Talks with Dr Shafer

Are you curious about human behavior and how you can master tools to make communication more clear, effective, and connecting?

Merlin O'Brecht is Dean of Academic Affairs at NCI University, and uses his expertise in human behavior to teach NCI live events globally, working to train executive teams, law enforcement agencies, and three-letter government bodies in behavior profiling, interrogation technique, and deception detection.

Merlin is here today to share with us his expertise on human behavior, working on self-mastery and honing communication skills to help you rewrite your story and communicate effectively.

Join Dr Shafer and Merlin O'Brecht for a fascinating conversation between a neurologist and human behavior expert on the topics that you want to master.

Connect with Merlin O'Brecht here:

https://merlinobrecht.com/

Learn with Merlin OBrecht - NCI University on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@merlin.nci.university

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/merlin_obrecht/

Thank you Merlin O'Brecht for being on the show & sharing your expertise with us!

What got you thinking in today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#NCIUniversity #humanbehavior #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Do you love musical theater? Are you a former Theater Kid or have you always been theater curious? No matter the case, you and your inner child will love this incredible adult-only camp designed to use the magic of theater and community building to bring joy to campers and help them let their inner child play! 

Inner Child Theater Camp's Founder and Director Evin Terranova joins us on Talks with Dr Shafer to share how this amazing camp is inviting campers to get back to the joy of theater, storytelling, and hopefully capture some of that magic and apply it to their lives after camp is over. Featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Inner Child Theater Camp is touching hearts across the country. Evin shares the inspiration behind the camp and how it is transforming camper's lives, one song and dance at a time.

Upcoming Dates for Inner Child Theater Camp:

AUSTIN, TX | October 17-18

OAKLAND, CA | November 7-8

NASHVILLE, TN | November 14-15

ATLANTA, GA | January 23-24

SAN DIEGO, CA | January 30-31

SAN JOSE, CA | February 13-14

DENVER, CO | March 13-14

CHARLOTTE, NC | April 3-4

UPSTATE NY SLEEPAWAY CAMP | April 14-18

CHICAGO, IL | April 17-18

Learn more and sign up for an Inner Child Theater Camp here:

⁠https://www.innerchildtheatercamp.com/⁠

Make sure to check their website as new dates and locations may be added!

Want to join in on the fun? Inner Child Theater Camp is gifting our storytellers a special discount to upcoming Inner Child Theater Camp events purchased from October 20-31, 2026!

Use code: STORYTELLERS to get $100 off a camp with Inner Child Theater Camp from October 20-31, 2026.

Follow along with Inner Child Theater Camp on Social Media:

 https://www.instagram.com/innerchildtheatercamp/

Thank you Evin Rose Terranova for being on the show and for sharing your inspiring story with us!

What got you thinking in today's episode?

Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#innerchildtheatercamp #theater #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

What if one day you realized that your personality was just a well-practiced performance? 

The author of Performing Normal: A Woman’s Story from Self-Abandonment to Self-Leadership, therapist turned truth teller Amy Watkins, LPC joins us on Talks with Dr Shafer today to share her story, and how she is learning to reclaim it, piece by piece, and let go of performative roles that didn't serve her. With years of experience working with trauma and family systems, Amy is using her expertise to help others uncover patterns learned in childhood and finally break free. 

Get your copy of Performing Normal: A Woman’s Story from Self-Abandonment to Self-Leadership, a story of self-abandonment, awakening, and learning to choose yourself, here: 

https://www.strandbooks.com/performing-normal-find-your-voice-discover-yourself-reclaim-your-life-9798234076397.html

Connect with Amy Watkins here:

https://www.instagram.com/gods.favorite.problem/

Thank you Amy Watkins for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What got you thinking in today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#godsfavoriteproblem #amywatkins #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Aron Nels Steinke is an incredible voice in children's literature. The author of Speechless, a Pacific Northwest Book Award Winner, and the beloved Mr Wolf's Classroom series, Aron started out as an artist, drawing from a young age, and started to accompany his drawing series with words, leading to his popular graphic novels.  Kids not only love Steinke's stoires, they also see themselves in them. Aron Nels Steinke advocates for supporting kids with kidlit and discussing important topics in children's literature, and talks today with Dr Shafer about book bans, working as an author illustrator, and more. Join us for an inspiring conversation about Aron's writing and illustrating journey, and the impact his work has had on kids worldwide. 

Share this episode with a teacher or family with a middle grader in your life!

Learn more about Aron Nels Steinke's work here: 

https://www.mrwolfsclass.com/

Connect with Aron Nels Steinke here:

https://www.instagram.com/mrwolfcomics/

The newest addition to the Aron Nels Steinke collection is out October 6. Pre-Order here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/la-classe-de-m-loup-aron-nels-steinke/b5020de33d750a3f?ean=9798225061609&next=t

Meet Aron Nels Steinke at the upcoming Bigfoot Kids Book Festival in Redmond, Oregon on October 10, 2026!

Learn more here: 

https://www.bigfootkidsbookfestival.com/

Thank you Aron Nels Steinke for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#graphicnovels #aronnelssteinke #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Dr Suzy Gray is a neuropsychologist, elementary school educator, and children's author of the illustrated children's books Lily and the Fairy Cake (A Story for Autism Spectrum Disorder) and her newest book, Teddy the Bear (A Story for Anxiety), published by Miriam Laundry Publishing.

Dr Gray shares her work with us today and how her books highlights the stories of neurodivergent children, the struggles they face, and how loving caregivers can help support them and model skills to help them navigate their emotions and the world. 

I love these books, and the important lessons they share. More importantly, I love the warmth with which the messages are delivered, and how they at once highlight how we may be different, while reminding us that we are all more alike than we may think. 

Learn more about Dr Gray and her books here: 

https://drsuzygray.com/

Thank you to Dr Suzy Gray for being on the show and sharing her books with us!⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

Love this book, too? Share this episode with someone and share the love! Books aren't pie: the more you share them, the bigger the enjoyment. 

Do you have a book that you would love to have Dr Shafer review on the show? Let us know!

Contact at ⁠[email protected]⁠ for book recommendations, to recommend a guest or for other questions. 

Want to have Dr Shafer come speak at your event about literacy and the power of storytelling! Go to ⁠www.drshaferstedronova.com⁠ to learn more about Dr Shafer and speaking events. 

Photo Credits: Dr Suzy Gray

Photo Credits for Dr Shafer: Stephanie Baker Photography

Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse

PR: PR from the Heart

#autism #author #ilovethisbook #bookreview #talkswithdrshafer

Becoming a Champion may not look anything like what you imagine it would: just ask David Fasoli and his French Bulldog, Iza. The Bay City duo, brought together by a friend after Iza was born from a surprise litter, navigated rough waters during Covid together, and through their adventures on the beach, David learned that his young Frenchie was a natural in the water, contrary to what is typical of her breed. David helped Iza learn to find her stride riding the waves, and a few years later, she is dominating the Surf Dog world, winning championships and hearts along the way. David shares his story of resilience, determination and second chances with us today on Talks with Dr Shafer, and encourages us to keep going and chase our dreams.

David and Iza remind us how love in all forms can uplift and inspire us to be the version of ourselves we are striving to become. 

Thank you David Fasoli and Iza the Surfing Frenchie for joining us on the show!

Check out Iza in the upcoming Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon: 

https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon/

What connected with you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Does your dog have an amazing talent? Let us know!

Learn more about Iza the Surfing Frenchie and follow along on Instagram as 

https://www.instagram.com/iza_surf_dog/

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

PC: Guest- Copyright Cyndi A/@losangelespetphotography.

TWDS- Stephanie Baker Photography

All Rights Reserved

#izasurfdog #surfing #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

When memory fails us, our love of music can often remain.

One artist is using her mother's love of music, which inspired her own musical journey from early childhood to the present day, to help connect with her mother as her memory and ability disappears due to her battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Ester Wisnerova is a vocalist, composer and educator originally from Slovakia. Now based in NYC with strong roots overseas in Europe, Ester is internationally acclaimed for her work in music, performing across the world and sharing her critically acclaimed debut album, Blue Journal. Named in the top 30 under 30 in Forbes Slovakia, Ester Weisnerova has caught international attention for her unique and velvety voice and approach to Jazz. Influenced by her mother, a musician, at a young age, Ester sang in the church choir starting at age 4 and began piano lessons at age 5, to then fall in love with Jazz, a style of music not traditionally taught at the time in Slovakia. Ester googled how to sign Jazz, and since then, Ester has been making her mark on the music industry. Not only is Ester a performer, she co-founded “Music Beyond Borders”, a jazz and contemporary music education non-profit in Slovakia which has served over 150 Slovakian students in just four years. She is here today to share the story about how she became a jazz vocalist and educator, and how she is sharing the story of love and perseverence of a mother and daughter with her upcoming album that shares her experience caring for her mother with dementia, and how music continues to be a uniting factor in their loving relationship. 

Thank you Ester Wiesnerova for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us.

What connect with you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Learn more about Ester Wiesnerova's work here:

https://esterwiesnerova.com/en/

Follow Ester on Instagram as @esterwiesnerova

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#esterwiesnerova #dementia #talkswithdrshafer #music #storytelling

Reclaiming your story can look like choosing to paint where and how you want to, and one artist is bringing a community of inspired people along with her on the journey! Today's guest, Presley Bergmooser, is a live painter, professional muralist and the founder of Presley Made It. Located in Detroit, Michigan, Presley is an artist known for her larger than life murals who has gone viral online for her wedding paintings.  Presley's work creates a sense of community and presence in the moment as she paints a scene while interacting with it, and provokes thought and discussion about her work from around the world. Featured in Hour Detroit Magazine and national publications such as People, Presley is making a big impact with her art, and she shares with us her story, her love of art and community, and what is coming up next. 

Check out Presley's ArtPrize Art Instillation, Performative, featured at the Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown from September 18-October 3, 2026; voting opens September 18.

https://www.artprize.org/entries#84584

Connect with Presley Bergmooser here and bring her to your live event:

https://www.presleymadeit.com/

Follow on Social Media as @presleymadeit

Thank you Presley Bergmooser for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What inspired you about today's episode?

Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#presleymadeit #livepainting #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Travis Althouse, M.S. CCC-SLP is a Speech Therapist who is known around the world for his videos where he shares his own journey living with a stutter, is now the author of a new children's book, Finn Finds His Voice. On this episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Travis shares his journey of developing a stutter in the third grade, the impact stuttering had on him as a child, and how he has been sharing his story on social media, creating community and providing education and resources for people with stuttering, and those who want to learn more about stuttering. With his first illustrated children's book, Finn Finds His Voice, Travis Althouse not only wrote but illustrated the story about Finn and his journey to find his voice at school where he doesn't fit in with the other fish. Join us for an inspiring conversation and share with someone you think would enjoy this talk!

Get your copy of Finn Finds His Voice here:

https://a.co/d/04PNlGb4

Connect with Travis Althouse here:

https://www.travisstuttering.com/

Thank you Travis Althouse for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What inspired you about today's episode?

Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk 

Follow across Social Media as @travis.stuttering

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#travisstuttering #stuttering #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Whoever said don't meet your heroes clearly never met the incredible Morgan St. Jean. A beloved singer-songwriter who has created a community where her fans feel accepted, loved and inspired by her music, Morgan creates more than songs, she writes anthems for so many people and for so many different seasons of life. 

On this inspiring episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with Special Guest Morgan St. Jean, a New York musician now based in LA, to talk about music, love, learning to embrace your own voice in life and the music industry, and more. Watch and listen with us where you enjoy podcasts, and let us know your favorite Morgan St. Jean song: Made For, Not All Men, Skin and Bones, God's Country, Past Life.

There are so many beautiful hits, it's hard to choose just one. Learn more about Morgan St. Jean here: 

https://www.morganstjean.com/

Keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates in Europe for Morgan St. Jean!

Follow on Social Media as @morganstjean

Add your favorites to your playlist and support independent musicians!

Thank you Morgan St. Jean for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!

What inspired you about today's episode?

Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. 

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.

All Rights Reserved

#morganstjean #music #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling