Uncorking A Story

I loved connecting with Whitney Hanson and hearing her path to publishing. Originally independently published, Whitney caught the attention of an acquisitions editor at Penguin Random House after achieving, what Borat would call, great success on TikTok. She has a great story and I’m so glad she let me uncork it with her. Meet Whitney Hanson Whitney is a poet and through her vulnerability and authenticity, she has connected with thousands of readers and adamantly believes that poetry is not a dead language; rather it is the key to unlocking true vulnerability which leads to deeper connection with one another. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest collection, Home. Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Whitney Hanson 00:02:32 Discovering Writing as A Personal Outlet 00:07:29 The Challenge of Finding an Agent 00:09:49 Rejection's Impact on Confidence and Creativity 00:12:58 Book Resonates with a Wide Range of Grief and Loss Experiences 00:15:23 The Danger and Importance of Vulnerability in Writ

Meet Lynne Hugo Lynne Hugo is a National Endowment For The Arts Fellowship recipient who has also received repeat individual artist grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Her publications include ten novels, as well as a memoir, Where the Trail Grows Faint, which won the Riverteeth Creative Nonfiction Book Prize. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss her career and her eleventh novel, The Language of Kin.  Key Topics How Lynne knew she wanted to be a writer since the 4th grade The importance of encouragement in becoming a writer Why Lynne decided not to pursue a career as an author until she was older The linkage between writing and therapy The inspiration behind her latest book, The Language of Kin The importance of persistence for writers Buy The Language of Kin Amazon:https://amzn.to/3CUPJhs Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781943075775 Connect With Lynne Hugo Website: https://www.lynnehugo.com/ Email: lynne@lynnehugo.com Facebook: https://w

Karen Mangia is a WSJ Best Selling Author and one of the most sought after thought leaders in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. She is the author of four books including:  Success from Anywhere: Create Your Own Future of Work From the Inside Out Working from Home: Making the New Normal Work for You Listen Up! How to Tune in to Customers and Turn Down the Noise   Success With Less Key Topics: 00:00:00 Introducing Karen Mangia 00:04:07 The Power of Curiosity 00:07:33 Exploring the Boundaries: Unveiling the Nuances of Discovery and Market Research 00:09:09 Unleashing Scrappiness: Market Research for Better Concepts 00:12:16 From Customer Engagement to Author: How Storytelling Transformed her Career 00:16:29 Unmasking Toxic Cultures and Embracing Change 00:20:14 Success from the Inside Out: One Choice at a Time, Even During a Pandemic! 00:24:41 The Evolution of The Facts of Life: From Eight Girls to Edna's Edibles 00:28:04 Embracing the

Meet Hannah MaryMcKinnon Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her suspense novels include THE NEIGHBORS, bestsellers HER SECRET SON and SISTER DEAR, YOU WILL REMEMBER ME, and NEVER COMING HOME. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about her career and latest novel, The Revenge List.  Key Topics How the failure of her business led to an unexpected career as an author How Hannah approaches writing both Rom Coms and Thrillers The secrets to keeping readers engaged The importance of joining a writing community Listen to Mike and Hannah craft a ridiculous story in real time while playing The Alphabet Game Buy The Revenge List Amazon:https://amzn.to/3N4IHeK Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781685132019 Connect With Hannah Mary McKinnon Website: https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahmarymckinnon Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannahmmckinnon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmarymckinnon Good

Adam Mitzner is the critically acclaimed Amazon Charts bestselling author of Dead Certain, Never Goodbye, and The Best Friend  in the Broden legal series, as well as stand-alone thrillers A Conflict of Interest, A Case of Redemption, Losing Faith, The Girl from Home, A Matter of Will, and The Perfect Marriage. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his latest novel, Love Betrayal Murder.  Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Adam Mitzner 00:02:58 From Legal Briefs to Bestsellers: The Rollercoaster Ride of His First Book 00:08:15 From Discouragement to Growth: Turning 'Failures' into Successes 00:12:26 From Courtroom to Bestseller: A Trial Lawyer's Journey into Captivating Characters 00:14:35 The Illusion of Instant Justice: How Pop Culture Distorts Our Perception of the Legal System 00:17:43 From Robert Culp to William Shatner: Navigating Pop Culture and Musical Envy in the Seventies 00:21:54 Connect with Adam Mitzner: Website, Social Media, and More! Buy Love Betrayal Murder Amazon:https://amzn.to/3P0

Dementia is something that has touched my family in a terrible way. My mother, whose memory was always sharp as a tack, has been battling dementia for years. While her long term memory is still very much intact, she struggles to remember anything in the recent past. When given the opportunity to interview Dr. Gary Simonds, a neurosurgeon who is an expert on Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, I jumped at the chance.  Meet Dr. Gary Simonds Dr. Simonds is a neurosurgeon who has treated tens of thousands of patients with devastating illnesses. He is a professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience. He has published three nonfiction books on burnout and psychological distress in healthcare providers and routinely writes about, and gives talks on, neuroscience, neurosurgery, medical socioeconomics, medical humanism, medical ethics, and burnout. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his debut novel, Death’s Pale Flag.  Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducin

Who would play Lion-O in a live action adaptation of Thundercats? Today’s guest, Sara Staggs, needed the eye of Thundera to help answer that question, but you didn’t come here for 80’s cartoons, did you?  Meet Sara Staggs Sara is an epileptic who had to leave her job as a civil litigator in Portland, Oregon as the lifestyle associated with that career triggered her seizures. As such, she had to close her law practice and bid farewell to that chapter of her life for good but, for Sara, writing was the next frontier. She has contributed to several publications including: Huffington Post, Flash Fiction Magazine, In Parentheses Literary Journal, Five Minute Lit, and Tiny Seed Literary Journal literary journals. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her debut novel, UNCONTROLLABLE, an inspirational story of a woman whose life is derailed by something out of her control, and how she chooses to face life on its terms, abandoning what she once dreamed she could be. Key Topics 00:00:00 About Sarah Staggs

Jenell Jones and her family opened up their home to foster, and later adopt Mercy, an eight year old girl in need of a home. Mercy came with a secret, though—her traumatic past. The traumas experienced by this young child started to manifest itself in behavioral problems that caused her adoptive family to shatter, that that is where our story begins. Meet Jenell Jones Jenell is an author and early education entrepreneur currently operating multiple early learning centers which specialize in providing high quality learning experiences to children who experience trauma in low-income areas. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss her memoir Shattered. Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Jenell Jones 00:05:45 The Urgent Need for Reform in the US Foster and Adoptive Systems: A Story of Two Children with Different Paths 00:07:36 Unraveling the Unknown: Navigating the Journey of Adoption and Uncovering the Backstory 00:09:54 Missed Opportunities: The Devastating Impact of Withholding Information in Adoption and

I love hearing how authors come up with the ideas for their books and today’s guest, bestselling author Lindsay Cameron, doesn’t disappoint. Listen in to hear about how the Ashley Madison data breach and Lindsay’s own experience on a neighborhood parenting forum influenced the story behind her latest book, No One Needs to Know. Meet Lindsay Cameron Lindsay Cameron worked as a corporate lawyer for many years in Vancouver and New York City before leaving the law behind to write books. Her first novel, Biglaw, was published in 2015. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about her latest book, No One Needs to Know.  Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Lindsay Cameron 00:04:07 From Corporate Law to Fiction Writing: How Lindsay Cameron Had to Unlearn Legal Writing to Tell a Compelling Story 00:06:54 The Secret Life of a Lawyer Turned Novelist: Why I Kept My Writing Dreams Hidden from Everyone 00:08:48 From Diapers to Deadline: How Three Kids Inspired Lindsay Cameron's Writing Journey 00:11:00 Lindsay Cameron on

I’m thrilled to welcome Andrea Bartz back on Uncorking a Story. This time we discuss her latest novel, The Spare Room, and a big revelation! Meet Andrea Bartz Andrea is a Brooklyn-based journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club pick WE WERE NEVER HERE. Her second thriller, THE HERD, was named a best book of 2020 by Real Simple, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, CrimeReads, and other outlets. Her LA-Times bestselling debut, THE LOST NIGHT, was optioned for TV development by Mila Kunis. She joins me today to talk about her latest novel, THE SPARE ROOM. Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Andrea Bartz 00:02:46 The Rise and Fall of Magazines: An Insider's Perspective 00:05:30 Author Andrea Bartz on the Importance of Sensitivity Readers  00:08:57 Andrea's Journey of Self-Discovery Through Fiction 00:10:29 Unpacking Complex Emotions Through Writing 00:13:04 Why Writing is the Ultimate Tool for Processing Emotions and Thoughts 00:23:45 From Wrestling with Plot to Bestseller: How Andr

When I was a kid, my brother Jimmy and I would watch wrestling all the time. The colorful characters, soap opera like drama, and high flying action had us hooked on the WWF like most of its superstars were hooked on Colombian marching powder. When offered the opportunity to interview author Charlie Jenkins about his book American Wrestling 1989, I leapt at the chance like Jimmy Snooka off the top rope. Meet Charlie Jenkins Charlie has worked as the Creative Director of a film and television industry and as an assistant to the writer’s room of the Amazon Original Series Lost in Oz. He has led or worked on digital campaigns for The CW, NBC, Hulu and Blizzard Entertainment properties. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his debut novel American Wrestling: 1989, a heartfelt and funny novel set behind the scenes of the pro wrestling industry’s golden era, for which he drew on his experiences working for an independent promotion.  Key Topics 00:00:00 Introducing Charlie Jenkins  00:04:09 How The Undertak

What happens when "in sickness and in health" becomes "in sickness"? Today’s guest, author Suzanne Marriott addresses that question, and many others, in her memoir Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about that, and so much more! Meet Suzanne Marriott Suzanne Marriott is a memoirist and deep-travel writer who shares her transformative experiences with her readers. Her writings on compassionate caregiving have been published by The Union newspaper and Writer Advice awarded her the “Scintillating Start Prize” for the first chapter of her memoir, Watching for Dragonflies. Suzanne’s stories of deep travel have appeared in the award-winning online magazine Your Life is a Trip. Key Topics How her relationship with her husband changed after his MS diagnosis The story behind the title of her book, Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey The benefits and drawbacks of traveling with a disability, and what changes need to

I’m thrilled to welcome author and executive Emmanuel Probst on Uncorking a Story. Emmanuel’s background combines over 16 years of market research and marketing experience with strong academic achievements. He joined me to discuss his career and latest book, Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation. Key Topics 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:29 The Fulfilling And Compelling World Of Market Research 00:05:21 Traditional Market Research Vs. Technology 00:09:07 The Evolving Role Of Brands And Branding. 00:15:07 The Increasing Risk Of Brand Backlash 00:18:24 Testing The Concept Of A Transgender Spokesperson In Marketing Campaigns 00:21:21 Transforming Brand And Market Research In The Digital Age  00:26:20 Recall And Transforming Consumer Attitudes Towards Products 00:32:57 Tacky Advertisements Don't Build Brand Equity 00:39:03 How To Purchase Assemblage: The Art And Science Of Brain Transformation Book Buy Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation. Amazon:https://amzn.to/3HhTlfV Booksho

In this podcast episode, Mike interviews author Hanna Halperin about her latest novel, I Could Live Here Forever.  Meet Hannah Halperin Hanna is the author of Something Wild, which won the 2021 Edward Lewis Wallant Award and was a finalist for the 2021 National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction. She joins me today to talk about her latest book, I Could Live Here Forever. Welcome to Uncorking a Story Hannah! Key Topics: 00:00:00 Introduction  00:03:59 Hanna's latest book 00:05:13 Hanna's motivation for writing about addictive relationships 00:14:37 How to get in touch with Hanna Buy I Could Live Here Forever Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H00H7V Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593492079 Connect With Hanna Website: https://www.hannahalperin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna.halperin/?hl=en   Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: http

On today's episode of Uncorking a Story, Author Shannon Duncan discusses the use of psychedelics as a tool for healing trauma, particularly childhood trauma and complex PTSD. The conversation revolves around the idea that psychedelics can be used to unlock the subconscious and help individuals process their trauma in a way that traditional talk therapy may not be able to achieve. The speakers caution that finding a qualified therapist who is experienced in dealing with trauma and has done their own deep work on psychedelics is crucial, as there are many unqualified individuals operating in the gray market who can be dangerous. The conversation also touches on the recreational use of psychedelics and how it differs from their therapeutic use. Meet Shannon Duncan Shannon Duncan is an entrepreneur and the author of “Present Moment Awareness.” He lives in California finding his way to an authentic expression of himself, including and especially his sense of humor, has been the most rewarding aspect of healing fr

Pattiann Rogers has published fifteen collections of poetry and two book-length essay collections, The Dream of the Marsh Wren and The Grand Array: Writings on Nature, Science, and Spirit. She is the recipient of two NEA grants, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a 2005 Literary Award in Poetry from the Lannan Foundation, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Missouri, College of Arts and Sciences. In 2018 she was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nature Poetry. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest collection, Flickering.  Buy Flickering Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AptTkN Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780143137665 Connect With Pattiann Website: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/pattiann-rogers   Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https

In this podcast episode, Mike interviews Karen White, a successful author of Southern women's fiction with a paranormal twist. Karen shares her journey as a writer and how she got started in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of reading and writing consistently to improve one's craft. Karen also talks about the influence of her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Anderson, who encouraged her to pursue writing. She discusses how she incorporates humor and history into her books and how her latest series, the Royal Street series, is different from her previous works.  Karen also opens up about the challenges she faced last year with the passing of her father and her daughter's wedding. She shares how she copes with difficult times and relies on her supportive friends in the writing community. The conversation ends on a lighthearted note as Karen talks about her love for ghost stories and how it inspired some elements in her books.  Meet Karen White Karen is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author o

Have you ever felt like, at times, you are the black sheep of your family? You know, those times when you question why you are so different from everyone else in your life or even your community? Many of us who turn to the arts have a little bit of the outcast in us for a variety of reasons, but I think the most common are that we just see the world differently than others and that we experience our feelings in more intense ways. I know that today’s guest, Kristina Lucia, feels the same way because we talked about it at length in our engaging conversation. Meet Kristina Lucia Kristina is an artist, creator, and author who ignites the imaginations of children and their parents through her limited edition animals and touching storybooks. Her humble beginnings in a small farm town where there was only one traffic light sparked her creativity at a young age and her adopted home of New York City keeps her inspired daily. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life as well as her books which include t

If there is one thing I’ve noticed that all pastors share in common, it’s the ability to tell a story, and Rev. Kenneth Nixon is no different. Kenneth joined me to talk about his debut memoir Born Into Crisis in which he discusses the necessary steps to healing and breaking free from the cycles of family traumas. Drawing from his own experience with dysfunctional family dynamics, Kenneth uses his story to call attention to the need for systemic change in our mental health system.  Meet Kenneth Nixon Kenneth Nixon is a pastor, community organizer, and mental health advocate. He knows firsthand what it means to navigate personal mental health challenges while also navigating a broken system on behalf of a loved one. Kenneth speaks out about the need for reform in the mental health system, and works to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. He also is the founder of the non-profit justice organization called Justice Now. Key Topics: How his personal experiences as a child of a mentally ill par

When she was in high school, Brittany Butler didn’t have dreams of working for the Central Intelligence Agency—she was a cheerleader and was in beauty pageants. Nevertheless, she had a successful career at the CIA and is now working hard to promote human rights for Afghan women and girls while also setting the record straight of what it's really like to be a female spy. Meet Brittany Butler Brittany spent nine years as a targeting officer within the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, Counterterrorism Center. Both at Langley and on temporary assignments in the Middle East, Brittany spearheaded operational efforts to achieve some of the most sensitive foreign intelligence objectives abroad. She has both first-hand knowledge of targeting methodologies used in the recruitment of spies and extensive field experience in working with foreign liaisons to discover and apprehend terrorists abroad. She is a staunch advocate for women’s rights in the Middle East and has worked for human rights campaigns in Afghanistan to p