In this episode, we have a returning guest. Jackie Balestra was on the 5th episode of GoodEnough. At that time she shared with us her adventures in RVing during COVID. This time Jackie is talking about her wonderful new book, "The Rockaway Chronicles". This is a year by year collections of memories and the characters she encountered as a child and teenager during her families' summer vacations. Maybe this ends up as a TV series?

This week Mark and Sam talk with journalist and author, David Rosenfeld. We talk about the craft and process of writing. Is it pen or keyboard? Where inspirations come from. Who are his journalistic/literary heroes. David teases his his new novel he is working. 

In this episode, Mark and Sam discuss AJ Humpreys' new novel, "Trip" and his new publishing company, Dark Journeys Press. This one is not for the squeamish. And the word "fuck" is used liberally. 

AJ Humphreys is an emerging author of thrillers, horrors, and mysteries and a 2024 addition to the Horror Writer's Association. The four-part Season of The Monster saga has served as his debut within the publishing world.

​​​​​​​Not one to fear going against the grain, Humphreys ditched the corporate world in 2021 for the food service industry, permitting him more time to focus on the haunting tales his mind conjures.

​​​​​​​When AJ isn't writing, it’s a safe bet he’s outdoors and his best pal, Kobe The Husky, is somewhere nearby.

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk with author Chris Lawler about his new book, "The Strand Between Us". The discussion cover the art and craft of writing a novel with some local South Bay stories thrown in. 
From Amazon:
Kel Robinson graduated from High School without a clue of what comes next. His parents have sold the house he grew up in and are moving to Idaho. Kel is determined to stay in the beach towns he loves. All he has to work with is a small financial stake from his father, a best friend to mooch from and the lingering agnst for a girl he loved but never spoke to for all four years of school. The quest to connect to this high school crush takes him on the ride of a lifetime through the streets of the South Bay and the underbelly of a reality show production. If you ever lived in the South Bay you will know every street and landmark. All your memories will be stirred with emotion as you follow Kel to his destiny. Peppered with characters you will never forget and situations that will have you in stiches, The Strand Between Us will keep you up at night turning pages.

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk with Julie Kavickas about what it takes to write a romance novel. 

Julie Navickas is a best-selling and award-winning, nationally recognized contemporary romance novelist, known for her keen ability to tell heart-wrenching, second-chance love stories through relatable characters with humility, humor, and heroism. She is also an award-winning university instructor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University and serves as the executive director of The Writing Champions Project. Julie earned master’s degrees in both organizational communication and English studies with an emphasis in book history, as well as a bachelor’s degree in public relations, graduating cum laude from Illinois State University. She is a mom of three, a dog mom of two, and has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for eleven years.

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk to Mark's friend Jordan O'Halloran the author of "Clean Up In Aisle Three". Jordan lives in Northern California with her partner, cat, and roommate. She is addicted to the smell of books, bright colors, and caffeine. A huge advocate for mental health and kindness, she spends every waking moment thinking of the perfect first line. When not writing, you can find her eating cheese, painting, or sleeping.

Find Jordan's book here.

https://a.co/d/100Q9U6

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk with Vivian Kong-Doctora. She is an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and author of "Life of Bao". Her new restaurant is the Kobe Revolving Sushi Bar. 

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk with Sara Schulting Kranz.  Sara is an authority in resiliency and leadership. She is the founder and guide of life-changing wilderness retreats in the Grand Canyon and Alaska. As a motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, TedX speaker on forgiveness, author, and executive producer of a documentary in production, Sara found herself "starting again" at age 40 after experiencing multiple traumas. At 49, she's built a thriving business, sharing her story while inspiring others to live on purpose.

Link to her book: Walk Through This
https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Through-This-Harness-Forgiveness/dp/0785238654/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JFAERC9X1XKG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zAP1OlaQ6BWS_tn8LaeCIg.Gg_-jbDja2P5xUOCr8T4Vhg4mtQzzbUg8klKuokJHbA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Sara+Schulting+Kranz&qid=1728596215&sprefix=sara+schulting+kranz%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1

In this episode, Mark and Sam ask Derek Story if AI will kill us all. 

Derek is a thought leader on the use of AI in HR. He is currently the Director of HR Systems, Training, and Communication at Illinois State University. During his time at ISU he has been responsible for continuity of HR technology, learning and development for campus, and staff recruiting and orientation.

Before joining Illinois State University, Derek had experience as a professional recruiter at the global staffing firm TEKSystems. He is a two-time Illinois State University alum, having received both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from ISU. He teaches courses at Illinois State University and Illinois Central College in message design, public speaking, and business information systems. He is also a board member of the Bloomington/Normal Human Resources Council and an active member of the Higher Education User Group for Oracle Technologies and the College and University Professionals Association.

In this episode, Mark and Sam talk with best selling author, Jen Ruiz.
Jen Ruiz is a lawyer turned full-time travel blogger and author. She is a 3-time TEDx speaker, 6-time bestselling author, and multi award winning travel journalist. Jen has been featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, and ABC News and is the solo female traveler behind Jen on a Jet Plane.
 
You can find her blog here:
https://jenonajetplane.com/

Buy her book here: 12 Trips in 12 Months

https://www.amazon.com/12-Trips-Month...