Podcasts about secrets

The more you control, the worse you lead. In this conversation, Ryan talks with leadership expert Daniel Coyle about why the best teams aren't run like machines, why connection matters more than control, and what Marcus Aurelius can teach us about leadership that endures.Daniel Coyle is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers The Culture Code, The Talent Code, and his NEW book Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment. Check out more of Dan's work on his website https://danielcoyle.com/

Episode 649 of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast explains how to crisis-proof your supply chain through redundancy, scenario planning, and decisive leadership. Learn practical strategies to reduce risk, protect margins, and maintain operational stability during disruption.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Mario of Symbolic Studies  enters the mind meld! What if reality isn't mechanistic, but symbolically structured?

In Episode 648 of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul Falavolito teaches leaders how to create a concise 90 second vision statement that drives clarity, accountability, and team alignment. Learn how to articulate your direction in a way your team can repeat and rally behind.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Part three of what to know about avoidant people when you are single and dating! Whether your avoidant date or partner is being self loathing, stuck in shame or addiction, has ghosted or discarded you, you will want to listen to this episode to learn more about what you are experiencing.Are people secretive about their past? Do they get overwhelmed by shame? Do they keep secrets, do they bend the truth or lie easily? Do they keep secrets from their family, their workplace, or did they keep secrets in their past relationships? You will not be the exception - they will keep secrets from you too, and this can hide addictions, spending, criminal activity, and more fun things.After my first podcast episode on this went viral, I've since learned many more things about avoidant attachment, and some huge warning signs you absolutely need to know in order to keep yourself protected and your heart safe in this hectic dating landscape.Still up for giving it a go with someone who has avoidant attachment, or maybe have avoidant attachment yourself? Give this episode of my podcast a listen and learn more about how to notice avoidant people in the dating landscape.-Secrets of a Witch is a podcast by writer, artist, and spiritual teacher Sabrina Scott. She's been a practicing witch and medium for more than 25 years, and in this casual, mellow show she shares her secrets and musings about how to overcome pain and live a happy, magical life. She is the author of five books: Witchbody; Curse and Cure: Magic for Real Life; Rapeseed: Poetry and Writing About Life After Rape; Bodymagic: A Graphic Novel About Witchcraft, Trauma, and Healing; and A Witch at Home: 18 Rituals for Life, Love, and Healing. You can learn more about Sabrina, book a tarot reading, and learn about her courses at sabrinamscott.com, and say hi on Instagram @sabrinamscott. Email her at ceo@sabrinamscott.com

Join me as we explore the fascinating world of early season olive hatches with expert fly fisherman Blake Katchur [35:42] of Anglers All in Denver. No matter where you fish, you'll find this hatch any time from early March to early June. Discover effective tactics, fly patterns, and timing tips to enhance your fishing success during this prolific hatch. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more: Can I use my 7-weight fiberglass rod for bonefish in Belize? Why can I catch brook trout in smaller streams during the winter but not in a bigger river? If I leave off the trailing hook in articulated flies, how do I compensate for the lack of weight?  Will it affect the swimming action of my flies? For Alaska silver salmon and big rainbows, should I get a 9-foot or 10-foot 8-weight Helios rod?  And should I pick Helios D or F? Do the scents from resins and glues put off the fish?  Is there anything that can cover up these scents? Are wings on dry flies absolutely necessary? Where did we get the "X" system we use for leader and tippet diameters? What do you have on your fly-tying bench that you can't do without?

Reigndrops, please welcome Amanda Frances to the Reality With The King stage! This RHOBH newcomer doesn’t hold back, and it was such a pleasure chatting with her. From money and manifestation tips to her first season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we cover it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 647 of the 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul Falavolito breaks down how to use automation and AI without damaging workplace culture. Learn practical strategies to keep teams human, connected, and engaged in an increasingly digital world.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Chris McMonigle and Craig Carton go wild talking March Madness bracket chaos, insane odds in the quintillions, and the first-ever AI “digital twin” of WNBA star Kelsey Plum that fans can actually call! Plus, they dive into outrageous historical rumors about Abraham Lincoln and wild Roman orgy stories.

Vendredi 13 octobre, des hommes d'armes frappent aux portes de tout le royaume de France et arrêtent les Templiers. Peu parviennent à s'enfuir. Le pape Clément V est stupéfait : ces arrestations relèvent normalement de sa juridiction, et non de celle du roi Philippe le Bel."Secrets d'Histoire" est un podcast d'Initial Studio, adapté de l'émission de télévision éponyme produite par la Société Européenne de Production ©2024 SEP / France Télévisions. Cet épisode a été écrit et réalisé par Vincent Mottez.Un podcast présenté par Stéphane Bern. Avec la voix d'Isabelle Benhadj.Vous pouvez retrouver Secrets d'Histoire sur France 3 ou en replay sur France.tv, et suivre l'émission sur Instagram et Facebook.Crédits du podcastProduction exécutive du podcast : Initial StudioProduction éditoriale : Sarah Koskievic et Mandy LebourgMontage : Johanna Lalonde Hébergé par Audion. Visitez https://www.audion.fm/fr/privacy-policy pour plus d'informations.

À 17 ans, Philippe le Bel hérite d'un royaume immense, au sommet de sa puissance capétienne. Avec sa population, il représente à lui seul une bonne partie de l'Europe médiévale."Secrets d'Histoire" est un podcast d'Initial Studio, adapté de l'émission de télévision éponyme produite par la Société Européenne de Production ©2024 SEP / France Télévisions. Cet épisode a été écrit et réalisé par Vincent Mottez.Un podcast présenté par Stéphane Bern. Avec la voix d'Isabelle Benhadj.Vous pouvez retrouver Secrets d'Histoire sur France 3 ou en replay sur France.tv, et suivre l'émission sur Instagram et Facebook.Crédits du podcastProduction exécutive du podcast : Initial StudioProduction éditoriale : Sarah Koskievic et Mandy LebourgMontage : Johanna Lalonde Hébergé par Audion. Visitez https://www.audion.fm/fr/privacy-policy pour plus d'informations.

Philippe le Bel, roi de France, se distingue par son ambition politique et son autorité sans faille. Son règne est marqué par des réformes audacieuses et une détermination à affirmer la puissance de la monarchie. Mais c'est l'étrange affaire des Templiers qui en fait une figure énigmatique de l'histoire médiévale. En 1307, il ordonne l'arrestation de l'ensemble des membres de l'ordre, les accusant d'hérésie, un coup de force qui ébranle l'Église et laisse planer un mystère autour de ses véritables motivations. Philippe le Bel, à la fois roi pragmatique et homme de pouvoir, devient le catalyseur de l'effondrement d'un ordre mystérieux, marquant son époque de façon indélébile."Secrets d'Histoire" est un podcast d'Initial Studio, adapté de l'émission de télévision éponyme produite par la Société Européenne de Production ©2024 SEP / France Télévisions. Cet épisode a été écrit et réalisé par Vincent Mottez.Un podcast présenté par Stéphane Bern. Avec la voix d'Isabelle Benhadj.Vous pouvez retrouver Secrets d'Histoire sur France 3 ou en replay sur France.tv, et suivre l'émission sur Instagram et Facebook.Crédits du podcastProduction exécutive du podcast : Initial StudioProduction éditoriale : Sarah Koskievic et Mandy LebourgMontage : Johanna Lalonde Hébergé par Audion. Visitez https://www.audion.fm/fr/privacy-policy pour plus d'informations.

Lewis brings together seven of the world's leading voices in neuroscience, psychology, and human potential to reveal the hidden mechanics of manifestation. You'll hear from Gregg Braden on why your emotional environment is your most powerful tool, Dr. Joe Dispenza on the neuroscience of believing before seeing, and Rhonda Byrne on why talking about what you don't want keeps it locked in place. Dr. Tara Swart breaks down the brain science of visualization, while Dr. James Doty explains the physiology of intention and how synchronicities actually work. Gary Zukav illuminates the two fundamental laws that govern every result you create, and Tabitha Brown shares how walking in your truth is the only way to attract what's truly meant for you. These aren't abstract concepts. Every insight is grounded in science, backed by research, and proven in the real lives of people who've transformed everything from their health to their relationships to their bank accounts. The common thread is clear: your inner world creates your outer reality, and you have far more control than you've been taught to believe. Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy In this episode you will: Understand why your story about yourself determines every relationship, opportunity, and outcome you'll ever experience  Discover the exact process for reprogramming your subconscious mind to believe you're worthy of what you want  Learn why speaking about what you don't want attracts more of it, and how to shift your language to manifest abundance Master the neuroscience of making your brain believe your future has already happened so opportunities flow to you effortlessly Recognize the two universal laws that govern all manifestation and how to work with them instead of against them For more information go to https://lewishowes.com/1903 For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960 Follow The Daily Motivation for essential highlights from The School of Greatness More SOG episodes we think you'll love: Tabitha Brown Rhonda Byrne Dr. Tara Swart Get more from Lewis! Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Moshe and Natasha are joined by Fred Armisen! They discuss shoplifting, the accents Fred will never master, his new show Universal Basic Guys, and more! They give advice to a caller who bonds with his child over films that might be a little mature for her age, and help a few listeners with written questions. Don't miss it! Submit your deepest secrets to the Endless Honeymoon Secrets Hotline: (213) 222-8608 and ask Natasha and Moshe for relationship advice: endlesshoneymoonpod@gmail.com. SPONSORS: quince.com/honeymoonwayfair.com/functionhealth.com/honeymoonfactormeals.com/honeymoon50offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did a dolphin really kidnap a Florida Man and force him to build an underground city? On this episode, Josh Mills and Wayne McCarty discuss your favorite Florida Man headlines, debate the validity of ancient Irish phrases, recap the Oscars, and read through the next portion of the script from the hit '90s classic Point Break. Headlines include: Florida Man gets kidnapped by a dolphin and forced to build an underwater city (hoax), Florida Man hides gun beneath prosthetic breasts, Florida Man misses Valentine's Day because he was stuck in quicksand. On Mic: Josh Mills, Wayne McCarty, Luke West Each week, the Florida Men on Florida Man podcast blends comedy with the fascinating legends, lore, and history of the wildest state in the Union: Florida. To learn more about the show, visit www.fmofm.com.

In Part 2 we welcome back entrepreneur and Members Only Palm Beach breakout star, Taja Abitbol for a candid, hilarious, and revealing conversation about fame, fashion, wellness, and intuition at our West Hollywood Studio. The episode opens with playful banter and admiration for Taja's magnetic presence, as the hosts gush over her beauty, confidence, and early adoption of NAD therapy long before it became a Hollywood obsession. Taja explains her wellness knowledge came from elite athletes, not doctors, sparking discussion about longevity trends and performance culture. Fashion takes center stage when Taja recounts trying on Pol's couture gowns—an experience she jokingly likens to an “orgasm.” The group dives into rare custom fabrics, signature colors, and the power of couture to sculpt confidence. Taja also reveals she once created a capsule fashion collection that never launched due to COVID and hints at an upcoming collaboration. Relationship talk follows, including her supportive partner (prenup and all), astrological compatibility debates, and comedic confessions about independence at home. Cosmetic procedures enter the chat as Patrik discusses his BBL while Taja credits her curves to North African heritage. The hosts tease their own series Gown and Out in Beverly Hills, including a lavish runway spectacle filmed at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa. Conversation then pivots to Members Only Palm Beach, where Taja critiques cast authenticity, claiming some women “play to the camera” while she simply lives her life on screen. She also addresses red-carpet drama involving cast mate Gail, explaining witnesses confirmed she was threatened and suggesting insecurity fuels much of the conflict. A heartfelt segment highlights philanthropy through the David Cohn Foundation, emphasizing quiet charity over public bragging. The trio bond over authenticity, energy, and instant connection, positioning Taja as the emotional anchor of her show. The episode culminates with Pol's signature Armenian coffee reading. Revisiting a past prediction about a “rat” in Taja's circle, she reveals she has identified the betrayer and teases viewers may learn more in Season 2. New symbols in the cup bring powerful insights: karma catching up to the culprit, the number seven signaling a major agreement soon to be signed, and heart imagery pointing to a deeply personal venture—likely her dream wellness empire and future hotel brand. A final warning surfaces about an unresolved issue from her past that must be closed before her next chapter accelerates. The episode ends on an optimistic note, blending humor, glamour, spiritual insight, and the promise that Taja's story is far from over. Subscribe to our audio: linktr.ee/undressedpod Follow Pol Atteu: Instagram: @polatteu Tiktok: @polatteu Twitter: @polatteu www.polatteu.com Follow Patrik Simpson: Instagram: @patriksimpson Tiktok: @patriksimpson www.patriksimpson.com Follow SnowWhite90210: Instagram: @snowwhite90210 Twitter: @SnowWhite9010 www.snowwhite90210.com Watch Gown and Out In Beverly Hills on Prime Video. www.gownandoutinbeverlyhills.com #UndressedPodcast Armenian Coffee Reading SnowWhite90210 SnowBubu is a Perfect gift!

What's the craziest thing you did on vacation? "My mom while in the UK was possessed and tried to kill her friend who she was sharing a room with"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A whistleblower reveals a secret “Prohibited Access” system inside the FBI, hiding explosive evidence of foreign interference in the 2020 election. China and Iran allegedly accessed voter data to create fake ballots—and it was covered up at the highest levels. We break it all down. ⚡ EPISODE SUMMARY This episode dives deep into claims of election tampering, intelligence suppression, and government cover-ups: Whistleblower disclosures to Charles Grassley reveal an FBI “Prohibited Access” system, a hidden archive controlling what Congress sees. Allegations that China and Iran hacked voter databases to manufacture fraudulent absentee ballots, while U.S. intelligence kept this hidden from lawmakers and the public. Operation Round River: A purported FBI campaign to silence whistleblowers investigating Biden family bribery and financial improprieties. Evidence of counterfeit U.S. driver's licenses shipped from China to facilitate election fraud. Connections between the 2020 election, Democrats' absentee ballot push, and foreign interference. Discussion of cybersecurity measures and algorithms allegedly used to suppress social media posts exposing absentee ballot fraud. How this fits into broader U.S. foreign policy, including Iran, Syria, and the Middle East. Critique of Joe Kent's resignation as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, his previous positions on Iran, and accusations of blaming Israel to distract from failures. The episode is a whirlwind of alleged secrets, foreign involvement, and intelligence agency cover-ups—forcing listeners to question what really happened in 2020 and why it was kept hidden.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

In episode 646 of The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul Falavolito explains how leaders can upgrade their skills without a coach by using daily discipline, feedback loops, self audits, and performance metrics. This episode delivers tactical strategies for self directed leadership growth grounded in accountability and real world execution.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle break down everything from Aaron Judge's “choke” moment to the untold truths about The Beatles' breakup — plus the wild history behind the Masters Champions Dinner! Did Bryce Harper and Judge really clash on the field? Who pays for the legendary Masters dinner? And which shocking Beatles facts will blow your mind? Tune in for laughs, sports debates, and iconic rock history on The Carton Show!

After my first podcast episode on this went viral, I've since learned many more things about avoidant attachment, and some huge warning signs you absolutely need to know in order to keep yourself protected and your heart safe in this hectic dating landscape.In this episode I talk about how avoidants tend to dislike themselves, and can even occupy a regular space of self loathing, self-hatred, and putting others on pedestals. This is not about you, do not be flattered by them putting you on a pedestal. If they are intimidated by you and devalue themselves, this actually makes it more likely for them to leave. If this is the case, they will likely leave the relationship in a sudden, unexpected way with absolutely no warning or obvious reason. Their shame is often too great for them to connect with you despite their discomfort.They will also bring up their ex all the time for no reason - which is a sign of emotional unavailability.Still up for giving it a go with someone who has avoidant attachment, or maybe have avoidant attachment yourself? Give this episode of my podcast a listen and learn more about how to notice avoidant people in the dating landscape.-Secrets of a Witch is a podcast by writer, artist, and spiritual teacher Sabrina Scott. She's been a practicing witch and medium for more than 25 years, and in this casual, mellow show she shares her secrets and musings about how to overcome pain and live a happy, magical life. She is the author of five books: Witchbody; Curse and Cure: Magic for Real Life; Rapeseed: Poetry and Writing About Life After Rape; Bodymagic: A Graphic Novel About Witchcraft, Trauma, and Healing; and A Witch at Home: 18 Rituals for Life, Love, and Healing. You can learn more about Sabrina, book a tarot reading, and learn about her courses at sabrinamscott.com, and say hi on Instagram @sabrinamscott. Email her at ceo@sabrinamscott.com

EPISODE 347 - LEADING LADIESJennifer Jacobs is a veteran wardrobe supervisor, costume designer, and stylist with more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She began her touring career in 1991 as a wardrobe assistant for Luther Vandross and went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Tina Turner, Cher, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Cole, and Bette Midler.Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked across global concert tours, television, and theatrical productions, and has also managed costume archives for artists like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars—helping preserve iconic stage looks for future generations.She holds degrees in both Fashion Design and Costume Design and lives by the motto: “Do what you love and you will have a happy career, not a job.”This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch #geezersofgear #lightswitch #geezersmediagroup #leadingladies #podcast #leadingladiespodcast

Sarah Chalke joins us for a candid and layered conversation about stepping into Roseanne as a teenager and the emotional toll of replacing a beloved character. She reflects on the Scrubs years, the freedom of comedy, and how that chemistry shaped her career. We also get into Firefly Lane, motherhood, advocacy for her son, and what it takes to protect your identity after growing up in front of millions. Thank you to our sponsors:

Everything St. Patrick's Day deserves — and nothing the greeting cards warned you about. | The Morning Weird Darkness*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.EPISODE PAGE: https://WeirdDarkness.com/MWD20260317Story of Evelyn McHale: https://weirddarkness.com/evelyn-mchale-empire-state-building/NOTE: Some of this content may have been created with assistance from AI tools, but it has been reviewed, edited, narrated, produced, and approved by Darren Marlar, creator and host of #WeirdDarkness — who, despite popular conspiracy theories, is NOT an AI voice.

What's something that you finally came around on? "I came around on raw oysters. Grew up on texas coast and hated them then went to New Orleans and that changed everything."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking for the hottest MM, enemies-to-lovers book about hockey that inspired a hit Netflix show? Well we've got you covered! This week we read "Heated Rivalry" by Rachel Reid and it everything we had hoped and so much more. Like, way more. Maybe more than we needed?Mean Book Club is four ladies (UCB, BuzzFeed, College Humor, Impractical Jokers) who read, discuss and whine about NYT bestselling books that have questionable literary merit. It's fun. It's cathartic. It's perfect for your commute. New podcast (almost) every Tuesday! Here's the Season 21 reading list:Rose in Chains by Julie SotoHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidNinth House by Leigh BardugoPowerless by Lauren RobertsThe Secret of Secrets by Dan BwonRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltSometimes I Lie by Alice FeeneyQuicksilver by Callie HartSend any future book suggestions to meanbookclub@gmail.com! Follow us on the socials @meanbookclub!Rate, like, subscribe, and check out our Patreon page at patreon.com/meanbookclub to become a true patron of the mean arts.CREDITS: Hosted by Sarah Burton, Clara Morris, Johnna Scrabis, & Sabrina B. Jordan. This episode was produced and edited by Sarah Burton and Blake Opper. Special thanks to FSM Team for our theme song, "Parkour Introvert." You can get it here: https://www.free-stock-music.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mean-book-club--3199521/support.

Shocking revelations from Fox News and The Federalist: 80% of DHS terrorism investigators are unpaid while dangerous individuals roam free. Tara breaks down sanctuary city chaos, ICE enforcement battles, and allegations that Biden family corruption was hidden by secret FBI files and operations. From Cuba's blackout to Iran and China threats, this episode exposes what she calls the real threats to America and why leadership decisions matter now.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to build connection and relationship. So why do so many of us struggle with isolation? In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss four common causes of isolation they've observed in their own lives and in the leaders they work with: Secrets, Speed, Silos, and Superhero Syndrome. They explain how these things can keep us isolated and remind us that a better way is possible as long as we're intentional about seeking it out. Information isn't the gap between failure and success—action is. Path for Growth's 1-on-1 coaching helps you create a plan and execute on what matters most for your business. Apply today at pathforgrowth.com/coaching.Episode Recap:Many leaders are incredibly connected but still deeply isolated  We were not created for isolation! What causes isolation?  Secrets separate us from meaningful connectionIs therapy helpful for isolation? Your unwillingness to slow down can keep you from being with people  If your whole life operates in silos, no one will get to know all of you Don't teach people to expect you to be a superhero If you're ready to move beyond just gathering information and start executing on what truly matters, Path for Growth's 1-on-1 coaching can help. Apply now at pathforgrowth.com/coaching.Resources:Follow the podcast on Apple or SpotifySchedule a call to learn more about Path for Growth Coaching and CommunityDownload the Free Reading GuideConnect with our Founder Alex Judd on LinkedIn and Instagram

Bill Thomas and I conclude our conversation on the latest developments in the Colonial Parkways Murders. Bill walks us through the patterns, dead ends and new leads.Listen to part 1 of this series here.Listen to part 2 of this series here.Contact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.comCheck out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookJoin our Facebook Group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-storeVisit The True Crime Times Substack at:https://truecrimemessenger.substack.comThe Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music.See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back! Today we're joined by Colette Jane Fehr, a licensed couples therapist, nationally recognized relationship expert, and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller ⁠The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love⁠.We chat about:​How Colette "quiet quit" her marriage​Dating after divorce​Dating as a single parent​Conversations that could save your relationship​Why having no conflict is actually a red flag​How to bring up things that bother you in a relationship​Tools for healthier communication& moreFind Colette on Instagram ⁠@colettejanefehr⁠, order her book ⁠here⁠, or check out her Substack, ⁠Secrets from a Therapist⁠.Read my most recent Substacks: ⁠⁠⁠Signs You're Ready To Date Again After A Breakup⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exactly What I Did To Manifest My Dream Relationship At 33⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conversations Every Couple Should Have In The First Year Of Dating⁠⁠⁠As always, find me on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mostlydating⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And if you're enjoying the pod, please leave a rating & review! To have your question answered on an upcoming episode, submit it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email carleigh@mostly-dating.com. 

This encore presentation revisits our conversation with Natasha Miller Williams, a speaker and writer who brings data and insight together to advance the conversation about inclusion in the workplace. Together we explore a powerful idea: one person can challenge an established system.We talk about why systems inside organizations often continue long after they stop serving people well, and how leaders at every level can begin shifting them. Natasha introduces the S.E.E.R. approach: See, Expect, Express, Repeat. It offers a practical way to recognize unfair or unbalanced systems, speak up with clarity, and stay committed to change even when resistance appears.We also discuss the responsibility leaders have to create environments where people feel safe sharing perspectives that may be unpopular or overlooked. When leaders listen with empathy and act on what they hear, they strengthen trust and open the door for better decisions.This conversation reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one voice choosing to speak.Key HighlightsOne Voice Can Start Change – We explore how any leader, regardless of title, can challenge systems by speaking up and sharing a perspective that may not yet be represented in the room.Awareness Comes First – We learn why noticing whose voices are heard and whose are missing is the first step toward creating more balanced and inclusive systems.Clarity Drives Better Outcomes – We discuss the importance of knowing the outcome we expect when challenging a system so conversations stay focused on meaningful change.Communication Shapes Influence – We look at how understanding what others value helps us express ideas in ways that increase the chances they will be heard and acted on.Persistence Creates Momentum – We reflect on why challenging systems requires patience, support from others, and the courage to keep going when change takes time.About the Guest:Natasha Miller Williams is a speaker and a writer who brings data and insights together to advance the conversation on inclusion in the workplace. Her career has spanned many aspects of business, but what matters most to Natasha is finding ways to improve how we all relate to each other and the opportunities we can create for everyone.Natasha shares her perspective and research on belonging, self-expression, and organizational resilience at keynotes, panels and workshops. She's been a guest speaker for The Conference Board, Society for Human Resource Management, DiversityInc, DiversityMBA, Human Capital Institute, and many talent, inclusion and performance conferences.She is recognized as one of Crain's Notable DE&I Executives, DiversityMBA Magazine's Top 100 Executive Leaders and Top 100 Women of Influence. Natasha has been featured in several career and lifestyle magazines including Black Enterprise and SharpHeels. She sits on the editorial board for Training Industry Magazine and on the board of directors for the Village of Oak Lawn's Chamber of Commerce.About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.Amy's most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/Link mentioned in the podcastThe Inspire Your Team assessment (the courage assessment): https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to The Courage of a Leader podcast! If you got inspired and/or got valuable leadership techniques you can use from this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have questions or feedback about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new The Courage of a Leader podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which helps us ignite The Courage of a Leader in more leaders! Please take a minute and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment)https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

Your erection is trying to tell you something. Here's how to actually listen. If you are a man navigating occasional weak erections or reduced erectile quality, you will learn the five foundational elements that impact erectile function, how to recondition your arousal system for real-world intimacy, and how to regulate your nervous system for stronger, more reliable erections. Learn why sleep is the most underrated sexual health tool and how the relational field between you and your partner affects you physiologically. Whether you are single and working on your own sexual optimization or in a committed relationship looking to deepen intimacy and performance, this episode has insight for you. Your body isn't broken. It's communicating. Start listening.  

In Episode 645 of The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast, Paul Falavolito breaks down the real profit equation for service based businesses, showing leaders how value, trust, efficiency, talent retention, and disciplined standards drive sustainable growth. This episode provides practical steps to strengthen margins without sacrificing integrity or culture.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Book a free call with Somia Coaxum - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/sessionphone

"Master the gold standard for presentations"

Welcome to another engaging episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," where your hosts Jennifer Glass and Patricia Reszetylo unpack the strategies, setbacks, and real talk around using Instagram - or IG - for lead generation and business growth.In this episode, the discussion zeroes in on how businesses can harness Instagram's image-centric platform to attract new clients and boost revenue, but with a powerful warning: don't put all your marketing eggs in one basket. Jennifer Glass opens with a cautionary tale about the Black Friday crash that left Insta-only marketers scrambling, reminding listeners why diversification matters. Together, the hosts get into the nuts and bolts of what works on Instagram: from crafting unique, scroll-stopping visuals and optimizing your bio for “link in bio” effectiveness, to leveraging the nuances of hashtags and the swipeable carousel posts that really shine on IG.Patricia Reszetylo brings a consumer's perspective, sharing both frustrations and observations about content overlap across platforms - and why giving your Insta audience something they can't get elsewhere is so vital. They also touch on automation tools, the importance of building your own email list (instead of relying solely on chatbot or social platform data), and why understanding your audience demographic is crucial for success.Rounding out the episode, Jennifer Glass and Patricia Reszetylo talk about engagement best practices - why it's not enough to rack up likes and how real conversation drives real results. You'll also get practical advice on converting Insta leads into meaningful business relationships and safeguarding your marketing efforts against platform volatility.Tune in for a blend of actionable tactics, strategic wisdom, and the kind of thoughtful banter that only seasoned pros can deliver. Whether you're an Instagram veteran or just exploring the platform as a potential lead gen channel, you won't want to miss these insights - because at the end of the day, it's the bottom line that truly matters.Keywords: Instagram marketing, social media platforms, lead generation, Instagram ads, marketing plan, content strategy, customer demographic, image-heavy content, scroll-stopping content, duplicate content, social media algorithms, unique Instagram content, call to action, clickable links, link in bio, Instagram bio optimization, Instagram DM, automation bots, Instagram captions, screenshotable graphics, Instagram carousels, hashtags, infographics, platform-specific engagement, audience engagement, email list building, chatbot lists, account security, thought leadership, Instagram sales tools

When was the last time you sighed? Probably not that long ago. We tend to think of sighing as something we do when we're frustrated, tired, or relieved. But scientists have discovered that sighing plays a much deeper role in keeping your body functioning properly — and your brain actually has a built-in mechanism that triggers it. https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-and-stanford-researchers-pinpoint-origin-of-sighing-reflex-in-the-brain Some people naturally seem to expect things to work out, while others brace for disappointment. Is optimism simply a personality trait, or is it something you can learn? Psychologist Deepika Chopra — often called “The Optimism Doctor” and author of The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical, Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard (https://amzn.to/4b9EG4S) — explains that real optimism isn't about pretending everything is fine. It's a mindset grounded in science that can improve resilience, decision making, health, and even longevity. Butter seems simple. It's just butter… right? Not even close. The butter you buy at the grocery store hides a surprising amount of history, science, and culinary nuance — from why it's shaped into sticks to why some butter is salted and some isn't. Anna Stockwell, New York–based recipe developer, food stylist, and author of The Butter Book ( https://amzn.to/47gj6u8), explains what actually makes butter different from one brand to another, when premium butter is worth it, and how understanding butter can dramatically improve the way you cook. Many people use mouthwash every day as part of their routine. It seems like a healthy habit. But there's growing evidence that regular use of some mouthwashes may come with an unexpected downside — one that most people never consider. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7125030 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Purple Pants Podcast | Split The Vote | Survivor 50 Episode 3 Recap | Was Voting Out Q the Biggest Mistake of the Season? The swap has arrived. Secrets are spilling. And chaos is officially taking over Survivor 50. On this week's episode of Split The Vote, Rob is joined by two familiar faces from behind the scenes Jastin and Mihir as the crew breaks down Episode 3 and the game?changing first tribe swap of the season. With new tribes, fractured alliances, and players scrambling for position, Survivor 50 wasted no time turning the pressure all the way up. From Christian and Devens' fake idol shenanigans, to Emily spreading information at warp speed, to Q canceling Christmas, this episode delivered non-stop strategy debates and messy gameplay. Rob, Jastin, and Mihir unpack what makes a successful swap, who adapted best to their new tribe, and which players may have talked themselves straight into trouble. Tickets and updates for Brice and Wen 50 events: https://briceandwenpresent.flite.city/ You can also watch along on Brice Izyah’s YouTube channel to watch us break it all down https://youtube.com/channel/UCFlglGPPamVHaNAb0tL_s7g LISTEN: Subscribe to the Purple Pants podcast feed  WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Previously on the Purple Pants Podcast Feed: Purple Pants Podcast Archives

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is at the heart of city life. Created in 1870 when the land was mostly sand dunes, the park is now one of the crown jewels of the city by the bay and is a must-visit for anyone traveling here. World famous institutions like the Conservatory of Flowers, De Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Botanical Gardens and Japanese Tea Gardens are located in the park, but there are just as many hidden trails, magical dells and places to get lost. We explore some of the hidden delights of Golden Gate Park that even devoted locals might not know about. And, we'll tell the epic story of how this park got built in the first place. Additional Resources: Golden Gate Park Was Once Miles and Miles of Sand Dunes Read the transcript for this episode A Very Curious Walking Tour of Golden Gate Park Sign up for our newsletter Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Christopher Beale and Olivia Allen-Price. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Ethan Toven-Lindsey and everyone on Team KQED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Split The Vote | Survivor 50 Episode 3 Recap | Was Voting Out Q the Biggest Mistake of the Season? The swap has arrived. Secrets are spilling. And chaos is officially taking over Survivor 50. On this week's episode of Split The Vote, Rob is joined by two familiar faces from behind the scenes Jastin and Mihir as the crew breaks down Episode 3 and the game‑changing first tribe swap of the season. With new tribes, fractured alliances, and players scrambling for position, Survivor 50 wasted no time turning the pressure all the way up. From Christian and Devens' fake idol shenanigans, to Emily spreading information at warp speed, to Q canceling Christmas, this episode delivered non-stop strategy debates and messy gameplay. Rob, Jastin, and Mihir unpack what makes a successful swap, who adapted best to their new tribe, and which players may have talked themselves straight into trouble. Tickets and updates for Brice and Wen 50 events:https://briceandwenpresent.flite.city/ You can also watch along on Brice Izyah's YouTube channel to watch us break it all down https://youtube.com/channel/UCFlglGPPamVHaNAb0tL_s7g Previously on the Purple Pants Podcast Feed:Purple Pants Podcast Archives LISTEN: Subscribe to the Purple Pants podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a character so compelling that readers will forgive almost anything about the plot? How do you move beyond vague flaws and generic descriptions to create people who feel pulled from real life? In this solo episode, I share 15 actionable tips for writing deep characters, curated from past interviews on the podcast. In the intro, thoughts from London Book Fair [Instagram reel @jfpennauthor; Publishing Perspectives; Audible; Spotify]; Insights from a 7-figure author business [BookBub]. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community and get articles, discounts, and extra audio and video tutorials on writing craft, author business, and AI tools, at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn This episode has been created from previous episodes of The Creative Penn Podcast, curated by Joanna Penn, as well as chapters from How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book. Links to the individual episodes are included in the transcript below. In this episode: Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' trifecta, how to hook readers on the very first page Define the Dramatic Question: Who is your character when the chips are down? Absolute specificity. Why “she's controlling” isn't good enough Understand the Heroine's Journey, strength through connection, not solo action Use ‘Metaphor Families' to anchor dialogue and give every character a distinctive voice Find the Diagnostic Detail, the moments that prove a character is real Writing pain onto the page without writing memoir Write diverse characters as real people, not stereotypes or plot devices Give your protagonist a morally neutral ‘hero' status. Compelling beats likeable. Build vibrant side characters for series longevity and spin-off potential Use voice as a rhythmic tool Link character and plot until they're inseparable Why discovery writers can write out of order and still build deep character Find the sensory details that make characters live and breathe More help with how to write fiction here, or in my book, How to Write a Novel. Writing Characters: 15 Tips for Writing Deep Character in Your Fiction In today's episode, I'm sharing fifteen tips for writing deep characters, synthesised from some of the most insightful interviews on The Creative Penn Podcast over the past few years, combined with what I've learned across more than forty books of my own. I'll be referencing episodes with Matt Bird, Will Storr, Gail Carriger, Barbara Nickless, and Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. I'll also draw on my own book, How to Write a Novel, which covers these fundamentals in detail. Whether you're writing your first novel or your fiftieth, whether you're a plotter or a discovery writer like me, these tips will help you create characters that readers believe in, care about, and invest in—and keep coming back for more. Let's get into it. 1. Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' Trifecta When I spoke with Matt Bird on episode 624, he laid out the three things you need to achieve on the very first page of your book or in the first ten minutes of a film. He calls it “Believe, Care, and Invest.” First, the reader must believe the character is a real person, somehow proving they are not a cardboard imitation of a human being, not just a generic type walking through a generic plot. Second, the reader must care about the character's circumstances. And third, the reader must invest in the character's ability to solve the story's central problem. Matt used The Hunger Games as his primary example, and it's brilliant. On the very first page, we believe Katniss's voice. Suzanne Collins writes in first person with a staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short declarative sentences—that immediately grounds us in a survivalist mentality. We care because Katniss is starving. She's protecting her little sister. And we invest because she is out there bow hunting, which Matt pointed out is one of the most badass things a character can do. She even kills a lynx two pages in and sells the pelt. We invest in her resourcefulness and grit before the plot has even begun. Matt was very clear that this has nothing to do with the character being “likable.” He said his subtitle, Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love, doesn't mean the character has to be a good person. He described “hero” as both gender-neutral and morally neutral. A hero can be totally evil or totally good. What matters is that we believe, care, and invest. He demonstrated this beautifully by breaking down the first ten minutes of WeCrashed, where the characters of Adam and Rebekah Neumann are absolutely not likable, but we are completely hooked. Adam steals his neighbour's Chinese food through a carefully orchestrated con involving an imaginary beer. It's not admirable behaviour, but the tradecraft involved, as Matt put it—using a term from spy movies—makes us invest in him. We see a character trying to solve the big problem of his life, which is that he's poor and wants to be rich, and we want to see if he can pull it off. Actionable step: Go to the first page of your current work in progress. Does it achieve all three? Does the reader believe this is a real person with a distinctive voice? Do they care about the character's circumstances? And do they invest in the character's ability to handle what's coming? If even one of those three is missing, that's your revision priority. 2. Define the Dramatic Question: Who Are They Really? Will Storr, author of The Science of Storytelling, came on episode 490 and gave one of the most powerful frameworks I've ever heard for character-driven fiction. He explained that the human brain evolved language primarily to swap social information—in other words, to gossip. We are wired to monitor other people, to ask the question: who is this person when the chips are down? That's what Will calls the Dramatic Question, and it's what he believes lies at the heart of all compelling storytelling. It's not a question about plot. It's a question about the character's soul. And every scene in your novel should force the character to answer it. His example of Lawrence of Arabia is unforgettable. The Dramatic Question for the entire film is: who are you, Lawrence? Are you ordinary or are you extraordinary? At the beginning, Lawrence is a cocky, rebellious young soldier who believes his rebelliousness makes him superior. Every iconic scene in that three-hour film tests that belief. Sometimes Lawrence acts as though he truly is extraordinary—leading the Arabs into battle, being hailed as a god—and sometimes the world strips him bare and he sees himself as ordinary. Because it's a tragedy, he never overcomes his flaw. He doubles down on his belief that he's extraordinary until he becomes monstrous, culminating in that iconic scene where he lifts a bloody dagger and sees his own reflection with horror. Will also used Jaws to demonstrate how this works in a pure action thriller. Brody's dramatic question is simple: are you going to be old Brody who is terrified of the water, or new Brody who can overcome that fear? Every scene where the shark appears is really asking that question. And the last moment of the film isn't the shark blowing up. It's Brody swimming back through the water, saying he used to be scared of the water and he can't imagine why. Actionable step: Write down the Dramatic Question for your protagonist in a single sentence. Is it “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you brave enough to love again?” or “Will you sacrifice your principles for survival?” If you can't answer this with specificity, your character might still be a sketch rather than a person. 3. Get rid of Vague Flaws, and use Absolute Specificity This was one of Will Storr's most important points. He said that vague thinking about characters is really the enemy. When he teaches workshops and asks writers to describe their character's flaw, most of them say something like “they're very controlling.” And Will's response is: that's not good enough. Everyone is controlling. How are they controlling? What's the specific mechanism? He gave the example of a profile he read of Theresa May during the UK's Brexit chaos. Someone who knew her said that Theresa May's problem was that she always thinks she's the only adult in every room she goes into. Will said that stopped him in his tracks because it's so precise. If you define a character with that level of specificity, you can take them and put them in any genre, any situation—a spaceship, a Victorian drawing room, a school playground—and you will know exactly how they're going to behave. The same applies to Arthur Miller's Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, as Will described it: a man who believes absolutely in capitalistic success and the idea that when you die, you're going to be weighed on a scale, just as God weighs you for sin, but now you're weighed for success. That's not a vague flaw. That's a worldview you can drop into any story and watch it combust. Will made another counterintuitive point that I found really valuable: writers often think that piling on multiple traits will create a complex character, but the opposite is true. Starting with one highly specific flaw and running it through the demands of a relentless plot is what generates complexity. You end up with a far more nuanced, original character than if you'd started with a laundry list of vague attributes. Actionable step: Take your protagonist's flaw and pressure-test it. Is it specific enough that you could place this character in any situation and predict their behaviour? If you're stuck at “she's stubborn” or “he's insecure,” keep pushing. What kind of stubborn? What kind of insecure? Find the diagnostic sentence—the Theresa May level of precision. 4. Understand the Heroine's Journey: Strength Through Connection Gail Carriger came on episode 550 to discuss her nonfiction book, The Heroine's Journey, and it completely reframed how I think about some of my own fiction. Gail explained that the core difference between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey comes down to how strength and victory are defined. The Hero's Journey is about strength through solo action. The hero must be continually isolated to get stronger. He goes out of civilisation, faces strife alone, and achieves victory through physical prowess and self-actualisation. The Heroine's Journey is the opposite. The heroine achieves her goals by activating a network. She's a delegator, a general. She identifies where she can't do something alone, finds the people who can help, and portions out the work for mutual gain. Gail put it simply: the heroine is very good at asking for help, which our culture tends to devalue but which is actually a powerful form of strength. Crucially, Gail stressed that gender is irrelevant to which journey you're writing. Her go-to examples are striking: the recent Wonder Woman film is practically a beat-for-beat hero's journey—Gilgamesh on screen, as Gail described it. Meanwhile, Harry Potter, both the first book and the series as a whole, is a classic heroine's journey. Harry's power comes from his network—Dumbledore's Army, the Order of the Phoenix, his friendships with Ron and Hermione. He doesn't defeat Voldemort alone. He defeats Voldemort because of love and connection. This distinction has real practical consequences for writers. If you're writing a hero's journey and you hit writer's block, Gail said, the solution is usually to isolate your hero further and pile on more strife. But if you're writing a heroine's journey, the solution is probably to throw a new character into the scene—someone who has advice to offer or a skill the heroine lacks. The actual solutions to writer's block are different depending on which narrative you're writing. As I reflected on my own work, I realised that my ARKANE thriller protagonist, Morgan Sierra, follows a hero's journey—she's a solo operative, a lone wolf like Jack Reacher or James Bond. But my Mapwalker fantasy series follows a heroine's journey, with Sienna and her group of friends working together. I hadn't consciously chosen those paths; the stories led me there. But understanding the framework helps me write more intentionally now. Actionable step: Identify which journey your protagonist is on. Does your character gain strength by being alone (hero) or by building connections (heroine)? This will inform every plot decision you make, from how they face obstacles to how your story ends. 5. Use ‘Metaphor Families' to Anchor Dialogue and Voice One of the most practical techniques Matt Bird shared on episode 624 is the idea of assigning each character a “metaphor family”—a specific well of language that they draw from. This gives each character a distinctive voice that goes beyond accent or dialect. Matt explained how in The Wire, one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, every character has a different metaphor family. What struck him was that Omar, this iconic character, never utters a single curse word in the entire series. His metaphor family is pirate. He talks about parlays, uses language that feels like it belongs in Pirates of the Caribbean, and it creates this incredible ironic counterpoint against his urban setting. It tells us immediately that this is a character who sees himself in a tradition of people that doesn't match his immediate surroundings. Matt also referenced the UK version of The Office, where Gareth works at a paper company but aspires to the military. So all of his language is drawn from a military metaphor family. He doesn't talk about filing and photocopying; he talks about tactics and discipline and being on the front line. This tells us that the character has a life and dreams beyond the immediate scene—and it's the gap between aspiration and reality that makes him both funny and believable. He pointed out that a metaphor family sometimes comes from a character's background, but it's often more interesting when it comes from their aspirations. What does your character want to be? What world do they fantasise about inhabiting? That's where their language should come from. In Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a spiritual hermit, but his metaphor family is military. He uses the language of generals and commanders, and that ironic counterpoint is part of what makes him feel so rich. Actionable step: Assign each of your main characters a metaphor family. It could be based on their job, their background, or—more interestingly—their secret aspirations. Then go through your dialogue and make sure each character is consistently drawing from that well of language. If two characters sound the same when you strip away the dialogue tags, this is the fix. 6. Find the Diagnostic Detail: The Diagonal Toast Avoid clichéd character tags—the random scar, the eye patch, the mysterious limp—unless they serve a deep narrative purpose. Matt Bird on episode 624 was very funny about this: he pointed out that Nick Fury, Odin, and eventually Thor all have eye patches in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eye patches are done, he said. You cannot do eye patches anymore. Instead, look for what I'm calling the “diagonal toast” detail, after a scene Matt described from Captain Marvel. In the film, Captain Marvel is trying to determine whether Nick Fury is who he says he is. She asks him to prove he isn't a shapeshifting alien. Fury shares biographical details—his history, his mother—but then she pushes further and says, name one more thing you couldn't possibly have made up about yourself. And Fury says: if toast is cut diagonally, I can't eat it. Matt said that detail is gold for a writer because it feels pulled from a real life. You can pull it from your own life and gift it to your characters, and the reader can tell it's not manufactured. He gave another example from The Sopranos: Tony Soprano's mother won't answer the phone after dark. The show's creator, David Chase, confirmed on the DVD commentary that this came from his own mother, who genuinely would not answer the phone after dark and couldn't explain why. Matt's practical advice was to keep a journal. Write down the strange, specific things that people do or say. Mine your own life for those hyper-specific details. You just need one per book. In my own writing, I've used this approach. In my ARKANE thrillers, my character Morgan Sierra has always been Angelina Jolie in my mind—specifically Jolie in Lara Croft or Mr and Mrs Smith. And Blake Daniel in my crime thriller series was based on Jesse Williams from Grey's Anatomy. I paste pictures of actors into my Scrivener projects. It helps with visuals, but also with the sense of the character, their energy and physicality. But visual details only take you so far. It's the behavioural quirks—the diagonal toast moments—that make a character feel genuinely alive. That said, physical character tags can work brilliantly when they serve the story. As I discuss in How to Write a Novel, Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike is an amputee, and his pain and the physical challenges of his prosthesis are a key part of every story—it's not a cosmetic detail, it's woven into the action and the character's psychology. My character Blake Daniel always wears gloves to cover the scars on his hands, which provides an angle into his wounded past as well as a visual cue for the reader. And of course, Harry Potter's lightning-shaped scar isn't just a mark—it's a direct connection to his nemesis and the mythology of the entire series. The rule of thumb is: if the tag tells us something about the character's interior life or connects to the plot, it's earning its place. If it's just there to make the character visually distinctive, it's probably a crutch. Game of Thrones takes character tags further with the family houses, each with their own mottos and sigils. The Starks say “Winter is coming” and their sigil is a dire wolf. Those aren't just labels—they're worldview made visible. Actionable step: Start a “diagonal toast” notebook. Every time you notice something strange and specific about someone's behaviour—something that feels too real to be made up—write it down. Then gift it to a character who needs more texture. 7. Displace Your Own Trauma into the Work Barbara Nickless shared something deeply personal on episode 732 that fundamentally changed how I think about putting pain onto the page. While starting At First Light, the first book in her Dr. Evan Wilding series, she lost her son to epilepsy—something called SUDEP, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. One day he was there, and the next day he was gone. Barbara said that writing helped her cope with the trauma, that doing a deep dive into Old English literature and the Viking Age for the book's research became a lifeline. But here's what's important: she didn't give Dr. Evan Wilding her exact trauma. Evan Wilding is four feet five inches, and Barbara described how he has to walk through a world that won't adjust to him. That's its own form of learning to cope when circumstances are beyond your control. She displaced her genuine grief into the character's different but parallel struggle. When I asked her about the difference between writing for therapy and writing for an audience, she drew on her experience teaching creative writing to veterans through a collaboration between the US Department of Defense and the National Endowment for the Arts. She said she's found that she can pour her heartache into her characters and process it through them, even when writing professionally, and that the genuine emotion is what touches readers. We've all been through our own losses and griefs, so seeing how a character copes can be deeply meaningful. I've always found that putting my own pain onto the page is the most direct way to connect with a reader's soul. My character Morgan Sierra's musings on religion and the supernatural are often my own. Her restlessness, her fascination with the darker edges of faith—those come from me. But her Krav Maga fighting skills and her ability to kill the bad guys are definitely her own. That gap between what's mine and what's hers is where the fiction lives. Barbara also said something on that episode that I wrote down and stuck on my wall. She said the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul. I've been thinking about that ever since. On my own wall, I have “Measure your life by what you create.” Different words, same truth. Actionable step: If you're carrying something heavy—grief, anger, fear, regret—consider how you might displace it into a character's different but emotionally parallel struggle. Don't copy your exact situation; transform it. The emotion will be genuine, and the reader will feel it. 8. Write Diverse Characters as Real People When I spoke with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673—Sarah is Choctaw and a historical fiction author honoured by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian—she offered a perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear. The key message was to move away from stereotypes. Don't write your American Indian character as the “Wise Guide” who exists solely to dispense mystic wisdom to the white protagonist. Don't limit diverse characters to historical settings, as though they only exist in the past. Place them in normal, contemporary roles. Your spaceship captain, your forensic scientist, your small-town baker—any of them can be American Indian, or Nigerian, or Japanese, and their heritage should be a lived-in part of their identity, not the sole reason they exist in the story. I write international thrillers and dark fantasy, and my fiction is populated with characters from all over the world. I have a multi-cultural family and I've lived in many places and travelled widely, so I've met, worked with, and had relationships with people from different cultures. I find story ideas through travel, and if I set my books in a certain place, then the story is naturally populated with the people who live there. As I discuss in my book, How to Write a Novel, the world is a diverse place, so your fiction needs to be populated with all kinds of people. If I only populated my fiction with characters like me, they would be boring novels. There are many dimensions of difference—race, nationality, sex, age, body type, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, culture, education level—and even then, don't assume that similar types of people think the same way. Some authors worry they will make mistakes. We live in a time of outrage, and some authors have been criticised for writing outside their own experience. So is it too dangerous to try? Of course not. The media amplifies outliers, and most authors include diverse characters in every book without causing offence because they work hard to get it right. It's about awareness, research, and intent. Actionable step: Audit the cast of your current work in progress. Have you written a mono-cultural perspective for all of them? If so, consider who could bring a different background, perspective, or set of cultural specifics to the story. Not as a token addition, but as a real person with a real life. 9. Respect Tribal and Cultural Specificity Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673 was emphatic about one thing: never treat diverse groups as monolithic. If you're writing a Native American character, you must research the specific nation. Choctaw is not Navajo, just as British is not French. Sarah described the distinct cultural markers of the Choctaw people—the diamond pattern you'll see on traditional shirts and dresses, which represents the diamondback rattlesnake. They have distinct dances and songs. She said that if she saw someone in traditional dress at a distance, she would know whether they were Choctaw based on what they were wearing. She encouraged writers who want to write specifically about a nation to get to know those people. Go to events, go to a powwow, learn about the individual culture. She noted that a big misconception is that American Indians exist only in the past—she stressed that they are still here, still living their cultures, and fiction should reflect that present reality. I took a similar approach when writing Destroyer of Worlds, which is set mostly in India. I read books about Hindu myth, watched documentaries about the sadhus, and had one of my Indian readers from Mumbai check my cultural references. For Risen Gods, set in New Zealand with a young Maori protagonist, I studied books about Maori mythology and fiction by Maori authors, and had a male Maori reader check for cultural issues. Research is simply an act of empathy. The practical takeaway is this: if you're going to include a character from a specific cultural background, do the work. Use specific cultural details rather than generic signifiers. Sarah talked about how even she fell into stereotypes when she was first writing, until her mother pointed them out. If someone from within a culture can fall into those traps, the rest of us certainly can. Do the research, try your best, ask for help, and apologise if you need to. Actionable step: If you're writing a character from a specific culture, identify three to five sensory or behavioural details that are particular to that culture—not the generic version, but the real, researched, lived-in version. Consider hiring a sensitivity reader from that community to check your work. 10. Give Your Protagonist a Morally Neutral ‘Hero' Status Matt Bird was clear about this on episode 624: the word “hero” simply means the protagonist, the person we follow through the story. It's a functional role, not a moral label. We don't have to like them. We don't even have to root for their goals in a moral sense. We just have to find them compelling enough to invest our attention in their problem-solving. Think of Succession, where every member of the Roy family is varying degrees of awful, and yet the show was utterly compelling. Or WeCrashed, where Adam Neumann is a narcissistic con artist, but we can't look away because he's trying to solve the enormous problem of building an empire from nothing, and the tradecraft he employs is fascinating. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, readers must want to spend time with your characters. They don't have to be lovable or even likable—that will depend on your genre and story choices—but they have to be captivating enough that we want to spend time with them. A character who is trying to solve a massive problem will naturally draw investment from the audience, even if we wouldn't want to have tea with them. Will Storr extended this idea by pointing out that the audience will actually root for a character to solve their problem even if the audience doesn't actually want the character's goal to be achieved in the real world. We don't really want more billionaires, but we invested in Adam Neumann's rise because that was the problem the story posed, and our brains are wired to invest in problem-solving. This connects to something deeper: what does your character want, and why? As I explore in How to Write a Novel, desire operates on multiple levels. Take a character like Phil, who joins the military during wartime. On the surface, she wants to serve her country. But she also wants to escape her dead-end town and learn new skills. Deeper still, her father and grandfather served, and by joining up, she hopes to finally earn their respect. And perhaps deepest of all, her father died on a mission under mysterious circumstances, and she wants to find out what happened from the inside. That layering of motivation is what turns a flat character into a three-dimensional one. The audience doesn't need to be told all of this explicitly. It can emerge through action, dialogue, and the choices the character makes under pressure. But you, the writer, need to know it. You need to know what your character really wants deep down, because that desire—more than any external plot device—is what drives the story forward. And your antagonist needs the same depth. They also want something, often diametrically opposed to your protagonist, and they need a reason that makes sense to them. In my ARKANE thriller Tree of Life, my antagonist is the heiress of a Brazilian mining empire who wants to restore the Earth to its original state to atone for the destruction caused by her father's company. She's part of a radical ecological group who believe the only way to restore Nature is to end all human life. It's extreme, but in an era of climate change, it's a motivation readers can understand—even if they disagree with the solution. Actionable step: If you're struggling to make a morally grey character work, make sure their problem is big enough and their methods are specific and interesting enough that we invest in the how, even if we're ambivalent about the what. 11. Build Vibrant Side Characters Gail Carriger made a point on episode 550 that was equal parts craft advice and business strategy. In a Heroine's Journey model, side characters aren't just fodder to be killed off to motivate the hero. They form a network. And because you don't have to kill them—unlike in a hero's journey, where allies are often betrayed or removed so the hero can be further isolated—you can pick up those side characters and give them their own books. Gail said this creates a really voracious reader base. You write one series with vivid side characters, and then readers fall in love with those side characters and want their stories. So you write spin-offs. The romance genre does this brilliantly—think of the Bridgerton books, where each sibling gets their own novel. The side character in one book becomes the protagonist in the next. Barbara Nickless experienced this firsthand with her Dr. Evan Wilding series. She has River Wilding, Evan's adventurous brother, and Diana, the axe-throwing research assistant, and her editor has already expressed interest in a spin-off series with those characters. Barbara described creating characters she wants to spend time with, or characters who give her nightmares but also intrigue her. That's the dual test: are they interesting enough for you to write, and interesting enough for readers to demand more? As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, characters that span series can deepen the reader's relationship with them as you expand their backstory into new plots. Readers will remember the character more than the plot or the book title, and look forward to the next instalment because they want more time with those people. British crime author Angela Marsons described it as readers feeling like returning to her characters is like putting on a pair of old slippers. Actionable step: Look at your supporting cast. Is there a side character who is vivid enough to carry their own story? If not, what could you add—a specific hobby, a distinct voice, a compelling backstory—that would make readers want more of them? 12. Use Voice as a Rhythmic Tool Voice is one of the most important elements of novel writing, and Matt Bird helped me think about it in a technical, mechanical way that I found really useful. He pointed out that the ratio of periods to commas defines a character's internal reality. A staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short sentences—suggests a character who is certain, grounded, or perhaps survivalist and traumatised. Katniss in The Hunger Games has a period-heavy voice. She's in survival mode. She doesn't have time for complexity or qualification. A flowing, comma-heavy style suggests someone more academic, more nuanced, or possibly more scattered and manipulative. The character who qualifies everything, who adds sub-clauses and digressions, is a different kind of person from the character who speaks in declarations. This is something you can actually measure. Pull up a passage of your character's dialogue or internal monologue and count the periods versus the commas. If the rhythm doesn't match who the character is supposed to be, you've found a mismatch you can fix. Sentence length is the heartbeat of your character's persona. And voice extends beyond rhythm to the words themselves. As I discussed in the metaphor families tip, each character should draw from a distinctive well of language. But voice also encompasses their relationship to silence. Some characters talk around the thing they mean; others say it straight. Some are self-deprecating; others are blunt to the point of rudeness. All of these choices are character choices, not just style choices. I find it useful to read my dialogue aloud—and not just to check for naturalness, but to hear whether each character sounds distinct. If you could swap dialogue lines between two characters and nobody would notice, you have a voice problem. One practical test: cover the dialogue tags and see if you can tell who's speaking from the words alone. Actionable step: Choose a key passage from your protagonist's point of view and read it aloud. Does the rhythm match the character? A soldier under fire should not sound like a philosophy professor at a wine tasting. Adjust the ratio of periods to commas until the voice feels right. 13. Link Character and Plot Until They're Inseparable Will Storr made the case on episode 490 that the number one problem he sees in the writing he encounters—in workshops, in submissions, even in published books—is that the characters and the plots are unconnected. There's a story happening, and there are people in it, but the story isn't a product of who those people are. He said a story should be like life. In our lives, the plots are intimately connected to who we are as characters. The goals we pursue, the obstacles we face, the same problems that keep recurring—these are products of our personalities, our flaws, our specific ways of being in the world. His framework is that your plot should be designed specifically to plot against your character. You've got a character with a particular flaw; the plot exists to test that flaw over and over until the character either transforms or doubles down and explodes. Jaws is the perfect example. Brody is afraid of water. A shark shows up in the coastal town he's responsible for protecting. The entire plot is engineered to force him to confront the one thing he cannot face. Will pointed out that the whole plot of Jaws is structured around Brody's flaw. It begins with the shark arriving, the midpoint is when Brody finally gets the courage to go into the water, and the very final scene isn't the shark blowing up—it's Brody swimming back through the water. Even a film that's ninety-eight percent action is, at its core, structured around a character with a character flaw. This is the standard I aspire to in my own work, even in my action-heavy thrillers. The external plot should be a mirror of the internal struggle. When those two are aligned, the story becomes irresistible. Will also made an important point about series fiction, which is where most commercial authors live. I asked him how this works when your character can't be transformed at the end of every book because there has to be a next book. His answer was elegant: you don't cure them. Episodic TV characters like Fleabag or David Brent or Basil Fawlty never truly change—and the fact that they don't change is actually the source of the comedy. But every episode throws a new story event at them that tests and exposes their flaw. You just keep throwing story events at them again and again. That's a soap opera, a sitcom, and a book series. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, character flaws are aspects of personality that affect the person so much that facing and overcoming them becomes central to the plot. In Jaws, the protagonist Brody is afraid of the water, but he has to overcome that flaw to destroy the killer shark and save the town. But remember, your characters should feel like real people, so never define them purely by their flaws. The character addicted to painkillers might also be a brilliant and successful female lawyer who gets up at four in the morning to work out at the gym, likes eighties music, and volunteers at the local dog shelter at weekends. Character wounds are different from flaws. They're formed from life experience and are part of your character's backstory—traumatic events that happened before the events of your novel but shape the character's reactions in the present. In my ARKANE thrillers, Morgan Sierra's husband Elian died in her arms during a military operation. This happened before the series begins, but her memories of it recur when she faces a firefight, and she struggles to find happiness again for fear of losing someone she loves once more. And then there's the perennial advice: show, don't tell. Most writers have heard this so many times that it's easy to nod and then promptly write scenes that tell rather than show. Basically, you need to reveal your character through action and dialogue, rather than explanation. In my thriller Day of the Vikings, Morgan Sierra fights a Neo-Viking in the halls of the British Museum and brings him down with Krav Maga. That fight scene isn't just about showing action. It opens up questions about her backstory, demonstrates character, and moves the plot forward. Telling would be something like: “Morgan was an expert in Krav Maga.” Showing is the reader discovering it through the scene itself. Actionable step: Look at the main plot events of your novel. For each major turning point, ask: does this scene specifically test my protagonist's flaw? If not, can you redesign the scene so that it does? The tighter the connection between character and plot, the more powerful the story. 14. The ‘Maestra' Approach: Write Out of Order If you're a discovery writer like me, you may feel like the deep character work I've been describing sounds more suited to plotters. But Barbara Nickless gave me a beautiful metaphor on episode 732 that reframes it entirely. Barbara described her evolving writing process as being like a maestra standing in front of an orchestra. Sometimes you bring in the horns—a certain theme—and sometimes you bring in the strings—a certain character—and sometimes you turn to the soloist. It's a more organic and jumping-around process than linear writing, and Barbara said she's only recently given herself permission to work this way. When I told her that I use Scrivener to write in scenes out of order and then drag and drop them into a structure later, she was genuinely intrigued. And this is how I've always worked. I'll see the story in my mind like a movie trailer—flashes of the big emotional scenes, the pivotal confrontations, the moments of revelation—and I write those first. I don't know how they hang together until quite late in the process. Then I'll move scenes around, print the whole thing out, and figure out the connective tissue. The point is that discovery writers can absolutely build deep characters. Sometimes writing the big emotional scenes first is how you discover who the character is before you fill in the rest. You don't need a twenty-page character worksheet or a 200-page outline like Jeffery Deaver. You need to be willing to follow the character into the unknown and trust that the structure will emerge. As Barbara said, she writes to know what she's thinking. That's the discovery writer's credo. And I would add: I write to know who my characters are. Actionable step: If you're stuck on your current chapter, skip it. Write the scene that's burning in your imagination, even if it's from the middle or the end. That scene might be the key to unlocking who your character really is. 15. Use Research to Help with Empathy Research shouldn't just be about factual accuracy—it's a tool for finding the sensory details that create empathy. Barbara Nickless described research as almost an excuse to explore things that fascinate her, and I feel exactly the same way. I would go so far as to say that writing is an excuse for me to explore the things that interest me. Barbara and I both travel for our stories. For her Dr. Evan Wilding books, she did deep research into Old English literature and the Viking Age. For my thriller End of Days, I transcribed hours of video from Appalachian snake-handling churches on YouTube to understand the worldview of the worshippers, because my antagonist was brought up in that tradition. I couldn't just make that up. I had to hear their language, feel their conviction, understand why they would hold venomous serpents as an act of faith. Barbara also mentioned getting to Israel and the West Bank for research, and I've been to both places too. Finding that one specific sensory detail—the smell of a particular location, the specific way an expert handles a tool, the sound of a particular kind of music—makes the character's life feel lived-in. It's the difference between a character who is described as living in a place and a character who inhabits it. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, don't write what you know. Write what you want to learn about. I love research. It's part of why I'm an author in the first place. I take any excuse to dive into a world different from my own. Research using books, films, podcasts, and travel, and focus particularly on sources produced by people from the worldview you want to understand. Actionable step: For your next piece of character research, go beyond reading. Watch a documentary, visit a location, talk to someone who lives the experience. Find one sensory detail—a smell, a sound, a texture—that you couldn't have invented. That detail will make your character feel real. Bonus: Measure Your Life by What You Create In an age of AI and a tsunami of content, your ultimate brand protection is the quality of your human creation. Barbara Nickless said that the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul, and I believe that with every fibre of my being. Don't be afraid to take that step back, like I did with my deadlifting. Take the time to master these deeper craft skills. It might feel like you're slowing down or going backwards by not chasing the latest marketing trend, but it's the only way to step forward into a sustainable, high-quality career. Your characters are your signature. No AI can replicate the specificity of your lived experience, the emotional truth of your displaced trauma, or the sensory details you've gathered from a life of curiosity and travel. Those are yours. Pour them into your characters, and they will resonate for years to come. Actionable Takeaway: Identify the Dramatic Question for your current protagonist. Can you state it in a single sentence with the kind of specificity Will Storr described? Is it as clear as “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you the only adult in the room?” If you can't answer it with that kind of precision, your character might still be a sketch. Give them a diagonal toast moment today. Find the one hyper-specific detail that proves they are not an imitation of life. And then ask yourself: does your plot test your character's flaw in every major scene? If you can align those two things—a precisely defined character and a plot that exists to test them—you will have a story that readers cannot put down. References and Deep Dives The episodes I've referenced today are all available with full transcripts at TheCreativePenn.com: Episode 732 — Facing Fears, and Writing Unique Characters with Barbara Nickless Episode 673 — Writing Choctaw Characters and Diversity in Fiction with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer Episode 624 — Writing Characters with Matt Bird Episode 550 — The Heroine's Journey with Gail Carriger Episode 490 — How Character Flaws Shape Story with Will Storr Books mentioned: The Secrets of Character: Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love by Matt Bird The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carriger How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book by Joanna Penn You can find all my books for authors at CreativePennBooks.com and my fiction and memoir at JFPennBooks.com Happy writing! How was this episode created? This episode was initiated created by NotebookLM based on YouTube videos of the episodes linked above from YouTube/TheCreativePenn, plus my text chapters on character from How to Write a Novel. NotebookLM created a blog post from the material and then I expanded it and fact checked it with Claude.ai 4.6 Opus, and then I used my voice clone at ElevenLabs to narrate it. The post Writing Characters: 15 Actionable Tips For Writing Deep Character first appeared on The Creative Penn.

We all love a good secret, and luckily, it turns out the objects we use every day are absolutely full of them! From Coke's biggest secret to how batteries really work, join me for yet another dive into some of the most amazing secrets hidden in everyday things. Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the #FessHole! What do you need to confess?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Federation goes on trial in Starfleet Academy's season finale. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh Nus Braka's cheapened backstory, Reno's command highlight, and whether Season 1 earned its emotional payoffs.

Hey Winner, In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Destini Copp, business growth coach and digital product expert, who built three successful brands without relying on the social media grind. Instead of chasing algorithms, she focused on email. Today, she's breaking down her framework for turning email newsletters into real revenue so you can grow your business in a way that's sustainable and strategic. If you're ready to stop feeling scattered and start building something that actually converts, this conversation will give you a clear next step. Rooting for you ~ Gabe   New to the podcast? Start here: https://redhotmindset.com/podcast-start/   LISTEN TO HEAR: How to shift from scattered posting to a focused email growth strategy The framework that helps you generate revenue every time you hit send Proven ways to grow your newsletter without relying on social media   LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE: Destini's website: https://www.destinicopp.com/   CONNECT WITH ME: ➡️ Website: https://redhotmindset.com/ ➡️ Join the Red Hot Accountability Club: https://redhotmindset.com/rha/ ➡️ Free mini course: Craft Your Marketing Strategy Without Social Media: https://redhotmindset.com/marketing/ ➡️ Free workshop: 3 Secrets to Making Progress on Your Goals without Burnout—Even When Life Feels Chaotic: https://redhotmindset.com/goals/

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take us inside the mysterious world of Susie Wiles—the quiet, rarely seen chief of staff who may be the most powerful person in Donald Trump's orbit. While Trump famously trusts no one and burns through aides at lightning speed, Wiles has not only survived but brought an unexpected level of discipline to the chaos of Trump World. Wolff reveals how the Florida political operative who Trump once dismissed as “a refrigerator” quietly outmaneuvered rivals, crushed Ron DeSantis, and built a White House operation designed around one simple rule: never try to control Donald Trump. From her unusual strategy of staying out of the spotlight to the psychological tactics she uses to handle a president who refuses bad news, the episode uncovers the secrets behind the grandmother who may be the most important—and least visible—figure in the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE!What happens when we die—and who were we before this life began? These questions sit at the heart of the mysteries surrounding past lives and reincarnation.Certified hypnotist Amanda Shertzer joins us to explore how past life regression works and what people often uncover when they look beyond their current lifetime. Do lives unfold in a sequential order, or is there something like a “pause” between incarnations? And can the knowledge from those experiences help us grow and better understand the life we're living now?We also dive into some fascinating possibilities: Could people in the future somehow reach back to the present? And what might humanity's understanding of past lives look like in the years ahead?Amanda also shares a deeply personal moment from her own journey—a chilling night when she awoke to find a mysterious female figure standing in her doorway.#TheGraveTalks #PastLives #Reincarnation #PastLifeRegression #SpiritualJourney #Consciousness #LifeAfterDeath #ParanormalPodcast #SpiritualAwakening #Hypnosis #MysteriesOfTheSoul #ParanormalDiscussionLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! PART TWOWhat happens when we die—and who were we before this life began? These questions sit at the heart of the mysteries surrounding past lives and reincarnation.Certified hypnotist Amanda Shertzer joins us to explore how past life regression works and what people often uncover when they look beyond their current lifetime. Do lives unfold in a sequential order, or is there something like a “pause” between incarnations? And can the knowledge from those experiences help us grow and better understand the life we're living now?We also dive into some fascinating possibilities: Could people in the future somehow reach back to the present? And what might humanity's understanding of past lives look like in the years ahead?Amanda also shares a deeply personal moment from her own journey—a chilling night when she awoke to find a mysterious female figure standing in her doorway.#TheGraveTalks #PastLives #Reincarnation #PastLifeRegression #SpiritualJourney #Consciousness #LifeAfterDeath #ParanormalPodcast #SpiritualAwakening #Hypnosis #MysteriesOfTheSoul #ParanormalDiscussionLove real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:

Secrets, scandals, and salacious activity in the sleeping porch… 20 girls together in one room, 24/7 darkness. Are we setting ourselves up for failure? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.