Pages To Impact Podcast

Exploring Nostalgia and Relationships with Amanda Baniuk

Dive into the themes of love, friendship, and memories in Amanda's work.

In today's episode of "Pages to Impact", we delve into the intricate tapestry of memories, relationships, and the emotional landscapes that shape us. Our guest, Amanda Baniuk, an author and elementary school teacher, shares her journey from childhood writer to published author, exploring the powerful themes in her novels.

The Journey of Writing

Amanda reflects on her early passion for writing, stating,

"I've always really, really enjoyed writing as a whole. I find it quite therapeutic."

From keeping diaries as a child to pursuing writing seriously in her late teens, she faced her share of challenges. Amanda recounts how she transformed her writing from a hobby into a commitment, taking courses and seeking feedback that ultimately shaped her work.

Revisiting the Past

Her latest novel, *All Those Summers*, follows Blake Abernathy as she returns to her roots in Ontario. Amanda shares the inspiration behind Blake's story, emphasizing the complexities of returning home:

"Returning to a familiar place means facing old memories, unfinished relationships, and parts of ourselves we thought we had left behind."

Amanda's own experiences living abroad for seven years inform Blake's journey, illustrating the bittersweet nature of returning to one's origins.

The Power of First Love and Friendship

A significant theme in Amanda's writing is the enduring impact of first love and the evolution of friendships over time. She explains,

"I think when you have those relationships, you're kind of figuring out what you like, what you don't like, like who you are in a relationship. And I think that definitely leaves a mark."

This exploration of youthful relationships reflects the raw emotions of adolescence, where every experience feels monumental.

Friendships, too, play a crucial role in Amanda's narrative. She believes that some friendships remain strong despite the passage of time, stating,

"It is nice to have those friendships that you can always come home to. Like it never feels like you missed a beat."

This sentiment resonates deeply, emphasizing the importance of connections that withstand life's changes.

Crafting Authentic Characters

Amanda also discusses the art of creating relatable characters. She notes the importance of humanizing her characters and allowing them to experience challenges, explaining,

"You have to be okay to hurt them... because actually humans and characters do the most growing when they are affected by different things."

This approach adds depth to her storytelling, making her characters' journeys feel authentic.

Reflecting on Meaningful Moments

One of the most poignant scenes in "All Those Summers" involves an intimate conversation between characters during a storm, drawn from Amanda's own life experiences. She shares,

"I remember feeling that way so I feel like I can put that emotion that I feel even reading those memories into the text."

This connection between personal experience and fiction underscores the power of storytelling.

Closing Thoughts

As Amanda's stories remind us, our past shapes who we are today. The exploration of love, friendship, and nostalgia invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the relationships that define them. For a deeper dive into Amanda's insights and the full discussion, listen to the complete episode.

Are you living on the edge of your potential, feeling like you have everything you need to succeed but just can’t seem to make it happen? In this transformative episode of Pages to Impact, host Joe James Real sits down with Sam Reis, author of "Always Almost Never Now", who shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and discovering his true self at the age of 53.

Sam opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, including a diagnosis of ADHD and giftedness that reshaped his understanding of his struggles. He candidly discusses his past battles with isolation, mental health, and the challenge of being present for his loved ones. You’ll discover how a spiritual ceremony led him to profound insights, enabling him to break free from the cycle of never quite achieving his goals. Sam’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the power of vulnerability.

You’ll hear about:

- The significance of Sam's memoir and what the title "Always Almost Never Now" truly represents.

- How personal transformation can begin at any age and the role of therapy and spiritual practices in that journey.

- Strategies for being more present in relationships, especially with family, and why that’s crucial for personal fulfillment.

- The impact of understanding neurodiversity on self-perception and personal growth.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who feels stuck in their life or is struggling to reconcile their past with their present. Sam’s journey offers hope and actionable insights for those seeking to unlock their potential and connect more meaningfully with others.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that not only sheds light on the complexities of identity and relationships but also encourages you to embrace your journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

What if you woke up one day as an alligator?

In this captivating episode of Pages to Impact, host Joe James Real dives into the surreal and humorous world of TD Swanbeck’s novel "The Alligator Curse".

Join us as we explore the extraordinary tale of Bucky, an ordinary man turned reptile, and the bizarre chain of events that unfolds when he grapples with his new reality.

TD Swanbeck shares the inspiration behind Bucky's strange transformation and the Southern folklore that shapes this unique narrative.

You'll discover the delicate balance of humor and fear that defines Bucky's character, as he hilariously navigates the challenges of his new life while searching for answers about his transformation.

We'll also break down key themes of identity and adaptation, as Bucky confronts the unexpected and the absurd. What happens when everything you thought you knew about yourself is called into question? TD reveals how relatable moments of crisis fuel the storyline, making it resonate with readers who have faced their own life-altering surprises.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys blending humor with supernatural elements and intriguing storytelling. Whether you're a fan of quirky narratives or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you reflecting on the nature of change and the power of laughter in the face of the unknown.

TD Swanbeck is a talented author known for his imaginative storytelling and rich character development, making this episode essential listening for aspiring writers and literature lovers alike. Hit play and step into a world where the impossible becomes possible!

She Was Adopted at 5 Days Old—Then Learned to Choose Herself

What if the biggest turning point in your life isn’t finding the right person, but finally choosing yourself? Sherry Lynn shares the candid story behind her Chosen memoir series—from being adopted at five days old to navigating heartbreak, multiple marriages, motherhood, loss, and the hard lessons that helped her rethink what love means.

Host Joe James Real guides a thoughtful conversation about identity, self-worth, and the moment Sherry realized that being chosen by others wasn’t enough. Sherry speaks openly about her past, including the choices she wishes she could have made differently, and why she refuses to rewrite her story to make it look neater.

In this episode, Sherry shares how knowing she was adopted shaped her sense of self, what she learned from rushing into marriage as a teenager, and how her relationships challenged her ideas about love and loyalty. She also reflects on recognizing when it was time to stop accepting behavior that hurt her, and the courage it takes to tell the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever stayed too long, rushed into a decision, or wondered how your past shapes your future, this conversation is a reminder that your history may explain you, but it doesn’t have to define you. You can learn, unlearn, begin again, and choose yourself.

A Peace Corps volunteer goes to Africa to teach, help, and do good - then walks straight into a Cold War maze of spies, bandits, propaganda, and a truth he barely understands. David Litwacks reveals the real-life experience, historical tension, and moral collision behind Land of the Sun, Land Without Light.

James Real sits down with Litwacks to unpack the novel’s unusual blend of fact and fiction, drawing from his own overseas service in Africa while transforming lived experience into a suspenseful story set against decolonization, regional conflict, and shifting alliances. The result is a book where idealism gets tested by politics, law, culture, and survival at every turn.

You’ll discover:

Why Litwacks chose Cold War-era Africa as the backdrop for a story about power, confusion, and unintended consequences

How a young volunteer with good intentions becomes entangled in espionage, government deception, and a mission he never fully understands

What the title means, and how light and darkness operate as both literal setting and symbolic warning

Why the line between helper and operative is so dangerous in this story

How bandits, government forces, a Russian doctor, a pair of rival twins, and even an almost-talking cheetah shape the novel’s world

Litwacks also shares how historical research changed his perspective, including revelations about violence, hidden conflict, and events that were never widely reported at the time. If you’re drawn to historical fiction with moral tension, geopolitical stakes, and a protagonist forced to confront the limits of idealism, this conversation will pull you in fast.

Perfect for readers, writers, and anyone fascinated by how real history can become gripping fiction - and how the desire to help can become the beginning of something far more complicated.

What does it really mean to be a father—and are you leading by example, or just carrying a title? David Michael Litwack’s chapter Fatherhood and Leadership makes the case that fatherhood is bigger than biology, and that every man shapes the people around him, whether he realizes it or not.

Host James Real sits down with David Michael Litwack to explore the leadership lessons behind fatherhood. Their conversation gets personal, with honest reflections on anger, impatience, mistakes, and the hard-earned growth that follows.

In this episode, discover:

Why fatherhood is about responsibility, care, and leadership—not just biology.

What Atticus Finch can teach us about humility, courage, and empathy.

How George Washington models integrity, resilience, and self-sacrifice.

Why anger can get in the way of parenting and leadership.

The difference between authority and leading by example.

David shares how his own experiences—including losing patience while teaching algebra and learning to trust his colleagues—shaped his understanding of influence, discipline, and what children learn from the adults in their lives.

This is a conversation about the men we become, the example we set, and the legacy we leave with the people closest to us. It’s for fathers, mentors, leaders, and anyone asking: What kind of man am I becoming—and what am I teaching others by the way I live?

What if the question everyone avoids is the one that finally sets someone free? Kathy Sechrist shares how truth, silence, and survival shaped her memoirs and inspired her mystery novel Bodies Under the Blue Bonnets.

Author, speaker, and advocate Kathy Sechrist brings hard-won insight from her experience with domestic violence into a conversation about what can happen when a survivor decides that silence is no longer the safest option.

In this episode, Kathy discusses:

Why she wrote Success Is the Best Revenge as a raw memoir for anyone who needs to know they’re not alone.

How a friend’s direct, judgment-free questions helped open the door to sharing her story.

Why silence can protect an abuser, and why speaking up may involve many small, difficult decisions.

How Bodies Under the Blue Bonnets transforms secrets, a photograph, and a town’s reluctance to ask questions into a mystery.

What “one step forward, two steps back” can look like in recovery—and why healing isn’t linear.

Kathy also reflects on the fears and triggers that can follow someone after leaving abuse, the importance of nonjudgmental support, and her hope that her writing helps others find the courage to tell one safe person the truth.

For anyone wondering why people stay silent, what it can take to break that silence, or how fiction can carry the weight of lived experience, this episode offers a compassionate reminder: your voice counts.

What if the bravest thing you could do is admit you are not fine? Luciana Fisher turns that question into a deeply human conversation about identity, grief, cancer survivorship, and the freedom that comes from telling the truth about your own life.

Brazilian American writer and poet Luciana Fisher joins Joe James Real to talk about Beneath the Surface, the debut collection born from years of hidden writing, childhood trauma, corporate exhaustion, and the shock of a cancer diagnosis. What emerges is not just a poetry book, but an invitation to stop performing, face what you have been carrying, and finally ask yourself the question that changes everything: are you happy?

Luciana Fisher is a Brazilian American writer and poet, and the author of Beneath the Surface. Her work blends poetry, reflection, and vulnerability, drawing on her experiences with illness, family trauma, healing, and rediscovering purpose.

Joe James Real guides the conversation with warmth and curiosity, pressing into the book’s deeper message and the real-life experiences behind it.

You'll discover:

why Luciana says the book was already inside her long before she published it how writing in chemo waiting rooms became part of her healing process why she believes healing is not candles and affirmations, but walking through the fire the surprising role her therapist, Dr. Gus, played in deciding what to share how childhood experiences, curly hair shame, loss, and resilience all shaped the poems why she includes the backstory behind each piece and still leaves room for your own interpretation.

We also break down Luciana’s unconventional approach to connecting with readers in Union Square Park, where strangers stop, cry, hug, and share their own stories after meeting her in person. That community, along with her work with cancer survivors and the dyslexia-focused Diversity Alliance, shows how her book extends far beyond the page.

This episode matters because so many people are carrying pain they have learned to hide behind success, busyness, and appearances. Luciana makes the case that unprocessed wounds do not disappear - they wait. And when you finally face them, you do not just heal yourself. You become someone who can help others heal too.

Perfect for anyone craving honesty, emotional clarity, and a reminder that your story is still becoming. If you have ever wondered what lies beneath your own surface, this one will stay with you long after it ends.

Loss does not have to end a relationship - sometimes it becomes the force that turns memory into something readers can hold onto. Tammy Spears reveals how Flutter of an Eye grew from grief, faith, and the enduring love of her mother, Diana Hullings, into a poetry collection that comforts families navigating loss and reminds everyone to cherish the time they have.

Tammy shares the deeply personal story behind the title poem, the moment she realized those private words could become a published book, and why her writing has always been rooted in more than sorrow. Instead of centering grief alone, she builds a larger portrait of love, family, blessings, dreams, and the small signs that keep us connected to the people we've lost.

You'll discover:

Why Tammy says her mother still shows up through nature, including the butterfly moments that inspired later writing

How a poem written at the end of her mother's life became the emotional center of the book

Why she believes people should keep pursuing their dreams, even after hardship

How poetry can become a bridge for families, including those grieving parents, children, and loved ones lost too soon

Why publishing the work matters more than keeping the memories only in photographs or private journals.

Tammy also opens up about writing through multiple losses, including the unexpected death of her nephew, and how her work has reached strangers in powerful ways - even touching one reader whose dying father asked for her poetry to be read aloud at his bedside.

This conversation is a reminder that the most personal stories can become the most universal. If you need encouragement to honor someone you've lost, reconnect with your own purpose, or simply appreciate the people still in your life, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Perfect for anyone grieving, anyone who writes from the heart, and anyone who needs a gentle nudge to call their mother, chase a dream, and say "I love you" before it's too late.

A man wakes up as an alligator in the swamps of Louisiana—and that bizarre premise opens into a story about family secrets, generational trauma, love, and who we become when life takes an unexpected turn.

Teresa Swanbeck, author of The Alligator Curse, joins James Real to share how a vivid dream became a novel, why absurdity can be a doorway to deeper truths, and how Bucky Nonsense’s transformation reflects the way buried family history can surface and change everything.

In this conversation, Teresa discusses how Louisiana folklore shapes the story, why journals let the past speak to the present, and how Nora becomes a resourceful partner and moral anchor for Bucky. She also reflects on the real-life family revelations that informed the book’s emotional core.

At its heart, The Alligator Curse is a story about identity, belonging, and finding a way forward when life becomes unrecognizable. Bucky’s journey offers a powerful reminder: your past doesn’t have to define your future.

If you love supernatural mysteries, Louisiana folklore, humor, and character-driven stories with emotional depth, join us for this episode of Pages to Impact Podcast.