Conversations Ignite

In this uplifting episode of Conversations Ignite, I’m joined by award-nominated author and podcast host Kim Lengling for a heartwarming conversation about the power of kindness, healing through storytelling, and the simple joys that keep us grounded.

Kim opens up about her latest book, Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness, and how small acts of compassion can ripple out to create a more connected and hopeful world. We also explore her beloved Paw Prints on the Couch series and the deep emotional bonds we share with our furry companions. From living with PTSD to leading collaborative book projects and hosting her podcast Let Fear Bounce, Kim shares wisdom, warmth, and a message we could all use more of: hope is everywhere—you just have to be willing to pass it on.

You can explore Kim’s books and learn more about her mission by visiting www.kimlenglingauthor.com.

🔗 Connect with Kim Lengling:
🌐 Website: www.kimlenglingauthor.com
📺 YouTube: @LetFearBounce
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/lenglingauthor
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling
🛍️ Amazon Author Page: Kim Lengling on Amazon

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we dive into the wild and deeply inspiring life of Michael Jai Grant—author, filmmaker, photographer, and longtime Sundance volunteer. Michael shares stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious, from navigating a 30-year love story that required three weddings, to a spiritual awakening in India where a dead guru delivered ten life-changing truths.

We also explore his debut novel, The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride—a bold, genre-bending story narrated entirely by a vintage Cadillac Eldorado. It’s a soulful, sharply funny tale of connection, liberation, and the unexpected friendships that move us forward.

If you’re into conversations about creativity, identity, reinvention, and the strange poetry of life—you’re in for something special.

🌐 Connect with Michael Jai Grant:

🔗 Website: https://www.michaeljaigrant.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljaigrant
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaeljaigrant

📖 Grab the Book:

📦 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1737359170/
📚 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride-michael-jai-grant/1144027365
🌟 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198430168-the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride
💸 ThriftBooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride_michael-jai-grant/39782179/item/#edition=68131214&idiq=58865496

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we’re joined by fantasy author J.M. Shaw, creator of the Callum Walker series, including her latest installment The Fractured Veil. J.M. shares the personal inspirations and creative process behind her richly imagined world—where myth and magic collide with emotional depth, identity, and personal growth.

We explore how her characters navigate complex themes like friendship, trust, and self-discovery, and how the dynamic between Callum and Jax reflects the power of opposites working together. J.M. also reflects on her lifelong love of storytelling and the role empathy plays in shaping authentic, emotionally resonant characters.

Whether you’re a fan of immersive fantasy or curious about the mind behind the magic, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deep dive into storytelling with heart.

🔗 Connect with J.M. Shaw:

• 🌐 Website — https://jmshawauthor.com/

• 📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/

• 📘 Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor

• 📚 Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27659310.J_M_Shaw

Join Conversations Ignite for a powerful episode featuring retired fire captain and award-winning author Cindie Schooner-Ball, as she shares her incredible journey through 28 years in the fire service.

In her memoir, Sister in a Brotherhood, Cindie details what it took to rise through the ranks of a major South Florida fire department as one of the few women in the field. From high-stakes emergency calls to the camaraderie of the firehouse—and the moments she had to fight for respect—her story is one of resilience, purpose, and leadership.

Hear what it really means to serve on the front lines, what she learned about building successful teams, and why she encourages women everywhere to pursue careers they’re passionate about—even in spaces where they’ve been told they don’t belong.

Whether you're in public service or simply need a dose of inspiration, this episode will ignite something in you.

🔗 Grab Sister in a Brotherhood on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sister+in+a+brotherhood&crid=2CZDUGJC1DB30&sprefix=sister+and+a+brotherh%2Caps%2C904&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_1_21

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with Tricia Copeland, a multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed author whose work spans fantasy, dystopian, and young adult fiction. Tricia is the creative force behind the Kingdom Journals series, To Be A Fae Queen, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess—a collection of novels that transport readers into magical, high-stakes worlds filled with richly drawn characters and powerful themes.

We talk about her journey into writing, the inspiration behind her epic fantasy series, what it's like to navigate the world of self-publishing, and how she crafts such immersive and emotional stories. Whether you're a fellow writer or a fan of fantasy, you’ll take away valuable insights from Tricia’s experience and passion for storytelling.

If you’d like to learn more about Tricia and follow her work, visit her here:
🔗 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6s0imhxH3qgQiHhNhpIxwF
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triciacopelandauthor
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triciacopelandauthor
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we welcome Doug Lawrence, an experienced mentor, international bestselling author, and founder of TalentC – People Services Inc. With over 35 years of mentoring and leadership experience, Doug dives into the powerful role mentorship plays in personal growth, mental health, and professional development.

Doug shares his journey from coaching university students to co-founding the International Mentoring Community and developing certified mentorship programs that support both individuals and organizations. He discusses how mentorship can be a critical support system—especially for those dealing with grief, mental health struggles, or reintegration after military service.

A strong advocate for active listening, empathy, and humility, Doug emphasizes that true mentorship is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, it’s about building trust, meeting people where they are, and empowering them to discover their own solutions.

📩 Connect with Doug Lawrence:If you’re interested in learning more about Doug’s mentorship programs or resources, visit his website at https://talentc.ca/ or email him at [email protected]

🌐 Doug’s Social Media & Online Presence:

• LinkedIn – Connect professionally and explore his mentorship work:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglawrence-mentor/

• YouTube – Watch presentations, mentorship insights, and the “You Are Not Alone” book trailer:
  https://www.youtube.com/c/TalentcDougLawrence/videos

• Facebook – Follow for personal updates and mentorship reflections:
  https://www.facebook.com/doug.lawrence.1610

• Quora – Read Doug’s answers and thoughts on mentorship, leadership, and wellness:
  https://www.quora.com/profile/Doug-Lawrence-6

• X (formerly Twitter) – Stay up to date with Doug’s latest updates and thoughts on mentoring:
  https://x.com/DougLawrenceJM

Season 1 Episode 29In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Jonni Jordyn, a multi-talented author whose journey spans from music and poetry to scriptwriting and novel writing. Jonni is the mastermind behind The Mother of All Viruses, a gripping cyber-thriller packed with high-stakes action, government conspiracies, and a hacker at the heart of it all.

We dive into Jonni’s creative process, the real-world inspirations behind her stories, and how her background in storytelling has shaped her unique voice. From exploring the fine line between fiction and reality to discussing the challenges of writing tech-driven thrillers, this episode is a must-listen for fans of fast-paced, thought-provoking storytelling.

So sit back, relax, and let’s get into it!

Connect with Jonni Jordyn:

🌐 Website: jordynatlargebooks.com

📖 Amazon: The Mother of All Viruses https://www.amazon.com/Mother-All-Viruses-Book-ebook/dp/B0DJMGVD55/

🐦 Follow on X: @KovacichJohn

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, acclaimed author and educator Don Sawyer takes us on a fascinating journey through his life and writing. With experiences spanning West Africa, Jamaica, Hungary, and beyond, Don shares how different cultures and human connections have shaped his storytelling.

We dive deep into his latest novel, The Burning Gem, a gripping mix of urban fiction and fantasy that explores empowerment, rebellion, and the hidden forces shaping our world. Don reflects on themes of colonialism, oppression, and the strength of community, offering profound insights into the power of storytelling and the role of imagination in today’s world.

Along the way, he shares thought-provoking perspectives on empathy, the nature of power, and the transformative impact of reading. As Don puts it, "The power doesn’t corrupt—it reveals your true character."

Join us for an inspiring conversation that challenges the way we see the world and invites us to explore what lies beyond the limits of our imagination.

Connect with Don Sawyer

📌 Check out Don’s work on his website: DonSawyer.org📖

Grab a copy of The Burning Gem:

Amazon (U.S.)https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Gem-Don-Sawyer/dp/B0D16DDX8MAmazon (Canada)https://www.amazon.ca/Burning-Gem-Don-Sawyer/dp/B0D16DDX8M

🎙️ #Podcast 🔥 #ConversationsIgnite 🎧 #PodcastEpisode 📢 #ListenNow 📖 #Storytelling 📝 #WritingCommunity 📚 #AuthorInterview 📜 #FantasyBooks #TheBurningGem 🌍 #HiddenWorlds ⚡ #PowerOfStorytelling 🔮 #FantasyMeetsReality ✍️ #DonSawyer

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Angela Calzone, President and CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual, developmental, and mental health disabilities to reach their full potential—especially in the workplace.

Angela shares how her personal journey, inspired by her daughter with special needs, led her to transition from the for-profit sector to nonprofit leadership, applying her business expertise to create meaningful impact. She discusses common misconceptions surrounding hiring individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their loyalty, reliability, and enthusiasm as valuable assets to businesses.

The conversation explores the vital role of inclusive language, how Inroads to Opportunities provides training and support to ensure workplace success, and why shifting perspectives can break down stigmas.

To learn more about Inroads to Opportunities and their mission please visit https://www.inroadsto.org/

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with Sabrina Osso, founder and CEO of Osso Safe, to discuss how she's transforming home safety through education and technology. Drawing from her personal experience growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, Sabrina has built a groundbreaking certification program that helps property owners create safer living environments.

We explore the powerful tools Osso Safe offers—ranging from policies and seminars to an app that detects violent movements—all designed to make respect a standard in every home. Sabrina also shares her bold stance on shifting the burden of responsibility away from victims and onto abusers, advocating for a future where children have a say in their living conditions before adulthood.

🔹 "Respect is a lifestyle."
🔹 "Shame has to change sides."
🔹 "Love is supposed to make you feel good, not bad."

From tackling misconceptions about love and control to addressing the role of landlords in preventing domestic violence, this conversation is a deep dive into what it truly means to feel safe where you live.

Listen in and be part of the movement to make every home Osso Safe. 🔥

Learn more at www.ossosafe.com