STORYTELLHER

You have a life-changing idea, and writing it in a book is a powerful way to share it, but where do you start? In this episode, Deborah sits down with Cathy Fyock, a book coach who helps aspiring authors bring their ideas to life with clarity and purpose. Writing a book isn’t easy, but with the right guidance and a clear vision, it’s absolutely possible!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Cathy’s powerful process for turning your book idea into a career-boosting reality.
• Why your book should be about more than just sales.
• Real talk on impostor syndrome and the fears that stop most people from writing.
• Tips to get clear on your goals and write a book that aligns with your mission.
• How Cathy has helped over 250 authors bring their books to life, and how you can be next.
• And much more!

About Cathy:

Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals who want to write a nonfiction book as a strategy for their career or business. She has helped more than 240 professionals become published authors and believes that authors change the world, one word at a time.

Connect with Cathy Fyock!

Website: https://www.cathyfyock.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessBookStrategist/

Twitter: https://x.com/CathyFyock

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-fyock-973b735/

Book Recommendations:

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

On Writing by Stephen King 

Speaker Author by Cathy Fyock 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Your book holds incredible power, but only if you know how to unlock it! In this episode, Deborah chats with Ally Machate, who helps authors turn their books into tools that open doors and fuel business growth. Tune in and let Ally show you how to make your book work for you!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Ally’s journey from the corporate world to building her own business.
• Leveraging your book to achieve your business goals.
• What The Writer’s Ally offers authors.
• How to avoid publishing scams.
• Ally’s mastermind program and what it’s all about.
• And much more!

About Ally:

Ally Machate is the CEO and founder of The Writer’s Ally, a consultancy that helps authors write, publish, and sell smarter—whether they’re experts, novelists, or memoirists. A publishing industry veteran turned thought leader, consultant, and instructor, she guides clients to craft marketable books that reach the right readers and achieve real goals. Off the clock, Ally’s usually reading, gardening, cooking, or canning something tasty while her cats supervise from the sidelines.

Connect with Ally Machate!

Website: https://thewritersally.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonemachate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allysonemachate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allymachate/

Book recommendation:

Nobody Want to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Toxic relationships and challenging life experiences can leave women feeling stuck in negative thoughts, but there’s a simple way to let go and think differently! In this episode, Deborah talks with Margaret Martin, who helps women heal using a powerful method called EFT or tapping. Whether you’re dealing with stress, trauma, or emotional blocks, Margaret shares how EFT can help you release pain, build strength, and find lasting peace!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Margaret’s journey and how she began using EFT to help others.
• What Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or tapping really is.
• How EFT can help release emotional pain and past trauma.
• Real-life examples of transformation through EFT.
• How Margaret’s books are changing lives and inspiring healing.
• And much more!

About Margaret Martin:

Margaret Martin, author of The Chatter that Matters . . . Your Words ARE Your Power and Your Chatter Matters – Journal of Gratitude, is a dedicated catalyst for positive change in people's lives. As a highly experienced coach, Trauma Informed EFT/ Tapping facilitator, and speaker, Margaret’s focus is helping women heal wounds left from challenging life experiences and from toxic relationships with her Re-Design Your Life programs. She is currently writing on her forthcoming book with a working title of "Stepping Into Your Freedom - A Journey of Healing the Wounds from Toxic Relationships."

Connect with Margaret Martin!

Website: https://margaretmartin.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmartin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretMartin.SpeakerCoach

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaret_yourchattermatters

Book Recommendations:

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown 

Sacajawea by Anne L. Waldo 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

What if the life you were meant to live is just one unexpected “yes” away? In this episode, Deborah sits down with Emma Tonner to talk about the surprising turns life can take when we open ourselves up to new possibilities. Emma shares how she thought she had life all figured out - until one unexpected “yes” led her to the life she never knew she wanted. Tune in for an inspiring chat about courage, curiosity, and trusting the journey!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Emma’s surprising journey of saying “yes” to the unexpected.
• How Emma’s experiences have reshaped her definition of success.
• What Inkitt is and how it’s helping both authors and readers.
• The most popular genres and subgenres of romance.
• Emma’s advice to those who are afraid to say yes.
• And much more!

About Emma:

Emma Tonner, now in her Executive Producer era at GalateaTV, is the Chief Innovation Officer at Inkitt and co-founder of Galatea, where she leads at Inkitt Media. Emma is championing the company’s systematic approach to creating blockbusters across emerging platforms. She joined Inkitt as one of its first ten employees, co-founded the Galatea reading app, and rose over the past eight years to become Chief Innovation Officer. Emma’s enthusiasm for romance and cutting-edge technology positions her as the perfect person to guide multiple teams under her toward innovative solutions not only in digital storytelling but also in media.

Connect with Emma Tonner!

Inkitt Website: https://www.inkitt.com/

Galatea TV Website: https://galateatv.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552321595349

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galatea_tv/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@galateatv_official

Book Recommendation:

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

In this episode, host Deborah speaks with niche marketing expert Susan Friedmann about what it truly takes to succeed in book marketing. For authors who want to make a lasting impact, mastering marketing is key. Susan offers practical advice on how to connect with the right readers in specialized niches, empowering authors to build a dedicated following and amplify their success!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Who should market your book and why it's important.
• Common mistakes to avoid in specialized book promotion.
• Why getting feedback on your book matters and who you should ask for it.
• Tips for sustaining long-term success beyond your book launch.
• How Susan helps her clients effectively market their books and reach the right audience.
• And much more!

About Susan:

Susan Friedmann is a badass in the world of nonfiction book/author marketing, coaching, and training. With over 30 years of experience, she’s on a mission to help you stand out from the crowd. Through her company, Aviva Publishing, she’s guided hundreds of authors to master their niche. She’s a prolific writer with 18 books, including one that sold over 500,000 copies. Susan also hosts "Book Marketing Mentors," an award-winning weekly podcast now in its 8th year.

Connect with Susan Friedmann!

Website: https://www.avivapubs.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfriedmann/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.marketer

Complimentary 20-minute Book Marketing Brainstorm: https://bookmarketingbrainstorm.com/

Book Recommendation:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Can embracing a leadership style different from your own lead to success? In this episode, Deborah talks with Cathy Carroll about how the contrast between her style and her father’s became a strength in their family business. Cathy shares how leaning into their differences revealed growth, clarity, and connection. It’s a look at how the power of polarity can bring unity through contrast!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Cathy’s journey of stepping into leadership after her father.
• How two opposing leadership styles created tension and opportunity.
• The power of polarity in family business dynamics.
• What it means to find unity without losing individuality.
• What inspired Cathy to write a book, and what can readers take away from it?
• And much more!

About Cathy:

Cathy learned about family business leadership the best way you can – by leading her family business. Founder and President of Legacy Onward, Inc., Cathy Carroll is an internationally recognized family business leadership coach, speaker, and author of "Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with both Love and Logic." She earned her MBA at the University of Chicago, her BA at Boston College, and she is a Master Certified Coach in the ICF.

Connect with Cathy Carroll!

Website: https://www.legacyonward.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyacarroll

Book: Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With both Love and Logic: https://www.legacyonward.com/hug-of-war

Course: Family Business Coaching Course: https://www.legacyonward.com/fbcc-training

Book Recommendation:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Have you ever paused to ask yourself what success really means to you, not what others expect, but what truly feels fulfilling? Join Deborah as she speaks with Jennifer Manocherian, a therapist, writer, and producer who opens up about her personal journey toward redefining success. If you’re craving a more intentional, heart-centered approach to life and achievement, this episode is for you!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• The impact of societal expectations and how to rise above them.
• Understanding that success looks different for everyone.
• Discovering what brings Jennifer joy and fulfillment these days.
• Trying new things and overcoming the fear of failure.
• The inspiration behind Jennifer’s book and its challenges.
• And much more!

About Jennifer:

Many chapters in a long life from wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and pet owner! Career-wise: family therapist, divorce mediator, theatre producer, musical bookwriter, screenwriter & producer, screenwriting teacher, novelist. Last year, she wrote her first novel and co-wrote and produced a feature film. Currently, Jennifer is writing novel #2 and developing a musical series for streaming. She's on the board of The Peace Studio and New York Stage & Film. And she knit.

Connect with Jennifer Manocherian!

Podcast: https://jennifermanocherian.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermanocherian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmanocherian

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-manocherian-2421855/

Book Recommendations:

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Life is full of challenges, and people often search for external solutions to navigate tough times. But what if the answers we seek are already within us? In this episode, Deborah sits down with Jessica and Jill Emich to explore how true resilience, strength, and guidance come from within. Tune in to hear how these twins have embraced life's uncertainties with grace and purpose!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• What inspired Jill and Jessica to embark on wellness and community building?
• The twin sisters' transformative journeys.
• How looking inward can provide clarity, resilience, and confidence during difficult times.
• Practical tips for strengthening your inner compass to navigate life's uncertainties.
• Family dynamics and caregiving.
• And much more!

About Jessica & Jill Emich:

Over the span of 20+ years, we created iconic restaurants and gathering places, each of them about building community and connection to one another, to our bodies, and to our spirit. Through our epic dance parties, nourishing food, herbal potions, cocktails, classes, workshops, and retreats, we bring deep nourishment and community together. Jessica is a multi-certified yoga and meditation instructor, holistic chef and nutritionist, and mother of 2. Jill is a multi-certified somatic practitioner in dance and breathwork and wildly passionate about food and community.

Connect with Jessica & Jill Emich!

Website: https://shinelivingcommunity.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shine-living-community/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinelivingcommunity/

Book Recommendations:

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman 

Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering by Joseph Nguyen 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

Thinking about the best hire for your business? Look no further - it’s a CFO! In this episode, Deborah sits down with Ahuva Gruen, a seasoned fractional CFO who has helped countless businesses achieve financial clarity, scalability, and success. Tune in now and discover why this role might be the game-changer your business has been waiting for!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• What is a fractional CFO?
• The difference between a regular CFO and a fractional CFO.
• Why hiring a fractional CFO might be the best financial decision for your business.
• Common challenges that most small businesses face.
• Specific examples of how Ahuva helped clients improve their businesses.
• And much more!

About Ahuva:

Ahuva is a seasoned Fractional CFO with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to transforming businesses and unlocking their financial potential. Leveraging her CPA and CFO expertise, she provides clarity to entrepreneurs, helping them optimize pricing, secure financing, and eliminate obstacles. As the founder of her own business, Ahuva partners with clients as a strategic advisor, empowering them to achieve growth, profitability, and long-term success through informed financial decisions and visionary guidance.

Connect with Ahuva Gruen!

Website: https://www.agfinancialcpa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahuvagruen/

Book Recommendations:

Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy 

Great at Work: The Hidden Habits of Top Performers by Morten T. Hansen 

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Al Switzler, Ron McMillan, Joseph Grenny, Emily Gregory, Kerry Patterson 

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress

People often believe that women are limited in what they can achieve - but our guest today proves otherwise! Join Deborah as she sits down with Holly Gumke, a powerhouse who has shattered stereotypes and turned rejection into success. If you've ever felt confined by expectations, this conversation will inspire you to break free and rise above limitations to achieve the success you deserve!

Here are the things to expect in the episode:

• Holly's early life experiences and gender limitations.
• How to turn challenges into opportunities for success.
• Understanding generational trauma and breaking the cycle.
• The inspiration behind Holly's children's book and what readers can expect from the story.
• The value of positive feedback and revisiting childhood books.
• And much more!

About Holly:

Holly Gumke is a proud mom, grandmother, wife, songwriter, lyricist, artist, and veteran who loves writing children's stories while using an easy rhythm and rhyme. Holly grew up in York, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point with just the second class of women. After serving in the Army, Holly continued honing her writing skills while working as a university administrator and also serving her community as a volunteer, where she served in a variety of leadership positions, including as an elected official. Holly recently retired and is now able to spend more time enjoying her family while pursuing her writing career. She is currently working on the illustrations for her newest children's book, "Bumblebee Bumblebee Is That You?" and is excited to be joining us on the Storytellher podcast!

Connect with Holly Gumke!

Website: https://www.hollygumke.com/

Book Recommendations:

Tree Frog, Tree Frog, Is That You? by Holly Gumke 

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Philadelphia Chickens by Sandra Boynton

Connect with Deborah Kevin:

Website: www.deborahkevin.com

Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

Check out Highlander Press:

Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress