Some conversations show you what the world could be – how great we could all have it – if we just give a little more of ourselves or, put another way, place ourselves firmly outside the center of focus.

CK Malone is an educator, author, and giver. They aren’t perfect – we discuss this point in the episode – but what they are and strive to continually be is capital-G Good.

From shouting out those who inspired them to boosting the work of others to praise for those who have made them and their work what they are today, this chat takes a village.

A little context: we recorded this conversation in early April 2022, a few months after CK had hosted an event boosting (future podcast guest) Julie Hedlund’s Over Bear Under Where, and had just completed several hundred manuscript critiques. For free. Generous and gracious is the name of the game.

CK’s debut picture book, A Costume for Charly, comes out this September – make sure to preorder it if you’re able, or ensure your local library stocks a copy when the time comes.

Find out more about CK and their debut A Costume for Charly FIRST by listening to this episode, THEN at their website, carlislemalonebooks.com. Enjoy CK Malone's verse!