In this gripping episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with acclaimed author Clémence Michallon to discuss her new psychological thriller, Our Last Resort. They dive into the art of writing crime fiction, how Clémence’s journalism background shapes her storytelling, and the chilling appeal of cults, suspense, and isolated settings. Clémence offers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, the emotional depth required to build complex characters, and the unique challenges of writing a second novel. From the symbolic role of animals to the haunting backdrop of a desert hotel, this conversation unpacks the layers of what makes Our Last Resort a must-read.

What We're Talking About

• Clémence Michallon is an author known for her thrillers.
• Her new novel, Our Last Resort, explores themes of family and crime.
• The book features a cult aspect that adds depth to the story.
• Researching cults was a significant part of her writing process.
• Cults often prey on people's good qualities and desires for belonging.
• The setting of a desert hotel plays a crucial role in the narrative.
• Animals in her stories symbolize deeper human emotions and connections.
• Her background in journalism informs her character development.
• Empathy is essential in both journalism and fiction writing.
• The sophomore novel presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Signature Style 01:15 Meet the Author: Clémence Michallon 02:05 Exploring Our Last Resort and Its Themes 04:08 Researching Cults: A Fascination with the Unusual 08:39 The Intersection of Crime and Character 15:26 From Journalism to Fiction: A Writer's Journey 20:16 The Complexity of True Crime and Empathy 25:28 The Sophomore Novel: Challenges and Growth

Links Mentioned

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755766/our-last-resort-by-clemence-michallon/

Clémence Michallon on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clemencemichallon/

Clémence Michallon on Substack https://clemencemichallon.substack.com/

Clémence Michallon’s Website https://www.clemencemichallon.com/

In this urgent conversation, Congressman Eric Swalwell breaks down what’s at stake with the so-called “Big Fugly Bill” currently making its way through Congress. He exposes the real consequences—skyrocketing healthcare and energy costs, corporate giveaways, and devastating impacts on everyday Americans. Swalwell makes it clear: this bill is wildly unpopular for a reason. He calls on all of us to stay engaged, get loud, and pressure our representatives to vote no before it’s too late.

What We're Talking About...

• The 'fugly bill' is facing significant opposition in Congress.
• Republicans are struggling to gather enough votes to pass the bill.
• The bill could lead to millions losing their healthcare.
• Cuts to healthcare will affect everyone, not just those on Medicaid.
• Rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to the bill.
• The bill is seen as a favor to wealthy donors rather than constituents.
• Public engagement is crucial in influencing representatives' votes.
• Every call to a representative matters in this tight vote.
• The bill's unpopularity is widespread across party lines.
• Coalition-building is essential to oppose harmful legislation.

Chapters

00:00 The Fugly Bill: An Overview 03:02 The Impact of Healthcare Cuts 05:52 Mobilizing Public Action Against the Bill

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith dive into the unspoken pressure readers face in a world obsessed with speed and quantity. From the guilt of not finishing a book (DNF) to the blurred lines between genuine reviews and influencer content, they unpack how hustle culture is infiltrating the literary world.

Michelle and Steph get real about balancing reading for work vs. reading for joy, why timing is everything when it comes to picking up the right book, and how mixing up your reading routine can reignite the spark. Plus, a fun wrap-up on dream book merch—because who wouldn't want a tote that says “Read The Damn Book”?

What We're Talking About...

• The pressure to read can be overwhelming, especially with so many new releases.
• It's important to find books that resonate with you personally.
• Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore or competition.
• DNFing a book doesn't mean you failed; it means you're honoring your reading journey.
• Everyone has different preferences and opinions about books.
• Reading is a personal experience and should be tailored to individual needs.
• Book reviews should reflect genuine engagement with the material.
• Mixing up genres can enhance the reading experience and prevent burnout.
• It's okay to prioritize reading for pleasure over professional obligations.
• Merchandising ideas can stem from a love for books and reading. 

Chapters

00:00 The Pressure to Read All the Books 06:02 The DNF Debate: When to Put a Book Down 11:47 Balancing Reading for Pleasure and Work 18:03 Mixing Up Your Reading Routine 23:56 The Future of Book Merchandising

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Brooke Lea Foster to discuss her latest novel, Our Last Vineyard Summer. Brooke dives into the world of historical beach fiction, sharing how real-life inspirations, women's experiences, and personal growth shape her storytelling. She opens up about her transition from journalism to fiction, the creative writing process, and the power of relationships in overcoming life’s challenges. The conversation also explores how politics continue to impact women’s rights, highlighting the ongoing struggles women face today. Whether you're a fan of women’s fiction, historical novels, or looking for your next summer read, this episode offers deep insight into Foster's work and the themes that resonate with readers.

What We're Talking About...

• Brooke's book is categorized as historical beach fiction.
• The setting of Martha's Vineyard plays a significant role in the story.
• Women in the 60s and 70s faced struggles similar to those today.
• Books can help us understand past and present issues.
• The importance of women's relationships in personal growth is highlighted.
• Brooke's transition from journalism to fiction was inspired by her experiences on Martha's Vineyard.
• The creative process often involves daydreaming and listening to one's inner voice.
• Brooke emphasizes the need for women to ask for what they need.
• The book explores the impact of politics on women's lives.
• Brooke's next project will be set in the 80s, continuing her exploration of women's stories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Garden Party Excitement 02:26 Brooke's Journey from Journalism to Novelist 04:15 Exploring Historical Beach Fiction 10:23 Women’s Struggles Across Time 16:35 Character Relationships and Feminism 22:14 The Writing Process and Inspirations 28:37 Looking Ahead: Future Projects 31:29 The Power of Books in Understanding Balance 32:00 Empathy Through Literature and Reflection on the Past

Links Mentioned

Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781668034408

Brooke Lea Foster’s Substack: Dear Fiction

https://substack.com/@dearfiction

Brooke Lea Foster on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brookeleafoster/

Senator Cory Booker joins the show to break down the real-world consequences of a controversial bill making its way through Congress. He calls out the massive wealth transfer from working-class Americans to the ultra-wealthy, the looming threat of widespread job losses, and the deep moral failures embedded in the legislation. Senator Booker makes an urgent case for activism, stressing that democracy demands participation—and now is the time to show up and speak out.

What We're Talking About

• The bill represents a significant wealth transfer from the poor to the rich.
• Healthcare costs will increase for millions of Americans.
• The bill could lead to job losses in various sectors.
• Many Americans will lose access to essential services like Medicaid and food stamps.
• Senator Booker believes the bill is morally wrong and un-American.
• Activism is crucial in influencing legislative outcomes.
• The power of the people can challenge those in power.
• Democracy requires active participation from citizens.
• Senator Booker encourages creative protests and activism.
• The consequences of inaction are severe for vulnerable populations.

Chapters

00:00 The Current State of Legislation 03:05 The Moral Implications of the Bill 05:52 Activism and the Power of the People

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Malynda Hale — singer, songwriter, podcast host, activist, and advocate — for a powerful conversation on using your voice to create meaningful change. Malynda opens up about the importance of speaking out on social justice issues, how collective empathy can drive progress, and the realities of facing online criticism as a public figure. The discussion dives into the intersection of Christianity and activism, the role of faith in fighting injustice, and why self-care is essential for anyone doing the work of advocacy. Michelle and Malynda also emphasize the importance of local politics, civic engagement, and recognizing elected officials when they serve their communities well. This inspiring episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to activism, faith-driven leadership, and creating positive change.

What We're Talking About...

• Malynda Hale is a multi-hyphenate artist and activist.
• Collective empathy is crucial for social progress.
• Speaking out is essential for artists and public figures.
• Navigating online criticism requires resilience and self-care.
• Bad theology can harm people and misrepresent Christianity.
• Engaging with local politics is important for community impact.
• Self-care practices help maintain balance in activism.
• Empathy should not be viewed negatively in society.
• Praise elected officials for their good work to encourage them.
• Diversity and understanding other cultures enrich society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 04:14 The Power of Multi-Hyphenate Careers 07:11 Speaking Out in the Industry 10:28 Collective Empathy and Social Justice 13:18 Navigating Hate and Online Criticism 16:07 The Role of Christianity in Politics 19:11 Self-Care and Personal Well-Being 22:07 Engaging with Local Politics 25:19 Conclusion and Call to Action 31:16 The Importance of Advocacy and Friendship 31:46 Supporting Activists and Speaking Out

Links Mentioned

Malynda Hale's Website

malyndahale.com

Malynda Hale on Substack malyndahale.substack.com

Malynda Hale on Instagram instagram.com/malyndahale

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith unpack the latest controversy surrounding bestselling author Ali Hazelwood and the harsh realities of online book discourse. They dive into the complexities of fandom culture, the rise of performative outrage, and how bullying masked as “critique” is eroding empathy in the book community.

Michelle and Steph share why reading the actual book still matters, why we can care about literature and global issues at the same time, and how nuance has all but disappeared from internet conversations. This episode is a rally cry for book lovers who still believe stories can build bridges—and that authors deserve humanity, not harassment.

What We're Talking About...

• Feedback on the Read the Damn Book series is positive.
• It's okay to put down a book you're not enjoying.
• People feel pressure to read certain books in professional settings.
• Online bullying over fictional character preferences is unnecessary.
• Empathy should guide our discussions and disagreements.
• Books can open our eyes to different perspectives.
• The importance of treating authors as human beings.
• Fandom debates can become toxic and unproductive.
• We should focus our energy on real-world issues.
• Reading should be an enjoyable escape, not a source of conflict.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:58 The Importance of Reading and Book Discussions 02:56 Author Ali Hazelwood and Online Criticism 06:01 Team PETA vs. Team Gale: Fandom Debates 09:04 The Impact of Online Bullying and Keyboard Warriors 12:08 Empathy and Understanding in Discussions 15:05 Books vs. Real-World Issues 17:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Jessica Berger Gross to discuss her powerful debut novel, Hazel Says No. Together, they dive into the emotional layers of the story—exploring family dynamics, personal identity, and the complexities of motherhood. Jessica opens up about her transition from memoir to fiction, how her life in Maine inspires her storytelling, and why tackling difficult topics through literature is essential. This insightful conversation reveals the heart behind Hazel Says No and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to craft deeply relatable characters and timely narratives.

What We're Talking About...

• Jessica's debut novel is a significant milestone in her writing career.
• Living in Maine has greatly influenced Jessica's writing and storytelling.
• The importance of exploring each family member's perspective in a narrative.
• Jessica's love for TV and film has shaped her approach to writing fiction.
• Real-life issues such as anti-Semitism and sexual assault are addressed in the book.
• The writing process can be filled with challenges and self-doubt.
• Jessica's son inspired her to pursue writing a novel.
• The transition from memoir to fiction allowed for greater creative freedom.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in the development of characters.
• Jessica is excited about future writing projects and the support from her literary community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Celebration of Publication Day 02:32 Life in Maine and Its Influence on Writing 05:50 Exploring Family Dynamics in 'Hazel Says No' 09:10 Realism in Fiction: Addressing Tough Topics 14:39 The Journey to Writing a Novel 20:14 The Transition from Memoir to Fiction 25:18 The Impact of Family on Creative Pursuits 28:48 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Themes

Links Mentioned

Jessica Berger Gross' Website

http://www.jessicabergergross.com

Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781335015129

In this inspiring episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kate Barr, behavioral scientist turned political candidate and founder of the Can't Win Victory Fund. Kate opens up about what it’s like to run for office in a heavily gerrymandered, unwinnable district—and why she did it anyway. She shares insights into the real impact of gerrymandering on democracy, the innovative strategies behind her campaign, and how she’s working to reimagine politics as a space that’s not only effective, but fun and community-driven. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fair representation, political activism, and creating change—even when the odds are against you.

What We're Talking About...

• Kate Barr's journey into politics was sparked by the 2016 election results.
• Gerrymandering significantly affects electoral outcomes and representation.
• Running a campaign in an unwinnable district can be liberating and impactful.
• Community support is crucial for political candidates, especially in challenging districts.
• Innovative and engaging campaign strategies can resonate with voters.
• The Can't Win Victory Fund aims to support candidates in unwinnable districts.
• Reclaiming the term 'loser' can empower candidates and their supporters.
• Political activism can be fun and community-oriented.
• The importance of educating voters about gerrymandering and its effects.
• Iterative democracy allows for trying new strategies and learning from failures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections 03:00 Kate Barr's Political Journey 05:45 The Impact of Gerrymandering 08:54 Running a Campaign with Honesty 12:10 The Results and Their Significance 14:58 The Can't Win Victory Fund 17:55 The Role of Community and Support 21:01 Innovative Campaign Strategies 23:57 The Future of the Can't Win Victory Fund

Links Mentioned

Can’t Win Victory Fund

http://Www.cantwinvictoryfund.com

The PERSIST Network

www.thepersistnetwork.com

In this thought-provoking episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith (aka Pie Lady Books) dive deep into the world of book influencing, shining a light on what integrity and authenticity really mean in today’s crowded literary landscape. From spotting trustworthy book influencers to discussing the true impact of genuine engagement, Michelle and Steph unpack how staying authentic can shape careers—and conversations—around books.

They explore why quality engagement trumps follower count, how transparent reading habits build community trust, and why emerging voices in the book world shouldn’t underestimate the power of staying true to themselves. Whether you're a reader, author, or aspiring book influencer, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preserving the soul of storytelling and championing diverse, authentic literary voices.

What We're Talking About

• Trust is built through genuine engagement with book influencers.
• Integrity is essential for lasting influence in the literary world.
• Books have the power to change perspectives and foster empathy.
• Authenticity in recommendations is crucial for building trust.
• Emerging voices in the book community should stay true to themselves.
• Quality of engagement matters more than quantity in influencing.
• Reading can provide insights into diverse experiences and cultures.
• Influencers should be transparent about their reading habits.
• The literary world is competitive, but authenticity can set you apart.
• Every voice in the book community matters, regardless of their following.

Chapters

00:00 Summer Reading and Family Activities 03:39 Trusting Book Influencers 06:39 The Role of Integrity in Influencing 09:27 The Impact of Authenticity in Book Recommendations 12:36 The Power of Books and Their Influence 15:29 Navigating the Book Influencer Landscape 18:31 The Importance of Genuine Engagement 21:37 The Responsibility of Influencers 24:35 The Future of Book Influencing