Authors By Us

In this episode, author V.E. Delaney shares her inspiration from Victorian Gothic history, her creative process, and how she blends horror, paranormal, and romance genres to craft her unique series. Discover her insights on character development, self-publishing, and the deep themes behind her books.

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00:00 Introduction

00:55 Taking Inspiration from the Victorian Era

02:44 Delaney's PBS Shows She'd Watch & Why

04:17 How Delaney's Parents Affected Her Love Of History

05:26 Is Creativity A Natural Thing Or Is It Built

06:26 How Can Someone Gain The Itch To Learn

07:59 How Her FMC Evalina Eventually Turned Into A Midwife

09:09 Is A Caring Role The Best Way To Hide In Fiction

10:17 Why Dracula In The Burden Of Time Series

11:55 Blending Gothic Horror and Romance

13:53 Yet She Kept The Same Tropes Why?

15:29 What Do People Get With The Burden Of Time Series

16:17 How Does Immortality Play Into Her Series

17:20 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

20:07 Freaky Experience With Coworker

20:49 Does Delaney's Career Influence Her Stories

23:04 How The Performance Aspect Of Delaney's Book Plays Off Her Life

26:27 How Delaney Got Into Her Characters Heads

27:50 How Does Someone Become Friends With Characters

28:51 Delaney's Challenges With Certain Characters

30:14 Should Authors Have Physical Sensations When Writing Their Novels

34:01 How Moral Complexity Plays Into Her Series

35:50 What Made Her Bring Jekyll Into Her Series

36:45 How Much Pressure Comes From Paying Homage

38:09 What Was Missing From Dracula That She Added On

39:17 The Awesome Biting System

42:12 How To Create Immersion In A Story That Feels Superstitious

43:48 Is Her Series Too Niche Or Is IT For Everyone

45:27 What Was She Pursuing Before Burden Of Time

46:41 Why Delaney Got The Itch To Write Her Series

47:49 How Can Someone Build Obsession

49:53 Is She ADHD?

51:15 How Delaney Structured Her Series

53:56 Does Announcing 6 Books Mean More Pressure On Delaney

56:01 Was Delaney Ever In Unfamiliar Situations Like Evalina

58:36 One Thing TO Leave The Audience With

01:00:23 Delaney & Her Fiance Discussion

01:01:08 Who She'd Cast In A Movie/Show Of The Burden Of Time

01:04:28 Closing Thoughts

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

In this episode, Mara Sand shares her journey from childhood fairy tale obsession to becoming a published author of a fantasy series inspired by classic stories. She discusses her creative process, the importance of feminine rage, and the role of AI and mental health in writing.

What You’ll Learn:

Mara Sand's background and inspiration from fairy tales

The evolution of her five-book series and genre blending

The role of feminine rage and emotional expression in storytelling

The impact of AI on modern writing and creativity

Managing ADHD and mental health as a writer

The importance of persistence and finishing projects

Casting characters and imagining adaptations

The cultural significance of retelling and rewriting stories

The influence of childhood interests on adult creativity

Advice for aspiring writers and creators

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

00:50 Does Mara's Story Mimic Her Life?

01:55 Finding Her Voice Via Writing

03:18 Why Mara Started Writing At 12 Yrs Old

05:06 What A 7 Year Project Taught Mara In Regards To Writing Novels

07:08 Is Mara A Perfectionist

08:02 How Does She Bring Herself To Edit If It Feels Torturous

09:09 How The World Looks At "The Little Guy" Discussion

11:42 Why Is Feminine Rage Necessary IRL

13:14 How Closely Does Ina Mirror Mara

15:24 Mara's Advice To Finding Potential In Oneself

16:55 What IS The "Court System" In Mara's Story

19:24 The Evolution Of A 5-Book Series Genre Wise

23:49 How Mara Eventually Planned Out Her 5-Book Series

26:50 The Appeal Of Turning Old Time Stories Into New Adult-Like Ones

29:16 Delving Into The Mind Of A Romatasy Author

31:55 Breaking Stereotypes: Why People Shy Away From Romantasy

34:25 AI In Book Writing: Romantasy Style

38:02 Did Mara Use AI When Writing Her Book

38:09 Was Mara A Natural Born Creative

41:50 The Movie Dream Cast For Barley Corn Girl Adaption

44:05 Why People Enjoy These Kinds Of Stories So Much

46:15 How Mara Feels About Scenarios Linked With Her Books Message

48:40 What's The Major Takeaways From The Barley Corn Girl

50:22 Has Mara Dealt With Lust & Love Like Her Book Describes

51:24 AUDIOBOOK Discussion

59:11 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

Call To Action:

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, writing podcast for authors

meet the author podcast, how authors write books, author journey stories, writing process explained, books and authors discussion, reader and author connection

deep dive author interview, podcast for book lovers, understanding authors, story behind the book, author insights podcast, writing and storytelling insights

In this insightful interview, author Stephen Ray shares his journey of overcoming ADHD and Tourette's, the creative process behind his fantasy series, and the importance of authentic representation of mental health in fiction. Discover how personal struggles can fuel compelling storytelling and learn practical tips for aspiring writers.

What You’ll Learn:

Personal journey with ADHD and Tourette's

World building in fantasy series

Authentic representation of mental health

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:58 What Is Stephen's Mission Regarding His Book

03:35 What It Was Like Growing Up With Multiple Disorders

06:59 How Art Became an Outlet for Expression

12:31 What Stephen Learned From His Previous Book

14:45 The Sources Stephen Used To Understand His Characters

17:35 Are Characters The Most Important Aspect Of Books

18:48 How AutoBiographical Is Silver Steps

22:18 Fiction vs Self-Help: A Gateway To Understanding

24:23 Does Silver Steps Have World Building

25:30 How Stephen Built A Whole World Around Disorders

29:01 Addressing Misrepresentation of Disorders in Literature

33:40 How Stephen's Kickstarter Went

38:27 Stephen's Unique Creature Concept In Silver Steps

43:54 The Value Of Fantasy Literature

47:25 Does Stephen's Disorders Affect His Children

50:21 Stephen's Transition Into Ministry & Christianity

53:46 Is Stephen A Better Writer Because Of ADHD & Tourettes

56:06 Stephen's New Series Heretic Cycle

01:03:39 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

Call To Action:

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, writing podcast for authors

meet the author podcast, how authors write books, author journey stories, writing process explained, books and authors discussion, reader and author connection

deep dive author interview, podcast for book lovers, understanding authors, story behind the book, author insights podcast, writing and storytelling insights

Summary:

In this heartfelt interview, Morgan Jackson shares her journey of surviving childhood trauma, writing her impactful book 'Survivor's Grief,' and her path to healing through poetry and storytelling. Discover insights on the seven stages of grief, the importance of hope, and how to find safe spaces for healing.

What You’ll Learn:

Seven stages of grief

Healing through poetry

Survivor's journey and hope

Trauma and mental health awareness

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:59 The Mission Behind Survivor's Grief

02:36 How Morgan Would Describe Herself Outside Of Her Book

03:30 Why She Enjoys The Quieter Side Of Life

04:47 The Journey From Silence To Sharing

06:31 Is It Easier To Discuss Trauma With Others Opposed To Friends & Family

08:57 What Allowed Morgan To Heal From Her Trauma

10:20 Did She Believe Her Counselor

12:13 When Did It Make Sense For Morgan To Write Survivors Grief

13:38 Why Poetry Of All Things?

14:57 The Power of Poetry

16:52 Was There A Poem In Survivors Grief That Hit Morgan The Hardest

18:30 Understanding the Seven Stages of Grief

21:39 Which Stage Of Grief Hit Morgan The Hardest

23:04 Which Stage Do People Not Spend Enough Time In?

25:22 When To Read Survivors Grief

27:24 Why Do People Going Through Trauma Feel Alone?

29:18 Why Our Society Still Doesn't Spread Much Awareness On Trauma

30:32 How Do We Spread Awareness On Trauma

33:31 The Writing Process & Emotional Toll It Had On Morgan

35:17 Did Morgan Have An Outlet While Writing Her Book

37:02 Who Is The Specific Reader For This Book?

37:27 Did Survivors Grief Teach Morgan Anything About Herself

38:38 Morgan's Goals Moving Forward As An Author

41:33 Did Morgan Affect Anyone's Life With Survivors Grief

42:55 How Can Someone Close The Gap On Functioning vs Feeling Safe

46:43 Morgan On Parenting Through Trauma

51:04 One Takeaway From Survivors Grief

52:03 What Helped Morgan To Break Out Of Her Shell

53:52 Was Morgan Very Self-Conscious At Some Point

55:02 Is Morgan's New Duology Implementing Things From Her Life

57:00 When To Expect Her New Duology, Kinda

58:03 Morgan's Goals Beyond Just Author Things

58:59 What Would Old Morgan Think Of Today's Morgan

59:47 Where You Can Find Morgan

01:02:11 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

Call To Action:

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, writing podcast for authors

meet the author podcast, how authors write books, author journey stories, writing process explained, books and authors discussion, reader and author connection

deep dive author interview, podcast for book lovers, understanding authors, story behind the book, author insights podcast, writing and storytelling insights

Summary:

In this episode, Blaski shares his unique perspective on how technology, art, and philosophy intertwine, particularly through his debut novel United Worlds. We dive into the nature of human consciousness, the potential of virtual reality, and the philosophical implications of living in a simulated or virtual universe.

What You’ll Learn:

• Blaski’s personal journey from Argentina to Silicon Valley, driven by passions for art and technology
• The influence of cultural background and travel experiences on his worldview
• How obsession and passion drive creativity in art and tech
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his writing process and worldview
• The concept of expanding human capabilities through technology
• The philosophical debate around consciousness, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality
• The creation of the Screenplay Novel, blending cinematic and literary storytelling
• The potential for and ethical implications of living in virtual worlds or simulations
• The debate over AI’s role in creative industries like publishing
• Future projects and the possibility of film adaptations of his work

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Blaski The Man Behind United Worlds

03:17 Where Does Blaski's Obsessive Personality Come From

05:41 What Was Growing Up in Argentina Like?

10:31 Journey to the U.S.: Education and Career Aspirations

12:01 What's It Like Working At Google

14:26 Where Did This Passion For Tech Come From?

16:13 The Impact of the Pandemic On Blaski's Life

20:16 Virtual Reality Stories And Why It Had An Impact During The Pandemic

22:15 Why United Worlds Became A Book Instead Of Something Else?

25:22 What Are People Getting With United Worlds

28:21 Did Blaski Have Beliefs That Were Challenged When He Came To The States

32:18 Why Was Self-Publishing A Big Deal For Blaski

36:27 Is The World Ready To Question Digital Consciousness IRL

40:38 Would Blaski Jump At The Opportunity To Become Digital?

42:53 Blaski's POV On What Is Technology

45:29 Does Blaski Believe We Live In A Simulation

47:19 Blaski's Thoughts On The Fast Paced Tech Landscape

50:29 The Good & The Bad; The Dual Nature Of VR?

54:13 Does Blaski Have Future Projects Planned?

55:40 How Did Blaski Find Time To Write United Worlds

58:02 Did Blaski Ever Feel Burnout?

01:00:03 Blaski's Personal Stance On AI In Book Writing

01:04:08 What Are Screenplay Novels?

01:06:43 What If United Worlds Got A Film Adaption?

01:10:26 What's The One Thing People Should Know About Blaski

01:14:20 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

Call To Action:

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, writing podcast for authors

meet the author podcast

Summary:

In this insightful interview, Carson Hawkes shares his journey through creativity, problem-solving, and writing. Discover how his diverse experiences in industrial design, travel, and media influence his storytelling and personal growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• Carson Hawkes' background in industrial design and media
• The influence of travel and life experiences on creativity
• Strategies for balancing multiple creative pursuits
  

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:13 What Defines Carson Hawkes As A Person

03:40 The Journey Of Creativity & Problem Solving

05:58 Was Carson Just Naturally Gifted As A Creative

06:56 Carson On Creating Games When He Was Younger

09:44 How Carson Obtained So Many Creative Outlets

11:10 Does He Really Have Scatterbrain Or?

15:37 Carson Is A Religious Man

17:11 What Did Russia Teach Carson About Himself

19:38 Finding Balance and Perspective

21:26 What Is "The Shadow Spark" About?

24:00 Do Moments From Carson's Life Show Up In The Shadow Spark

28:44 How Carson Planned Out His Book

30:33 Should People Look At Their Lives More For Inspiration

33:49 Genre Blending & Readers Expectations

37:49 The Gamble of Going Against the Grain

40:17 Carson On Navigating Self-Doubt and the Writing Process

42:28 How Carson Balanced Full-Time Work & Writing

46:48 Carson's New Trilogy, Explained

48:40 Can We Add Reading To Carson's Interests

52:45 How Can People Go From Being A Consumer To A Doer

58:09 Carson's Thoughts On Conflict Being The Catalyst For Growth

01:01:39 The Human Side Of Carson As An Author

01:05:43 Does Carson Have Any Regrets

01:08:30 Carsons Future Goals & Aspirations

01:14:21 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

Call To Action:

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, writing podcast for authors

meet the author podcast, how authors write books, author journey stories, writing process explained, books and authors discussion, reader and author connection

deep dive author interview, podcast for book lovers, understanding authors, story behind the book, author insights podcast, writing and storytelling insights

Summary:

In this insightful interview, author E.L. Lyons shares her journey through creativity, mental health, and the challenges of writing with dysgraphia. Discover how her passion for stories and nature shaped her unique path to becoming an author, despite physical and psychological hurdles. E.L. Lyons shares their journey from writing and editing to publishing her epic fantasy novel, highlighting the importance of worldbuilding, dealing with criticism, and overcoming personal challenges. Discover insights on creative process, worldbuilding, and the resilience needed to succeed as an author.

What You’ll Learn:

• E.L. Lyons' childhood and love for nature
• Impact of dysgraphia and ADHD on her writing
• The role of her father in inspiring her love for sci-fi and fantasy
• Her journey through college and overcoming writing pain
• The influence of her family and personal experiences on her stories Worldbuilding in fantasy using science and animal neurology
• The importance of editing and rewriting in writing process
• Overcoming personal challenges and self-doubt as an author

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Is E.L. Lyons The Same Person In & Out Of Her Book

02:58 What Does Scatterbrain Mean?

05:27 Where Does Her Desire To Learn Come From?

08:49 The Balance Of Scatterbrain vs Focused Learning

11:57 Lyons Thoughts On Authors Lives Being Reflected In Their Books

15:39 How Her Dad Influenced Her With Scary Stories

17:28 Is Lyons A Thrill Seeker?

21:24 Was Her Dad The Reason For Her Love Of Fantasy

24:41 Lyons Mother Was The Responsible One

26:15 Is Starlight Jewel A Homage To Her Dad?

30:22 What Is Dysgraphia?

32:56 Lyons Need To Write Despite Her Disorder

42:05 When Did Writing Start Feeling Like An Instinct Rather Than A Habit

44:56 It's Never About Having Natural Talent

47:38 E.L. Lyons On Joining A Writers Group & Her Path To Publishing

53:15 E.L's Thoughts On What People Would Think Of Her Book

55:59 What Do We Get With Starlight Jewel?

01:02:57 How Did This Idea Of Animal Neurology Come Into Starlight Jewel

01:10:53 Talk About Making Someone Interested In A Book

01:12:50 How E.L's Obsession With Editing Built This Story From The Ground Up

01:18:55 How She Overcame Self-Doubt With Writing

01:27:08 Does Lyons Still Struggle With Acknowledgement + Her Advice To You

01:37:55 A Personal Insight About Lyons You Won't Learn Elsewhere 

01:42:54 Closing Thoughts

About The Podcast:

Authors By Us is a podcast focused on bridging the gap between readers and authors - going beyond the book to explore the real stories, experiences, and perspectives behind the pages.

Each episode is designed to help you understand the author on a deeper level so by the end, it feels like you’ve just had a conversation with them yourself.

If you enjoy conversations like this, make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes with authors sharing the real story behind their work.

#authorinterview #authorpodcast #bookpodcast #writingpodcast #podcast #storytelling #behindthebook #authorsbyus #writerlife #authorlife #amwriting #booklovers #readersofyoutube #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #readers #writers #books #authorsofyoutube #podcastshow

author interview podcast, book podcast for readers, storytelling podcast, behind the book podcast, author conversation podcast, meet the author podcast, how authors write books, author journey stories, writing process explained, books and authors discussion, reader and author connection, deep dive author interview, podcast for book lovers, understanding authors, story behind the book,

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of S.J. Taylor, author of the Danger by Association trilogy, and her insights on writing, healing through storytelling, and the cultural richness of New Orleans.

Keywords:

Writing journey, Healing through stories, New Orleans culture, Mafia romance, Character development, Author interview, Mental health, Creative process, Series analysis, Literary inspiration

Key  Topics

Author's journey from childhood to writing career

Healing and processing trauma through storytelling

Cultural influences of New Orleans on her books

Deep character development and vulnerability

The concept of opposing forces and complex characters

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:06 S.J's Journey Before Danger By Association

03:51 The Cause That Made 12 Yr Old S.J Fall In Love With Writing

05:31 What's It Like Growing Up With 9 Other Children

06:41 How Writing Helped S.J Find Herself

09:56 The Affect Being Able To Help People With Words Has On S.J's Life

13:14 How S.J Incorporated Realness & Raw Feelings Into Her Book

15:39 What Do We Get With The Danger By Association Trilogy

18:04 How Deep Does This Opposing Forces Go In This Series

20:28 What Makes An Amazing Villain In S.J's Opinion

22:27 The Role of Perspective in Storytelling

24:51 The Essence of New Orleans in Writing

26:25 How New Orleans Affected S.J's Life Outside Of Writing

28:10 Her Favorite Part About New Orleans

29:11 Are We Able To Feel New Orleans Within Her Series

30:15 The Unique French Mafia Setting

34:04 Building Her Characters From The Middle Ground, Why?

36:57 The Price of Innocence, Protection, and Loyalty

40:04 Exploring Book Two: A Unique Take on Beauty and the Beast

43:08 Author's Reflection: Would She Make The Same Decisions As Her Characters

45:52 Books That've Affected S.J's Life

49:53 What Interests S.J Beyond Books

51:17 The Importance of Art in Society

55:25 The Takeaways From Danger By Association

57:22 What Is S.J's New Project Coming Soon

01:00:37 Balancing Life As A Mother & Author

01:03:58 The Benefits of Homeschooling

01:07:13 Something About S.J You Won't Learn From Her Books

01:09:46 Closing Thoughts Section

In this engaging interview, young author J.A. Watson shares her inspiring journey from childhood reading obsession to publishing her own fantasy series at a remarkably young age. Discover how her passions for dragons, archaeology, and engineering intertwine to shape her creative process and future ambitions.

Keywords

Young author, fantasy series, world building, creativity, engineering, archaeology, writing process, female characters, inspiration, self-development

Key topics

Journey from childhood to published author

Influence of fantasy and archaeology on writing

Balancing engineering studies with creative pursuits

World building and series planning in fantasy

Representation of female characters and femininity

Guest Name

J.A. Watson

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:05 The Journey Of A 20 Year Old Author

05:36 What Caused This Deep Seated Creative Itch From Such A Young Age

10:41 Some Of The Series J.A Couldn't Put Down

12:49 The Writing Process and Challenges

14:59 Does Understanding Engineering Help With Creativity

20:33 How J.A Incorporated Her Essence Into A Race Against Shadows

24:57 The Average Age For A Published Book vs J.A

27:12 How She Was Capable Of  Infusing Her Story With Feminine Rage

32:01 World Building & Organization

35:58 J.A's Self Discovery Between Reading & Writing

37:44 J.A's Love For Archaeology & Paleontology

42:41 Rediscovering Curiosity in a Fast-Paced World

47:24 The Impact of Community and Book Events

50:57 Future Aspirations & Goals For J.A

55:28 Where J.A's Deep Seated Love For Nature Comes From

57:23 How 4th Grade J.A Would Feel About Current J.A

58:10 One Thing People Can Takeaway From This Conversation About J.A

01:00:08 How J.A Tapped Into The Feelings Of Her Characters

01:02:32 Has A Race Against Shadows Cost Her Emotionally

01:07:04 What People Should Feel After They Close J.A's Book For The Last Time

01:10:25 Closing Thoughts Section

In this candid conversation, Kevin Laws shares his profound journey working undercover to track down online child predators, the emotional toll of his work, and his motivation behind writing a raw, graphic memoir to raise awareness. His story reveals the dark realities of law enforcement and the importance of community, mental health, and advocacy in healing and prevention.

• Kevin's background in law enforcement, military service, and international relocations
• The genesis and evolution of his career, including undercover work targeting child predators
• The psychological and emotional impacts of confronting internet-based child exploitation
• Insights into Kevin’s book: motivation, content, and targeted audience
• The significance of honesty and graphic detail in raising awareness
• How TikTok became a platform for outreach, storytelling, and community building
• Personal resilience, coping mechanisms, and the importance of community support
• Future goals, ongoing advocacy, and the mission to educate parents and policymakers
• The importance of storytelling as a tool for empathy, awareness, and change
• Kevins's reflections on his upbringing and lessons learned about overcoming circumstances

00:00 - Introduction and Kevin's background in law enforcement and military

00:42 - Reasons behind Kevin’s frequent relocations across the US and abroad

01:36 - Transition from military to law enforcement and Homeland Security

02:20 - Motivation to pursue child predator investigations

03:14 - The grueling environment of Internet child exploitation cases

04:20 - Kevin’s emotional toll and PTSD from his undercover work

05:37 - How his career led to authoring a graphic memoir

06:30 - The importance of honesty and raw storytelling in raising awareness

07:59 - Target audiences: parents, lawmakers, law enforcement

09:01 - The devastating reality of online predators and Kevin’s undercover experiences

10:49 - Daily routines in undercover investigations and the emotional drain

12:56 - Personal impact: coping with PTSD and vicarious trauma

13:26 - The motivation behind and contents of Kevin’s book

14:36 - How his book aims to inform and shock to foster awareness

16:44 - The role of graphic and unfiltered storytelling to illuminate the truth

17:49 - The challenge and emotional cost of reliving experiences through writing

22:48 - The importance of community, peer support, and outreach

29:14 - TikTok as a vital tool for awareness, community, and mental health

36:39 - Longevity in law enforcement work: coping strategies and personal routines

38:57 - The toll of relentless investigation and the importance of self-care

42:42 - Path to healing post-retirement and ongoing outreach

47:20 - The role of TikTok in building community and promoting his book

50:34 - Responses from listeners and readers, personal stories of impact

55:19 - Kevin’s personal background and overcoming childhood trauma

58:46 - Advice for those battling internal struggles and the importance of outlets

61:13 - Future vision: awareness, education, and mission-driven advocacy

62:27 - Reflecting on his journey: satisfaction and staying true to his mission

63:19 - Closing remarks and appreciation