Authors & Espresso

In this episode of Authors & Espresso, host Nadia Gilkes interviews Sheryl Green, a bestselling author and expert on setting boundaries. Sheryl shares her personal journey of hitting rock bottom due to overcommitment and burnout, leading her to discover the importance of boundaries. The conversation explores various aspects of boundary-setting, including the Goldilocks principle, the clash question as a decision-making tool, and the significance of kindness in communication. Listeners are encouraged to pause before responding to requests and to recognize their struggles with different types of boundaries. Sheryl emphasizes that setting boundaries is essential for emotional health and maintaining relationships.

Host Nadia Gilkes talks with Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu — organizational psychologist, editor, and author of The Belonging Paradox — about her multi‑hyphenate career, the psychology of belonging, and the power of words.

They cover practical tips for writers and self‑publishers, the pillars of belonging (orientation, empathy, grace, boundaries), and how Dr. Otito’s editing and consulting work helps people find authentic communities and stronger voices.

Host Nadia Gilkes gives a candid behind-the-scenes account of the emotional, messy, and ultimately rewarding process of designing book covers for self-published authors. She shares personal failures, lessons learned, and the choices that helped her land on a cover she loves.

Filled with practical tips—use stock photos smartly, play with Canva, set a clear concept before hiring designers, check thumbnail readability, and be cautious with AI—this episode encourages creators to experiment and own the design process.

Host Nadia Gilkes recaps Authors & Espresso’s February episodes featuring three independent Black authors: Rhonda Green (Behind the Smile), James Jeffley (Un-FEC'd and more), and Jesse Oakley, III (Greetings, Happy People). Each interview explores personal journeys, leadership, mental health, and practical writing and publishing tips.

Nadia also shares a personal highlight —moderating a Black History Month panel at the new West Las Vegas Library—and reflects on the passing of Jesse Jackson. She previews Women’s History Month interviews and invites newly published indie authors to be featured on the podcast.

{NOTE: I forgot to mention the second personal highlight but catch the announcement in my March newsletter. Happy Listening & Reading!}

In this episode host Nadia interviews Jesse Oakley, III — a civil engineer, longtime Toastmaster and former Toastmasters International Director, Red Cross volunteer, author of Greetings, Happy People, and host of the Sunday Morning Chat Series. They discuss leadership growth, the power of positivity, service, lifelong learning, and practical stories that reveal how to show up and lead with purpose.

Listeners will hear personal anecdotes, book and podcast insights, and actionable ideas for staying resilient, serving others, and finding the silver lining in challenging times.

Host Nadia Gilkes interviews award-winning speaker, coach, author, minister, and musician James Jeffley about leadership, change, and the human side of organizations. They discuss his latest books, including Misdiagnosed and Un-FEC'd, the FEC framework (Fear, Ego, Culture), the importance of listening and diagnostics in solving organizational problems, and the role of creativity, spirituality, and Toastmasters in his leadership journey.

James shares practical advice on adapting to technological change, building multiple income streams, writing and publishing, and how to lead with empathy to make change initiatives succeed.

Host Nadia Gilkes interviews author and engineer Rhonda Green about her Sunrises and Sunsets trilogy and her new memoir Behind the Smile: Depression is Real. They discuss storytelling, mental health, leadership in STEM, and how personal honesty can heal and inspire.

Rhonda shares candid moments from her life, practical resources for recognizing and responding to depression, and lessons from Toastmasters and a 45-year aviation career on resilience, mentoring, and how to turn hard experiences into purpose.

In this episode Nadia Gilkes interviews Len Tran about his escape from Vietnam, 21 days at sea as a refugee, and the path that led him to the United States. Len shares the memories behind his memoir "Split Up by the Sea" and why he decided to record his family’s legacy.

They also discuss Len’s career as a chemical engineer and supervisor at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, his self-help book "Break the Bricks," martial arts teaching, YouTube coaching, and his growth as a Toastmasters semifinalist. Len offers practical insights on resilience, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the power of sharing your story.

Host Nadia Gilkes walks through her step-by-step editing process—from resting the draft and reading it like a novel, to big-picture revisions (story, characters, pacing), then line edits and formatting. She explains using beta readers, text-to-speech, writing groups, or hired editors to catch what you miss.

Practical tips include printing and redlining, selecting thoughtful beta readers, vetting editors, and setting deadlines; the episode encourages writers to polish their work, trust their editing choices, and release their book into the world.

Host Nadia Gilkes interviews Joi A. McMillon about her 30-plus year healthcare journey from bedside CNA to healthcare executive and author. They discuss Joi’s new book, Survey Ready Every Day, which blends memoir, practical leadership tools, and reflective exercises designed to help caregivers and leaders lead with compassion, accountability, and resilience.

The episode covers mentorship, building and retaining teams, self-care practices for busy leaders, adapting leadership across generations, and actionable strategies to support staff and improve patient care.

To contact Joi, you can visit her website: jadicc.com. To follow her, she can be reached at Joi A. McMillon on all platforms.