Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Dan Andrews—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Dynamite Circle—to dig deep into what it means to write and lead in today’s creative landscape. Our conversation is a goldmine for aspiring authors who wrestle with the pressure to be original, the fear of starting, and the all-too-familiar sting of writer’s block. Together, we explore how the writing process—far from being mystical or reserved for geniuses—is something deeply...
Jul 18, 2025•58 min•Ep. 360
Send us a text When the world slowed during the pandemic, Steve Vannoy and I found an unexpected gift in that stillness. We began recording stories from his father, Smokey Vannoy—vivid tales of a bygone West Virginia filled with cinder-bottom towns, red-light districts, and river adventures. What started as a collection of oral history soon grew into something more—a shared book project, born from legacy and love. Adventures in Cinder Bottom became more than a family story. It turned into a vibr...
Jul 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 359
Send us a text What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? This existential question pulses at the heart of episode 358 of the Authors Who Lead podcast, where I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and now author Jeff Burningham. Our conversation, anchored in Burningham’s newly released book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI, explores personal disruption, spiritual awakening, and the bold, hopeful possibilities that AI...
Jun 27, 2025•46 min•Ep. 358
Send us a text Have you ever felt like you had a book inside you, but just couldn’t get started? 81% of North Americans believe they have a book in them—but only a tiny fraction ever see that dream to completion. In this episode, I explore the real reasons people don’t write their books, debunk common myths, and share actionable steps to help you finally move from wishing to writing. Timestamp: 00:00 Empowering Aspiring Writers 05:09 Defining Your Why in Writing 06:51 Overcoming Writer’s Block M...
Jun 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 357
Send us a text In the world of authorship and digital entrepreneurship, few names carry as much respect as Pat Flynn. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share the story of my apprenticeship under Pat—a journey rooted in service, vulnerability, and taking fast, decisive action. Our conversation delved deep into the principles at the core of Pat’s latest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less , and unpacked how stepping forward before you feel “ready” is often the key to bre...
Jun 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 356
Send us a text Many aspiring authors feel a pull to share their wisdom—especially about something as universal yet challenging as parenting. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Scott Jeffrey Miller offers a refreshingly candid perspective. Miller, an eight-time Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author, recently co-authored "Parenting: Wrong Turns, Right Lessons" with his teenage son, Thatcher. For Miller, writing a parenting book wasn’t just inevitable because of his professional backg...
May 29, 2025•53 min•Ep. 355
Send us a text Anyone who’s ever thought about writing a book knows the feeling: a mix of excitement, hope, and, yes—fear. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive deep into the emotional realm of writing, pulling back the curtain on the ten most common fears that keep writers from taking the next step. Timestamp: 00:00 Overcoming book-writing challenges 04:23 Organized writing: audience & strategy 08:37 Overcoming writing fears 10:58 Kaizen: power of small steps 15:53 Exclusive podcast f...
May 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 354
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Deborah Hammett, author of Salty at 60: Becoming Better Than Retired. Deborah’s story is the bold, honest tale of how she left her thirty-three-year career in education in pursuit of a freer, purpose-filled second act—sailing solo aboard her boat and, eventually, writing a book about her experience. Timestamp: 00:00 Trading chalkboards for chart plotters 05:16 Sailing while teaching online 09:22 Sailing adventure in retirement 1...
May 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 353
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, the powerhouse writing duo behind the riveting thriller Dark Rising. Both veterans with storied pasts—Brian, a former submarine officer with business acumen, and Jeffrey, a trauma surgeon and Navy veteran—found common ground far from the battlefield: at a thriller writing conference. Their partnership, as Jeffrey jokes, was born of “stalking” at the International Thriller Writers’ ThrillerFest, ...
May 08, 2025•42 min•Ep. 352
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I explore a critical and sometimes overlooked question for aspiring writers: Why write a book? While the dream of bestseller status or financial gain is tempting, I challenge listeners to think deeper. Through personal stories, hard truths about book sales, and my journey, I reveal that the value of authoring a book goes far beyond money or external validation. Timestamp: 00:00 Is authorship worth it? 05:41 Sharing knowledge beyond search 09:52...
Apr 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 351
Send us a text What does it mean to live an impactful life? Is it measured solely by the actions we take, or should we also be paying close attention to the opportunities we let pass by? In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Nick Cooney—venture capitalist, founder of Lever VC and the Lever Foundation, and author of What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More. Through our conversation, we tackle one of the thorniest philosophical questions for anyon...
Apr 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 350
Send us a text Aspiring authors often find themselves at a crossroads, deciding whether to follow their passion for writing or stay in a secure career. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Azul sits down with Aime Austin, a successful author of legal thrillers, to discuss her unique journey from the courtroom to the writing desk. This insightful conversation uncovers Aime’s path, creative processes, and advice for emerging writers. Timestamp: 00:00 Rushed graduate school decision 05:38 Endless i...
Apr 11, 2025•42 min•Ep. 349
Send us a text Writing and publishing a book is a significant achievement, yet the journey doesn't end there for many authors. The real challenge often lies in keeping the momentum of book sales going, especially after the initial launch euphoria fades. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I shed light on how authors can master the art of book marketing in 2025. Here, we dive deeper into the insights shared, exploring essential strategies for sustaining and enhancing book sales over time. Timest...
Mar 21, 2025•17 min•Ep. 348
Send us a text Writing a book is often seen as a solitary journey, characterized by the rhythmic tapping of keys as ideas flow from mind to paper. However, the path to becoming an author can be fraught with internal struggles, often rooted in deeper emotional complexities. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I discuss the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on a writer's ability to create, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotional depth in writing. Timestamp: 00:00 Em...
Mar 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 347
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with brand strategist and author Jen Kem to discuss the release of her book, " The Unicorn Team ." Our conversation explored building teams with unique energy and navigating the traditional publishing world, revealing lessons applicable to anyone's creative journey. Let's delve into the key insights shared and their profound impact on the essence of leadership and authorship. Timestamp: 00:00 Strategist’s approach to messaging 05:11 ...
Mar 07, 2025•45 min•Ep. 346
Send us a text The art of writing is much more than crafting sentences or perfecting grammar. It’s a bridge connecting your inner world to the outside, bearing stories untold and messages unsaid. In this episode of the Authors Who Lead, I share a heartfelt reflection on how writing is intertwined with living fully, urging aspiring authors to delve deeper than the superficial act of writing to uncover a more profound personal revelation. Timestamp: 00:00 Living Fully Through Writing 04:59 Writing...
Feb 23, 2025•20 min•Ep. 345
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I converse with Dennis James Sweeney, author of "How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses" and recipient of the Autumn House Rising Writer prize. Our discussion offers valuable insights into a writer's journey, the perseverance needed in the face of rejection, and the power of authenticity in one's writing. Timestamp: 00:00 Finding My Way Back to Writing 04:37 First Big Publishing Win 08:37 Finding...
Feb 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 344
Send us a text Starting a piece of writing can always be intimidating. Whether you've written a book before or are venturing into writing for the first time, the blank page can seem overwhelming. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve into the various aspects of writing challenges and how they can serve as a catalyst to kickstart your writing journey. Timestamp: 00:00 Unlock Writing Potential with Challenges 04:28 Mindset: Key to Overcoming Writer's Doubts 09:31 Overcome Fear: Write and Pu...
Feb 01, 2025•16 min•Ep. 343
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Denise Cecilia Frost and I delve into the grueling yet rewarding process of writing a novel. The takeaway is clear: the first draft is not about perfection but capturing a great story's essence. Drawing inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut, Denise emphasizes that every character must have a desire or goal to propel the narrative forward. It’s a stage where messiness is not just tolerated but encouraged. Resonating from my experience as a co-writer, I...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 342
Send us a text Every author faces challenges when writing a book—whether it's finding the right idea, battling imposter syndrome, or simply staring at a blank screen. You are not alone in this. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I emphasize that writing isn't a solitary endeavor but a community activity. Let’s dive into the key topics discussed in the podcast episode, exploring how a structured approach, inspired by Japanese Kaizen philosophy, can help you kickstart your writing journey throug...
Jan 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 341
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Shelby Leigh, a best-selling author and mental health advocate, to discuss the nuances of mastering organic reach in book marketing, the daily writing habit, and the importance of viewing oneself as a brand. With over 500,000 readers and a successful transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing, Shelby Leigh’s journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring and established authors alike. Timestamp: 00:00 Colleg...
Jan 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 340
Send us a text In this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I sit down with Kristen Van Nest. Kristen, a talented comedian, author, and business owner, sheds light on her unique writing process, the cultural nuances of living abroad, and her transition from a corporate career to creative pursuits. This episode dives deep into the intricacies of creativity, the challenges of expatriate life, and the transformative power of travel. Timestamp: 00:00 Kristen Van Nest: World-traveling comedian, w...
Jan 02, 2025•38 min•Ep. 339
Send us a text If you’re an author wondering whether attending a book fair is a good idea, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I dive into the unique opportunities book fairs offer to showcase your work, engage with readers, network with industry professionals, and more. Whether you’re a new author or an experienced one, participating in a book fair can provide invaluable experiences and help elevate your writing career. Timestamp: 00:00 Consider book fairs for promotion and speaking opp...
Dec 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 338
Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh, a Western-trained physician who has reconnected with her South Asian roots to explore Ayurvedic principles. Dr. Singh's latest book, "The Longevity Formula," brings ancient Ayurvedic wisdom to modern readers, focusing on how harmonizing with nature can promote a longer, healthier life. Let's delve into the key insights from our conversation and how adopting Ayurvedic practices can transform y...
Dec 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 337
Send us a text The school bell rings, signaling the end of a relentlessly long period. Students, from the youngest in elementary school to the seasoned veterans in high school, often find themselves mentally and physically exhausted by the demands of the modern classroom. However, Deb Lancaster, a veteran educator with years of experience, is championing a revolutionary concept that promises to transform education— brain breaks . Her insights into this concept were explored in-depth during her r...
Dec 12, 2024•28 min•Ep. 336
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Mike De Socio and I delve into the grueling yet transformational journey of writing a book. This conversation offers a treasure trove of insights for aspiring and seasoned authors alike. From the unwieldy nature of a single Google Doc and the emotional toll of editing to the personal transformations catalyzed by writing, this episode covers a myriad of key points that can make or break an author's journey. Timestamp: 00:00 Book reveals untold h...
Dec 05, 2024•41 min•Ep. 335
Send us a text Capturing attention in a sea of digital noise is a challenge and an art form. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Peter and I discuss the importance of humor and creativity in public relations (PR), highlighting strategies that propelled the mental health app Calm into the spotlight. Peter shares invaluable insights on the power of quirky PR, creative naming, and the essential practices startups should adopt for effective branding and marketing. Timestamp: 00:00 Inspired by invol...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 334
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I welcome Lydia Fenet, an accomplished author and CEO of Lydia Fenet Agency, for an enlightening discussion on the interplay between confidence, writing, and life's unexpected challenges. Our conversation offers profound insights for aspiring writers and anyone striving to carve their path with determination and resilience. Timestamp: 00:00 Announcing projects motivates me to complete them. 04:06 Writing book sparked New York Times profile requ...
Nov 14, 2024•47 min•Ep. 333
Send us a text Writing a book is a dream for many, but fear often stands in the way of making that dream a reality. In this compelling solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve into the core obstacles that aspiring authors face and offer tangible insights on how to overcome them. Let's explore the key themes providing a roadmap for anyone looking to transform their fear into a powerful motivator for writing. Timestamp: 00:00 Fear holds authors back from publishing work. 04:33 Start now: Organize...
Nov 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 332
Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I delve into the inspiring journey of eight young authors and their dedicated teacher, Natalie Wilkinson. Together, they crafted a powerful novel titled The Art of Giving a Crap , which encapsulates the essence of untold stories and the beauty of collaborative effort. Let’s unpack their journey, from the project's inception to seeing their work in print. Timestamp: 00:00 Students publish a book post-graduation with a teacher. 03:37 Discussing p...
Nov 01, 2024•20 min•Ep. 331
