in publishing? If a book doesn't sell, how do you cope with rejection? Literary agent and author Kate McKean chats about her latest book Write Through It! She also shares tips for honing your writer's intuition, pitching your book, and what queries stand out in the slush pile.Kate McKeanWebsite: https://www.katemckean.com/Social: @kate_mckeanGood Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we're here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of all skill sets, all genres, and all categories, at all stages of the writing process. Need a hand with brainstorming? Want to find a critique partner? Looking for an editor to help polish up your pitch, your idea, or your entire manuscript? We have all of it and more in our community. If you're ready to take the next step (or the first step) on your writing journey, we're here to help you.Website: https://www.goodstorycompany.comMembership: https://www.goodstorycompany.com/membershipWriting Workshop: https://www.storymastermind.comMary Kole: Former literary agent Mary Kole founded Good Story Company as an educational, editorial, and community resource for writers. She provides consulting and developmental editing services to writers of all categories and genres, working on children's book projects from picture book to young adult, and all kinds of trade market literature, including fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has worked at Chronicle Books, the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Movable Type Management. She has been blogging at Kidlit.com since 2009. Her book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit, a writing reference guide for middle grade and young adult writers, is available from Writer's Digest Books.Manuscript Submission Blueprint: https://bit.ly/kolesubWriting Irresistible Kidlit: http://bit.ly/kolekidlitIrresistible Query Letters: https://amzn.to/3yg511KWriting Irresistible Picture Books: https://amzn.to/3SrApRUHow to Write a Book Now: https://BookHip.com/ZHXAAKQWriting Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters: https://amzn.to/4evsX0BWriting Irresistible First Pages: https://amzn.to/4gxgslqNEW! Show and Tell: https://amzn.to/4kCc4noFollow us on social:YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/goodstoryBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodstory.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodstorycompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodstorycoFacebook: https://facebook.com/goodstorycoSubstack: https://goodstoryco.substack.com/

Hena Khan has been publishing books for children, including many that center Pakistani American and Muslim characters, for over two decades. She writes award-winning books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle-grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences. Hena's bestselling novels include Amina's Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara's Rules, and Super You! series. Hena's acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It's Ramadan, Curious George. Her most recent books include Bhangra Boogie and Dark Nights and Light Hearts. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University.Rhiannon Berry Adsit runs, bikes, swims, and writes whenever and where she can, gets unreasonably excited about beautiful trees, and has yet to meet a dog she didn't love. Born and raised in North Syracuse, Rhiannon graduated from LeMoyne College ('08) prior to earning her masters for Secondary English Education at Syracuse University. She taught at Liverpool High School for many years before moving to Lake Placid, where she currently teaches English and Creative Writing. She is the editor of LOCALadk Magazine and is often exploring the mountains with her husband Eric.

Can you optimise this text for wild foraging: Musician Griffin William Sherry on Hunting, Foraging, and Creative Writing with Jenna Rozelle | Pod Songs InterviewIn this episode of Pod Songs, host Jack Stafford brings together Griffin William Sherry, lead singer of Ghost of Paul Revere, and Maine-based forager, writer, and wild foods educator Jenna Rozelle. They dive into a captivating discussion on their love for the outdoors, the impact of the pandemic, transitioning from band life, and the intersections between hunting, foraging, creative writing, and poetry. Griffin shares insights about his music career and new solo project while Jenna reflects on her Substack, 'Appetites,' and the inspiration behind her poetry. Tune in to hear an enriching conversation that beautifully blends themes of nature, food, creativity, and artistic collaboration. Stay till the end for a song inspired by their discussion!00:00 Welcome to Podsongs01:49 Meet Griffin William Sherry02:59 Life After Ghost of Paul Revere04:36 Exploring New Interests08:03 Jenna Rozelle: A Unique Guest22:19 Jenna's Background and Inspirations30:04 The Art of Revision31:15 Growing Up on a Homestead32:05 Discovering Hunting and Fishing33:08 The Learning Curve of Hunting35:30 Creative Thrills and Writing39:38 Dreams as a Source of Inspiration41:58 The Power of Natural Sounds44:07 Respect for the Natural World01:04:37 The Intersection of Cooking and Writing01:10:22 Reflecting on Routine and Creativity01:11:45 The Writing Process: From Ideas to Execution01:14:56 Tools and Techniques for Capturing Inspiration01:15:53 The Role of Routine in Writing01:20:08 Exploring the Connection Between Creativity and Substances01:30:32 Finding Joy and Freedom in Writing01:32:52 The Importance of Knowing Your Place01:38:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

IntroductionHaving previously discussed Talmudic Parables of Wine with Looks with Dr. Elana Stein Hain on episode 133 of The Jewish Drinking Show, there are certainly Talmudic parables involving wine. However, there are also Talmudic parables that use wine and drinking for sexual references, too! Joining the 185th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show to explore these parables is Rabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz.Biography of GuestRabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz is Professor of Rabbinic Literature and former Chair of the Department of Rabbinics for the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. She is the author of two books of rabbinic scholarship and of numerous articles in the areas of rabbinic literature, Jewish law, and feminist studies, including "Is Rav's Wife 'a Dish'? Food and Eating Metaphors in Rabbinic Discourse of Sexuality and Gender Relations", which serves as the catalyst for this episode.Dr. Labovitz has also taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) and the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York. Prior to joining the faculty at AJU, Dr. Labovitz worked as the Senior Research Analyst in Judaism for the Feminist Sexual Ethics Project at Brandeis University, and as the Coordinator for the Jewish Women's Research Group, a project of the Women's Studies Program at JTS. Rabbi Labovitz served for ten years on the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly, and authored two responsa, as well as participating in a number of other rabbinic and academic committees and activities. Most recently, she has become a member of the first cohort of the new Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the Jewish Theological Seminary.SourcesTextual sources for this episode are available here.Beer RecommendationFor the third episode, we welcome Noah Schmutter from New Jersey on for a beer recommendation, having previously appeared on episode 133 and episode 136. Support the showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!

 Join Kasey Olander, Brian Chan, and Reg Grant for a conversation about creative writing, the discipline behind the craft, and how stories can shape culture and Christian faith.   Time codes: 2:01  What is Creative Writing? 8:42  Transforming Power of Stories 14:22  Embodiment of Story 17:40  How Stories Draw us in 23:42  How to Craft a Story 30:16  Giving Life to a Story 35:52  How Writing Impacts Culture 45:40  Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep # 95: Queer History Is Everywhere: Dr. Kate Henry on Archives, Rhetoric & Lisa BenSummary of the episodeHey its Stephanie here! In this episode of noseyAF, we get into queer history, archives, and public scholarship with Dr. Kate Henry — writer, scholar, poet, and creator of Lisa Benography, a public scholarship project documenting Lisa Ben, the woman behind the first known lesbian magazine in the U.S. Kate and I talk about the magic and messiness of archives, what feminist historiography actually is, and how queer stories survive even when institutions try to erase them.We also get into creative writing, rhetoric, butch/femme histories, and what it means to consider your own life an archive. It's tender, nerdy, funny, and honestly one of my favorite conversations.What we talk aboutHow Dr. Kate first stumbled into queer history and feminist historiographyThe wild, brilliant, and deeply influential life of Lisa BenWhy archives matter — and how everyday people create themThe difference between academic scholarship and public scholarship (and how to make knowledge accessible)Creative writing, rhetoric, and the “moves” queer creators make under censorshipA juicy tangent on personal archives, family keepsakes, and documenting our own livesHow queer histories survive through scraps, letters, love, and community careThings We MentionedLisa Benography website (Kate's public scholarship project)ONE Archives at the USC Libraries (where Lisa Ben's papers live)“Vice Versa” — the first known lesbian magazine in the U.S.The book Overlooked by The New York Times (Kate is cited in the Lisa Ben entry)Patrick Kelly biography project by Dr. Eric Darnell PritchardMagazine of Horror / sci-fi fanzines (Lisa Ben's “Tigrina” work)Chapters:00:09 - Exploring Queer History: The Legacy of Lisa Ben09:06 - Public Scholarship and Queer Histories24:11 - The Impact of Lisa Ben and Queer Archives34:53 - The Legacy of Lisa Ben: Documenting Queer Histories47:01 - The Evolution of Personal and Public ScholarshipAll about Dr. Kate HenryDr. Kate Henry is a Productivity Coach who specializes in sustainable and well-being-oriented productivity for folks working on academic writing projects. Kate holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, and she researches and publishes as a public scholar. She's the author of the newsletter "Tending," the host of the podcast "Honing In," and she lives in Boston, MA, with her spouse, two cats, and a 7-pound chihuahua.Connect with Dr. Kate HenryInstagram: @thetendingyearWebsite: https://katehenry.com/Newsletter: Tending with Dr. Kate HenryPodcast:

The right of peaceful assembly, with excerpts and poems from Esther Cantu, Judy Callarman, and Tillie Friedenberg.Support the show

Julia Kolchinsky came to the United States as a Jewish refugee when she was six years old, from Dnipro, Ukraine. She is the author of four collections of poetry, most recently Parallax(The University of Arkansas Press, 2025), selected as finalist for the Miller Williams Prize by Patricia Smith. Her other books include of 40 Weeks (YesYes Books, 2023), Don't Touch the Bones, and The Many Names for Mother. Her next book is When the World Stopped Touching (YesYes Books, 2027), a collaborative collection with Luisa Muradyan. She is Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing at Denison University and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family. Find more Julia's most recent books here: https://www.juliakolchinsky.com/ As always, we'll also include the live Prompt Lines for responses to our weekly prompt. A Zoom link will be provided in the chat window during the show before that segment begins. For links to all the past episodes, visit: https://www.rattle.com/page/rattlecast/ This Week's Prompt: Write an assay that includes an allusion to at least five senses. Next Week's Prompt: Write a poem that begins with an ordinary parenting event that snowballs into something more. The Rattlecast livestreams on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Mischa Willett is a poet and writing professor. He is the Director of the Whitworth Writers' Workshop MFA in Creative Writing at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In this episode, Mischa Willett and Jonathan Rogers talk about MFA programs, failure as a means of getting work done, and apology letters written by robots. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Writer Development Cohorts. Join "Cohort Week Zero" a free mini-class, TheHabit.co/Development.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real question: How long has your website been on your to-do list? Months? A year? Longer? You know it needs work, and you have the best intentions, but somehow it keeps getting pushed to next week, next month, always landing at the bottom of your priority list. And here's the thing—it's not just you. Even really successful business owners who are excellent at execution let their websites languish for way longer than they should. But why does this particular task keep getting pushed aside when you know how important it is?In this episode, I'm breaking down the three real reasons your website stays on the back burner. More importantly, I'm talking about what deprioritizing your website is actually costing you—from credibility and pricing perception to sales conversions and mental energy. And friend—this isn't about guilt or shame. It's about understanding the psychology and practical barriers so you can finally address them._____________________________________________  EPISODE 170.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: ______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products_____________________________________________Register for Homepage Hot SeatDate: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM ESTLearn what essential homepage elements make visitors convert, watch live homepage reviews, and discover the simple updates you can make to improve conversions without a complete redesign.Register here: https://erinollila.com/webinar-homepage-hot-seat/

Share your Field Stories!Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! On today's episode, we talk with Dr. Letise LaFeir, Chief of Conservation and Stewardship at the New England Aquarium about Resilient Leadership, Interconnected Stewardship, and Integrated Science Communication.  Read her full bio below.Help us continue to create great content! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form Showtimes: 1:55 - Friends in adulthood10:37 - Interview with Letise LaFeir starts21:45 - LaFeir's Career Path 34:50 - Policy Work 41:09 - Field Notes with LaFeirPlease be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.Connect with Dr. Letise LaFeir https://www.linkedin.com/in/letise-houser-lafeir/Guest Bio: Dr. Letise LaFeir serves as the Chief of Conservation and Stewardship at New England Aquarium, overseeing Animal Care, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Conservation Learning, Conservation Policy, and Community Engagement. LaFeir most recently served as a day-one Biden-Harris Administration appointee in the role of Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before holding that position, LaFeir was a Program Officer and later Director of Federal Policy at Resources Legacy Fund; California Ocean Policy Manager at Monterey Bay Aquarium; Policy Analyst and later National Outreach Coordinator for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; and Director of Government Relations and Education Program Coordinator at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. She also spent one year as a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellow for now-retired Congressman Sam Farr of California. In 2014, LaFeir founded and still co-owns Upwelling Consulting, LLC. During her career, she has been honored with several awards, has had countless public speaking engagements, and has served on several professional advisory boards. In addition to authoring or co-authoring several scientific publications and a book of poetry, she is a certified scuba diver (Advanced and Nitrox) and has traveled to all seven continents and the seafloor. LaFeir holds a B.S. in Aquatic Biology and a B.A. in English (with Honors in Creative Writing) from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Delaware-College of Marine Studies.Music CreditsIntro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace MesaOutro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs MullerSupport the showThanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

It's time to talk about Cults, what they are, how they have always been part of the Warhammer World, and how to write them. This is a Purity Seal Episode, so strap in as the Under the Hive of Madness crew takes a bit of a dive into the weird world of Cult activity! Under the Hive of Madness is a Warhammer 40k Podcast diving into the Horror and Grimdark elements of the setting, so expect some adult themes, adult language, and more than a handful of Khorney Jokes!“I heard you can fly after the 5th meeting...” Email the show! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UndertheHiveofMadness@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us today on Discord! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Under the Hive of Madness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MERCH!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find our cast through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkTree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Underthehiveofmadness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

When someone lands on your homepage, they make a decision in about three seconds—stay or leave. That's it. Three seconds to convince them they're in the right place. But here's what I see constantly: homepages organized around what a business wants to say, not what the visitor actually needs to know. And when this happens the visitor can't figure out if they're in the right place, and instead of staying, they leave.In this episode, I'll share a framework for organizing your homepage so visitors quickly decide they're in the right place and know what to do next. I'll cover what needs to be above the fold (the four non-negotiables), the logical flow that tells a story, and the common mistakes that make people bounce. If you've been following this series on website confidence, this episode brings everything together with a practical framework you can implement right now._____________________________________________  EPISODE 169. Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: ______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin Ollila Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal. When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives. Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter: • Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away • Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and products_____________________________________________Register for Homepage Hot SeatDate: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM ESTLearn what essential homepage elements make visitors convert, watch live homepage reviews, and discover the simple updates you can make to improve conversions without a complete redesign.Register here:Want your homepage reviewed live? Submit the link right after you register!

Why do some websites attract premium clients while others seem to only draw in bargain hunters and price shoppers? After ten years of writing for brands and businesses, I've learned that client quality isn't about luck—it's about signals. Premium clients (people who value expertise, understand that quality costs money, and are serious about getting results) are scanning for very specific things when they evaluate your website. And if those signals aren't present, they simply move on.Instead of what pushes visitors away—like we discussed last week—I'm talking about what attracts the right people—specifically, premium clients who are ready to invest. I'll walk you through the three main signals they're looking for and cover the smaller details that premium clients pick up on, from how you talk about pricing to your overall confidence level. This isn't about making your brand look luxurious or expensive—it's about showing premium clients the specific things they need to see before they feel confident about reaching out.__________________________________________EPISODE 168.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: ______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and productsWant to keep talking copy? Send me a text message!

The villain isn't a stand in for the hero's shadow. The villain is a warning to the hero if the hero doesn't learn to integrate their shadow. The Incredibles is storytelling gold and a very clear example of the role of the villain and hero plus their relationship to the hero's shadow. Of course, every good superhero movie needs a hero's monologue and The Incredibles delivers. This week is a great week for both our topics, so join us as we don our capes and wear our undies on the outside! -M. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Author / Artist Podcast) making his debut is Steve Schlam.Steve advises he first gained entry to the City of Words through the doors of the public library in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born and spent a good part of his childhood; and has maintained his residency ever since while living in cities and towns across the United States and in Mexico. An actor as well as an author, he has performed on stages in all the places he has called home, and earned a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of Joseph Heller, renowned author of "Catch-22." He lives currently in Southern California in a pretty little Craftsman bungalow with orange and lemon trees growing in the backyard, in the company of his wife, Liora. His debut novel, "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane," was released in March 2024.More about Steve can be found at: https://www.steveschlam.com/

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Arthur Thomas Ware about fostering long, happy, and purposeful years in retirement, and how psychology can help us create meaning beyond work.Arthur Thomas Ware (He prefers to be called, Tom) will be turning ninety in April next year. He was born in the U.K. and came to Australia as a “Ten Pound Pom” in 1951. From that year he had a variety of jobs: Post Office, Navy, Aviation, Electrical Power, Truck Driver, Foundry Laborer, Lab Assistant, NSW Police and even a year as an Antarctic Expeditioner. His final work was the usual 9 to 5 in a government office job. He worked for 44 years and took voluntary redundancy in 1995. Since that time, Tom has been engaged in a dozen or so different types of volunteer work. Mostly, though, he has stuck to his three main passions: Creative Writing, Speaking to Audiences, and pursuing Self-knowledge and greater Self-understanding. Thirty years retired, Tom's current focus is on enabling upcoming retirees to find their “Why” so that they, too, can live long, happy, and meaningful retirements. Tom has been married to the same little lady for 65 years. He and his wife, Rita, are parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. They live in Sydney.

“You can't be afraid to jump.” — Clay Novak "Let's get left of the boom. We should be doing the same thing for veteran suicide." This Veterans Day, join Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne, as they sit down with Lt. Col. Clay Novak (Ret.), combat veteran, author of the new book Rebellis, and co-host of The Elsa Kurt Show. Clay shares his hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, fatherhood, and life after combat — and weighs in on today's politics and world events. Elsa Kurt, known as The Blonde Kamala, a political commentator, co-host of the podcast, and married to a police officer and veteran. Together, they bring candid, no-holds-barred insights on freedom, service, and navigating the modern world. Clay shares his journey from military life to becoming a podcaster and author, revealing the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the challenges and camaraderie of military service, the stark contrasts between his experiences and those of veterans from previous generations, and how these insights inform his writing and advocacy work today. With humor and sincerity, Clay opens up about the realities of combat, the importance of community for veterans, and the critical issue of suicide prevention within the veteran population. He emphasizes the need for belonging and the role that camaraderie plays in helping veterans cope with life after service. As they explore Clay's creative endeavors, including his writing process and the inspiration behind his characters, Reena and Wayne engage in a heartfelt conversation that highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the power of storytelling. This episode is not only a testament to the sacrifices made by those in uniform but also a celebration of the legacy they leave behind. Keywords Veterans, Military Service, Podcasting, Author, Suicide Prevention, Fatherhood, Politics, Community, Resilience, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Camaraderie, Life Lessons, Personal Growth, Legacy, Advocacy (00:00) Reena friedman watts brings you the better call dream daddy show (02:13) I co host the podcast with Elsa Kurt, and it's politics of the day (07:14) You grew up in the suburbs in a blue collar family (10:39) How do you think your time in the service differed from Vietnam (16:57) Talk to me about friendly fire during the Vietnam War (18:51) Getting wounded in Afghanistan was incredibly difficult and probably tragic (24:42) It's 22 veterans a day, on average commit suicide (29:04) Talk a little bit about how you have gotten creative since leaving the military (34:41) Keep Moving, Keep Shooting is Terry Davis, that's the main character (37:10) I'm curious about the artwork and the thought behind the cover design (40:01) Would you compare publishing your book to jumping out of a plane (44:43) Clay Novak: Please get my books into libraries. Please do. I think that's benefits everybody (48:05) 22 veterans commit suicide every year, according to Better Call Daddy (53:42) The point is, is that he wants to talk about politics. And writing about it and predicting Connect with Clay Novak Clay Novak's Website Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet!

Matty Dalrymple talks with Beth Daley about UNEARTHING STORY TREASURES WITH EUROPEANA, including how writers and storytellers can use the Europeana digital archive to spark creativity, deepen research, and find free resources for their projects—whether you're looking for historical details, artistic inspiration, or unique images for your book covers. Beth Daley shares tips on navigating millions of cultural artifacts, using visual prompts to fuel your writing, and turning research rabbit holes into story gold.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist  Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all    If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Dr. Beth Daley is a novelist, cultural and creative writer and Europeana's Editorial Adviser. She works on engaging a broad range of audiences in Europeana's work and content. She has a PhD in Creative Writing, runs a range of writing workshops and her first novel, 'Blood and Water' is published by Hic Dragones in Manchester. A self-confessed story addict, Beth has led various initiatives in digital storytelling with Europeana, including acting as new writing mentor in Europeana's Digital Storytelling Festival Online Creative Residency.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

 Recognizing the kindness of others, with poems from David Bergman, Henry Morgenthau III, and Rhett Watts. Support the show

Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans on a hobby farm with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter.  Regency England -- Austen or Heyer? Grace Hitchcock joins us for a conversation about all things Regency England. While Jane Austen may be the first name to pop to mind, Grace loves the adventure and humor of author Georgette Heyer's Regency romances. We discuss what characters Grace would love to have tea with, and what aspect of Regency society made her devise a cheat sheet to keep it straight. Every Story Needs Some Laughter Known for the fun and humor woven alongside the serious situations in her books, Grace shares how she weaves that humor into her stories -- often at her character's expense. A Mismatched Couple With a relatively staid and traditionally minded hero and an ambitious heroine who is quite "inventive" when it comes to solving her problems, the novel we discuss today, To Kiss a Knight, promises a fun and adventure-filled romance. Grace gives us an inside peek into what makes these two characters themselves -- and how they'll be perfect for each other. Connect with Grace at her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter and receive a free novella, and on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon. ABOUT THE BOOK To Kiss a Knight Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought. Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother's heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes. This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance. Other episodes that feature Grace: A Bookchat about His Delightful Lady Delia with Grace Hitchcock & a Review of The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel – Historical Bookworm A Bookchat about To Catch a Coronet with Grace Hitchcock – Historical Bookworm Bookworm Review "Piper Sail is BACK, and she's still the cat's pajamas!In The Secret Investigator of Astor Street, Stephanie Morrill distills atmospheric prose, the nuances of grief, complex family drama, undiluted emotion, and the shadowed back-alleys of 1920's Chicago into an intoxicating YA mystery riddled with more twists than a speakeasy escape tunnel.Readers of “The Lost Girl of Astor Street” will thrill at being reunited with the intrepid Piper Sail as she takes a magnifying glass to a maybe murder, doggedly searching for the truth and a sense of purpose.If you're in need of a private eye with moxie and heart, The Secret Investigator of Astor Street is on the case!!" ~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure THE AUTHOR Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as two historical young adult novels, The Lost Girl of Astor Street and Within These Lines. Within These Lines was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, as well as a YALSA 2020 Best Fiction for Young Adults pick. Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com, which has been on the Writer's Digest Best Websites for Writers list since 2017. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husban...

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Concetta Principe about her poetry collection, DIsorder (Gordon Hill Press, 2024).  Disorder, the newest collection of poetry from Concetta Principe, explores the metaphorical relationship between the home and the mind, where a home should be place of sanctuary but can have its safe borders destabilized by mental illness. The poems work through these questions with Principe's characteristic subtlety, intelligence ? a nuanced and compassionate meditation on what it means to be at home. About Concetta Principe: Concetta Principe is a writer of poetry and creative non-fiction, and scholarship on the impact of the secular unconscious on culture and political thought. Her recent collection, This Real (Pedlar Press 2017) was long-listed for the League of Canadian Poet's Raymond Souster Award. Her essays, ?Who Shot Meriwether Lewis was long-listed for the 2019 Edna Staebler Personal Essay Award at The New Quarterly, and ?I Title it ?Suicide Letter was short-listed for The Malahat Review 2019 Constance Rooke award. Her poetry and creative non-fiction has appeared in Canadian and American journals including The Malahat Review, The Capilano Review, experiment-o, and Hamilton Arts and Literature. Her academic monograph exploring trauma in contemporary secular thought, Secular Messiahs and the Return to Paul's Real: A Lacanian Approach, came out with Palgrave Macmillan in 2015. She teaches English Literature and Creative Writing at Trent University, Durham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Lori Gold discusses her transition from writing young adult to commercial book club fiction. She and Kris chat about writing in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Lori discusses her current works-in-progress, teaching other writers through Grub Street Center for Creative Writing, and her latest novel, Romantic Friction which Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of Darling Girls, describes: “Relatable characters, sharp writing, and emotional turbulence will make you laugh and cry." Amy Tintera, author of Listen for the Lie, calls it "Smart, funny, and unpredictable." Gold is the author of four novels for young adults as well as an adult historical novel (all under Lori Goldstein). She teaches creative writing at Grub Street in Boston and lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Her latest novel, ROMANTIC FRICTION, was included in Zibby Media's Most Anticipated Books of 2025. Learn more at www.lorigoldsteinbooks.com. Click the links to learn about Lori's teaching, her current plotting and querying classes available, or Grub Street Center for Creative Writing. Special thanks to NetGalley for advance review copies. Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Concetta Principe about her poetry collection, DIsorder (Gordon Hill Press, 2024).  Disorder, the newest collection of poetry from Concetta Principe, explores the metaphorical relationship between the home and the mind, where a home should be place of sanctuary but can have its safe borders destabilized by mental illness. The poems work through these questions with Principe's characteristic subtlety, intelligence ? a nuanced and compassionate meditation on what it means to be at home. About Concetta Principe: Concetta Principe is a writer of poetry and creative non-fiction, and scholarship on the impact of the secular unconscious on culture and political thought. Her recent collection, This Real (Pedlar Press 2017) was long-listed for the League of Canadian Poet's Raymond Souster Award. Her essays, ?Who Shot Meriwether Lewis was long-listed for the 2019 Edna Staebler Personal Essay Award at The New Quarterly, and ?I Title it ?Suicide Letter was short-listed for The Malahat Review 2019 Constance Rooke award. Her poetry and creative non-fiction has appeared in Canadian and American journals including The Malahat Review, The Capilano Review, experiment-o, and Hamilton Arts and Literature. Her academic monograph exploring trauma in contemporary secular thought, Secular Messiahs and the Return to Paul's Real: A Lacanian Approach, came out with Palgrave Macmillan in 2015. She teaches English Literature and Creative Writing at Trent University, Durham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

October — Dante's New South: Dario Plevnik - was born in 1969 in Osijek, Croatia. A guitarist and composer since age 10, he creates the music, lyrics, arrangements, and production for his songs, performing all instruments except winds, with classical guitar as his first passion. He recorded four albums for Croatia Records: “Duše” (1994), “Iskre strasti” (1998), the instrumental “Snovi” (2000), and “English Songs” (2000). An instrumental from “Snovi” appeared on the UK release Chrisanne Collection IV alongside Henry Mancini, Nat King Cole, Bill Elliott, and Pedro Garcia. In 1999 he combined the tamburica and electric guitar in “Slavonian Horses,” representing Croatia at major European ethno festivals in Austria and Hungary. His piece “Mogu” supported therapeutic horseback riding and represented the Croatian team at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. Active on TikTok with 167k+ followers, fans call his sound “Croatian Heart & Soul.”Links: https://linktr.ee/darioplevnik • https://www.tiktok.com/@dario.plevnikBen Smith has served as Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, since 2012, with prior ministry in Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. He holds a B.S. in Christian Ministry from Shorter University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His ministry centers on clear, verse-by-verse expository preaching that helps believers live out Scripture.Website: https://www.BenSmithSr.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenSmithSr.orgX: https://www.x.com/BenSmithSrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BensmithsrAmanda Dennis is the author of Her Here and Beckett and Embodiment. Her work appears in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement, and Guernica. She has held fellowships at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, Columbia and Cambridge Universities, and UC Berkeley's humanities center in Madrid. She co-directs the MFA in Creative Writing at The American University of Paris.Website: https://www.amandadennis.netInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amargaretdennisKeith “Hip” Hughes is a longtime educator known for his HipHughes History YouTube channel, with 55M+ views and more than 250k subscribers. He has also served as an adjunct professor of multimodal literacy at the University at Buffalo.YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hiphughesInstagram: http://instagram.com/hiphughesAdditional Music: Dario Plavnik — https://www.tiktok.com/@dario.plevnikAdvertisers:The Crown: https://www.thecrownbrasstown.comLinden Row Inn: https://www.lindenrowinn.comRed Phone Booth: https://www.redphonebooth.comWe Appreciate:UCLA Extension Writing Program: https://www.uclaextension.eduMercer University Press: https://www.mupress.orgAlain Johannes: https://www.alainjohannes.comHost: Clifford Brooks — The Draw of Broken Eyes & Whirling Metaphysics, Athena Departs, Old Gods.Order books: https://www.cliffbrooks.com/how-to-order

Emily Ava Gillespie (they/she) is an author, disability activist, and professional daydreamer.  They won the 2021 Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award from Nipissing University. Gillespie has a BA in Gender Equality and Social Justice and an MA in Critical Disability Studies. They earned a certificate in Creative Writing from Concordia University.   They have volunteered and worked in the disability community as an activist, researcher, peer support and facilitator for fifteen years. Gillespie is also an author and performance artist. Her work explores themes of memory, identity and mental health journeys. They enjoy working in community spaces and examining individual and collective experiences.  Dancing with Ghosts (Leaping Lion Books, 2017) is her first novel. Their poetry and short-stories can be found in several journals and anthologies. She co-edited Mighty: an Anthology of Disabled Superheroes by Renaissance Press published fall 2023. Her most recent novel is titled Wait With Me and was released in 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support.

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Concetta Principe about her poetry collection, DIsorder (Gordon Hill Press, 2024).  Disorder, the newest collection of poetry from Concetta Principe, explores the metaphorical relationship between the home and the mind, where a home should be place of sanctuary but can have its safe borders destabilized by mental illness. The poems work through these questions with Principe's characteristic subtlety, intelligence ? a nuanced and compassionate meditation on what it means to be at home. About Concetta Principe: Concetta Principe is a writer of poetry and creative non-fiction, and scholarship on the impact of the secular unconscious on culture and political thought. Her recent collection, This Real (Pedlar Press 2017) was long-listed for the League of Canadian Poet's Raymond Souster Award. Her essays, ?Who Shot Meriwether Lewis was long-listed for the 2019 Edna Staebler Personal Essay Award at The New Quarterly, and ?I Title it ?Suicide Letter was short-listed for The Malahat Review 2019 Constance Rooke award. Her poetry and creative non-fiction has appeared in Canadian and American journals including The Malahat Review, The Capilano Review, experiment-o, and Hamilton Arts and Literature. Her academic monograph exploring trauma in contemporary secular thought, Secular Messiahs and the Return to Paul's Real: A Lacanian Approach, came out with Palgrave Macmillan in 2015. She teaches English Literature and Creative Writing at Trent University, Durham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry

Marika Sosnowski talks to Cheryl about how her background in law shapes her writing and the challenges of merging academic insight with creative expression. She shares her deeply personal and complex writing process, the role of human connection in her work, and how legal systems can shift depending on who is interpreting them. Her debut collection, 58 Facets, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Éilís Ní Dhuibhne tells Ruth McKee about the books which have been important in her life, through childhood, love, and loss—and talks about how her writing practice has evolved.  Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, The Laureate for Irish Fiction, writes in both Irish and English. A member of Aosdána, she is Writer Fellow at UCD, where she teaches MA-level Creative Writing. She has been the recipient of many literary awards, most recently the Pen Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Irish Literature, and a Hennessy Hall of Fame Award, many Oireachtas Awards for her writing in Irish, and the Stuart Parker Award for Drama. Her novel, The Dancers Dancing, was shortlisted for the Orange Prize in 2000. She has published several collections of short stories, the most recent being Selected Stories (Blackstaff 2023) and Fáínne Geal and Lae (Clo Iar Chonnacht 2023).

Julie Schwarz is an East Coast native with over 30 years of experience in the service and retail industries. She's run a catering company, built a farmers market business from the ground up, and now owns The Mom-Up Shop—a curated vintage store in Long Beach that helps fund her nonprofit, Project WomanGood, which supports survivors of domestic violence. After spending 15 years living in Boston, where she attended Simmons University, Julie began her career in the retail management program with dreams of becoming a buyer and eventually earned her B.A. in Creative Writing. During that time, she immersed herself in the city's retail culture, often exploring the original Filene's Basement, where she discovered her lifelong love of the hunt and the thrill of a great deal.A single mom and passionate community advocate, Julie believes that true customer service can transform any experience—because it's not about price, it's about connection. Whether she's curating treasures in her shop, guiding women through her nonprofit, or simply showing up for her community, Julie's mission is to create spaces that are warm, welcoming, and empowering. Her story is one of grit, heart, and purpose—proof that resilience can be beautifully reinvented.Fun fact: for her 12th birthday, Julie chose a shopping trip to White Flint Mall with her girlfriends—home to Lord & Taylor, the second Bloomingdale's in the D.C. area, and the only East Coast I. Magnin. Retail, it seems, has been in her soul ever since.In this episode, Julie shares how she transformed decades in the service industry into a purpose-driven mission that blends vintage style with social impact.We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we'll see you on the mic!What's inside: The evolution from retail to advocacy—how experience shaped her purpose. The story behind Project WomanGood and creating safe spaces for survivors. The art of resilience and turning personal struggle into community strength.Mentioned In This Episode:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSupport the show

If you're writing a dual protagonist story, a story with multiple plot lines or a romance, this episode is for you! After the spookiness of last week's episode, I thought we are all due for a feel-good, positive juju kinda movie. What better choice than THE PROPOSAL? Enjoy! -V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses  For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle. To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Helen Schulman is an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, short story writer and New York Times Bestselling author. In my 40th episode, we talk about the concept of "sympathetic happiness", as she shares her impactful encounter with the Dalai Lama many years back.  She was visiting Portland, Oregon for the first time, exploring the city, when she basically stumbled over His Holiness: he was giving a free public audience in Pioneer Square, Helen had never heard him speak before so she stuck around. His topic was "sympathetic happiness". The idea being that if you can join in the happiness of others, your own happiness will multiply. His deceptively simple and profound theories really struck her - she had been teaching grad school for quite awhile by then, and realised that if she could be really happy for her students' successes, if their joy became her joy her life would become fuller and richer and well, happier. She always felt happy for them, but now she could focus on also being happy through them. It was a small good thing that happened to her that day, but it has really affected the rest of her life and her work as an educator.Once Helen understood this concept, it made it easier and more compelling for her to build programs that she thought would help her students reach their dreams, and also, pragmatically, help them find agents and editors, and outside work.Helen also talks about her new book "Fools for Love" that was just published in July during this recording, and she had a book launch at Rizzoli's in New York City. It's a collection of short stories, that she edited and interconnected so that they relate to each other. She also shares how she learned how to waltz from her grandmother, and how she relearned it with her husband last year in a dance class in a beautiful castle in the South of Germany (she wrote a piece about this for the Condé Nast Traveller).HELEN SCHULMAN is a novelist, screenwriter and short story writer. A collection of stories, Fools for Love, has been published by Knopf in July 2025. Prior to publication, the title story was published in The Atlantic. Her newest novel, Lucky Dogs, was one of Oprah Daily's top ten novels of 2023. She is also the author of the novels Come With Me (San Francisco Chronicle ten best books of 2019) This Beautiful Life (a New York Times and International Best Seller), A Day At The Beach, P.S., (made into a motion picture starring Laura Linney, Gabriel Byrne, Paul Rudd and Marcia Gay Harden, for which Professor Schulman has a screenwriting credit), The Revisionist and Out Of Time (Barnes and Noble Discovery), and the short story collection Not A Free Show. She co-edited the anthology Wanting A Child with Jill Bialosky. Her fiction and non-fiction have appeared in such places as Vanity Fair, Time, Vogue, GQ, The New York Times Book Review, A Public Space and The Paris Review. She is the Fiction Chair at The Writing Program at The New School where she is a tenured Professor of Writing. She is also the Executive Director of WriteOnNYC.com. A 2019 Guggenheim Fellow, Professor Schulman has been a NYFA Fellow, Sundance Fellow, Aspen Words Fellow, a Tennessee Williams Fellow (Columbia University) and the recipient of a Pushcart Prize.####On another note: I am so proud and excited to announce that SHIFT HAPPENS' Season 5 is supported by London based jewellery brand Tilly Sveaas. Its founder, Tilly Sveaas creates gorgeous, timeless pieces that have been featured in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, The Times, The New York Times etc. … Her jewellery is for women of all ages. Guess who is wearing it too: noone less then Taylor Swift. Go to www.tillysveaas.co.uk and use my code SHIFTHAPPENS to get 15% off. To learn more about my guest Helen Schulman, please visit her Wikipedia page.To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click hereYou can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYCThis podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Gobi Desert Solitude: A Journey to Creative Revival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2025-11-05-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Lennart stannade upp och tog ett djupt andetag.En: Lennart paused and took a deep breath.Sv: Framför honom bredde Gobiöknen ut sig, en oändlig värld av sand och sten.En: Before him, the Gobiöknen stretched out, an endless world of sand and stone.Sv: Det var höst, men solen brände fortfarande hett över hans huvud.En: It was autumn, but the sun still burned hot above his head.Sv: Han älskade den här känslan av ensamhet och frihet, men något gnagde inombords.En: He loved this feeling of solitude and freedom, but something gnawed inside him.Sv: Den kreativa elden hade slocknat.En: The creative fire had gone out.Sv: Han hade rest långt, från det svala Sverige till denna karga plats, för att finna det han förlorat.En: He had traveled a long way, from cool Sverige to this barren place, to find what he had lost.Sv: Inspiration.En: Inspiration.Sv: Lennart satte ner sin ryggsäck och lät blicken vandra över landskapet.En: Lennart put down his backpack and let his gaze wander over the landscape.Sv: Sanddynerna reste sig som gyllene vågor, orörda av tiden.En: The sand dunes rose like golden waves, untouched by time.Sv: Men vinden hade börjat ta i, och det blev kallare för var dag som gick.En: But the wind had begun to pick up, and it became colder with each passing day.Sv: Kylan och vinden gjorde resan svår.En: The cold and the wind made the journey difficult.Sv: Lennart kände sig trött och tvivlade på sitt beslut att komma hit ensam.En: Lennart felt tired and doubted his decision to come here alone.Sv: Både Johan och Stina, goda vänner till honom, hade varnat honom.En: Both Johan and Stina, good friends of his, had warned him.Sv: Men ändå, här var han, fast besluten att återfå sin passion.En: But still, here he was, determined to regain his passion.Sv: En dag, trött på den ständiga kampen mot elementen, bestämde sig Lennart för att ta en annan väg.En: One day, tired of the constant battle against the elements, Lennart decided to take a different path.Sv: En osäker väg.En: An uncertain path.Sv: Det var riskabelt, men han hoppades att en förändring kunde snärta till hans kreativa sinne.En: It was risky, but he hoped a change could spark his creative mind.Sv: I rödglödgat ljus, medan solen höll på att försvinna bakom horisonten, snubblade han över något oväntat.En: In the red-hot light, as the sun was disappearing behind the horizon, he stumbled upon something unexpected.Sv: Mitt i den torra öknen fann han en oas.En: In the middle of the dry desert, he found an oasis.Sv: En plats där livet blomstrade, skyddad från omgivningen.En: A place where life thrived, sheltered from the surroundings.Sv: Det var magiskt.En: It was magical.Sv: Palmer och en liten damm med klart vatten stod framför honom.En: Palms and a small pond with clear water stood before him.Sv: Skuggorna från träden dansade över ytan, och han kände en värme spridas i sitt inre.En: Shadows from the trees danced over the surface, and he felt a warmth spreading inside him.Sv: Där, i den stilla skönheten, födde inspirationen liv igen.En: There, in the tranquil beauty, inspiration came to life again.Sv: Lennart satte sig ner med sin skrivbok och började skriva som aldrig förr.En: Lennart sat down with his notebook and began to write like never before.Sv: Han fyllde sida efter sida med ord, berättelser och tankar.En: He filled page after page with words, stories, and thoughts.Sv: Orden flödade som vattnet i oasen.En: The words flowed like the water in the oasis.Sv: Den natten var himlen fylld med stjärnor, och Lennart skrev tills han nästan somnade vid bokens kant.En: That night, the sky was filled with stars, and Lennart wrote until he nearly fell asleep at the edge of the book.Sv: När morgonen grydde och solen återigen värmde den kalla sanden, vaknade Lennart med en nyvunnen känsla av syfte.En: When morning dawned and the sun once again warmed the cold sand, Lennart woke with a newfound sense of purpose.Sv: Han hade funnit det han sökte.En: He had found what he was looking for.Sv: Inte bara i landskapet, utan inom sig själv.En: Not just in the landscape, but within himself.Sv: Berättelsen han skrev, "Oas i själen", bar med sig den styrka och frihet han hade längtat efter.En: The story he wrote, "Oasis in the Soul," carried the strength and freedom he had longed for.Sv: Med förnyad kraft och självförtroende packade han ihop sina saker och påbörjade resan hem.En: With renewed strength and confidence, he packed up his things and started the journey home.Sv: I Gobiöknens storslagna tystnad hade Lennart återfunnit sin röst.En: In the magnificent silence of the Gobiöknens, Lennart had rediscovered his voice.Sv: Och nu visste han, ibland kan den bästa vägen vara den oväntade.En: And now he knew, sometimes the best path is the unexpected one. Vocabulary Words:paused: stannade uppbreath: andetagendless: oändligsolitude: ensamhetgnawed: gnagdebarren: kargainspiration: inspirationgazed: blickenlandscape: landskapetdunes: sanddynernauntouched: orördadoubted: tvivladedecision: beslutdetermined: fast beslutenunexpected: oväntatthrive: blomstradesheltered: skyddadshadows: skuggornatranquil: stillaflowed: flödadedawned: gryddenewfound: nyvunnenpurpose: syftecarried: bar med sigstrength: styrkaconfidence: självförtroendemagnificent: storslagnarediscovered: återfunnitunexpected: oväntadecreative: kreativa

Jonathan Zap is an author, philosopher, journalist, and teacher who has written extensively on psychology and contemporary mythology. Jonathan grew up in the Bronx and attended the Bronx High School of Science. He graduated from Ursinus College with honors in Philosophy and English, and received a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from NYU. He has taught English in high school and college and worked with troubled youth as the dean of a public high school in the South Bronx. As a wilderness guide, Jonathan has led inner-city kids and other young people on expeditions to remote desert canyons and Mount Rainier's summit. (See “Crossing the Great Stream—Education and the Evolving Self,” published in Holistic Education Review for more on his experiences in education.) Jonathan also has a GG–a degree in gemology, and worked at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a staff gemologist and instructor in diamond grading and gemstone identification. Jonathan is the author of numerous published articles, essays, screenplays, and the Zap Oracle. He is the author of Crossing the Event Horizon—Human Metamorphosis and the Singularity Archetype, and his related sci-fi epic, Parallel Journeys. Jonathan has done numerous radio and television interviews. He is a frequent guest on Coast-to-Coast AM and the Gaia network show, Beyond Belief. He was a contributing editor and featured correspondent at Reality Sandwich (before it was taken over and turned into something unsupportable) and published 150 articles on that platform. He's presented his work on the Singularity Archetype at the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) and the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS). Jonathan has a background in Jungian psychology, paranormal research, literature, writing, and many other subjects. He uses his eclectic background to take a multi-disciplinary approach to many subjects. He resides in Boulder, Colorado.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Stephanie interviews Elise Tegegne, author of In Praise of House Flies. They discuss finding God's presence, grace, and growth in the ordinary and sometimes challenging moments of daily life. Spiritual growth is cultivated not by spectacular moments, but by surrender, humility, dependence, and wonder woven into the fabric of everyday life. As Elise's experience, book, and wisdom reveal, God meets us in the little things—if we will simply open our eyes and hearts to Him. Elise's story begins with her call to serve as a missionary teacher in Ethiopia—an experience that brought her, for the first time, into the depths of her own inadequacy. Far from home and outside her comfort zone, she quickly realized she could not succeed on her own. Failure and discomfort became a means by which she experienced true intimacy with God. When everything felt overwhelming, the only option was to get “on her knees,” literally and figuratively, praying for help. Elise discusses how being confronted with her own limits brought a new kind of freedom. Growing up as a high-performing student, she hadn't needed to rely on anyone but herself. But in Ethiopia, humility was forced upon her—and it led to spiritual liberation. Humility is the posture that opens us to God's grace. It's not natural or easy—especially for those of us wired for achievement or “Martha” types—but it's essential. Elise points out that praying for humility is scary, but necessary, and God has ways to gently answer that prayer. True humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic acknowledgment of need—opening the way for grace. God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Cultivating humility by embracing moments that challenge our sense of control, happens by asking Him for a gentle, transforming touch. Motherhood and daily life made Elise redefine prayer. No longer only reserved for a quiet hour, prayer became integrated into every moment: while nursing her baby, washing dishes, or shopping with her in-laws, who taught her to pray over even the smallest activities. Prayer can permeate our entire day. Turn every activity—however small—into a moment of connection and dependence on God. “In everything, by prayer and supplication, make your requests known to God.” The title of Elise's book, In Praise of House Flies, inspires us to look for God's presence even in the annoyances and the mundane: the “house fly” moments we'd rather swat away. Life is lived not just in the big events, but in myriad little acts of faithfulness, wonder, and surrender. Adopting a childlike wonder, Elise encourages us to practice gratitude, see the holy in the everyday, and recognize God's gifts everywhere. Resist waiting for the “next big thing.” Instead, let's train our attention on the daily opportunities God gives for transformation, gratitude, and worship. Like children, we marvel at the beauty and sacredness embedded in the ordinary. MORE ABOUT ELISE TEGEGNE AND HER BOOK, “IN PRAISE OF HOUSEFLIES” Through the lens of personal experience, Elise Tegegne reflects on the redemptive glimmers in ordinary challenges ranging from canceled flights to insomnia. In Praise of Houseflies gives readers an opportunity to listen for what their own everyday quandaries can teach and to delight in the abundant graces blossoming within them. It is an essential message of hope, joy, and redemption imparted through deep, nourishing reflection. Elise says of herself, “Living alone and young as a high school French teacher in Ethiopia, I found a world that beautifully upended mine. I found God with skin and bones. And I found the one my soul loves. After giving birth to my son, I left my teaching career to pursue the delights of motherhood and writing. Since then I've been listening for God's voice in the rhythms of everyday life, keeping my eyes open for abundant graces—and seeking to capture what I find in words. My first book In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries (Calla Press) is now available wherever books are sold. I received a BA in Creative Writing and French from Indiana University and hold an MFA from Seattle Pacific University. “ More at https://www.elisetegegne.com/  Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Featuring pieces from Dr. Denisha Naidoo, Dr. Beverly Greenspan, and Dr. Michelle Morouse. Support the show

We're speaking with novelist and academic Elizabeth Graver about writing about her Sephardic family's history as fiction, even as she incorporated facts and archival finds. Graver also talks about maintaining a creative process, alongside her academic position, and about moving between fiction and non-fiction genres. Don't forget to rate and review our show and follow us on all social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/writingitpodcast Contact us with questions, possible future topics/guests, or comments here: https://writingit.fireside.fm/contact

Description:Talk Copy to Me is your go-to resource for transforming your business's message into meaningful connections and measurable results. Whether you're diving into SEO, crafting website copy that converts, or building your brand's story, each episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement right away.Your host, Erin Ollila, is a sought-after content strategist and SEO expert who's helped brands like Oracle, Amazon, Hills Pet—as well as many other billion-dollar brands and itty bitty businesses—achieve tens of thousands of monthly website visits...and, more importantly, conversions. With an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and years of experience blending data-driven strategies with authentic storytelling, Erin brings both expertise and approachability to every episode.This show is crafted specifically for small business owners, solopreneurs, creatives, and growing companies who know they need to level up their marketing but feel overwhelmed by where to start. Each week, you'll get deep-dive discussions and expert interviews covering everything from website optimization and SEO fundamentals to email marketing strategies and social media success. (more on her site)Website: https://erinollila.com/podcast/What I Liked About This EpisodeClear, Catchy Hook: Right from the start, Erin Ollila delivers a sharp opening that instantly tells me what the show and episode are about. Within the first 43 seconds, I knew exactly what was on offer—a huge plus in podcasting!Relevant and Concise Introduction: The episode kicks off with a summary that pulls me in without getting lost in the weeds. The intro isn't overloaded with fluff or irrelevant self-promotion, which made me want to keep listening.Audience Connection: I love how Erin Ollila addresses the listener directly (“Hey, friends” althought I would prefer singular, "Hey Friend"), making things feel personal and authentic. It sets a welcoming tone that's easy to connect with.Immediate Value: Erin Ollila quickly outlines what NOT to do (abandoning old SEO work for new AI optimization or ignoring changes entirely) and sets up the value she'll deliver. That makes me curious to hear the actual solution.Smooth Flow into Useful Content: There's no wasted time—the show transitions seamlessly from intuition and context to actionable information I can use. Credible, Trustworthy Presence: Erin Ollila backs up her claims with industry experience and sounds genuinely invested in delivering accurate, data-driven advice. I trust what she's saying.Good Audio Quality: I didn't feel like I was listening to someone in a tunnel or struggling with poor production. Everything was crisp, clear, and professional.No Overbearing Ads or Self-Promotion: I appreciated not being smothered with ads or “pimping” products in the first few minutes. The focus stayed on valuable content.Engaging Teasers: Erin Ollila uses smart episode teasers (like previewing the next episode's topic) to build anticipation and keep me coming back for more.Honest Feedback: At the end, I found myself wanting to subscribe and add it to my marketing channel—which, to me, is the real test of a show's impact!The Goal Of This ShowThis show aims to help you make the best episodes and grow your downloads. If you'd like a deeper dive here are some additional servicesGet Your Podcast Reviewed

What do comics, writing, and Pilates have in common? None other than this week's guest, Mel Hilario! In this episode, we talk about all kinds of things from intuition to creative expression to somatic practices and everything in between! Including what it's like to be a daughter of Filipino immigrants who don't understand what we do in our lives. Join us as we continue the celebration of Filipino American History month with this episode!We embody many different roles and I have likened this existence to that of our ancestral lands: an archipelago. Tune in to hear how we link up all of our multiple passions and identities into who we are being. And how that in and of itself is a form of resistance.Mel Hilario Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Agent-Cupcake/Mel-Hilario/9781637158760Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NmlshGX4ijHPXmFIgT1Nu Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-grit/id1497436520  ===============Today's poems/ Books mentioned:Tarot/Oracle Card: Queen of Cups“The Sorcery” =============== Courses / Exclusive Content / Book Mentioned:Subscribe to mailing list + community: suryagian.com/subscribe and get the 7-day meditation challenge, “Spark Joy in Chaos”Subscribe to “Adventures in Midlife” newsletter: leslieann.substack.comInstagram: @leslieannhobayan Email: leslieann@suryagian.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxAeQWRRsSo5E7PBJdZUeoEAYXnAtuyRyKundalini Yoga Classes: https://www.suryagian.com/anchor-amplify-kundaliniSpeak Your Truth: https://www.suryagian.com/speak-your-truth ===============About the Guest: Melanie “Mel” Hilario is a writer who empowers readers by helping them understand the world around them, blending genres and transforming traditional character archetypes into fully realized people, with their own quirks, language, and interior lives. Mel received her MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College, has been a recipient of the Elizabeth George Foundation grant and residencies at VONA (Voices of our Nations Arts), Las Dos Brujas Writers Workshop, Writing by Writers, and Hedgebrook. She has developed characters for toy lines, masterminded educational workbooks, and written wrenching essays, most recently for the Kindred Souls anthology, Angry Women. Along with Lauren Davis and Katie Longua, Mel is part of the Eisner-nominated team, Triple Dream Comics. Together, they created the middle grade graphic novels, "Debian Perl, Digital Detective" and "Agent Cupcake." Their short story, "Traitor, Trickster, Dummy, Doll" appeared in The Nib and was nominated for the 2022 Eisner Award for Best Short Story.When she isn't writing fiction, nonfiction, and comic books, Mel is in martial arts or ballet class, teaching Pilates, or attempting to stay off social media and failing miserably. She lives in Oakland with two of the largest cats her friends have ever seen.

You're getting traffic to your website. People are clicking around, spending time there—but your inbox stays empty. No contact forms filled out, no calls booked, nothing. So you think, "I just need more visitors, right?" Wrong. The problem isn't traffic—it's that your website is quietly pushing people away before they reach out. There are four website silent killers turning interested visitors into ghosts: confusion, overwhelm, distrust, and friction.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what each of these website silent killers looks like in practice and how they're costing you clients without you even realizing it. We'll explore why someone might land on your site genuinely interested but leave without taking action, and more importantly, what you can do to fix it. These aren't design problems—they're messaging, strategy, and user experience problems that you can actually address without a complete website overhaul.__________________________________________EPISODE 167.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/4-website-silent-killers-that-make-visitors-ghost-you/______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and productsShout out to Carolyn from Maypop Creative's new social media series "Lessons from the Cheese Shop" which inspired my cheese shop example this week

Writing about College from Joyce Abell, Terry Miller, and Winifred Hughes.Support the show

All across the Elevana League, pilgrims leave their homes and travel over great distances towards the city of Cenn, determined to meet with the only member of the Ennead who deigns to walk amongst their worshippers. As a matter of propriety and faith, what transpires between Castine and his believers is largely kept between the embodiment of metal and his visitors. But it is not uncommon to see echoes of the conversations in the life that follows. Greater confidence. Lesser cruelty. A new found curiosity. When you walk your lap with the Living Metal, it is said, you may find yourself newly tempered. This week on Perpetua: A Roar Across Cenn 03 Perpetua Guide [In Progress v.05] Some Feedback [Page 22 of 24] Alukard83 What do you think you'd ask Castine if you could walk with him? FriendOfNei You actually can if you get the right answers during the Temple Infiltration. But that's a good question, I'll load my backup save and try to update the FAQ soon with as many answers as I can get from him soon! Alukard83 Oh thanks. But I meant in real life. Like would you ask about the future or about the past or maybe about some secret only he would know? TheDiamondRanger I'd ask him where the ultimate weapons are! TheUnforgivenIII Wow, a rare good question from Reverse Dracula. I think I'd ask about my grandparents (mom's side). Never really got to know them. XxZelgadyskXx I don't know that Castine knows about stuff like that. He seems more into like, statues and shovels and things made of metal. XD Alukard83 I mean he's a God right? God is omni-scient, so he'd have to know about things like TUIII's grandparents. Even if we just meant in Perpetua and not IRL, he could watch them from like… candle sticks and forks and stuff right.  CarlsJr god doesn't exist lol Doom_Tree_Anne I think it's a good question, Alukard83! From what I've read, it's not clear what exactly Castine (or God, if she DOES exist, I'm agnostic) can or can't do. Sure, there's clearly a lot of miraculous and powerful stuff that happens in the story (game and IRL religions). But there are always limits, right? Like how Castine couldn't see into the Hexcloak office because Aegir did that trick with the light and with Caoimhe's sword, or how in real life, a supposedly benevolent (that means kind and loving) God lets bad things happen to people. But that doesn't mean that they aren't loving. Just that they aren't actually all powerful. A lot like us. Anyway I thought it was a good question so I wrote a fic about it over on the Creative Writing board. If you search for “Walking In Iron Shoes” you should be able to find it. Let me know what you think n.n;;; TheDiamondRanger What's a fic??? Hosted by Austin Walker (austinwalker.bsky.social) FeaturingAli Acampora (ali-online.bsky.social), Art Martinez-Tebbel (amtebbel.bsky.social), Jack de Quidt (notquitereal.bsky.social), and Andrew Lee Swan (swandre3000.bsky.social) Produced by Ali Acampora Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp) Cover Art by Ben McEntee (https://linktr.ee/benmce.art) With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.

Send us a textIn this captivating episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with T.L Champion, a bestselling ghostwriter known as the "legacy ghostwriter." T.L shares her passion for helping individuals craft their stories, ensuring their legacies endure for generations. She explains the ghostwriting process, from initial interviews to the final touches on a manuscript, providing insights into how aspiring authors can bring their visions to life without the stress of writing. T.L discusses the importance of choosing between fiction and nonfiction and offers guidance on what to look for in a ghostwriter. With fascinating anecdotes from her own experiences, including her work with a successful hip-hop artist, T.L emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling. Join us as we explore the art of ghostwriting and the profound impact it can have on both the writer and their audience. Be inspired to share your own story and consider how a ghostwriter might help you achieve your literary dreams.www.legacy-ghostwriter.com

Ever share your website link with a disclaimer like "Sorry, it's outdated!" or "I know it needs work!"? If you've ever apologized for your website before anyone even clicks, you're not alone—but that apology is quietly sabotaging your business. When you undermine your own credibility, you're not being humble. You're actively telling potential clients not to trust you, and worse, you're attracting discount-seekers while premium clients move on to someone who seems more confident.In this episode, I'm breaking down what your website apologies are really costing you and why your site probably doesn't need the complete teardown you've been dreading. We'll explore the difference between a website glow-up and a full rebuild, plus I'll share specific, strategic improvements you can make right now—without hiring a designer or spending months on the project. It's time to share your link without commentary and let your website work for you.__________________________________________EPISODE 166.Read the show notes and view the full transcript here: https://erinollila.com/stop-apologizing-for-your-website/______________________________________________Here's the info on your host, Erin OllilaErin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform – and even transform – its intended audience. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and went on to co-found Spry, an award-winning online literary journal.When Erin's not helping her clients understand their website data or improve their website copy, you can catch her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast and guesting on shows such as Profit is a Choice, Mindful Marketing, The Power in Purpose, and Business-First Creatives.Stay in touch with Erin Ollila, SEO website copywriter:• Learn more about my VIP intensive options or just book a strategy session to get started right away• Visit Erin's website to learn more about her business, services, and productsWant to keep talking copy? Send me a text message!

Patricia Lynn is a playwright/actor who has worked extensively in NYC independent theatre. As a writer, Patricia fancies herself to be a gothic feminist; she loves to subvert the classic genre by creating provocative plays inspired by traditional gothic stereotypes. Her plays have been developed at Triad Stage, New Perspectives Theatre Company, The Secret Theatre, Rogue Theater Festival, and Phillips' Mill Community Association. As an actor, Patricia has worked at TheatreWorksUSA, Trinity Repertory Theatre, Soho Playhouse, Capital Fringe, NYC Fringe Festival, and many more. MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University; MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Repertory. In this episode we talk about her new play The Truth about Transylvania debuting during Halloween week October 24, 2025.