Make Your Day Richer

I am so thrilled to welcome the fantastic writer Susan Dormady Eisenberg to the show today! I get the full story on why she uses that mouthful of a name —it's a lovely tribute to her supportive husband, Barry , and a clever way to stand out from other, more famous Susan Eisenbergs. We dive right into her new book, The Voice I Just Heard. Susan shares the stunning story of playing Guinevere on the original Broadway sets and realizing her true calling was not on the stage, but in writing. Plus, we bond over our mutual, rapid exit from a career in theater. This is a must-listen for all my fellow theater geeks!

Ray Ray Star's life story could be a four-hour long Barbara Walters special. We dive into how he got his unique name from his very first band's bass player. Ray Ray shares the incredible moment he knew he had to be a musician—watching The Kinks on a TV with tin foil on the antenna. We also get into the "rock and roll stuff" that came with cutting his first album at 14. Ray Ray gets candid about his journey from a "latchkey kid" dealing with bullying and early exposure to drugs to finding peace in his guitar and his current life in sobriety.

I sit down with the truly inspirational Dayna Corcoran to talk about the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault (SASA). Dayna shares the emotional story of how this organization started after a brave woman named Angie Jackson was subjected to an orchestrated, multi-layered sexual assault and financial scam while traveling in the Dominican Republic. Dayna shares how her past experience as a retired federal agent specializing in sex crimes helped her and the community rally to start SASA. Dayna and I discuss the signs of assault that people often dismiss, the resources SASA provides (like free self-defense classes!), and why it’s so important to have a support system before you're ready for law enforcement or therapy. You don't want to miss this conversation.

The incredible T.L. McCoy joins me to discuss her new inclusive middle-grade fantasy book, Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm. T.L. shares the powerful story of writing the book for her granddaughter, Delilah, who lives with Dravet Syndrome—a rare disorder that causes catastrophic seizures. She explains how Delilah's "powers are rooted in her disability" to empower children and shift the narrative around being different. T.L. also opens up about her own journey of career reinvention, going from a criminal justice professor to a nurse and finally an author.

Rod Berger joins me for a rich, reflective conversation about the power of story, the art of the interview, and the emotional tango of writing his new book, The Narrative Edge. With over 4,000 interviews under his belt, Rod shares how storytelling has shaped his life, deepened his relationships, and helped him find meaning in moments both ordinary and extraordinary. From Nickelodeon-meets-Carson vibes to train rides through Scandinavia, this episode is a masterclass in authentic connection.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds shares his journey through two cancer diagnoses, Ironman races, and decades of nonprofit leadership. His new book, Every Mile Matters, is part memoir, part survival guide, and part love letter to life itself. From chemo workouts to heart emojis from old friends, this episode explores how adversity reshapes our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our capacity for joy.

Brent Lindstrom joins me to talk about storytelling, side hustles, and the 10-year journey from contractor to filmmaker. With a heart for family-friendly entertainment and a head for long-term strategy, Brent shares how he built Light-Minded Arts — a production company rooted in uplifting values and visual storytelling. From soul-swapping clones to YouTube tutorials, this episode is a celebration of grit, grace, and the art of planning your way to passion.

Julie Rowe joins me for a joyful, fast-paced conversation about folded book art, romance novels, and surviving wildfires with six cats and a dog. With 20 novels, 8 anthologies, and a thriving craft tutorial empire, Julie blends heart, humor, and handmade magic. From vampire autoimmune disorders to business cards that double as bookmarks, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of doing what you love.

Guy Morris: author, songwriter, and former Disney collaborator is here for a deep dive into the power of words, the thrill of historical mysteries, and the real-world implications of runaway AI. From writing bedtime stories for his son to decoding NSA secrets, Guy’s journey is anything but ordinary. Tune in for tales of treasure, prophecy, and the creative spark that keeps him writing.

You know him from Star Search, NBC’s The Sing-Off, and his unforgettable run as Tom Collins in Rent on Broadway. But today, we go deeper with Troy Horne.

Troy shares how his creative journey has always been fueled by purpose, from chasing childhood dreams to making career choices that kept him close to his kids. We talk about the realities of showbiz, the emotional weight of auditioning, and the heart behind his new book Middle Management. It’s a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and rediscovery, especially in the second half of life.

Plus, we play a game where the entire (non-existent) studio audience wins a copy of Troy’s book… if he nails it.

Guest: Troy Horne
Book: Middle Management
Website: troyhorne.com Socials: @troyhorneofficial

00:00 – Friday Vibes & Fundraiser Recap
I share highlights from emceeing the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center fundraiser and my dad’s visit from Wisconsin.

01:00 – Meet Troy Horne
Singer, author, Broadway star, and all-around creative force joins the show.

02:00 – Star Search Origins
Troy tells the story of auditioning with a vintage phone prop and landing his first big break.

04:00 – Behind the Scenes of Reality TV
We talk about the business side of entertainment and how viewership shapes outcomes.

06:00 – From NBC’s The Sing-Off to Rent
Troy shares how he landed the role of Tom Collins and why it was more than just a gig—it was a personal mission.

09:00 – Fatherhood & Career Choices
How Troy balanced ambition with family, and why he turned down a tour to stay close to his kids.

11:00 – Broadway Life & Eight Shows a Week
We talk about the grind, the joy, and the creative restlessness that comes with live theater.

13:00 – Life After Broadway: Denver & New Chapters
Troy reflects on relocating and what life looks like now.

14:00 – The Story Behind Middle Management
We dive into the emotional journey of rediscovery, self-doubt, and starting over in midlife.

16:00 – Game Time: Win a Copy of the Book
Troy plays for the audience—if he wins, everyone gets a copy of Middle Management.

18:00 – What We’re All Figuring Out
We talk about turning 40+, letting go of “supposed to’s,” and finding meaning in the second half of life.