Podcasts about Western Colorado University

How do you juggle multiple book projects, a university teaching role, Kickstarter campaigns, and rock albums—all without burning out? What does it take to build a writing career that spans decades, through industry upheavals and personal setbacks? Kevin J. Anderson shares hard-won lessons from his 40+ year career writing over 190 books. In the intro, Draft2Digital partners with Bookshop.org for ebooks; Spotify announces PageMatch and print partnership with Bookshop.org; Eleven Audiobooks; Indie author non-fiction books Kickstarter; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Kevin J. Anderson is the multi-award-winning and internationally bestselling author of over 190 books across different genres, with over 24 million copies in print across 34 languages. He's also the director of publishing at Western Colorado University, as well as a publisher at WordFire Press, an editor and rock album lyricist, and he's co-written Dune books and worked on the recent Dune movies and TV show. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Managing multiple projects at different stages to maximise productivity without burning out Building financial buffers and multiple income streams for a sustainable long-term career Adapting when life disrupts your creative process, from illness to injury Lessons learned from transitioning between traditional publishing, indie, and Kickstarter Why realistic expectations and continuously reinventing yourself are essential for longevity The hands-on publishing master's program at Western Colorado University You can find Kevin at WordFire.com and buy his books direct at WordFireShop.com. Transcript of Interview with Kevin J. Anderson Jo: Kevin J. Anderson is the multi award-winning and internationally bestselling author of over 190 books across different genres, with over 24 million copies in print across 34 languages. He's also the Director of Publishing at Western Colorado University, as well as a publisher at WordFire Press, an editor, a rock album lyricist, and he's co-written Dune books and worked on the recent Dune movies and TV show. Welcome back to the show, Kevin. Kevin: Well, thanks, Joanna. I always love being on the show. Jo: And we're probably on like 200 books and like 50 million copies in print. I mean, how hard is it to keep up with all that? Kevin: Well, it was one of those where we actually did have to do a list because my wife was like, we really should know the exact number. And I said, well, who can keep track because that one went out of print and that's an omnibus. So does it count as something else? Well, she counted them. But that was a while ago and I didn't keep track, so… Jo: Right. Kevin: I'm busy and I like to write. That's how I've had a long-term career. It's because I don't hate what I'm doing. I've got the best job in the world. I love it. Jo: So that is where I wanted to start. You've been on the show multiple times. People can go back and have a listen to some of the other things we've talked about. I did want to talk to you today about managing multiple priorities. You are a director of publishing at Western Colorado University. I am currently doing a full-time master's degree as well as writing a novel, doing this podcast, my Patreon, all the admin of running a business, and I feel like I'm busy. Then I look at what you do and I'm like, this is crazy. People listening are also busy. We're all busy, right. But I feel like it can't just be writing and one job—you do so much. So how do you manage your time, juggle priorities, your calendar, and all that? Kevin: I do it brilliantly. Is that the answer you want? I do it brilliantly. It is all different things. If I were just working on one project at a time, like, okay, I'm going to start a new novel today and I've got nothing else on my plate. Well, that would take me however long to do the research and the plot. I'm a full-on plotter outliner, so it would take me all the while to do—say it's a medieval fantasy set during the Crusades. Well, then I'd have to spend months reading about the Crusades and researching them and maybe doing some travel. Then get to the point where I know the characters enough that I can outline the book and then I start writing the book, and then I start editing the book, which is a part that I hate. I love doing the writing, I hate doing the editing. Then you edit a whole bunch. To me, there are parts of that that are like going to the dentist—I don't like it—and other parts of it are fun. So by having numerous different projects at different stages, all of which require different skill sets or different levels of intensity— I can be constantly switching from one thing to another and basically be working at a hundred percent capacity on everything all the time. And I love doing this. So I'll be maybe writing a presentation, which is what I was doing before we got on this call this morning, because I'm giving a new keynote presentation at Superstars, which is in a couple of weeks. That's another thing that was on our list—I helped run Superstars. I founded that 15 years ago and it's been going on. So I'll be giving that talk. Then we just started classes for my publishing grad students last week. So I'm running those classes, which meant I had to write all of the classes before they started, and I did that. I've got a Kickstarter that will launch in about a month. I'm getting the cover art for that new book and I've got to write up the Kickstarter campaign. And I have to write the book. I like to have the book at least drafted before I run a Kickstarter for it. So I'm working on that. A Kickstarter pre-launch page should be up a month before the Kickstarter launches, and the Kickstarter has to launch in early March, so that means early February I have to get the pre-launch page up. So there's all these dominoes. One thing has to go before the next thing can go. During the semester break between fall semester—we had about a month off—I had a book for Blackstone Publishing and Weird Tales Presents that I had to write, and I had plotted it and I thought if I don't get this written during the break, I'm going to get distracted and I won't finish it. So I just buckled down and I wrote the 80,000-word book during the month of break. This is like Little House on the Prairie with dinosaurs. It's an Amish community that wants to go to simpler times. So they go back to the Pleistocene era where they're setting up farms and the brontosaurus gets into the cornfield all the time. Jo: That sounds like a lot of fun. Kevin: That's fun. So with the grad students that I have every week, we do all kinds of lectures. Just to reassure people, I am not at all an academic. I could not stand my English classes where you had to write papers analysing this and that. My grad program is all hands-on, pragmatic. You actually learn how to be a publisher when you go through it. You learn how to design covers, you learn how to lay things out, you learn how to edit, you learn how to do fonts. One of the things that I do among the lectures every week or every other week, I just give them something that I call the real world updates. Like, okay, this is the stuff that I, Kevin, am working on in my real world career because the academic career isn't like the real world. So I just go listing about, oh, I designed these covers this week, and I wrote the draft of this dinosaur homestead book, and then I did two comic scripts, and then I had to edit two comic scripts. We just released my third rock album that's based on my fantasy trilogy. And I have to write a keynote speech for Superstars. And I was on Joanna Penn's podcast. And here's what I'm doing. Sometimes it's a little scary because I read it and I go, holy crap, I did a lot of stuff this week. Jo: So I manage everything on Google Calendar. Do you have systems for managing all this? Because you also have external publishers, you have actual dates when things actually have to happen. Do you manage that yourself or does Rebecca, your wife and business partner, do that? How do you manage your calendar? Kevin: Well, Rebecca does most of the business stuff, like right now we have to do a bunch of taxes stuff because it's the new year and things. She does that and I do the social interaction and the creating and the writing and stuff. My assistant Marie Whittaker, she's a big project management person and she's got all these apps on how to do project managing and all these sorts of things. She tried to teach me how to use these apps, but it takes so much time and organisation to fill the damn things out. So it's all in my head. I just sort of know what I have to do. I just put it together and work on it and just sort of know this thing happens next and this thing happens next. I guess one of the ways is when I was in college, I put myself through the university by being a waiter and a bartender. As a waiter and a bartender, you have to juggle a million different things at once. This guy wants a beer and that lady wants a martini, and that person needs to pay, and this person's dinner is up on the hot shelf so you've got to deliver it before it gets cold. It's like I learned how to do millions of things and keep them all organised, and that's the way it worked. And I've kept that as a skill all the way through and it has done me good, I think. Jo: I think that there is a difference between people's brains, right? So I'm pretty chaotic in terms of my creative process. I'm not a plotter like you. I'm pretty chaotic, basically. But I come across— Kevin: I've met you. Yes. Jo: I know. But I'm also extremely organised and I plan everything. That's part of, I think, being an introvert and part of dealing with the anxiety of the world is having a plan or a schedule. So I think the first thing to say to people listening is they don't have to be like you, and they don't have to be like me. It's kind of a personal thing. I guess one thing that goes beyond both of us is, earlier you said you basically work at a hundred percent capacity. So let's say there's somebody listening and they're like, well, I'm at a hundred percent capacity too, and it might be kids, it might be a day job, as well as writing and all that. And then something happens, right? You mentioned the real world. I seem to remember that you broke your leg or something. Kevin: Yes. Jo: And the world comes crashing down through all your plans, whether they're written or in your head. So how do you deal with a buffer of something happening, or you're sick, or Rebecca's sick, or the cat needs to go to the vet? Real life—how do you deal with that? Kevin: Well, that really does cause problems. We had, in fact, just recently—so I'm always working at, well, let's be realistic, like 95% of Kevin capacity. Well, my wife, who does some of the stuff here around the house and she does the business things, she just went through 15 days of the worst crippling migraine string that she's had in 30 years. So she was curled up in a foetal position on the bed for 15 days and she couldn't do any of her normal things. I mean, even unloading the dishwasher and stuff like that. So if I'm at 95% capacity and suddenly I have to pick up an extra 50%, that causes real problems. So I drink lots of coffee, and I get less sleep, and you try to bring in some help. I mean, we have Rebecca's assistant and the assistant has a 20-year-old daughter who came in to help us do some of the dishes and laundry and housework stuff. You mentioned before, it was a year ago. I always go out hiking and mountain climbing and that's where I write. I dictate. I have a digital recorder that I go off of, and that's how I'm so productive. I go out, I walk in the forest and I come home with 5,000 words done in a couple of hours, and I always do that. That's how I write. Well, I was out on a mountain and I fell off the mountain and I broke my ankle and had to limp a mile back to my car. So that sort of put a damper on me hiking. I had a book that I had to write and I couldn't go walking while I was dictating it. It has been a very long time since I had to sit at a keyboard and create chapters that way. Jo: Mm-hmm. Kevin: And my brain doesn't really work like that. It works in an audio—I speak this stuff instead. So I ended up training myself because I had a big boot on my foot. I would sit on the back porch and I would look out at the mountains here in Colorado and I would put my foot up on another chair and I'd sit in the lawn chair and I'd kind of close my eyes and I would dictate my chapters that way. It was not as effective, but it was plan B. So that's how I got it done. I did want to mention something. When I'm telling the students this every week—this is what I did and here's the million different things—one of the students just yesterday made a comment that she summarised what I'm doing and it kind of crystallised things for me. She said that to get so much done requires, and I'm quoting now, “a balance of planning, sprinting, and being flexible, while also making incremental forward progress to keep everything moving together.” So there's short-term projects like fires and emergencies that have to be done. You've got to keep moving forward on the novel, which is a long-term project, but that short story is due in a week. So I've got to spend some time doing that one. Like I said, this Kickstarter's coming up, so I have to put in the order for the cover art, because the cover art needs to be done so I can put it on the pre-launch page for the Kickstarter. It is a balance of the long-term projects and the short-term projects. And I'm a workaholic, I guess, and you are too. Jo: Yes. Kevin: You totally are. Yes. Jo: I get that you're a workaholic, but as you said before, you enjoy it too. So you enjoy doing all these things. It's just sometimes life just gets in the way, as you said. One of the other things that I think is interesting—so sometimes physical stuff gets in the way, but in your many decades now of the successful author business, there's also the business side. You've had massive success with some of your books, and I'm sure that some of them have just kind of shrivelled into nothing. There have been good years and bad years. So how do we, as people who want a long-term career, think about making sure we have a buffer in the business for bad years and then making the most of good years? Kevin: Well, that's one thing—to realise that if you're having a great year, you might not always have a great year. That's kind of like the rockstar mentality—I've got a big hit now, so I'm always going to have a big hit. So I buy mansions and jets, and then of course the next album flops. So when you do have a good year, you plan for the long term. You set money aside. You build up plan B and you do other things. I have long been a big advocate for making sure that you have multiple income streams. You don't just write romantic epic fantasies and that's all you do. That might be what makes your money now, but the reading taste could change next year. They might want something entirely different. So while one thing is really riding high, make sure that you're planting a bunch of other stuff, because that might be the thing that goes really, really well the next year. I made my big stuff back in the early nineties—that was when I started writing for Star Wars and X-Files, and that's when I had my New York Times bestselling run. I had 11 New York Times bestsellers in one year, and I was selling like millions of copies. Now, to be honest, when you have a Star Wars bestseller, George Lucas keeps almost all of that. You don't keep that much of it. But little bits add up when you're selling millions of copies. So it opened a lot of doors for me. So I kept writing my own books and I built up my own fans who liked the Star Wars books and they read some of my other things. If you were a bestselling trad author, you could keep writing the same kind of book and they would keep throwing big advances at you. It was great. And then that whole world changed and they stopped paying those big advances, and paperback, mass market paperback books just kind of went away. A lot of people probably remember that there was a time for almost every movie that came out, every big movie that came out, you could go into the store and buy a paperback book of it—whether it was an Avengers movie or a Star Trek movie or whatever, there was a paperback book. I did a bunch of those and that was really good work. They would pay me like $15,000 to take the script and turn it into a book, and it was done in three weeks. They don't do that anymore. I remember I was on a panel at some point, like, what would you tell your younger self? What advice would you give your younger self? I remember when I was in the nineties, I was turning down all kinds of stuff because I had too many book projects and I was never going to quit writing. I was a bestselling author, so I had it made. Well, never, ever assume you have it made because the world changes under you. They might not like what you're doing or publishing goes in a completely different direction. So I always try to keep my radar up and look at new things coming up. I still write some novels for trad publishers. This dinosaur homestead one is for Blackstone and Weird Tales. They're a trad publisher. I still publish all kinds of stuff as an indie for WordFire Press. I'm reissuing a bunch of my trad books that I got the rights back and now they're getting brand new life as I run Kickstarters. One of my favourite series is “Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I.” It's like the Addams Family meets The Naked Gun. It's very funny. It's a private detective who solves crimes with monsters and mummies and werewolves and things. I sold the first one to a trad publisher, and actually, they bought three. I said, okay, these are fast, they're fun, they're like 65,000 words. You laugh all the way through it, and you want the next one right away. So let's get these out like every six months, which is like lightning speed for trad publishing. They just didn't think that was a good idea. They brought them out a year and a half apart. It was impossible to build up momentum that way. They wanted to drop the series after the third book, and I just begged them—please give it one more chance. So they bought one more book for half as much money and they brought it out again a year and a half later. And also, it was a trad paperback at $15. And the ebook was—Joanna, can you guess what their ebook was priced at? Jo: $15. Kevin: $15. And they said, gee, your ebook sales are disappointing. I said, well, no, duh. I mean, I am jumping around—I'm going like, but you should have brought these out six months apart. You should have had the ebook, like the first one at $4. Jo: But you're still working with traditional publishers, Kevin? Kevin: I'm still working with them on some, and I'm a hybrid. There are some projects that I feel are better served as trad books, like the big Dune books and stuff. I want those all over the place and they can cash in on the movie momentum and stuff. But I got the rights back to the Dan Shamble stuff. The fans kept wanting me to do more, and so I published a couple of story collections and they did fine. But I was making way more money writing Dune books and things. Then they wanted a new novel. So I went, oh, okay. I did a new novel, which I just published at WordFire. But again, it did okay, but it wasn't great. I thought, well, I better just focus on writing these big ticket things. But I really liked writing Dan Shamble. Somebody suggested, well, if the fans want it so much, why don't you run a Kickstarter? I had never run a Kickstarter before, and I kind of had this wrong attitude. I thought Kickstarters were for, “I'm a starving author, please give me money.” And that's not it at all. It's like, hey, if you're a fan, why don't you join the VIP club and you get the books faster than anybody else? So I ran a Kickstarter for my first Dan Shamble book, and it made three times what the trad publisher was paying me. And I went, oh, I kind of like this model. So I have since done like four other Dan Shamble novels through Kickstarters, made way more money that way. And we just sold—we can't give any details yet—but we have just sold it. It will be a TV show. There's a European studio that is developing it as a TV show, and I'm writing the pilot and I will be the executive producer. Jo: Fantastic. Kevin: So I kept that zombie detective alive because I loved it so much. Jo: And it's going to be all over the place years later, I guess. Just in terms of—given I've been in this now, I guess 2008 really was when I got into indie—and over the time I've been doing this, I've seen people rise and then disappear. A lot of people have disappeared. There are reasons, burnout or maybe they were just done. Kevin: Yes. Jo: But in terms of the people that you've seen, the characteristics, I guess, of people who don't make it versus people who do make it for years. And we are not saying that everyone should be a writer for decades at all. Some people do just have maybe one or two books. What do you think are the characteristics of those people who do make it long-term? Kevin: Well, I think it's realistic expectations. Like, again, this was trad, but my first book I sold for $4,000, and I thought, well, that's just $4,000, but we're going to sell book club rights, and we're goingn to sell foreign rights, and it's going to be optioned for movies. And the $4,000 will be like, that's just the start. I was planning out all this extra money coming from it, and it didn't even earn its $4,000 advance back and nothing else happened with it. Well, it has since, because I've since reissued it myself, pushed it and I made more money that way. But it's a slow burn. You build your career. You start building your fan base and then your next one will sell maybe better than the first one did. Then you keep writing it, and then you make connections, and then you get more readers and you learn how to expand your stuff better. You've got to prepare for the long haul. I would suggest that if you publish your very first book on KU, don't quit your day job the next day. Not everybody can or should be a full-time writer. We here in America need to have something that pays our health insurance. That is one of the big reasons why I am running this graduate program at Western Colorado University—because as a university professor, I get wonderful healthcare. I'm teaching something that I love, and I'm frankly doing a very good job at it because our graduates—something like 60% of them are now working as writers or publishers or working in the publishing world. So that's another thing. I guess what I do when I'm working on it is I kind of always say yes to the stuff that's coming in. If an opportunity comes—hey, would you like a graphic novel on this?—and I go, yes, I'd love to do that. Could you write a short story for this anthology? Sure, I'd love to do that. I always say yes, and I get overloaded sometimes. But I learned my lesson. It was quite a few years ago where I was really busy. I had all kinds of book deadlines and I was turning down books that they were offering me. Again, this was trad—book contracts that had big advances on them. And anthology editors were asking me. I was really busy and everybody was nagging me—Kevin, you work too hard. And my wife Rebecca was saying, Kevin, you work too hard. So I thought, I had it made. I had all these bestsellers, everything was going on. So I thought, alright, I've got a lot of books under contract. I'll just take a sabbatical. I'll say no for a year. I'll just catch up. I'll finish all these things that I've got. I'll just take a breather and finish things. So for that year, anybody who asked me—hey, do you want to do this book project?—well, I'd love to, but I'm just saying no. And would you do this short story for an anthology? Well, I'd love to, but not right now. Thanks. And I just kind of put them off. So I had a year where I could catch up and catch my breath and finish the stuff. And after that, I went, okay, I am back in the game again. Let's start taking these book offers. And nothing. Just crickets. And I went, well, okay. Well, you were always asking before—where are all these book deals that you kept offering me? Oh, we gave them to somebody else. Jo: This is really difficult though, because on the one hand—well, first of all, it's difficult because I wanted to take a bit of a break. So I'm doing this full-time master's and you are also teaching people in a master's program, right. So I have had to say no to a lot of things in order to do this course. And I imagine the people on your course would have to do the same thing. There's a lot of rewards, but they're different rewards and it kind of represents almost a midlife pivot for many of us. So how do we balance that then—the stepping away with what might lead us into something new? I mean, obviously this is a big deal. I presume most of the people on your course, they're older like me. People have to give stuff up to do this kind of thing. So how do we manage saying yes and saying no? Kevin: Well, I hate to say this, but you just have to drink more coffee and work harder for that time. Yes, you can say no to some things. My thing was I kind of shut the door and I just said, I'm just going to take a break and I'm going to relax. I could have pushed my capacity and taken some things so that I wasn't completely off the game board. One of the things I talk about is to avoid burnout. If you want a long-term career, and if you're working at 120% of your capacity, then you're going to burn out. I actually want to mention something. Johnny B. Truant just has a new book out called The Artisan Author. I think you've had him on the show, have you? Jo: Yes, absolutely. Kevin: He says a whole bunch of the stuff in there that I've been saying for a long time. He's analysing these rapid release authors that are a book every three weeks. And they're writing every three weeks, every four weeks, and that's their business model. I'm just like, you can't do that for any length of time. I mean, I'm a prolific writer. I can't write that fast. That's a recipe for burnout, I think. I love everything that I'm doing, and even with this graduate program that I'm teaching, I love teaching it. I mean, I'm talking about subjects that I love, because I love publishing. I love writing. I love cover design. I love marketing. I love setting up your newsletters. I mean, this isn't like taking an engineering course for me. This is something that I really, really love doing. And quite honestly, it comes across with the students. They're all fired up too because they see how much I love doing it and they love doing it. One of the projects that they do—we get a grant from Draft2Digital every year for $5,000 so that we do an anthology, an original anthology that we pay professional rates for. So they put out their call for submissions. This year it was Into the Deep Dark Woods. And we commissioned a couple stories for it, but otherwise it was open to submissions. And because we're paying professional rates, they get a lot of submissions. I have 12 students in the program right now. They got 998 stories in that they had to read. Jo: Wow. Kevin: They were broken up into teams so they could go through it, but that's just overwhelming. They had to read, whatever that turns out to be, 50 stories a week that come in. Then they write the rejections, and then they argue over which ones they're going to accept, and then they send the contracts, and then they edit them. And they really love it. I guess that's the most important thing about a career—you've got to have an attitude that you love what you're doing. If you don't love this, please find a more stable career, because this is not something you would recommend for the faint of heart. Jo: Yes, indeed. I guess one of the other considerations, even if we love it, the industry can shift. Obviously you mentioned the nineties there—things were very different in the nineties in many, many ways. Especially, let's say, pre-internet times, and when trad pub was really the only way forward. But you mentioned the rapid release, the sort of book every month. Let's say we are now entering a time where AI is bringing positives and negatives in the same way that the internet brought positives and negatives. We're not going to talk about using it, but what is definitely happening is a change. Industry-wise—for example, people can do a book a day if they want to generate books. That is now possible. There are translations, you know. Our KDP dashboard in America, you have a button now to translate everything into Spanish if you want. You can do another button that makes it an audiobook. So we are definitely entering a time of challenge, but if you look back over your career, there have been many times of challenge. So is this time different? Or do you face the same challenges every time things shift? Kevin: It's always different. I've always had to take a breath and step back and then reinvent myself and come back as something else. One of the things with a long-term career is you can't have a long-term career being the hot new thing. You can start out that way—like, this is the brand new author and he gets a big boost as the best first novel or something like that—but that doesn't work for 20 years. I mean, you've got to do something else. If you're the sexy young actress, well, you don't have a 50-year career as the sexy young actress. One of the ones I'm loving right now is Linda Hamilton, who was the sexy young actress in Terminator, and then a little more mature in the TV show Beauty and the Beast, where she was this huge star. Then she's just come back now. I think she's in her mid-fifties. She's in Stranger Things and she was in Resident Alien and she's now this tough military lady who's getting parts all over the place. She's reinvented herself. So I like to say that for my career, I've crashed and burned and resurrected myself. You might as well call me the Doctor because I've just come back in so many different ways. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but— If you want to stay around, no matter how old of a dog you are, you've got to learn new tricks. And you've got to keep learning, and you've got to keep trying new things. I started doing indie publishing probably around the time you did—2009, something like that. I was in one of these great positions where I was a trad author and I had a dozen books that I wrote that were all out of print. I got the rights back to them because back then they let books go out of print and they gave the rights back without a fight. So I suddenly found myself with like 12 titles that I could just put up. I went, oh, okay, let's try this. I was kind of blown away that that first novel that they paid me $4,000 for that never even earned it back—well, I just put it up on Kindle and within one year I made more than $4,000. I went, I like this, I've got to figure this out. That's how I launched WordFire Press. Then I learned how to do everything. I mean, back in those days, you could do a pretty clunky job and people would still buy it. Then I learned how to do it better. Jo: That time is gone. Kevin: Yes. I learned how to do it better, and then I learned how to market it. Then I learned how to do print on demand books. Then I learned how to do box sets and different kinds of marketing. I dove headfirst into my newsletter to build my fan base because I had all the Star Wars stuff and X-Files stuff and later it was the Dune stuff. I had this huge fan base, but I wanted that fan base to read the Kevin Anderson books, the Dan Shamble books and everything. The only way to get that is if you give them a personal touch to say, hey buddy, if you liked that one, try this one. And the way to do that is you have to have access to them. So I started doing social media stuff before most people were doing social media stuff. I killed it on MySpace. I can tell you that. I had a newsletter that we literally printed on paper and we stuck mailing labels on. It went out to 1,200 people that we put in the mailbox. Jo: Now you're doing that again with Kickstarter, I guess. But I guess for people listening, what are you learning now? How are you reinventing yourself now in this new phase we are entering? Kevin: Well, I guess the new thing that I'm doing now is expanding my Kickstarters into more. So last year, the biggest Kickstarter that I've ever had, I ran last year. It was this epic fantasy trilogy that I had trad published and I got the rights back. They had only published it in trade paperback. So, yes, I reissued the books in nice new hardcovers, but I also upped the game to do these fancy bespoke editions with leather embossed covers and end papers and tipped in ribbons and slip cases and all kinds of stuff and building that. I did three rock albums as companions to it, and just building that kind of fan base that will support that. Then I started a Patreon last year, which isn't as big as yours. I wish my Patreon would get bigger, but I'm pushing it and I'm still working on that. So it's trying new things. Because if I had really devoted myself and continued to keep my MySpace page up to date, I would be wasting my time. You have to figure out new things. Part of me is disappointed because I really liked in the nineties where they just kept throwing book contracts at me with big advances. And I wrote the book and sent it in and they did all the work. But that went away and I didn't want to go away. So I had to learn how to do it different. After a good extended career, one of the things you do is you pay it forward. I mentor a lot of writers and that evolved into me creating this master's program in publishing. I can gush about it because to my knowledge, it is the only master's degree that really focuses on indie publishing and new model publishing instead of just teaching you how to get a job as an assistant editor in Manhattan for one of the Big Five publishers. Jo: It's certainly a lot more practical than my master's in death. Kevin: Well, that's an acquired taste, I think. When they hired me to do this—and as I said earlier, I'm not an academic—and I said if I'm going to teach this, it's a one year program. They get done with it in one year. It's all online except for one week in person in the summer. They're going to learn how to do things. They're not going to get esoteric, analysing this poem for something. When they graduate from this program, they walk out with this anthology that they edited, that their name is on. The other project that they do is they reissue a really fancy, fine edition of some classic work, whether it's H.G. Wells or Jules Verne or something. They choose a book that they want to bring back and they do it all from start to finish. They come out of it—rather than just theoretical learning—they know how to do things. Surprise, I've been around in the business a long time, so I know everybody who works in the business. So the heads of publishing houses and the head of Draft2Digital or Audible—and we've got Blackstone Audio coming on in a couple weeks. We've got the head of Kickstarter coming on as guest speakers. I have all kinds of guest speakers. Joanna, I think you're coming on— Jo: I'm coming on as well, I think. Kevin: You're coming on as a guest speaker. It's just like they really get plugged in. I'm in my seventh cohort now and I just love doing it. The students love it and we've got a pretty high success rate. So there's your plug. We are open for applications now. It starts in July. And my own website is WordFire.com, and there's a section on there on the graduate program if anybody wants to take a look at it. Again, not everybody needs to have a master's degree to be an indie publisher, but there is something to be said for having all of this stuff put into an organised fashion so that you learn how to do all the things. It also gives you a resource and a support system so that they come out of it knowing a whole lot of people. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Kevin. That was great. Kevin: Thanks. It's a great show. The post Managing Multiple Projects And The Art of the Long-Term Author Career with Kevin J. Anderson first appeared on The Creative Penn.

He's been U.S. Senator, Interior Secretary, and Ambassador to Mexico. Now, Ken Salazar is donating his papers and many keepsakes to History Colorado. They paint a picture of his public service and of his family's deep roots in The San Luis Valley. Then, a promise to high schoolers in the Gunnison Valley of free tuition to Western Colorado University. Plus, we "Raise the Curtain" on the new play "Cowboys and East Indians" with Fort Collins author Nina McConigley. And the Colorado Symphony debuts in NYC! 

Kevin J. Anderson is one of the rarest of creatives. As a writer, he started from the bottom and worked his way up to become an internationally bestselling author of over 190 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He then became a publisher – Wordfire Press. Following this, he co-created the Superstars Writing Workshop. He is now also the director of a Publishing Graduate Program at Western Colorado University—the subject of this interview. Kevin has also been a Writers of the Future judge for over 25 years and a very trusted partner helping with the growth of the Contest.

It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, President Series #420, powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠, & sponsored by the 2026 InsightsEDU Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 17-19,YOUR guest is Brad Baca, President, Western Colorado UniversityYOUR co-host is Gregory Clayton, President, EducationDynamicsYOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How does a 125 year old teacher's college serve 43 million adults with some college & no credential through targeted degree completion programs?What happens when a rural mountain university at 7,800 feet builds programs around place, from outdoor industry MBAs to high altitude exercise physiology?How does a president with 23 years at 1 institution navigate state funding, AI adoption, & strategic focus while running the highest collegiate stadium in the nation?Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!P.S. Want to get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content to help support the show? Then ⁠​subscribe today​⁠ to lock in YOUR $5.99/m lifetime supporters rate! This offer ends December 31, 2025!

Guest writer Katherine Woolley is about to start her junior year as an environmental education major at Western Colorado University. This summer, as a Summer Naturalist Intern at the Museum, she taught our Junior Naturalist programs and showed a real talent for finding and appreciating the oddest parts of nature.  I spotted the male first. He was sitting on the highest point of the mushroom shelf like he was the king of the hill. Then I spotted his mate, who to my surprise, looked like she was sitting up. I knelt down and cocked my head to the side to get a better look. For beetles who usually crawl on all six legs, this was an unusual position. Was she laying eggs? 

Guest writer Katherine Woolley is about to start her junior year as an environmental education major at Western Colorado University. This summer, as a Summer Naturalist Intern at the Museum, she taught our Junior Naturalist programs and showed a real talent for finding and appreciating the oddest parts of nature.  A walk along the Forest Lodge Nature Trail is never boring. I was reveling in this fact as I took my evening meander through the large trunks of towering trees. To my left, I spotted a shelf fungus clinging to the bark of a half-decayed paper birch stump. Creeping closer to investigate, I squealed with delight. There they were! Two forked fungus beetles were nestled in the corner of their polypore home.

What inspires an established writer to change genres? In this episode, Laura Resau discusses what it took to create her adult debut, The Alchemy of Flowers. Laura Resau is the author of eleven acclaimed books for young people. Her books have won five Colorado Book Awards and spots on “best-of” booklists from Oprah, the American Library Association, and more. Trilingual, she's lived in Provence and Oaxaca, and studied cultural anthropology and languages. She teaches graduate creative writing at Western Colorado University. You might find her writing in her cozy vintage trailer in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she lives with her rock-hound husband, musician son, wild husky, and a hundred house plants. Her latest novel is THE ALCHEMY OF FLOWERS. Learn more at LauraResau.com Special thanks to Net Galley for providing advance copies. Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table:On Twitter/X: @writingtablepcEverywhere else: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

“I am just discovering myself as a novelist,” says international bestselling novelist Shelley Read, author of Go as a River. In this conversation, Shelley shares with us how her journey from poet and non-fiction writer shifted into fiction with a single moment of observation and wonder. She shares with us how she crafts scenes, her penchant for playing with language, why she didn't share with anyone about what she was doing for many years, how a love affair with her main character drove the whole novel, and what she has learned about her own creative process along the way.Shelley Read's debut novel,Go as a River, is an international bestseller that has sold over a million copies worldwide, been translated into thirty-four languages, and is in development for film with the Mazur Kaplan Company. Winner of the High Plains Book Award for Fiction and the Reading the West Book Award for Debut Fiction, Go as a River is also a Sunday Times bestseller, a Goodreads Choice Award finalist, an Amazon Editors' Pick Best Debut Fiction, an Indie Next Pick, and a Colorado Public Radio Books We Love selection, among other national and international accolades. Shelley was an award-winning senior lecturer at Western Colorado University for nearly three decades, where she taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and honors. She is a mom, mountaineer, world traveler, and fifth-generation Coloradan who lives with her family in the Elk Mountains of Colorado's Western Slope.You can meet Shelley in person at the Grand Mesa Writer's Symposium August 8-10 in Cedaredge. The event features numerous workshops and gatherings, including an open mic. For the keynote, Christie will talk with Shelley, the poet Wendy Videlok (a previous guest on our show) and nonfiction writer Tim Winegard about their work. More info at: https://www.grandmesawriters.org/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

On this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we're joined by Jas Bains, Head Coach at Western Colorado University and member of the AFCA Board of Trustees. Now in his 15th season, Coach Bains reflects on his coaching journey, how he's built long-term success, and the role of leadership and special teams in his program. In this episode, Coach Bains shares valuable lessons from his early coaching days, how he earned trust as a young coordinator, and his approach to developing a strong team culture that lasts. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the coaching profession through his work with the AFCA.

Too much rain fosters growth of grasses and underbrush, and not enough rain makes everything dry out, raising the risk of wildfires. So, is there a "Goldilocks" amount of rain that's just right? That's just one thing we ask Denver7 chief meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo in our regular conversation. Plus, a Western Colorado University student on the challenges of forecasting weather in Gunnison. Also, Douglas County voters reject home rule. Then, what it takes to become a confidential voter in Colorado. Plus, the Boulder Comedy Festival, how to find Indie films in movie theaters, and celebrating Pride with the Local 303.

In this episode Mark interviews author and artist C L Fors about her recent award win with Writers of the Future and her life in writing and illustration. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Cherrie talk about: Cherrie's recent win as an illustrator for Writers and Illustrators of the Future for Volume 41 of the annual anthology Entering the contest as both a writer and an illustrator every quarter since 2016 How Cherrie can be creative in both writing and illustrating based on the same spark of inspiration. Sometimes it comes out first as a story and then later as an illustration, sometimes vice versa The process of how illustrator winners of Writers and Illustrators of the Future are "teamed up" with a writer winner Cherrie's four-book epic science fiction series - which is a story about people re-claiming self-determination The graphic novel Cherrie is working on which, at first, she wasn't sure what medium it was going to emerge into How a lot of the skills that Cherrie initially learned about art was self-taught, before she received more formal instruction Learning the right time to make that creative jump as a creator How when she is in the midst of the process of creating, regardless of whether it is writing or art, Cherrie feels most alive Taking a step back to understand if she's taking realistic stock of her time and energy The challenge of getting sucked in to social media Ensuring that you're not being too hard on yourself How Cherrie cannot remember a time when she was not doing both art and writing Publishing her first work (a magazine that had her stories, poetry and art) and selling copies of it door-to-door when she was 9 years old in order to earn money to make a purchase Getting her Masters in Publishing at Western Colorado University and continuing the program in Genre fiction to get her MFA Seeing and representing herself as BOTH a writer and an illustrator Using C L Fors for both her art and her writing Learning that she has to "go with the flow" and use the time she has to approach her various tasks as an author, an illustrator, a wife, and a mother Advice that Cherrie would give her younger self How rejection is just a lesson What is next for Cherrie And more . . . After the interview Mark reflects on a few things that were discussed including Cherrie's advice on continuing to do something once you find the thing that you love.   Links of Interest: CL Fors Author CL Fors Illustrator Writers of the Future The Podcast Guest Playbook (co-authored with Matty Dalrymple) Writers' Federation of New Brunswick: WordSpring 2025 Episodes with Kathy Mac The Lefebvre Monument Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation   CL Fors lives and breathes stories in multiple mediums: the written word, illustration in watercolor, acrylic, digital, and ink, and the creation of custom jewelry and other artifacts of story. She is an artist with a myriad of interests and experiences that inform and flavor her writing and illustrating. A multipotentialite, mother, author, and adventurer, CL is a science and science-fiction enthusiast with a passion for research based sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction in general. She has at various times in her life been a film actor, military intelligence linguist in the Arabic language, a doula, childbirth educator, and student midwife for birthing, as well as a bellydancer. Cherrie and her husband, Jason P. Crawford, founded the indie publishing house Epitome Press and together bring the work of talented authors out of the brambles and into the light of day. CL's  debut novel, Progeny is the first installment of the Primogenitor series.The second installment, Breach of Mars is available on Amazon as are the third and fourth books in the series, Crowning of Mars and Futures of Mars.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0  

Navigating the on-again-off-again tariffs can be like navigating the rapids on a river in Colorado. We hear from two raft supply companies about the impact. Then, words to live by from the student speaker at Western Colorado University's commencement. Plus, how older Coloradans are connecting with kids in the classroom for mutual benefit. And a creative way to preserve oral histories in Denver's Curtis Park neighborhood. 

Send us a textMeet the architect behind American trail running's most influential collegiate program. Josh Eberly, head coach of Western Colorado University's trail running team, has created something truly unique in the running world: the only dedicated collegiate trail running program in the United States.What began as a small experiment has evolved into a powerhouse that's reshaping how young runners transition from high school competition to mountain athletics. Through his decade of leadership, Eberly has mentored some of the biggest names in American trail running—Cole Campbell, Kieran Nay, Brian Whitfield, and others who've gone on to professional careers with teams like Adidas Terrex.But what makes Western's program special isn't just its elite output. Eberly has created an inclusive environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive, united by their love of mountains and trails rather than strictly performance metrics. "It's not all about creating the next professional," he explains. "We have athletes with different goals and ambitions. They love the work ethic, they love the trails, they love the mountains."The program blends structured training with adventure, taking athletes to iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Leadville's 14ers, and the San Juan Mountains. These experiences reinforce why many chose trail running over traditional track programs—connection with nature and the joy of exploration. With support from Adidas Terrex providing gear and opportunities, Western's athletes can focus on developing as both runners and humans.As trail running grows in popularity, Western's unique model raises fascinating questions about the future of collegiate athletics. Could we see more universities developing similar programs? For now, Eberly continues refining his vision, balancing his own competitive career while guiding the next generation of mountain athletes in the high-altitude playground of Gunnison, Colorado.Follow Josh on IG - @runsleepdesign Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow The Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @runsleepdesign Check out Ultimate Direction for all your hydration solutions needs, use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart ! 

Send us a textPrepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Cole Campbell, 2024's 50K National Title Holder, as he shares his path to success in the world of competitive running. Gain insights into his triumphant 2023 and 2024 seasons, and discover his ambitious plans for 2025, including the Black Canyon 100K and a potential venture into sub-ultra races. Cole's story of hard work, dedication, and his recent professional deal with Adidas Terrex is sure to captivate anyone passionate about the sport.Our episode also shines a spotlight on an intriguing Nevada native who has found his calling in the challenging world of wildland firefighting. With a background in wrestling and shaped by supportive parents and a competitive sibling dynamic, this segment offers a unique perspective on resilience and determination. We explore college years spent at Western Colorado University, balancing sports and music, and the lifelong connections formed within a community dedicated to trail running.Join us as we explore future aspirations, from representing the United States in the World Championships to competing in iconic European races like CCC and Ultra Trail Cape Town. We emphasize the significance of resilience and supportive relationships in both personal and professional growth. From self-coaching revelations to the potential existence of Bigfoot, this episode combines athletic ambition with an adventurous spirit, making it a must-listen for those passionate about running and life's unexpected journeys.Thank you for the support of this episode from Ultimate Direction USA, use code steepstuffpod at checkout for 25% off your order at https://ultimatedirection.com/Cole Campbell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ccampbell_01/

Send us a textCade Michael takes center stage in this thrilling episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, where we uncover the details of his meteoric rise in the trail running scene. From his roots in the vast terrain of West Texas to dominating the 2024 Golden Trail World Series and Broken Arrow races, Cade's journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity. He shares how the inspiring landscapes of New Mexico and role models like Blaine Benitez fueled his passion, and how a supportive community at Western Colorado University propelled his development into the standout athlete he is today.We dig into a story of resilience and mentorship, following an athlete's unexpected shift from collegiate running to the exhilarating world of trail running. Facing a setback in college eligibility, a twist of fate led to their involvement with the Trail Team Elite program under the guidance of the legendary Andy. Their journey illustrates the profound impact of supportive figures who nurture genuine love for the sport beyond mere potential for success. We also explore the athlete's adventures in European racing, navigating competitive circuits, and the strategies that define elite racing mentality.As we round off this episode, the focus shifts to the thrilling future of trail running, from goal-setting to the latest in shoe technology. Cade shares his strategic aspirations for the upcoming racing season, aiming for a more professional approach and possibly joining a world team. We discuss the evolution of running gear and the camaraderie that shapes the trail community, highlighting memorable races and the bonds formed through shared experiences. Join us for insights into the highs, lows, and gear debates that make the trail running world an exhilarating realm to explore.Cade Michael Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cadecmichael/

When we asked prolific novelist Laura Pritchett to speak with us about writing fiction, little did we realize that not only would she offer us a host of practical advice about character, revision and ambition, she would also teach us about meeting our art with great self-compassion.  We speak about her two new novels out this year, Playing with Wildfire (Torrey House Press) and Three Keys (Random House Books), writing without a plot outline, and much more, including why joy must be a part of a fiction writer's practice. Laura Pritchett is the author of seven novels. Known for championing the complex and contemporary West and giving voice to the working class, her books have garnered the PEN USA Award, the Milkweed National Fiction Prize, the WILLA, the High Plains Book Award, several Colorado book awards, and others. She's also the author of two nonfiction books, one play, and was editor of three environmental-based anthologies. One novel, Stars Go Blue, has been optioned for TV rights. She's published hundreds of essays and short stories in national venues, most recently in The Sun, Terrain, Camas, Orion, Creative Nonfiction, and others. She directs the MFA in Nature Writing at Western Colorado University and holds a PhD from Purdue University. When not writing or teaching, she can be found sauntering around the West, especially her home state of Colorado. She particularly likes looking at clouds and wildflowers.Laura's websiteGOING GREEN: True Tales from Gleaners, Scavengers, and Dumpster Diver Edited by Laura Pritchett (with contributions by Christie and her mom, Ruth Friesen). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

Kevin J. Anderson is the bestselling author of more than 160 science fiction and fantasy novels. He's written original novels and in the following worlds: Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan AE, and more. The TV series Dune: Prophecy is based on a novel he co-wrote with Brian Herbert. He is also a creative consultant on Dune Part One and a co-producer on Dune Part Two.Learn about his creative process and the advice he has for aspiring writers.He also heads the publishing track of the  Graduate Program for Creative Writing at Western Colorado University. CLICK HERE ==>> FOR FREE SCREENPLAY OUTLINE COURSESupport the showFor more information on Lovinder Gill's best-selling book "Scriptcake Secrets" or his public speaking schedule, please check out www.lovinder.com.

Send us a textIt's an especially exciting episode this week as we welcome an author who is local to us, here in Colorado, and we'll be welcoming her to our local book club meeting next month.Lara's book, The Table: Seasons on a Colorado Ranch, was the result of completing her MFA at Western State University and submitting it for consideration for publication by the University's press. It was selected and Lara was surprised and incredibly grateful.It was a process of taking a series of personal essays and turning them into a full-length memoir. Her memoir shows her grit and gratitude for the seasons of life and reflections on the golden moments to embrace when navigating through difficult times. It's a memoir about her life on her family's ranch where they raise Hereford cows and gather thousands upon thousands of bales of hay each summer. What you'll discover as you read is it's not just the stories of her family's experiences, but an invitation to walk in her shoes and understand the experience of ranchers in our area in Colorado. You'll learn about the challenges being faced by ranchers as developers moving into the area are offering attractive sums of money to acquire land for multi-family housing developments. There's insight into cattle ranching and the meaning of its impact on our environment.She was fortunate to have the support of her family who gave her space to write her book, but there were still struggles with staying focused. You'll be interested to listen and learn about a special visitor to one of her writing spaces. Lara masterfully weaves together various threads of her life story to connect the pieces that have contributed to her family's success in their ranching business and in their lives. It hasn't always been easy, but there's a true sense of gratitude and fortitude in the work being done.There's a discussion of the editing process and how even with a publisher you can find errors after a book has been printed, but you can reach out and make sure any changes are made before future books are printed. You'll appreciate it when she talks about getting distracted and how easy it can be to be pulled away from your work. We've all been there. It's why finding a place that's not in your own backyard can be beneficial to your writing process. It can be too easy to decide to do the laundry, mow the lawn, or any other number of house chores. We invite you, like Lara does in her memoir, to join her at The Table: Seasons on a Colorado Ranch. If you've written personal essays, you're sure to find inspiration for turning your stories into a full-length memoir.  Who is Lara Richardson?A former white-water rafting guide on the Arkansas River, LARA RICHARDSON lives with her husband and five kids on their family ranch in Salida, Colorado, where they raise over 300 Hereford mother cows and calves and grow over 30,000 bales of hay each summer. A voice for land stewardship, sustainable beef production,and the family farm, she is a 2021 graduate of Western Colorado University's MFA Program in Nature Writing. The Table is her first published work.Find Lara online:Lara Richardson WebsiteLara on IGLara Richardson on FacebookWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Today we're talking about exploding fabrics, microwaving hotdogs, and whether the color of your jacket affects its performance. Dr. Jeni Blacklock is back to discuss all of this, and to provide an update on the Blister Labs' testing that's been happening at the Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering at Western Colorado University, as part of the partnership program between between Blister, Western Colorado University & the University of Colorado Boulder.RELATED LINKSGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Get Our Winter Buyer's GuideCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBlister PodcastBikes & Big IdeasCRAFTEDTOPICS & TIMES:Apparel Testing Overview (1:25)Friction & UV Tests (3:53)Exploding Fabric?? (6:16)Color & Other Variables (12:23)What's Next? (20:44) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University of Arkansas – Little Rock Percussion (UALR) Professor and Director of Instrumental Music Justin Bunting returns to talk about going to Belmont University (TN) for his master's degree and meeting his future wife there (02:25), going to UNCG for his doctorate and studying with 3 different professors there, along with his time teaching at Western Colorado University (18:30), and finishing with the Random Ass Questions portion, including segments on percussion performance and physicality, percussion and parenting, how to do a Justin Bunting impression through clothing, pro wrestling, percussion books, and being inspired by drip painting and modern art (35:15).Finishing with a Rave on Jennette McCurdy's book and her appearance on Marc Maron's podcast (01:06:15).Justin Bunting Links:Part 1 with Justin BuntingJustin Bunting's websiteBlue Line DuoJustin Bunting's UALR pageStudies in RosewoodPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Neeraj Mehta in 2018Eric Willie in 2022Mark Ford in 2023Nathan Daughtrey in 2016Other Links:Susan PowellChristopher NortonJoe KrygierPortraits in Rhythm - Anthony Cirone“Rotation IV” - Eric SammutMarimba Concerto - Emmanuel SéjournéNashville Philharmonic OrchestraChester ThompsonTodd LondonKris KeetonNomi MarcusMichael SpiroGreg HaynesForrest Gump trailerBack to the Future trailerSharknado trailerKitchen Confidential - Anthony BourdainTouched by Sound - John WyreNEXUSManny RamirezCleveland Cavaliers 2016 highlightsRoman ReignsBiography: WWE LegendsKraus' Pizza“Nagoya Marimbas” - Steve ReichDrip PaintingRaves:I'm Glad My Mom Died - Jennette McCurdyJennette McCurdy on the WTF Podcast

Send us a textEver wondered what it takes to transition from collegiate track and field to becoming a competitive trail runner? Join us as we talk to Taylor Stack, a rising star in the sub-ultra trail running scene. From his impressive finishes at the Broken Arrow VK and the US Mountain Running Champs to his ongoing master's studies in wildlife biology, Taylor's journey is a fascinating blend of athletic dedication and academic pursuit.Taylor dives into his background, sharing how growing up in Salida, Colorado, and running for Western Colorado University shaped his career. He discusses his training routines, balancing road and trail running, and the importance of maintaining speed for downhill sections. His experiences with challenges like technical downhills and the use of poles for steep climbs provide invaluable insights for any trail running enthusiast. We also discuss his race strategies, nutrition, and the lessons learned from competing against some of the sport's top athletes.Beyond running, Taylor's academic work on the conservation genetics of trout in Rocky Mountain National Park adds a unique dimension to his story. He even shares how his passion for fly fishing complements his trail running, allowing him to access remote alpine lakes. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about the vibrant world of trail racing, Taylor's blend of athletic prowess and environmental work offers something for everyone. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between competitive sport and nature conservation.Taylor Stack IG - @stack_taylor

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Coach Jennifer Michael, the head cross country coach at Western Colorado University. Coach Michael shares her journey from a successful collegiate runner to a renowned coach, with over 60 athletes earning more than 230 All-American honors under her guidance. We dive deep into her training philosophies, the challenges and benefits of coaching at high altitude, and her insights on developing top-tier collegiate runners. This episode is packed with valuable advice for runners, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike.Time Stamps0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Airey Bros Radio with Coach Jennifer Michael0:07 - Training Schedules: Morning vs. afternoon training sessions0:45 - Coach Michael's Background: 17th season as head coach, accomplishments, and history1:12 - Athlete Achievements: Over 60 athletes, 230+ All-American honors, 19 national championships2:15 - Correction: Western Colorado University name clarification3:01 - Social Media: Program details and social media presence5:04 - Training at Altitude: Benefits and challenges of training at 8,000 feet7:11 - Path to Coaching: Coach Michael's journey from athlete to coach9:35 - Coaching Steeplechase: Insights into steeplechase training and technique12:01 - Recruitment: Identifying and developing potential steeplechasers16:49 - Training Drills: Off-season training drills and maintaining agility18:10 - Altitude Training: Adjustments for athletes coming from different altitudes22:11 - Recruitment Strategies: Balancing local and out-of-state recruitment27:05 - Training Logs: Importance of maintaining physical training logs29:22 - Double Threshold Training: Discussion on double threshold training30:38 - Gunnison Valley Training: Ideal training conditions in Gunnison Valley36:09 - Skiing and Cross-Training: Encouraging well-rounded athletic development40:11 - Nordic Skiing and Trail Running: Opportunities for cross-training46:30 - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference: Strength of the conference and competitive landscape50:02 - Advice for Young Athletes: Importance of perseverance and hard work52:07 - East Coast Athletes: Success stories of athletes from the East CoastWestern XC Instagram Western Colorado University Cross Country

The great-grandchild of eight Irish immigrants, poet Julie Kane was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up in Massachusetts, upstate New York, and New Jersey, graduating from Cornell University with a B.A. in English and winning first prize in the Mademoiselle Magazine College Poetry Competition, judged by Anne Sexton and James Merrill. That led her to graduate school in creative writing at Boston University, where she was one of Sexton's students at the time of her death. Since 1999 she has lived in Natchitoches, where she is Professor of English Emeritus at Northwestern State University and winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Mildred Hart Bailey Faculty Research Award, and Dr. Jean D'Amato-Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award. During 2002 she was a Fulbright Scholar to Lithuania, teaching at Vilnius Pedagogical University. She won the National Poetry Series, judged by Maxine Kumin, in 2002 and the Donald Justice Poetry Prize, judged by David Mason, in 2009. From 2011-2013 she served as the Louisiana Poet Laureate. In 2018 she joined the poetry faculty of the Western Colorado University low-residency MFA program. Find more on Julie and her books here: https://www.juliekanepoet.com/ As always, we'll also include the live Prompt Lines for responses to our weekly prompt. A Zoom link will be provided in the chat window during the show before that segment begins. For links to all the past episodes, visit: https://www.rattle.com/rattlecast/ This Week's Prompt: Find a partner and write a collaborative poem in some kind of form. Next Week's Prompt: Write a poem using a regular meter of some kind that references your ancestral home. The Rattlecast livestreams on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Here's what to expect on the podcast:Deborah's journey to finding her purpose in publishing.Primary challenges that women face when it comes to writing a book.Maintaining a balance between openness to new experiences and clarity in intentions leads to personal growth and fulfillment.The differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing (independent publishing), and hybrid publishing models.And much more! About Deborah:As the founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press, Deborah Kevin (pronounced “KEY-vin”) loves helping change-makers tap into and share their stories of healing and truth with impactful books. She's guided hundreds of authors to craft and publish impactful books of which they are proud. Debby, a graduate of Stanford University's Novel Writing program, graduated in 2021 with a master's degree in publishing from Western Colorado University. She's trekked over 350 miles of the Camino de Santiago, and her passions include travel, cooking, hiking, and kayaking. She lives in Maryland with the love of her life, Rob, her sons, and their puppy Fergus—that is when they're not off discovering the world. Connect with Deborah Kevin!Websites: https://highlanderpressbooks.com/ | https://deborahkevin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpressInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpressTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpressSTORYTELLHER Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/storytellher/id1727732111 Connect with Candice Snyder!Website: https://hairhealthvitality.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candice.snyderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candicesny17/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/ICAN Institute: https://vl729.isrefer.com/go/mindandbody/PassionPurpose22/Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/

In this episode, Mark interviews Kevin J. Anderson about his writing and the new approach he is taking to incorporate Kickstarter into the launch strategies for some of his indie-published titles. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.   In their interview Mark and Kevin talk about: How Kickstarter has completely upended (in a good way), Kevin's book release strategies Kevin's first novel coming out in 1988 and all the various publishers he has worked with over the years The "Perfect Storm" that was brewing in the book industry when indie publishing became a realistic and viable option Starting to publish his own books (mostly backlist titles he got the rights back to) in 2009 after founding WordFire Press with his wife Rebecca Moesta Kevin's belief that this is the best time to be a writer How Kevin does a little bit of everything. He has a New York literary agent, he works with several major publishers, he indie publishes, and he continues to explore new opportunities that digital publishing offer The way that Kickstarter didn't just open a new door, it completely blew it down, along with a few walls too Dean Wesley Smith's perspective that helped to change Kevin's mind about what Kickstarter was all about Kevin's "Adams Family meets The Naked Gun" series of Dan Shamble Zombie PI novels, and the history of how it started off as a series with a major publisher, flopped, then Kevin got the rights back and did something truly stunning with it once he applied Kickstarter Kevin's first Dan Shamble Kickstarter which brought in 23 times the intial amount he was asking for, and that it paid him more than 6 times the advance he'd rec'd from a major publisher for the last Dan Shamble book he'd done with them The Dragon Business (The Princess Bride meets Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Kickstarter that brought in 20 times what he'd been asking for The Persephone Kickstarter that Kevin did with Writer/Director Jeffrey Morris Kevin's latest Kickstarter which is a 7 Volume Set of over 130 of his published short stories published over 50 years Writing his first short story when he was 8 years old Publishing his very first short story when he was 14 The personal introductions that he wrote for every one of the stories in this 7 book collection The various levels and Kickstarter rewards he is planning for this Kickstarter The remarkable fact that, despite having published 180 novels with 58 of them being international bestsellers, no publisher would ever even consider publishing a 7 volume hardcover set of Kevin's complete short stories. That he can do this via Kickstarter is a significant paradigm shift How Kickstarter can replace the old "advance" model from traditional publishing The special thing Kevin is doing for all the backers of this latest Kickstarter The Kickstarter will be going live on April 30th for 3 weeks and 2 days And more . . .   After the interview Mark reflects on Kevin's use of short, effective and very clear log lines to describe two of his series.   Links of Interest: Kevin J. Anderson's Website Kevin's Short Story Kickstarter EP 130 - Grace Under Pressure with Kevin J. Anderson Mentions of Kevin in other podcast episodes EP 356 - The Midlist Indie Author Mindset with T. Thorn Coyle Thorn's Patreon Site EP 355 - Scribbling Pen Publishing with Melanie Gilbert and Heather Karn Writers of the Future - Blog Post Announcing Mark as a Judge Stark Publishing Support for Authors Via Margins Agency ScribeCount (Mark's Affiliate Link) Mark's YouTube Channel Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections How to Access Patreon RSS Feeds An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard   Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 180 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as the unique Clockwork Angels steampunk trilogy with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, and humorous Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series and The Dragon Business series. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson is the director of the graduate program in Publishing at Western Colorado University, and he and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers or WordFire Press. He worked on the recent films Dune Part One and Part Two from Legendary Entertainment, as well as the forthcoming Dune TV series from MAX, and other films in development, including Persephone and Karousel. He has 24 million copies in print in 34 languages. His most recent novels are Bats in the Belfry, Skeleton in the Closet, Persephone, and Princess of Dune (with Brian Herbert).     The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

James Divine says "There once was a little boy whose mom told him he could be anything he wanted…a policeman, a doctor, a lawyer, even President! He exceeded all her expectations and became a music teacher. He married his HS sweetheart, is father to 4 and grandpa to 10." James retired from full time teaching but still teaches band part time at a charter school. The rest of his time is spent speaking, training, writing, podcasting, and performing. And often holding hands and eating pizza and cannoli. Now for the boring, adult stuff… James earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's College in Maine and received my music education from the Army School of Music, graduating from the basic, intermediate, and advanced courses over a span of ten years, serving in Virginia, Japan and Colorado. He retired from the Army Band in 2006. He earned a teaching license from Western Colorado University and completed a master's in music education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. James believes in the value of life-long learning! He just doesn't like standardized testing. James Divine Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Grew up in Virginia and his father was abusive to his mother which James witnessed; mom took James and his sister to Italy to get away Spent a couple of years in Italy and mostly had a great time with lots of Italian relatives; but was sexually abused by a family friend That abuse continued in Virginia when he returned; and finally ended when the abuser left; that was when James was old enough to be angry about it He carried that rage into high school and realized that he needed to find a way to forgive his abuser not to excuse the abuse but for his own well being Joined the Army Band and was in the Army active duty 10 year and the National Guard for another 10 years After his miltary time, he worked on being a full time sax player; that can be challenging to make end meet; he took a band teacher position and realized he really loved teaching Taught band for many years before retiring again; but missed teaching and is now back at it half-time along with public speaking Connections Website (JamesDivine.net) JazzySaxman.com

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I'm talking with Amy Michelle Carpenter, publisher of Monster Ivy Publishing and author of several science fiction books. I love that she's able to come at this conversation from both the publisher's side and also from the author's side. Amy shares: Her thoughts about what publishers love to see authors do in their query letters and social posts. The various steps publishers take to help authors get a book from manuscript to published book on the shelf – and how they create buzz to make it a success. A glimpse inside stages of editing that happen once you sign a contract. How you can set yourself up for success when approaching publishers. I think you'll gain so much insight about how you can be the best partner possible when working with a publisher! >> If this episode inspired you to get your writing in front of more readers, enter my Before & After Writing Contest!! You could win $100 and publication of your work here on my IG and in my newsletter that reaches thousands of readers. Here's the prompt: Write about a time that split your life into "before" and "after." This could have been a huge, life-altering event, or it could have been something small that changed your internal landscape. Deadline: 11:59pm PT on May 7th. Enter at http://bit.ly/beforeafterwritingcontest About Amy: Amy Michelle Carpenter is the publisher of Monster Ivy Publishing, a company of award-winning, bestselling book titles. Monster Ivy emphasizes "edgy, clean" fiction with a PG13 or less rating. The Kiss List was filmed as a movie by Marvista starring Megan Suri (Never Have I Ever) and Parminder Nagra (ER). In her personal life, Michelle received her Masters from Western Colorado University where she studied directly under NYT bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, and she is the author of several YA science fiction books. Connect with Amy on Instagram at @monsterivypublishing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dallas-woodburn/support

Erica Reid appeared in this winter's issue of Rattle. Her manuscript, Ghost Man on Second, won the 2023 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and was just published by Autumn House Press in spring of 2024. She lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, and earned her MFA at Western Colorado University. Find more information on Erica, visit: https://ericareidpoet.com/ As always, we'll also include the live Prompt Lines for responses to our weekly prompt. A Zoom link will be provided in the chat window during the show before that segment begins. For links to all the past episodes, visit: https://www.rattle.com/rattlecast/ This Week's Prompt: Write a “What to Do if …” poem about what to do in an unusual situation. Next Week's Prompt: Write a “golden sestina” (or tritina): start with an epigraph from another poem, and use six (or three) words from that quote as the end-words of your sestina or tritina. The Rattlecast livestreams on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Here's what to expect on the podcast:What are the positive outcomes or advantages that business owners can gain from engaging in anthology publishing?Beyond generating income, what alternative goals should business owners consider when contemplating book publishing?What resources and support systems are essential for a first-time author entering the world of book publishing?What potential concerns or pitfalls should writers consider when relying on AI tools for book writing?And much more! About Deborah:As the founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press, Deborah Kevin (pronounced “KEY-vin”) loves helping change-makers tap into and share their stories of healing and truth. She's guided hundreds of authors to craft and publish impactful books of which they are proud. Debby holds a master's degree in publishing from Western Colorado University and graduated from Stanford University's Novel Writing program. She's the host of the STORYTELLHER podcast, where she's elevating women's voices, one story at a time. Debby has trekked the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage ending in Santiago, Spain, and lives in Maryland with the love of her life, Rob, their sons, and their puppy Fergus—that is when they're not off discovering the world. Connect with Deborah Kevin!Website: https://highlanderpressbooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpressFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpressTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpressSTORYTELLHER Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/storytellher/id172773211Check out Deborah Kevin's book, Heart-Centered Marketing: Proven Strategies That Naturally Attract and Nurture Clients. Connect with Kamie Lehmann!Website: https://www.kamielehmann.com/

Author of the best-selling GO AS A RIVER, Shelley Read is a fifth generation Coloradoan who lives with her family at 9,000 feet elevation in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope. Her debut novel, Go as a River, is inspired by her ancestors and the wild landscape where she wanders and wonders.   An award-winning Senior Lecturer at Western Colorado University for nearly three decades, Shelley taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and Honors, and was a founder of the interdisciplinary Environment & Sustainability major, the Prague study abroad program, and a support program for first-generation and at-risk students. She holds a double major honors BA in English and journalism from the University of Denver, and an MA from Temple University's Graduate Program in Creative Writing & the Temple Rome Seminar in Aesthetics. Shelley was also a Dean's Fellow in the PhD Program in English at the University of Denver where she studied 19th and 20th-century world literature and philosophy.She is currently a board member and writing instructor for Vita Institute for the Arts and is a regular contributor to Crested Butte Magazine and Gunnison Valley Journal.Shelley is a mom, mountaineer, world traveler, and friend to small creatures and old dogs. She loves few things more than the first steps of a new adventure and a hot cuppa tea after a grand day out.Please join us in Salida on February 22 for an evening with Shelley:  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/691fbb0d-2637-4307-90ce-878c0d693a18If you already have a copy of her book, she will be doing a signing after her talk. If you would like to purchase a book in advance, stop by Salida Books to support local business and purchase a copy. There will also be books for sale at the event. We can't wait to see you at this fundraising event.Learn more about Shelley Instagram | WebsitePLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING TRAVIS AND MACE AS THEY RAISE FUNDS FOR ORGAN DONATION: www.runsignup.com/travismacyckf Check out our sponsors: Roark: Check out the Spring ‘24 Collection: Road to Somewhere at www.roark.com (listen to podcast for 15% off discount code!)RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Go to www.neuroreserve.com/travismacy and code TRAVISMACY for 15% off RELEVATE by NeuroReserve: Core Dietary Nutrients for Lifelong Brain HealthHagan Ski Mountaineering- - - - - - - - - - -Purchase A Mile at A Time: A Father and Son's Inspiring Alzheimer's Journey of Love, Adventure, and HopeSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck us out: Instagram | Twitter | Website | YouTubeThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In an ambitious move to make higher education more accessible, Western Colorado University has announced the "Mountaineer Promise" program, set to begin in the fall of 2024. This groundbreaking initiative promises to cover tuition and mandatory fees for Colorado residents whose family income does not exceed seventy thousand dollars annually.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2: Sue has today's Sue's News on National Bubble Bath Day, Nike and Tiger Woods parting ways, and the Random Fact of the Day on Nicolas Cage turning down a big (green!) role! Then, Mark Reardon welcomes Greg Salsbury, former president of Western Colorado University, to share his latest piece "Time for the Military to Provide Some DEI/CRT Answers." Later, KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano joins Mark to discuss the NFL Playoffs, early Superbowl predictions, and more!

Last week, we had one of the most accomplished athletes of all time come to Western Colorado University for our Blister Speaker Series. And it was quite an opportunity to get to pick the brain of Courtney Dauwalter and get her thoughts on life and the limits we tend to place on ourselves; her approach to training and competition; how she goes about setting goals; and more.Ultimately, while we've watched Courtney's staggering achievements as she crosses finish line after finish line, setting new course records and accomplishing the seemingly impossible along the way, this conversation makes it clear that her achievements are very much mental victories, and there are takeaways in this conversation that each of us would do well to absorb and implement into our own lives.RELATED LINKS:Join Us! Blister Summit 2024Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+TOPICS & TIMES:Courtney the Mountain Biker?? (4:33)Life Since the Triple?? (7:07)Approach to the Western States & Hardrock Combo (9:35)What Was Harder, the Physical or Mental Aspect of Hardrock? (18:25)UTMB (23:26)Pulling off the Triple (28:44)Training (31:38)Current State of Trail & Ultra Running (42:19)What do You Do When You're Not Running? (42:56)Running Zegama (45:59)Transitioning from Nordic Skiing to Trail Running (47:59)Which was harder, UTMB or Hardrock? (49:28)Winter Training (50:04)Do you ever focus on time or standings while racing? (50:47)Pushing your Ideas of Limits (52:04)Being Self-Coached & Planning for Efforts (53:38)Dealing with Failures & Setbacks (56:51)Most Fun Race? (58:23)What else do you want to accomplish? (59:49)Advice for New Runners? (1:00:24)Would You Try Triathlons or Bike Races? (1:01:48)Importance of a Support Crew (1:03:19)Close Calls? (1:05:44)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTED GEAR:30Bikes & Big IdeasOff The Couch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jess Higgins Kelley, MNT, ONC, is the founder and director of the Oncology Nutrition Institute!Jess is an internationally recognized and award-winning journalist, nutrition therapist,and public health educator. She is the best-selling co-author of the ground-breakingbook The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies. In addition to English, the book has been translated into five other languages and is found on shelves worldwide in clinics and hospitals utilizing metabolic oncology nutrition.​​Jess earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from Western Colorado University,and went on to win the Alaska Press Club Award in 2000 for best breaking newscoverage of the 911 attacks. She served several years as a staff writer for both thePortland Press Herald in Portland, Maine, and the Teton Valley News in Driggs, Idaho.She has been a freelance writer for a variety of publications including: Breast CancerWellness, Well Being, Ski, Skiing, Powder, Idaho Magazine, Trail Runner, and NaturalGrocers.In 2010 Jess graduated as a Master Nutrition Therapist from the Nutrition TherapyInstitute in Denver, Colorado. She has since worked with hundreds of clients in hergeneral nutrition practice, where she specializes in oncology. She was asked back tothe Nutrition Therapy Institute to instruct Clinical Nutrition, Digestion and Detox, FoodQuality, and several other courses from 2011 to 2016.With her teaching and curriculum development experience, she went on to create theOncology Nutrition Institute where she is currently the Director of the 250-HourOncology Nutrition Consulting certification program that trains qualified nutrition andmedical professionals worldwide. Jess is a former Hurricane Island Outward BoundInstructor, licensed sea captain, trail runner, and an avid organic gardener.Find Jess at- LK- @jesshigginskelleyhttps://www.oncologynutritioninstitute.com/Terrain Assessment QuestionnaireLK- Jess Kelley, MNT, ONCThe Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep NutritionFB- @oncologynutritioninstituteFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Here's what to expect on the podcast:What are the five steps to writing a book?Why is finding an editor who understands and enhances your unique writing style crucial?How can aspiring authors determine which book to write among their various ideas or concepts?What are the three primary ways people can get their books published?And much more! About Deborah:As the founder and chief inspiration officer of Highlander Press, Deborah Kevin (pronounced “KEY-vin”) loves helping change-makers tap into and share their stories of healing and truth with impactful books. She's guided hundreds of authors to craft and publish impactful books of which they are proud. Debby, a graduate of Stanford University's Novel Writing program, graduated in 2021 with a master's degree in publishing from Western Colorado University.She's trekked over 350 miles of the Camino de Santiago, and her passions include travel, cooking, hiking, and kayaking. She lives in Maryland with the love of her life, Rob, her sons, and their puppy, Fergus—that is when they're not off-discovering the world. Connect with Deborah Kevin!Websites: https://highlanderpressbooks.com/ | https://deborahkevin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpressInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress Connect with Kamie Lehmann!Website: https://www.kamielehmann.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kamie.lehmann.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesinvinciblepodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamie-lehmann-04683473National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/Get your Podcast on IMDB: https://imdb.failureguy.com/submitpodcastkamieLearn more about how to minimize the emotional side effects of cancer: https://adventurefound.org/

Last week, Trevor Kennison & Level 1 founder & director, Josh Bermann, came to Western Colorado University for our Blister Speaker Series for a follow-up conversation about their new film, Full Circle. We discussed what life's been like for both of them since the film premiered; we take questions from the audience; and Trevor answers the big question: is he glad the injury happened?We'll also be posting a video of this Speaker Series conversation, so if you'd like to watch while you listen, head over to our Blister YouTube channel to check it out, as well as a rapidly-growing number of new videos.TOPICS & TIMES:Sending Corbet's Couloir w/ T. Rice (2:49)Touring / Showing Full Circle (10:29)Tell the story of your injury (12:14)Why Josh claims Full Circle isn't a ski film (14:37)Dealing with Disappointment (20:29)Making Full Circle (23:51)Plumbing (28:12)When did the sit ski click for you? (28:46)Initial responses to the film? (34:51)The Big Question: are you glad the injury happened? (37:32)How do you hype yourself up for a big line / trick? (43:34)Do you like sit skiing more than you liked snowboarding? (46:13)How has the outdoor industry become more accessible? (47:06)What else should happen in terms of accessibility? (49:24)What are your next goals? (52:01)What does the flow state mean to you? (53:25)Visualization (1:01:29)Schedule of the Full Circle rollout? (1:05:04)RELATED LINKS:Full Circle FilmBecome a BLISTER+ MemberBlister Summit: Learn MoreCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Kennison is one of the most remarkable athletes in the world, and like Travis Rice, Candide Thovex, Courtney Dauwalter, and Alex Honnold, he forces us to see things differently and rethink what's possible.Josh Berman and his team at Level 1 Productions have created a film, Full Circle, that premieres this week in New York, and that documents Trevor's incredible story and exploits, and the challenges — and opportunities — of life after spinal cord injury.ALSO: Trevor and Josh are going to be coming to Western Colorado University on Wednesday, November 1st, for a Blister Speaker Series, so if you'd like to come meet Trevor and Josh and hear us dive into a number of topics that we don't touch on in this conversation, well come join us on Wednesday, November 1st, at 7pm at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO.TOPICS & TIMES:Impressing Travis Rice (4:59)Barry Corbet / Corbet's Couloir (9:53)Trevor's background with skiing / snowboarding (19:28)2014: The Accident (21:39)Getting Back on Snow (24:44)Motivation (26:50)Big-Mountain Skiing vs Park? (46:05)Mental Health (50:52)Adaptive Gear: Trevor's setup (57:28)Landings (1:02:33)Blister Speaker Series & Where to Watch the Film (1:04:58)RELATED LINKS:Get Yourself Covered: Become a BLISTER+ Member2024 Blister Summit: Learn MoreCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Thursday, Mark Abma came to Western Colorado University for another edition of our Blister Speaker Series. He broke down his segment from the MSP film, ALL IN; discussed his part in the new MSP film, Land of Giants; and he talked about his preparation for ski season; longevity; confidence; pressure; staying calm; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Revisiting your segment from “ALL IN” (5:43)Evolving Big Mtn Skiing (7:54)New MSP film: The Land of Giants (14:56)Longevity in Skiing (21:11)Your Preparation for Ski Season (25:02)Confidence (27:56)When / How Did Energy & Housing Become Big Issues for You? (32:48)Advice to Students about Life After College? (42:22)Audience question: Spinning vs Flipping (46:07)Audience question: Staying Calm on Big Lines? (48:38)Audience question: Training (52:35)Audience question: Snow Safety when Traveling? (55:23)Audience question: Pressure (58:33)RELATED LINKS:Abma's Segment from ALL INBecome a BLISTER+ MemberBlister Summit: Learn MoreCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Thursday, Angel Collinson came to Western Colorado University for another edition of our Blister Speaker Series. We talk about her ski career, purpose, passion, and how to think about when it might be time to alter the path you're on.TOPICS & TIMES:Angel's education (3:40)Philosophy (6:29)Brass tax moment in her ski career (10:37)Talk about leaving “the ski dream” a couple years ago (15:49)Quitting something and going in the “I don't know” phase (22:41)Reducing spending (28:57)Purpose & passion (33:47)Student question: Where are you at with skiing now? (44:21)Student question: Should you put commitments in front of personal growth? (46:52)Disipline (51:48)Student question: Walking away from something while maintaining relationships (57:20)RELATED LINKS:Blister YouTube ChannelPast & Future Blister Speaker SeriesBecome a BLISTER+ MemberBlister Summit: Learn MoreCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Andrew talks with Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler. In 2021 & 2022, Austin led the NFL in total touchdowns and established himself as one of the NFL's top players. Despite his success, Austin's path has never been easy or assumed. Barely recruited out of high school, Austin played Division II college football for Western Colorado University. In 2017, the LA Chargers signed Austin as an undrafted free agent — and the rest is history. Off the field he launched the Austin Ekeler Foundation and is the founder of Eksperience, a new fan engagement platform.  Andrew & Austin sat down just days before the start of the 2023 NFL season to explore Austin's journey from undrafted free agent to one of the NFL's biggest stars. This conversation is filled with powerful lessons to help you make the most of every opportunity — personally & professionally.Show Highlights:(0:00) - Intro(3:05) - Childhood working on ranch(4:40) - Finding joy & appreciation in your job(5:08) - Growth mindset(6:10) - Youth football(8:26) - Building a 26 mile fence(9:10) - Influence of Austin's mother(12:33) - College experience(15:55) - Integrating passions & goals(19:31) - Differentiating yourself (21:20) - Leading NFL in touchdowns(21:40) - Continuous growth (24:01) - Optimizing small details(25:25) - Taking on diverse experiences(27:19) - Power of community & connection(31:57) - Austin's long-term vision ** Follow Andrew On Social Media **Twitter: @andrewhmosesInstagram: @AndrewMoses123Sign up for e-mails to keep up with Andrew's podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletter

Apparel testing, show pigs, & the underrated importance of ballpoint pens. Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss these things with our Blister Labs colleague, Melanie Peddle, who is a faculty member in the partnership program between Western Colorado University & the University of Colorado Boulder. We also discuss some takeaways from the compression, abrasion, and UV tests we've been running; steps toward developing new standards; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Mel's Background (1:47)Apparel Testing: Quick Overview (10:55)What We've Been Doing & What's Next (15:07)Notable Takeaways (24:35)Real-World Applicability (40:31)Crashes & Close Calls (43:11)RELATED LINKS:Blister Labs: Learn MoreVIDEO: Blister Labs Summit PanelBecome a BLISTER+ MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Off The CouchBikes & Big IdeasBlister PodcastCRAFTEDHappy Hour (for Blister Members) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the odds were stacked against you, would you run towards opportunity or from it? Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was never supposed to make it to the NFL, much less star in it. Barely recruited out of high school, Austin starred at Western Colorado University, a Division II school, before signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He's since established himself as one of the best players in the league, leading the NFL in touchdowns the past two seasons. He's the founder of Eksperience, a fan engagement platform, and founder of the Austin Ekeler Foundation. On this episode, we talk about going all in on your goals, staying confident when you aren't getting opportunities, and putting in the work when no one's watching. 

This week, Marshall and Nick discuss what's in a first line while at Western Colorado University for their final week of their Masters in Fine Arts program. Follow along as Marshall and Nick discuss the voice, tone, worldbuilding and character building across some of their favorite books.  Links mentioned during the show: My Country is a Ghost - Eugenia Triantafyllou   “When Niovi tried to smuggle her mother's ghost into the new country, she found herself being passed from one security officer to another, detailing her mother's place and date of death over and over again.”   Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo    “Joost had two problems: the moon and his mustache.”   It - Stephen King   “The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years—if it ever did end— began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made from a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain.”   1984 - George Orwell   “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”   Rangers of the Witchwoods: Blood Witch – Nick Bright  “The trunk of a Witchwood creaked as a rock cougar jumped from tree to tree, silently chasing its prey, but the only thing that Theo could hear were the scratches of his own quill against parchment.  The Black Sun – Marshall Carr Jr.   “At first, the objects hitting the atmosphere and streaking through the Earth's chemical layer looked like meteors.”  Support the Show: Patreon Kofi Indie Bound Contact us! JustKeepWriting.org Discord Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Marshall: Website: www.marshallcarr.com Email: marshall@marshallcarr.com  Twitter: @darthpops  Nick:  Website: www.brightinks.org Email: nicholasbright@brightinks.org  Twitter: @BrightInks Wil:  Email: wil@justkeepwriting.org  Twitter: @wil_ralston Instagram: @wilsartrules Brent:  Twitter: @BrentCLambert @fiyahlitmag Fiyah Lit Magazine LP:  Email: lpkindred@wandering.shop Twitter: @LPKindred Linktr.ee/lpkindred  Now, just keep writing!

Too often, the consumer reviews you find online are incomplete and unhelpful. But through our Blister Labs partnership with Western Colorado University & the University of Colorado Boulder, we're working to change that. With Blister Community Reviews, we are creating a better method of gathering, synthesizing, and displaying user feedback from people of all shapes, sizes, ability levels, and locations, to produce even more helpful consumer product information for outdoor enthusiasts all around the world.Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the origins of our Blister Community Reviews initiative; the takeaways from our beta testing at Blister Summit 2023; our goals for the future; and more.TOPICS & TIMES:Blister Community Reviews: Background & Origins (4:17)Takeaways from Beta Testing (16:58)Going Forward: Goals & Timeline (22:10)Crashes & Close Calls (29:34)What We're Celebrating (40:20)RELATED LINKS:Blister Labs: Learn MoreVIDEO: Blister Labs Summit PanelBecome a Blister MemberCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Off The CouchBikes & Big IdeasBlister PodcastCRAFTEDHappy Hour (for Blister Members) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode Mark reflects on a few of the things he has learned from a couple of the craft talks given at his intense residency week in the Masters in Creative Writing program at Western Colorado University. This episode is sponsored by patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast. Links of Interest: Graduate Program in Creative Writing at WCU Steve Coughlin (Professor of English) Maya Jewel Zeller (Nature Writing and Poetry Faculty) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0  

Today, we're stepping into a unique school - Outer Range.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last, our long-lost podcast from the Nape Expo in February.  Hear students from the Western Colorado University and the University of Louisiana Lafayette discuss their journey into the world of energy on episode 189 of The Green Insider. These optimistic students are seeing more interest in the renewable markets. … The post Three Students Journey Into The Energy World appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Days of rain are finally letting up along the Front Range. State climatologist Russ Schumacher joins us with perspective. Then, new funding for search and rescue teams in Colorado. Plus, a touching and unexpected commencement speech at Western Colorado University. And, gardening expert Fatuma Emmad answers your spring planting questions!

Days of rain are finally letting up along the Front Range. State climatologist Russ Schumacher joins us with perspective. Then, new funding for search and rescue teams in Colorado. Plus, a touching and unexpected commencement speech at Western Colorado University. And, gardening expert Fatuma Emmad answers your spring planting questions!

Jonathan sits down with Drew Petersen in Blister HQ to talk about skiing with Western Colorado University's freeride team, and to dive deeper into certain topics around mountain towns and mental health that Drew explores in his film (that you can watch on YouTube), Ups & Downs. Give it a listen, and please share this one with your friends, because we've all got something to learn on these topics.TOPICS & TIMES:Drew's Honorary CB Citizenship (4:07)Skiing w/ Western CO U's Freeride Team (6:13)Knee update (10:32)Drew's film, Ups & Downs (17:04)Drew's struggles with mental health (18:43)Shame (28:56)Destigmatizing Mental Health Issues (36:30)Normalizing Therapy (45:02)Snowboarding (50:33)RELATED LINKS:Become a Blister + Spot MemberSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:CRAFTED Bikes & Big IdeasOff The CouchGEAR:30Happy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.