Quixotic Heights Podcast

Welcome to the Quixotic Heights Podcast, where we climb to new perspectives through stories of resilience, identity, and creativity.Our next guest is Bill Hulseman—an educator, ritual designer, and author of the memoir "six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward."Bill is from Chicago and the East Coast and now lives in Seattle. He is the youngest of ten children who grew up in a large Irish Catholic family, navigating questions of faith and identity, and coming out as a gay man. In 2019, he turned to writing to process grief, burnout, and the search for meaning. In this conversation, we’ll explore the intersections of loss and healing, the power of rituals in modern life, and what it truly means to move forward after heartbreak.To learn more about Bill:https://www.facebook.com/billhulsemanritualshttps://www.youtube.com/@billhulseman1251/https://www.linkedin.com/in/billhulseman/https://www.billhulseman.com/reflectionhttps://www.instagram.com/billhulsemanrituals/Bill Hulseman is a writer, ritual designer, and former educator whose work explores identity, belonging, and personal agency. His debut book, “six to carry the casket and one to say the mass,” is a collection of deeply personal essays examining the identities we inherit, the traditions we navigate, and the power we have to shape our own narratives. Through reflections on family, Catholicism, and queer identity, Hulseman offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to carve out space for oneself in a world that often seeks to define us.A former middle school principal, teacher, and campusminister, Hulseman holds degrees in religious studies, the comparative study of religion, and education leadership. His time in Catholic schools gave him both a profound appreciation for faith and a firsthand understanding of the tensions between personal identity and institutional tradition. His writing is informed by this background, as well as his deep love for pop culture—where figures like Madonna and “The Golden Girls” helped him see himself long before the world was ready to.Hulseman now lives in Seattle with his husband, Jonathon, where he continues to write, design rituals, and lead meaningful conversations about identity, faith, and belonging. Learn more at BillHulseman.com.

Our next guest on the Quixotic Heights Podcast is Marty Ludlum, a storyteller, lawyer, and university professor.Marty has a sharp mind for business law and international trade, and a heart for storytelling that’s pure gold. He is the author of "At First I Was Afraid," the first book in his vibrant Disco Divas Series, where glitter meets grit, and every page has a beat.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019, Marty now donates a portion of every book sale to MS research, turning his personal journey into a force for good.So grab your platform shoes, adjust that mirror ball, and get ready to hear how law, life, and disco can dance together in unexpected harmony. We couldn't ask for a better guest to kick off 2026 with an inspirational message of keep fighting and keep living with your sense of humor intact!Marty Ludlum is the author of the Disco Divas novels, a mystery series set in Las Vegas with Detective Donna Summer Wyznecki. Yes, she's named after the disco diva. It’s a long story.When not writing, Marty is an award-winning college professor of Business Law at the University of Central Oklahoma. He enjoys international travel with his college sweetheart, Kara; reading; watching Netflix; donuts; disco music (of course); time with his growing cadre of grandkids; and is always searching for another great Mexican restaurant. Marty is active with Writercon, Mystery Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, and Sisters in Crime. Marty loves good storytelling in all forms.Marty was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019 and donates a portion of all book sales to MS research.https://www.ludlumbooks.net/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-ludlum-8731552b/

Our next episode is with Wen Hsu, founder of Wen Coaching. She is redefining what authentic leadership looks like. Wen helps high-achievers navigate their careers without abandoning who they truly are, empowering them to lead from a place of alignment, not fear. In this conversation, we explore the power of embracinglayered identities, the challenges of visibility as an introvert, and how each of us can live at our own quixotic heights, one brave step at a time. For our listeners, schedule a free 25-minute strategycall: https://calendly.com/wencoaching/25-minutes-call-quixoticBorn and raised in Taiwan, Wen is the first in her family to go to college and earn an advanced degree in the US. After 15+ years in corporate America, with a successful track record and career progression as an engineering manager in the San Francisco Bay Area, she left her comfort zone and pursued a vastly different career choice: career coaching for people whohave a track record of success, but are somehow feeling stuck and wanting more fulfillment in their lives.Website: https://wencoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wen-hsu/Substack: https://substack.com/@wencoachingInstagram: @wen365

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where dreams take flight! Here, we explore the stories that shape us and the voices that heal us.Our guest is Anhtuan Do, the author of Healing—a beautifully raw and honest book that explores the tender, often painful journey of reclaiming peace, self-worth, and truth. Through poetic language and deep introspection, Anhtuan invites us into a space of courage, vulnerability, and growth.Content warning: this conversation includes a discussion of suicide, suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please take care while listening. Your well-being matters. And if you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available.In this conversation, we’ll talk about the experiences that shaped his path, the challenges of writing through pain, and what healing really means—not as a destination but as a lifelong process.Whether you’re deep in your own healing or just beginning to ask the hard questions, this episode is for you.Anhtuan Do is a storyteller based in Maplewood, NJ. From the ages of 12-42, he was suicidal. In January of 2023, he finally got help. Ten weeks and 400 hours of therapy work later, writing spilled out. In his own words, Anhtuan shares with us what his book, HEALING, is about.“The first time I thought about suicide, I was twelve. In January of 2023, thirty years later, I finally got help. I did 400 hours of therapy in ten weeks. If you estimate that most people do an hour a week, I conservatively did eight years in those weeks. As March came along, writing spilled out, specifically screenplays. By September, I finished my fourth, thirteen more sit in my head. This is that journey.”Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anhtuan.42/Book: https://amzn.to/47WdHYtGoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/unplacedTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anhtuan.424Website: https://doventry.com/If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, please reach out:• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA) – Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org• Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit nami.org• SAMHSA Helpline – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment and referral info (available 24/7)* AAMI (AAPI Artists for Mental Initiative) https://www.aamiadvocate.org/

Today, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a Khmer-Vietnamese American writer, content creator, and the host of Banh MiChronicles. He’s also the mind behind the Substack newsletter Banh Mi Bites. Randy’s work amplifies BIPOC voices, exploring identity, memory, and healing.As a queer child of refugees, Randy has wrestled with questions of belonging, survival, and resilience — often through deeply personal reflections on trauma and mental health. In our conversation today, we’ll talk about his journey, the power of storytelling, and how vulnerability can become a bridge to community and self-love.Please know this episode may be triggering for some listeners as we discuss trauma, identity, politics, and mental health.In this episode, Randy Kim, a content creator and podcaster, shares with the Quixotic Heights Podcast his journey of creating an award-winning platform to elevate the stories of the BIPOC communities and how he navigates grief to come through the other side stronger and more purposeful than before. Randy Kim is a queer Vietnamese-Khmer American storyteller and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles as well as content writer for his Substack, Banh Mi Bites. His work centers on intergenerational healing, identity, and uplifting voices from Asian, queer, and BIPOC communities.Randy is an experienced nonprofit development professional. With a background in public storytelling and relationship-building, Randy creates space that honors history, builds trust, and provokes reflection.IG: @BanhMi_ChroniclesSubstack: randykim.substack.com

Today, we’re joined by a very special guest, Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose words have resonated with thousands and whose story will inspire even more.Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a curious reader, or just someone who believes in the power of persistence, thisconversation is for you. We delve into the creation of a bestseller, the mindset behind it, and the journey that led Sheena to the top of the charts. Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster, is recognized for elevating women’s leadership and self-confidence through the power of media and visibility. @sheena.yap.chan is the founder of the Confidence Through Visibility™ movement and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% globally with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews featuring celebrities, CEOs, and cultural icons. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence, was named one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority. At the same time, her latest release, Bridging the Confidence Gap, is a bold call to reimagine leadership by making visibility and self-trust core competencies. Through her signature VISIBLE Framework™, Sheena delivers transformational keynotes and corporate programs that help organizations bridge the confidence gap, retain diverse talent, and build cultures where women are seen, heard, and respected. Her work has been featured on NBC News, FOX, MindValley, and The Manila Times, and she has spoken for global brands including NASA, Live Nation, and UKG. Sheena believes that confidence is something we can build—and that visibility creates the impact we wish to see in the world. https://sheenayapchan.com/links⁠Take your free Self-Confidence Personality quiz here: https://www.sheenayapchan.com/quiz

Today’s guests are a remarkable father-daughter duo: Thomas and Samantha Dahlborg.Thomas is a compassionate researcher, writer, and advocate for children’s emotional and spiritual health. Samantha isnot only a fierce creative force—but also Miss Maine USA, a Sports Illustrated model, and a Paris fashion photographer.But behind the spotlights and achievements is a deeper story—one marked by bullying, depression, anxiety, loss, and the long climb back to the light.Together, they’ve taken that pain and transformed it into a message of love, agency, and faith for children and families everywhere.In this episode, we talk about their book series The Light, the healing power of storytelling, and how we can all help children find their voice and their worth in the eyes of God.A former Miss Maine USA (2014), Samantha Dahlborg discovered early on the power of personal branding and the art of storytelling through photography. What began as a childhood love of creativity grew into a lifelong passion—from founding The Confidence Project, where Samantha photographed and interviewed young women to help them feel seen and beautiful, to launching her business, Studio Citrine, where she now photographs celebrities, pageanttitleholders, and fashion clients while also leading creative direction.Having worked as both a model and a photographer—walking in fashion weeks, hosting shows, photographing weddings (including a destination wedding in Italy), and shooting an editorial during Paris Fashion Week—Samantha understands every side of the lens. She uses her talents to serve God and empower others. She is also a proud mother of twin girls. Her family is currently relocating from Boston to Nashville to embrace new career opportunities and focus more intentionally on building her family life. An artist at heart, she has recently collaborated with her father, Thomas Dahlborg, on a special book project that blends creativity and family legacy, years in the making.Sammy: website: www.dahlborgdesigns.comIG: @samanthadahlborg @dahlborgdesigns Named a Healthcare Disruptor and a Mental Health Champion by Authority Magazine and a Ruckus Maker by The Patient Experience Community, with over forty years of extensive healthcare leadership experience, Thomas Dahlborg is a disciple of Jesus and a voice for love-centered care models, servant leadership, and quality and systems improvement. A leader and advisor, Tom is also an internationally recognized speaker and writer with expertise in leading with love, heart, and mind communication, courageous vulnerability, systems thinking and improvement, stopping bullying, amplifying positive childhood experiences, and bringing “love in action” to all we do.Tom’s multiple award-winning book, From Heart to Head & Back Again … a journey through the healthcare system, is a callto action that brings people together to make a positive impact on others in healthcare and beyond, and was a 2021 AUPHA book award for healthcare leaders of tomorrow.His other multiple award-winning book, The Big Kid and Basketball … and the lessons he taught his Father and Coach, focusing on bullying and ACES and PCES, has led to significant improvements in youth sports and school systems, as well as in children’s experience and well-being. And his forthcoming book series, The Light …, is already garnering much attention as it reassures children that God loves them, that they are never alone, that the Holy Spirit empowers each and thus has His power within (agency), that they are lovable, and that they are loved.Tom brings practical, tangible, impactful tools, married with love, compassion, and caring, to all he does. He is a father, husband, and coach. A coach to healthcare leaders. And a coach to young men and women.Tom: www.dahlborghlg.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdahlborg/ IG: @thedhlgroup X: @tdahlborg

Stephanie Dooley, who you may know as SL Dooley, is a fantasy author whose stories transport readers into richly imagined worlds while anchoring them in timeless truths.From building epic landscapes to crafting characters who wrestle with faith, courage, and purpose, Stephanie’s work shows us that fantasy can do more than entertain—it can inspire us to live braver stories in our own lives.Stephanie is a fantasy author looking for a never-endingstory to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's the best-selling author of the Portal Slayer trilogy and the award-winning high fantasy duology, The Summertime Circus and The Cold Moon Carnival.One of her side-quests is to encourage new writers as they navigate the paths toward publication. She has spoken atnumerous events, including the Realm Makers conference, The Bookfest spring festival, and WriterCon.With a passion for fantasy literature since childhood, Dooley draws inspiration from mythology, folklore, and a vivid imagination to craft immersive narratives that transport readers to realms of magic and adventure. One of her side-quests is to take up Tolkien’s charge: find any way to escape into fantastical worlds and to bring as many people asshe can with her. She lives in Texas with her husband, where she collects old books and new journals.Join her on the adventure at www.SLDooley.com or follow along on Instagram at @s_l_dooley

Our next quixote is Dr. Paul Corona—a physician, author, and host of The Dr. Paul Show.Dr Paul Corona is known for his pioneering “Mind and Body Healing” approach. In his book, The Corona Protocol, Dr. Paul unveils a scientifically proven method he believes can stop addiction, bullying, homelessness, school shootings, and suicide. Join us as we dive into a bold conversation that could change the future of mental health care. We'll explore why traditional mental health treatment has stagnated, what needs to change, and how addressing the mind-body connection can truly transform lives.Dr. Paul D. Corona, MD, is a Southern California-based physician reshaping the future of psychiatry and family medicine with his pioneering approach, “Mind and Body Healing.” He is the host of “The Dr. Paul Show” available on Roku, Amazon Fire, and YouTube. A leading voice in mind-body medicine, his latest book, “The Corona Protocol: A Scientifically Proven Medical Solution to STOP Addiction, Bullying, Homelessness, School Shootings, and Suicide 30 Years in the Making” is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. In it, he unveils groundbreaking insights into mental health treatment, challenging conventional approaches that have stagnated progress.With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Corona began in family medicine before transitioning to psychiatry—a shift that led to the development of the “Healing the Mind and Body” series of books. His holistic approach integrates emotional and physical well-being, offering an innovative alternative to traditional psychiatric treatments. “The Corona Protocol” presents his revolutionary methods as solutions to major societal challenges and serves as a resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.A Southern California native, Dr. Corona earned his BS in Biology/Pre-Med from the University of Southern California before obtaining his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed a rigorous three-year residency in family practice at California Hospital in Los Angeles. Today, he runs a private practice in Laguna Niguel, California.For more information about his books, medical practice, and more, visit www.drpaulcoronamd.comhttps://www.facebook.com/paul.corona.50https://www.facebook.com/drpaulcoronamdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-corona-b090669a/

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where we explore boldlives, big ideas, and the beauty of becoming. Today’s Quixote is the brilliant and multifaceted Dr. Juliet Dang.She’s a scientist by training, an artist by soul, a fashion designer by flair, and the powerhouse behind her memoir, Modern Asian Mom, and Vietology Magazine. Juliet weavestogether science, culture, motherhood, and creativity in a way that is unapologetically modern and deeply rooted in identity.In today’s conversation, we talk about how she balances precision with passion, tradition with innovation, and how she’s rewriting the narrative for modern Asian womeneverywhere. Juliet Dang, PhD, MS is a Canadian prairie girl who now resides in the Seattle area. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, where she majored in Biology / Chemistry at U of Winnipeg. After working as a dental hygienist for a couple of years, she moved to Seattle in 2008 to complete a Master's and then a PhD in Oral Biology at the University of Washington. For eight years now, Juliet has been in the medical affairs pharma biotech world and is the subject matter expert on respiratory virus vaccines. In addition to heavily utilizing her left brain as a scientist, Juliet is an artist, actress/model, fashion designer, creative director, editor-in-chief, and producer. In September of 2024, Juliet made her East Coast fashion debut and showcased her ready-to-wear apparel at Asian New York Fashion Week in Manhattan.  Juliet's first major publication was the first edition of Vietology Magazine. The mission and vision was to highlight and elevate inspirational Vietnamese women and Vietnamese visual artists globally. Modern Asian Mom is her debut memoir chronicling her fertility journey and life in general.  www.jujudang.artIG: juliet_dangFB: julietdang TikTok: juliet.dangEtsy: juju dang art

Quixotic Heights sat with Stephen W. Scott, award-winning author of Abandoned, The Demon Inside Me, and his newest, Do You Hear What I Hear?His stories explore the darkness within us—and the fear that connects us all. We unpack his journey from debut author to crafting gripping psychological horror, his writing process, and what truly scares him.Stephen W. Scott was born in Tulsa, OK, with an overactive imagination that perpetually focused on the weird and scary. He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in Journalism – Professional Writing. He worked for a few newspapers, then moved to Wilmore, KY, in 1991 to attend Asbury Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity in 1995. After returning to Oklahoma, he served as a pastor and chaplain in the United Methodist Conference. He has been working in education since 2001 and resides in Tulsa, OK. He also wrote “Clone Hunter” (out of print), “Abandoned,” several short stories sold to various anthologies, “The Demon Inside Me,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” He enjoys bicycling, weightlifting, photography, reading, playing guitar, and writing.www.swscott-author.comhttps://www.instagram.com/swscott67/

Today’s Quixote is Leslie Lew—author, self-defense instructor, motivational speaker, podcast host, and founder of Reclaiming Your Courage and Warrior Queens Rise. Leslie is a generational trauma breaker, a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, and a powerful voice for reclaiming space—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.In today’s conversation, I ask Leslie to open up about her personal journey, the importance of embodied self-defense,and how she helps women speak up, rise up, and take back their power. Get ready to feel inspired, activated, and grounded in your own strength.Leslie Lew is an author, humanitarian, international speaker, and Co-Founder of Warrior Queens Rise. As the founder of Reclaiming Your Courage, she empowers women tosay NO without apology and reclaim their voice through trauma-informed self-defense that goes far beyond the physical.An Asian American woman who has turned personal pain into global purpose, Leslie speaks on the frontlines of gender-based violence, anti-Asian hate, and generational healing. From being spat on in silence to speaking in front of 3,000 girls standing in the rain in Kenya, her message is clear: silence doesn’t save us — courage does.Through powerful storytelling and embodied leadership, Leslie equips women to rise, lead, and live boldly. Because every time a woman reclaims her voice, she reclaims the world.https://www.reclaimingyourcourage.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-m-lew-494851257https://www.instagram.com/reclaimingyourcouragehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=734253260

Today, we’re honored to sit down with Rodney Magallan—a decorated retired U.S. Navy SEAL, former U.S. Marshal, former CIA operative, and the multi-award-winning author of Tip of the Spear: It’s Not What You Think.Rodney’s journey has taken him from high-risk missions across the globe to the quiet discipline of writing, sharinghard-won lessons about courage, leadership, and what it truly means to live at the ‘tip of the spear.’Get ready for insights on resilience, the reality of service beyond the headlines, and how to find purpose in theaftermath of unimaginable challenges. You won’t want to miss this conversation.Rodney Magallan is a level-two instructor certified under CIA University, a Federal Law Enforcement agency. He is a Training Centers firearms instructor (qualified as a weapons expert), and an apprentice instructor in Thai boxing and Kali under Sifu Pat Tray Trident Martial Arts.He resides in Georgetown, Texas, with his loving wife, Veronica, his daughter, Raigan, his son, Evan, and their chihuahua, Jilli Boo.https://tipofthespearbook.com/

Today, we’re joined by Jackie Kraft — a writer, journalist, educator, and storyteller whose life and work defy simplecategories. Jackie is the author of "Some of My Best Friends Are ETs," a memoir chronicling her lifelong encounters with extraterrestrials, and "Under a Sunflower Moon," a collection of Cherokee stories and poems that honor heritage, resilience, and the sacred in everyday life.From producing documentaries and radio for Kansas City stations, to teaching children with special needs, to servingher community through countless boards and organizations, Jackie’s voice carries both authority and heart. In her writing, she invites us to look beyond the ordinary — whether it’s through the lens of interstellar contact or the survival stories We discuss what it means to live with mystery, to honor ancestral wisdom, and to find the courage to tell stories that many might not dare to share. Jackie Kraft is here to take us on a journey that spans galaxies and generations. While in Kansas City, Jackie Kraft produced news, interviews, promos, and mini documentaries for the CBS affiliates KCTV-5 and KCMO. She produced The Walt Bodine Show for KMBZ and served as on-air talent, creating news, editorials, andinterviews for The Women’s Show at KCUR-PBS. Jackie holds a Master’s from the University of Kansas. She taught Special Education for Behavior Disorders, including children with autism and learning disabilities, in both Shawnee Mission and Olathe District Schools. She was a community volunteer serving as an officer on many boards of directors.  https://quillhawkpublishing.com/pages/jackie-krafthttps://www.underasunflowermoon.com/https://www.facebook.com/jackie.kraft.58

Duane Michael’s life reads like a novel: from a tough childhood to being coached as a boy by none other than Frank Sinatra, to serving in combat with the U.S. Army, returning home to wear the badge as a police officer, and eventually stepping into the world of comedy, acting, and authorship. Along the way, he has collected a lifetime of stories that reveal the strength it takes to keep reinventing oneself. In this episode, we’ll discuss survival, transformation, and how storytelling can transform pain into power.Born in the mountainous city of South Lake Tahoe and raised up and down the California coast, Duane Michaels was always an entertainer. Formerly a radio DJ for four years at several stations, Duane later joined the Army, which allowed him to see the world. Soon after, he became a police officer, often performing stand-up comedy at open mics and local comedy clubs in his free time. Duane has since retired from law enforcement and is now focusing all his energy on acting.Follow Duane Michaels here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BJwPDb3tS/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duane_michaels_72TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@duanemichaelsIMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13950531/#QuixoticHeights #PodcastLife #PodcastInterview #DuaneMichaels #Resilience #LifeStories #VeteranVoices #ActorLife #AuthorLife #Transformation #Storytelling #Courage #Reinvention #OvercomingAdversity

Filmmaker Erica Nguyen and her father, Duc Nguyen, are the dynamic duo behind the deeply personal and culturally resonant documentary, Phantom Roots—a film exploring identity, memory, and the invisible threads that tie generations together. We discuss their creative collaboration as father and daughter, the journey of uncovering family history, and the power of storytelling in reclaiming heritage. Whether you're a filmmaker, a storyteller, or someone reflecting on your own roots, we hope this conversation will vibrate your heartstrings.Erica Nguyen is a grassroots documentary filmmaker who collaborates in mutual self-study. Her scholastic background is based in Socio-cultural Anthropology, Ethnographic Field Work, and Sociolinguistics. As a Vietnamese American, her work centers on the outsider experience. To transcend otherness, Erica celebrates tactile forms of communication and locates sources of joy assites of catharsis. She completed her first feature film in 2020 (Peru), titled Tejiendo Sombras / Shadow Weavers, while doubling as a rock climbing instructor and therapeutic adventure facilitator. Her current project, Phantom Roots, explores everyday magic as an antidote to generational displacement within the Vietnamese diaspora. Erica envisions her creative practice as a bridge between experiential learning and regenerative storytelling.Duc Nguyen is a dedicated father who spent the last 40 years as an analogue microchip designer. He has served in founding, managing, and consulting positions for Qualcomm Inc., MicrochipFairchild Semi, Entropic Communications, Motorola, Valence Semiconductors Inc., Western Digital, Rockwell International Inc., and others. In this new phase of creative endeavors, Duc has acted in short martial arts films and taken up the role of Producer for Phantom Roots. During the 2025 production in Vietnam, Duc facilitated collaborations, translated, developed the waterpuppetry storyboard, and designed crucial set elements.https://www.phantomrootsvietnam.com/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/phantom.roots.vietnam#phantomroots #waterpuppetshow #vietnamesediaspora #documentary #indiefilm #VietnameseHeritage #vietnameseroots #fatherdaughter #filmmaking #quixoticheightspodcast

Today’s Quixote is someone who embodies transformation and truth. Iona Rudisill is an author, a podcast host of IonaSpeaks about Soaring Courageously, and an executive life and health coach.Through her work, she helps people reclaim their voice, stand in their power, and transform pain into purpose.In this episode, we will explore what it means to defend your self-justice, live in alignment with your truth, and lead a life rooted in healing and wholeness.Iona (i-o-na) Rudisill is the #1 bestselling co-author of Phenomenal Women Who Boss Up and CEO of Iona R. Rudisill, LLC. She empowers high-achieving leaders in publicservice, experiencing burnout, to find a healthy balance in their lives.Iona has been a lifelong leader in the public sector, a survivor of a traumatic brain injury, and is thriving through her experiences with burnout. For three decades, Iona guided teams across the country that provided support to youth and families who had survived traumatic experiences. In 2018, she received a Governor’s Citation for advocating againsthuman trafficking in Maryland. These intense roles stimulated Iona, but also led to her burnout. She launched her business to build a community for other executives to explore their vulnerability and power as a strength. She partners with women across the globe, creating a positive ripple effect for their families and communities. She overcomes chronic pain by embodying a sense of worthiness. She uses these principles to guide high-achieving leaders in finding healing, clarity, and purpose. Rooted in her Shinnecock Indian heritage, she embraces the principle of Mamoweenene (We Move Together). This ancestral principle drives her to unite with others in breaking barriers and cultivating a legacy of strength, resilience, and triumph. EducationIona received her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation education from Pennsylvania State University. She is presently enrolled in the #1 Health Coaching Certification Program in the world (Institute for Integrative Nutrition), class of 2025.   Website  https://ionarrudisill.com/Social Media         LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/iona-r-rudisill-0699a94 Facebook  https://facebook.com/iona.r.rudisill Instagram https://instagram.com/ionaspks_soaringcourageously YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@IonaRRudisill Substack https://substack.com/@irr2022?Buzzsprouts https://ionaspeaksaboutdefendingselfjustice.buzzsprout.com/https://ionaspeaksaboutsoaringcourageously.buzzsprout.com Scheduling Appointments        FREE Discovery Call ttps://ionarrudisill.janeapp.com/#/discovery-call   Initial Health Assessment Podcast Recording

Kicking off Season Two is Susan May, who spills the secrets in our next episode of Quixotic Heights Podcast. She dishes out steamy romance stories for Harlequin, but not just any romance... medical romance! Susan May also writes under the names Susan Carlisle and S. Carlisle May. **For a chance to win a SIGNED COPY of "Second Chance with His City Nurse" by Susan Carlisle in Large Print, post a screenshot of you listening to or watching Susan's episode on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Apple Podcasts, or iHeart Radio! Multiple entries permitted! (US residents only) This episode launches Sunday, September 14, 2025.** Winner announced September 30, 2025.Susan’s love affair with books began in the sixth grade, after she received a poor grade in math on her report card. (She still doesn’t like math.) Not allowed to watch TV for the next six weeks until she brought the grade up, she filled her extra time with books. After her first child was born, she gave some thought to writing. However, it fell by the wayside after her daughter was born, and it was pushed even further away when her second son appeared. By the time Nick, her final son and fourth baby in five years, arrived, it had become out of the question. Nick really put a kink into her writing. He was born with a heart defect and had to have a heart transplant when he was only two. It took over three years for life to settle down enough before Susan could even think about writing his story. Like other wannabe writers, she piddled around with it and nearly talked it to death, that is, until she joined a writing group. One of the all-time worst spellers and particularly stinking at grammar, she worked hard, determined to tell Nick’s story. After numerous rejections, she finally sold Nick’s New Heart. That was the first of her almost 50 books. She has other nonfiction books - A WWII Flight Surgeon’s Story and Daily Inspirations from the Unflappable Substitute. She has also written over 35 romance novels for Harlequin.She is currently working on an account of how she traveled around Europe with her four teenage children and a romance for an entire summer. She enjoys reading, sewing, and traveling. And James Bond.https://susancmay.com/https://www.susancarlisle.com/https://x.com/susancmayhttps://www.facebook.com/susancmayhttps://www.instagram.com/susancarlisle22/https://www.wwiiarmyairforcemedicine.com/#HarlequinBooks #medicalromance #RomanceReads #SusanCarlisle #podcast #quixoticheights #dreambig #nevergiveup #susanmay

Next up on the Quixotic Heights Podcast is Author JB Caine, the award-winning author of both the Arcana Trilogy (YA Paranormal), YOUR STORY Adventures (Middle Grade Sci-Fi), and the Ironshield's Shadow series (High Fantasy). JB has been writing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. Even as a child, words were her favorite playmates, her closest confidantes, and her first love. This many-faceted relationship with words led her to a three-decade career as a high school English, Creative Writing, and Speech/Debate teacher. Her students became her muses (and often, her characters!). After 30 years in the public high school trenches, JB Caine retired in 2023 to follow her dream of becoming a full-time novelist. Additionally, she co-hosts the UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE Podcast with Betsey Kulakowski, Author (who was on S1, E1) and Jenny Simard LaBranche.https://www.jbcaine.comIG, FB, TT: @authorjbcaine#jbcaine #podcast #author #paranormal #scifi #fantasy #books

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where voices rise, stories inspire, and creativity takes center stage. I’m thrilled to welcome a guest whose voice resonates far beyond the opera stage.Shirley Wang is not only an acclaimed opera singer but also a dynamic speaker, best-selling author, and dedicated educator. She moves hearts with her music, empowers minds through her words, and uplifts others with her mission-driven work.In this episode, we explore the intersections of art and identity, performance and purpose, and how Shirley found her voice — and helps others find theirs. Whether you’re a fan of opera, a lover of stories, or a seeker of inspiration, this conversation is for you.Shirley Wang is an award-winning operatic soprano, pianist,conductor, international bestselling author, entrepreneur, host, expert instructor, illustrator, and children's Chinese curriculum creator. She has performed across the US, including Carnegie Hall. In 2020, she launched an interview series, All Around Classical, featuring performing artists, composers, writers, dancers, actors, directors, and others who bring the world more color. It is rapidly gaining viewership and critical acclaim. You can find it on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and as a podcast on all major podcastdistribution platforms. It is rapidly gaining viewership and critical acclaim.In addition, she founded Simple Gifts Music Studio, Brillante Music Institute and Oxygen Strategic Partners, offering  musical performances, education programs, keynote concerts and musical consultation services. A native of Taipei, Taiwan, Shirley Xiao-Ling Wang is a graduate of the University of Southern California. She was a semi-finalist in the Premier International Opera Competition in New York (2022) and was a finalist in the International Opera Singer’s Competition of Chinese Heritage. She was a soloist in the Chinese Rising Stars Concert at Carnegie Hall. As an operatic soprano, Ms. Wang has performed with Nickel City Opera West, Orlando Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, Central Florida Lyric Opera, First Coast Opera, Celestial Opera, Intimate Opera, and USC Opera Studio. Her operatic roles include Cio-Cio San, Aida, the Countess, Fiordiligi, Mrs. Alice Ford, Violetta, Mimi, Tosca, Liu, Nedda, Marguerite, Gretel, and Laetitia. As a recitalist, Ms. Wang has been heard in California, Washington, Idaho, Boston, Long Island, and Florida. Notably, since 2016, she has created over 30 multi-media storytelling-based concerts in Central Florida and New York City. She is currently on the roster of George Martynuk, Artist Management of New York.https://linktr.ee/ShirleyWang