David Watson

Join Sean Martin, executive producer and guitarist for The Quarantined, as he shares his incredible journey of using music as therapy for PTSD and mental health recovery.

In this powerful conversation, Sean opens up about his combat experiences, temporary psychotic breakdown in 2012, and how he discovered that vocal breathing exercises from music school were identical to the anxiety management techniques taught in veteran clinics.

Learn about Sean's unique approach to song writing through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), where he transforms "hot thoughts"

- the core issues identified during therapy

Sean dives deep into the science behind music's healing properties, explaining how managing brain chemicals like adrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol through creative expression helped him overcome trauma.

He shares practical CBT techniques for identifying and processing traumatic thoughts, turning them into songs like "Aversion to Normality" and "Nemesis Friend of Mind."

The discussion covers the challenges of the music industry, dealing with rejection, and maintaining mental health as an artist.

Sean offers valuable insights on: Using music to process the five stages of grief

Find The Quarantined at thequarantine.com and on all streaming platforms.

This episode contains discussions of PTSD, therapy, and mental health recovery that may be helpful for anyone navigating their own healing journey.

📚 "108 Ways to Be Happier" - Life's Gems by Ivonne

🌟 Join David Watson as he sits down with Ivonne, author of the transformative book "108 Ways to Be Happier," in this inspiring conversation about finding joy in life's simple moments.

🎧 Key Highlights: • How a personal collection of "life's gems" evolved into a powerful happiness guide

💫 Golden Nuggets: "Success is achieving anything you set out to do—even making a cup of tea"

You might as well enjoy it" "The good stuff looks for you when you look for the good stuff"

In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I speak with author Isabelle Ready about her debut historical fiction novel, That You Remember, a powerful story inspired by the real Buffalo Creek disaster.

We explore the human cost of coal mining disasters, the forgotten history of mining communities, and the years of research Isabelle carried out to bring this tragic event to life through fiction.

Isabelle shares how her father’s connection to the coal industry helped spark the book, why the Buffalo Creek disaster still matters today, and how survivor testimony shaped her writing.

We also discuss the Aberfan disaster in Wales, the culture of coal mining in America and the UK, the bond within mining communities, and the emotional legacy left behind after preventable industrial tragedies.

This is a moving conversation about history, memory, community, trauma, resilience, and the role of storytelling in preserving voices that might otherwise be lost.

Topics covered in this episode:

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about books, history, forgotten tragedies, human resilience, and the stories that shape communities, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe.

Find Isabelle Ready here:

Listen to more episodes of The David Watson Podcast for conversations with authors, thinkers, and fascinating guests from around the world.

Hashtags: #IsabelleReady #ThatYouRemember #BuffaloCreekDisaster #HistoricalFiction #CoalMiningHistory #Aberfan #Appalachia #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #DavidWatsonPodcast

Join host David Watson as he sits down with journalist and author Alun Rees for a mind-blowing discussion about Stonehenge's astonishing secrets that mainstream archaeology has overlooked.

In this revealing interview, Alan shares ground breaking discoveries from his investigative book "Stonehenge Deciphered" that will change how you see this ancient wonder forever.

Discover the revolutionary findings that answer Stonehenge's biggest mysteries:

Why the bluestones were transported 150 miles from Wales (it's not what you think!)

Mathematical genius revealed through 5,000-year-old golden artifacts Alun Rees, a veteran journalist with unprecedented access to Stonehenge research, presents evidence-based conclusions that challenge conventional theories.

Learn about the Bush Barrow Lozenge, the Upton Lovell Button, and the Clandon Barrow Lozenge - three golden artifacts that prove Stonehenge's builders possessed advanced mathematical knowledge far beyond what we previously believed.

This interview reveals: The Bristol Channel tide theory that could explain stone transportation Connections between Stonehenge and the Nebra Sky Disc Evidence of ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange across Europe

Why archaeologists resist these ground breaking discoveries

Key Topics Covered:

✓ Stonehenge's true purpose revealed

Find Alun Rees book "Stonehenge Deciphered": Available on Amazon and other major retailers Hardback version coming soon in the UK Currently available in hardback in the US

Timestamps:

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more fascinating archaeological discoveries and ancient mystery investigations!

Join host David Watson as he sits down with Michelle Tori, author of the powerful historical novel "Fox Creek," for an intimate conversation about writing complex characters, understanding historical perspectives, and mastering the art of point of view in fiction.

In this revealing interview, Michelle shares her unique journey from growing up across Europe to becoming a published author, discussing:

Her unconventional path to becoming a writer through deconstructing acclaimed novels.

The 3 years of intensive research into plantation life and slave narratives

How she approached writing from both slaveholder and enslaved perspectives

The shocking discovery that changed her understanding of historical "good people"

Why understanding point of view is crucial for creating authentic characters

Her method of breaking down scenes like a film director to master storytelling

Michelle also shares invaluable writing advice, including her recommendation of Orson Scott Card's "Characters and Viewpoint" and explains how she learned to write marketable fiction by studying the techniques of successful authors.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the complexities of human nature, this conversation offers profound insights into how we understand the past and bring it to life through storytelling.

Key Topics Covered:

✓ Historical fiction writing techniques

In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Trisha Gardella, a children’s author with 30 published books and the creator of a beloved picture-book series featuring Mouse, a tiny character with a big message: never give up.

Trisha shares how her passion for America’s national parks became the heart of her stories, why kids’ books must be fun first (with deeper lessons quietly woven in), and how creativity often comes from “listening” to the characters that show up in your imagination.

We also talk about resilience, adapting when life changes direction, and her calm, grounded outlook on mortality after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at 33.

If you love writing, creativity, children’s books, national parks, or conversations that leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful, you’ll enjoy this one.

Guest and links Trisha’s website: https://triciagardella.com/

Topics we cover Writing picture books that children actually want to read How Mouse became a 12+ book national parks series

Protecting national parks and helping kids care about nature Creativity, ideas, and “letting the story lead” Resilience, detours, and finding joy in each phase of life

HCM, mortality, and a surprisingly peaceful mindset Illustration, collaboration, and how Trisha finds artists

Family businesses don’t usually fail because of bad numbers.

They fail because of broken trust, unspoken resentment, and the conversations nobody wants to have.

In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Rene Sonneveld, a Dutch executive coach based in Uruguay and author of The Elephant in the Family Room.

Rene works at the intersection of leadership, governance and human psychology, helping family enterprises tackle the real problem underneath the “business problem”: the invisible capital of trust, identity, communication, role clarity and belonging.

We also explore a powerful parallel from my work in head injury rehabilitation: when life changes in an instant, families often grieve the person who was, struggle with who someone is becoming, and collide over expectations, fear and control.

Rene shares a deeply personal story about his first wife’s brain cancer and the question that haunts families in crisis: if they wake up, who will they be?

If you’re navigating family conflict, succession planning, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, or tension inside a family-owned business, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening, why it’s so hard to fix alone, and how honest communication becomes the load-bearing wall that holds everything up.

Key topics in this episode The “elephant in the family room” and why families walk around it for generations

Why family businesses fail relationally, not financially

The hidden drivers beneath conflict: relevance, respect, safety, fairness, belonging

Why governance structures can look perfect but still collapse

How sibling rivalry and old emotional patterns show up as “strategy debates”

Listening vs hearing: what people are telling you vs what they’re trying to tell you

Why bringing in a neutral facilitator can unlock stuck family systems

How Rene went from governance and banking to coaching families worldwide

Writing as a tool for self-awareness, perspective and better leadership

Find Rene and his book Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/

Book: The Elephant in the Family Room (available on major retailers including Amazon)

If this episode helped you, please consider: Subscribe for more long-form conversations with authors, coaches, entrepreneurs and creatives Like and share to help the podcast reach more people Comment below: what’s the “elephant” people avoid in families, workplaces, or relationships?

Jeremy Wagner on Wretch, Broken Hope, and the Magic of Letting Stories Write Themselves

Join David Watson for a captivating conversation with author, musician, and master storyteller Jeremy Wagner.

In this episode, Jeremy delves into the creation of his new dark crime novel, "Wretch," shares the fascinating origins of his death metal band Broken Hope, and discusses the profound joy of the creative process.

From the nostalgic magic of vinyl and paperback books to the raw energy of channelling characters, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about art, music, and writing.

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible conversations!

// TIMESTAMPS //

00:00 - Introduction to Jeremy Wagner and the new novel, "Wretch"

This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of Jeremy Wagner. He discusses the launch of his new novel, "Wretch," a gritty dark crime story set in Chicago, and explains how the book's three interconnected storylines were inspired by real people and "what if" scenarios.

Jeremy traces his passion for storytelling back to his childhood, sharing the touching story of his first storybook.

He also details his parallel career as a lyricist for the death metal band Broken Hope, comparing the condensed, punchy nature of writing "micro horror fiction" for songs to the expansive process of novel-writing.

The conversation is a celebration of the creative process, the importance of passion, and the magic that happens when you get out of the way and let the story tell itself.

// KEY TAKEAWAYS //

// RESOURCES & LINKS //

In this episode of the David Watson Podcast, we dive deep into the forgotten history of the American Revolutionary War with author James Giesler.

Discover the crucial, often overlooked, role Spain played in securing America's final victory at Yorktown. Learn about Francisco de Saavedra, the Spanish diplomat and strategist whose logistical genius and access to Spanish silver were the deciding factors that turned the tide of war.

This is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, European empires, and the financial realities of warfare.

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into history!

00:00 - Introduction to James Kegeler and his book on the American Revolutionary War

This episode reveals the hidden side of the American Revolution, highlighting the indispensable contributions of Spain and its agent, Francisco de Saavedra.

We explore how the Bourbon Family Compacts allied France and Spain against Britain, setting the stage for their intervention.

The discussion covers the financial motivations behind the war, from Britain's taxation of colonists to Spain's unique advantage of vast silver reserves in Mexico.

The core of the interview focuses on Saavedra's remarkable logistical and diplomatic efforts in 1781, where he unified Spanish and French commanders, secured the vital funds from Havana that financed the French fleet's campaign, and directly enabled the decisive victory at Yorktown.

We also cover Saavedra's fascinating life story, from his unlikely entry into the army to his later role as a national hero in Spain's fight against Napoleon.

Available on Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .es, etc.) Available in bookshops via Barnes & Noble and Ingram Spark Available as an ebook on major platforms.

• Author's Website: The Book — James Giesler

Join host David Watson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with his returning guest, author Martin R. Nelson.

In this episode, they tackle everything from the universal comfort of cookies and milkshakes to the heavy burdens of self-doubt and financial struggle.

Martin opens up about his hectic life juggling a full-time teaching job, a move, and a second child on the way, all while promoting his latest high-fantasy novel, The Culling of Souls, the sequel to Children of the Dying Hearth.

He shares the profound themes of his Annals of Tessian series, exploring how characters must leave their comfort zones and "cull their souls" to grow.

The discussion then pivots to the harsh realities of the creative world. Martin and David have a raw and honest talk about the challenges of indie publishing, the feeling of creating for an empty stadium, and the constant battle with the question: "What will people think?"

They also dive into broader societal issues, touching on the housing market, the paradox of tolerance, and the state of free speech and politics in the UK and beyond.

This is a must-watch for aspiring authors, fantasy fans, and anyone who has ever questioned their own worth or path in life.

Timestamps: