Uncorking A Story

"I wasn't interested in writing about my own cancer journey, but I was interested in the idea of what if my situation had been flipped." — Ann Bancroft In this heartfelt episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Michael Carlon sits down with Ann Bancroft, a remarkable two-time breast cancer survivor who has made her literary debut at the age of 71. Bancroft shares her journey from a career in journalism to becoming a novelist, the challenges she faced during her cancer treatments, and how she found inspiration in the small joys of life. Her debut novel, "Almost Family," explores the power of unlikely friendships and the healing nature of love. Join us as we uncork Ann's inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and finding purpose in every chapter of life. Key Topics: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Insights into Ann's personal experience with breast cancer, the treatments she underwent, and the emotional and physical impact. Transition from Journalism to Fiction: Ann discusses her shift from a long career in

"Writing is like therapy; it reveals the soul and heals the heart." — Holly LaBarbera In this episode of "Uncorking a Story," Holly LaBarbera, an accomplished author and psychotherapist, takes us through her fascinating journey from childhood letter writing with her grandmother to becoming a published novelist. She shares how her career as a therapist intertwines with her love of storytelling, revealing deep insights into the human experience. Whether you're an aspiring writer or someone who appreciates the transformative power of words, Holly's story will inspire and enlighten. Key Topics The Power of Letters: Holly began her writing journey through heartfelt letters exchanged with her grandmother, laying the foundation for her passion for storytelling. Therapeutic Writing: As a psychotherapist, Holly discusses how writing can be a powerful tool for therapy, helping individuals process grief and trauma through journaling and letter-writing exercises. Overcoming Rejection: Holly candidly shares her e

"Writing is like staying in shape; even when things aren't going well, sitting at the desk and writing keeps you ready for the day when the right ideas and words come." - Philip Cioffari Today we dive deep into the world of storytelling with special guest Philip Cioffari. Philip is a novelist, short story writer, playwright, and filmmaker whose journey from a young boy writing cowboy stories to an acclaimed author is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Philip shares insights from his new novel, Night and Its Longings, discusses the challenges and triumphs of a writer's life, and offers invaluable advice to aspiring writers. Whether you're an experienced writer or just starting, Philip’s story will motivate and encourage you to keep writing and let your creativity flow. Key Topics Early Inspiration and Radio Dramas: Philip’s childhood inspiration from listening to radio dramas like The Shadow and The Green Hornet. The influence of creating visuals from sound on his writing style. The Journey to Pu

"I like the idea of thinking of it as a gift, although it certainly doesn't feel like it at the time." — Hannah Mary McKinnon In this episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Michael Carlon welcomes back internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Known for her gripping suspense novels and heartwarming holiday romantic comedies, Hannah shares insights into her creative journey, her latest thriller "Only One Survives," and the balance between writing dark thrillers and uplifting rom-coms. Join us for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of writing, the inspiration behind Hannah's work, and her unique approach to storytelling. Key Topics Transition from Corporate to Creative Career: Hannah Mary McKinnon discusses her shift from a corporate career to becoming a successful author after the failure of her own business. Balancing Genres: The contrast between writing dark thrillers and lighthearted romantic comedies, and how Hannah manages to balance both genres. Inspiration fro

“When your fears disappear, your dreams appear.” —Gamma, from ”Closet of Dreams.” In this episode, we dive into the enchanting world of childhood imagination and creative collaboration with brother-sister duo, Mark Ukra and Tara Masalaik McMahon. Join us as we explore their journey from a shared childhood closet of dreams to the creation of their heartwarming children's book series starting with Closet of Dreams. Key Themes: The Power of Imagination: Discover how Mark and Tara's childhood adventures in a magical closet inspired their writing careers. Creative Collaboration: Learn about the unique dynamics of co-authoring a book with a sibling and the creative process behind "Closet of Dreams." Social-Emotional Learning: Understand the subtle ways their book teaches valuable life lessons and emotional intelligence. Publishing Pathways: Gain insights into their decision to pursue hybrid publishing and the benefits it brought to their project. Community Impact: Hear about their innovative partnership with

"It's okay to not be okay. Writing has been my way to let things out, to release the constriction of emotions, and to heal. I don't hold back in my poetry, and I encourage others to find their own way to express and release their feelings." – Jasmine Gonzalez In this episode of "Uncorking a Story," we welcome Jasmine Gonzalez, a New York City-based poet whose work delves into the depths of mental health and trauma. Jasmine shares her journey from being a silent, introverted child to finding her voice through writing in college. She discusses the therapeutic power of poetry, the challenges of self-publishing her debut collection "Petals of the Red Dahlia," and the importance of giving a voice to marginalized writers. Jasmine also reads one of her poignant poems, "The Mystique of the Red Dahlia," and offers advice for aspiring writers on embracing vulnerability and the hard work of self-promotion. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the power of self-expression. Key Themes:

"Magic finds us in our darkest times." — Christina Bacilieri Christina Bacilieri’s life and career were profoundly shaped by her Italian grandmother and a dream that inspired her to write her first novel, "The Last Refuge." In this episode, Christina shares her journey from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time writer, discussing the challenges of balancing creativity with practicality, and the magical influences that guided her storytelling. Listen in to discover the heartwarming and transformative power of following one’s passion against all odds. Key Themes: The Influence of Family: Christina's Italian grandmother's love and stories played a crucial role in her development as a storyteller. Overcoming Adversity: Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia, Christina's determination and the support of a reading specialist fostered her love for stories and writing. Career Transition: Christina’s pivot from a stable marketing career to pursuing her passion for writing full-time. The Power of Dreams:

"Marriage can hold more difficulty than you believe and still move forward and evolve into something positive." – Anna Monardo How does an arranged marriage spanning continents and generations reveal the hidden strengths and vulnerabilities of a family, and what can it teach us about our own relationships and identities? Meet Anna Monardo Anna Monardo was born in Pittsburgh, spent many years in New York City, and now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where she teaches in the Writer’s Workshop of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her novels—The Courtyard of Dreams and Falling In Love with Natassia—were published by Doubleday. She joins me today on uncorking a story to discuss her memoir, After Italy: A FamilyMemoir of Arranged Marriage. Key Themes: The Intersection of Tradition and Love: Exploring Anna Monardo's family's arranged marriages and their impact on personal relationships. Immigration and Identity: The influence of Italian heritage and immigration on Monardo's family dynamics and personal identity.

"Being chosen doesn't mean being whole; it means navigating a journey to find yourself.” — Adoptee Lisa Ann In this heartfelt episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Mike Carlon welcomes Lisa Ann, the host of the "Wandering Tree Podcast." Lisa Ann shares her deeply personal story as an adoptee, discussing the complexities of identity, family, and the search for her biological roots. From the revelation of her adoption before kindergarten to the challenging journey of finding her biological family, Lisa Ann's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy for adoptee rights. Her insights shed light on the multifaceted experiences of adoptees and the importance of community, support, and changing the narrative around adoption. Key Themes: The Transformative Power of Adversity: Lisa Ann's journey through adoption and the search for her biological family reveals how challenging life events can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery. Her story demonstrates the resilience required to navigate

"The idea of found family and the hope that you have a pod of people out there who will accept you for who you are is central to my story." — Mary Carol Moore In today’s episode, Author Mary Carol Moore discusses her journey from being a food journalist to an accomplished novelist, inspired by her mother's legacy as a World War II era pilot. She shares insights into her latest novel, "A Woman's Guide to Search and Rescue," and the themes of family, bravery, and second chances. This conversation offers a glimpse into the creative process and the personal experiences that shape an author's work. Meet Mary Carol Moore Mary Carroll Moore is the Amazon-bestselling and award-winning author of three novels and her writing has been featured on NPR and in the New York Times. She received her MFA from Goddard College and has taught throughout the US and abroad at various writing schools and universities since 1998. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest novel, A Woman’s Guide to Search and Rescue.

"Poetry is a gift from the Divine, a voice from ancestors, expressing profound truths and deep emotions." - Lauren Martin In today’s episode of Uncorking a Story we sit down with Lauren Martin, a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She shares her journey from discovering her poetic voice in sixth grade to compiling her latest collection, Night of the Hawk. Through a conversation that spans her experiences with shamanism, overcoming personal struggles, and the therapeutic power of writing, Lauren offers a unique perspective on life, creativity, and healing. Key Themes: Early Beginnings in Poetry: Lauren recalls her unexpected start in poetry during sixth grade, when a simple essay led her to discover her poetic talent. Shamanic Journey: She discusses her lifelong spiritual experiences, from seeing ghosts as a child to her deep exploration of shamanism and its impact on her life and work. Struggles and Recovery: Lauren opens up about her battles with substance abuse during her adolescence and ho

"We have a lot to learn from them. It's really about the survival of the human spirit." - Dr. Stephanie Covington In this informative episode of Uncorking a Story, we dive into the life and expertise of Stephanie Covington, Ph.D. who shares wisdom gained through her work with incarcerated women and reveals how they support each other in the most challenging of environments. Meet Stephanie Covington Dr. Stephanie S. Covington is an internationally recognized pioneer in the fields of addiction, trauma, and gender-responsive care. For three decades she has created and facilitated trauma-informed programs and curricula for use in criminal–legal settings across the United States and globally. Educated at Columbia University and the Union Institute, Dr. Covington is co-director of the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender & Justice in Del Mar, California. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life and book Hidden Healers: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help Each Other Su

“Be quick to forgive yourself. It's hard to do, but be quick to forgive people around you. We're going to disappoint ourselves, and people are going to disappoint us. Just forgive, get over it. Don’t let a mistake ruin a relationship—it's not worth it. The relationship is so much more.” — Link Forester Join us in this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story with  Link Forester, an author whose life is a testament to finding joy and purpose through unexpected challenges. From early parenthood and career changes to personal tragedies, Link shares how these experiences have shaped his life and inspired his writing. Dive into an intimate conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, and the courage to face life's curveballs. Meet Link Forester Link Forester possesses a rare blend of humility, faith, and a good sense of humor—all of which have enabled him to grow through the trials of becoming a parent much earlier than planned, a risky career change, and the tragic death of a son. After graduating from Auburn Universi

“Be your own fool. You’ve got to be a little bit crazy to believe your writing matters, and it does!” Today, I chat with author Joe Di Prisco who shares the mosaic of his life, from a Brooklyn childhood shadowed by mob connections to his spirited pursuits in poetry and education. This episode delves into Joe's complex relationship with religion, his vibrant storytelling in both novels and poetry, and his undying passion for empowering young writers. You don’t want to miss it! Meet Joe Di Prisco Joseph Di Prisco is an acclaimed author of prize-winning poetry, bestselling memoirs, nonfiction books, and novels. He taught for many years and has served as chair of not-for-profits dedicated to the arts, theater, children’s mental health, and schools. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his life and latest collection of poetry entitled My Last Resume. Key Topics Origins of a Storyteller: Joe reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn's Greenpoint, the influence of the Catholic church, and his early exposure t

"It's like a honey badger; dementia doesn't give a shit. It doesn't care about what you want to do." — Kitty Norton Tune into this episode of Uncorking a Story for an honest and inspiring exploration of the highs and lows of caregiving, the power of storytelling, and the unexpected paths life can take. Meet Kitty Norton In 2016 Kitty left her job as an NBC assistant editor in Los Angeles, CA, for her hometown of Portland, Oregon, to walk, stumble, crawl with her mother, Gloria, living with vascular dementia, to death's door. While doing so, she authored the caregiver blog Stumped Town Dementia, writing tales of dementia life, not dementia death, which resonated deeply with readers around the world. After her mother's death in 2021, Kitty created and directed Wine, Women, & Dementia to honor this journey with her mother, to spread awareness of the caregiver side of the equation in the swinging dementia lifestyle, and to celebrate family caregivers - to let them know they are not alone, and that they are worthy

"Right, you'll forget it ever happened. That's what my social worker told me and other girls at the Florence Crittenton home for unwed mothers. But yeah, you don't forget that you are a mother. And also, how does one keep the secret from oneself? That's an absolute impossibility." — Tracy Mayo In the lead up to Mother’s Day, I wanted to share the powerful story of a mother who worked tirelessly to track down the son she gave up at birth when she was just fifteen years old.  Meet Tracy Mayo Despite having a very successful career, one choice continued to haunt debut author Tracy Mayo’s life— forcibly giving up her baby at the age of fifteen. Now she’s sharing the inspiring story of her impossible journey to find him during the pre-Internet era in her memoir, Childless Mother: A Search for Son and Self.  Key Themes: The Unintended Journey of Writing: Tracy shares her transition from corporate to creative writing, highlighting the challenges and learnings of crafting her deeply personal memoir over seven year

“I found writing almost an unbelievably incredible way to deal with the grief. It was a way to channel my energy in a really productive way that ultimately led to this book that I've written. And it was therapeutic. It was really helpful for me in many ways." — Glenn Hilemann In this deeply moving episode of "Uncorking a Story," we explore the poignant journey of Glenn Hilemann, who turned a heart-wrenching tragedy into a legacy of love and storytelling. Following the devastating loss of his parents in the East Troublesome fire of 2020, Glenn embarked on a path he never anticipated—writing a memoir that captures the essence of his parents' lives, their love, and the indelible mark they left on him. Through our conversation, Glenn shares how writing became an unexpected sanctuary of grief processing, a medium for preserving cherished memories, and a bridge to understanding his parents' lives more profoundly than ever before. This episode is not just a story about loss; it's a testament to the power of storytel

"It's interesting to compare the process of creating an image with writing. In photography, I find myself editing the scene to highlight what draws my interest, focusing on the essence and minimizing distractions. This approach is similar to writing, where the goal is to strip away the superfluous to communicate the core message clearly. Both processes involve a pathway to clarity, whether it's through the lens or on the page." — G.B. Smith Tune into this episode of "Uncorking a Story" for a deep dive into the soul-stirring world of Gary Smith's photography, where every image is a pathway to a story waiting to be told. Meet G.B. Smith G.B. Smith is an international award winning fine art photographer. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his career and book Pathways, which was awarded First Prize at the prestigious International Photography Awards in the Book Category. The book features select photos from many of Smith’s current collections, including several of his recent multi-award winning images.

"I have my wife as my ultimate support system. But as a man, it feels like you shouldn’t show weakness or talk about things that might make you vulnerable because you worry about what others will think. That’s why I decided to just go for it, to muster the courage to openly share my story. I committed to laying everything out there, telling my story in all its truth." — Reggie Reed Tune in to this emotionally charged episode to explore author Reggie Reed's incredible journey of resilience, the role of storytelling in healing, and the indomitable spirit of facing life's darkest moments with courage. Meet Reggie Reed Reginald L. Reed Jr. is an author and an accomplished professional in the Pharmaceutical industry. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his memoir, The Day My Mother Never Came Home, in which he recalls the events surrounding the unsolved murder of his mother and the subsequent indictment and trial of his father 32 years later.  Key Topics: The Beginning of a Story: Reggie's journey as a

"The day my dance instructor had her jaw wired shut to lose weight was the day I realized how deep the rabbit hole of body image issues really went. It wasn't just about being thin; it was about battling your body at war with societal expectations." - Lori Brand Welcome to a compelling episode that dives deep into the heart of how societal pressures shape our self-perception and the lengths to which people go to meet those expectations. Today, we're honored to have Lori Brand share her journey from the world of competitive bodybuilding to becoming a voice for strength and empowerment. Lori's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental strength, and the need to redefine what it means to be fit and healthy in a society obsessed with physical appearance. Join us as Lori Brand uncovers the raw and real side of the fitness world, the beauty of finding strength in what truly matters, and how she's using her voice to challenge and change the narrative around health, fitness, and beauty.