Chris Buscher speaks with Dr. Douglas Garland, author of The Tall Poppy Manifesto, on My Life Now.

Garland explores Tall Poppy Syndrome, a term used to describe the resentment and undermining directed toward people who stand out or achieve success. Drawing on his professional experience, he examines how comparison and envy can affect confidence, relationships, and workplace culture.

The conversation centers on recognizing these patterns, responding to criticism, and learning to support other people’s success without diminishing your own.

Connect with the author at DougGarland.com or TallPoppySyndrome.comConnect with Chris Buscher at pastorchrisbuscher.com

What started as an attempt to tell his wife how he first fell in love with her became the inspiration for a novel series. In this episode of My Life Now, Chris Buscher welcomes author Paul Arata to discuss Serious Roommate Problems.

Set in Brooklyn in the early 1990s, the story follows Pete as he falls for Holly while a dispute between his roommates grows increasingly chaotic. Paul shares the personal experiences behind the story, his background in acting and playwriting, and the challenge of turning real relationships into fiction.

Learn more about Paul and his writing: https://authorpaularata.com

Find the book: https://a.co/d/00jHxlXu

Chris Buscher welcomes Amy Hawk, author of The Tales of Rumpus, to My Life Now.

A nurse practitioner with a lifelong interest in storytelling, Amy found fresh inspiration when her niece was born. Her book follows Princess Caitlin on an adventure filled with friendship, challenges, and discoveries as she tries to prove she is ready to rule a kingdom.

This episode explores Amy’s path to becoming an author, the story behind Princess Caitlin, and her desire to create books children and families can enjoy together.

Book = https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHFBC1QJ

 On this episode of My Life Now, Chris Buscher speaks with chef, leadership architect, and author Douglas Wasdyke about Heard: Last Call for “Second Service.”

After 45 years in professional kitchens, Douglas was forced to stop working after losing the use of his left arm. The sudden change challenged an identity built around long hours, physical skill, pressure, and the demands of the kitchen.

In this conversation, Douglas explains how that experience led him to rethink leadership, discipline, purpose, and what it means to begin again.

We discuss ideas from the book including the “Doctrine of the Scar,” the “86 List,” mise en place for life, taking ownership of your station, and the concept of “Second Service.”

This is a conversation for anyone who has burned out, broken down, been forced to change direction, or is trying to figure out what comes next.

Get the book today on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2N6GD9N

Connect with the author at scarredpalettemedia.net

What does it take to earn trust and become someone others can count on? Dr. Gordon Wesley discusses ownership, discipline, and the ideas behind his book, Earned Exceptionalism: Not Granted. Earned.

In this conversation with Chris Buscher, Gordon draws on his experience as a healthcare executive, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and competitive bodybuilder. He talks about military leadership, the habits behind consistent performance, and why competence and integrity matter more than appearances.

Explore Gordon Wesley’s book and work.

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For guest inquiries: [email protected]

How do you approach someone whose life is unraveling? Dr. Shaun Jester discusses his book, Spiritual CPR: Recognizing and Intervening When a Christian Is in Crisis, and his approach to difficult conversations.

Speaking with Chris Buscher, Jester explains how his medical career shaped his thinking about intervention, compassion, and personal responsibility. The conversation covers addiction, family estrangement, faith, and his perspective on responding when someone is in crisis. He also discusses his work as an OB-GYN and his involvement in a legal challenge concerning mifepristone.

Find Spiritual CPR on Amazon.

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For guest inquiries: [email protected]

A warrior loses his family and goes to war. What happens when vengeance becomes the thing keeping him alive? B.J. Spaulding discusses Dark Star, his military science fiction novel about an elite squadron fighting the Zarkon Empire.

In this interview with Chris Buscher, Spaulding talks about building the galaxy behind the story, writing combat, and creating a hero shaped by grief. The conversation covers loyalty, betrayal, survival, and the cost of pursuing revenge.

Find Dark Star on Amazon
Visit B.J. Spaulding’s website

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Where does real life end and a thriller begin? Author and educator John Infortunio talks about drawing on his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s and his experience working in an elite prep school.

In this conversation with Chris Buscher, John discusses Destroyed by the Events of the Day and Today Was Tomorrow. He explores grief, family secrets, betrayal, and institutional pressure, along with the choices involved in turning personal experiences into fiction. The interview also covers unreliable narrators and writing suspense with emotional stakes.

Explore John Infortunio’s books on Amazon.

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For guest inquiries: [email protected]

Who can you trust when everyone at court has something to gain? Ailen Millers discusses Court of Whispers, a fantasy romance built around palace politics, betrayal, and hidden agendas.

In this interview with Chris Buscher, Ailen talks about the phoenix imagery behind the story and combining political intrigue with slow-burn romance. The conversation explores world-building, complicated relationships, and characters trying to survive the cost of power.

Find Court of Whispers on Amazon
Visit Ailen Millers’ author page
Author contact: [email protected]

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A detective partnership. A killer with a mysterious identity. Author eM. Douglas Wade discusses the Victorian world of Furst and Mayne: Book I, The Case of the Phantom Scarface Killer.

Speaking with Chris Buscher, Wade explains how he developed the two detectives and balanced clues, suspense, and action. The interview also covers the emotional cost of an investigation, his treatment of justice, and where the series could go beyond the first case.

Find Furst and Mayne on Amazon.

Follow My Life Now for more author interviews and real conversations.

For guest inquiries: [email protected]