Life: It's a Trip | Author Rasheed Hooda on Entrepreneurship, Happiness & Route 66

What happens when you stop trying to fit into everyone else's box and step out onto your own path? 📦📦

In this episode of "Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews," host Elli O'Carroll sits down with author, photographer, speaker, and storyteller Rasheed Hooda. 

Rasheed is a self-proclaimed "weirdo," a jack of many trades, and a man who literally walked 2,000+ miles across America from Chicago to L.A. along Route 66! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️

We dive into his book, "Life: It's a Trip: A Brief Manual on Happiness, Success and Entrepreneurship," exploring six decades of heartwarming storytelling, humor, and practical wisdom on how to build a true "Freedom Lifestyle."

✨ In this episode, we cover:

* Why being called a "weirdo" is actually the ultimate compliment
* What walking Route 66 on foot teaches you about human connection & solitude
* How to break free from traditional corporate traps and build an authentic life
* Behind the heartwarming stories in *Life: It's a Trip*
* How to turn "impossible" into "I'm possible"
* ⚡ *The Gimme 5 Rapid-Fire Round!*

If you need a permission slip to embrace your true self, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and leave a comment below!

🔗 CONNECT WITH RASHEED HOODA

📖 Get *Life: It's a Trip* on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Manual-Happiness-Success-Entrepreneurship/dp/179537909X

🌐 Official Website: 
https://www.rasheedhooda.com

▶️ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rasheeduncl

🏫 Join Rasheed's Skool Community: 
"I help you transform your life so you can live on your own terms. How? One conversation at a time."

"Embrace Your Inner Weirdo"
🤼https://www.skool.com/yes-you-can-4362/about?ref=e74a232a95d14426b017c8762cb8b33a

🎧 Check out past episodes of the *Embrace Your Inner Weirdo* Podcast on Amazon/Spotify!

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#RasheedHooda, #LifeItsATrip, #Gimme5BookReviews, #ElliOCarroll, #EmbraceYourInnerWeirdo, #authorinterview, #Route66Walk, #entrepreneurshipmindset, #happinessandsuccess, #FreedomLifestyle, #BookTube, #BookTok, #inspirationalbooks, #Storytelling, #personalgrowth, #selfdevelopment, #OvercomingFear, #LiveFully, #JackOfAllTrades, #BookReview 

Why do quick-fix 30-day diets fail us every single time?

How to Beat Ultra-Processed Foods & Reverse Chronic Illness 📚💚🥗

What Dr. Andres Digenio Says to Do Instead~

In this episode of Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews, host Elli O'Carroll sits down with physician-scientist, exercise physiologist, and nutritionist Dr. Andres Digenio, MD, PhD. With experience in cardiac rehab, Vanderbilt’s obesity clinic, and top biotech research, Dr. Digenio stepped away from corporate corridors to tackle the real culprit behind modern chronic disease: ultra-processed foods.

We dive deep into his book, The Natural Diet: A Practical Guide to Losing Weight and Living Healthier, following the relatable 24-week journey of Brenda—a busy mom and professional balancing a new diabetes diagnosis with real life.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

Why restrictive diets, calorie counting, and willpower eventually crash

The truth about ultra-processed foods and how they hijack brain fullness signals

Why weight loss medications (GLP-1s, Metformin) must be paired with behavioral change

The 3 Pillars: Real Foods, Daily Movement, and Habit Building

How to shop smart, avoid "fake" health foods, and eat healthy while traveling or dining out

⚡ The Gimme 5 Rapid-Fire Round!

If you're ready to stop counting calories and build a sustainable lifestyle that lasts, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join the conversation!

🔗 OFFICIAL LINKS & RESOURCES

📖 Get The Natural Diet on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592116663

🌐 Visit Dr. Digenio’s Website: https://andresdigenio.com
✍️ Read on Medium: https://medium.com/@andres.digenio
📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndresDigenioMD
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andresdigeniomd/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresdigeniomd
🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/andres_digenio

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#TheNaturalDiet, #DrAndresDigenio, #Gimme5BookReviews, #ElliOCarroll, #authorinterview, #weightlosstips, #ultraprocessedfoods, #HealthyLiving, #type2diabetes, #PreventiveMedicine, #NutritionScience, #booktube , #BookTok, #HabitBuilding, #SustainableWeightLoss, #HealthyEatingHabits, #BeatWeightLossPlateaus, #ObesityManagement, #NoCalorieCounting, #HealthAndWellness 

What happens when history only remembers the office but forgets the man?

In this episode of Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews, we sit down with author, artist, and biographer Sara Causey to discuss her award-nominated book, Simply Dag: The Private Man in a Public—and Dangerous—Office.

Awarded nominations by both The BookFest and Readers' Favorite, Simply Dag breaks the traditional, dry biography mold. Written in an intimate, first-person memoir style drawn directly from Dag Hammarskjöld’s private writings, letters, and reflections, Sara brings readers face-to-face with the human behind the iconic UN Secretary-General.

In this interview, we cover:

📚 Who Dag Hammarskjöld was and why his global impact in the 1950s still matters today

📖 The inspiration behind writing two dedicated books on Hammarskjöld's life and legacy

🌲 His private world as a mountain climber, nature lover, and writer
🤖 How his wisdom applies to leadership, spirituality, and our modern world

🎨 Sara's journey from Fortune 100 recruitment to a life devoted to art and "eccentricity with purpose"

If you love history, deeply researched biographies, author interviews, and stories of human resilience under extraordinary pressure, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join the conversation!

🔗 OFFICIAL LINKS & RESOURCES

✨ Learn more about the book: https://simplydag.com/
🌐 Visit Sara Causey’s Official Website: https://saracausey.com/
📲 Follow Sara on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saracauseyauthor
📸 Follow Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saracauseyauthor/

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#DagHammarskjöld, #SimplyDag, #SaraCausey, #Gimme5BookReviews, #authorinterview, #UNSecretaryGeneral, #UnitedNationsHistory, #BiographiesToRead, #AwardWinningBooks, #BookFestNominee, #ReadersFavoriteNominee, #ColdWarHistory, #HistoricalNonfiction, #BookTok, #booktube, #DecodingTheUnicorn, #PoliticalBiographies, #UNHistory, #BookReview, #GreatLeadersInHistory, 

🎙️ Meet YA dystopian author D.K. Shepston in this featured-author interview from Gimme 5 Book Reviews!

Discover the inspiration behind "The Undoing" and "The Breaking," her adventurous RV lifestyle, and her books about traveling with cats.

Originally featured in August 2022, Desserae K. Shepston joined Elizabeth O’Carroll to discuss her unusual journey from academia to life as a nomadic author traveling across North America in a 1993 RV with three cats.

Elizabeth also shares her thoughts on *The Undoing*, the first novel in D.K. Shepston’s gripping young-adult dystopian trilogy. Packed with suspense, difficult choices, survival, and thought-provoking themes, the series is a strong recommendation for readers who enjoy imaginative dystopian fiction and character-driven YA adventures.

 📚 In This Author Interview

You’ll learn about:

🚐 Desserae’s experience traveling across North America in an RV
🐱 The realities of taking an RV journey with a feline family
✍️ Her transition from academic life to full-time storytelling
🌄 How travel, nature, and adventure influence her writing
🔥 The inspiration behind *The Undoing* and *The Breaking*
📖 Her advice and encouragement for readers, writers, and aspiring authors

Whether you love **young-adult dystopian novels, science fiction, survival stories, travel writing, RV adventures, or books about cats**, this interview introduces an author with a wonderfully unusual story.

 About Desserae K. Shepston

Desserae K. Shepston, also known as **D.K. Shepston**, was born in Montana, raised in Illinois, and later embraced life as a nomadic storyteller.

A former academic with a Ph.D. from Texas State University and additional degrees in education, Desserae combines her academic background with a bold imagination and a love of travel. She explores North America in her RV with three cats, drawing inspiration from nature, adventure, and life on the road.

Her writing includes young-adult dystopian fiction, travel advice, and family-friendly stories inspired by her feline companions.

📖 Books by D.K. Shepston

🐾 *Travel Cats: Tips for Beginning an RV Journey with Your Feline Family*
🐾 *The Adventures of Gatsby the Travel Cat in Mesa Verde*
🔥 *The Undoing* — Book One of the YA Dystopian Trilogy
🔥 *The Breaking* — Book Two of the YA Dystopian Trilogy

 🛒 Explore D.K. Shepston’s Books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086JCSJ3M

 🌐 Visit D.K. Shepston’s Website

https://dkshepston.com

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 About Gimme 5 Book Reviews

Gimme 5 Book Reviews, hosted by author and reviewer Elizabeth O’Carroll, celebrates writers, books, creativity, and the stories behind the stories.

Elizabeth writes fiction for children and teenagers as well as nonfiction self-help books. Her author interviews and book reviews are created as a public service to support readers, writers, and the wider literary community. Materials included in the interview are used with the author’s permission.

Discover Elizabeth O’Carroll’s Books

Follow Elizabeth on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08CGXYDYX

Visit Celestar Publishing:

https://celestarpublishing.com

Support Gimme 5 Book Reviews

Producing and promoting independent author interviews requires time, creativity, and plenty of coffee! If you are an author, publisher, reader, or subscriber who would like to support the channel, you can buy Elizabeth a cup of coffee here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethocarroll

Your support helps Elizabeth continue introducing readers to independent authors and wonderful new books.

 🔔 Join the Gimme 5 Book Reviews Community

If you enjoyed this interview:

👍 Like the video
💬 Share your favorite moment in the comments
📚 Tell us which D.K. Shepston book you would like to read
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more author interviews, book reviews, and reading recommendations

💖🕊️ Peace and love!
Elli~
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#DKShepston, #DesseraeShepston, #DKShepstonInterview, #authorinterview, #FeaturedAuthor, #TheUndoing, #TheBreaking, #YADystopian, #YADystopianBooks, #youngadultfiction, #YoungAdultBooks, #DystopianFiction, #DystopianBooks, #ScienceFictionBooks, #YAScienceFiction, #BookInterview, #BookReview, #BookReviews, #Gimme5BookReviews, #Gimme5AuthorInterview, #BookTube, #BookRecommendations, #MustReadBooks, #IndependentAuthor, #IndieAuthor, #WomenAuthors, #AuthorSpotlight, #MeetTheAuthor, #RVLife, #RVTravel, #RVWriter, #NomadicWriter, #TravelWriting, #TravelCats, #CatBooks, #CatLovers, #MesaVerde, #BooksForTeens, #YAReaders, #DystopianSeries 

 Who really owned Superman—and what happens when the creators of the world’s most famous superhero must spend decades fighting for credit, compensation, and recognition?

In this episode of Gimme 5 Book Review and Author Interview, I sit down with award-winning author William Bernhardt to discuss his book, The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon.

Almost everyone recognizes Superman: the last son of Krypton, disguised as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, fighting for truth, justice, and those who cannot defend themselves. Far fewer people know the complicated human story behind his creation.

William Bernhardt takes us beyond the cape and into the lives of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, the two young creators whose idea became one of the most valuable and enduring characters in popular culture. Their story involves artistic ambition, years of rejection, publishing contracts, lost ownership, corporate power, courtroom battles, family sacrifice, and a decades-long struggle to receive proper credit for what they brought into the world.

During our long-form conversation, William and I discuss:

🔹 What inspired him to write The Superman Wars
🔹 The personal story behind Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
🔹 How Jerry Siegel’s experiences influenced Clark Kent and Superman
🔹 The famous agreement that changed the creators’ lives
🔹 Why the commonly repeated “$130 Superman deal” requires greater context
🔹 The difference between legal ownership and moral authorship
🔹 Whether a contract can be legally valid but ethically unfair
🔹 The emotional and financial cost of losing control of a creation
🔹 How publishers and corporations should treat original creators
🔹 The research required to reconstruct decades of legal and personal history
🔹 What modern authors, artists, and independent creators can learn from this case
🔹 Why credit, recognition, and creative legacy can matter as much as money

William Bernhardt is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, including the bestselling Ben Kincaid novels and the Daniel Pike legal thriller series. His career also includes historical fiction, poetry, young-adult literature, plays, writing instruction, and the acclaimed Red Sneaker books for writers.

Beyond his own writing, William is the founder of WriterCon, president of Bernhardt Books, and a longtime mentor to aspiring authors. More than thirty of his students have gone on to publish with major publishing houses.

At its heart, The Superman Wars is about far more than comic-book history. It asks difficult questions about creativity, ambition, contracts, publishing, corporate power, ownership, justice, and the human need to be recognized for the things we create.

Join the Conversation

Should creators ever trade ownership for opportunity?

Is accepting an unfavorable contract sometimes necessary to begin a career—or can the desire to finally be published cause creators to surrender something whose future value they cannot yet understand?

Share your opinion in the comments.

📘 Learn more about The Superman Wars:
https://williambernhardt.com/the-superman-wars/

Get your copy on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLKBB8JC?

🌐 Learn more about William Bernhardt:
https://williambernhardt.com

✍️ Explore WriterCon:
https://writercon.com

👍 Like this interview if you enjoyed the conversation.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more long-form conversations with authors about their books, inspirations, writing journeys, research, creative processes, and publishing experiences.

Until next time, keep reading, keep creating, and keep asking what happened behind the story.

#TheSupermanWars, #WilliamBernhardt, #Superman, #SupermanHistory, #JerrySiegel, #JoeShuster, #creatorrights, #ComicBookHistory, #AuthorInterview, #BookInterview, #BookTube, #PublishingIndustry, #writingcommunity, #LegalHistory, #Gimme5 

The Interviewer Becomes the Interviewed! Meet the Host! 🤭

Elizabeth "Elli" O'Carroll Shares Her Story | From Teacher to Author Interviewer

For the first time on Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews, the tables are turned! 😲😲🤭

If you've been watching this channel, you've seen me interviewing dozens of incredible authors from every genre, discussing their books, creative journeys, and the stories behind their work. But today...it's my turn. 🤣🤣

This interview was originally recorded and aired in the spring of 2025 on author Elaine Lombardi's YouTube channel. Elaine graciously encouraged me to share our conversation here with all of you, and I'm thankful for her permission to repost it.💖

In this special episode, author Elaine Lombardi interviews Elizabeth "Elli" O'Carroll, giving viewers an opportunity to learn more about the person behind "Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews."

We talk about my journey as an educator, lifelong reader, author interviewer, global traveler, and content creator, along with the passion that inspired me to build a platform dedicated to connecting readers with authors from around the world.

In this interview, we discuss:

📚 My lifelong love of books and reading

🎙️ How "Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews" began

❤️ Why I love helping authors share their stories

✍️ My background as an educator and curriculum creator

🌍 The importance of encouraging literacy and lifelong learning

📖 What I've learned from interviewing authors across many different genres

🚀 My vision for the future of the channel and the wonderful reading community we're building together

Over the past 4 years, Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews has become a place where authors—from debut writers to bestselling veterans—can share their inspiration, writing journeys, and the stories behind their books. 📚✍

Today, I hope you'll enjoy getting to know a little more about me and the heart behind this channel. 🥰

A heartfelt thank you to Elaine Lombardi for hosting this wonderful conversation and for allowing me to share it with all of you. 💖

I also had the honor of interviewing Elaine! Watch the full interview!
👇
✨G.I.F.T.S. The Five Keys of Transformation! Author—Elaine Lombardi
    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT9lk2vC3wk
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If you've enjoyed following the channel, thank you for being part of this amazing community of readers, writers, educators, and book lovers. Your encouragement and support truly mean the world to me.

If you enjoy author interviews, book recommendations, inspiring conversations, and discovering new books, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue supporting authors and celebrating the joy of reading.

Thank you, as always, for watching "Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews"! 
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep discovering great books—and I'll see you in the next interview! 🤩

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#ElizabethOCarroll, #ElliOCarroll, #Gimme5BookReviews, #Gimme5BookReviewsAndAuthorInterviews, #MeetTheHost, #authorinterview , #booktube , #BookReview, #ReaderCommunity, #BookLovers, #ReadingCommunity, #AuthorSpotlight, #behindthescenes , #teacherlife, #Educator, #CurriculumCreator, #lifelonglearning, #LiteracyMatters, #ReadingIsFun, #IndependentAuthors, #WritersCommunity, #ElaineLombardi, #AuthorConversations, #BookRecommendations, #BooksAndAuthors, #WritersLife, #CreativeJourney, #WomenInPublishing, #ReadingInspiration, #InterviewSeries, #BookCommunity, #youtubecreators , #ReadersOfYouTube, #supportauthors, #bookschangelives

🔍 Discover the True Story Behind the First Female Fossil Hunter! | Author Interview with Michele C. Hollow

Welcome back to the Gimme 5 Book Review and Author Interview channel! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Michele C. Hollow to explore her inspiring new children’s book:

📘 Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter (Ulysses Press, September 2024).
Michele shares her journey from hard-hitting journalism to historical fiction, the deep research behind Mary Anning’s groundbreaking discovery, and why this forgotten girl deserves a place in every science-loving child’s library. 

Learn how Mary defied gender, class, and age expectations to become the “Mother of Paleontology”—and how her story can inspire young readers today, especially girls in STEM! (boys too!)

✨ In this interview:
• How Michele turned history into story
• Why Mary Anning’s ichthyosaurus find changed science
• The power of resilience, curiosity, and girlhood grit
• Writing tips for young historical fiction readers & writers
• What journalism and fossils surprisingly have in common
📅 Premiered in celebration of National Dinosaur Day (June 1)!

About the Author ✨
Michele C. Hollow is an award-winning journalist, author, and lifelong animal lover who brings heart and curiosity to every story she tells. Her work dives deep into topics like health, mental health, aging, climate change, pets, wildlife, and the remarkable people who make the world a more fascinating place. You’ve seen her byline in The New York Times, The Guardian, Next Avenue, Symphony Magazine, Inside Your Cat’s Mind, Inside Your Dog’s Mind, The Animal Mind, The Wildest, and more.

Michele thrives on asking questions, uncovering truths, and understanding *why* things work the way they do—whether it's the science behind animal behavior or the motivations of inspiring humans. She’s also had fun writing Minecraft joke books with her son, a music book on The Grateful Dead, and a guide to dream careers working with animals.

Whether she’s chasing facts or following pawprints, Michele tells stories that connect, inform, and spark wonder.🎈🎈

📚Find Michele online at:
https://www.michelechollow.com
https://www.facebook.com/MicheleCHollow/

📕Grab your book on Amazon: 🛒💝
Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter

https://www.amazon.com/Jurassic-Girl-Adventures-Paleontologist-Dinosaur/dp/1646047176

👉 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL to get notified about more inspiring interviews with today’s most engaging authors.
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🎀About Elizabeth O'Carroll:
Not only does Elizabeth pen fiction for kids and teens, but she also writes nonfiction self-help books. Elizabeth offers reviews as a public service, and she graciously invites notable individuals as guests. She is providing this service as a means of supporting and returning the favor to writers and readers. Authors do not receive any compensation, and it is a free and mutually beneficial act. There has been no infringement of copyrighted items, and the author has granted permission. 

😍Follow me on Amazon for a list of all my current books.💖💖

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08CGXYDYX

Or check out my books on my website! 
⭐⭐  https://celestarpublishing.com/

👉Promoting and creating the videos in service to authors is right out of my retirement fund. So, if you are an author, publisher (promoting your authors), or subscriber and you would like to show some love by "buying me a cup of coffee," I truly appreciate you, and I love coffee! ☕☕💖💖

☕☕💖💖
https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethocarroll

💖🕊Peace and love!
Elizabeth~
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#JurassicGirl, #maryanning, #womeninstem, #MicheleCHollow, #authorinterview, #gimme5bookreview, #HistoricalFictionForKids, #dinosaurs , #paleontology, #girlsinscience, #childrenbooks, #booktube, #nationaldinosaurday, #stembooks, #comingsoon  #GirlsInSTEM #STEMinspiration #ChildrenBooks #ChildrensAuthor #AuthorInterview #Gimme5BookReview #bookstagram  #kidsbooks  #historicalfictionforkids  #paleontology  #dinosaursforkids  #booksforyoungreaders  #InspiringGirls #StrongFemaleLeads #ScienceIsForEveryone #bookreel  #booktubecommunity  #nationaldinosaurday  #KidLit #BookTok #newbookrelease  #GirlPowerBooks,

📘 Welcome back to Gimme 5 Book Review and Author Interview!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul D. Corona, MD, a groundbreaking physician who’s transforming the world of mental health with his Mind and Body Healing approach. With over 30 years of experience in both family medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Paul has developed The Corona Protocol — a bold, science-backed method that takes on addiction, bullying, homelessness, school shootings, and suicide.

💥 His latest book, "The Corona Protocol: A Scientifically Proven Medical Solution to STOP Addiction, Bullying, Homelessness, School Shootings, and Suicide 30 Years in the Making," is now available in print, eBook, and audiobook formats.

🎧 Watch to discover how Dr. Paul is changing the conversation around mental health, offering real solutions for real people — and why now, more than ever, this conversation matters.

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Paul D. Corona and his work, books, and more:

👉 https://drpaulcoronamd.com/

🎬https://www.youtube.com/@UCR4i4pBwkFL9GxIE_a5OLkg 
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Meet Dr. Paul D. Corona, MD – Changing the Way We Heal Minds and Bodies

Dr. Paul D. Corona isn’t just practicing medicine—he’s redefining it. Based in sunny Southern California, Dr. Corona has spent over 30 years on the frontlines of healthcare, pioneering a powerful mind-body approach that’s transforming both psychiatry and family medicine. With a rare blend of clinical expertise and visionary thinking, he developed his groundbreaking method, *Mind and Body Healing*, to help patients thrive emotionally and physically—not just survive.

As the host of *The Dr. Paul Show* (streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, and YouTube), Dr. Corona brings his message to a global audience, making mental health accessible, compassionate, and cutting-edge. His newest book, *The Corona Protocol: A Scientifically Proven Medical Solution to STOP Addiction, Bullying, Homelessness, School Shootings, and Suicide 30 Years in the Making*, is a bold call to action. Available in print, ebook, and audiobook, this game-changing work unveils a revolutionary, evidence-based path forward for solving some of society’s most urgent mental health crises.

Dr. Corona began his medical journey in family practice, where he realized that physical symptoms were often deeply connected to emotional struggles. This insight led him to psychiatry and, eventually, to writing his acclaimed *Healing the Mind and Body* book series. His integrative method challenges outdated models of care and offers hope where there was once helplessness.

A proud Southern California native, Dr. Corona earned his B.S. in Biology/Pre-Med at the University of Southern California before completing medical school at New York Medical College. He went on to complete a rigorous three-year residency in family medicine at California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles. Today, he continues to see patients in his thriving Laguna Niguel private practice, where he provides personalized care using the very protocol he developed.

Whether you're a patient, a parent, or a healthcare provider, Dr. Corona’s work offers something rare in modern medicine: a clear, compassionate path to healing that addresses the *whole* person—mind and body, together.

📺 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

📌 Follow us for more life-changing books and conversations. New episodes weekly!
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About Elizabeth O'Carroll:
Not only does Elizabeth pen fiction for kids and teens, but she also writes nonfiction self-help books. Elizabeth offers reviews as a public service, and she graciously invites notable individuals as guests. She is providing this service as a means of supporting and returning the favor to writers and readers. Authors do not receive any compensation, and it is a free and mutually beneficial act. There has been no infringement of copyrighted items, and the author has granted permission. 

😍Follow me on Amazon for a list of all my current books.💖💖

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Or check out my books on my website! 
⭐⭐  https://celestarpublishing.com/

👉Promoting and creating the videos in service to authors is right out of my retirement fund. So, if you are an author, publisher (promoting your authors), or subscriber and you would like to show some love by "buying me a cup of coffee," I truly appreciate you, and I love coffee! ☕☕💖💖

☕☕💖💖
https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethocarroll

💖🕊Peace and love!
Elizabeth~

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#mentalhealth, #psychiatry, #DrPaulCorona, #addictionrecovery, #schoolshootings, #bullyingprevention, #mindbodyhealing, #holisticmedicine, #bookinterview, #authorinterview, #mentalhealthawareness, #healingjourney, #thecoronaprotocol, #gimme5books, #bookreviewchannel, #mentalhealthsolutions

✨Dragons, Magic & Destiny | Verna McKinnon Discusses The Dragon Keepers | Author Interview

Welcome back to Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews, where we introduce readers to incredible authors and explore the stories, imagination, and inspiration behind their books.

✨ In this special returning author interview, we're thrilled to welcome back fantasy author Verna McKinnon!

When Verna first joined us, we explored the opening two novels in her acclaimed "Rogue Bardess" series—The Bardess of Rhulon and War Poet—and discussed the unforgettable characters, immersive world-building, and magical adventures that captivated readers. 🐉🐲

Now she's back to celebrate the release of Book 3: "The Dragon Keepers!" 📚

In this exciting conversation, Verna shares how the series has evolved, the inspiration behind the newest installment, and what readers can expect as the story expands into even more dangerous, mysterious, and breathtaking territory.

Join us as we discuss:

🐉 The inspiration behind **The Dragon Keepers**

📚 How the Rogue Bardess trilogy has grown since Book One

⚔️ Building an immersive fantasy world filled with magic, dragons, adventure, and unforgettable characters

🎵 The role of music, courage, and destiny throughout the series

✨ Balancing epic world-building with deeply personal character journeys

📝 Verna's writing process and creative inspiration

📖 What's next for the Rogue Bardess universe

Whether you're already a fan of the series or discovering Verna McKinnon's work for the very first time, this interview offers a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the imagination and craftsmanship that bring these stories to life.

If you love epic fantasy, dragons, strong heroines, magical adventures, and discovering talented independent authors, you're going to love this conversation.

📚 Featured Books: 

📗 The Bardess of Rhulon (Book 1)
📘 War Poet (Book 2)
📕The Dragon Keepers (Book 3)

Be sure to support Verna McKinnon by checking out the complete Rogue Bardess series!

👇Verna's website: Books, Blog, and more! 👇

http://www.vernamckinnon.com/

If you enjoyed today's interview, please like, subscribe, and share to help us introduce even more amazing authors to readers around the world.

Thank you for watching Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews!

Keep reading. Keep discovering. Keep imagining. We'll see you in the next interview!
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About Elli O'Carroll:
Not only does Elli pen fiction for kids and teens, but she also writes nonfiction self-help books. Authors do not receive any compensation, there has been no infringement of copyrighted items, and the author has granted permission.

😍Follow me on Amazon for a list of all my current books. 💖💖

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08CGXYDYX

Or check out my books on my website! 
⭐https://celestarpublishing.com/

💖Peace and love!
Elli~
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Breaking Into North Korea: Author Jonathan M. McDonald Reveals the Story Behind Escape from the 38th--

Welcome back to "Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews," where we introduce authors across all genres and explore the inspiration, stories, and messages behind their books.

In this special returning-author episode, we welcome back Jonathan M. McDonald, author of the powerful new geopolitical thriller--- 
Escape from the 38th.

Last year, Jonathan joined us to discuss his memoir, Jonnie Maine: A Memoir, sharing his journey through music, creativity, resilience, and personal transformation. Now, he returns with his first fiction release—a gripping story inspired by real-world events surrounding North Korea.

"Escape from the 38th" follows Ji-Ah Kim, a woman who escaped North Korea as a child but left behind her twin sister. After thirteen years of building a new life in America, one phone call changes everything—her sister is alive and trapped inside one of the world's most secretive regimes.

Now Ji-Ah faces an impossible decision:

Protect the life she built… or risk everything to bring her sister home.

In this author interview, Jonathan discusses:

📚 His transition from memoir writing to fiction storytelling
🌎 The inspiration behind "Escape from the 38th"
📚 Researching North Korea and creating a realistic geopolitical thriller
❤️ Themes of family, sacrifice, freedom, and hope
✍️ How real-world events influence his storytelling
🎙️ His journey as the host of "The Jonnie Mack Show"
🚀 What’s next in his writing career?

With themes of courage, faith, loyalty, and the human desire for freedom, "Escape from the 38th" explores one unforgettable question:

"How far would you go to bring someone home?"

✍️ Jonathan M. McDonald is a writer, author, podcaster, and storyteller whose creative journey spans music, journalism, memoir, fiction, and community conversations.

🛒 Get your copy today on Amazon!

📚 🦋 "Escape from the 38th"  

🦋 www.amazon.com/Escape-38th-Jonathan-McDonald-ebook/dp/B0H5B7QGR9

If you enjoy author interviews, book discussions, geopolitical thrillers, inspiring stories, and discovering new writers, please like, subscribe, and share to support authors and readers around the world.

Thank you for watching Gimme 5 Book Reviews & Author Interviews!

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About Elli O'Carroll:
Not only does Elli pen fiction for kids and teens, but she also writes nonfiction self-help books. Authors do not receive any compensation, there has been no infringement of copyrighted items, and the author has granted permission.

😍Follow me on Amazon for a list of all my current books. 💖💖

www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08CGXYDYX

Or check out my books on my website! 

⭐https://celestarpublishing.com/

💖Peace and love!
Elli~

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