Bold Book of the Day with Dr. Denise Nicholson

What happens when you leave behind everything familiar and discover what it means to be a stranger in a new world? 🌏

On this episode of Bold Book of the Day, Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes author Janet Flaugher, whose memoir, Two Bottles of Water, explores culture shock, language barriers, identity, isolation, and the unexpected kindness that connects us all.

In 2002, Janet moved to Beijing, China, to become the superintendent of an international school. Despite her professional accomplishments and multicultural background, she quickly discovered that living in a new country could challenge her sense of identity in ways she never anticipated.

🗣️ Sometimes even the simplest things become extraordinary challenges.

Unable to communicate easily in Chinese, Janet hired a tutor named Star and worked relentlessly to learn the language. The book’s memorable title, Two Bottles of Water, comes from her early attempts to order bottled water over the phone in Chinese—a small but meaningful milestone in her journey.

Through humorous, challenging, and deeply human experiences, Janet shares what it means to navigate an unfamiliar culture, confront personal assumptions, and find connection when words fail.

❤️ One of the most powerful lessons from her time in Beijing came through everyday interactions with local people. From a greengrocer who showed kindness despite a communication struggle to encounters that challenged her expectations, Janet discovered that ordinary people often share the same fundamental hopes and needs, regardless of nationality or political differences.

📖 Rather than following a traditional chronological format, Two Bottles of Water brings together a collection of essays inspired by impactful moments in Janet’s life. Her observations of Beijing’s bustling streets, chaotic traffic, cultural differences, and unexpected encounters reveal how stepping outside our comfort zones can change the way we see ourselves and others.

And Janet’s story doesn’t stop there!

At 80 years old, she is continuing to pursue her passion for writing, with plans to finish two more books—one exploring Colorado rivers and another a mystery novel. She also discusses her desire to use her voice to advocate for immigrant rights and raise awareness about detention camps in America.

✨ In this inspiring conversation, discover:

• What moving to Beijing taught Janet about identity and belonging

• How she navigated language barriers and cultural misunderstandings

• Why everyday acts of kindness can bridge enormous differences

• How travel and unfamiliar experiences challenge our personal biases

• Why taking risks and stepping outside your ego can lead to growth

• How Janet continues to write, create, and advocate for change at 80

🏆 Two Bottles of Water has received multiple honors, including recognition at the 2025 Book Fest.

Join Dr. Denise Nicholson and Janet Flaugher for a thoughtful conversation about courage, curiosity, cultural understanding, and the power of storytelling.

🎬 Watch Bold Book of the Day and discover how two simple bottles of water became a symbol of a much bigger journey.

📚 Book: Two Bottles of Water
✍️ Author: Janet Flaugher
🎤 Host: Dr. Denise Nicholson
🎙️ Series: Bold Book of the Day

💬 QUESTION FOR VIEWERS: Have you ever traveled somewhere that challenged your assumptions or changed the way you see the world? Share your experience in the comments!

Subscribe for more author interviews, inspiring stories, and conversations celebrating the voices behind the books.

Connect with Janet and get the book - https://www.jtalespinner.com/

 Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.comor email her at [email protected]

What happens when a retired CPA decides to prove he can write a full-length novel?

On this episode of Bold Book of the Day, Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes author Kenny Tyler, author of Hunting the Red Fox, for a fascinating conversation about writing, persistence, creativity, failure, and the unexpected journey from accounting to authorship.

Before becoming an author, Kenny Tyler spent decades as a CPA and business owner, running an accounting firm in Ocean City, Maryland. Writing wasn't simply a career change—it was a personal challenge. Kenny wanted to prove to himself that he had the stamina and discipline to complete a full narrative.

And completing the book certainly wasn't easy.

Working approximately 60 hours a week at his accounting practice, Kenny spent five years writing the first half of the story. Once he had more time, the second half came together in just two and a half months.

📖 Originally titled When Men Were Gentlemen, the novel eventually became Hunting the Red Fox—a title that emerged unexpectedly during the publishing process.

The book follows Perry Barnes, a likable but roguish protagonist with a fascinating history that includes special operations training during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s professional golf tour, the story takes readers through exotic locations while weaving together four powerful ingredients:

❤️ Romance
🕵️ Intrigue
🔄 Redemption
😂 Humor

Kenny also shares his unique writing process. He describes waking early in the morning to capture the "movies" playing in his head and emphasizes that writers shouldn't wait for inspiration or free time—they have to create the time.

Interestingly, the audience for Hunting the Red Fox wasn't quite what Kenny expected. While he initially imagined men between 40 and 70 as his primary readers, women in their late 60s and 70s have become some of his most enthusiastic fans.

And Kenny isn't stopping with one book.

His second novel is already written and currently being considered by multiple publishers, while his third book is underway and has taken him to Siena, Italy, as part of his research.

🎬 The conversation also explores how technology is changing the publishing world—from movie trailers and AI-generated visual content to social media and personal websites that allow authors to reach readers without relying entirely on traditional publishing gatekeepers.

For aspiring authors, Kenny offers simple but powerful advice:

Don't be afraid of failure.

Carry a notebook. Capture ideas when they come. Keep practicing. Read widely. Expand your vocabulary. And most importantly, keep writing.

Join Dr. Denise Nicholson and Kenny Tyler for an inspiring conversation about what happens when you decide to stop wondering "Can I?" and finally give yourself the opportunity to find out.

📚 Book: Hunting the Red Fox
✍️ Author: Kenny Tyler - https://www.huntingtheredfox.com/
🎤 Host: Dr. Denise Nicholson
🎬 Series: Bold Book of the Day

What happens when the path to your purpose doesn't look anything like you expected?

On this episode of Bold Book of the Day, Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes Dr. Jillianne Burrell, author of God’s Perfect Plan: A Journey of Faith, Purpose, and Becoming; a powerful testimony of faith, perseverance, resilience, and discovering that setbacks don't have to stop your story.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Burrell experienced academic challenges and disappointments early in life. From not passing the common entrance examination to struggling with subjects such as math and literature, her journey was anything but a straight line. Yet the young girl who faced those obstacles would grow into a confident leader, accomplished nurse, advanced practitioner, doctor, author, and woman of faith.

🙏 Her journey began spiritually at just nine years old, when she experienced a profound connection with Christ while watching the crucifixion on television. Years later, she made a personal vow to God concerning baptism, a vow she would ultimately fulfill after marriage.

Growing up in Riverton City, near the garbage dump where her father worked, Dr. Burrell learned humility, determination, and the importance of pursuing a better future. Her faith became a foundation that helped her navigate seasons of hardship, uncertainty, exhaustion, and doubt.

Her journey eventually led her from Jamaica to the United States and into the nursing profession. After earning an Associate degree from Bronx Community College, she continued her education, earning a BSN from Mercy College, becoming a Nurse Practitioner through Pace University, and completing her doctorate at Nova University in Florida.

But Dr. Burrell's story isn't simply about academic and professional achievement.

It's about divine direction.

She shares moments of what she believes were God's confirmation and intervention along her journey, including a prophetic encounter surrounding her move to America. She also draws parallels between her own experiences and the biblical story of Joseph, emphasizing that what may look like an obstacle can ultimately become part of a much larger plan.

One of the most powerful messages she shares is that failure is not the end. Sometimes failure is a stepping stone, a redirection, or even a setup for what comes next.

📖 Through God’s Perfect Plan, Dr. Burrell hopes to encourage people toward holistic healing of the mind, soul, and body while reminding them that their circumstances do not have to determine their destiny.

Her vision extends far beyond the pages of her book. She hopes to reach people around the world through hospitals, schools, churches, libraries, and other communities where her message can encourage people to believe that all things are possible with God.

✨ If you have ever experienced a setback, questioned your direction, or wondered whether God still had a plan for your life, this conversation is for you.

Watch this inspiring episode of Bold Book of the Day and discover why your setback may not be the end of your story, it may be part of the plan.

📚 Book: God’s Perfect Plan: A Journey of Faith, Purpose, and Becoming
✍️ Author: Dr. Jillianne Burrell🎤 Host: Dr. Denise Nicholson🎬 Series: Bold Book of the Day

Connect with Dr. Jilliann and get the book - https://linktr.ee/DrJilliannBurrell

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at [email protected]

What happens when a horse becomes more than a companion, and starts teaching you about trust, belonging, resilience, and yourself?

On this episode of Bold Book of the Day with Dr. Denise Nicholson, author Erin O’Malley shares the remarkable story behind her debut book, The Brat and the Bullfighter, a powerful hybrid memoir inspired by her relationship with her horse, Artie.

What began in 2014 as a story about bullfighting and a journey to Portugal eventually became a deeply personal ten-year writing journey. Erin discovered that Artie's story was also connected to her own experiences growing up as an Army brat, constantly moving, adapting to change, and learning what it means to find a place where you truly belong.

In this inspiring conversation, Erin discusses:

🐴 How Artie inspired the original story
🇵🇹 Her journey to Portugal after winning a Lusitano portal contest
✍️ How a blog written from Artie's perspective evolved into a book
💛 The connection between horses, trust, safety, and communication
🏡 Growing up as an Army brat and learning to adapt to constant change
🌱 The importance of belonging and putting down roots
🐎 Why misunderstood horse behavior may actually be communication
👀 How telling the story from Artie's perspective creates empathy for animals
❤️ The deeper themes of trust, loss, love, and resilience

Erin's unique approach invites readers to see the world through Artie's eyes and consider what animals might be communicating when their behavior is misunderstood.

The Brat and the Bullfighter is more than a story about a woman and her horse. It is an exploration of how our relationships with animals and with ourselves can teach us about safety, trust, connection, and finding where we belong.🎧 Watch the full conversation and discover the story behind The Brat and the Bullfighter.

📚 Support authors and their stories: Pick up Erin O’Malley’s book and share this episode with someone who loves horses, memoirs, personal transformation, or powerful stories of connection.

Bold Book of the Day with Dr. Denise Nicholson is a place where authors can share the stories behind their books, the experiences that shaped them, and the bold messages they want the world to hear.

Connect with Erin and get the book - https://erinomalleyauthor.com/

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson, go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at [email protected]

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What happens when you spend so much time taking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of yourself?

On this episode of Bold Book of the Day with Dr. Denise Nicholson, author Andrea Denise Cooks shares the powerful story behind her debut book, It’s Me Time: A Woman’s Guide to Being Selfish.

Andrea opens up about her journey through self-doubt, hidden emotions, burnout, and learning to rediscover herself through writing and healing. She explains why being “selfish” isn't about neglecting others—it’s about making yourself a priority so you can show up fully for the people you love.

The conversation also explores Andrea’s faith-based journals, the importance of reflection, setting aside time for yourself, and creating space for women to be honest about what they are really feeling.

Andrea shares her vision of becoming a professional speaker and using her story to inspire women to embrace self-love, healing, purpose, and personal growth.

✨ In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why self-care is essential, not selfish
• How writing can become a pathway to healing
• The importance of making time for yourself
• How women can break cycles of self-neglect
• Why filling your own cup matters
• The power of faith and reflection
• Andrea's journey from author to aspiring motivational speaker
• How her journals encourage women to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves

If you've ever felt like you're constantly showing up for everyone else while putting yourself last, this conversation is for you.

📚 Get Andrea Denise Cooks' books and journals on Amazon and discover why it's time to make YOU a priority.

🎙️ Bold Book of the Day with Dr. Denise Nicholson celebrates authors, their stories, and the bold ideas behind their books.

👉 Subscribe to the channel, share this episode, and join the conversation!

What if you could choose your thoughts the same way you choose what goes on your plate?

On this episode of Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson, author JoAnn Kisler shares the inspiration and philosophy behind her book Thought Menu—a collection of 365 daily messages designed to encourage positive thinking, intentional living, self-worth, healing, and personal transformation.

JoAnn's central message is simple but powerful: the thoughts we think and the words we speak influence the reality we create.

Drawing from her background in metaphysics and her experiences as an empath, JoAnn explains how she became fascinated by the choices people make about their thoughts. Just as we carefully consider the food we consume, she challenges us to become more intentional about what we mentally and emotionally consume every day.

In This Episode, JoAnn Kisler Discusses:

✨ The inspiration behind Thought Menu
✨ Why the book contains 365 daily messages
✨ How your thoughts and words can influence the way you experience life
✨ The importance of creating positive morning habits
✨ Why consistency can transform a mindset into a lifestyle
✨ Using journaling to process emotions and clarify your desires
✨ How past experiences and family patterns can influence our thinking
✨ JoAnn's personal journey through an abusive relationship and rebuilding her self-esteem
✨ The role of intuition and listening to your inner guidance
✨ Why self-worth is essential to healing
✨ Moving beyond survival patterns and reconnecting with your inner light
✨ The power of forgiveness in releasing the past
✨ Choosing faith over fear and forgiveness over resentment
✨ Why yesterday's programming shouldn't determine today's choices
✨ JoAnn's vision for a movement empowering women to create intentional lives

This powerful conversation encourages us to pause and ask:

What are you feeding your mind every day?

Your thoughts become habits. Your habits influence your choices. And your choices shape the life you're creating.

Whether you're working through past experiences, seeking a more positive mindset, interested in spiritual growth, or simply looking for a daily source of encouragement, Thought Menu offers a framework for becoming more intentional about the thoughts you choose.

🎧 Listen to this inspiring conversation with JoAnn Kisler on Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson.

Connect with JoAnnand get the book - https://breathofenergiahealing.com/

 Connect with Dr.Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.comor email her at [email protected]

👍 LIKE the episode
💬 COMMENT with the thought you're choosing today
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more Bold Book author conversations
📲 SHARE this episode with someone who needs a positive thought today!

#BoldBook #JoAnnKisler #ThoughtMenu #PositiveThinking #Mindset #IntentionalLiving #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #DrDeniseNicholson

What happens when a writer discovers stories that sound too extraordinary to document as nonfiction?

On this episode of Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson, author, former attorney, educator, and investigative-minded writer Kent Heckenlively joins the conversation to discuss his new novel, This Never Happened: A Call Girl in D.C.

Known for his nonfiction writing on big tech, the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, and controversial subjects, Kent takes a different approach with this novel. Inspired by strange and unverifiable stories encountered during his research, he transforms elements surrounding the Watergate era into a fictional thriller.

At the center of the story is Heidi, a call girl who has little interest in politics but finds herself moving through a world of secrets, power, corruption, and dangerous connections.

Kent explains why fiction gave him the freedom to explore stories that couldn't meet the evidentiary standards required for nonfiction—and why the title This Never Happened perfectly captures that tension.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

🔥 The inspiration behind This Never Happened: A Call Girl in D.C.
🔥 How Kent's nonfiction research led him into historical fiction
🔥 The Watergate-era mysteries that sparked the novel
🔥 The fictional character of Heidi and why she became the perfect narrator
🔥 How Kent blends history, mystery, sensuality, and political intrigue
🔥 Why he wanted the book to be entertaining and escapist
🔥 His comparison of the novel's tone to writers like Elmore Leonard
🔥 How Kent transitioned from attorney and science teacher to thriller author
🔥 His disciplined 1,000–2,000 words-a-day writing routine
🔥 Why writers sometimes have to let their characters take over
🔥 The importance of curiosity and genuinely listening to other people's stories
🔥 How human connection can bridge seemingly enormous social divides
🔥 Kent's plans for a four-volume series of fictionalized historical stories

The conversation also explores Kent's philosophy about community, connection, and the importance of looking beyond political labels to discover the things people have in common.

Whether you're fascinated by Watergate, political thrillers, historical fiction, espionage, corruption, conspiracy mysteries, or the creative process behind writing fiction, this episode offers a fascinating look at how real-world questions can inspire fictional worlds.

📚 Watch the full episode and discover the story behind This Never Happened: A Call Girl in D.C. by Kent Heckenlively.

Connect with Kent and get the book - https://kentheckenlivelybooks.com/

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at [email protected]

👍 LIKE the episode
💬 COMMENT with your biggest takeaway
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson
📲 SHARE this episode with fellow readers and history lovers

#BoldBook #KentHeckenlively #ThisNeverHappened #Watergate #PoliticalThriller #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #DrDeniseNicholson #ThrillerBooks #MysteryBooks

What if a fantasy story could do more than entertain? What if it could challenge the way we think about power, prejudice, identity, connection, and the possibility of a better world?

On this episode of Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson, we're joined by actor, playwright, novelist, and nonprofit founder Addam Ledamyen, author of the newly debuted literary fantasy novel The Legend of Leanna Page.

Set in the mystical World Within the Woods, the novel follows Leanna Page, a servant girl with mysterious powers who becomes a threat to the ruling royals when she begins questioning the beliefs and social structures around her.

Addam shares how this extraordinary story unexpectedly came to them and became a five-to-six-year creative journey. They also discuss their background in musical theater, political science, storytelling, and their commitment to using the arts to create meaningful social change.

In This Episode, Addam Ledamyen Talks About:✨ The inspiration behind The Legend of Leanna Page
✨ The mystical World Within the Woods
✨ Why Leanna Page becomes a threat simply by questioning the status quo
✨ The relationship between fantasy, prejudice, and power
✨ Why Addam chose an archaic writing style for the novel
✨ The fascinating decision to credit fictional character Cedar Flight as the author
✨ The importance of connection, family, and challenging societal roles
✨ Addam's journey of discovering their identity as a non-binary trans person
✨ Representing queer identities without relying on modern labels
✨ Why writing about hope can require more courage than writing about despair
✨ Using storytelling to imagine realistic paths toward a better world
✨ Addam's nonprofit For Elenvia and its mission to use the arts for positive change
✨ The possibility of bringing The Legend of Leanna Page to the screen

Addam also shares their vision for making literature accessible regardless of someone's financial circumstances, including plans for a free digital library through For Elenvia.

This is a powerful conversation about storytelling, identity, courage, creativity, hope, and the responsibility artists can have to imagine something better.

📚 If you're a fan of literary fantasy, meaningful storytelling, fantasy worlds, queer literature, philosophical fiction, or thought-provoking author conversations, you'll want to hear this episode.

Connect with Addamand get their book - https://www.addamledamyen.com/or https://forelenvia.org/

Connect with Dr.Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.comor email her at [email protected]

👍 LIKE this episode
💬 COMMENT with your biggest takeaway
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson
📲 SHARE this conversation with another reader or author

#BoldBook #AddamLedamyen #TheLegendOfLeannaPage #FantasyBooks #LiteraryFantasy #AuthorInterview #QueerAuthors #LGBTQBooks #Storytelling #Hope #ForElenvia

Watch. Listen. Share. Be Bold.

How do we help children navigate life's biggest challenges with confidence, compassion, and courage?

In this inspiring episode of Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson, award-winning educator and children's author Amy Meislin Pollack shares the heart behind her beloved The Adventures of Jelly Bean series.

After spending more than 40 years in the classroom, Amy transformed a childhood character she created in the fourth grade into a series that helps preteens navigate real-life issues including friendship, bullying, family relationships, grief, peer pressure, race, drugs, alcohol, and making wise choices.

Drawing on decades of experience as a teacher, parent, and storyteller, Amy explains why children's books should do more than entertain—they should encourage meaningful conversations and empower young readers to think for themselves.

In this episode, you'll discover:✅ The incredible origin story behind Jelly Bean
✅ How Amy turned a fourth-grade classroom story into a published book series
✅ Why children's books should address difficult real-life topics
✅ Helping kids build confidence, resilience, and compassion
✅ How parents and grandparents can create meaningful conversations with children
✅ The importance of trusted adults in a child's life
✅ How technology has changed childhood—and what hasn't
✅ Writing advice for aspiring children's authors

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, librarian, or aspiring author, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.

📚 Support Amy Meislin Pollack by purchasing The Adventures of Jelly Bean series and sharing these important stories with the young readers in your life.

Connect with Amy and get her books - https://amypollack.com/

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with authors who are changing lives through their books.

What happens when the technology designed to improve our lives becomes our greatest vulnerability?

In this compelling episode of Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson, bestselling author, civil engineer, and STEM advocate J. Luke Bennecke discusses his techno-thriller Blackout, exploring the growing risks of artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, self-driving vehicles, drones, and critical infrastructure.

Drawing from his extensive engineering background, J. Luke Bennecke explains how real-world technology inspired his bestselling novels and why fiction can be one of the most powerful ways to prepare people for the challenges of tomorrow.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The inspiration behind Blackout and the Jake Bendle thriller series
• How AI and emerging technologies could reshape our future
• The connection between engineering and storytelling
• Why cybersecurity and infrastructure protection matter more than ever
• The importance of STEM education and inspiring future engineers
• J. Luke's journey from engineer to bestselling novelist
• How realistic fiction can raise awareness about real technological threats
• Why preparation and critical thinking are essential in an AI-driven world

Dr. Denise Nicholson and J. Luke also discuss ADHD, balancing multiple careers, becoming an instant bestseller, mentoring the next generation, and writing thrillers rooted in real science and engineering.

Connect with J. Luke Bennecke - https://jlukebennecke.com/

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at [email protected]

If you enjoy technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, suspense novels, or thought-provoking conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

👍 Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations with authors who are changing lives through their stories.

#BoldBook #JLukeBennecke #Blackout #ArtificialIntelligence #CyberSecurity #Technology #ThrillerBooks #Engineering #STEM #AuthorInterview