Welcome to today’s episode and I’m your host, Ali, and in this program, we dive into global issues and explore ways to create meaningful change. Today, I’m excited to welcome Amber Byers, an award-winning author, editor, and the founder of Tadpole Press. 

ABOUT GUEST:

Amber Byers is the founder and CEO of Tadpole Press, where she serves as head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international writing contest celebrating creativity and community.

She blogs regularly at Living a Life Imagined, which is dedicated to positivity and authenticity as a creative. Amber’s published works include The Magic Door Origin Story, which is a sci-fi story inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which won a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019.

Above all, Amber is an artist and entrepreneur. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington, a Juris Doctor in law from the University of Arizona, and a passion for diversifying literature.

Amber’s work is informed by her identity as an agender and biracial person. She is proud to be a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and would love to tell you the story of how she got her Indian name of Nijgan Bamsid Manidog (Friend Who Walks with Spirits). 

Amber started reading at the age of three and is still in love with the power and beauty of language. She especially relishes words that surprise, delight, and encourage us to support and inspire one another.

In this conversation, Amber shares her insights on the power of storytelling, the importance of inclusivity, and the wisdom we often overlook. From her creative process to her work as a coach and advocate, Amber offers a fresh perspective on how identity, culture, and art intersect. Join us for this inspiring dialogue, and discover how we can all contribute to fostering more authentic and inclusive communities.

Keynotes:

TIMESTAMPS:

00:01:31 - Intro

03:36:31 - Amber’s short bio - from childhood to Tadpole Press

07:14:31 - Awakening to the Wisdom We Overlook: Lessons from Indigenous Connections

15:04:31 - The Meaning Behind Tadpole Press

21:57:31 - The Inspiration Behind the Story: How Sophie and Spot Balances Heart and Market

29:17:31 - Staying True: The Battle Between Authentic Art and Commercial Pressure

39:04:31 - The Limits of Tolerance: Why True Inclusion Requires Acceptance, Not Endurance

46:13:31 - Rethinking Gender: Beyond Biological Definitions to Personal Identity

55:16:31 - Rethinking Race: Beyond Genetic Traits to Global Identity

01:01:36 - The Power of Unconditional Generosity: Giving Without Expectation

01:12:10 - How Can People Reach Amber?

01:17:40 - Outro

BUY AMBER’S BOOK - SOPHIE AND SPOT:

https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Spot-Amber-Byers-ebook/dp/B0DLPK8BHL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YIUIK2I8ZDCC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.egyqGZfw9F8xIM9p0D359w.8dEuI3pSDDNcH_gLfkLE9nC4uhc8KSRlq30rBYcIJpM&dib_tag=se&keywords=sophie+and+spot+amber+byers&qid=1730929525&sprefix=sophie+and+spot+amber+bye%2Caps%2C396&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophie-Spot-Amber-Byers-ebook/dp/B0DLPK8BHL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4FVFLI1JM8B4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.egyqGZfw9F8xIM9p0D359w.nMlGA4zAFs27AzyNPkgu658-H2uzNcD0gqdQyS6iABw&dib_tag=se&keywords=sophie+and+spot+amber+byers&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730929556&sprefix=sophie+and+spot+amber+syers%2Caps%2C1195&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sophie-and-spot-amber-byers/1129667074?ean=9781732828612

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