The Fun with Friends Podcast

As your host, Arden Coutts, I'm taking a moment to reflect and possibly bid goodbye to the Fun with Friends podcast. After four years of podcasting, I find myself at a crossroads, weighing the joy of the past and the struggle of the present. It's been an incredible journey that started as a means to pull myself out of mental turmoil, eventually leading to starting my own business, meeting amazing people, and fostering a community of listeners. Yet lately, the inspiration has waned, and the once exciting activity feels more like a chore.This isn't the end, though, as I invite you to join me on my new journey of writing and book publishing, which has recently been my primary focus. I'll keep you updated through my social media @ArdenCoutts, where you'll find everything from the mundane adulting struggles to the exciting news about my upcoming book, now available for pre-order. While I'm stepping away from the podcast, I'm not ruling out a return in the future with a fresh format, possibly including a co-host and fewer interviews. It's not a goodbye but a sweet see you later, as I share some final reflections, experiences, and even a few podcast recommendations. Let's go on this ride together, and as always, let's have some fun!Support the show

Prepare for an enlightening journey as we sit down with the incredibly talented indie author, K. Sterling, who has captivated readers with her successful 'Nannies of New York series. This episode is packed with invaluable insights into K's unique process of story creation, starting with a mere vibe and masterfully crafting scenes to induce chemistry between characters. We dive deep into reading craft books and K's golden advice for emerging authors. We then navigate the often turbulent waters of genre-switching and the associated challenges and rewards. K offers an unfiltered account of her departure from one series to the next, which entailed a change in her writing style, a publishing house setback, and the daunting task of rebuilding her brand. We also get an exclusive preview into K's upcoming projects, including the sapphic cottage summer bonanza, 'The Enchanting Nanny,' and a gripping FBI trilogy tainted with a hint of witchcraft.As we prepare to wrap up, we delve into the emotional challenge of releasing personal work into the public sphere and the vital role self-belief plays in a writer's journey. K candidly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and provides practical advice on how to overcome it. So, come on board for an inspiring journey into the captivating world of writing with the remarkable K Sterling.Connect with K:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ksterling_/Website: https://www.ksterlingbooks.com/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttswww.ardencoutts.comBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Support the show

In this week's episode, host Arden Coutts discusses the writing process for their debut novel, Fall Into Midnight. Arden talks about the writing process, editing, and finding a cover artist for Fall Into Midnight. Arden's novella, Before We Fall, is currently available for FREE on their website. Pick up your copy today!Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttswww.ardencoutts.comBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Support the show

In this week's episode, host Arden Coutts is joined by author Jay Leigh!Jay talks about their writing process and debut novel, Whisper Into the Night. We also get the inside scoop on Jay's upcoming book releases! Jay Leigh is an author as well as a voracious reader of primarily M/M romance novels filled with all sorts of goodies like action, suspense, emotions, and spice. Lots of spice...Connect with Jay LeighInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayelle_m/Website: https://authorjayleigh.comFollow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttswww.ardencoutts.comBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Support the show

In this week's episode, host Arden Coutts is joined by author M.A. Wardell!Matt talks about his writing process and his debut novel, Teacher of the Year, and he shares tons of amazing tips!Matt writes steamy queer rom-coms, and his goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love.Connect with M.A. WardellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawardellauthor/Website: https://www.mawardell.com/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttswww.ardencoutts.comBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Support the show

Welcome to the Writer's Room!In today's episode, we join host Arden Coutts as they share how the death of their dad and insomnia led to the development of one of their most treasured works.In this new series, we will explore what it takes to be a writer and what influences writers and share book recommendations. Join host Arden Coutts and other indie authors in this bi-weekly podcast!Follow us on IG: www.instagram.com/funwithfriendspodcastSend us your questions: funfriendspodcast@gmail.comLeave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts!Support the show

Welcome to the Writer's Room!In the Season 4 kickoff of The Fun with Friends Podcast, we join host Arden Coutts as they share how they got started with writing. In this new series, we will explore what it takes to be a writer and what influences writers and share book recommendations. Join host Arden Coutts and other indie authors in this bi-weekly podcast!Follow us on IG: www.instagram.com/funwithfriendspodcastSend us your questions: funfriendspodcast@gmail.comLeave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts!Support the show

In this week's episode, Arden shares stats from the last season of the Fun with Friends Podcast and where Season 4 will be taking us.The podcast will take a break from April through most of May, and then we will return with new episodes! Stay tuned for more updates, and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date! Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast:Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastEmail: funfriendspodcast@gmail.comEpisodes mentioned in today's episode:https://thefunwithfriendspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1831733/10125790https://thefunwithfriendspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1831733/11342650https://thefunwithfriendspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1831733/11135127https://thefunwithfriendspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1831733/9303029https://thefunwithfriendspodcast.buzzsprout.com/1831733/11659237Be sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Support the show

In this week’s episode, I give a very brief update on how things are going and what I've been up to.Tune in to find out more about my concert-a-month endeavors and whether or not there will be new episodes of the podcast.Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funwithfriendspodcast/Be sure to like, subscribe, rate, and Review!Support the show

In this week’s episode, I look back at 2022 and share the highlights of my year, both good and bad. I also look back at S3E6: 2021 in Review and see what goals/hopes I set for myself at the beginning of 2021 and whether or not I achieved them. Did I achieve everything I set out to in 2022? Tune in to find out!Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funwithfriendspodcast/Be sure to like, subscribe, rate, and Review!Do you have questions or comments?   You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them on a future episode of the Podcast! Support the show

In this week's episode, host Arden Coutts is joined by the teacher, mentor, and body advocate Josephine Spilka. Josephine shares how she got started with classical Chinese medicine and essential oils and what it means to have health powered by choice. More about Josephine:Everything I do is geared toward bringing you closer to your wisdom. And more conscious of your choices in every moment. Whether I am using classical Chinese medicine, Buddhist meditation, acupuncture, essential oils, herbs, or stones, every modality is in service to your health and well-being.Classical Chinese medicine is a medicine that sees the body as a living, evolvingexpression of vital elements and our relationship to our world. This poetic andprofound view of the body sees the layers of our being as living systems, systemsthat interface within us but can be separately examined and engaged with for allkinds of healing.After many years working in the clinic, I have chosen to focus on writing, teaching, and mentoring others into a new power-with culture in these last five years. Lifeand health are constantly in a state of change. Real power-with comes froman authentic presence and the willingness to collaborate with rather than resistchange.I am busy composting and compiling all that I have gleaned from the last 30 yearsof practice into digestible form at https://josephinespilka.substack.com.Connect with Josephine:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenectarofplants/Substack: https://josephinespilka.substack.com/Website: https://www.essencepresence.com/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttsBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?  You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! Support the show

In this week's episode, Arden is joined by artist and creative Danielle Chavez. We discuss her business and how she got into oddities, bone jewelry, specimens, and curiosities! We also discuss how owning her own business allows Danielle to spend more time with her family. Connect with my Guest!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcuriosities94/Website: https://wildcuriosities94.com/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastInstagram: @ardencouttsBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?  You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

In this week's episode, Allie is joined by artist and coach Lea Ann Slotkin. We discuss Lea Ann's artwork, how she started as an artist, and how she helps other creatives build their businesses. Connect with my Guest!Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leaannslotkin/Website: https://www.leaannslotkin.com/ Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Instagram: @ardencouttsBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?  You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

Join Allie and Katie this week as they chat with Director Jordan Downey about his first film, ThanksKilling (2009), and his award-winning movie, The Headhunter (2018).Jordan shares his love of scary movies as a child and his journey from the making of Thankskilling to The Headhunter.You can find Jordan on social media and on his website:Instagram: @jordandowneyWebsite: jordan-downey.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_aRphNKc21pVaSA--6jWwYou can follow us on social media!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcast and @ardencoutts  Twitter: @funfriendspod1     Email: funfriendspodcast@gmail.com     Website: ceimediallc.comIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!  Call the podcast and leave us a voice message.CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

In this week's episode, Arden is joined by a podcast friend, KJ.  KJ and Arden share their journies with top surgery, taking testosterone, and transitioning. Trigger Warning: We discuss surgery, gender, sex, and more, so beware if that's not for you! Connect with my Guest!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_says_hello/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Instagram: @wanderingcreativespodBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?  You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

In this week's episode, Allie is joined by podcast manager and founder of The Podcast Voyage, Nina. Nina shares how she got started as a podcast manager, and we discuss what it was like quitting her job and starting a business during the pandemic. Connect with my Guest!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodcastvoyage/Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Instagram: @wanderingcreativespodBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?  You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

Happy Halloween! This is our special bonus Halloween Episode! In this week’s episode, my friends Katie, Tara, and I risk life and limb as we venture into King’s Dominion Halloween Haunt. Will we make it out alive? What was our favorite haunted maze? Tune in to find out!❗**Warning** Explicit Language and Descriptions of Haunted Houses that use Ab**t**n and S**c*d* as scenes**Warning**❗Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Instagram: @wanderingcreativespodBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?   You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

On September 17, 2022, 40 individuals came together for Wilson's first-speed jigsaw puzzle tournament! The tournament was hosted and organized by Amanda Duncan of The Selkie, who was kind enough to invite Katie and me to provide commentary on the tournament. This is a live recording from the tournament so keep that in mind as there is background noise and general shenanigans. Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Join us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/wanderingcreativeBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?   You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

Join me as I recount my adventures through Ireland!Forgive the yawning...Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Join us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/wanderingcreativeBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?   You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show

Join me for some brief updates! The podcast will be taking a short break as I do some traveling but don't worry, I'll be recording while abroad, yay! We'll be back in September with some new episodes and exciting events, so stay tuned!⁣Follow the Fun with Friends Podcast!Instagram: @funwithfriendspodcastTwitter: @funfriendspod1Join us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/wanderingcreativeBe sure to like, subscribe, rate, and review!Do you have questions or comments?   You can text or call us on our hotline: 252.419.6004, and we will include them in a future episode of the Podcast! CALL US AT: 252-419-6004 and leave a message.Support the show