Uncorking A Story

Shelley Fraser Mickle is an award-winning author who has published over a dozen books, which, along with her commitment to literacy and the power of story, led to her being nominated to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014. Her books have been New York Times Notables, Library Journal’s Best Adult Books and her nonfiction book, Barbaro: America’s Horse (2007) won a Bank Street Award. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book, White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America. Key Topics How Shelley got her start writing and her bold attempt at setting up a meeting with William Faulkner.  How Shelley pivoted from writing fiction to non-fiction and the joy she receives by telling true stories. Shelley’s approach to writing non-fiction as if she were writing a novel. Shelley’s belief in writing from a center of love vs. writing from cynicism or a place of darkness. Anything you ever wanted to know about Alice Roosevelt! Buy White House

Justin Woodbury was raised on a small farm out in the country on the west side of Ann Arbor, Michigan. A child survivor of church abuse, Justin began advocating for victims of abuse after he held his son in his arms for the first time and realized the weight of responsibility he would have as a father. Since then, Justin has made it his life's mission to speak out against abuse in all forms and to be a voice for victims, especially those who were abused in a religious setting. He joins me today on Uncorking a Story to talk about his life and new book Sheltered but Not Protected: Learning to Love, Forgive, and Heal After Emotional and Sexual Abuse Key Highlights Justin bravely exposes the harrowing depths of his abuse and battle for recovery in his memoir, Sheltered but Not Protected: Learning to Love, Forgive, and Heal After Emotional and Sexual Abuse. His journey to pen the memoir teeters on the edge of a double-edged sword; potentially re-traumatizing himself or finding catharsis in the laying bare of

Chrissy Holm is a writer, editor, and project manager and is the host of the podcast Stirred By Words, where she talks about words, writing, and wellness. Her writing has been featured on Everyday Health, National Council on Aging, Gizmodo, Lifehacker, and more. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book Finding Sunlight: A Coming-of-Age Memoir about Love within the Wreckage of Purity Culture. Key Takeaways How her book began as a way to work through her parents divorce but ended up being about so much more. Her experience with purity culture and what it took to move beyond confusion and shame into a place of greater clarity. How embracing her bisexuality helped her find her individuality and learn what love means to her. Her advice for teens (and adults) who may be struggling to find their true selves amidst restrictive church teachings. Buy Finding Sunlight: A Coming-of-Age Memoir about Love within the Wreckage of Purity Culture Amazon: https://amzn.to/46kh3ly Bookshop.org: htt

Robert W. Norris was born and raised in Humboldt County, California, where he played basketball in high school and junior college. In 1969, he entered the Air Force but subsequently became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War and served time in a military prison for refusing to fight. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his latest book, "The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me," an autobiography and tribute to his mother. Key Takeaways The power of language and careful communication: Robert's specific choice of words during his court-martial may have saved him from a harsher sentence. Experiences within the military justice system: His story shares the process of the military court, and how his military lawyer's advice played a crucial role in his trial. Finding one's path and the inspiration to write: Robert's travels and encounters with various European artists contributed to his desire to express himself and eventually led him to start writing.

Natasha Daniels is an anxiety and OCD child therapist and has published multiple books including How to Parent your Anxious Toddler, Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide, Social Skills Activities for Kids and It is Brave to Be Kind. She also hosts the AT Parenting Survival Podcast and has a Youtube channel, Ask the Child Therapist. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book, The Grief Rock: A Book to Understand Grief and Love. Key Takeaways Processing Grief: The discussion centered on how to help children process grief, especially when the person assisting them is simultaneously dealing with their own grief. Writing as Therapy: Natasha turned to writing after the sudden passing of her husband, which left her widowed with three young children who were each expressing their grief in unique ways. Silver Linings: The conversation revealed that Natasha has a strong focus on her relationship with her children and her parenting, emphasizing the importance of not getting lost in the det

Ginger Pinholster’s first novel, “City in a Forest,” won a Gold Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association in 2020. She is a volunteer member of Florida’s Volusia Turtle Patrol and resident of Ponce Inlet, near Daytona Beach. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book, Snakes of St. Augustine. Key Takeaways Conflict Drives Story: She learned about the importance of conflict in storytelling, realizing that a protagonist must urgently want something and be willing to do anything to get it, which drives the plot and story. This understanding prompted her to restart her writing process, creating a cleaner and easier to follow story. Don't Give Up: Ginger's advice to aspiring authors is to never give up on their writing journey, emphasizing that it is a long and challenging process that requires perseverance and determination to succeed. Persistence Pays:  Writing is a craft that can be learned and perfected over time, similar to carpentry or playing a musical inst

Lynne Golodner is the author of eight books and thousands of articles as well as a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her first novel, Woman of Valor.  Key Takeaways Lynne's journey as a writer: Lynne shares her passion for writing, which began at a young age with journals and evolved into freelancing during college. Her dedication to writing and storytelling has been a consistent thread throughout her life. Writing as a means of comfort and healing: Lynne discusses how writing has served as a source of comfort and healing for her. It has allowed her to make sense of the world around her and express her creativity. Exploring religious identity in a positive light: Lynne's novel, "Women of Valor," delves into the exploration of religious identity in a positive and nuanced way. She aims to showcase the validity of choosing a religious path, even if it may not be the common choice for individuals in their 20s. The sig

Christina Henry is a horror and dark fantasy author whose works include Horseman, Near the Bone, The Ghost Tree, Looking Glass, The Girl in Red, The Mermaid, Lost Boy, Alice, Red Queen, and the seven-book urban fantasy Black Wings series. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest novel, Good Girls Don’t Die. Key Takeaways Be the exception. Christina didn’t have an agent representing her when she landed a three book turned six book deal with a publisher. Sometimes you can be the exception to the rule. Discover as you go. While some writers have a lot of success outlining their stories, Christina chooses to see where her stories take her. This leads to her feeling surprised at her own stories and hopefully translates to readers absorbing the author’s sense of excitement and wonder as they turn each page. The Story may present Itself. We like to think that we are in control of our stories and often sit down with a specific intent as we begin to write only to find that a different story

Ellen Yashinsky Chute is a clinical social worker, consultant and educator who has dedicated her life to helping individuals, families and teams unlock their potential. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest book, What Drives You?: How Our Family Dynamics Shape the People We Become. Key Takeaways Self-reflection and understanding: Ellen emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own thoughts and emotions, and how they shape our actions and beliefs. By understanding ourselves better, we can become more optimistic and hopeful individuals.  The power of compassion: Ellen highlights the significance of developing compassion towards others. When we have compassion, we are less likely to be driven crazy by people's actions, leading to greater happiness and harmony in our lives.  Family dynamics and personal growth: Ellen's book, "What Drives You," explores how our family dynamics shape who we become as individuals. By examining the metaphorical car of our family, we can gain insights int

Audrey Gale long dreamed of being a writer, but never anticipated the circuitous road she’d take to get there. After twenty-plus years in the banking industry, she grew tired of corporate gamesmanship and pursued her master’s in fiction writing at the University of Southern California. She joined me on Uncorking a story to discuss her second novel,The Human Trial, which is the first book in a medical-thriller trilogy inspired by Audrey’s own experiences with the gap between traditional medicine and approaches based on the findings of the great physicists of the 20th Century.  Key Themes Career Transition: One prominent theme is Audrey's journey from the banking industry to becoming a writer. This highlights the challenges and motivations behind her decision to pursue her passion for writing after spending over 20 years in a different field. Medical Thriller: Another key theme is Audrey's second novel, "The Human Trial," which is the first book in a medical thriller trilogy. We explore the inspiration behi

Diane Danvers Simmons is a born-and-raised Brit who moved to America in her late twenties for business and success. After an accomplished career as a senior vice president at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising and then Omnicom Media in London, New York, and LA, she became a mother. Drawing from her advertising and marketing skills, Chopra center teachings, and life experiences, Diane transitioned her skills into female-empowerment activism through speaking engagements, workshops, writing, film, online communities, and mentorship in the USA and globally. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life and memoir, My Mother Next Door. Key Themes The importance of empathy and understanding in relationships: Diane mentions gaining a new appreciation and depth of empathy through their experiences, highlighting the significance of understanding others' perspectives. Acceptance of parents' limitations: The conversation touches upon the idea of accepting and acknowledging the limitations of one's parents, re

Carissa Orlando has a doctorate in clinical-community psychology and specializes in work with children and adolescents. Prior to her career in psychology, she studied creative writing in college and has written creatively in some form since she was a child. An avid horror fan for much of her life, It was only a matter of time before she merged her understanding of the human psyche and deep love for storytelling into a piece of fiction. She joined me on Uncorking a story to discuss her debut novel, The September House.  Key Themes The benefits of a psychology background in academic writing and dissertation preparation: Carissa's background in clinical community psychology has greatly influenced her writing process and understanding of human behavior, adding depth and authenticity to her storytelling. The exciting journey of a first-time fiction writer: Carissa shares her experience as a first-time fiction writer, discussing the joys and challenges of bringing her creative ideas to life. Her journey serves

Donna Marie Hayes is a SAG-AFTRA actress and cabaret singer who can be found on a stage or in front of a camera and has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, Orange Is The New Black, Black Girls Rock, Celebrity Ghost Stories, as well as in several other New York City Off-Broadway and TV productions. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss her memoir These Broken Roads: Scammed and Vindicated - One Woman’s Story. Key Themes Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: Donna shares her journey of resilience and overcoming challenges, including two divorces, experiencing domestic abuse, and being scammed by someone she loved and trusted. Her story highlights the strength and determination required to rebuild one's life after difficult circumstances. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: Through journaling and writing her memoir, Donna Hayes on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She found healing and clarity by reflecting on her thoughts and experiences, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of h

Edward Carey is a novelist, visual artist, and playwright. His previous novels include The Swallowed Man, which was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, Little, Alva & Irva, and Observatory Mansions. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his career and latest novel, Edith Holler. Key Themes Edward's Creative Journey: Edward Carey's journey as a multifaceted artist began with his passion for drawing as a child. He explored various artistic mediums, including visual art, playwriting, and novel writing. Embracing Vulnerability in Writing: Edward emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability as a writer. He believes that even in fiction, writers reveal a part of themselves on the page, allowing readers to connect with their subconscious thoughts and emotions. The Intense Relationship Between Writers and Characters: Edward discusses the deep connection between writers and their characters. He believes that writers must surrender control and allow their characters to guide the story,

Bill C. Potts is a motivational speaker, business leader, and community builder who has held executive roles at IRONMAN Group and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. He is co-founder and managing director of marketing agency Remedy 365 and a lecturer at Tulane University. An IRONMAN triathlete and a five-time cancer survivor, Bill is a long-time volunteer at his local homeless shelter and an advisory board member of the Halo House Foundation. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his memoir Up for the Fight. Key Themes The Writing Process: The writing process is a journey that requires dedication and perseverance. Just like running a marathon mile by mile, writers must tackle each sentence and follow a “training plan” to reach their desired destination. Heartbreak and Resilience: Exploring themes of heartbreak and resilience can create compelling stories that will be helpful to others. By delving into the emotions and experiences of characters who have faced loss, writers can create engaging narratives tha

Will Harris is on a mission to help save the world. He inherited a highly profitable, conventionally run farm from his ancestors. After many years, he found himself disgusted with the excess, cruelty, and small-town devastation. He decided to make a change to the land on the ground level. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his memoir A BOLD RETURN TO GIVING A DAMN: One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food in which he shares his groundbreaking, inspiring, and authoritative environmental call to action where he explores the link between food, health, and climate change. Key Takeaways Will Harris is on a mission to help save the world through his work at White Oak Pastures. This mission drives his passion and dedication to sustainable farming practices. The link between food, health, and climate change is a significant focus for Will. He highlights the need for a shift away from industrialized thinking in food production and the impact it has on our health and the environment. Will discus

Authors often tap into their past experiences and memories and plant them in our stories. Speaking from experiences, anecdotes that my parents shared with me decades ago will wind up in a story, not in a self-indulgent way, but more as a way of bringing some added realism to a plot point. Today’s guest, Kimberly Behre Kenna, shared a beautiful story about how she integrated an experience her mother had while growing up into her latest novel, Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm. Meet Kimberly Behre Kenna Kimberly has worn many hats in her professional life including detective's assistant, breakfast cook, tae-kwon-do instructor, adolescent & family counselor and fifth grade teacher, her favorite job ever. As a writer, her poems and stories have been published in American Writers Review, Mused, Plumtree Tavern, and Rubbertop Review. Her full-length play, “Ana’s Hummingbird,” was given a staged reading at The Dramatists Guild in NYC. She is eer inspired by the power of play, thoughtful questions, and a life-long

Sometimes I interview someone and we just don’t click. There are those interviews where we just fail to find a groove and I think to myself, that could have been better. I am happy to report that today’s interview is not one of those! Maybe it’s because I’ve interviewed Zaida before, maybe its because we are both natives of South Florida, or maybe it’s because we both share an appreciation for Rob Thomas and 90s rock, but this conversation with Zaida Alfaro was a blast from the get go.   Meet Zaida Alfaro Zaida was born into art. Her mother is an amazing artist, composer, and musician who taught Zaida how to play the piano when she was 12 years old. She has taken the storytelling approach of her songwriting to pen two novels, the most recent being In the Key of Dead. Key Themes Zaida's upbringing in an artistic family heavily influenced her passion for storytelling and music. Her mother, an artist, composer, and musician, taught her to play the piano at a young age, shaping her creative journey.  Zaida's

When I was a kid, my brother Jimmy and I would watch the original Clash of the Titans over and over and over. It had everything a young boy would love; heroes, Gods, magical weapons, and a young Maggie Smith. When offered the chance to interview the author of a book entitled Medusa’s sisters, not even Perseus himself could stop me! Meet Lauren J.A. Bear After studying English at UCLA and Education at LMU, Lauren taught middle-school Humanities for over a decade – and survived! She is a teaching fellow for the Holocaust Center for Humanity, and joined me today to talk about her debut novel Medusa’s Sisters. Key Themes The importance of belief and persistence: One of the main lessons highlighted in the episode is the significance of believing in oneself as a writer and persisting through challenges. Lauren emphasizes that the only difference between an amateur and a professional writer is the ability to keep going. Overcoming imposter syndrome: Imposter syndrome, a feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt, is a

This episode is the result of mistaken identity. Somehow I got it in my head that comedian Mark Schiff was in the room next to my brother’s at Memorial Sloan Kettering, a specialty hospital in New York City treating cancer. Not only does Mark live in LA and not New York, but he doesn’t have cancer—which would make a short-term residency at MSK odd to say the least. When I saw that Mark appeared on another podcast to promote a book, it triggered a (false) memory so I emailed him a sob story and invited him on the show. He graciously accepted in spite of the fact I had the wrong guy. Meet Mark Schiff Mark Schiff is a stand-up comedian who has headlined at comedy clubs nationwide, including all the major casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and toured worldwide with Jerry Seinfeld for twenty-five years. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about his career and book Why Not? Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah.  Key Themes Persistence is essential: Mark emphasizes the importance of persistence in