Marks Motivational Podcast

Marks Motivational Podcast

By Mark L'estrangeEducationSelf-Improvement
Download on the App Store

Marks Motivational Podcast episodes

  • Authors Tuesday With Author Judith Waters

    Episode Title: Embracing Uniqueness & Inspiring the Next Generation with Judith Waters🎙️ Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, we welcome Judith Waters, an author, content creator, and advocate for inclusivity in storytelling. Despite facing impaired eyesight and dyslexia, Judith has not only earned a Degree and Master’s but has also dedicated her life to empowering and encouraging others to embrace their differences.Judith shares her journey of overcoming bullying, self-doubt, and the challenges of being "different." With the encouragement of Stefan Pejic and the powerful message of The Greatest Showman, she found her voice as a writer. Now, through her Jolly Fun series, Judith creates books that are accessible, engaging, and fun for readers of all ages and abilities—including those learning English as a second language!Here is a link to Judith's website thanks again for watching.http://www.judithwaters.co.uk

    29 min
  • Authors Tuesday Podcast with Author Paul Leyshon

    Author’s Tuesday Podcast – Special Guest: P.D. Leyshon

    In this week’s episode of Author’s Tuesday, we’re thrilled to welcome P.D. Leyshon, a passionate author with an incredible journey into the world of storytelling. From his early childhood in Gorseinon, Swansea, to a successful career in television, and now to becoming the creator of Joni Jones and the Ghost Train, P.D. shares the fascinating story behind his creative path.
    Episode Highlights:
    A Childhood Rooted in History
    P.D. discusses how growing up in Gorseinon ignited his lifelong interest in history. With grandparents who lived on the now-demolished Railway Terrace, he became captivated by the former rail tracks and train station that once stood nearby.
    A Quiz Champion’s Early Brush with Literature
    At just 11 years old, P.D. was part of his junior school team at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin that won the Welsh National Book Quiz—earning an all-inclusive five-star trip to Amsterdam. He reflects on how this experience planted the seeds of his future as a writer, even though it took 34 years to finally blossom.
    A Television Career That Spanned the Globe
    P.D. opens up about his 25-year career as a producer-director, creating popular children’s shows, history documentaries, and travel programs for both Welsh and network television. He explains how working with leading UK historians, including the late Dr. John Davies, inspired some of the characters and settings in his book.
    The Magic of the Abandoned Coryton Line
    During lockdown, P.D. found inspiration for Joni Jones and the Ghost Train in the old, abandoned Coryton line near Whitchurch, Cardiff. He describes how the tranquility of the reclaimed industrial site sparked his imagination and brought the “path in the woods” to life.
    Blending History, Geography, and the Paranormal
    With a deep passion for history, geography, and all things peculiar and paranormal, P.D. discusses the unique blend of elements that define Joni Jones and the Ghost Train. He hints at more exciting projects in the pipeline!
    Key Quotes from the Episode
    “The abandoned Coryton line wasn’t just a walk in the woods—it was a gateway to another world.”
    “I owe so much of my interest in history to my teachers and the incredible historians I’ve worked with throughout my career.”
    “Winning the Welsh National Book Quiz should have sparked my career as an author, but it took decades for the idea to finally take hold.”
    Learn More About P.D. Leyshon
    P.D. Leyshon is the author of Joni Jones and the Ghost Train, a captivating tale that merges history, geography, and paranormal intrigue. Stay tuned for more exciting stories from this talented writer
    Contact: Paul Leyshon. [email protected] www.paulleyshon.com

    37 min
  • Music Sunday episode with Tom O'Brien from Pete and Tom on song

    n this episode, I sit down with Tom, a remarkable songwriter who duos with Pete their music has captured hearts far and wide. From electrifying live gigs to their journey of recording 15 original songs—and two more nearly finished—Tom shares their story, creative process, and plans for the future.

    Tom reflects on their most memorable performances, including moments that shaped their style and connected them with audiences.
    Hear about the two nearly finished tracks and what fans can expect from their upcoming releases.
    Thanks for watching this episode here are their links:
    https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40PeteAndTomOnSong&data=05%7C02%7C%7C75ce62b89be248ef736b08dd341ee724%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638724029517056869%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XIAPTNwU1ZspVBoaNLcQTjfz7h0cwLWqJHx2oAZgnwE%3D&reserved=0
    https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fartist%2F1F9NTSKewShSGXghxUyv8n%3Fsi%3DL1f8g16QQmumY_dfL9y6Fw&data=05%7C02%7C%7C75ce62b89be248ef736b08dd341ee724%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638724029517078285%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=o3JA7WG87KxnMqBfCVsfs0mnIfurYPgeJAHAriFKZbs%3D&reserved=0
    https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fpete_and_tom_on_song%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C75ce62b89be248ef736b08dd341ee724%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638724029517094814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JQ3W4pKy86Yq5vy1jqbL%2F6CLB4UHmEjWwQHj3IaFgv8%3D&reserved=0

    29 min
  • Episode Title: Exploring Oz and the Untold Story of Almira Gulch with James C. Wallace II

    Guest: James C. Wallace II – Author, Educator, and Royal Liaison of Oz

    Episode Description:
    In this episode, we step into the magical world of Oz with special guest James C. Wallace II, an accomplished children's author, educator, and the self-proclaimed Royal Liaison of Oz. James has dedicated his work to preserving the original vision of L. Frank Baum’s beloved Land of Oz, bringing its wonder and imagination to children across the world.
    James shares his journey—from working in children's education and planetarium programs to his current role as a storyteller of Oz and co-author with his wife, Amanda D. Wallace. Together, they’ve breathed new life into iconic characters with their latest book, Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story. This captivating story explores the origins of one of film's most infamous villains, Almira Gulch, and answers questions fans of The Wizard of Oz have wondered for decades.
    We discuss James' creative process, his inspiration, and the importance of telling stories that stay true to Baum’s original vision while introducing timeless lessons to new generations. Whether you’re an Oz enthusiast or simply a lover of good storytelling, this episode will take you on an unforgettable journey down the yellow brick road.
    Key Topics:
    James’ background in children’s education and his work with the SpaceQuest Planetarium at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
    The inspiration behind Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story and how it reimagines a misunderstood character
    How James and his wife Amanda are working to preserve and honor L. Frank Baum’s vision of Oz
    James' role as the Royal Liaison of Oz and what that title means for his storytelling journey
    The importance of creating stories for children that blend education, adventure, and timeless messages
    About the Guest:
    James C. Wallace II has over 26 years of experience in children's education and is recognized for his work in educational game development and curriculum design. He is also a notable author of children’s books set in the Land of Oz, alongside his wife and co-author, Amanda D. Wallace. James’ work reflects his passion for storytelling and his mission to inspire children worldwide with the magic of Oz.
    Book Spotlight:
    Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story – A captivating prequel exploring the life and origins of one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
    Where to Find James C. Wallace II:
    [Social media/website information, if available]
    Next Steps:
    Purchase Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story wherever books are sold.
    Learn more about James’ work as the Royal Liaison of Oz and his dedication to preserving the legacy of L. Frank Baum.
    Call to Action:
    If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Oz!


    Here are the links:

    https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-C.-Wallace-II/author/B009ONML4M


    www.amazon.com

    36 min
  • Authors Tuesday Solo Episode

    Show Notes for Today’s Episode

    Episode Title: Wrapping Up the Year: Gratitude, Books, and Reflections

    Episode Summary:
    In today’s solo episode, I want to take a moment to thank you, my incredible listeners, for all your support throughout the year. Your encouragement, feedback, and enthusiasm mean the world to me and have made this podcast journey truly special.

    I also dive into a fantastic book I’ve been reading: The Power of Six by Philip Harland. It’s an insightful and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend for anyone interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of life.

    Lastly, I reflect on some of the impactful books I’ve read this year that have helped shape my perspective, including:

    • Speed Reading by Kam Knight – A practical guide to enhancing your reading speed and comprehension.
    • Metaphors of the Mind by James Lawley & Penny Tompkins – An enlightening exploration of how metaphors influence our thinking and perception.
    • Reframe the Brain by Scott Adams – A powerful book on shifting your mindset to overcome challenges and create success.
    • Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins – An inspiring story about the mind-body connection and the healing power of positivity.

      • Thank you for being a part of this journey, and here’s to another year of growth, learning, and meaningful conversations.

      Links & Resources Mentioned:

      • The Power of Six by Philip Harland
      • Speed Reading by Kam Knight
      • Metaphors of the Mind by James Lawley & Penny Tompkins
      • Reframe the Brain by Scott Adams
      • Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins

        • Connect with Me:

        • Follow the podcast for updates and new episodes.
        • Share your thoughts about today’s episode and your favorite books from this year!
          • 8 min
        • Motivational Thursday Episode with Rob Mac

          It was a pleasure to have Rob join me on today’s episode of Mark’s Motivational Podcast! Rob shared valuable insights into how he supports authors and musicians in promoting themselves effectively. From leveraging various platforms to helping them navigate their creative journeys, his advice is a must-hear for anyone looking to boost their visibility and success. Tune in to gain actionable tips and inspiration!


          Here is Robs email address.



          thanks for watching and listening.



          28 min
        • Authors Tuesday rerun

          Hi and welcome to this episode, I was delighted to be joined by Carolyn and and Mike on this episode to great authors and Illustrators. Thanks for tuning in and on spotify and watching on YouTube.

          Mike Dubisch and Carolyn Watson-DubischMike and Carolyn began collaborating artistically at the School Of Visual Arts in New York City.  They married soon after graduating and began working together. Their first major project was designing rides on the Turn of the Century Carousel that was displayed in Grand Central Station in New York, The LA Auto Show in California, also in Washington DC and New Orleans.  Their comic book adaptation of the Japanese fable Urishima Taro, initially created for a fundraiser for the tsunami victims in Japan, was licensed by FOX in 2013. 

             Mike is well known for his fantasy art and comics, including art for Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and Aliens VS Predator. Carolyn is a multiple award winning author and illustrator of over twenty children’s books, working with multiple publishers and authors, and has appeared in Highlights For Children magazine. Their most ambitious project, the all-ages graphic novel series The People That Melt In The Rain, is the product of over ten years of development.    Their latest collaboration is The Elephant and the Teapot are Friends,  a picture book and coloring book that is up on Kickstarter!


          Here are their links:

          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2FCarolyn-Watson-Dubisch%2Fauthor%2FB004CS6K4G&data=05%7C02%7C%7C620871b4f5fb439dbf2408dcaa9b1670%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638572830283411931%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kH4PQCOLtR9yXwcZGujTnwShjocG8saFX9QiYFPpKBw%3D&reserved=0


          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforbiddenfuturesmagazine.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C620871b4f5fb439dbf2408dcaa9b1670%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638572830286636881%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fc5WfK4gwzHmR90%2BPZHK6ot%2Byy4qmwd8lhHwHOr4RaY%3D&reserved=0

          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDeluge-People-That-Melt-Rain-ebook%2Fdp%2FB0CNNW9RXQ&data=05%7C02%7C%7C620871b4f5fb439dbf2408dcaa9b1670%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638572830286648761%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yL5H4B5j%2FSOFTXEV59uf%2FhZs0zNUxczbPq6o1r3mK%2B8%3D&reserved=0


          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0D8JPYPM2&data=05%7C02%7C%7C620871b4f5fb439dbf2408dcaa9b1670%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638572830286656859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tjkY%2BqxR0VwF2Fr%2FnEcr3UwzW4TRtH1meWX5Hik9rTQ%3D&reserved=0


          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kickstarter.com%2Fprojects%2Fshades-madness%2Fthe-elephant-and-the-teapot-are-friends&data=05%7C02%7C%7C620871b4f5fb439dbf2408dcaa9b1670%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638572830286663009%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tXhJkOf50spFrfMlEK%2FNcebNBzz6yQwXYEYaCYAQ%2FPI%3D&reserved=0

          38 min
        • Author's Tuesday with author Halyna Budilova


          "Welcome back to Author’s Tuesday, the podcast where we dive deep into the lives and works of authors who inspire, challenge, and change the world through their words. I’m Mark L’estrange, your host, and today we’re thrilled to have Halyna Budilova with us. Halyna is a talented children's writer, poet, songwriter, and translator from Kyiv, Ukraine, now living in Ireland. Her journey as an author, her love for languages, and her resilience through challenging times have brought her a unique perspective that shines in her work. Enjoy this episode here is Halyna's links.

          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlebeetlepress.com%2Fen&data=05%7C02%7C%7C08f8d4df49a04cc6dc9208dcfccc560f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638663201749601470%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bhHvpNBK14u15DSuUwMb1Va7%2F1mO4kO%2BeVamtWw70lQ%3D&reserved=0

          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flittle_beetle_press%3Figsh%3DdjBxbXozazh5bG9n&data=05%7C02%7C%7C08f8d4df49a04cc6dc9208dcfccc560f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638663201749640473%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=V3Hf88Dyyz3U%2B88AQJoO2PrSb1wUXDvbP9dFDvNhoCU%3D&reserved=0

          https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fstores%2FHalyna-Budilova%2Fauthor%2FB0C3R6GV2G%3Fref%3Dap_rdr%26isDramIntegrated%3Dtrue%26shoppingPortalEnabled%3Dtrue&data=05%7C02%7C%7C08f8d4df49a04cc6dc9208dcfccc560f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638663201749673385%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pBk9cuYt1FNhIcBI%2Bj8jY8a%2BuaZwSYbFZtTnn%2FNmsHs%3D&reserved=0

          31 min
        • Motivational Thursday

          Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another Motivational Thursday with me, Mark L'estrange. I hope you’re all having an amazing week so far. Today, I’m really excited to share something that I think will make a big difference in how you manage stress and build resilience in your daily life. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m always on the lookout for powerful techniques to help you show up at your best, even when life throws its toughest challenges your way.

          Today, I’m diving into two powerful techniques I learned from my training at the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy. These methods are simple and practical. I'm looking forward to hearing how well they will work for you. Thanks for tuning in.


          9 min
        • Authors Tuesday Episode with Author Bernadette Maycock

          In this episode of Authors Tuesday, I’m thrilled to be joined by B.R. Maycock, the talented author behind some of the most laugh-out-loud romantic comedies you'll find on the shelf! B.R. lives in the Midlands of Ireland with her four energetic boys and her wonderfully quirky husband. Despite her busy life, she manages to craft stories that blend humor, heart, and a touch of romance.

          We dive into her writing journey, how she balances family life with being an author, and the inspirations behind her charming, witty characters. B.R. also gives us a glimpse into her creative process, shares her favorite rom-com influences, and offers some advice for aspiring authors. If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good conversation about love, laughter, and the joy of storytelling, this is the episode for you!


          Here is Bernadette's links

          https://mybook.to/Snowdayebook 

          Anything You Can Do       https://mybook.to/AYCDebook      

          The Family Next Door         https://mybook.to/TheFamilyNextDoorebook

          Pushing Her Luck                 https://mybook.to/PushingHerLuckebook 

          The Greatest Of Enemies    https://mybook.to/TGOEebook 

          The Next Step                       https://mybook.to/TheNextStepebook 

           

          Amazon UK                  https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/B.-R.-Maycock/author/B00Y96OKZ2

           

          Amazon US                  https://www.amazon.com/stores/B.-R.-Maycock/author/B00Y96OKZ2

           

          Amazon Germany        https://www.amazon.de/stores/B.-R.-Maycock/author/B00Y96OKZ2

           

           

          B R Maycock blog:  https://brmaycock.wordpress.com

           

          Newsletter sign up (for cheery news straight to your device, fun freebies and competitions!):       https://mailchi.mp/509e31b63a4e/b-r-maycock-newsletter-sign-up

           

          TikTok:                        https://www.tiktok.com/@brmaycockauthor

           

          Facebook:                   https://www.facebook.com/BRMaycockWriter/

           

          Twitter (not X to me;)) https://x.com/brmaycock

           

          Instagram:                   https://www.instagram.com/brmaycock/

           

           

          25 min

        About Marks Motivational Podcast

        From the publisher's feed

        Marks Motivational podcast, I give motivational tips & interview a wide range of guests on my Podcast!https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DQ3VPQS/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_6WEEB2BEPNGFNFM2ZETK