Episode 481 - Grinelle Buzz Desjarlais - Saving KC, exploring the human condition through the lens of addiction

The new re-released edition of “Saving KC” by Grinell “Buzz” Desjarlais offers readers a unique experience by presenting two alternate endings, allowing them to choose between a hopeful conclusion or a more somber, thought-provoking one. This historical fiction novel, set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America, delves into the complexities of addiction, recovery, and redemption. The book releases on September 17, 2024, under Classic Day Publishing/Peanut Butter Publishing and is available on Amazon in hardcopy, e-book, and audiobook formats. 

To celebrate the launch, Desjarlais will appear as a guest of Books That Make You at the exclusive DPA Pre- Awards Gifting Suite in Los Angeles. His signing and gifting takes place Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Luxe Hotel. There, he will sign copies of his book for celebrities and attendees of the high-profile Hollywood gifting party. 

“Saving KC” explores the human condition through the lens of addiction and the quest for personal salvation. Desjarlais, who comes from a long line of Native American creatives, brings a deeply personal narrative to life, reflecting his own experiences through fictional storytelling.  

“In ‘Saving KC,’ I explore the delicate balance between saving others and saving oneself—a journey many of us walk every day,” says Grinell “Buzz” Desjarlais.  

The historical fiction book is set in a time when America was grappling with the aftershocks of the Vietnam War. It tells the story of characters who struggle with their demons and search for redemption in a world that often feels unforgiving. 

The new edition of “Saving KC” is groundbreaking in that it offers readers a choice in how the story concludes. Desjarlais wanted to give his audience the ability to engage more deeply with the narrative by allowing them to determine the fate of the characters. This innovative approach to storytelling invites readers to reflect on the themes of the book and decide whether they prefer a story of hope or one that challenges them with a more realistic, albeit somber, conclusion. 

“Life doesn’t always offer us choices in the outcomes we face, but in literature, we can imagine anything. Creating a book with two endings provides readers with their choice between comforting happiness, or a jolt of reality, depending on their preference,” Elliott Wolf, President of Classic Day Publishing/Peanut Butter Publishing, explains. 

“Saving KC” is available on Amazon and from other retailers. Hardcopy, e-book, and audiobook versions will be available. The publisher is Classic Day Publishing, an imprint of Peanut Butter Press. The new, dual-ending edition will be available by September 17, 2024. 

https://www.savingkcthestory.com/

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BONUS - Book Suggestion For January 2025 - Mel Robbins - The Let Them Theory

Mel Robbins' latest book, "The Let Them Theory," offers a refreshingly simple yet powerful approach to personal growth and empowerment. At its core, the book revolves around two words: "Let Them," which Robbins presents as a transformative tool for reclaiming control over one's life

Key Concepts

The central premise of "The Let Them Theory" is that by relinquishing the need to control others' perceptions, actions, and feelings, individuals can significantly enhance their own well-being and relationships. Robbins argues that many of our frustrations and limitations stem from giving too much power to external factors and other people's opinions

Structure and Content

Robbins breaks down her theory into eight key areas of life where it can be applied for maximum impact

 Throughout the book, she employs a blend of:

• Relatable personal anecdotes
• Practical advice
• Scientific research
• Insights from experts in psychology, neuroscience, and relationships

This multi-faceted approach helps readers understand and implement the "Let Them" philosophy in various aspects of their lives.

Writing Style

Written in Robbins' characteristic no-nonsense style, the book is designed to be easily digestible and actionable

Her straightforward approach may seem overly simplistic to some, but Robbins embraces this simplicity, arguing that complicated solutions are often less effective

Impact and Application

"The Let Them Theory" aims to help readers:

• Stop wasting energy on uncontrollable factors
• Break free from self-doubt and fear
• Build stronger relationships
• Pursue personal goals with confidence
• Develop resilience against everyday stressors

"The Let Them Theory" is a valuable addition to the self-help genre, offering a simple yet potentially life-changing tool for personal empowerment. Robbins' engaging writing style, combined with her practical approach and scientific backing, makes this book accessible and potentially transformative for a wide audience. Whether you're looking to improve relationships, advance your career, or simply find more happiness in life, "The Let Them Theory" provides a fresh perspective on achieving personal freedom and success

https://www.melrobbins.com/

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Episode 480 - Monica Singh - Pronounced Guilty - Behind bars in the Indian criminal justice system

Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Pronounced Guilty is a thought-provoking tale that delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche, exploring themes of second chances and the pursuit of justice.

In a world where moral boundaries blur and the line between right and wrong is often obscured, Pronounced Guilty prompts readers to question their perceptions of criminals and the Indian criminal justice system. Through the intertwining stories of ex-convicts, a celebrity lawyer, and a psychologist grappling with their own traumas, the novel sheds light on the harsh realities of life behind bars and the quest for redemption.

In a narrative that seamlessly blends fact with fiction, Monica Singh invites readers to ponder the profound questions posed by her characters’ struggles—Do convicted criminals deserve a second chance at a normal life?

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the pursuit of justice is not always straightforward, and that true redemption may lie in unexpected places.

Pronounced Guilty is not just a novel—it’s a reflection of the world we live in, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Get ready for a captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

https://www.readomania.com/blog/readomania-announces-pronounced-guilty-by-monica-singh

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Episode 479 - Jo Ann Fawcett - The Prince Was Wrong, Leaving the Narcissist Behind

Book: The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind
After eighteen years of marriage to her seventh husband – an inmate in a state prison, Jo Ann Fawcett realized that her now-ex was a narcissist. The Prince Was Wrong: Leaving the Narcissist Behind is Jo Ann’s second memoir and shares her journey through this problem that affects millions. You will learn the red flags of this type of abuse. You will experience how they met, married, and the ultimate demise of their relationship with clear examples of her ex-husband’s narcissistic behavior. You will witness Jo Ann’s 3-year untangling process and the powerful lessons that she learned from their 25-year relationship. Celebrate Jo Ann’s newfound joy after divorcing The Prince and creating her best life.

The narcissist in your life can be a romantic partner/spouse, friend, sibling, child, parent, or colleague. Writing this book was a powerful part of Jo Ann’s healing journey. It’s for those who feel stuck and overwhelmed in their own toxic relationships. Learn ways that you can survive the roller coaster ride of narcissistic abuse and thrive. There is hope. You can be happy again.

Jo Ann Fawcett lives in Portland Oregon. She is the mother of a grown daughter and proud grandmother of three. She has 2-year degrees in Accounting and Film Production. She dramatically changed her life after seven marriages that included abuse, divorce, death, and being a prison wife. She left the Mormon Church after 30 years and never looked back. She found her strengths, gifts, and inner power, learning that dreams do come true.

https://a.co/d/2WEuSvu
https://joannfawcett.com/

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Episode 478 - CB Strul - CONNECTIVITY, a new science fiction novel that combines gaming and motherhood

C.B. Strul is author of The Ancient Ones and founder of Odom’s Library. He also has in print three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? His short play Leading the Blind was produced in Los Angeles by the former artist organization ImageneseFree. And his three Minuet short films as well as the animated feature screenplay for Critter Crossing have received awards and recognition at multiple festivals in California and around the world. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his fiancee, extended family, and three sweet pug doggies

New Book: CONNECTIVITY, a new science fiction novel about

a single mother's desperate attempt to balance her career in video games with her home life and motherhood..

https://odomslibrary.com/

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Episode 477 - Ben Hawken - Author of Chandelier - A Family, a Crisis, a Signal

Ben Hawken is the award-winning creator of several beloved video series and a small handful of children.

Previously, he was the author of zero other books and graduated with honors from a community college, as well as a real college.  

He lives outside Seattle with his family.

Book: Chandelier 

At the height of the Cold War, Sienna Barrett was an unremarkable and otherwise anonymous child.

She would spend the next two years participating in the most closely guarded secret in human history. No president, prime minister, or general knew of the project’s existence until 30 years after every piece of it had been disassembled and the pieces incinerated.

And then she was abruptly sent home and given the impossible task of resuming her life as if nothing had happened.

Thirty years later, the world is about to descend into chaos – unbeknownst to everyone but the small handful of world leaders struggling to survive while inadvertently pushing it over the edge.  This chaos finds Sienna and requires her to make a terrible choice.

This thrilling and expansive story unfolds across a narrative landscape that is both breathtaking in its scope and intensely intimate in its approach.

https://www.benhawken.com/

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Episode 476 - Bruce Stock - We Throw a Curve Ball with Switch Pitcher and The Canadian Veterans Party

Meet Local Author & Veteran Bruce Stock

Bruce Stock was in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry; he was the first PPCLI officer to become a vice-regal aide-de-camp to the Governor-General. He served at Rideau Hall with the Vaniers from 1964 to 1966 and was there with the Governor-General and Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson as they inaugurated and unfurled the new Canadian flag in 1965. 

On leaving the forces, Stock specialized in corporate communications and media relations, becoming a speechwriter for the founder of Shoppers Drug Mart and well-known philanthropist Murray Koffler. He was asked to re-enlist as a Public Affairs Officer for the Canadian peacekeepers during the Bosnian War in 1993. After the Dayton Accords ended the conflict in 1995, he returned to Bosnia as a Public Information Officer with the UN International Police Force.

He concluded his military service with mandatory retirement, while working as a media relations officer for Emergency Measures Ontario, he played a key role in the Provincial Operations Centre during the devastating ice storm of January 1998. As a member of this team, he received the Amethyst Award, the province’s highest award for achievements made by public servants.

It’s not his only award. In recognition of his 40 plus years as a practitioner, teacher, mentor and visionary in public relations, Bruce was inducted into the College of Fellows of the Canadian Public Relations Society in 2010. In recognition of his military services, he was recently honoured by the London Knights in their 2021 Remembrance Day ceremonies!

Bruce now lives with his family in London, where he continues work as the President of a consulting firm, The Great Communications Secret. He helps manage the reputations of his clients in the private and not-for-profit sectors. But we shouldn’t forget his work as an author!

Bruce is a busy man – on top of all this work, he continues to write. He finished Switch Pitcher, his first novel, last summer. Born in Timmins, Bruce remembers watching the days of the Hollinger Miners dominating a local gold-mining industrial league. It sparked a passion that he’s carried with him his entire life; now, Bruce has put his long-time enthusiasm for this great game into a compelling narrative that’s sure to be a hit among baseball fans.

Bruce has always wondered what it would be like if Major League Baseball had switch pitchers – players who could pitch right-handed and left-handed – much like switch hitters. If you have a Blue Jays (or, closer to home, London Majors) fan in the family, this book is the perfect gift!

https://www.sly-fox.ca/smallbusinessthatrocks-canadian-author-bruce-stock/

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Episode 475 - Tami Kiekhaefer - How The Movie, A Man Called Otto Speaks to Anxiety, Loneliness and our Ungaurded Minds

A Little About Me

After over 20 years in the field of psychology and social work, I still feel a passion for the work I provide  to my clients as well as continuing to develop my personal and professional skills. I enjoy working with  adults and adolescents in all capacities. Witnessing the transformation as people move from wounded,  unbalanced and fearful, to becoming empowered, focused and self-reliant is one of the greatest rewards.  The power of growth never fails to amaze me, and I am grateful to be part of your journey.         

Thank you for inquiring about these services and I welcome you to begin this process  

We leave no stone unturned in exploring the beautiful and sometimes ugly mess of life. Join your fearless leaders Tami Kiekhaefer & Desiree Grimaldi  as we delve into the raw, unfiltered stories of love, loss, triumph, and everything in between.  

https://healthyhealing.net/unguarded-minds-podcast
https://healthyhealing.net/

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Episode 474 - Lily Iona MacKenzie - Dreaming Myself into Old Age, One Woman's Search for Meaning

I don’t have hayseed clinging to my trousers, but growing up on a Canadian farm gave me a unique foundation as a writer. I sprouted under cumulous clouds that bloomed everywhere in Alberta’s big sky. They were my first creative writing instructors, scudding across the heavenly blue, constantly changing shape: one minute an elephant, bruised and brooding. The next morphing into a rabbit or a castle. These billowing masses gave me a unique view of life on earth.

As a girl, I prowled the land, talking to chickens and pigs and lambs, creating scenarios for them. I also tried to make perfume from the wild Alberta roses and captured caterpillars, watching with wonder when they transformed themselves into butterflies. Everything around me seemed infused by nature spirits waiting to be released.

I soon realized that all objects are in motion, waiting for stories to illuminate them. The clouds’ shifting form also schooled me in the various possibilities open to me as a writer. So did Jack Frost’s enchanted creations that enlivened the windows in wintertime, forcing me to view my surroundings as if through a bewitching prism. These early experiences helped me to envision multi-dimensional characters. No wonder magical realism pulses at the heart of my narratives, and my work celebrates the imagination.

As an adult, I continue to seek instruction from clouds. Just as they provide the earth with much-needed water, I believe that stories have a similar function, preparing the mind to receive new ideas. Also, conditions inside a cloud are not static—water droplets are constantly forming and re-evaporating. Stories, too, change, depending on who is reading them, each one giving life to its readers.

I’ve published reviews, interviews, short fiction, poetry, travel pieces, essays, and memoir in over 165 American and Canadian venues. Fling!, one of my novels, was published in July 2015 by Pen-L Publishing. Regal House Publishing released Curva Peligrosa, another novel, in September 2017. Pen-L Publishing published Freefall: A Divine Comedy on 1/1/19. The Ripening: A Canadian Girl Grows Up!,  featuring the same main character as in Freefall, came out on October 2021. My poetry collection All This was published in 2011, and a chapbook (No More Kings) was released in March 2020.

Shanti Arts Publishing will release my hybrid memoir Dreaming Myself into Old Age: One Woman’s Search for Meaning in 2023 as well as my new poetry collection California Dreaming. 

I also taught writing at the University of San Francisco (USF) for over 30 years and was vice-president of USF’s part-time faculty union. I currently teach creative writing at USF’s Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning.

https://lilyionamackenzie.com/

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Episode 473 - Joe Herod - In A World of Writers be a Storyteller - Joe’s journey from dusty boxes to literary dreams is nothing short of magical

Joe Herod, or as the literary world knows him, JS Herod, channels the spirits of Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, and Patrick Rothfuss in his writing. Born in Dallas, Texas, Joe's early years were spent crisscrossing the country, courtesy of his father's military career. Naturally, Joe caught the travel bug and spent years on the move himself. In 2019, he found himself back in a sleepy town in rural Mississippi, caring for his ailing dad. Though his father never discouraged Joe’s writing, he never really acknowledged it either. By Christmas 2023, Joe had nearly shelved his author dreams—until fate intervened. While rummaging through his mom's attic, he unearthed a box of his late Dad's personal belongings. Inside was his USMC pocket watch and the original handwritten manuscript of what would eventually become "Chronicles of the Bard King." It was like his dad was giving him his blessing, reigniting his passion for storytelling. Joe’s journey from dusty boxes to literary dreams is nothing short of magical.

https://thebardking.com/

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