In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Nanda Reddy about her debut novel, A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl. They discuss the themes of immigration, identity, and trauma, as well as the writing process and the importance of representation in literature. Nanda shares her personal connection to the story and the challenges she faced during her journey to publication, highlighting the collaborative nature of writing and the role of research in crafting her narrative. The conversation concludes with insights into Nanda's future projects and her passion for storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• Nanda's book explores the complexities of identity and immigration.
• The story reflects real-life issues faced by many immigrants today.
• Writing can be a cathartic process, revealing unexpected truths.
• Representation in literature is crucial for diverse voices.
• The writing process often involves collaboration and feedback.
• Research plays a vital role in creating authentic narratives.
• Nanda's personal experiences influenced her storytelling.
• The journey to publication can be long and challenging.
• Nanda's next book continues to explore important themes.
• The importance of community in the writing process is emphasized.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Overview 04:36 Themes of Identity and Immigration 07:10 Writing Process and Personal Connection 10:23 Exploring Difficult Topics 13:28 Representation in Literature 16:25 The Role of Research and Collaboration 19:10 Publishing Journey and Editing Process 22:29 Future Projects and Conclusion 29:27 Introduction to Nanda's Journey 29:27 The Writing Process Behind the Book

Links Mentioned

Nanda Reddy’s Website

http://www.nandareddy.com

Nanda Reddy’s Instagram https://instagram.com/nandareddyauthor

A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl by Nanda Reddy

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9798989532513

In this episode of My Simplified Life, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith discuss various life updates, delve into literary discussions, and share insights from the Ruby Frankie documentary. They explore the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, the impact of authors' backgrounds on their writing, and the significance of parenting lessons derived from documentaries. The conversation also touches on celebrity encounters, aspirations, and upcoming events, culminating in a light-hearted wrap-up of future topics to explore.

What We're Talking About...

• Books can bring awareness to ongoing issues.
• Trust your gut when it comes to people.
• Documentaries can provide valuable lessons for children.
• Recognizing red flags is crucial in relationships.
• Celebrity encounters can inspire personal aspirations.
• Literary discussions can lead to deeper insights.
• Parenting involves teaching children about trust and deception.
• It's important to have goals and dreams.
• Sharing experiences can create a therapeutic space

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:40 Celebrating Pi Day and Literary Character Day 06:32 The Importance of Relevant Literature 09:30 Authors with Diverse Backgrounds 12:45 The Ruby Frankie Documentary Discussion 15:46 Exploring the Tradwife Phenomenon 18:35 Consequences of Child Abuse and Parental Responsibility 21:14 The Dark Side of Fame: A Cautionary Tale 24:37 Spotting Deception: Teaching Kids to Trust Their Instincts 26:50 Learning from History: The Impact of Parental Influence 29:29 The Consequences of Toxic Relationships 31:44 Navigating Mental Health and Parenting 33:32 Celebrating Literary Joys: Positive Reads and Connections 38:14 Dreams and Aspirations: Meeting Influential Figures

In this conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Rhonda Foxx discuss the importance of women's voices in politics, the creation of the Persist network, and the need for civic engagement. Rhonda shares her experiences running for Congress and the challenges women face in political spaces. They emphasize the significance of grassroots organizing and the power of community in advocating for change. The conversation highlights the role of education in civic engagement and the necessity for women to support one another in their political endeavors.

What We're Talking About

• The Persist network aims to keep women connected and politically engaged.
• Women need to be encouraged to run for office and take leadership roles.
• Civic education is crucial for empowering future generations.
• Politics affects every aspect of our lives, making engagement essential.
• Grassroots organizing can lead to significant change in communities.
• Women often need to be asked multiple times to run for office.
• Political campaigns can be grueling and require resilience.
• Community building is vital for sustaining political movements.
• Advocacy and calling representatives can influence political decisions.
• The future of women's representation depends on collective action and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Women's Voices 02:50 The Persist Network: Building a Coalition 05:48 The Role of Politics in Everyday Life 09:03 Civic Engagement and Education 12:04 Running for Office: Rhonda's Experience 18:00 The Challenges of Political Campaigning 20:52 Engagement and Advocacy: The Power of the People 25:11 Future of Persist and Community Building

Links Mentioned

The Persist Network on Instagram

‌https://instagram.com/ThePersistNetwork 

The Persist Network on BlueSky

https://bsky.app/profile/thepersistnetwork.bsky.social

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith interview author Stephanie Wrobel about her latest novel, The Hitchcock Hotel. The conversation delves into the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on Wrobel's writing, the complexities of artistic admiration, and the exploration of unlikable characters in psychological thrillers. Wrobel shares her journey to becoming an author, her thoughts on the future of her writing, and the delicate balance between reading and writing. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of storytelling and the intricacies of human behavior.

What We're Talking About

• The Hitchcock Hotel is a thrilling homage to Hitchcock's films.
• Wrobel's journey into Hitchcock's filmography was a deep dive.
• The book explores the duality of Hitchcock's legacy.
• Artistic admiration can be complicated by an artist's personal flaws.
• Unlikable characters are essential in psychological thrillers.
• Wrobel's writing journey began with an MFA program.
• The future of her writing may include speculative fiction.
• Reading widely influences a writer's craft.
• The balance between reading and writing is crucial for authors.
• Understanding human motivations is a central theme in Wrobel's work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Authors and Their Work 04:15 Diving into The Hitchcock Hotel 07:11 Exploring Hitchcock's Influence and Legacy 10:15 The Dichotomy of Art and Artist 13:15 Understanding Unlikable Characters in Thrillers 18:35 The Journey to Writing Thrillers 21:14 Understanding Human Motivations 25:21 Career Path and Writing Journey 27:09 Exploring New Genres 31:15 The Writing Process and Idea Generation 36:21 Exploring The Hitchcock Hotel 36:49 Interview with Stephanie: The Author's Perspective

Links Mentioned

Stephanie Wrobel’s Website

www.stephaniewrobel.com

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593547113

Stephanie Wrobel’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/stephaniewrobel

In this episode of My Simplified Life, the Booked & Unfiltered Wednesday series, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Steph Hockersmith discuss the importance of self-care, the power of reading, and the challenges of parenting. They explore various genres of literature, the significance of diverse voices in books, and the role of literature in navigating difficult times. The conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on life, parenting, and the joy of reading.

What We're Talking About

• Your past and present don't define your future.
• Self-care is essential for balancing responsibilities.
• Books can build empathy and understanding.
• All books, regardless of genre, hold value.
• Literature can be a powerful tool for change.
• Encouraging children to read is vital.
• Diverse literature helps everyone feel seen.
• Reading can be both an escape and a source of knowledge.
• Parenting comes with its own set of challenges and joys.
• Conversations about books can lead to deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for New Format 03:40 Self-Care and Balancing Responsibilities 06:35 The Power of Books and Empathy 09:35 Reading for Joy vs. Reading for Work 12:36 Diverse Reading Preferences and Genres 15:40 The Importance of Literature in Today's World 18:38 Encouraging Reading in Children 23:23 Aging and the Illusion of Adulthood 30:08 Parenting Realities and Dance Parties 36:39 Book Club Discussions and Literary Insights

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Dr. Samra Zafar, a physician, author of Unconditional, and advocate for women's empowerment. Dr. Zafar shares her inspiring journey from being a child bride in a forced marriage to becoming a successful doctor and author. The conversation delves into themes of overcoming adversity, the importance of storytelling in personal growth, navigating relationships, and empowering the next generation. Dr. Zafar emphasizes the need for education and awareness around gender roles and the impact of trauma, while also encouraging listeners to take action in their own lives.

What We're Talking About

• Your past doesn't define your future.
• Overcoming adversity is possible with determination.
• Storytelling can make personal growth relatable.
• Empowering the next generation is crucial.
• Recognizing red flags in relationships is essential.
• Education is key to breaking cycles of abuse.
• Women should not give away their autonomy.
• Abuse can take many forms, not just physical.
• Healthy relationships are built on partnership, not competition.
• Engaging in conversations about gender roles is necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Samra Zafar 05:22 The Journey of Overcoming Adversity 14:01 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 21:09 Empowering Women and Challenging Societal Norms 27:33 The Importance of Education and Role Models 33:59 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 34:58 Empowerment Through Storytelling

Links Mentioned

Unconditional by Dr. Samra Zafar

https://a.co/d/8byk9p5 A Good Wife by Dr. Samra Zafar

https://a.co/d/hZEQAWE Dr. Samra Zafar’s Website

www.samrazafar.com

Dr. Samra Zafar’s Instagram https://instagram.com/iamsamrazafar

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews author Jacqueline Friedland about her new novel, Counting Backwards. The conversation delves into the book's themes of women's rights, immigration, and the historical context of reproductive rights in America. Jacqueline shares her personal journey from being an attorney to becoming a novelist, highlighting the importance of storytelling in raising social awareness. The discussion also touches on the relevance of the book in today's society and Jacqueline's aspirations for future projects.

What We're Talking About

• The book Counting Backwards addresses critical issues of women's rights and immigration.
• Jacqueline Friedland's journey from attorney to author reflects her passion for storytelling.
• The historical context of reproductive rights is crucial to understanding current events.
• Writing can serve as a powerful tool for social awareness and empathy.
• The dual timeline in the book connects past injustices to present-day issues.
• Jacqueline's research revealed the alarming history of sterilization in the U.S.
• The importance of speaking up about injustices is emphasized throughout the conversation.
• Jacqueline hopes her book will galvanize readers to advocate for reproductive rights.
• The conversation highlights the need for awareness of immigration policies and their impact.
• Jacqueline's next project explores the pressures faced by college athletes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jacqueline Friedland 02:58 The Story Behind Counting Backwards 08:19 Reproductive Rights and Current Issues 13:38 From Law to Literature: Jacqueline's Journey 20:48 The Impact of 'Counting Backwards' and Future Projects 29:20 Introduction to Social Issues and Advocacy

Links Mentioned

Jacquieline Friedland’s Website

www.jacquelinefriedland.com

Jacqueline Friedland’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jackiefriedland/

Counting Backwards by Jacquieline Friedland

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781400347308

This is the inaugural book club meeting of Books That Build which was livestreamed. Michelle is joined by Sami Sage who discusses her journey as a co-founder of Betches Media, co-author of Democracy In Retrograde and the importance of making news accessible to younger audiences. Sami emphasizes the connection between politics and culture, and how civic engagement can serve as a form of self-care. The discussion also covers the significance of local involvement in politics, navigating conversations across political divides, and the role of community in enhancing personal well-being. Michelle and Sami also talk about the challenges of teaching children about complex social issues, the collaborative process of writing Sami's book, and share insights on the cultural phenomenon of the show White Lotus. 

What We're Talking About

• Sami Sage is a co-founder of Betches Media, focusing on millennial and Gen Z audiences.
• Betches News aims to make news consumption accessible and relatable.
• Politics and culture are intertwined, influencing public perception and engagement.
• Civic engagement is a form of self-care, fostering community connections.
• Local involvement in politics can have a significant impact on daily lives.
• Resistance can take many forms, and small actions can lead to meaningful change.
• The old political systems are being rejected, necessitating new approaches.
• Conversations across political divides require patience and understanding.
• Building community connections enhances personal well-being and social fabric.
• Living in accordance with one's values leads to a richer life. Racism and other biases are learned behaviors from parents.
• It's crucial to teach kids about complex issues at an age-appropriate level.
• Encouraging kids to ask questions helps them form their own opinions.
• Parents should instill values that counteract negative societal messages.
• The experiences of millennials and Gen Z shape their perspectives in unique ways.
• Not all children raised in a certain environment are hopeless causes.
• It's beneficial for children to know more about the world around them.
• Collaboration in writing can be challenging but rewarding.
• Pop culture can reflect and influence societal values and behaviors.
• Engaging with media critically can enhance understanding of social dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Sami Sage 06:05 Democracy in Retrograde: A Self-Help Approach 12:03 The Importance of Local Involvement 17:57 Self-Care Through Community Engagement 26:25 Teaching Kids About Complex Issues 34:06 The Collaborative Writing Process 41:16 Pop Culture Reflections: White Lotus Discussion

Links Mentioned

Betches

American Fever Dream Podcast

Morning Announcements Podcast

Sami Sage on Instagram

Democracy In Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick

​

In this engaging conversation, Lisa Montanaro shares her journey from a legal career to becoming a novelist with her debut book, Everything We Thought Was True. The discussion delves into the themes of family dynamics, emotional trauma, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Lisa reflects on her personal experiences that inspired her characters and the emotional truths woven throughout her narrative. The conversation highlights the significance of fiction in fostering understanding and connection among diverse experiences.

What We're Talking About...

• Lisa Montanaro transitioned from law to writing after 9/11.
• Her novel explores the impact of family secrets over generations.
• The book is inspired by her own experiences as a child of a gay parent.
• Fiction can create empathy and understanding for different perspectives.
• The characters in the book are composites of real-life experiences.
• Lisa's writing process involved journaling and personal reflection.
• The emotional core of the story is based on truth, but the narrative is fictionalized.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in the story's development.
• Lisa's relationship with her brother influenced the sibling dynamics in the book.
• The book includes a book club kit with recipes and playlists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 04:22 The Journey to Writing a Novel 10:45 Exploring the Themes of the Book 17:54 Character Connections and Personal Reflections 24:57 Family Dynamics and Emotional Truths 30:59 Empathy Through Fiction and Closing Thoughts

Links Mentioned

Lisa Montanaro's Website

www.LisaMontanaroWrites.com Lisa Montanaro's Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/LisaMontanaroAuthor

Lisa Montanaro's Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/lisa.montanaro/ Lisa Montanaro's Threads 

https://www.threads.net/@lisa.montanaro Lisa Montanaro's BlueSky 

https://lisamontanaro.bsky.social Lisa Montanaro's Amazon Author Central 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Montanaro/author/B00585O2TC Lisa Montanaro's Goodreads 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4985348.Lisa_Montanaro Lisa Montanaro's BookBub 

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/786071194

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Angela Brown reconnect to discuss Angela's latest novel, Some Other Time. They explore the themes of the book, including the Butterfly Effect, the complexities of motherhood, and the importance of identity beyond being a parent. Angela shares her writing process and the challenges of creating relatable characters, while also reflecting on the significance of simple living and the choices that shape our lives.

What We're Talking About...

• Angela Brown is the author of Some Other Time.
• The book explores the theme of the Butterfly Effect.
• Ellie Baker, the protagonist, faces a turning point in her life.
• The story examines the impact of choices on relationships.
• Motherhood and identity are central themes in the book.
• Angela draws inspiration from her own experiences as a mother.
• Communication in relationships is crucial for understanding.
• The importance of valuing simple moments in life is emphasized.
• Angela is currently working on a new book with fresh themes.
• The writing process can be unpredictable and requires flexibility.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Celebrating New Work 03:07 Exploring the Themes of 'Some Other Time' 05:55 The Butterfly Effect and Life Choices 08:56 Identity and the Role of a Stay-at-Home Parent 12:05 Navigating Change and Grief in Motherhood 14:59 Communication and Relationships 18:05 The Importance of Simple Living 21:04 The Writing Process and Future Projects

Links Mentioned

Angela Brown's Website

http://www.AngelaBrownBooks.com

Angela Brown's Instagram

https://instagram.com/AngelaBrownBooks 

Some Other Time by Angela Brown

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781662516368