Welcome back to Happiness by Habit!

In this exciting episode, we chat with C.L. Thomas, author of Hollow and The Killer Art, two thrilling and suspenseful mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a background as a retired police officer and military police officer, C.L. brings real-life experiences to his writing, adding depth and authenticity to his characters and stories.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How C.L. revived his childhood character, Bruce Westman, to create a grounded, thriller suspense story with real-world stakes
  

• The inspiration behind his upcoming third book, Missing, which is based on a true, heartbreaking story of a girl who went missing for 16 years
  

• Bruce Westman’s journey as a war veteran struggling with PTSD who becomes a hero, showing readers that anyone can be a hero
  

• C.L.’s approach to creating thriller novels that blend suspense with heartfelt, emotional storytelling
  

• A sneak peek into his background in law enforcement and how it influences the authenticity of his books
  

C.L. Thomas writes for anyone who loves a gripping mystery, filled with tension, emotion, and real-life stakes.

His books Hollow and The Killer Art are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible.

👇 Subscribe for more exciting interviews with authors, storytellers, and creatives. And don’t forget to check out C.L.’s books, available at your favorite bookstore!

Follow Christopher “CL” Thomas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.thomas.105123/ 

Follow Silvana Pimentel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/ 

#CLThomas #ThrillerBooks #MysteryBooks #Suspense #PTSDHeroes #MilitaryPolice #Hollow #KillerArt #VeteranAuthors #SuspenseNovels

Welcome back to Happiness by Habit!

In today’s inspiring episode, we’re joined by Juliette Kalokoh, author of two powerful books: From Nightmare to New Beginnings and The Hidden Struggles of Accent Discrimination.

Juliette opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and hope, from her traumatic childhood in Africa to becoming a parole officer and empowering others to rise above their struggles.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Juliette’s personal story of survival after being separated from her family at the age of 13 and coming to the U.S. as a refugee
  

• The impact of her memoir, From Nightmare to New Beginnings, and how she used her story to help others as a parole officer
  

• A deep dive into accent discrimination and unconscious bias, shedding light on how biases affect people with different accents, even within the U.S.
  

• The importance of empathy and cultural understanding in breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments for all
  

• Juliette’s future work focused on social justice and bringing awareness to issues that need our collective attention
  

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice, cultural empathy, and personal growth.

Juliette’s story is proof that no matter where you come from, you can turn your struggles into strengths and make a meaningful difference in the world.

📚 Find Juliette's books:

• From Nightmare to New Beginnings
  

• The Hidden Struggles of Accent Discrimination Available on her website: julietscallocote.com

  
  

Follow Juliette Kalokoh on Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562042511512  

Follow Silvana Pimentel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/ 

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe for more powerful conversations about overcoming adversity and driving social change.

 #JulietteKalokoh #AccentDiscrimination #SocialJustice #CulturalEmpathy #PersonalGrowth #RefugeeStories #OvercomingTrauma #UnconsciousBias #Resilience #HappinessByHabit

 Welcome back to Happiness by Habit! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Shirley Franklin, author of Come Through, Benita: Seamstress on Fire, the second book in a powerful series that celebrates faith, fashion, and self-love.

Shirley opens up about her journey of writing this book and how it was inspired by her own experiences and desires to portray the beauty of modesty, family dynamics, and unwavering faith in young women.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The inspiration behind Benita, a 24-year-old Christian woman who believes in combining faith and fashion to create her own unique style, staying modest while embracing beauty
  

• How Shirley’s own life experiences influenced the creation of Benita’s character, a young woman who balances her strong faith with her passion for fashion design
  

• The message of self-love and family loyalty in Benita’s story, and how Shirley aims to show young Christian women that they can live a full life without compromising their values
  

• The power of writing down visions and prayers, and how Shirley’s own prayer led to being a guest on this podcast
  

• A sneak peek at Shirley’s upcoming book, Examining Ephesians, which merges faith with practical application, creating growth opportunities for readers
  

If you're passionate about Christian fiction, modesty in fashion, and inspiring stories of faith in action, this episode is for you!

Catch Shirley Franklin’s books:

• Come Through, Benita
  

• Aunt Juicy’s Wayward Family Available at all major bookstores, and don’t forget to support independent bookstores!
  

Follow Shirley Franklin on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-a-franklin-01688029b  

Follow Silvana Pimentel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/ 

👇 Subscribe for more empowering stories of women who blend faith, fashion, and empowerment with grace and dignity.

#ShirleyFranklin #ComeThroughBenita #ChristianFiction #ModestyInFashion #FaithAndFashion #SelfLove #WomenEmpowerment #InspiringWomen #YoungChristianWomen #ChristianBooks

Welcome back to Happiness by Habit! In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Karlyle Tomss, author of several impactful books and a screenwriter making waves in the film industry.

Karlyle shares his deeply personal journey of growing up in a challenging environment, dealing with prejudice, and learning the true meaning of self-love. His story of resilience is both inspiring and transformative.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Karlyle’s experience growing up gay in the Ozarks in the 1960s, and how he overcame suicidal thoughts to find self-acceptance
  

• The inspiration behind his books, including He’ll Have No Sorrow Like a Woman Hounded and his fictional stories of self-discovery
  

• How his happiness toolbox—a set of tools for maintaining joy and peace in difficult times—helped him find balance in the face of adversity
  

• The fascinating story behind "Raise Over the Pumpkin Patch", a historical novel set in the 1960s during the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement
  

• His shift from writing books to screenwriting, including his award-winning screenplay and his pursuit of success in the film industry
  

Karlyle's work is a powerful blend of historical fiction, self-discovery, and personal growth, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create their own path toward happiness, resilience, and creative success.

🎬 Catch Karlyle’s latest projects and updates on his website and follow him on social media for more insights into his screenwriting journey.

Follow KarlyleTomss on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlyle-tomms-044731117/  

Follow Silvana Pimentel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/ 

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories of resilience, creative growth, and personal transformation!

 #KarlyleTomss #ScreenwritingJourney #HistoricalFiction #LGBTQStories #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #HappinessSkills #RaiseOverThePumpkinPatch #CivilRightsMovement #CreativeSuccess

Welcome back to Happiness by Habit! In this thrilling episode, we sit down with RJ Joseph, the author of the captivating horror collection He’ll Have No Sorrow Like a Woman Hounded. RJ opens up about her journey from writing romance to diving into the world of horror, breaking through barriers in a male-dominated genre and sharing her personal experiences with writing dark, unsettling fiction.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The fascinating reason behind RJ Joseph's pen name and how it reflects her identity and the horror genre’s expectations
  

• The inspiration behind her collection of horror stories, including "Left Hand Turn", which explores the chilling history of placage in New Orleans
  

• Horror's female perspective, how RJ brings women’s experiences into the genre, and what it means for her as a writer and woman of color
  

• A sneak peek into her upcoming novella and horror short stories
  

• Why independent bookstores matter and where you can find RJ's work
  

RJ’s work is a mix of historical fiction and psychological horror, and her writing sheds light on untold stories, like the complex and disturbing history of women in New Orleans.

Follow RJ Joseph and discover more about her work and upcoming projects: 📚 Find her books at your favorite independent bookstore or any major bookseller. 📖 Support independent bookstores to help keep the literary world diverse and vibrant.

Follow Rhonda Jackson Garcia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjacksonjoseph/ 

Follow Silvana Pimentel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/ 

👇 Subscribe for more fascinating conversations with incredible authors, storytellers, and creatives!

 #RJJoseph #HorrorAuthors #WomenInHorror #PsychologicalHorror #BookCollection #He’llHaveNoSorrowLikeAWomanHounded #HistoricalFiction #IndependentBookstores #AuthorInterview #DarkFiction

In this captivating episode of Happiness by Habit, we are joined by Raul Herrera, the author of Capturing Stank Alpha, a powerful military memoir that earned a Silver Medal Award from the Military Writers Society of America.Raul takes us through his incredible journey, from his early years in San Antonio, Texas, to his time in the Navy and his service in the Vietnam War.In this episode, you'll learn about:Raul’s path to the Navy, his experiences with the challenges of education and training, and how they shaped his military career-The true story behind the Vietnam War’s Operation Market Time and the Swift Boat operations-How Raul’s combat experience led him to write Capturing Stank Alpha, a tribute to his fallen comrade and the bravery of his fellow soldiers-The emotional loss of Bobby Don Carver, the second in command of Raul’s combat team, and the impact that tragic day had on Raul’s life and writing-Why this book is not just a military story but one of human resilience, loss, and the courage to carry onIf you're interested in military history, personal stories of valor, or memoirs that offer a real look into the lives of veterans, Capturing Stank Alpha is a must-read.Find Raul’s book at skunkalpha.com and dive into his gripping firsthand account of Vietnam combat and the heroes who served.👉 Connect with Raul Herrera on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raul-herrera-skunkalpha/ 👉 Connect with Silvana Pimentel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvana-pimentel1/👇 Subscribe to our channel for more stories of resilience, hope, and transformation! #RaulHerrera #CapturingStankAlpha #VietnamWar #MilitaryMemoir #OperationMarketTime #SwiftBoatCombat #VeteranStories #MilitaryHistory #CombatHeroes #MilitaryWriters

Welcome back to Happiness by Habit!

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Victoria Quinn, author of The Face of Deception, a book born from personal tragedy and life-changing experiences.

Victoria opens up about how her life was forever altered by loss and how, instead of letting grief consume her, she used her pain to create something beautiful—a novel that explores the emotional journey of a pastor’s wife after losing her husband in a tragic accident.

This heartfelt story is not just fiction but a deeply personal reflection on overcoming grief, healing, and finding purpose in the midst of sorrow.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The inspiration behind Victoria’s book, The Face of Deception, and how it reflects her own personal tragedy
  

• How brokenness can lead to healing, personal growth, and the power to help others through storytelling
  

• The journey of writing her first book and dedicating it to Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  

• Why choosing recovery over destruction is a powerful decision after facing unimaginable loss
  

• How Victoria has channeled her grief into ministry and helping others who are going through similar struggles
  

If you’ve ever experienced deep loss, grief, or heartache, this episode will inspire you to find your own path to recovery and healing.

Don’t miss out on hearing Victoria’s incredible story—her book could be the tool you need to help you heal.

Purchase The Face of Deception on:

• Amazon

• Walmart

• Barnes & Noble

• ChristianBook.com
  

👉 Connect with Victoria Quinn  on Facebook:   /  VIctoria-Quinn

👉 Connect with Silvana Pimentel on LinkedIn:   //silvana-pimentel1/ 

👇 Subscribe to our channel for more stories of resilience, hope, and transformation!

 #VictoriaQueen #TheFaceOfDeception #OvercomingGrief #HealingThroughWriting #GriefRecovery #ChristianFiction #MothersAgainstDrunkDriving #HopeAfterLoss #FirstTimeAuthor #EmotionalHealing

Welcome back to Happiness by Habit! In this deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Maria Beaujean, an inventor and entrepreneur who turned her grief into a beautiful, functional creation—the healing bookmark.

Originally from Mexico, Maria shares her journey of transformation—from an executive housewife to an inventor—driven by love and the legacy of her mother. After the loss of her mother in 2018, Maria found healing through sewing and created a corner bookmark with a pen holder and a pouch for notes, Bible verses, and affirmations.

This heartfelt invention not only helped her cope with her grief but also became a tribute to her mother’s lasting influence in her life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Maria Beaujean channeled grief into creativity and healing through sewing and invention
  

• The inspiration behind her unique corner bookmark design that helps readers stay organized while keeping memories close
  

• The emotional legacy of her mother, Mama Leticia, and why Maria named her business after her
  

• Customizable options for personalized bookmarks, including commemorative designs and business logos
  

• Why creating with love and purpose can turn pain into something beautiful and meaningful for others
  

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, personalized gift, a functional reading accessory, or a piece of art with emotional significance, Maria’s healing bookmarks are the perfect choice.

👉 Connect with Maria Beaujean on Instagram:   / Mama Leticia 3

👉 Connect with Maria Beaujean on Facebook:   / Mama Leticia TX

👉 Connect with Silvana Pimentel on LinkedIn:   / silvana-pimentel1

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories of resilience, legacy, and the power of creativity!

 #MariaBeaujean #HealingBookmarks #CustomBookmarks #PersonalizedGifts #FunctionalArt #GriefHealing #LegacyOfLove #BookLovers #SewingForHealing #GiftIdeas

In this moving episode of Happiness by Habit, we sit down with Mink Jawandor, author of Once Upon a Time in Freetown, as he shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind his book.

Mink, a Sierra Leone native, grew up during the devastating Sierra Leone Civil War and has witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, the impact on children, and the strength of the human spirit to persevere through it all. His book captures a perspective often left untold—one of hope and resilience from a child’s view of the war. In this episode, we explore how Mink’s story challenges the conventional narratives seen in movies like Blood Diamond and highlights the emotional and cultural complexities of war.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Ming’s childhood experiences during the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002) and how they shaped his writing
  

• The untold stories of life during the war—how children, families, and even rebels sought normalcy and happiness despite the chaos
  

• The message of hope, peace, and community-building from someone who lived through one of the most brutal conflicts in recent history
  

• The role of international aid and reconciliation programs in rebuilding post-war Sierra Leone
  

• A sneak peek into Mink’s upcoming social science project on community development and the social impact of migration in Houston, TX
  

Whether you're a fan of powerful personal narratives, learning about global conflicts, or exploring stories of human resilience, this episode will leave you inspired. Don’t miss out on Ming’s remarkable journey from Sierra Leone to storytelling.

Make sure to check out Mink’s book, Once Upon a Time in Freetown, now available on Amazon and follow him for future projects focusing on community growth and migration tolerance. Read Here.

👇 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on global stories, resilience, and the power of hope!

👉 Connect with Mink Jawandor on LinkedIn:   / Mink-Jawandor

👉 Connect with Silvana Pimentel on LinkedIn:   / silvana-pimentel1

 #MingJavandor #SierraLeone #OnceUponATimeInFreetown #WarStories #Resilience #PeaceBuilding #HopeInWar #MigrationTolerance #CommunityDevelopment #PostWarRecovery

In this eye-opening episode of Happiness by Habit, we sit down with Billie Jo Cain and Jacqueline Cain of the Radical Empathy Education Foundation to discuss their groundbreaking work in using Virtual Reality (VR) to prevent child sex trafficking and educate people about complex psychiatric issues.

At the Lone Star Festival in Austin, we dive into how VR is transforming the way we approach child protection and awareness, offering a safe space to experience the psychological manipulation used by traffickers.

This powerful VR simulation allows users to walk in the shoes of a victim, understanding the subtle grooming tactics that lead to trafficking, without traumatizing the viewer.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The Radical Empathy Education Foundation and its mission to protect children using VR technology
  

• How grooming and psychological manipulation are key components in child trafficking, and why we need to be more aware
  

• A first-hand VR experience that brings the realities of trafficking to light—without graphic or traumatic content
  

• The importance of educating children and adults about online threats and keeping them safe from predators
  

• How the foundation’s VR training program has already reached 20,000 people across 10 states and is working to expand
  

If you’re a parent, educator, or anyone concerned about child safety in the digital age, this episode is for you. Protect your kids by being aware of the dangers and learning how to spot the signs.

Want to help? Visit ReefCares.org to get involved, bring this training to your community, or donate to the cause.

👉 Connect with Billy Joe Acain on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyjoecain/ 

👉 Connect with Silvana Pimentel on LinkedIn:   / silvana-pimentel1  

#ChildTraffickingPrevention #VRForEducation #RadicalEmpathy #ProtectOurKids #OnlineSafety #GroomingAwareness #SexTraffickingEducation #VirtualReality #NonprofitForGood #ChildProtection