Can lasting love really exist in Hollywood? On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with TV icon Kathy Garver (Family Affair) and co-author Doug Hartline to talk about their new book, Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories. The book reveals the real-life romances behind some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, proving that enduring love is possible even in the spotlight. Featuring stories from legendary actors, musicians, and entertainers, the book explores the relationships that stood the test of time and the secrets that helped them last. In this conversation, Kathy and Doug share:

• The inspiration behind Romancing with the Stars
• Surprising love stories from classic Hollywood
• What people often misunderstand about relationships in the entertainment industry
• The patterns that successful, long-lasting couples share
• How romance can thrive even in demanding careers and public lives

With nearly 500 pages and dozens of celebrity love stories, the book highlights couples who kept the magic alive for decades and offers inspiration for anyone who believes in lasting romance. If you enjoy classic Hollywood, great storytelling, and uplifting stories about love, this episode is for you.

What does it really take to self publish a book successfully? On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with author, ghostwriter, and publishing expert Jenna Robbins, co author of the Amazon bestseller The Self Publishing Roadmap. Jenna has written her own books, ghostwritten more than three dozen titles, and helped countless authors navigate the complex world of publishing. If you have ever said, “I have a book in me,” this conversation is your wake up call and your blueprint. Jenna shares:

• The biggest myths first time authors believe about self publishing
• Where authors waste the most time and money
• Why your book cover matters more than you think
• What you should absolutely pay for and what you can DIY
• How to know when your manuscript is truly ready to publish
• The truth about traditional publishing versus self publishing
• Why building your author platform early is critical

From avoiding expensive rookie mistakes to understanding what “good enough to publish” really means, this episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring and experienced authors alike. Whether you are writing your first book or preparing your next one, Jenna Robbins delivers the roadmap you need to get it done right. Listen now and start turning your book idea into reality.

U.S. Marine Corps Colonel William Dunn joins Burke Allen for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and his new book Gunfighter’s Rule. From rising through the enlisted ranks to commanding the legendary “Gunfighters” squadron in Iraq, Dunn shares lessons forged in combat, the mindset required to lead under pressure, and the personal resilience that shaped his extraordinary 33-year military career. A must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, service, and perseverance.

In this episode of the Big Time Talker podcast, Burke Allen sits down with Gerard Wouters, known as the “Transatlantic Taoist,” to explore how ancient Eastern wisdom can help navigate today’s chaotic world. Gerard shares insights from his book How to Make Life Simple, Happy and Successful the Taoist Way, explaining how unlearning fear, redefining setbacks, and understanding universal principles can lead to clarity and confidence. Broadcasting from Washington, DC and the Netherlands, this conversation bridges cultures and offers practical guidance for living with purpose.

Rebecca Holden joins Burke Allen for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from classical music training to national commercials and a long run of TV appearances. They discuss her experiences on set, memorable roles, and why shows like Knight Rider still connect with audiences today.

https://www.rebeccaholden.com/

In this Zoom Into Books and Big Time Talker Podcast simulcast, award winning author Andy Ross joins interviewer Burke Allen of Allen Media Strategies to discuss his new international thriller, Attacking the Dragon. Ross shares the real world experiences that inspired the story, including his business travel across China, his perspective on China’s global expansion and the Belt and Road Initiative, and how he built a page turning plot filled with intrigue, double crosses, and high-stakes suspense.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker podcast, host Burke Allen sits down with master photographer Bette Marshall, whose lens has captured some of the most iconic figures in music, film, and culture. From intimate early photographs of a young Whitney Houston to portraits of world-famous entertainers, Bette shares the stories behind the images that shaped how we remember these legends. Bette reflects on her unexpected journey from Broadway actress to acclaimed photographer, her experiences documenting history, and the creative instincts that helped her put even the most famous subjects at ease. The conversation dives into her celebrated book Young Whitney, her upcoming projects, and the moments behind the camera that defined her remarkable career. New episodes of Big Time Talker drop every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, host Burke Allen welcomes first-time author Dale Morton, whose novel The Return of the Flying Boat has been more than two decades in the making. Set in 1999 and inspired by the legendary Howard Hughes Spruce Goose, the book blends aviation history, high-stakes adventure, and imaginative what-if storytelling into a gripping aviation thriller. Recorded from sunny St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this conversation dives into Dale’s long road to publication, from writing drafts on legal pads and typewriters to navigating years of agent rejections before finally landing a deal with Headline Books. Dale shares what first sparked his fascination with the Spruce Goose, why flying boats may have a future again, and how deep research helped turn a passion project into a fully realized novel. You will also hear about the psychology of pilots, the allure of flight, and how Dale’s creative life as a professional mascot sculptor influences his storytelling. This is a thoughtful, inspiring episode for writers, aviation fans, and anyone who believes big ideas are worth sticking with, no matter how long they take.

On this episode of Big Time Talker, host Burke Allen records live from Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and sits down with Margie Smith Holt, author of Not on Any Map: One Virgin Island, Two Catastrophic Hurricanes, and the True Meaning of Paradise. Margie shares her remarkable journey from an Emmy Award–winning television journalist in Philadelphia to leaving it all behind for a one-way ticket to Saint John. What began as a simple vacation turned into a life-altering decision that reshaped her career, her identity, and her definition of success. The conversation explores the allure of Saint John, the power of community, the courage it takes to start over, and the unforgettable characters and experiences that shaped Margie’s island life—from waitressing at the iconic Skinny Legs to crossing the Atlantic on a tiny sailboat with no electronics, no refrigeration, and plenty of time for reflection. This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful paths aren’t on any map—and that finding “more” often begins with a bold leap into the unknown. New episodes of Big Time Talker drop every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Josh McConkey and Joseph Yakovetic to explore why leadership and resilience must start at a young age. Dr. McConkey—military colonel, ER physician, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear—shares why today’s mental health challenges inspired him to write his first children’s book, The Heart of a Leader. Joined by world-class Disney illustrator Joseph Yakovetic, the conversation dives into how empathy, teamwork, and character can be taught through storytelling and art. From translating adult leadership principles into lessons kids can understand, to the creative collaboration behind the book’s powerful visuals, this episode is a masterclass in shaping the next generation of leaders—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.