The Alignment Show

We had a wonderful conversation with important insights for anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis or similarly challenging diagnosis—in fact, for anyone facing an unexpected crisis!

Deb Krier is a coalition builder and warrior rewriting the playbook on how to L.I.V.E. with cancer. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Positive Breast Cancer in 2015 and then with thyroid cancer in 2023, she is on a mission to ensure that we are no longer “fine” with cancer. She is using her experience and expertise to kill cancer with honesty, communication, and collaboration. She advocates for everyone involved, from the cancer Warrior to their friends and families, and even the medical personnel who support them.

By the way, for weeks we have been talking about The Way of the Three-Year-Old Why, but you might like to know the next book in the Sparklight Chronicles series will be out in March. Get the first scene free of charge to see if it sounds interesting! Go to DonnKing.com/MediumWellFirst and grab your copy!

We talked about keeping going in the face of a life-threatening diagnosis, self-care, adapting to the new reality, dealing with the well-meaning but misplaced advice from friends and family, and advice for how to help someone when you are the well-meaning friend or family member. We also talked about the best use to make of “Dr. Google” as well as when to do so, and how to manage the dreadful time between a test and a reported result. And we talked about the importance of matching your doctor’s personality and approach to your very human needs, and how to advocate for yourself.

Among the resources we talked about were:

* Deb’s website, TryingNotToDie.live. Their logo is so cool, I hate that I neglected to put it in the video, so here it is for you in this space.

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* Deb’s email address, [email protected]

* The home for Deb’s podcast, The Business Power Hour with over 900 episodes, closing in on 1,000! TheBusinessPowerKour.com/

* Deb on LinkedIn

* Especially if you would like support on your own cancer journey or know someone who would, here’s a pointer to the Facebook group or search for tryingnottodie-LIVE.

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* Facebook

* YouTube

* LinkedIn

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In my experience, we always have great conversations with our guests, but I have to say, “Wow!” this week. I can only imagine what it would have been like for me as a writer if I had taken the route Harrison Stockeland did in high school. Harrison is an American author whose take on the crime-thriller genre has been termed “twisted originality.” Incorporating real historical events and environments into his fiction novels is Stockeland's signature style. Though The Alignment Show isn’t particularly a writer’s show, I have to admit we geeked out a bit about the process, and whether you have any writing ambitions or not, there is solid material here to encourage anyone pursuing their own journey in whatever field!

On The Alignment Show, we focus on how people identified what’s important to them and aligned their lives around that. Harrison did that quite early. We talked with him about how he discovered that at such a young age as well as the challenges facing young writers.

One little tweak: since we broadcast live, I haven’t tried fo “fix” the videos on the following channels, but I did have a bit of “brain flatulence” toward the end of the episode. Despite what you might see in the video, our guest next week will be Deb Krier. We also look forward to talking with Deborah Kevin on Feb. 16.

Resources we discussed include:

* Harrison’s website, where you can purchase copies of either or both of his books and get signed copies.

* Harrison’s LinkedIn.

* Harrison’s Instagram.

If you prefer getting books from Amazon, here are links to Harrison’s books:

* Watch It Burn (Kindle edition)

* Watch It Burn (print edition)

* November’s Whisper (all editions)

Interested in checking out The Way of the Three-Year-Old Why? Find where it’s available here.

Not sure if you will like the way Donn writes? Sample a free short story.

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack. (The audio version has been “fixed” to include more information about Deb Krier.)

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

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Jo Penn is the perfect example of assessing what matters most and taking action to achieve that. As Joanna Penn, she has pioneered independent publishing practically from its inception and guided authors in the craft and business of writing. As J.F. Penn, she is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author. She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. I have followed her for years, but I learned a lot more about her and her journey in this conversation. We explored how she has regularly pivoted to live her values and value her life. I told you to prepare for me to fanboy, and unashamedly I did! And we still had a conversation that will inspire you with memento mori—“Remember, you will die.” That’s a more effective way to say it than, “Life is short, get on with it.”

Jo is a true Go-Giver, providing lots of resources. Among other things, we talked about:

* The Creative Penn, Jo’s flagship website focused on self-help for authors (this is a true resource treasure).

* The Creative Penn Books for authors.

* J.F. Penn is Jo’s outlet for writing beyond her creative output for writers. This includes her thrillers and other fiction, but also Pilgrimage, her deeply personal memoir, and where you will find her Gothic cathedrals book when it is ready.

* Since Jo has over 40 titles published, if you mostly order books through Amazon it might be helpful to see a listing there of books published under both Joanna Penn and J.F. Penn.

* Jo mentioned Dean Wesley Smith as a guide for discovery writers. One of his many books that addresses that very thing is Writing Into the Dark: How to Write a Novel without an Outline.

* We talked about the S curve when it comes to change, and Jo referenced Seth Godin’s book, The Dip.

* Jo also mentioned a book entitled Undisruptable by Aidan McCullen.

* We’ve mentioned Scrivener on our show a few times. It is absolutely one of the best tools for writers. You might wonder why you need it if you already have Word. If you’re going to write anything longer than a magazine article or a blog post, you really need to check it out to see for yourself.

* Do you like print books? Did you know that 75 percent of book sales still are for print books? Bookshop.org is a great resource for that. You can order print books, usually at a slight discount, and support either your local bookstore, independent bookstores in general, or my work as a writer. I have listed a few of Jo’s books as among my favorites.

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* YouTube

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We are fortunate to have had Peg Duchesne this week as an encore guest! Peg joined us on Episode 26 on August 23 last year. She continues to offer a variety of communication solutions ranging from marketing services to landing pages to blogging and more. She says, "Think of the Duchess as your 'message therapist'!" And she kept doing that despite a major life adjustment when she experienced an inundation of her apartment that destroyed 90 percent of her possessions, including irreplaceable, precious items from her time in the military. We talked about how to keep going when life throws you a curve ball, how to deal with grief, and how to realistically re-frame your viewpoint!

Among other resources, we talked about:

* Peg’s website

* Peg’s LinkedIn profile

* The Facebook reel she shared showing some of the damage

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* YouTube

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Kathy Tagenel is a fascinating blend of characteristics. She exemplifies independence and self-responsibility, while also exemplifying collaboration and community. She combines amazing human warmth with business acumen. She maintains her own business and consulting practice while serving ably as president of Go-Givers International and business partner with Bob Burg (co-author of the best-selling book, The Go-Giver and related books). These days, she focuses her business around helping entrepreneurial leaders develop an exceptional culture via The Go-Giver Way through mentoring, workshops, and retreats. We talked about the journey that uniquely prepared her for that, a conversation that will inspire you in your own journey.

Among other things, we talked about:

* Bob Burg’s pre-Go-Giver book, Endless Referrals

* Robert Kiyosaki’s books

* Kathy’s work with the Kolbe system

* Kathy’s LinkedIn

* The Go-Giver Way, the name of the new game and all things Go-Giver

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

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I told you I would fanboy this week. I did, unashamedly. I have followed writer Rachael Herron for many years. She has written and published more than two dozen books in a variety of genres, both through traditional publishing and through independent publishing, and she shares what she has learned with the writing community through courses, books, and communities. She left a well-paying, secure job in order to pursue her passion for writing, and she did so in a well-planned, controlled manner. Her story will inspire you in identifying and pursuing your own highest values.

Among other resources and insights, we talked about:

* Rachael’s website where you can learn more fascinating info about her background, get her writer’s resources, and more.

* Rachael mentioned the importance of Hank Green’s idea of 80%. Here is one of his videos explaining the concept.

* Rachael has a long-running podcast that is a highly valuable resources for working writers. Check out “How Do You Write?” soon to be rebranded (we will update this with new info after the rebrand, so make sure you subscribe to keep up with the show notes).

* We also mentioned, almost in passing, the episodes that combine Rachael’s podcast with Sacha Black’s podcast. You should listen to at least one of the Black Herron episodes to hear the amazing dynamic in their conversations. Regardless of topic, every podcaster should have this much fun!

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

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Gina Soldano has found a way to combine two of her passions, writing and food rescue. She wanted to help Vindeket Foods, a food rescue nonprofit in Fort Collins, Colorado, and she loved to write. So she wrote "Nia's Rescue Box," a picture book to spread the word about food rescues, which differ from food pantries. Food rescues combat food waste and revalue people who experience food insecurity, giving them safe access to good, healthy food. Learn from this fascinating conversation that can galvanize your own values! A perfect episode for the holiday season!

In this episode we talked about:

* Gina’s website

* Gina’s book, Nia’s Rescue Box. On her website, she has a page that will lead you to where you can buy the book as well as free activities that go along with it. Find it here.

* Vindeket Foods, the food rescue that inspired the book and that receives a portion of profits from the book.

Remember you can pick up a copy of The Way of the Three-Year-Old Why in ebook, paperback, or hardcover, and it will soon be available in audiobook as well.

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* Facebook

* YouTube

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Folks, I knew this episode would be impactful, but I didn’t know how impactful it would be until we had gotten into it. Regular listeners know The Alignment Show features conversations with people who have often taken big risks to bring their lives into alignment with their values, which means honoring what they consider truly important. After this conversation, I can say that Heather Stark could be the icon for that concept.

Heather Stark got my attention with her article, and I could hear/see the conversations she recounted in my head. I had to know about the journey that brought her there, that motivated her to work to help young girls overcome negative pressures and self-doubt. Her story of continuing to work to achieve that in the face of misguided opposition inspires me, and I think it will inspire you.

In this episode, we shared these resources:

* The Huffpost article that caught my attention.

* Heather’s website that focuses on her book.

* The Grace and Grit Box site, with multiple resource not only to support girls but also to help parents understand their challenges. (Personal note: Dads: don’t just leave this to mom. You need to understand this, too.)

* Her Story, Heather’s book, on Amazon. (If she sets up a Universal Book Link, I will come back and add that to the Substack post so people can find it on other stores as well.)

* “Stark Conversations” is Heather’s podcast, available on Apple, Google podcasts, iHeart, and other places.

You can catch the video replay of our conversaton at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

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Jeff West, along with Lisa Wilber, launched The Alignment Show as guests on our first episode. The show is turning 40! (Episodes, that is), and Jeff is back to talk about his latest work and how continuing to focus on writing has brought him into greatest alignment with those things that matter to him most. We had a rollicking good conversation, with lots of resources mentioned, some almost in passing.

Note that one of Jeff’s award-winning books, co-authored with Direct Sales Legend Lisa Wilber, is on sale for a limited time. Regularly $22.95, you can pick up a paperback copy of Said the Lady with the Blue Hair for only $16.95, but truly only for a limited time.

Other resources shared included:

* Jeff’s website (best place for now to keep up with the new book about to be released, Streetwise to Saleswise: Becoming Objection-proof co-authored with Bob Burg)

* The Vagrant by Dan Rockwell and John David Mann

* The Go-Giver book series by Bob Burg and John David Mann

* The Go-Giver Success Alliance

* The Go-Giver Beyond the MasterMind Retreat

* John David Mann’s website

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

You know someone who would be inspired by Jeff’s example of making the leap to fulfill your purpose.

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It would not surprise me to find that cats cuss. However, today’s guest, Maribeth Decker, learned something about her abilities when one of her dogs used a profanity with her.

Our pets are family, right? And family can be confusing. Wouldn't it be great if someone could help you figure out your crazy dog or your weird cat? This week on The Alignment Show talked with Maribeth Decker, a retired Navy officer who now works as an intuitive animal communicator, medical intuitive, and energy healer. She uses her intuitive animal communication and energetic healing skills to address animals’ physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. We learned how she made that change in her life, and how she facilitates that which makes us most human: communication.

Learn more about Maribeth’s work at the following resources:

* SacredGrove.com is Maribeth’s website

* Maribeth on Instagram

* Mariveth on Facebook

* Maribeth on LinkedIn

You can catch the video replay at any of the following channels, with audio versions available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.

* LinkedIn

* YouTube

* Facebook

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