We’re back with Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman, co-authors of Lead It Like Lasso, the Ted Lasso inspired leadership book that set out to sell 25,000 copies in its first year and ended up passing 41,000. They started as complete unknowns with no platform, no agent, and no special advantage, yet their book has grown into a quiet hit across business readers and fans of the show. Today, they have an audiobook, hundreds of reviews, and a loyal audience built on character, creativity, and the belief that leadership begins in everyday moments.

In this episode, Nick and Marnie break down how they made it all happen. We talk through their co-authoring process, how they built their leadership framework around memorable Ted Lasso quotes, and the legal steps involved in writing a book tied to someone else’s IP. They share how they found their audience inside fan communities, how they approached nearly one hundred podcast interviews, what actually worked during their launch, where they wasted money, and how genuine engagement became their most powerful marketing tool.

Stick around for this episode and let their story remind you that good things tend to happen when you show up, stay curious, and keep caring about people.

Check out Marnie and Nick’s books here: 

Lead it Like Lasso: https://a.co/d/5bNbsPQ

The Business of You: https://a.co/d/1xYmWYh

Check out their website here: www.leaditlikelasso.com

Follow Nick and Marnie on LinkedIn for more leadership insights.

Nick Coniglio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-coniglio-5b62153/

Marnie Stockman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniestockman/

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman aren’t your typical leadership authors. Before writing Lead It Like Lasso, they built and sold an edtech company for eight figures in just three years without a single sales rep. Drawing from their very different backgrounds in tech and education, they combined strategy with heart to create a business rooted in authenticity, trust, and what they call “raving fans.” Their book, inspired by the optimism and leadership lessons of Ted Lasso, has already reached over 40,000 readers and continues to connect with anyone looking to lead with more character and clarity.

In this episode, Nick and Marnie sit down to share the story behind their unconventional success. They talk about the moment a core value clash pushed them to start fresh, the frameworks that guided their company’s culture, and how they scaled entirely through word of mouth and genuine partnerships. They unpack how a “communication guide” reshaped the way their team worked together, what it really means to lead like Ted Lasso, and why they believe success begins with self-awareness and character, not hustle.

Their journey is proof that leadership isn’t about titles or exits. It’s about the quiet discipline of doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching, and the kind of consistency that turns good intentions into lasting impact.

Check out their book here: 

Lead it Like Lasso: https://a.co/d/5bNbsPQ

The Business of You: https://a.co/d/1xYmWYh

Check out their website here: www.leaditlikelasso.com

Follow Nick and Marnie on LinkedIn for more leadership insights.

Nick Coniglio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-coniglio-5b62153/

Marnie Stockman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniestockman/

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

We’re delighted to welcome back the incomparable Dava Sobel, bestselling author, award-winning science writer, and the brilliant mind behind Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Glass Universe. Her work has illuminated the human stories behind some of history’s greatest scientific discoveries, earning her international acclaim and a devoted readership that spans generations.

In this episode, Dava shares the fascinating story behind how Longitude became a global success, from cultivating genuine one-on-one relationships with readers to collaborating with a small publisher that believed in the power of beautiful design. She recalls the early days of marketing before social media, when a thoughtfully crafted book cover, a creative insert, or a well-placed newspaper review could change everything. And in perhaps the most remarkable twist of all, she tells how Neil Armstrong — yes, the first man to walk on the moon — wrote the foreword for the 10th-anniversary edition of Longitude, connecting one historic journey of exploration to another.

Her reflections in this episode are a reminder that while the tools may change, the heart of book marketing never does. It’s still about stories that move people and about authors who care deeply enough to reach back when readers write to them. For anyone who loves books, writing, even science and history, or the power of connection, you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this episode.

Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com

Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D

Check out all of Dava Sobel’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ3J7K/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=d2f2da10-8d6e-4959-a0ec-c8fc32937a2e&ref_=ap_rdr

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Today we have a very special guest: Dava Sobel, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, The Glass Universe, and The Planets. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages and continue to inspire readers around the world to see science through a more human lens. Known for blending meticulous research with emotional storytelling, Dava has built a lifelong career showing how curiosity and wonder can turn complex discoveries into timeless narratives.

In this episode, Dava shares her journey from an uncertain college student with five majors to a celebrated science writer. She talks about how stumbling into journalism taught her to write with clarity, speed, and heart, and how that foundation led to Longitude, the book that changed everything. From its humble beginnings as a magazine article to becoming a global bestseller, Dava reveals the behind-the-scenes details of its success, including her collaboration with small publishers, the role of independent booksellers, and the personal touch of writing the story for her mother.

Tune in for a conversation about the craft of science writing, the realities of life as an author, and the enduring magic of following your curiosity wherever it leads.

Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D

Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Today, we’re joined by Veronica Yager, a self-publishing consultant and lead designer with over 15 years of experience helping hundreds of authors bring their books to life. As the former president of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and founder of Journey Bound Publishing, Veronica has spent her career guiding writers through the process of turning their ideas into beautifully published books that actually reach readers.

In this episode, Veronica shares how book launches have evolved in 2025 and what’s working for authors who want real, lasting impact. She doesn’t just talk theory; she gives clear, actionable tips any author can start using right away. From building early momentum to keeping readers engaged months after launch, she explains what truly drives long-term results in today’s publishing landscape. We also dive into how authors can adapt to virtual launches, build stronger reader connections, and use tools like Publisher Rocket and Goodreads Giveaways to gain momentum. Along the way, we touch on pricing strategy, free versus paid campaigns, and the small, consistent actions that separate books that fade after launch from those that keep selling month after month.

If you want to know more about growing your audience and giving your book the best possible start, this episode is packed with insights that can reshape the way you approach your next book launch. Press play and see how top authors are adapting in 2025.

-----

Check out the Journey Bound Publishing website here: https://www.journeyboundpublishing.com/

Connect with Veronica here: https://www.journeyboundpublishing.com/veronicayager-media

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicayager

IG: https://www.instagram.com/journeyboundpublishing/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyBoundPublishing/

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

We’re back with Thomas Umstattd Jr., author, award-winning speaker, and  host of the world’s longest running book marketing show, Novel Marketing Podcast. Thomas has helped thousands of writers think like marketers, creating tools and strategies that help authors turn their books into lasting assets. As the founder of the Patron Toolbox, he continues to teach authors how to build platforms that grow with them, grounded in real data, not guesswork.

In this episode, Thomas joins us to talk about the future of book discovery through AI Optimization. We dive into how authors can make their books visible to AI models, why websites and Goodreads pages matter more than ever, what role media coverage and backlinks play in visibility, and how authors can ethically adapt to the rise of generative engines. Thomas also shares the importance of long-term marketing, practical tools for auditing your online presence, and timeless advice for reaching readers in a changing digital world.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape, this episode is your roadmap.

Check out the Patron Toolbox here: https://www.authormedia.com/patron-toolbox/

Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-marketing/id721122555

Learn more about Thomas, his book Courtship in Crisis, and the Novel Marketing podcast at: https://www.thomasumstattd.com/

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Thomas Umstattd Jr., someone who has shaped so much of my own thinking about book marketing. An author, award-winning speaker, and podcaster best known for hosting the world’s longest running book marketing show, Novel Marketing, Thomas has become a go-to guide for writers who want to reach readers and build sustainable careers through his book Courtship in Crisis, countless conference talks, and more than 500 podcast episodes.

In this episode Thomas walks us through his journey from building author websites and launching Novel Marketing to the big shifts that have reshaped publishing including the rise of Kindle and Audible, the hidden indie sales BookScan misses, the boom in courses for nonfiction, and why YouTube behaves so differently from podcasts. We also dive into his newest experiment “AI Thomas,” an assistant trained on everything he has taught to give authors personalized marketing advice.

If you are an author or book marketer trying to navigate a crowded and fast-changing industry, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply right away. You will learn how to choose the right format for your book, understand the real data behind sales, and prepare for the coming wave of AI-driven discovery so that your work keeps reaching readers.

---

Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-marketing/id721122555

---

Learn more about Thomas, his book Courtship in Crisis, and the Novel Marketing podcast at: https://www.thomasumstattd.com/

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

We’re back with Dr. Catherine Gildiner, bestselling author of Good Morning, Monster and Too Close to the Falls. Dr. Cathy’s books have sold over a million copies, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, and translated into 32 languages. After 25 years as a clinical psychologist, she turned her focus fully to writing and has since built a career that blends deep human insight with unforgettable storytelling.

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Gildiner pulls back the curtain on how her books reached readers worldwide. She explains how a 30-second mention from Glennon Doyle on Good Morning America set off a sales wave that never slowed, and why that luck only mattered because she had already spent years creating a grassroots buzz. From her 250 book club appearances to the realities of a publisher’s short publicity window, she shares how to build momentum through your own launch, social media done right, and saying yes to every “dinky” opportunity that puts your book in readers’ hands. You will also hear her take on agents, marketing plans, author websites, and what not to waste money on.

Tune in to hear Dr. Cathy’s unfiltered perspective on what really moves books and how smart, sustained book marketing can turn small sparks into lasting success.

Get a copy of her books here: 

Good Morning, Monster: https://a.co/d/9yy5jfP

Too Close To The Falls: https://a.co/d/3EClnu2

Learn more about Dr. Cathy Gildiner and her work on her website here: www.gildiner.com

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Joining us today is Dr. Catherine Gildiner, who has worked for over 25 years as a clinical psychologist, guiding patients through trauma and recovery. She went on to share those experiences with the world in her New York Times bestselling book Good Morning, Monster, which has reached more than a million readers in over 30 languages, along with her acclaimed memoir Too Close to the Falls. Dr. Gildiner invites us to see therapy not as abstract theory, but as the practice of learning to live without the weight of old defenses.

In this episode, we dive into the real work of therapy, what it takes, why it matters, and how it transforms lives. Kathy shares stories behind Good Morning, Monster, including patients like Peter, Danny, and Alana, whose journeys reveal how culture, silence, the body, and even dreams shape the healing process. We talk about why some people recover while others walk away, how to recognize when you need therapy, how to find the right therapist, and when to move on if it is not working. Along the way we touch on generational trauma, the value and limits of self help books, recurring nightmares, and the challenge of encouraging parents to seek therapy.

This is an honest look at trauma, recovery, and what it really means to do the work. Therapy does not hand you answers, it asks if you are ready to face the truth and change your life.

Get a copy of her book, Good Morning, Monster here: https://a.co/d/9yy5jfP

Learn more about Cathy Gildiner and her work on her website here: www.gildiner.com

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Today we welcome back Commander Mark Divine, a man who has led Navy SEALs, built multimillion-dollar training companies, and sold hundreds of thousands of books, to unpack the real story of what it takes to write and market a bestseller. Mark is not only a retired SEAL Commander but also the founder of SEALFit and Unbeatable Mind, programs that combine elite physical training with mindfulness, breathwork, and visualization. His books, including 8 Weeks to SEALFit, The Way of the SEAL, Staring Down the Wolf, and Unbeatable Mind, have earned spots on both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists while inspiring leaders, athletes, and readers around the world.

In this episode, Mark takes us behind the scenes of his author journey, from the unexpected phone call that led to his first publishing deal, to the freedom and higher royalties of self-publishing, to the tough decision to return to a traditional publisher during COVID. He opens up about the financial trade-offs, the hits and misses of building a business around his books, and the strategies that helped him grow a loyal audience. We also get into the practical side of book marketing: how to use podcasts as a launch tool, why audiobooks now drive nearly half his royalties, and the importance of keeping your content simple, consistent, and authentic.

This episode is an unfiltered look at discipline, setbacks, and the lessons that make or break an author’s career. By the end, you’ll see what it really takes to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.

Make sure to check out his book here: https://a.co/d/21jZKoa

Explore Mark’s programs and tools at www.unbeatablemind.com or www.markdivine.com 

—

Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.

—

Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]