Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast

Interview with bestselling anthology author Wendy Lynn, who contributed the chapter titled "A Warrior's Walk" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Born in the heart of California and now residing in the lush, serene Pacific Northwest, Wendy Lynn is a true embodiment of resilience, creativity, and a deep-rooted connection to both the natural world and the spiritual realm. With a dynamic career path that has taken her from the halls of Stanford University to the stages of heartfelt performances, Wendy’s journey is one of transformation, healing, and unwavering love.

Wendy began her professional life as a research assistant at Stanford University’s Department of Behavioral Sciences, where her inquisitive mind and passion for understanding human behavior flourished. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology, she developed a profound understanding of the intersection between business, behavior, and the human psyche. Her academic and professional work laid a foundation for a life that would later embrace both innovation and emotional depth.

But Wendy’s spirit wasn’t confined to the walls of academia. She is also a singer-songwriter and inventor, drawing from her rich life experiences to create music that transcends time, and continuously creating with a desire to make a positive impact. Her music, in particular, serves as a vessel of healing—a timeless gift that seeks to restore faith in humanity and provide solace to those in need of it. Whether through the gentle melodies of her songs or the heartfelt lyrics of her poetry, Wendy uses her artistic talents to alchemize pain into love and to inspire healing on a global scale.

As an artist, Wendy’s greatest creations aren’t just confined to the tangible—they are found in the stories she shares, the love she gives, and the wisdom she imparts. Her personal milestones reflect her ability to turn adversity into growth and strength, inspiring those around her. She is proud of showing her family, especially her daughter, the incredible strength of the human spirit. Her love for her child and the simple joy of holding hands with her, guide her, grounding her in the most important role of all—being a mother.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Wendy is a passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast, always seeking to learn new languages, immerse herself in customs, and explore the beauty of different spiritual practices. From dancing under foreign skies to meditating in quiet sanctuaries, Wendy’s love for life is fueled by a curiosity for the world and the wisdom of her ancestors. She honors them daily, and it is their legacy, along with the pure energy of love, that guides her through life’s many adventures.

Wendy’s path is one of inspiration. Whether she’s on stage, writing, or simply at home with her daughter, her life is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome, heal, and transform. Through her songs and stories, Wendy Lynn offers the world a glimpse of what it means to embrace love, to honor the past, and to move forward into a future of hope and healing.

To learn more about Wendy Lynn and her offerings please visit www.awarriorswalk.com as well as @awarriorswalkofficial on Instagram.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Sherri Levine, who contributed the chapter titled "Full Circle" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Sherri Levine is a dedicated physician assistant who balances her medical career with a thriving passion for creativity through pool design, photography, and home decor projects. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, she is married with three energetic boys, and a beloved chocolate labradoodle, Mia.

Although her life is a whirlwind of activity, Sherri finds joy in simple pleasures like a good cup of coffee and expanding her baseball hat collection. She loves spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, which is her summer haven, and cherishes the fall season when she visits extended family in New York. Volunteering is another key part of Sherri’s life; she dedicates time to DD’s Miracle Minis, her friend’s nonprofit miniature horse therapy organization, that brings her immense fulfillment combining her love for animals and service.

This is Sherri’s first published story and author debut as she opens up publically for the first time about medicine, mental health, and motherhood. To connect with Sherri, follow her on Instagram @sherripac.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Pachion Moore, who contributed the chapter titled "Not a Mistake" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Meet Pachion! With a background shaped by a military upbringing and now calling Tennessee home, Pachion is all about balancing life’s adventures with grace and enthusiasm. As a single mom to her energetic son Trey, she juggles a busy schedule with a smile, staying deeply involved in both their lives and the local community.

Pachion is especially passionate about supporting young women, drawing from her own experiences as a teen mom. Armed with a master’s degree in life coaching, she’s dedicated to empowering others and creating resources to help them build a better future.

When she’s not working, Pachion loves to dive into new activities with friends and family, enjoy a good brunch, or dress up for a themed event. Her zest for life shines through in everything she does, making her a vibrant and inspiring presence both personally and professionally.

Website: pachionbreona.com & urbetteru.com Instagram: @pachionbreona & @betteru._

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Maggie Brady, who contributed the chapter titled "Empty Rooms" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Maggie Brady is a mother of three amazing people who are always her top choices of anyone to hang out with. Maggie went from being totally career focused to being bowled over by motherhood. For her, motherhood became a journey of revelation where she learned to unlearn her own childhood, but at the same time it also became, through circumstance and life, a place where Maggie lost sight of her essential self. Over the passage of years Maggie learned that to deny the truth of where you are in your life is the biggest disservice you can burden yourself with. Each day Maggie is amazed with the bravery and sacrifice of the mothers she sees around her.

You can find Maggie on Instagram @choosefreedomprincess.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kim Roy, who contributed the chapter titled "Grieve with Gratitude" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kimberly (Kim) Roy, founder of Pitch With Kim, is a visibility and lead generation strategist dedicated to empowering ambitious, heart-centered female coaches, creatives, authors, and service providers to confidently use their voice to build authority, increase credibility, and expand their networks—leading to more clients and opportunities with ease.

Kim’s passion for inspiring entrepreneurs and authors to harness the power of their voice and story stems from her own journey. After turning the profound loss of her father into strength and transforming pain into power, she was motivated to leave behind a twenty-year career in compliance banking.

Now, drawing on her professional experience and keen intuition, Kim specializes in thoughtfully pairing business owners and authors with aligned podcast guest opportunities that resonate with their target audience. She excels in crafting pitches that are not only relevant to her clients’ industries but also align with their business and literary goals.

Kim’s personalized pitching framework results in aligned connections and win-win relationships, leading to podcast features well beyond the top 1–2 percent, increased brand visibility, affiliate partnerships, and authentic collaborations. Partnering with Kim means gaining a dedicated pitching professional and strategic ally committed to her clients’ success.

On a mission to normalize vulnerability and foster relatability, Kim also hosts the Redefining Anger podcast. A girl mom, wife, and mentor, she is continuously learning to live a life of abundance. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

When she’s not helping entrepreneurs and authors amplify their voices, you can find Kim running with her furry companion, enjoying the outdoors, getting lost in a good book, or cherishing moments with her family.

To learn more and connect, visit www.pitchwithkim.com and follow her on Instagram @pitchwithkim.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kim Gilliam, who contributed the chapter titled "Dragonfly" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kim Gilliam has nurtured a profound passion for storytelling throughout her writing career in the nonprofit space. For years, she has been privately crafting her own deeply personal narrative—the poignant account of a mother raising a child with mental illness. “Dragonfly” was born of countless drafts written, abandoned, and revisited throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then came Jess Buchanan who inspired her to finish her story—a mother’s story, a love story, a story Kim hopes will connect with other mothers traveling a similar path. She would be honored to hear from you and can be reached on Instagram at @kimmyg39 or [email protected].

Kim thrives on the energy, renewal, and peace she derives from time spent outdoors and on the move. She is an avid hiker and loves the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains in her native Virginia, the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire in the fall, and the rocky headlands of her beloved Acadia in Maine.

Residing in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, Kim shares her life with her husband Chris and their two daughters. Rounding out the mix is their spirited rescue pup Otto the Dachsador.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kellyn Simonson, who contributed the chapter titled "Joy in the Mourning" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kellyn Simonson was raised along the shores of the Puget Sound in Washington state. She received a bachelor’s degree in professional communication from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, before returning to the Pacific Northwest and starting a family of her own. Professionally, Kellyn works as a family resources coordinator at an early intervention agency. She has navigated personal challenges including divorce, having a young son diagnosed with autism, and supporting another son through a high-risk leukemia battle. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for writing, editing, and harnessing the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. She lives on a farm with her husband, their blended family of six kids, and eighteen boisterous chickens.

Connect with Kellyn on Instagram @kellynannsimonson

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with anthology author Angelique Velez contributing the chapter titled "For The Love of Beauty" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Angelique Velez, can quite literally say "love raised me, lipstick saved me". Makeup artist and founder of Breakups to Makeup, Velez used her own personal journey with heartbreak to fuel the creation of Breakups to Makeup (B2M), which is now the one of the country's most sought after high-quality accessory and apparel brands for makeup enthusiasts. Sold online and in retail stores including Sephora, QVC, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Ricky's and NYLON Shop.

Born and raised in New York from Puerto Rican and Cuban descent Velez launched B2M in June 2013 to spread the message that makeup is more than just a simple product, but also an art form. As a makeup artist for more than a decade, Angelique recognized the importance of this creative outlet and wanted a way to educate and inspire others while turning heartbreak into moments of self- celebration.

Under her leadership, unmatched creativity and massive passion for adding a touch of wit and glam to Breakups to Makeup, her infamous clutches "Love Raised Me Lipstick Saved Me" to "I Would Cry But My Mascara is Designer," have been seen in the hands of legends such as Cher to being featured in national media outlets such Refinery29, Marie Claire, Allure and Latina, to name a few.

Prior to embracing entrepreneurship and dedicating herself full time to her passion project, Velez was, and still is, a professional makeup artist. Velez has had the opportunity to be a part of fashion shows for Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Project Runway, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger. She has also worked notable televised events multiple times including the MTV Video Music Awards and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She is also a proud member of the IATSE Local 798 Union.

Velez currently resides in New York, but enjoys traveling, while also being a full-time mom. She has a podcast, called Hey Glowfriend, that encompasses her entire journey, which is available on all podcast platforms. Learn more at www.breakupstomakeup.com or on instagram  @theangeliquetechnique and @breakupstomakeup.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with anthology author Amie J. Woeber contributing the chapter titled "Finding My Voice in Mexico" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Amie J. Woeber was born and raised in South Florida but has lived all over the world. Professionally she has been working to promote democracy, human rights, and good governance in East Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands for almost a decade. A wander, a writer, and dedicated idealist, Amie is passionate about empowering other women and making our voices heard. She also believes that mental health issues should be de-stigmatized for all and wants to use her story as way to encourage others to seek help when they need it. Amie resides in Washington, DC, on a houseboat with her dog, Capt. Cotter Fíodìor of County Cork who’s traveled around the world with her. They’re both always in search of their next adventure. Connect with Amie on Instagram @theamazingames or on LinkedIn at Amie J. Woeber.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast. 

Interview with anthology author Kim Osburn contributing the chapter titled "Just As I Am" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Kim McHarg Osburn is a proud wife and mother, a musician, a breast cancer survivor, and an LBGTQ+ Christian. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was raised in a Presbyterian Church (USA) by an Evangelical, adoptive father who made a lot of mistakes, but never wavered in demonstrating the love of God to her and anyone he encountered. Kim attended college in Morehead, Kentucky, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree and an “MRS degree” – she met and married the love of her life, Tim Osburn.

Kim has worked teaching private music lessons, and as a worship leader for various Evangelical churches. She holds a Master of Human Services: Marriage and Family degree from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Her ambition was to work as a professional counselor, but becoming a mother to a child on the autism spectrum inspired her to move in a different direction. Currently she is a stay-at-home mom, author, and a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Having encountered a myriad of problems in Evangelical churches, particularly in attitudes expressed towards LGBTQ+ people and those who suffer from mental illness, Kim began deconstructing her faith. Today she identifies as a bi, queer, Exvangelical, progressive Catholic with OCD. Kim can be found on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares about her experiences with religious deconstruction at @evolvingpursuit2023, about living with OCD at @mylifewithocd2023, and her general misadventures at @kimosburnblog.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.