In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Zelly Ruskin about her debut novel, Not Yours to Keep, which explores themes of adoption and infertility. Zelly shares her journey from social worker to author, the emotional realities of adoption, and how societal perspectives on adoption have evolved. The conversation also touches on the impact of politics and mental health on adoption practices, as well as the differences between domestic and international adoption.

What We're Talking About...

• Zelly Ruskin's journey to becoming an author was unexpected.
• The book addresses the complexities of adoption and infertility.
• Real-life experiences shaped the characters and plot of the novel.
• Adoption practices have evolved significantly over the years.
• The importance of understanding the emotional aspects of adoption.
• Political changes can impact adoption laws and practices.
• Mental health plays a crucial role in the adoption process.
• International adoption presents unique challenges compared to domestic adoption.
• The need for empathy and understanding in discussions about adoption.
• Zelly's book aims to educate readers about adoption realities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 11:46 The Evolution of Adoption Practices 21:47 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process 29:45 Contemporary Issues in Adoption and Society 33:38 Introduction to a Gripping Thriller

Links Mentioned

Zelly Ruskin's Website

https://zellyruskin.com/ 

Not Yours To Keep by Zelly Ruskin

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781647427245 

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Jasmin Falk-Dickerson about her memoir, The Last Sandstorm, which chronicles her unique experiences growing up in Saudi Arabia as a child of a Saudi father and an Italian mother. Jasmin discusses her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and her advocacy for social understanding. The conversation touches on the importance of women's rights, the impact of media exposure, and the ongoing struggle for equality in a rapidly changing world. Jasmin emphasizes the need for empathy and connection among individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, and shares her hope for future generations.

What We're Talking About...

• Jasmin's memoir offers a unique perspective on cultural identity.
• Social identity advocacy is about understanding and validating diverse identities.
• Growing up in Saudi Arabia presented challenges of belonging and identity.
• Media exposure during the Gulf War opened Jasmin's eyes to new ideas.
• Marriage was seen as a goal for many girls, but Jasmin sought independence.
• Jasmin's parents were progressive, but societal expectations were traditional.
• The importance of documenting women's stories from underrepresented regions.
• Legal changes in Saudi Arabia regarding women's rights are recent and ongoing.
• The clash of conservative and liberal ideologies is evident in today's society.
• Hope lies in the resilience of the younger generation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson 02:39 Understanding Social Identity Advocacy 04:47 Jasmin's Early Life and Cultural Identity 10:33 Influences of Media and Education 13:43 Marriage and Personal Growth 18:41 Cultural Context and Women's Rights 25:42 The Current Social Climate 28:52 Hope for Future Generations 34:45 The Power of Storytelling

Links Mentioned

Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson's Website

www.jasminfaulkdickerson.com 

Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson's Instagram

https://instagram.com/jasmin.faulk.dickerson 

The Last Sandstorm by Jasmin Faulk-Dickerson

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781667829272 

In this episode of the My Simplified Life podcast, host Michelle Glogovac interviews author Hannah Mary McKinnon, also known as Holly Cassidy. They discuss Hannah's latest romantic comedy, The Christmas Countdown, and explore her unique ability to write in two different genres: thrillers and romantic comedies. The conversation delves into Hannah's Swiss heritage, her writing process, the challenges of balancing writing with family life, and the nostalgia of holiday traditions. Hannah shares her journey from a corporate background to becoming a successful author, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

What We're Talking About

• Hannah Mary McKinnon writes thrillers under her real name and romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy.
• The Christmas Countdown incorporates Swiss traditions and food, reflecting Hannah's heritage.
• Hannah's writing process involves plotting one genre while editing another, but she never writes them concurrently.
• She published her first book at 45, proving it's never too late to start writing.
• Hannah enjoys the creative freedom of writing standalone novels that can be read in any order.
• Balancing writing with family responsibilities can be challenging, especially with three sons at home.
• Hannah's background in accounting helps her manage her writing career and business.
• The influence of living in different countries shapes Hannah's writing and character development.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in holiday traditions, as seen in The Christmas Countdown.
• Hannah emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the writing journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hannah Mary McKinnon 04:43 Diving into Dual Identities: Writing as Hannah Mary and Holly Cassidy 07:36 Swiss Heritage and Its Influence on Writing 10:30 The Craft of Writing: Balancing Thrillers and Romantic Comedies 13:40 The Journey of Becoming a Published Author 16:33 Managing Multiple Genres and Writing Schedules 19:38 From Corporate to Creative: A Personal Transformation 22:35 Reflections on Life, Creativity, and Inspiration 25:34 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors 30:20 Festive Vibes and Holiday Reads

Links Mentioned

Hannah Mary McKinnon's Website

www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com

Holly Cassidy's Website

www.HollyCassidyAuthor.com

Hannah Mary McKinnon's Facebook http://www.facebook.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon

Hannah Mary McKinnon's Instagram http://www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon

Hannah Mary McKinnon on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144570.Hannah_Mary_McKinnon

Holly Cassidy on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/14735007.Holly_Ca

In this conversation, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Harrison explore the concept of happiness, emphasizing a new philosophy that encourages individuals to pursue happiness in a way that positively impacts the world. Stephanie shares her personal journey towards finding happiness, her book, New Happy, and the importance of empathy, community, and compassion in fostering well-being. They discuss the challenges of navigating pain, the transformative power of helping others, and the need for open conversations about suffering. The dialogue highlights the significance of understanding resistance to change and the hope for a better future through collective efforts.

Takeaways

• Happiness can be pursued in a new way that benefits both individuals and society.
• Identifying personal passions can lead to a sense of purpose.
• Empathy and connection are essential for building a supportive community.
• Presence and attention are powerful forms of help for those in pain.
• Everyone experiences suffering, and recognizing this can foster compassion.
• Community plays a crucial role in healing and supporting individuals.
• Helping others can lead to personal transformation and fulfillment.
• Understanding that everyone wants to be happy can bridge divides.
• Self-interest can align with the well-being of others for societal change.
• Open conversations about pain and disappointment can lead to healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Happiness and Purpose 02:56 The New Happiness Philosophy 05:50 Finding Personal Happiness 09:01 Empathy and Connection 12:09 Navigating Pain and Compassion 14:48 The Role of Community in Healing 18:09 Transformative Power of Helping Others 21:00 Understanding Resistance to Change 23:57 Compassion in the Face of Division 27:10 Hope for a Better Future

Links

The New Happy

http://www.thenewhappy.com/

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Glogovac interviews Nora Dahlia about her new contemporary romance novel Pick Up. They discuss the emotional impact of the book, its inspiration from real-life experiences, and the challenges of writing while balancing motherhood. Nora shares insights into her writing process, the influence of travel writing, and the importance of identity beyond being a mom. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of parenting and the role of involved mothers in school communities, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

Takeaways

• Nora's book Pick Up is an enemies to lovers romance.
• The inspiration for the book came from conversations at school drop-off.
• Travel writing has significantly influenced Nora's fiction writing.
• The VIMs (Very Involved Moms) concept reflects real-life parenting dynamics.
• Nora explores the theme of identity beyond motherhood in her writing.
• Romance novels can address serious topics while remaining entertaining.
• Nora's writing process involves intense bursts of creativity.
• The importance of escapism in literature, especially during tough times.
• Nora's background in journalism informs her storytelling.
• She aims to write more romance novels in the future. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nora and Her New Book 05:59 Travel Writing and Its Influence 11:51 Exploring Identity Beyond Motherhood 18:01 Writing Process and Challenges

Links

Pick Up by Nora Dahlia

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Pick-Up/Nora-Dahlia/9781668061169

Nora Dahlia's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noradahliazelevansky/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews author Meg Tady about her latest novel, Bluebird Day. The conversation explores the inspirations behind the book, including Meg’s personal experiences and research in Switzerland. They discuss themes of estrangement, climate change, the writing process, and the influence of family on Meg’s work. The episode concludes with Tady sharing insights into her future projects and the importance of supporting local bookstores.

What we’re talking about

• The book explores the relationship between a mother and daughter.

• Meg’s personal experiences influenced the themes of estrangement.

• Researching Switzerland involved interviews with locals and tourists.

• The writing process can be influenced by personal grief and experiences.

• Meg alternates between the perspectives of the mother and daughter.

• Family dynamics play a crucial role in Meg’s writing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bluebird Day

07:00 Themes of Climate Change and Environmental Awareness

13:02 Mother-Daughter Relationships and Forgiveness

22:02 Future Projects and Inspirations

31:28 Introduction to Meg's Journey and Bluebird Day

31:58 The Personal Touch in Writing

LINKS MENTIONED

Meg Tady’s Website

https://www.megantady.com/ 

Meg Tady’s Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/megtady/ 

Bluebird Day by Meg Tady

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781958506875

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews her friend and author Jeanne Blasberg about her multifaceted life and career. Jeanne shares her journey from Wall Street to becoming a novelist and lettuce farmer, discussing the unexpected pivots and life lessons. They explore the parallels between writing and athleticism, the influence of motherhood on creativity, and Jeanne's personal exploration of identity through her conversion to Judaism. This episode is filled with insights about personal growth, the creative process, and the courage to embrace change.

What we’re talking about

• The Intersection of Writing and Athleticism

• Motherhood as a Catalyst for Creativity

• The Journey of Personal Identity and Faith

Jeanne draws parallels between the mindset of an athlete and a writer, emphasizing the discipline and perseverance required in both fields. She discusses how her identity as an athlete influences her writing process, encouraging a step-by-step approach to creating and refining her work.

Motherhood has significantly influenced Jeanne's creativity, prompting her to reflect on her upbringing and the legacy she wishes to leave for her children. The balance between family life and creative pursuits has shaped her writing journey, leading her to explore themes of lineage and personal growth in her novels.

Jeanne shares her experience of converting to Judaism and its impact on her life and work. Her essay in the anthology On Being Jewish Now reflects on this personal journey, highlighting the importance of choice and commitment in shaping one's identity and faith.

LINKS MENTIONED

Jeanne Blasberg’s Website

http://jeanneblasberg.com

Jeanne Blasberg’s Instagram https://instagram.com/jeanneblasbergauthor 

Daughter Of A Promise by Jeanne Blasberg

https://shorturl.at/PefeE 

On Being Jewish Now 

https://shorturl.at/ZkJ59

In this episode, Michelle Glogovac and Anastasia Zadeik explore the intricacies of storytelling, the significance of life lessons, and the celebration of life through funerals. They delve into the importance of mental health, the power of presence, and the unique experiences that shape our understanding of literature. The discussion highlights the beauty of connection through shared stories and the impact of personal experiences on the reading journey.

What we’re talking about

• Everyone has a story worth sharing.

• Writing can be a powerful tool for mental health.

• Funerals should celebrate the life lived, not just the loss.

• Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.

• Life is about appreciating present moments.

• Books can evoke different interpretations based on personal experiences.

• Mental health struggles can lead to profound insights.

• Celebrating life can be colorful and joyful.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:44 The Journey of Writing and Storytelling

06:30 Life Lessons from Family and Mistakes

09:36 Celebrating Life Through Funerals and Obituaries

12:31 Reflections on Death and Legacy

15:24 Mental Health Journey and Seeking Help

21:02 Living in the Present Moment and Noticing Life

24:03 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

25:38 The Power of Connection in Difficult Times

28:38 Navigating the Book Publishing Landscape

31:30 The Reader's Experience: Personal Interpretations of Books

35:56 The Role of Neuroscience in Communication

41:15 Embracing Neurodiversity and Creativity

46:46 The Power of Connection

47:37 Sharing Your Story

LINKS MENTIONED

Anastasia Zadeik’s Website

www.anastasiazadeik.com

Anastasia Zadeik’s Instagram

instagram.com/anastasiazadeik/ 

Anastasia Zadeik’s Substack

anastasiazadeik.subatack.com

Anastasia Zadeik’s Facebook Facebook.com/anastasiazadeik

Anastasia Zadeik’s LinkedIn Linkedin.com/in/anastasia-zadeik-hipkins-5a825966/ The Other Side of Nothing by Anastasia Zadeik

https://a.co/d/8NuAuwW

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac welcomes back Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares insights into her writing journey, discussing the challenges and inspirations behind her latest novel. The conversation touches on character development, tackling complex themes, and the importance of persistence in the face of rejection.

What we’re talking about

• Embrace the Messy First Draft

• Persistence in Writing and Rejection

• Draw Inspiration from Personal Experiences

Embrace the Messy First Draft

Emma emphasizes the importance of racing to the end of a messy first draft. By focusing on getting the story down on paper without worrying about perfection, writers can refine and enhance their work later. This approach encourages creativity and helps overcome the fear of imperfection.

Persistence in Writing and Rejection

The episode highlights the significant role of persistence and resilience in a writer's journey. Emma discusses the concept of aiming for a hundred rejections, illustrating that facing rejection is a natural part of the creative process. By embracing rejection, writers can learn, grow, and ultimately succeed in their endeavors.

Draw Inspiration from Personal Experiences

Emma shares how her personal experiences and family influences have not just shaped her storytelling, but also made her narratives authentic and relatable. By weaving elements from her life and the lives of those around her into her novels, she creates stories that connect with readers on a deeper level, making them feel understood and part of a shared experience.

LINKS MENTIONED

​Emma Grey’s Website

www.emmagrey.com.au 

Pictures Of You by Emma Grey

https://tinyurl.com/ymw7j9jd

The Last Love Note by Emma Grey

https://tinyurl.com/53sfpkcb

Emma Grey’s Facebook

https://facebook.com/emmagreyauthor 

Emma Grey’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/emmagreyauthor

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac reflects on the significance of Election Day 2024. Michelle shares her personal experiences and emotions and discusses the importance of staying positive and focused on the highs despite the challenges faced during the election period. She emphasizes the power of using our voices for good, advocating for kindness and unity, and maintaining hope for the future.

What we’re talking about

• The importance of reflecting on the highs and lows of the election period

• The power of standing up for the rights and freedoms of all individuals

• There is a need for kindness, unity, and recognition that everyone deserves better

Reflection on Highs and Lows

Michelle encourages listeners to reflect on both the positive and negative aspects of the election period. She highlights the importance of identifying the "roses" and "thorns" in our experiences and how focusing on the positive can help us overcome challenges and stay hopeful.

Standing Up for Rights and Freedoms

Throughout the episode, Michelle emphasizes the importance of advocating for the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. She shares her commitment to standing up for others and encourages listeners to do the same, highlighting the impact of collective action and support.

Kindness and Unity

Michelle discusses the value of kindness and unity, stressing that we all deserve better and should strive to lift each other up. She reflects on the need to move away from judgment and hatred and instead focus on creating a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone feels valued and respected.