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My Simplified Life

Michelle Glogovacmysimplifiedlife.libsyn.com
Read The Damn Book™ is the no-fluff spin-off of the Webby-nominated My Simplified Life podcast, created for people who actually read the books they talk about. Born out of a deep love for storytelling, and serious frustration with performative book culture, this show brings real conversations with real authors to the forefront. Host Michelle Glogovac, THE Podcast Matchmaker®, author, and creator of the Podcast Book Tour™, goes beyond the blurbs for unfiltered interviews about the books, the writers, and the issues that actually matter. Expect sharp takes, honest dialogue, and a healthy dose of “WTF is going on in publishing?” energy. No fake reading. No fluff. Just real people, real stories, and really damn good books. New episodes drop weekly. Welcome to Read The Damn Book™ - where the host actually reads the book before the interviews! Learn more about Michelle at https://michelleglogovac.com or explore The MLG Collective® at https://themlgcollective.com.
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Episodes

A Gardin Wedding with Rosey Lee

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac welcomes back acclaimed author Rosey Lee to dive into her latest novel, A Gardin Wedding . Together, they explore key themes such as the vital role of libraries in communities, how fashion enhances storytelling, and Rosey's inspiring journey balancing a medical career with her passion for writing. The conversation delves into the creative challenges of writing a sophomore novel, character development, and the heartwarming, uplifting ...

May 13, 202536 minEp. 311

Lessons We Teach As Mothers Without Trying

In this heartfelt episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac opens up about the complex and deeply personal journey of motherhood. As both a biological mom and a stepmom, Michelle shares honest reflections on the emotional highs and lows of parenting in today’s world. She explores the importance of providing emotional security for children and how empathy and compassion shape our roles as mothers. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Michelle honors all forms of motherhood—biological...

May 08, 202512 minEp. 310

Booked & Unfiltered: Embracing Your Season, Speaking Your Truth, and Reading the Spicy Books

In this episode of My Simplified Life , Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith, Michelle shares her candid reflections from her trip to the L.A. Times Festival of Books — from the chaos of traveling as moms to the unexpected empowerment found in spicy romance novels. They dive into real talk about managing expectations, navigating the pressure of influencer culture, and the importance of honoring your own season of life. Through laughter and honesty, Michelle and Stephanie remind listeners ...

May 07, 202549 minEp. 309

All The Signs with Jessie Rosen

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Jessie Rosen to talk about her latest novel, All the Signs . Together, they explore the creative highs and lows of writing, the unexpected ways astrology shapes personal growth, and how travel fuels Jessie’s storytelling. Jessie opens up about her evolution from astrology skeptic to curious believer—and how the zodiac now plays a powerful role in shaping her characters and their choices. They also dive into Jess...

May 06, 202533 minEp. 308

The Myth of Balance: Embracing Presence

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac gets real about the elusive idea of “balance” and why being present matters more than doing it all. Michelle opens up about the pressure of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, activism, and daily life — and the powerful shift that happens when we stop chasing perfection and start noticing the small wins. She shares honest moments, practical insights, and a message every woman needs to hear: you don’t have to do everything to ...

May 01, 202511 minEp. 307

Booked & Unfiltered: Empathy Through Literature: A Conversation on Reading

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith dive into the power of reading and its role in personal growth, empathy, and human connection. They discuss how diverse literature expands our understanding of others, the responsibility of politicians in shaping society, and why accountability matters. The conversation also highlights the importance of community involvement and offers a peek into their latest project—bringing homemade pies to author...

Apr 30, 202535 minEp. 306

Bearer Of Bad News with Elisabeth Dinni

In this powerful episode of My Simplified Life , host and podcast publicist Michelle Glogovac interviews debut author Elisabeth Dini about her new historical fiction novel, Bearer of Bad News . Recorded in celebration of the book’s launch, this episode dives deep into the novel’s compelling themes—blending humor with the harsh realities of World War II, war crimes, and the ongoing fight for human rights. Elisabeth shares her inspiring journey from international war crimes attorney to historical ...

Apr 29, 202534 minEp. 305

Who To Judge? with Anneliese Judge

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with actress Anneliese Judge—best known for her role in Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias and the founder of the book community Who To Judge? . Anneliese shares her journey into acting, what it’s really like behind the scenes on set, and how her love of storytelling extends far beyond the screen. They dive into the power of community through reading, the inspiration behind her book club, and the meaningful connections she’s made wi...

Apr 24, 202540 minEp. 304

Booked & Unfiltered: Travel, Bookstores & Big Dreams

In this Booked & Unfiltered episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac is joined by Stephanie Hockersmith for a heartfelt conversation about the power of family vacations and the lifelong memories made through travel. They dive into the joys and chaos of traveling with kids, the healing that happens when families unplug together, and the beauty of investing in experiences over things. From navigating career changes to dreaming about opening a bookstore, Michelle and Stephanie ref...

Apr 23, 202536 minEp. 303

Women Are Angry with Jennifer Cox

Michelle Glogovac welcomes psychotherapist and author Jennifer Cox to My Simplified Life for a candid conversation about her book Women Are Angry . They dive into how society views and polices women’s anger, the emotional fallout of current events, and the political weight of expressing rage as a woman. The episode explores issues like body autonomy, how COVID disrupted women’s support systems, and the deep connection between stress and physical health. Jennifer sheds light on why it’s crucial f...

Apr 22, 202535 minEp. 302

Why Democracy Needs You: Security, Identity & Action with Dr. Nola Haynes

In this powerful episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Dr. Nola Haynes—national security expert, space policy strategist, and fierce advocate for democracy. Together, they explore Dr. Haynes’ inspiring journey from the entertainment industry to academia, and her work in shaping the future of space security and national defense. This conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of global threats, the fragile state of democracy, and why political engagement i...

Apr 17, 202538 minEp. 301

Booked & Unfiltered: Milestone Moments: 300 Episodes of Real Talk, Routines, Reading & Revelations

In this celebratory 300th episode of the My Simplified Life Podcast, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith reflect on their journey, share personal stories, and discuss the importance of finding joy in everyday life. They explore themes of productivity, family responsibilities, and the significance of spirituality and signs in their lives. The conversation also touches on the impact of current events and the importance of self-care routines, all while recommending various lite...

Apr 16, 202540 minEp. 300

Breaking Genre Boundaries in Writing with Rachel Howzell-Hall

In this episode of My Simplified Life podcast, host and podcast publicist Michelle Glogovac interviews bestselling crime fiction author turned romantic fantasy writer Rachel Howzell Hall. Rachel shares her inspiring writing journey, from her early love of storytelling to breaking barriers in the publishing industry. She discusses the challenges of being a Black female author, the impact of family support, and her bold transition from crime novels to romantic fantasy books. This episode offers va...

Apr 15, 202530 minEp. 299

Ed Begley Jr.: A Life of Activism and Reflection

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Ed Begley Jr., an actor and environmental activist. They discuss Ed's journey to writing his memoir, To The Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It , his lifelong commitment to environmentalism, and his friendship with Cesar Chavez. Ed shares personal stories, the importance of activism, and how individuals can make a difference in their communities. The conversation also touches on the significance of meditation and persona...

Apr 10, 202525 minEp. 298

Booked & Unfiltered: Self-Acceptance, Creativity, and Women Supporting Women

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and guest Stephanie Hockersmith discuss the challenges of navigating life with ADD, the importance of self-acceptance, and the complexities of parenting and education. They delve into the impact of AI on creativity and authorship, emphasizing the need for a moral compass in business. The conversation highlights the significance of women supporting each other in their professional journeys, celebrating milestones, and exploring persona...

Apr 09, 202535 minEp. 297

Politics and Business: A Necessary Conversation

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac discusses the intersection of politics and business, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal beliefs and values as a business owner. She encourages listeners to embrace compassion, empathy, and joy amidst political turmoil, and to use their voices to support communities and causes they believe in. Michelle highlights that politics permeates every aspect of life and that being vocal about one's beliefs can foster a supportive communi...

Apr 08, 202514 minEp. 296

Raising An Organized Child with Dr. Damon Korb

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Dr. Damon Korb, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, about his book Raising an Organized Child . They discuss the importance of instilling organizational skills in children, the role of parents in modeling these behaviors, and practical steps to help children become more organized and independent. The conversation covers various topics including the significance of routines, recognizing individual learning styles, ...

Apr 03, 202531 minEp. 295

Booked & Unfiltered: Dinner Parties, Murder Mysteries & Mindfulness

In this episode of My Simplified Life, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith explore themes of nostalgia through the iconic show Friends , discuss influential figures they would invite to a dinner party, delve into the principles of Buddhism and mindfulness, and reflect on the balance of depth and lightness in their conversations. They also share their love for British murder mysteries as a source of comfort and relaxation. In this engaging conversation, Michelle and Stephanie explor...

Apr 02, 202533 minEp. 294

Civic Engagement: The Key to Community Change

Summary In this episode of My Simplified Life Podcast, host Michelle Glogovac discusses the importance of connection and civic engagement during challenging times. She emphasizes the need for community involvement, particularly through initiatives like California Moms for Good, which aims to empower mothers and advocate for positive change. Michelle encourages listeners to stay hopeful and engaged while also taking care of their mental well-being amidst the chaos of current events. What We're Ta...

Apr 01, 202511 minEp. 293

A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl with Nanda Reddy

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Nanda Reddy about her debut novel, A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl . They discuss the themes of immigration, identity, and trauma, as well as the writing process and the importance of representation in literature. Nanda shares her personal connection to the story and the challenges she faced during her journey to publication, highlighting the collaborative nature of writing and the role of research in crafting he...

Mar 27, 202530 minEp. 292

Booked & Unfiltered: Red Flags, Real Talk & Reading Between the Lines

In this episode of My Simplified Life, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith discuss various life updates, delve into literary discussions, and share insights from the Ruby Frankie documentary. They explore the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, the impact of authors' backgrounds on their writing, and the significance of parenting lessons derived from documentaries. The conversation also touches on celebrity encounters, aspirations, and upcoming events, culminating...

Mar 26, 202543 minEp. 291

The Persist Network with Rhonda Foxx

In this conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Rhonda Foxx discuss the importance of women's voices in politics, the creation of the Persist network, and the need for civic engagement. Rhonda shares her experiences running for Congress and the challenges women face in political spaces. They emphasize the significance of grassroots organizing and the power of community in advocating for change. The conversation highlights the role of education in civic engagement and the necessity for women to suppo...

Mar 25, 202534 minEp. 290

The Hitchcock Hotel with Stephanie Wrobel

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith interview author Stephanie Wrobel about her latest novel, The Hitchcock Hotel . The conversation delves into the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on Wrobel's writing, the complexities of artistic admiration, and the exploration of unlikable characters in psychological thrillers. Wrobel shares her journey to becoming an author, her thoughts on the future of her writing, and the delicate balance between re...

Mar 20, 202537 minEp. 289

Booked & Unfiltered: Finding Connection Through Stories - The Power of Books and Laughter

In this episode of My Simplified Life, the Booked & Unfiltered Wednesday series, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Steph Hockersmith discuss the importance of self-care, the power of reading, and the challenges of parenting. They explore various genres of literature, the significance of diverse voices in books, and the role of literature in navigating difficult times. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on life, parenting, and the joy of reading. W...

Mar 19, 202546 minEp. 288

Unconditional with Dr. Samra Zafar

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Dr. Samra Zafar, a physician, author of Unconditional , and advocate for women's empowerment. Dr. Zafar shares her inspiring journey from being a child bride in a forced marriage to becoming a successful doctor and author. The conversation delves into themes of overcoming adversity, the importance of storytelling in personal growth, navigating relationships, and empowering the next generation. Dr. Zafar emphasizes the need...

Mar 18, 202535 minEp. 287

Counting Backwards with Jackie Friedland

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews author Jacqueline Friedland about her new novel, Counting Backwards . The conversation delves into the book's themes of women's rights, immigration, and the historical context of reproductive rights in America. Jacqueline shares her personal journey from being an attorney to becoming a novelist, highlighting the importance of storytelling in raising social awareness. The discussion also touches on the relevance of the book ...

Mar 13, 202530 minEp. 286

Democracy In Retrograde with Sami Sage

This is the inaugural book club meeting of Books That Build which was livestreamed. Michelle is joined by Sami Sage who discusses her journey as a co-founder of Betches Media, co-author of Democracy In Retrograde and the importance of making news accessible to younger audiences. Sami emphasizes the connection between politics and culture, and how civic engagement can serve as a form of self-care. The discussion also covers the significance of local involvement in politics, navigating conversatio...

Mar 11, 202544 minEp. 285

Everything We Thought Was True with Lisa Montanaro

In this engaging conversation, Lisa Montanaro shares her journey from a legal career to becoming a novelist with her debut book, Everything We Thought Was True . The discussion delves into the themes of family dynamics, emotional trauma, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Lisa reflects on her personal experiences that inspired her characters and the emotional truths woven throughout her narrative. The conversation highlights the significance of fiction in fostering understanding and ...

Mar 06, 202532 minEp. 284

Some Other Time with Angela Brown

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Angela Brown reconnect to discuss Angela's latest novel, Some Other Time . They explore the themes of the book, including the Butterfly Effect, the complexities of motherhood, and the importance of identity beyond being a parent. Angela shares her writing process and the challenges of creating relatable characters, while also reflecting on the significance of simple living and the choices that shape our lives. What We're Talking About... Angel...

Mar 04, 202531 minEp. 283

Dirty Diana with Jen Besser & Shana Feste

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Glogovac speaks with authors Jen Besser and Shana Feste about their journey in creating the scripted podcast and book series Dirty Diana and Diana in Love . They discuss the importance of open conversations around female desire, the challenges of portraying flawed characters, and the vulnerability involved in creative expression. The authors share insights into their characters' journeys, the impact of female friendships, and the evolving nature of persona...

Feb 27, 202533 minEp. 282
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