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In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Matt Daly discusses his writing journey, his upcoming poetry collection Red State, and the importance of community in a writer’s life.
Matt is a poet and the executive director of Jackson Hole Writers. Living in western Wyoming, he has built a creative practice shaped by relationships rather than formal training or traditional literary expectations. He explains how writing retreats, shared poems, and lasting connections with other writers have helped him grow as a poet.
The conversation also explores Red State, a collection that examines what it means to love a place while questioning its political and environmental direction. Matt discusses the tension between personal values and collective decisions, as well as the ways poetry can help readers understand experiences that may be different from their own.
Matt also shares the meaning behind one of his poems, which moves from large ideas about geography, climate, and environmental change toward the deeply personal experience of sitting with someone who had died. He explains how simply being present can become a powerful act of bearing witness.
The conversation also explores Matt’s writing process and why he does not focus heavily on the financial value of poetry. Instead, he values the freedom to explore ideas, share poems, and create meaningful connections with readers.
Matt also talks about his work with Jackson Hole Writers, an organization focused on helping writers connect through conferences, workshops, classes, manuscript critiques, and other community programs.
Key Takeaways:
Matt’s story reminds us that the writing life is not about waiting for permission. It is about showing up, paying attention, trusting your voice, and building meaningful connections with other people.
Connect with Matt Daly:
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In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, Danielle Hutchinson speaks with Jake Knox, author of Oak Logs and Gasoline: The Fire Inside, about purpose, identity, self-talk, slow growth, and the writing journey behind his first book.
Jake explains how the book began with late-night conversations and drives with his sons. These conversations became a collection of notes, quotes, and lessons that eventually grew into a book. His son Josh encouraged him to gather those ideas together, helping Jake turn years of mentoring and storytelling into a message that could reach more people.
At the center of the book is a parable about two men and the way they build their fires. One relies on quick, flashy bursts of gasoline, while the other uses oak logs to create a steady fire that keeps his home warm. Jake uses this story to explore how we fuel our lives and whether we are choosing short-term excitement or consistent actions that create lasting results.
Key Takeaways:
🔥 Consider what you are using to fuel your inner fire.
🌳 Focus on steady habits instead of quick fixes that create more problems later.
🗣️ Pay attention to how you speak to yourself, and practice using the same encouragement you would give a close friend.
✍️ Write in your own voice instead of trying to sound like another author or speaker.
⏳ Give your message time to develop before rushing it into the world.
📖 Let your writing process change as your ideas become clearer.
🤝 Surround yourself with people who encourage you, challenge you, and help you stay accountable.
Jake also shares the challenges of publishing his first book, the importance of finding his natural writing flow, and his plans for future projects, including another volume of Oak Logs and Gasoline and a companion book about tending the fires of love in a relationship.
This conversation is a reminder that you do not have to sound like anyone else to share something meaningful. Start with your own experience, find your voice, and keep building what lasts.
Connect with Jake Knox:
Website: Oak Logs and Gasoline
His book is available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats through Amazon.
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#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #JakeKnox #OakLogsAndGasoline #PersonalGrowth #PurposeAndPassion #SelfTalk #SlowGrowth #WritingJourney #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview
What if the Civil War could have been avoided?
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, C. Evan Stewart shares the research behind his book Succession Winter. The book explores William Henry Seward’s efforts to keep the Upper South in the Union and examines how political decisions, personal relationships, and missed opportunities contributed to the start of the war.
A former securities lawyer with a lifelong interest in history, Stewart explains how he used letters, archival records, and historical accounts to study the months leading up to the Civil War. His research offers a closer look at Seward’s relationship with Lincoln, the political tensions of the time, and the decisions that shaped American history.
Key Takeaways:
Stewart’s work reminds us that history is not always as simple as it appears. By looking closely at the people, decisions, and circumstances of the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of how major events unfolded.
Connect with C. Evan Stewart:
Learn more about Jackson Hole Writers: Jackson Hole Writers
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#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #CEvanStewart #SuccessionWinter #AmericanHistory #HistoricalResearch #WritingJourney #BookWriting #HistoryBooks #PodcastInterview
What can a poem teach us about memory, emotion, and the world around us?
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, American poet Tess Gallagher shares her thoughts on poetry, inspiration, and the long journey of becoming a writer.
Tess discusses her 2019 poetry collection Is, Is Not, which explores opposing truths, uncertainty, and the space between what is and what is not. She also shares the story behind Surrounded by Weasels, her latest book of stories created from the oral storytelling tradition of her late companion, Josie Gray. The book also includes paintings and essays that help preserve his stories and legacy.
Throughout the conversation, Tess explains how her surroundings in the Pacific Northwest and Ireland influence her writing. She speaks about the herons, hummingbirds, deer, landscapes, and personal memories that become part of her creative process.
She also shares how a small note on a piece of paper, a word from the news, or a childhood memory can become the beginning of a poem. Her advice is simple but meaningful: stay loose, allow yourself to be interrupted, ask questions, and let the poem lead you.
Key Takeaways:
Tess Gallagher’s words remind us that poetry can be found almost anywhere. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of attention, an unexpected memory, or a question that refuses to go away.
Connect with Tess Gallagher:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #TessGallagher #Poetry #IsIsNot #SurroundedByWeasels #PoetryWriting #WritingInspiration #CreativeWriting #PoetryPodcast
What happens when a small discovery leads to a story that connects history, family, and imagination?
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Leisa Coffman shares the inspiration behind her historical fiction novel, Sable’s Secret.
The story began when Leisa discovered a letter written by Harry Houdini to Mabel Wagnall, whose family was connected to the Funk and Wagnalls publishing house. While researching the letter and the publishing legacy, Leisa also discovered her own family connection to Isaac Kaufman Funk.
That discovery became the foundation for a novel that blends real historical events and figures with fictional characters. The story follows Sable, a publishing house heiress who develops a unique connection with Houdini, known in the novel by his real name, Eric Weiss.
Leisa also shares how her background in filmmaking influenced the way she writes. She describes her novels as films in book form, allowing her to create stories that could potentially move between different forms of art.
Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for writers who feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing a book. Her biggest lesson is to take the process step by step, write about something meaningful, and allow the story to develop naturally.
Key Takeaways:
Leisa’s journey shows how a single discovery can become a meaningful story. Her advice encourages writers to trust their instincts, take things one step at a time, and create work that feels true to who they are.
Connect with Leisa Coffman:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #LeisaCoffman #SablesSecret #HistoricalFiction #WritingInspiration #CreativeWriting #BookWriting #Filmmaking #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Dena Yohe shares the personal journey that led her to become an author and ministry founder.
Dena never planned to write a book. Her writing journey began when she started sending short emails to parents who were facing challenges similar to those her family had experienced. Over time, those messages grew into a blog, a writing group, and eventually her first book, You Are Not Alone.
Dena opens up about her family’s experience with a child’s self-injury, mental illness, addiction, and recovery. She also discusses the grief, guilt, shame, and isolation that parents can experience when their child is struggling. Rather than focusing on a step-by-step solution, her books offer hope, validation, faith, and encouragement for parents who are trying to find their way through difficult circumstances.
She also introduces Strength for the Brokenhearted, a short devotional designed to offer encouragement through scripture, reflection, and prayer. The book was created from messages she had already written for the Hope for Hurting Parents email community, showing how existing content can grow into a meaningful book when it meets a real need.
Dena and her husband also created a facilitator guide and parent notebook to help others start support groups. Their work has expanded from a support group in their home to groups in different parts of the country and around the world.
Throughout the conversation, Dena also shares valuable writing advice. She explains why new writers should simply begin, avoid judging their early work, and find a supportive writing community that can offer encouragement and constructive feedback.
Key Takeaways:
Dena’s story shows how writing can become more than a creative project. It can become a way to serve others, share hope, and create resources for people who feel alone. Her message is simple but powerful: keep learning, keep writing, and do not be afraid to ask for support along the way.
Connect with Dena Yohe:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #DenaYohe #HopeForHurtingParents #YouAreNotAlone #StrengthForTheBrokenhearted #FaithAndHope #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview #TurningPainIntoPurpose
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Constance Lewis shares the story behind her children’s books and the personal experiences that inspired her to write them.
Constance explains how she never originally planned to become an author. After contributing chapters to adult books about infertility and postpartum experiences, she had a dream that inspired her to write a children’s book. The idea for Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings came to her during meditation, and she wrote the first version in one night.
The book was inspired by her son Miles, who experienced epilepsy. Constance wanted to create a way for children to communicate their feelings when they could not find the right words. Through colorful capes and tutus, children can show how they feel without having to explain everything verbally.
Constance also discusses her collaboration with her husband, Andre, who helped develop the rhyming elements of the book. Together, they worked to make sure the language was simple enough for children between the ages of four and eight, while still keeping the story engaging and meaningful.
The conversation also explores why emotions such as anger and sadness should not be treated as bad. Constance explains that the emotion itself is natural. What matters is helping children find healthy ways to express and process it. Parents can use simple tools such as crayons, pencils, paper, or color charts to help children communicate what is happening inside.
Constance also shares what she learned while searching for an illustrator. She reviewed many portfolios, compared styles and pricing, and made sure she would have full ownership of the characters and images in the book. She also talks about working with a publishing coach and choosing self-publishing based on her family’s needs and goals.
As she continues developing more children’s books, Constance is also exploring stories about different age groups, big emotions, parenting, and the reasons behind the way parents sometimes act.
Key Takeaways:
Constance’s journey shows how a personal experience can become a creative tool that helps others. Her message is a reminder that children deserve the freedom to feel their emotions and the support to understand them. It also encourages authors to keep writing, seek help when needed, and allow their work to be imperfectly perfect.
Connect with Constance Lewis:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #ConstanceLewis #ColorfulCapesOfFeelings #MilesAndTheColorfulCapesOfFeelings #MariahAndTheColorfulTutusOfFeelings #ChildrensBooks #EmotionalLearning #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, David McNally shares an inspiring conversation about purpose, aging, grief, writing, and the importance of continuing to make a difference.
David is a Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author of five books. His latest book, If You’re Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished, challenges the idea that our best years are behind us. Instead, he encourages people to see aging as an opportunity to continue learning, growing, creating, and contributing.
David explains how the loss of both of his wives influenced his latest book. During a time of grief, he came to understand that being alive means there is still work to do. For him, that work includes learning, growing, and helping others fulfill their own purpose.
He also shares how his experience in Tanzania helped him rethink the role of older people in society. Rather than viewing them only as senior citizens, David believes they can become elders who use their wisdom to guide, encourage, and support younger generations.
The conversation also explores David’s writing process, including the challenges of publishing his first book, handling rejection, asking for honest feedback, and continuing to improve his work.
Key Takeaways:
David also talks about his upcoming audiobook, his YouTube channel, The Inspired Elder, and his future online course, Alive and Wise: The Joy of Being an Elder.
This episode is a reminder that your mission does not end with age. Whether you are an author, speaker, professional, or simply someone looking for your next chapter, there is always room to grow and make your next years meaningful.
Connect with David McNally:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #DavidMcNally #IfYoureAliveYourMissionOnEarthIsntFinished #TheInspiredElder #Purpose #AgingWithPurpose #PersonalGrowth #WritingAdvice #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview
Watch out for a podcast episode with Bruce W. Brackett this week on the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), hosted by Danielle Hutchinson.
Bruce W. Brackett is a bestselling author, content creator, advocate, and speaker who turned his experiences with trauma, addiction, recovery, and healing into a message of positivity and empowerment. He is the author of How to Breathe While Suffocating and the upcoming book Show Up and Shimmy, which focuses on helping people recognize their worth, overcome self-sabotage, and live a more purposeful life.
In this inspiring conversation, discover how to:
Bruce also shares how his personal memoir became a way to help readers feel seen and understood, while Show Up and Shimmy takes a more self-help approach focused on the reader and their own recovery and potential. His story is a powerful reminder to keep showing up, even after failure, rejection, or setbacks.
Connect with Bruce W. Brackett:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#BruceWBrackett #HowToBreatheWhileSuffocating #ShowUpAndShimmy #Positivity #Recovery #PersonalGrowth #WritingJourney #AuthorityOnDemand #Podcast #OvercomingAdversity
In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Sheekha Singh shares her journey as an author, podcaster, speaker, and tech leader and explains how her experiences with ambition and burnout inspired her latest book, Unburnable Ambition.
Sheekha explains that she always enjoyed writing and speaking while growing up in India. After moving to the U.S. for her master’s degree, those interests took a back seat as she focused on building her career. Over time, she returned to writing and speaking, began speaking at technology conferences, started her own podcast, and eventually published her first book in 2021.
Her latest book focuses on burnout among overachievers. She explains that she chose the title Unburnable Ambition because she wanted to show that being ambitious does not mean you have to give up your goals. After experiencing burnout herself while trying to manage many projects and responsibilities, she learned that it is possible to remain ambitious while also protecting your energy.
Sheekha also shares some of the frameworks from the book, including the importance of protecting your energy, setting boundaries, changing your mindset around rest, and allowing yourself time away from work. She explains that rest does not need to be expensive or complicated. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can give you time to recharge.
The conversation also explores Sheekha’s writing process. She conducted extensive research before writing, created a mind map for the book, and eventually took a weekend writing retreat where she completed 10,000 words, which became about 80% of the book’s rough draft. She then dedicated time after dinner to editing and refining the manuscript.
Sheekha explains how she combined personal experiences, science-backed research, and lessons from guests on her podcast to create a book that was both practical and relatable. She also wanted the book to be easy to read, so she carefully edited the content to make sure the ideas could be understood by readers from different backgrounds.
The conversation also looks at her future as a writer. After focusing on technology and burnout, Sheekha is now preparing to explore fiction through a sci-fi romance novel. She shares how this new direction requires her to use more imagination and focus on feelings and emotions rather than only facts and research.
For writers, Sheekha offers a simple reminder: if you have been putting off your book, it may be time to make it a priority. She encourages writers to set clear boundaries around their writing time and communicate those boundaries with the people around them.
Key Takeaways:
🔋 Protecting your energy is important, especially when you are passionate about what you do.
🧘 Rest is necessary and does not have to involve expensive self-care activities.
🚧 Setting clear boundaries can help protect your personal and professional energy.
🎯 Being ambitious does not mean you have to give up your goals to avoid burnout.
✍️ Writers need to make their books a priority if they want to finish them.
📚 Research, personal experience, and storytelling can work together to create a stronger book.
🧠 Changing your mindset around rest can help you create healthier habits.
⏰ Dedicated writing and editing time can help turn an idea into a finished manuscript.
🌱 Do not keep putting off the project that matters to you.
🚀 Trying something new, such as moving from nonfiction into fiction, can open the door to another stage of your creative journey.
Sheekha’s journey shows that ambition and well-being do not have to work against each other. By protecting your energy, setting boundaries, making time for your priorities, and allowing yourself to rest, you can continue pursuing your goals without letting burnout define your journey.
Connect with Sheekha Singh:
Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast:
#AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #SheekhaSingh #UnburnableAmbition #Burnout #WorkLifeBalance #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PersonalGrowth #PodcastInterview
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