Ballast Book Launch

Take a listen as Chad Jensen, former California police officer, discusses his new book, Badge Under Fire, with Ballast Books president Andy Symonds. Get your copy here! When Officer Jensen was falsely accused of excessive force during a lawful arrest, he trusted the justice system would protect him—until he became the target of what he alleges was a fraudulent FBI investigation and prosecution. With the support of his friends and family, Chad fought to uncover the truth, resolving to never give up the job he’d dreamt of as a little boy. Chad Jensen proudly served the citizens of the City of Pomona, California, as a police officer for twenty-four years. As a corporal in 2015, Chad was involved in a low-level use of force arrest that was within policy and the law. In 2017, the FBI began a witch-hunt investigation that resulted in a fraudulent grand jury indictment. 

Check out this episode as Zoë Gregory, author and former Playboy Bunny, talks her book, From Britain to Bunny, with Ballast Books president Andy Symonds. Get your copy here! What does it take to get from the tough streets of London to the glitz and glamour of the Playboy Mansion? Author Zoë Gregory takes readers on a journey through the rave scene of her rebellious youth to the stark reality of young motherhood and the economic pressures that drove her to reimagine her future. Join her through her life’s greatest turning points, including, of course, her relationship with the iconic Hugh Hefner. Zoë Gregory started her career in modeling at age seven, appearing in TV commercials and print media. Zoë later became a personal Playboy Bunny to Hugh Hefner, which offered her a unique glimpse into the Playboy Mansion. With her passion for storytelling, she evolved into a talented writer and author.

Check out Mark Hertling's discussion of his book, If I Don't Return, with Andy Symonds, president of Ballast Books.                                                When Mark Hertling was deployed to Iraq in 1990, he didn’t know if he’d ever return home. He started keeping a journal that could be passed down to his sons, writing about everything from the reality of combat during Operation Desert Storm and lessons on duty and humanity to stories of brotherhood and memories of his family. Now, decades later, he has returned to those journal entries and added detailed reflections to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the world. Part battlefield memoir, part father’s journal, part meditation on the challenges of leadership, If I Don’t Return is the story of a soldier who faced death, returned home, and continued to live a life of service.  Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling served thirty-eight years in the US Army, as a major in a cavalry squadron during Desert Storm; as an assistant division commander in the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad; and later as the commander of the 1st Armored Division in Northern Iraq. From 2014 to 2024, Mark appeared as a military and national security analyst for CNN/CNN International. Today, he is a freelance analyst and writes on national security and leadership issues for a variety of media outlets. Get your copy of If I Don't Return here!

Kodey Bogart is back with the fourth book in the Helo Girls series, The Agricultural Pilot, which follows an aerial team on their mission to help a farmer spray crops with pesticides. Check out her discussion with Andy Symonds, president of Blue Balloon Books, as they talk all things STEAM and aviation. Kodey Bogart is a former United States Army warrant officer and aviator who flew the Blackhawk during medical evacuation missions. She is a decorated combat veteran who has received two Air Medals and a Sikorsky Rescue Award. Kodey has extensive experience across aviation operations, including aviation safety, flight training, maintenance test flights, helicopter air ambulance, and aviation law enforcement. 

In Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis, Christmas gets a magical mix-up, Run-DMC–style! Take a listen as DMC—rapper, producer, and now author—gives an inside scoop to his new project. As Christmas approaches, Darryl is exploding with holiday anticipation! But first, he needs a new pair of glasses. A trip to the eye doctor opens his eyes to the many ways people celebrate the holidays. When he tries on their new cultural frames, he sees everything from colorful Hanukkah dreidels to the beautiful Diwali lights. Darryl learns that holiday joy comes in all shapes and sizes. With his new perspective on holiday cheer and tradition, Darryl is encouraged to make a selfless decision. He uses his allowance to gift the bike he’s had his eye on to a homeless boy. He realizes that the true spirit of Christmas isn't about getting but about giving.  Get a copy of Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis here!