Sharing the Heart of the Matter

In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Gloria Golec about her memoir, South Side Memories. The conversation explores themes of family, immigrant experiences, and the power of storytelling. Gloria shares insights on how her Polish heritage and family dynamics shaped her identity and writing journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preserving personal narratives, the emotional connections that come from sharing stories, and provides the inspiration for writing our own stories.TakeawaysThe book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.Teaching experiences can influence one's writing and storytelling approach.Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.Links for this episode:⁠How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript⁠⁠Gloria Golec's profile on Eckhartz Press⁠South Side Memories on ⁠Eckhartz Press⁠From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠

In this episode of 'How to Share', hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Marc Ross about his latest geopolitical thriller, 'Attacking the Dragon'. The conversation delves into the book's plot, which revolves around China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Ross's background as a lawyer influenced his writing. They explore the complexities of Chinese politics, character development, and the nuances of storytelling, as well as Ross's personal journey from law to fiction writing.Takeaways:Marc Ross's book 'Attacking the Dragon' explores China's geopolitical landscape.The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic.Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative.His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre.Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling.Ross's writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author.He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers.The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions.Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives.Links for this Episode:Sharing the Heart of the Matter HomeA. Marc Ross's website: ⁠https://www.amarcross.com/index.html⁠Attacking the Dragon on ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ and ⁠Amazon⁠From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith

In this episode of the podcast, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with novelist Doug E. Jones about Take Me Back to Chicago. Our conversation delves into the rich tapestry of 1974 Chicago, exploring the characters, music, and personal connections that shape the narrative. Doug also shares insights into his transition from TV writing as a writer for the tv show Charmed (and more) to novel writing. We also talk about the thematic elements of his work, and the humor that permeates his storytelling. The episode highlights the importance of character dynamics and the personal experiences that inform Doug's writing, making it a delightful exploration of both the book and the author's journey.TakeawaysDoug E. Jones’s novel is set in 1974 Chicago, rich with cultural references.The protagonist, Rick, faces a significant debt left by his father.The book features strong female characters, including Rick’s daughter Elena.Doug’s writing process involves integrating real Chicago characters and events.The transition from TV writing to novel writing was liberating for Doug.Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the story.The character dynamics between Rick and his friend Javi add humor and depth.Historical context is woven into the narrative, enhancing the story’s richness.Doug’s personal experiences influence the characters and settings in his novels.The book is described as a ‘beach read’—entertaining and engaging.Heads up! This is an episode that has already aired on the How to Share podcast so you may have already listened to it.Links for this episode:How to Share1970’s Chicago transcriptTake Me Back to Chicago by Doug E. Jones on Eckhartz PressQ&A with Take Me Back to Chicago author Doug E. JonesFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com

Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with author Ilsa Rey about her book, Wish I Was Here that will be released on December 23, 2025. The conversation delves into the thrilling narrative where Anna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill and is kidnapped for it. In a desperate attempt to save him, Anna takes the pill herself, leading to a race against time to find him and secure the antidote before she remains invisible forever.Ilsa tells us about her 10 year journey of writing the book as well as all the ways she used rejection and feedback to grow. We talk about writing in the zone as well as the research that goes into great books like Wish I Was Here.TakeawaysAnna's best friend Isaac invents an invisibility pill.Isaac is kidnapped for his invention.Anna takes the invisibility pill to save herself.She has one week to find Isaac and the antidote.Remaining invisible could lead to insanity and death.Anna must follow clues left by Isaac.The story explores themes of friendship and urgency.The narrative is filled with adventure and suspense.The invisibility pill serves as a catalyst for the plot.The stakes are high as Anna races against time.Links for this episode:For show notes and more great inspiration, please see https://sharingtheheartofthematter.comVideo Trailer for "Wish I Was Here": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Py-B0EbMMmEV3QBsxDHxVX4Pfr3d04wy/view?usp=sharingPurchase Wish I Was Here on Black Rose WritingIlsa's blog: Writing and Martial ArtsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with licensed nutritionist Meg Bowman, discussing her book 'This Is Your Body on Trauma.' They explore the intricate relationship between nutrition, trauma, and emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of safety as a nutrient and how the way we eat can impact our health. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding our nervous system's state, the role of food in family dynamics, and practical strategies for creating a safe eating environment. Meg shares her insights on the FIGS protocol and the personal journey of writing her book, encouraging listeners to approach their relationship with food with kindness and curiosity.TakeawaysSafety is the most important nutrient for the nervous system.How you eat is as important as what you eat.Understanding your nervous system state can influence food choices.Food is often a reflection of deeper needs for safety and stability.Nutrition requires a personal and nuanced approach.Creating a safe eating environment can enhance well-being.The FIGS protocol helps assess individual nutritional needs.Storytelling and emotional state impact our relationship with food.Removing shame from food choices is crucial for healing.Self-care should focus on centering individual needs.Links for this episode:⁠How to Share home⁠⁠This Is Your Body on Trauma — MegBowman⁠⁠This Is Your Body on Trauma | Book byMeg Bowman | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster⁠From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠Wynne’s book about her beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠; Blog: ⁠https://wynneleon.com/⁠

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren Scott talks with Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson about her journey of grief and healing after the loss of her beloved dog, Copper. Through poetry, she found a way to express her emotions and honor Copper's memory, culminating in her book 'King Copper.' The conversation explores the deep bond between pets and their owners, the process of creating a tribute, and the importance of allowing oneself to grieve. Lauren also discusses her future projects, including a children's book about camping experiences, highlighting the ongoing journey of love and remembrance. Takeaways Lauren Scott wrote poetry to cope with the loss of her dog Copper. The book 'King Copper' is a tribute to the joy and grief of pet ownership. Writing poetry provided Lauren with a cathartic outlet for her emotions. The process of creating the book helped Lauren feel connected to Copper. Grief has no timeline, and it's okay to take time to heal. The book includes joyful poems as well as those reflecting grief. Lauren's experience resonates with many pet owners who face similar losses. The importance of honoring the memory of beloved pets through storytelling. Lauren's next project is a children's book about camping experiences. The love for pets is unconditional and deeply impactful. Links for this Episode:Sharing the Heart of the Matter HomeKing Copper on AmazonLauren's blog: Baydreamer WritesFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Michael Atman, who shares the journey of his book Cherry Whip, which has been republished 20 years after its initial release. The conversation delves into themes of self-awareness, the significance of personal experiences, and the cultural insights gained from living in Japan. Michael discusses the importance of humor in storytelling and the lessons learned throughout his writing journey.TakeawaysMichael Atman's journey with Cherry Whip spans over two decades.Self-awareness is a recurring theme in all of Michael's works.The protagonist Hiroshi's struggles reflect the complexities of the human condition.Michael's experiences in Japan greatly influenced his writing.The humor in Cherry Whip serves to highlight serious themes.Writing can take time, and patience is essential for authors.Transformation is a key element in both literature and life.Cultural perspectives can enrich storytelling.Michael's writing process emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge.Future projects continue to explore themes of personal growth and identity.Links for this episode:Show notes on Sharing the Heart of the Matter websiteCherry Whip by Michael Antman |GoodreadsCherry Whip: Twentieth AnniversaryEdition: Antman, Michael: 9781069096579: Amazon.com: BooksFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode , hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Michele Lee Sefton, discussing her new book 'Jade's Broken Bridge'. The conversation delves into Michele's personal journey of courage and healing following the loss of her father, herexperiences in writing as a therapeutic tool, and her future creative projects.The episode highlights the importance of storytelling in overcoming personal struggles and the transformative power of writing.TakeawaysMichele's book 'Jade's Broken Bridge' is inspired by her personal experiences.Writing can serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.Facing fears can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.The loss of her father motivated Michele to pursue her writing dreams.Michele emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards overcoming fear.Fictionalizing her story allowed Michele to express herself creatively.The natural world plays a significant role in Michele's writing.Michele's future projects include republishing her novellas and a poetry collection.The act of writing can provide clarity and perspective on past experiences.Michele aims to help others through her storytelling.Links for this Episode:Jade's Broken Bridge on Barnes & Noble and AmazonA poet's pivotal post on my inspired lifeWe did it! on my inspired lifeFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinsonengage with author Deborah Brasket about her debut novel, 'When Things Go Missing.' The conversation delves into the themes of motherhood, identity, and the complexities of family dynamics, as well as Brasket's personal experiences, including her adventurous sailing journey around the world. The discussion also touches on her creative process and future writing projects, providing insights into the life of a dedicated author.  Takeaways Deborah's novel explores the impact of a mother's disappearance on her family.The story highlights themes of loyalty, loss, and dysfunction.Brasket's personal experiences influenced her writing.The characters' journeys reflect real-life struggles with identity.The novel's title encapsulates the essence of loss.Brasket's sailing adventure inspired her storytelling.The creative process can be long and challenging.Brasket emphasizes the importance of prioritizing writing time.The next book will explore themes of love and rebellion.Readers can relate to the emotional depth of the characters.Links for this episode: Sharing the Heart of the Matter homewww.deborahjbrasket.com seastonepress@gmail.com"When Things Go Missing" available on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, and all major retailers.From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon Vicki Atkinson engage with author Chris Thelen, discussing his latest political thriller, Race for Redemption, and the challenges of writing a sequel to his previous work, Islands of Deception. Chris shares insights into his writing process, the importance of character development, and the balance of managing multiple writing projects. The conversation also touches on the significance of research in creating authentic narratives and the creative growth that comes from switching genres. Chris offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of networking and putting one's work out into the world.takeawaysWriting a sequel presents unique challenges, including maintaining character consistency.Chris balances multiple writing projects, including a light science fiction book.Research plays a crucial role in Chris's writing, enhancing authenticity.Feedback from readers can significantly influence character development in sequels.Switching genres can help authors grow creatively and expand their readership.Blogging is a valuable tool for writers to share their work and receive feedback.Networking within the writing community can open doors for aspiring authors.The creative process often involves vulnerability and the courage to seek help.Links for this episode:Chris Thelen's website: https://chrisgthelen.com/Race for Redemption on Amazon and Barnes & NobleFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.c

In this episode, Bob Conlon talks with Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon about his book 'Celtic Knot,' which tells the story of his grandfather, Tim Conlon, an Irish immigrant who faced numerous challenges in 19th-century Chicago. The conversation explores themes of resilience, family, community, and the importance of storytelling in preserving history. Bob shares insights into his research process, the historical events intertwined with Tim's life, and the significance of the Celtic knot as a symbol of connection and continuity.TakeawaysBob Conlon's book 'Celtic Knot' is inspired by his grandfather's life.Tim Conlon was orphaned at a young age and faced many challenges.The importance of family gatherings in storytelling.Historical events like the Chicago fire shaped Tim's life.Resilience and ingenuity are central themes in Tim's story.Community played a vital role in immigrant lives in Chicago.The Celtic knot symbolizes connection and continuity.Bob's legal background influenced his research and writing process.The Eastland disaster is a significant yet overlooked tragedy.Storytelling is essential for preserving family history and heritage.Links for this episode:Sharing the Heart of the Matter homeCeltic Knot | Eckhartz PressQ&A with "Celtic Knot"author Robert Conlon | Eckhartz PressNew book honors author's ancestor,city of Chicago - The HinsdaleanFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode hosts Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with writer Michael Frutig, who shares insights into his diverse creative projects, the collaborative writing process, and the importance of exploring different genres to maintain creativity. Michael discusses his journey as a co-author, the challenges of writing humor, and the personal connections he weaves into his characters. The conversation also touches on his writing discipline and future projects, including an audiobook adaptation of his epic poem.TakeawaysWriting is a powerful tool for personal expression.Co-writing requires trust and collaboration.Exploring different genres can enhance creativity.Daily writing discipline can lead to significant progress.Characters often reflect aspects of the writer's self.Humor in writing is challenging but rewarding.Feedback from readers can be invaluable.Writing can be a cathartic process.Inspiration can come from everyday experiences.The journey of writing is as important as the final product.Links for this episodeShow Notes on Sharing the Heart of the MatterMichael Frutig (website/blog)  Quintology novellas Amazon.com: Whiskey: The Quintilogy Part 1 eBook : Frutig, Michael: Kindle Store   The Ring of Dain Thar Duin” Invocation - YouTube  Lincoln and Chicago by John Toman and Michael Frutig on AmazonFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode, hosts Wynne  Leon and VickiAtkinson engage with authors Amy Goober and Gwen Borden, discussing their book 'My Mother Always Says: 25 Lessons for Finding the Silver Lining.' The conversation explores the wisdom passed down through generations, theimportance of reframing experiences, and the power of optimism in overcoming life's challenges. Amy and Gwen share personal stories that highlight resilience, the significance of mother-daughter relationships, and the lessons learned from both good and bad experiences. The episode emphasizes the value of vulnerability, the journey of self-discovery, and the legacy of love and adventure that shapes our lives.takeawaysThe book combines memoir and self-help, sharing life lessons.Gwen's experiences during historical events provide a unique perspective.Mother-daughter relationships are timeless and impactful.Modeling behavior is crucial in parenting and teaching.Vulnerability is essential for personal growth and connection.Optimism can be a powerful tool in facing adversity.Learning from experiences, both good and bad, is vital.Intergenerational wisdom enriches our lives and understanding.It's important to embrace change and reinvent oneself.The journey of life is filled with opportunities for growth.Links for this episode:Episode 120 show notesMy Mother Always Says on AmazonMy Mother Always Says website Amy Goober - Action CoachFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com

In this episode, Linda Broenniman talks with Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson about her journey of uncovering her family's Jewish heritage, which began with a surprising revelation about her father's identity.Through extensive research, she explores eight generations of her family history, revealing secrets, trauma, and the impact of historical events on her identity. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of writing her book, 'The Pulitzer Saga,' and how it has facilitated healing and connection with her ancestry.Takeaways Linda discovered her father's Jewish heritage at 27.The honor awarded to her mother sparked her research.Researching her family history helped her find forgiveness.Understanding her father's trauma changed her perspective.The importance of asking the right questions about family history.The emotional weight of family secrets can be profound.Visual elements in her book enhance the storytelling.Collaboration with historians was crucial for accuracy.The journey of discovery can lead to unexpected connections. Writing the book was a form of intergenerational healing.Links for this episode:Episode 119 show notesThe Politzer SagaThe Politzer Saga on AmazonFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author RitishSharma, who, along with co-author Deepak Joshi, has created a series of books titled 'Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind the series, the process of finding and vetting stories of global heroes, and the emotional impact these narratives have on readers. Ritish shares insights into the power of storytelling and the importance of highlighting acts of kindness in a world that often focuses on negativity. The episode emphasizes the need for positivity and the celebration of individuals making a difference without seeking recognition.TakeawaysRitish and Deepak started the series to highlight unsung heroes.• The stories aim to inspire and give recognition to those who care.• Readers contribute by suggesting heroes from their communities.• Research is crucial to ensure the authenticity of the stories.• The emotional depth of the stories resonates with readers.• Storytelling can create a ripple effect of kindness.• Every detail in a hero's story matters for emotional connection.• The series showcases a global community of heroes.• Acts of kindness can change lives and inspire others.• Celebrating good in the world is essential, especially today.Links for this podcast:Sharing the Heart of the Matter HomeUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part III on AmazonUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part II on AmazonUnfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes Part I on AmazonAspiring Blog: https://theblogera.com/From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this episode of the Heart of the Matter podcast, host Wynne Leon and co-host Vicki Atkinson engage in a deepconversation with mentalist and author Alexander Beresford. They explore themes of human connection, the interplay between magic and writing, and the insights derived from Beresford's works, including 'Mr. Fenwick and the Door That Stayed Closed (Until It Didn't)' and 'The Inward Stage'. The discussion highlights the importance of vulnerability, presence, and the subtle nuances of human interaction, both in performance and in life. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explorethe intricate relationship between performance and audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in magic and mentalism. Theydiscuss the terminology used in the field, the impact of live performances, and the significance of intuition in connecting with audiences. The conversation also delves into personal reflections on writing and growth, as well as the future of live entertainment in an increasingly digital world.Takeaways• Human connection is central to both magic and writing.• Vulnerability is more impactful than cleverness in performance.• Silence can enhance connection and understanding.• Magic and literature both evoke wonder and presence.• The act of writing can be a form of magic.• Presence in storytelling can transform the reader's experience.• Connection with the audience is essential for performers.• Subtlety in storytelling can convey deep truths.• The crossover between magic and writing enriches both art forms.• Creativity is sparked by curiosity and exploration. There's a constant connection with the audience during performances.• The language of magic is important; 'effects' are preferred over 'tricks'.• Live experiments can create memorable moments for both performer and audience.• The energy of a live audience enhances the performance experience.• Performers often connect with the emotions of their audience.• Writing can be a reflection of personal growth and experiences.• Intuition plays a crucial role in performance and audience connection.• Live entertainment is becoming more valuable in a digital age.• Personal stories can resonate deeply with audiences during performances.Links for this episode:Episode 117 show notesAlexander Beresford's website: Eyes and MindsFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this inspiring episode, Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson are talking with filmmaker, philanthropist and author, Peter Samuelson.Peter produced films such as Return of Pink Panther, and Revenge of the Nerds. He’s worked with Steve McQueen, Peter Sellers, and started four philanthropies, including one with Steven Spielberg. And now he’s written this incredible book that combines the amazing and entertaining episodes from all those adventures with reflective lessons and learning. He tells us how he came to write this book, writing at 5am each morning to alternate between lessons learned on some days and anecdotes on others. He tells us the story that sparked the first charity he founded, Starlight, granting wishes to sick kids and their families.Peter teaches a course called Random Acts of Kindness and Pay It Forwards. He explains the crossover between underprivileged kids and acts of service and tells some heart-grabbing stories.We talk about Peter’s delightful father, Sir Sydney Samuelson and his infectious ability to talk to everyone. Peter relates a wonderful story about how his dad made a great connection to benefit his First Star foundation and how the ripple effect of Sir Sydney’s life continues on.Peter tells us how he fell in love with his now wife of 40 years and gives some really solid advice about how to meet like-minded others. Vicki and I were transfixed by Peter’s incredible energy and enthusiasm. His application of the 2nd law of thermodynamics will move you into wanting to make a difference. His stories will leave you smiling and charmed. Finding Happy is a great book that launches on Tuesday, June 10th. It’s such a fun read for all, but especially young adults, and a perfect gift idea for dads and grads. Join us for this inspiring episode with the delightful Peter Samuelson. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 116 show notesFinding Happy on AmazonPeter Samuelson | PR by the BookFrom the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In episode 115, Vicki and Wynne engage with author Danny Miller, who shares insights from his book, 'The Way of the Wave.' The conversation explores themes of surrendering control, embracing creativity, navigating life's challenges, and the importance of self-care. Danny recounts his personal journey of transformation, emphasizing the significance of trusting the flow of life and the lessons learned through various experiences. The episode concludes with Danny reading his poignant poem, 'Life's Lantern.'Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:Danny Miller discusses his journey of surrendering control.He emphasizes the importance of creativity and flow in life.Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being.Danny shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his lessons.The concept of 'wave obstructors' and 'wave enhancers' is introduced.He highlights the significance of attentive listening in parenting.Danny reflects on the importance of navigating life's lulls.The conversation touches on the power of vulnerability in storytelling.Danny's poem, 'Life's Lantern,' encapsulates his philosophy.The episode encourages embracing life's unpredictability.This is a fantastic episode with a whole-hearted author sharing valuable and vulnerable lessons. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 115 show notesDanny's website danielamiller.com Danny's book, "The Way of the Wave":  https://www.amazon.com/Way-Wave-Natures-Navigating-Currents/dp/0982893078). Danny also narrated the audio book, available on Amazon, B&N, and Apple iTunes.From the Hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this fascinating episode, Vicki and Wynne talk with author, Mark Wukas. Mark has just released his debut novel, The Kiss of the Night. It’s a book more than 40 years in the making. Mark talks about how he cultivated the book that lived inside him for so long.We also get to hear about his careers as a journalist and teacher. He tells us what it was like to work a 5pm – 2pm shift as a City News reporter in Chicago.Vicki and Wynne get the details of the interplay of journalists and police and the gritty feeling of the denizens of the night.Mark and Vicki talk about some of the notable Chicago landmarks featured in the story. Wynne can attest that even for non-Chicagoans, the incredible details of place and time provide a richly textured backdrop for this gripping story.Mark turns the tables on us to find out our favorite parts of the book – the diner scenes, the difference between facts and the truth, and the coming of age shift that happens as we face the real world.This is a fantastic episode with a fascinating author about a riveting book. We know you'll love it!Links for this episode:Episode 114 show notesMark's recent interview on WGN Radio."The Kiss of Night" - Available exclusively from Eckhartz PressRick Kogan's column in the Chicago Tribune: Former City News kid Mark Wukas delivers "The Kiss of the Night"From the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

In this thrilling episode, Vicki Atkinson and I have the pleasure of chatting with the captivating thriller author, Carl Vonderau.Carl left the world of international banking to become a writer, and he masterfully weaves his banking knowledge and upbringing as a Christian Scientist into his novels.Carl takes us on a journey as he shares his meticulous research process for the locations in his books. His dedication to capturing the essence of each place is truly fascinating.We admire and chuckle at Carl's language skills. He shares the wisdom that to speak a foreign language, you must be willing to embrace embarrassment.Get an exclusive preview of Carl's upcoming book, "Past Due." Discover why one of his core themes is the necessity for families to grow and evolve.This is a must-listen episode featuring an intriguing author, adventurer, and family man, Carl Vonderau. We know you'll love it!Links for this episodeEpisode 113 show notesCarl Vonderau » Carl VonderauCarl Vonderau on AmazonCarl Vonderau on GoodreadsFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/