Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs

Dessie Williams is 91, and she has seen an extraordinary amount of change in her lifetime. In our conversation, we talk about the family stories she wants to preserve, her faith and the differences between the world she grew up in and the world we know today.What interested me was how Dessie connects her own memories with the bigger changes in society. These aren't distant accounts of history - they are stories she has lived with, remembered and chosen to share.Dessie’s book, *His Wonders to Perform: Mama, Daddy, and My Cousin Robert Battle*, tells the story of the people who shaped her life. We discuss her parents, the lessons they passed down and memories of racism and dignity, alongside her cousin Robert Battle and his remarkable journey into dance.Book - His Wonders to Perform: Mama, Daddy, and My Cousin Robert Battlehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B079...Author Conversations:https://author-conversations.c...Watch Author Conversations on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversationsListen on iHeart:https://www.iheart.com/podcast...Presented by Chris Dabbs for Author Conversations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

Martin Terrell has been through a lot. Poverty, racial segregation, drugs, prison and some incredibly difficult experiences along the way. But even after everything he's been through, he still considers himself a fortunate man.And I think that's quite something.When I spoke with Martin, we went right back to his childhood growing up in the ghetto in America, losing his mother at a young age and finding himself in circumstances where the opportunities available to him were pretty limited.There were moments when I got the feeling that some of those memories were difficult for him to talk about. I didn't want to rush him, so I gave him the time and space to tell his story.We talked about his experiences with drugs, his time in prison, including a burglary conviction for a crime he maintains he didn't commit, and how education eventually helped him change the direction of his life.But what really struck me was how warmly Martin spoke about the people who helped him along the way. Neighbours, friends, teachers and others who believed in him, encouraged him and sometimes simply showed him a bit of kindness when he needed it.He certainly hasn't forgotten them or what they did for him.It's something I'm noticing more and more in my Author Conversations. People often consider themselves lucky because, at some point in their lives, someone took the time to help them.Martin went on to earn a graduate scholarship to Ohio State University, study journalism and become a writer. His books draw on many of those experiences, including the inequalities he witnessed in the justice system and the community that helped raise him.What I found interesting was that Martin doesn't seem to look back on his life simply in terms of everything that went wrong. He also remembers the people who helped things go right.It's a longer conversation than usual, and at times quite a personal one. But I'm glad we had it, and I'm grateful to Martin for being so open with me.I'm Chris Dabbs, and this is Author Conversations.Content note: This episode includes discussions of childhood bereavement, poverty, racial segregation, drug use, imprisonment and difficult family experiences.ABOUT MARTIN TERRELL & HIS BOOKSMartin Terrell's official website:https://www.martinterrell.com/andhttps://www.author-conversations.com/martin-terrellAUTHOR CONVERSATIONSWatch more interviews with authors from around the world:https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversationsVisit Author Conversations:https://www.author-conversations.com/ABOUT YOUR HOSTChris Dabbs - broadcast journalist, presenter and voiceover artist:https://www.chrisdabbs.online/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

Jeff Arnold has spent almost 30 years working across insurance, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.What I found interesting in this conversation is that his view of AI is not about embracing every new development or resisting change.It is really about judgement.Jeff’s latest book, **Clarity Among Humans and Machines**, looks at how leaders make good decisions when technology is developing quickly and the pressure to automate more of what we do keeps increasing.We talk about where AI has genuinely improved his businesses, including one process that was reduced from around 13 minutes to just over two, but also about the moments when technology has not been the right answer.In one case, customers simply wanted to speak to another human being.That leads us into a much wider conversation about leadership, trust, empathy and judgement - and why those qualities may become even more important as AI becomes more capable.Jeff also talks openly about some of the decisions that have shaped him as a leader, including times when he got things wrong, what he learnt from failure and how his earlier experiences in the US Army, acting and stand-up comedy influenced the way he works with people today.We discuss how leaders should introduce AI without losing the trust of their teams, what happens when employees worry that technology could replace them and whether qualities such as empathy and genuine care can really be taught.And towards the end, we look further ahead.If machines become dramatically more capable over the next 20 years, which parts of leadership, judgement and human connection should we still be very careful about handing over?**Jeff Arnold**https://jeffarnold.com**Clarity Among Humans and Machines**Author Conversations is hosted by broadcast journalist Chris Dabbs, with experience at the BBC, ITV News and Times Radio.**More Author Conversations**https://www.author-conversatio...Tap here to go to Jeff's page on Author Conversations**Watch on YouTube**https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversationsWatch Jeff on YouTube00:00 Welcome - Jeff Arnold01:40 From the Army and Hollywood to business04:49 Why failure should never define you07:20 What comedy can teach a leader09:37 Why clarity matters in the age of AI14:29 Learning when to introduce new technology17:43 How AI transformed an insurance process19:30 When customers still want a human21:04 Meeting customers where they are27:13 What humans still do better than AI31:42 When employees fear being replaced36:06 Can you teach people to care?40:16 How one bad hire can affect a culture43:15 The leadership lesson Jeff learnt the hard way45:16 What happens as AI becomes more capable?50:08 Jeff Arnold’s books51:53 Looking ahead 20 yearsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

Are you truly thriving — or simply getting through each day?Siddharth Bhaskar, author of The Office in Your Mind, joins Chris Dabbs to explore how we can change our response to stress, strengthen our relationships and find a greater sense of purpose.Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness, Siddharth explains the personal experiences behind his book and introduces the CLIMB framework — a practical approach designed to help people move beyond coping and begin thriving.In this conversation, Siddharth discusses workplace pressure, emotional resilience, mindfulness in everyday life, the difference between success and fulfilment, and how pausing before we react can lead to better decisions and healthier relationships.Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs goes beyond the pages to discover the people, experiences and ideas behind remarkable books.00:00 Introduction01:00 The Office in Your Mind02:10 Siddharth’s childhood and early resilience06:06 Corporate stress and mindfulness07:49 Career change, family separation and lost identity10:25 Creating Breath of Life and the book13:22 Are we surviving or thriving?16:58 Stress, the brain and healthier relationships22:06 Mindfulness beyond meditation28:02 The CLIMB framework explained32:07 Bringing mindfulness into workplaces and schools36:39 How mindfulness changed Siddharth40:09 Closing thoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.

Steven Trio qualified as a solicitor (lawyer) and then quit after just six months and pursued the life he'd always wanted - music. Now Steven Trio is writing comedy, satire and stories destined for the screen.In this episode of Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs, we meet a jazz pianist, composer, songwriter and author whose creative journey has taken some remarkable turns.Steven talks about growing up with a passion for music, his father's insistence that he pursue a respectable profession and the decision to abandon the law.We explore the musical career that followed, including a hit record in South America, and how songwriting eventually led him towards poetry, absurdist humour and comic fiction.From Boobydoo and Burn and Yearn to the political satire of The Jazzgate Scandal, Steven explains his fascination with wordplay, unlikely characters and the ridiculous side of everyday life.He also reveals his ambitions for film and television, including work under way on a screen adaptation of A Voice to Die For.In this conversation:Why Steven abandoned a promising legal careerHis journey through jazz, pop and songwritingThe hit song that helped shape his musical careerDiscovering a talent for comedy and punchlinesThe influence of Spike Milligan and Some Like It HotThe painstaking craft behind apparently effortless humourWhy his writing is now moving towards filmDiscover Steven Trio:https://steventrio.com/More Author Conversations:https://www.author-conversatio... /> Subscribe for conversations with authors, bestselling writers and leading thinkers, hosted by broadcast journalist Chris Dabbs.#StevenTrio #AuthorConversations #ComedyWriting #AuthorInterview #CreativeWriting00:00 Introduction - Meet Steven Trio02:04 Discovering the piano at eight07:19 A father's expectations and a career in law11:28 Life as a solicitor16:04 Leaving the law behind18:00 Finding his musical direction20:01 From songwriting to poetry21:09 A hit record in South America22:06 Discovering creative potential26:00 The origins of Steven's comedy27:49 Comedy influences and writing punchlines29:13 The discipline behind creative writing35:53 Short humour versus longer stories37:04 The origins of The Jazzgate Scandal41:08 Is music connected to comedy?43:04 Steven's plans for the future46:04 Turning his books into films48:15 A Voice to Die For50:16 Where to find Steven's workHttps://www.author-conversations.com/steven-triohttps://youtu.be/tdwJztjqSm8Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.