If you’ve ever wondered why picking up a fresh book can change more than just your reading list—or if you’ve been curious about writing one yourself—this episode is for you. I chat with Rodney Miles, known as “the Book Dude,” who has spent over 14 years helping authors publish their stories. We dig into how reading and writing new books keeps your mind healthy, and Rodney shares practical ways you can use reading as a springboard for your own writing—especially during National Reading New Book Month.

Podcasters and creators will find out:

• Why learning something totally new (not just your area of expertise) can spark creativity and stave off burnout.

• How writing a book can be deeply therapeutic and even refine your personal or business process. Rodney also shares free, hands-on resources for anyone interested in publishing, and explains how shorter attention spans and digital formats are actually leading to more books being read than ever before. If you’re ready to celebrate stories—your own included—give this one a listen.

Connect With Rodney Miles
Website: https://rodneymiles.com
Free Book Dude Bundle: https://rodneymiles.com 

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Episode Intro
01:05 Rodney’s Current Book Picks
03:45 Why New Books Matter
07:37 Rodney’s Journey Into Publishing
10:22 Reinventing Life at 40 Through Books
12:17 How Writing is Therapeutic
15:35 Books in the Age of Short Content
19:42 Using Reading to Spark Writing
21:46 Resources for Aspiring Authors
25:05 Where to Find Rodney Miles
25:22 Closing and Newsletter Invitation

September is National Reading New Book Month, and in this episode, I’m sitting down with Michele Defilipo, a publishing veteran who knows all about how new stories come to life. If you’ve ever wondered how to professionally publish a book—or avoid common missteps as a creator—this episode has some essentials you won’t want to miss. Michele unpacks the differences between self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional models, helping you see which path might fit your next project. We also dig into the top mistakes new authors make (and how to sidestep them) and the best way to hire professionals who really know books inside and out. Whether you’re an indie author, a hopeful writer, or just curious about the publishing world, you’ll walk away knowing how to give your work a professional edge. Tune in for smart, down-to-earth advice on making your book stand out—and learn why every voice (including yours) is worth sharing.

Connect With Michele Defilipo
Website: https://1106design.com
Newsletter & Free Guide: https://1106design.com

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
01:14 Michele’s Journey in the Book World
02:18 Why New Books and Voices Matter
03:18 What True Self Publishing Means
05:56 The Three Main Publishing Models
07:07 Choosing the Right Publishing Path
08:24 First-Time Self-Publishing Mistakes
09:27 What Makes a Book Professional
10:47 Finding Legitimate Publishing Experts
13:28 Fixing a Badly Published Book
15:30 Supporting Indie and Self-Published Authors
16:33 Michele’s Resources for Authors
17:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

If you’re a creator looking for a real, honest talk about mental health, this episode is for you. On today’s show, I sit down with Brandon Held, host of the Life is Crazy podcast, in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month. Brandon shares his personal journey through trauma, loss, and rock bottom — and how he chose not only to survive, but to build something positive from his darkest moments.

We explore how creators can spot early signs when things aren’t right, for themselves and others. You’ll also hear Brandon’s approachable ideas for starting tough conversations and creating space for those around you. If you want to feel less alone or wonder how to support others without having all the answers, you’ll find both wisdom and practical steps here.

Takeaways for podcasters:

• How to recognize subtle and obvious warning signs beyond “I’m fine.”

• Ways to foster genuine, supportive conversations in your own community.

Tune in for gentle, encouraging advice you can use in your personal life and creative circles.

Connect With Brandon Held
Website: https://www.brandonheld.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcoming Brandon and Introductions
01:07 Brandon’s Story and Mission
02:14 Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Hope
05:45 Choosing a Different Path Forward
06:09 Turning Survival Into Support
07:06 Signs Someone May Be Struggling
09:15 Breaking Down the Taboo
11:35 The First Steps Toward Healing
15:02 The Role of Community in Prevention
18:02 Teaching Resilience to the Next Generation
19:37 Final Takeaways and Ways to Connect
20:30 Brandon’s Links and Contact Info
21:10 Reflections and Closing Remarks

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling stuck, carrying shame, or wondering if true change is possible, you’ll want to join me for this honest and heartfelt conversation with Jessica Morris. In honor of National Recovery Month, Jessica shares her deeply personal journey with addiction, faith, and healing, offering real talk about how recovery really works and what keeps people going when it feels impossible.

Listen in to find out how Jessica’s unique perspective—shaped by growing up with an alcoholic father and a lifelong battle with food and alcohol—helped her discover community, self-honesty, and a spiritual connection at the heart of recovery. You’ll also learn practical ways to break cycles of self-sabotage and the importance of asking for help, even when it feels hardest. Podcasters and creators will especially appreciate Jessica’s thoughts on the power of sharing your story openly and the role of support systems in personal and creative growth.

Come away with hope that it’s never too late to begin again—and a few simple, effective tools for showing up when it counts.

Connect With Jessica Morris
Website: https://jessicalmorris.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Observeday and National Recovery Month
01:00 Jessica’s Childhood and Family Secrets
03:05 Faith, Confusion, and Early Coping
04:52 Recognizing Addictive Patterns in Life
06:19 First Experiences With Alcohol
07:50 Struggling With Self-Image and Relationships
08:39 Confrontation and the Start of Awareness
10:14 The Turning Point Toward Recovery
13:11 Finding Community in Recovery Meetings
14:41 How Jessica Avoided Relapse
16:42 The Power of Asking for Help
18:17 Understanding Addiction and Letting Go of Shame
20:56 Advice for Those Feeling Hopeless
22:00 The Prodigal Son and Recovery
22:50 Where to Find Jessica’s Work
23:59 Closing and How to Stay Connected

This episode is all about why accessibility in books matters and how making your stories more inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do—it actually helps you reach more people. I sat down with Maxwell Ivey, the Blind Blogger, who shared what it’s really like to discover stories when you’re blind, and the clever ways he’s found to write, publish, and get his own books out into the world. If you create anything—especially podcasts or books—this episode will give you simple, actionable ideas for making your content more accessible. We talk honestly about the real obstacles (not just the checklists) and why meaningful inclusion starts with how you share your own message. Want to know how to make your website or audiobooks easier for more people to enjoy? Or why creating accessible content can help you stand out online? Listen in—you’ll come away with practical tips, new perspective, and maybe a little extra motivation to ditch your own excuses and share your story with everyone.

Takeaways for creators:

• How to format, design, and share your content to make it easier for people with disabilities to access.

• Why accessibility is an opportunity to connect with new audiences—and simple steps you can take right now.

Connect With Maxwell Ivey
Website: https://theblindblogger.net
Website: https://theaccessibilityadvantage.com

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
01:08 Maxwell Ivey’s Early Reading Experiences
03:14 Overcoming Accessibility Frustrations
07:40 Making Books Accessible as an Author
09:03 The Realities of Writing, Editing, and Publishing Blind
12:11 Storytelling Lessons From Family
13:54 Why Accessible Reading Matters for Everyone
16:24 Accessibility as More Than Compliance
18:06 Simple, Inclusive Book Design Tips
19:50 Practical Steps for Accessible Content
22:36 Navigating Book Sales Platforms Accessibly
24:43 Creative Ways to Share Your Stories
28:15 Realities of Web Accessibility Standards
29:55 The “What’s Your Excuse?” Mindset
34:13 Success, Perspective, and Definitions
36:20 Focusing on Message and Story
39:25 Lessons From Working With AudioEye
41:05 Authentic Representation in Storytelling
41:41 Episode Wrap-Up and Where to Find Max

Curious about how your food choices can shape your health, relationships, and even spark a little romance? In this episode of the Observeday podcast, I sit down with Amy Reiley, who knows all about the delicious intersection of organic food, health, and those “feel-good” connections at the table. You’ll get a fresh look at what aphrodisiac foods truly are (spoiler: it's not all chocolate and oysters)—plus how eating for pleasure can also support your overall well-being. Together, we discuss the surprising link between heart health and foods of romance, clearing up some big misconceptions along the way. Podcasters and creators will walk away understanding: why aphrodisiac foods are about more than just luxury ingredients, and how choosing organic and natural foods can support both personal wellness and meaningful celebrations. Listen in if you want inspiring ways to make your meals a little more intentional and joyful, whether it’s for a date night, self-care, or sharing good food with friends.

Connect with Amy Reiley

Website: https://www.eatsomethingsexy.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/EatSomethngSexy

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Chapters

00:00 Exploring Organic Month & Amy’s Background
01:20 The Role of Organic in Health and Romance
02:52 What Are Aphrodisiac Foods?
04:45 Health Benefits of Organic Foods
06:29 Clarifying Organic’s Place in Amy’s Work
07:00 Everyday Relevance of Aphrodisiacs
09:06 Eating for Sexual Health vs. General Health
10:26 Clearing Up Aphrodisiac Misconceptions
11:25 Using Food for Connection and Romance
12:15 Creating an Aphrodisiac-Friendly Diet
13:44 Food Lists for Sexual Health—Men & Women
14:02 The Biggest Aphrodisiac Misunderstandings
16:11 Organic and Biodynamic Wines with Food
18:29 Lightning Round: Surprising Picks & Pairings
22:07 Where to Find Amy’s Resources
23:05 Wrapping Up & Takeaways

If you’ve ever wondered how reading—and writing—new books can change your life, this episode is for you. As National Reading New Book Month rolls around, I sit down with author Teri M. Brown to chat about pushing past fears and making your creative dreams real (even if you think you aren’t ready). Teri shares her journey from nonfiction to historical fiction, what gave her the courage to finally hit “publish,” and the surprising way a cycling adventure transformed her confidence as a writer. We also dig into why authentic, messy, complex characters make stories stick with us long after we finish the last page.

As a creator, you’ll get actionable insight on:

• What makes authentic characters feel real—and why it matters for all storytellers.

• How to move past imposter syndrome and start creating, step by step.

• Tips for blending real-life research with imagination to craft stories that resonate.

Tune in for honest advice, relatable stories, and a fresh way to look at reading and writing this month!

Connect with Teri M. Brown

Website: https://www.terimbrown.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/TeriMBrown1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TeriMBrown/

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Chapters

00:00 Celebrating National Reading New Book Month
00:35 Teri M. Brown’s Creative Journey
01:17 Books as Empathy-Builders
02:23 Shifting from Nonfiction to Fiction
03:29 How Cycling Inspired Courage
04:39 Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Adventure
05:19 Early Writing Struggles and Growth
06:44 The Need for a Safe Creative Space
06:59 Crafting Authentic, Relatable Characters
08:18 Building Three-Dimensional Characters
09:30 Harmonizing Research and Storytelling
10:57 Historical Details Without the Textbook
11:22 Weaving Themes of Family and Identity
13:14 Exploring Generational Perspectives
14:45 Which Book to Start With?
15:33 Hosting a Podcast and Learning from Others
17:16 Advice for Aspiring Authors
18:43 Quickfire Lightning Round
20:08 Where to Find Teri M. Brown
20:39 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

If you’ve ever wondered why sleep is really so important — beyond just needing to “feel rested” — this episode is for you. I sat down with Anthony Guastella, a certified health coach who’s turned his own health journey into a mission to help others feel their best. In our conversation, we dig into what actually happens in our bodies when we sleep and how small, realistic changes to your bedtime routine can make a huge difference. You’ll hear why it’s not just about the number of hours you’re asleep, but about the quality of that sleep—and some super practical ways to improve both. If you’re a podcaster or creator burning the candle at both ends, you’ll learn:

• Why blackout curtains and morning sunlight help reset your body’s “clock”

• The real relationship between sleep, creativity, and focus

  
  

  Tune in and walk away with easy steps you can try tonight, no fancy gadgets required.

Connect with Anthony Guastella

Website: https://anthonyguastella.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/anthonyg_120

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Observeday & Sleeptember
00:40 Meet Anthony Guastella
01:11 Anthony’s Health Journey with Sleep
03:26 Why We Really Need Sleep
05:06 Effects of Poor Sleep Habits
06:28 Common Poor Sleep Habits Explained
08:49 How Health Habits Influence Sleep
10:00 The Cycle: Sleep, Food, and Wellness
11:34 The Role of Nutrition in Sleep
11:48 Foundational Sleep Tips for Insomnia
14:50 Rethinking the “Sleep When You’re Dead” Mentality
17:41 The Cost of Sleep Deprivation
18:07 Prioritizing Recovery and Rest
19:18 Anthony’s Night Ritual
19:50 Biggest Sleep Myths
20:07 A Resource for Better Sleep
20:29 Where to Find Anthony Guastella
20:59 Closing Thoughts & Newsletter

If you’ve ever wondered how classical music can influence creativity and provide healing, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Andrew Cloninger—artist, musician, producer, and author—who opens up about his lifelong connection to classical music, and how it shaped his path through recovery and creative rediscovery. Listen in to hear about the surprising ways classical music can help with focus, meditation, and even healing during tough times. Andrew and I also talk about blending classical influences into modern music, and how any creator can borrow from classical traditions in their own projects.

If you’re a podcaster or creator, two specific things you’ll learn from this episode:
— How understanding musical structure (from classical music) can boost creativity, even outside the music world.
— Why intentionally choosing background music—like classical pieces—can support your mental wellbeing during challenging creative seasons.

If you’re curious about new contemporary classical artists or are looking for music that encourages reflection and calm, you’ll walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Connect with Andrew Cloninger

Website: https://www.wrencovemusic.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Intro to Classical Music Month
01:13 Andrew’s Early Connection With Classical Music
02:37 How Classical Shapes Creative Process
03:49 Using Music for Focus and Healing
05:57 Music’s Impact After Injury
07:03 Identity Struggles and Recovery
09:18 Faith, Family, and Creative Adaptation
12:25 The Timeless Influence of Classical Music
13:22 Classical Music in Today’s World
15:14 Andrew’s Essential Classical Recommendation
16:19 Where to Find Andrew’s Work
17:40 Closing and Next Steps

Living with chronic pain isn’t always visible, and that’s something we really dig into in this episode with Dr. Robin Harwick. If you or someone you know deals with unseen pain, or you’re just looking for new ways to support people who do, you’ll find a lot of insight here. Robin shares how a life-changing car accident shifted her career from groundwater hydrology to building spaces that center healing, equity, and student voice. We talk about what it’s really like to live with a non-apparent disability, how pain can show up differently day to day, and the often-overlooked impact this has on work and creativity.

If you’re a creator or podcaster, you’ll walk away with ideas on:

• How to approach self-advocacy when your challenges are invisible to others.

• Building supportive, flexible environments—for yourself and others—that account for changing needs.

We also touch on small but powerful self-care habits that help Robin juggle leadership, creativity, and recovery. If you want practical ideas on compassion—both for yourself and your community—give this episode a listen.

Connect with Robin Harwick

Website: https://thepearlhighschool.org/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcoming Robin Harwick
00:42 Surviving a Life-Changing Car Crash
02:36 Pivoting From Science to Education
04:19 Adapting to a New Reality
06:14 Healing Through Books and Music
08:08 Misconceptions About Living With Pain
10:29 Chronic Pain and Education
12:16 Managing Work and Well-being
14:34 Building a Healing-Centered School
15:51 Overcoming Challenges in Alternative Education
17:23 Advice for Those Living With Unseen Pain
19:52 How to Connect With Robin
20:35 Reflections and Episode Close