Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

EPISODE 588 - A O Wagner - The Karma Kantata - Thoughtful Suspense with Societal, Technological, and Spiritual Significance, Sobriety and Self-Identity

About the Author

A. O. Wagner is an author whose personal journey through addiction and spiritual awakening influences his writing. While embracing a healthy life as a non-drinking alcoholic, he uses his transformative experiences to shape his work. With a background in technology and a strong interest in philosophy and spirituality, Wagner creates stories that combine deep thinking with personal growth. He hopes his books resonate with readers who are searching for a deeper understanding of life and their place in the universe.

Genre: Intellectual Mystery, Spiritual/Philosophical Fiction

What if your genes know more about your future than you can imagine?

Dan, an introverted computer genius, has fought his way back from a life-shattering crisis that left him isolated, powerless, battling addiction, and close to death. Now, he is asked to investigate a computer system for gene analysis, the very one he developed. On its own it has started predicting the exact date on which the analyzed people will die.

Several deaths confirm the system’s predictions.

As Dan searches for answers, he embarks on a personal journey of finding new purpose and helping others face and recover from the addiction that once consumed him.

The Karma Sequence is a thrilling novel of high-tech suspense that follows a young man’s incredible journey to find himself and the meaning of life while unraveling an ominous mystery that directly affects the future of every human being. With its gripping plot and captivating characters, this story will keep you hooked until the very last page while offering a profound model for understanding life’s purpose and the deeper meaning of existence.

https://prbythebook.com/experts/a-o-wagner/

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Episode 587 - Tony Berryman - Mysteries and massage therapy thrillers, written two fingers at a time

Tony writes mysteries and thrillers, two fingers at a time. His first massage therapy thriller, The Night Nurse, was published in 2020. His second, On Borrowed Time, is due out June 1.

Tony spent 17 years as a registered massage therapist in Vancouver and now works for Parks Canada. When he’s not making a paycheque or writing books, he can be found hiking and paddling the Columbia Valley or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting guests.

Tony also co-writes with Juanita Rose Violini, his life partner and murder mystery plots expert, under the pen name Trigger Jones. Trigger’s first two sci fi adventure books,Gravity Doesn’t Lie and Atmosphere Meltdown, are available now. The first book in their time travel treasure hunt series will be out soon.

https://tonyberryman.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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EPISODE 586 - Noël Stark - Steamy, Sassy, Smart Romance - Love, Camera, Action

About Noël Stark
LOVE, CAMERA, ACTION is Noël Stark’s debut novel. She's worked in almost every position in the Film/TV industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Although she’s Canadian, she lives in L.A. with her young son, desperately missing winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real world intel from her three step kids.

Love, Camera, Action
Up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels knows sex. Well, okay, she knows how to shoot sex scenes, and she’s been hired to direct a highly anticipated steamy episode of the popular series The Demon. This job is her chance at a big-time career in the film and television industry—all she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show using her hard-knocks know-how and ample creativity.

If only the director of photography—effortlessly sexy Jory Blair—would stop shutting her ideas down at every turn. Jory has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list director of photography, but a recent health scare has him rethinking his life and craving the director spot. Now this creative newbie, who he can’t get out of his mind, wants to change the look of his show. Even worse, the friction between them is sparking into blistering chemistry.

As collaborating takes on a whole new meaning, and the show’s producer not-so-subtly suggests that Jory sabotage Cali in order to achieve his own goals, they’ll have to decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together.

Fans of How to Fake It in Hollywood and Plot Twist will devour this steamy, enemies to lovers, workplace, debut romance.

https://www.noelstark.com/

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Episode 585 - Ciara Blume - Natural Magic - A murder, a mystery, and a not-so-overactive imagination 

Ciara is a multi award-winning and bestselling author who creates uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical fiction about women facing challenges and finding ways to reclaim their magic.

Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination. A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also an avid (if overly ambitious) crafter. When not immersed in writing, she enjoys scrolling through adorable pet photos and home organization videos – especially when procrastinating on a deadline.

Follow Ciaran’s stories and gain early access to works in progress by signing up for the newsletter.

The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic

The Witches Catalogue of Wanderlust Essentials 

The LitLovers Series and more

https://ciarablume.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 584 - Albert Bramante - Rise Above The Script, Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing Artists

About Albert Bramante

"Veteran talent agent and no-nonsense coach inspiring actors to cultivate a growth mindset, conscientiousness, and rise above self-sabotaging habits."

Dr. Bramante is a true triple-threat when it comes to empowering performers to overcome psychological roadblocks and achieve success. As a veteran talent agent with over 20 years of securing major roles for actors, he has unparalleled insights into the entertainment industry's challenges. However, Bramante's real superpower is his unique fusion of this experience with a Ph.D. in Psychology and certifications in hypnosis and NLP.

This rare combination allows him to provide your audience with a credible expert perspective on the mindset and psychology of peak performance for artists. Bramante doesn't just understand the pressures of the acting world - he can prescribe proven psychological strategies to help performers break through self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of success, and self-sabotaging patterns.

Your listeners will gain exclusive access to Bramante's psychological toolkit tailored specifically for the creative struggles actors face. With knowledge translated into practical exercises, they'll learn to adopt empowering mindsets, productive habits, and silence self-limiting beliefs.

Book: Rise Above the Script: Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing Artists

We all hold dreams within, yearning to manifest our highest potential. Yet when opportunity arises, inner obstacles often trigger self-sabotage. What mental traps prevent actualizing our possibilities?

In Rise Above the Script, psychologist and talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante unravels the hidden drivers behind self-defeat. By strengthening self-belief, managing motivation, optimizing natural talents, and confronting deep-seated fears like failure and success that distort our path, we clear the way for actualizing dormant gifts.

Dr. Bramante integrates scientific research on peak performance with insights gained through guiding actors’ careers. Practical strategies help construct unshakable confidence and self-efficacy. Examining personality traits in the Big Five model highlights maximizing strengths while overcoming weaknesses. Confronting fears of rejection, change, isolation, and other roadblocks paves the way for boldly pursuing aspirations.

Rise Above the Script provides the mental toolkit for recognizing and breaking free of limiting patterns holding you back. Its wisdom applies equally to artists, entrepreneurs, students, parents—anyone feeling the friction between their ambition and their achievement.

https://albertbramante.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 583 - Lucie Frost - How the Hell Did I Not Know That - My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity

Lucie is a no-longer-practicing lawyer and the author of How the Hell Did I Not Know That? (Trinity University Press, August 2025). 

She has written humor and satire for NextTribe, Slackjaw, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Emrys Journal, and others. She is active on social media, with 100k+ engaged followers across various platforms. 

She lives in Central Texas with her three needy, delightful dogs.

How the Hell Did I Not Know That? My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity

How the Hell Did I Not Know That is a witty and honest companion, a girlfriend, if you will, for women in midlife who are struggling to find their place in the world, who are concerned about misogyny, climate change, and the industrial prison complex, just not while watching the latest episode of The Bachelor. 

Frost shows us that women “of a certain age” need to take themselves seriously while remembering to laugh at inappropriate things and that they can find meaning in life by relying on the power of curiosity.

https://www.luciefrost.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 582 - Colin Mustful - Novels rooted in Minnesota history and History Through Fiction - The Podcast

Welcome! I’m Colin Mustful, a historical fiction author, publisher, editor, and public speaker with a passion for unearthing the past to inspire the present. While my work began with writing novels rooted in Minnesota history, I’ve since expanded my mission—to help other writers bring powerful, historically grounded stories to life.

Whether you’re here to explore my books, book me for a speaking event, or need help navigating the world of publishing, you’ll find the support and resources you need.

https://www.colinmustful.com/

https://www.historythroughfiction.com/podcast

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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EPISODE 581 - Thomas Cullen - Federal Trial Judge and Author Shares a Story of the journey toward manhood in the American South

Thomas Cullen is a Federal Trial Judge and former U.S. attorney in Virginia. He is also an accomplished writer, regularly publishing op-eds and essays for national and regional media outlets over the past decade. Thomas graduated near the top of his class from William and Mary Law School and was recently honored as its 2024 Carter O. Lowance Fellow. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Thomas studied history and ran track at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, which recently awarded him an honorary doctorate. Charlie-Man is his first novel.

Book: Charlie-Man

It’s August 1994, and Charlie Stewart begins his final year at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, a prestigious all-boys school in Richmond, Virginia. Charlie, an undistinguished student by St. Mark’s standards, faces tough odds as he seeks to rekindle his relationship with Katy Hendricks, a beautiful tennis star, and gain admission to a highly selective state university. Through it all, Charlie relies on Beau Miller, his best friend and the top student athlete in their class. Despite Beau’s movie-star looks and infectious charm, he has a darker side, which becomes more apparent as the year progresses. Charlie endures his trials with wry determination and ultimately emerges with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a heartrending but hopeful story of one boy’s journey toward manhood in the American South.

https://www.brandylanepublishers.com/product/charlie-man/
https://prbythebook.com/experts/thomas-cullen/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 580 - Debbra Blosnich - It Ends With Me - Breaking the Cycles that keep us Stuck

It Ends with Me is a Movement to empower people to Reclaim their power after Trauma AND to educate people on how to protect our children from abuse today. 

The two part mission is a result of Debbra’s story of growing up a victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse and living a life shadowed by the lingering affects of such a childhood. The mission includes helping others Reclaim their power in months versus years with specific tools and mindset shifts. The other focus is on education about how to keep children from abuse today.  A difficult conversation today avoids a painful healing process later.

Book: It Ends With Me: Breaking the cycles that keep us stuck

The cycle of abuse ends here, now. I will heal myself. I will go boldly to share my story and end the shame of what was done to me; for me and those who need to do the same.

These generational curses that plague our families have to end. I let it all go. It wasn’t my fault. I was a child whose innocence was stolen. Whose identity was tarnished. I had been brave and strong for far too long.

From now on I will love myself with the same love I have for others. I know love is supportive. Love cares when you are hurt. Love uplifts and encourages. Love seeks to help you become your best self. Love appreciates who you are. Love accepts your faults but requires you to rise above them when necessary and do better. Love wants you to be safe and happy. Love is a place to be your true self. Love is reciprocal. It cherishes you and celebrates you. Love wants to see the love you give returned to you tenfold. Love sees your pain and wipes away your tears. Love opens its arms and offers a safe place to lay it all down and know you are loved.

Find the love you are so deserving of and give it to yourself!!

I decided to create a book that is also a journal that will hopefully start you on a journey to loving yourself and seeing yourself as the amazing individual you are.

https://www.itendswithme.me/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 579 - Bill Hulseman - Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass - Reflections on life, identity, and moving forward

Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward offers the unique opportunity for its readers to start a new dialogue, take an active hand in creating culture and reshaping the world, and think about making meaning from formative experiences and relationships. From family dynamics and professional challenges that bolstered and battered him to the TV shows, films, books, and people who impacted his queer identity, Bill deconstructs the world that he inherited and begins to reconstruct the person he wants to become through short, poignant, thought-provoking, and frequently hilarious essays. 

The post-2020 world revealed to Bill that social transformation only comes with individual choices. If he wanted the world to change, he had to truthfully and compassionately understand how choices made long ago brought him to this moment and how the choices he makes now shape the future.

This book is not didactic or instructional; not self-help or psychology; not academic philosophy or cultural criticism. It is an exercise in honesty and a portrait of Bill, his family, and how we construct multiple identities—sexual, religious, philosophical, political, familial, relational—without reducing them to a monolithic whole, without being argumentative.

For anyone looking to make meaning out of their lives and the world around them, this book offers a model.

https://www.billhulseman.com/

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