Make Your Day Richer

I sit down with Emmy Laybourne: actor, screenwriter, and bestselling author of the Monument 14 series, for a fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and reinvention.

We talk about her journey from Hollywood to publishing, the power of storytelling across mediums, and what it takes to build a career that spans genres and generations. Emmy shares behind-the-scenes stories, writing tips, and a glimpse into her latest projects. Plus, we play a game that puts her storytelling instincts to the test.

If you love YA fiction, disaster thrillers, or just want to hear how one artist keeps evolving, this one’s a must-listen.

Guest: Emmy Laybourne
Books: Monument 14 series, Sweet, Berserker, and more
Website: emmylaybourne.com
Socials: @EmmyLaybourne on Instagram and Twitter

00:00 – Welcome & Updates
I share a few personal updates and tease today’s guest.

01:00 – Meet Emmy Laybourne
We kick off the episode with Emmy’s origin story—from acting in Superstar to writing bestselling novels.

03:00 – Hollywood to Publishing
Emmy talks about transitioning from screenwriting to fiction and how she found her voice in YA.

05:00 – Writing Process & Creative Discipline
We dive into Emmy’s writing habits, how she builds tension, and what keeps her inspired.

07:30 – Monument 14 & Beyond
She shares the story behind her hit series and how readers have responded over the years.

09:00 – Emmy’s Latest Projects
A sneak peek at what she’s working on now—and what genres she’s itching to explore next.

11:00 – Game Time: Plot Twist or Pretend
I challenge Emmy to guess whether a story premise is real or made up. Hilarity ensues.

13:00 – What She Loves About Her Life Right Now
Emmy reflects on family, creativity, and the joy of connecting with readers.

14:30 – How to Connect with Emmy
Where to find her online, follow her work, and stay up to date on new releases.

I'm chatting with puzzle designer and introverted adventurer Katie Huang, the creative mind behind Veg Out Voyage. Katie’s books aren’t just games, they’re immersive armchair travel experiences that blend curiosity, culture, and calm.

We talk about her journey from corporate burnout to creative freedom, how she found her voice through puzzle books, and why Iceland, Barcelona, and Berlin are more than just destinations; they’re invitations to slow down, reflect, and play. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own path or just love a good word search, this one’s for you.

Guest: Katie Huang
Pen Name: Veg Out Voyage
Latest Release: Armchair Iceland
Connect: vegoutvoyage.com

00:00 – Welcome & Local Updates
I share a few personal updates, including emceeing the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center fundraiser and my dad flying in from Wisconsin.

01:00 – Podcasting with Madonna (Almost)
Reflections on the Jay Shetty interview with Madonna and why background noise doesn’t scare me anymore.

02:00 – Carolina Film Festival Recap
A shoutout to Oliver and the great films and connections from last weekend’s event.

03:00 – Meet Katie Huang
We kick off the episode with games, giveaways, and a warm welcome to Katie.

03:56 – Veg Out Voyage Origins
Katie shares how her love of puzzles and travel inspired her pen name and creative direction.

05:00 – From Corporate to Creative
We dive into her post-pandemic pivot, leaving behind the corporate grind to design puzzle books full-time.

07:00 – Public Health Roots & Quiet Impact
Katie opens up about her background in public health and how she’s found a quieter way to contribute to society.

09:00 – What’s Inside Her Books
Fun, accessible puzzles with cultural flair—plus her newest release Armchair Iceland and her first book on Barcelona.

11:00 – Future Projects & Travel Inspirations
Berlin, London, Paris, and maybe a beefed-up Barcelona edition—Katie shares what’s next.

13:00 – Travel Talk & Cruise Life
From immersive volunteering in India to lobster-filled cruises, we chat about how her travel style has evolved.

14:30 – What She Loves About Her Life Right Now
Autonomy, creativity, and the privilege of designing her own days—Katie reflects on what makes this chapter so fulfilling.

15:30 – How to Connect with Katie
She’s introverted, but she’s out there! Find her online and support her work through Veg Out Voyage.

I'm talking with Canadian playwright, podcaster, and arts advocate Franky Corcoran. From childhood reenactments of late-night legends to founding his own production company, Franky shares how passion, resilience, and a love for storytelling shaped his creative path.

We'll talk shop about podcasting, community theater, and Franky’s upcoming play Fractured Festivities. Plus, a game segment that puts Franky’s entertainment instincts to the test. If you love talk shows, theater, or hearing how artists build their dreams from the ground up—this one’s for you.

Guest: Franky Corcoran
Podcast: The Corcoran Entertainment Show
Socials:

• Instagram & Facebook: @CorcoranEntertainment
• Twitter/X: @FrankyCorcoran
  Upcoming Play: Fractured Festivities – Nov 14–15 at Dr. Losier Middle School Theater, Miramichi, NB

00:00 – Welcome & Waxhaw Festival Plug
Richard shares local event details and a sweet shoutout to his dad flying in from Wisconsin.

01:00 – Meet Franky Corcoran
Talk show host, theater lover, and proud Canadian joins the show.

02:00 – Late-Night Dreams & Basement Colbert
Franky recalls childhood talk show reenactments and early performance instincts.

03:30 – High School Drama & Finding His Path
How choosing drama over popularity changed everything.

05:00 – COVID Pivot & Birth of Corcoran Entertainment
Franky shares how the pandemic inspired his production company and podcast.

06:40 – Podcast Origins & Growth
From local guests to global reach—how The Corcoran Entertainment Show evolved.

08:30 – Theater Roots & Creative Expansion
Franky’s journey from stage to studio and back again.

09:30 – Spotlight on Fractured Festivities
A sneak peek at his new play: family, comedy, drama, and a hip replacement.

11:00 – How to Connect with Franky
Social handles, podcast links, and where to find updates on his work.

12:00 – Dream Guests & Manifesting Bryan Cranston
Franky shares his wish list and Richard dreams of surprise reveals.

13:00 – Game Time: Pod or Pretend
Franky plays a fast-paced game guessing podcast titles vs. plays vs. made-up names.

Choreographer, educator, and author Alexandra Beller is here for a deep dive into the creative process. From shared memories at UW-Milwaukee to the philosophy behind her new book The Anatomy of Art, Alexandra opens up about her journey through dance, theater, teaching, and parenting. We'll explore what it means to live a life fueled by curiosity, community, and artistic integrity.

Guest: Alexandra Beller
Website: alexandrabellerdances.org
Featured Book: The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theatre and Dance

00:00 – Intro & Behind-the-Scenes Banter
Richard shares updates on lighting, teleprompter woes, and the evolving rhythm of the show.

00:49 – Meet Alexandra Beller
Richard introduces Alexandra and her new book, The Anatomy of Art.

01:06 – UW Milwaukee Connection
A surprising discovery: both Richard and Alexandra attended UWM around the same time.

02:00 – Alexandra’s Artistic Journey
From New York roots to a multifaceted career in dance, theater, somatics, and coaching.

04:40 – Teaching, Movement, and Motherhood
Alexandra reflects on wearing many hats, raising two creative kids, and living a values-driven life.

06:26 – What She Loves Most Right Now
A beautiful reflection on community, creativity, and watching her children grow.

08:02 – Her Kids’ Creative Paths
Game design, skating, and deep philosophical thinking—Alexandra shares what makes her kids tick.

09:09 – Deep Dive into The Anatomy of Art
Alexandra explains how the book evolved from a list of questions into a rich, multi-layered workbook.

12:01 – What Readers Are Saying
Praise, vulnerability, and the need for a sacred creative text—Alexandra shares reactions from readers.

13:40 – How to Connect with Alexandra
Visit alexandrabellardances.org for courses, coaching, and book info.

14:43 – Her Next Book Project
A new collaboration for music conductors, blending embodiment and movement analysis.

Peter Gunn is here to talk about his new album, Hazing Hades. Peter is a poet who writes rock songs by starting with the lyrics first, crafting each song as a poem. He's here to tell us how this incredible project came to be, how he works with his bandmates in Germany via Zoom, and why this album is "poetry on steroids."

Amanda Faulkerson is the owner of the candle company, Beauty from Ashes. We're going to dive into the wonderful world of crafting as she shows us how to make beautiful beeswax and essential oil candles. We'll learn about her business, the therapeutic process of making candles, and the powerful meaning behind the name of her company. Get ready to be inspired to get crafty and create something beautiful!

Oliver Crooms, founder of the Carolina Film Festival, stops by for a heartfelt and high-energy conversation about creativity, community, and the power of independent film. From his musical roots and acting journey to suiting up as Spider-Man for hospital visits, Oliver shares how passion and purpose fuel his work—and how Charlotte’s film scene is rising to meet the moment. Whether you're a filmmaker, dreamer, or festival fan, this episode will inspire you to create, connect, and celebrate the stories that matter.

We have someone truly magical on the show today: the one and only Ms. Unicorn! She's a second-grade teacher and literacy advocate whose students gave her that perfect name. She's here to tell us how she brings the fun back to reading by going live on Facebook and YouTube to help kids across the country and give those single parents a much-needed break! Plus, she'll share her powerful personal story of overcoming a serious car accident to continue her mission.

Kelly Orchard is a radio veteran, psychotherapist, author, and full-time RV traveler exploring the intersections of grief, creativity, and reinvention. From caring for aging parents to launching a podcast from a fifth-wheel trailer, Kelly’s journey is one of courage, curiosity, and connection. She shares the story behind her novel Dead Air: The Day the Music Died, her mental health advocacy, and the serendipitous encounters that fuel her life on the road. It’s a conversation about finding purpose in transition, and joy in the unexpected.

Dennis Quinn has been a real-life big brother for over 40 years! He's here to tell us all about his incredible 13-year journey with his "little brother" Michael, which inspired his amazing new book, "Stick Figures, A Big Brother Remembers." He's going to share the emotional, honest story, including how he used stick figure drawings to help Michael navigate tough transitions and the amazing, unexpected lesson that the little brother often changes the big brother's life even more. Get ready to laugh, maybe shed a tear, and be totally inspired by this incredible story of a two-way friendship!