In Episode 25 of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author, speaker, and leadership strategist Tara Jaye Frank to discuss her powerful book You Are Before the World. Tara opens up about her journey through motherhood, career evolution, and personal growth, exploring what it means to reclaim self-worth, set boundaries, and release the emotional labor often carried by helpers and caretakers.

The conversation dives into Tara’s writing process, the importance of authentic connection, and how partnership and communication shape both personal relationships and leadership. Tara also shares insights into her upcoming documentary film, 92: The Silent Revolt, which examines the collective experience of Black women in the aftermath of the 2016 election and the ongoing fight for visibility, sovereignty, and systemic change.

This episode is a compelling exploration of identity, leadership, and empowerment—encouraging listeners to prioritize themselves, honor their voices, and step fully into their power.

What We're Talking About...

• You Are Before the World reinforces the importance of self-prioritization without guilt.
• True fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from what we place our trust in.
• Helpers and caregivers often carry the emotional burden of others’ expectations and perceptions.
• Cultivating self-worth is essential for mental health, leadership, and overall well-being.
• Writing and creative expression can be powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.
• Healthy partnerships are necessary to create balance in relationships, careers, and family life.
• Open and honest communication is critical for navigating challenges together.
• Reclaiming personal sovereignty is a vital act of self-care and boundary-setting.
• The documentary 92: The Silent Revolt explores the collective experience of Black women after the 2016 election.
• Burnout is harmful and must be acknowledged and addressed at both individual and community levels.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:51 Lessons from Maya Angelou

09:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery

13:53 Navigating Motherhood and Expectations

18:41 The Importance of Partnership

23:02 The Title and Theme of the Book

26:55 The 92 Project Film Discussion

31:31 The Power of Trust and Authenticity

32:01 Celebrating Black Women's Stories and Experiences

Links Mentioned

Tara Jaye Frank's website: http://www.tarajayefrank.com/books

The 92 Project: https://www.ikoni.org/92-project

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children’s author and activist Jess Hernandez to discuss her latest picture book, I Want to Dance in Pants. Jess explores the book’s playful yet powerful message about comfort, identity, and self-expression, and how these themes resonate with both children and parents.

The conversation also dives into Jess’s work as an advocate for free speech and her opposition to book bans and censorship, highlighting why it’s critical to teach children to use their voices in today’s political and cultural climate. Jess shares how creativity and community engagement can drive meaningful change, even in challenging times, and offers a glimpse into her upcoming writing projects and the broader impact of her work.

What We're Talking About...

• Jess Hernandez’s children’s book I Want to Dance in Pants addresses sensory processing disorder and encourages self-expression in kids.
• Allowing children to wear what makes them comfortable supports confidence, autonomy, and emotional well-being.
• Activism can take many forms, including writing children’s books, storytelling, and community engagement.
• Teaching children about democracy, free speech, and their rights is essential in today’s political climate.
• Small actions—such as writing postcards or speaking up locally—can create meaningful change.
• Community building plays a critical role in sustaining activism and mutual support.
• Creative expression, like sidewalk chalk messages and art, can be powerful tools for education and awareness.
• Jess Hernandez’s advocacy work is deeply personal and shaped by her family’s lived experiences.
• The publishing industry continues to face challenges, including book bans, censorship, and market uncertainty.
• Jess writes stories that help “reparent” her younger self while empowering the next generation of readers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jess Hernandez

03:22 The Story Behind 'I Want to Dance in Pants'

05:13 Navigating Sensory Processing and Parenting

11:27 Activism and Book Promotion in a Challenging Climate

17:21 Community Engagement and Local Activism

23:08 Creative Expression and Future Projects

29:49 Empowering Voices and Creative Expression

30:15 The Importance of Sharing Stories and Resources

Links Mentioned

Jess Hernandez's website: http://jesshernandezwrites.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Brittany Penner, author of the powerful memoir Children Like Us. Brittany shares her personal story as an Indigenous child adopted during the Sixties Scoop, offering an intimate look at how displacement, identity, and intergenerational trauma shaped her life.

Their conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, motherhood, and belonging, as well as how Brittany’s upbringing influenced her journey to becoming a doctor. She also discusses the role of storytelling in healing, reclaiming Indigenous identity, and challenging systems that silence lived experience. This episode is a thoughtful discussion on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of memoir to reclaim one’s narrative.

What We're Talking About...

• Children Like Us chronicles Brittany Penner’s experience as an Indigenous child affected by the Sixties Scoop.
• The Sixties Scoop resulted in profound loss of culture, identity, and community for Indigenous children across Canada.
• Brittany reflects on family instability and loss, and how these dynamics shaped her sense of belonging.
• Intergenerational trauma remains a deeply rooted and ongoing issue within Indigenous families and communities.
• Regular family gatherings did not always provide emotional stability or safety during Brittany’s childhood.
• Animals, particularly cats, offered comfort, consistency, and emotional connection during times of upheaval.
• Reconnecting with her biological family brought moments of joy alongside emotional complexity and healing.
• A compassionate physician inspired Brittany’s path to becoming a doctor, reshaping her relationship with care and trust.
• Motherhood prompted deeper reflection on her upbringing, identity, and cycles of trauma and healing.
• Brittany underscores the power of memoir and storytelling as tools for reclaiming identity and owning one’s narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 The Impact of the 60s Scoop

05:33 Family Dynamics and Loss

08:49 Intergenerational Trauma

11:33 The Role of Pets in Healing

13:53 Reconnecting with Biological Family

16:39 Navigating Identity and Caretaking

21:06 Becoming a Doctor

24:06 Motherhood and New Beginnings

27:16 Supportive Relationships

30:43 Facing Naysayers

33:48 Reflections on Storytelling

36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:22 Courage in Sharing Personal Stories

Links Mentioned

Brittany Penner's website: https://brittanypenner.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Gary J. Walters, the longest-serving Chief Usher of the White House, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at life inside America’s most famous residence. In discussing his book White House Stories, Gary shares what it truly means to serve as Chief Usher, working closely with multiple presidential families and safeguarding the traditions, operations, and history of the White House.

The conversation explores Gary’s personal relationships with presidents and first families, unforgettable moments from his decades of service, and how the White House staff maintains continuity during presidential transitions. Gary also reflects on pivotal moments in American history—including 9/11—and the emotional responsibility of preserving stability during times of national crisis.

Drawing from his book, Gary reveals the human stories behind the presidency, offering rare insight into the people, protocols, and passion that keep the White House running.

What We're Talking About...

• The episode discusses Gary Walters’s book, White House Stories, which shares the human side of the presidency and untold behind-the-scenes moments from inside the White House.
• Gary J. Walters served as Chief Usher of the White House from 1986 to 2007, making him the longest-serving Chief Usher in U.S. history.
• The Chief Usher’s role is to ensure the White House functions not just as a workplace, but as a home for presidential families.
• Each president and first family brings a unique lifestyle and leadership style to life inside the White House.
• Gary meticulously documented his experiences, creating a rare historical record of daily life behind the scenes.
• The White House represents American history, heritage, and continuity, beyond politics and administrations.
• Building personal relationships with presidents and first families is essential to successfully serving as Chief Usher.
• Memorable moments include private interactions with world leaders and global dignitaries inside the White House.
• Preserving White House history and traditions is a core responsibility of the Chief Usher and staff.
• Presidential transitions require detailed planning and institutional knowledge to maintain stability and continuity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gary Walters

01:00 The Role of Chief Usher

03:09 Bridging Political Changes

06:06 Personal Connections with Presidents

08:54 Memorable Experiences and Stories

12:00 Documenting History

14:50 Reflections on the White House

18:01 The Importance of Preservation

20:57 Personal Moments and Family

23:55 Challenges of Transitioning Administrations

26:52 Significant Historical Events

30:09 The Legacy of the Chief Usher

Links Mentioned

Purchase White House Stories: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/white-house-memories-1970-2007-recollections-of-the-longest-serving-chief-usher?srsltid=AfmBOopeOTn0KDXprk7fBcEeojaKqGw_1keXwyFDwrNery8D7dpnzXt1

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Julie Doar to discuss her debut cozy mystery novel, The Gallagher Place. Julie shares the inspiration behind the book, exploring themes of family drama, hidden secrets, and small-town intrigue. She opens up about her unconventional path to publication—from working as a Starbucks barista to becoming a published author—and how her experience as a middle school teacher influences her writing and character development. The conversation dives into the cozy mystery genre, Julie’s writing process, and the realities of writing and publishing a first novel. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers, cozy mystery fans, and readers curious about the journey from idea to bookshelf.

What We're Talking About...

• Author Julie Doar drew inspiration for The Gallagher Place from her childhood growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley.
• The Gallagher Place blends family drama with a compelling cozy mystery at its core.
• Julie discusses how discipline and consistency in writing—shaped by her career as a middle school teacher—are essential to finishing a novel.
• Characters often evolve organically during the writing process, revealing depth as the story unfolds.
• The novel explores powerful themes of family secrets, personal trauma, and emotional healing.
• Julie’s teaching experience directly influences her writing style, structure, and character development.
• She shares her unexpected yet fulfilling journey from Starbucks barista to published author.
• Readers connect deeply with the book’s realistic family dynamics and relationships.
• Julie hopes to inspire her students and aspiring writers to pursue their creative goals.
• Future projects from Julie Doar will continue to explore mystery, relationships, and complex family dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie Doar and Her Debut Novel

02:51 The Setting and Inspiration Behind The Gallagher Place

06:05 Exploring Themes of Family Drama and Mystery

08:48 Julie Doar's Journey as a Teacher and Writer

11:42 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication

14:52 Crafting Plot Twists and Character Development

17:51 Life Experiences: From Barista to Author

20:48 Character Inspirations and Family Dynamics

23:40 Upcoming Projects and Future Works

Links Mentioned

Julie Doar's website: http://juliedoarwriter.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Becca Freeman, author of The Christmas Orphans Club, to explore the power of friendship, found family, and what it means to create connection during the holidays. Becca opens up about her journey to becoming an author, the creative process behind her debut novel, and how her background in podcasting shaped her approach to storytelling.

Together, they dive into the emotional complexities of adult friendships, chosen family, and the loneliness that can surface during the holiday season. Freeman offers an honest look at writing with heart, navigating personal growth through creativity, and why stories about connection resonate so deeply, especially during the holidays.

What We're Talking About...

• The Christmas Orphans Club celebrates friendship, found family, and chosen community, especially during the holidays.
• Becca Freeman’s unconventional path to becoming an author shows how creative careers don’t follow a single blueprint.
• Friendship breakups can be as emotionally painful and life-altering as romantic breakups.
• The book explores how adult friendships change and evolve over time, reflecting real-life experiences.
• Becca’s background in podcasting helped build the confidence she needed to pursue fiction writing.
• The creative writing process doesn’t have to be rigid—spontaneity and flexibility can lead to meaningful stories.
• Creating your own holiday traditions can be empowering, especially for those without traditional family structures.
• Many readers turn to comfort reads during stressful or overwhelming seasons, particularly around the holidays.
• The Christmas Orphans Club captures the emotional complexity of modern, adult friendships with honesty and depth.
• Becca shares that her next novel will move beyond Christmas themes while still embracing a winter setting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Book

04:16 Becca's Journey to Authorship

07:12 The Evolution of the Bad on Paper Podcast

10:25 The Concept Behind The Christmas Orphans Club

13:26 Themes of Friendship and Found Family

16:25 Exploring the Depths of Friendship

19:21 The Role of Technology in Friendships

22:22 The Balance of Humor and Seriousness in Writing

25:19 The Anticipation of Becca's Next Book

31:26 The Joy of Reading and Friendship

31:55 Cherishing Connections and Traditions

Links Mentioned

Becca Freeman's Substack: https://beccafreeman.substack.com/

Becca Freeman's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccamfreeman/

Bad on Paper Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-on-paper/id1364764784

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling thriller author Lisa Unger to discuss her latest novel, The Kill Clause. Unger explores the central themes of the psychological thriller, her writing process, and how extensive research and character development shape her suspenseful storytelling.

The conversation also delves into the influence of motherhood on Unger’s work, the emotional connection between authors and readers, and the realities of building a long-term writing career. Unger shares insights into creating complex characters, balancing creativity with discipline, and navigating the joys and challenges of life as a bestselling author.

Listeners also get a preview of Unger’s upcoming book, Served Him Right, and a behind-the-scenes look at what inspires her gripping, character-driven thrillers.

What We're Talking About...

• The Kill Clause is a holiday-set psychological thriller filled with suspense, dark themes, and unexpected twists.
• Lisa Unger discusses why she’s drawn to exploring darker subject matter in her thriller novels.
• In-depth research into human psychology plays a critical role in how Unger builds tension and believable characters.
• Unger shares how motherhood has influenced her writing process, creativity, and perspective as an author.
• Many of Unger’s characters are shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and real-life observations.
• The author emphasizes the importance of reader feedback and the meaningful connection between writers and their audience.
• For Unger, success as a writer means continuous growth, learning, and creative improvement.
• The relationship between author and reader is deeply personal and central to powerful storytelling.
• Unger teases her upcoming novel, Served Him Right, scheduled for release in March.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Thriller Genre

01:02 Exploring the Writing Process and Themes

01:24 Introduction to Lisa Unger

04:19 The Art of Writing Thrillers

07:31 Researching the Dark Side

10:15 Family Life and Writing

13:29 Exploring Genres and Themes

16:22 The Writing Process and Inspiration

18:12 The Creative Process of Writing

20:04 Character Development and Voice

21:29 Themes of Isolation and Connection

24:29 The Journey of a Writer

27:17 The Author-Reader Relationship

30:33 Impact of Literature on Readers

32:28 Upcoming Works and Author Engagement

Links Mentioned

Lisa Unger's website: lisaunger.com

In this solo episode, Michelle Glogovac pulls back the curtain on her unexpected path as an author—from the twists in traditional publishing to the moments that forced her to bet on herself. She talks candidly about what it really takes to navigate this industry, why the relationship with your agent should feel like a partnership (not a guessing game), and how crucial it is to honor the work authors pour into their books. Through her own experience, Michelle reminds writers to trust their instincts, advocate for their careers, and never forget to show gratitude for the people who help bring stories into the world.

What We're Talking About...

• You’re the one steering your writing career—no one else gets to hold the pen.
• You have full permission to write the stories you want to write.
• No publisher, no agent, no algorithm will market your book like you will.
• Feeling alone in the publishing process is normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
• You can build the writing life you want; nothing is off-limits.
• Know what you want in an agent—and don’t settle for less.
• There’s zero shame in changing agents when the relationship no longer fits.
• Publishing is a roller coaster; expect the highs and the gut punches.
• Showing gratitude to authors—and acknowledging their work—is essential.
• Your future is yours to shape, and you get to decide what happens next.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of an Author

03:34 Navigating Challenges in Publishing

05:57 Embracing Change and New Opportunities

06:16 Taking Charge of Your Writing Career

09:12 The Importance of Persistence and Self-Promotion

12:09 Gratitude for Authors and Creators

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children’s book author and filmmaker Leigh Marino to explore the creative journey behind her beloved holiday book To Be a Christmas Tree and its upcoming animated film adaptation. Leigh opens up about the emotional roots of the story, the role Christmas trees play in shaping family traditions, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool for helping children connect with their feelings.

Michelle and Leigh also discuss the transition from writing children’s books to directing animation, the collaborative process of bringing a story to the screen, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. Leigh shares how fans can support the project through crowdfunding, offering listeners a chance to help bring this heartfelt Christmas story to life.

What We're Talking About...

• To Be a Christmas Tree highlights the deep emotional connection families have with Christmas trees and holiday traditions.
• The book serves as a meaningful resource for helping children navigate grief, loss, and big emotions.
• Leigh Marino’s unexpected journey from filmmaker to children’s book author showcases the fulfillment of following creative passions.
• The upcoming animated film adaptation blends live-action and animation to bring the story to life in a unique way.
• Crowdfunding support is crucial for the film’s production, offering special incentives and behind-the-scenes access for contributors.
• The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling to help children and families connect more deeply with their emotions.
• Leigh’s background in film school and filmmaking strongly influences her creative process and visual storytelling.
• The book encourages families to reflect on their own Christmas traditions and the memories tied to their holiday trees.
• Leigh’s evolution as a creator highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing artistic work later in life.
• The conversation underscores how children’s literature can evoke powerful feelings and foster meaningful connections across generations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leigh Marino and Her Work

04:18 The Inspiration Behind 'To Be a Christmas Tree'

07:16 The Emotional Connection to Christmas Trees

10:25 Transitioning from Book to Film

13:16 Leigh's Journey in Film and Writing

22:07 The Power of Storytelling and Emotional Connection

25:21 Crowdfunding for the Film Project

30:13 The Gift of Storytelling

31:08 Celebrating Christmas Traditions

Links Mentioned

To Be A Christmas Tree film website: https://www.tobeachristmastreefilm.com/

Instagram: @christmastreefilm

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac explores the joys and benefits of joining or starting a book club. Michelle shares her personal experiences as a reader and book-club participant, offering practical tips on how to create a fun, engaging, and meaningful space for discussion. She highlights the power of community, the simplicity of organizing a book club, and creative theme ideas that make each gathering unique. Michelle encourages listeners to dive into the world of book clubs and discover how reading together can spark connection, conversation, and lasting friendships.

What We're Talking About...

• Book clubs are easy to start and offer a simple, enjoyable way to connect with others.
• A fun, welcoming atmosphere increases engagement and keeps members coming back.
• Creative themes can elevate the book club experience and make meetings more memorable.
• Book clubs help build community and foster meaningful conversations.
• Reading together offers both an escape and a way to form deeper connections.
• Authors gain increased visibility and discoverability when their books are chosen by book clubs.
• Book clubs can explore a wide range of themes—from holidays to classic literature and more.
• It’s okay if members don’t finish the book; the focus is on community and conversation.
• Fun activities, prompts, or discussion games can make meetings more interactive.
• Book clubs are a powerful way to introduce children to reading, community, and shared values.

Chapters

00:00 The Joy of Book Clubs

03:42 Creating a Fun and Engaging Book Club

06:31 Themed Book Club Ideas

09:39 Building Community Through Reading

12:30 Encouragement to Start Your Own Book Club