The Minute Mastery

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I interviewed Nancy Napier, a former academic turned fiction writer. We discussed the challenges and joys of transitioning from structured academic writing to the more fluid and imaginative world of fiction.

 Nancy shares her journey of lifelong learning, the importance of curiosity, and the struggles of letting go of the need for concrete explanations in storytelling. The conversation highlights the highs and lows of the writing process, the significance of discipline and structure, and the power of reinvention at any stage of life.

Takeaways

• Lifelong learning is essential for personal growth.
• Transitioning from academia to fiction writing presents unique challenges.
• Letting go of the need to explain everything can enhance storytelling.
• Curiosity drives creativity and exploration in writing.
• Embracing a beginner's mindset is crucial for growth.
• The writing process involves both high points and low points.
• Finding joy in the writing process is important for creativity.
• Structure and discipline are key to successful writing.
• Reinvention is possible and powerful at any age.
• Time management is essential for writers to achieve their goals.

Check out episode's shownote.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema shares a transformative experience from a recent family trip to Las Vegas, where a conversation with an 83-year-old Uber driver provided profound insights on stress management, decision-making, and the importance of listening to wisdom from those with more life experience.

 The episode emphasizes the significance of being present, letting go of stress, and learning from others to enhance personal growth and productivity.

Takeaways

• Turn your minutes into milestones.
• Create a personalized time plan that works for you.
• Concentrate on the good in life.
• Stress and anxiety do not solve problems.
• Cortisol affects productivity and health.
• Release what weighs you down.
• Don't overthink; just do it.
• Listen to older and wiser people.
• Seek out trustworthy mentors.
• Mastery is about presence, not perfection.

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Work with me: https://www.ngoziedema.com/work_with_me.html

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I at down with Daniella Wolfe, a time management coach who specializes in helping stressed professionals manage their time and self-care.

We discussed the often-overlooked causes of burnout, the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of daily self-care. Daniella introduces her 'Exhausted to Empowered' formula, which emphasizes the integration of mindset, time planning, and self-care.

 The conversation also touches on the challenges of achieving work-life balance in a culture that glorifies hustle, and offers practical tips for making small shifts towards a more empowered life.

Takeaways

• Burnout can come from things we are passionate about.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for work-life balance.
• Self-care should be a daily practice, not a luxury.
• Mindset shifts are essential for lasting change.
• Small, intentional actions can lead to significant improvements.
• You can schedule self-care just like any other appointment.
• It's important to give yourself grace during the process of change.
• Finding balance means integrating yourself into your daily priorities.
• Creating new habits takes time and consistency.
• You are in control of your time and well-being.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema speaks with Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and author, about her journey living with juvenile arthritis and the importance of accessibility. 

They discuss the misconceptions surrounding disabilities, the impact of community support, and the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome. Jenna emphasizes the need for self-care and rest, highlighting that everyone has unique needs and contributions to make. 

The conversation serves as a reminder that while we may not choose our challenges, we can choose how we respond to them.

Key Takeaways

• Disabled since the age of eight, Jenna Udenberg transformed her challenges into advocacy.
• Disability should not be viewed negatively; it's part of one's identity.
• Community support is crucial for those facing disabilities.
• Imposter syndrome affects everyone, regardless of their achievements.
• Rest and self-care are essential for productivity and well-being.
• Words have power; the language we use around disability matters.
• Everyone has unique needs and contributions to make.
• Resilience is a mindset that can be cultivated.
• Accessibility is a right, not a favor.
• Adversity can lead to personal growth and empowerment.

Check out this episode's show notes for Jenna's links.

And if you are new here, thanks for stopping by. I help busy authors and entrepreneurs create time for what truly matters. I strongly recommend  time-blocking. To get you started with time blocking, grab your guide below:

https://timeblockingmasterytakecontrolofyourtimeandgetmoredone-mc0.plannerpack.co

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Work with me: https://www.ngoziedema.com/work_with_me.html

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of self-compassion, especially during challenging times. I share my personal experiences and practical strategies to reset and recenter oneself when life feels overwhelming. 

The conversation emphasizes the need to pause, protect small pockets of time, and practice self-kindness as essential tools for personal growth and resilience. I also mentioned I will be skipping next episode this Friday. The Minute Mastery is back next Monday.

My Takeaways

• Self-compassion is crucial when things don't go as planned.
• It's okay to lean into moments of struggle.
• Taking a pause with purpose can help reset your mindset.
• Small pockets of focused time can rebuild confidence.
• Practicing self-compassion allows for recovery and strength.
• Being overwhelmed is a human experience, not a weakness.
• Producing your best work often comes from a place of healing.
• You are not behind in your journey; you are becoming.
• Honesty and heart are essential in showing up for yourself.
• Your story is still unfolding beautifully, even during detours.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, Andrew shares his inspiring journey of resilience after surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm. He discusses the challenges of recovery, both physical and emotional, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to writing, caregiving, and counseling.

 Andrew emphasizes the importance of being present for others and prioritizing fulfillment over mere happiness. He offers valuable insights on navigating trauma and maintaining creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and recognize the progress they make over time.

Takeaways

1. Andrew survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
2. His recovery involved both physical and emotional challenges.
3. Writing became a source of joy and healing for him.
4. He emphasizes the importance of being present for others in grief.
5. Andrew's caregiving experience provided him with unique insights.
6. He prioritizes fulfillment over the pursuit of happiness.
7. Recovery is often a non-linear process, akin to a spiral.
8. He encourages flexibility in creative environments.
9. Andrew believes in cultivating what one has rather than seeking more.
10. Consistency in effort leads to eventual results.
    
    
    

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I dived into the importance of time management for aspiring authors. Discussing how dedicating just one hour a day can lead to significant progress in writing a book. 

The conversation covers practical strategies like time blocking, setting micro goals, and conducting a time audit to find that hour. In this episode,  I encourage listeners to protect their writing time fiercely and highlight that consistent, small efforts can lead to substantial results over time.

Takeaways

1. The difference between an aspiring author and a published author isn't just talent, it's time management.
2. You don't need more time; you need more intention with the time you already have.
3. Waiting for a perfect day to write is unrealistic; protect small windows of time instead.
4. Time blocking is a powerful tool for managing tasks effectively.
5. Small, consistent writing sessions can lead to a completed book faster than expected.
6. Treat your writing hour like a non-negotiable appointment.
7. Set micro goals to create clear wins and build momentum.
8. Conduct a time audit to identify where you can find extra time.
9. Investing time in your writing is crucial for success.
10. One focused hour can turn your writing dreams into reality.

Check Episode show notes for more.

And if you are new here, thanks for stopping by. I help busy authors and entrepreneurs create time for what truly matters. I strongly recommend  time-blocking. To get you started with time blocking, grab your guide below:

https://timeblockingmasterytakecontrolofyourtimeandgetmoredone-mc0.plannerpack.co

Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Work with me: https://www.ngoziedema.com/work_with_me.html

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Grief has a way of stopping time. It reshapes our days, our thoughts, and how we show up in the world. But what if writing could help alleviate the pain?

In this episode, I interview science fiction author Jordan S. Keller about her new book, 'Falling Gravity,' which explores themes of grief, kindness, and forgiveness. Jordan shares her personal journey of navigating the loss of her father through writing, the challenges of finding time to write amidst grief, and the cathartic process of storytelling. 

The conversation emphasizes the therapeutic power of writing and the importance of embracing emotions during the creative process.

Grab a seat and get inspired!

Takeaways

1. Jordan's book 'Falling Gravity' explores grief and healing.
2. Writing helped Jordan navigate her father's death.
3. The title reflects her feelings of free falling after loss.
4. Grief can make one feel disconnected and angry.
5. Jordan's character mirrors her own journey through grief.
6. Writing provided an escape from painful emotions.
7. The ending of the book was rewritten to be more hopeful.
8. Support from writing groups can be crucial during tough times.
9. It's important to carve out time for writing, even in grief.
10.Embracing messy emotions can lead to healing through writing.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery podcast, host Ngozi Edema and guest Sue Day discuss practical strategies for managing ADHD and overcoming procrastination. 

They explore the importance of transforming mindsets from perceived deficiencies to strengths, share personal experiences with ADHD, and provide insights into creating effective routines. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-kindness and community support in navigating the challenges of ADHD.

Takeaways

1. You are not alone and you are not out of options.
2. Transforming mindset of perceived deficiencies into mindset of strengths is crucial.
3. ADHD has affected my entire life, and understanding it is the first step.
4. Procrastination is a significant challenge for people with ADHD.
5. Being kind to oneself is essential for motivation.
6. Finding personal paths and motivations is key to overcoming procrastination.
7. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can reduce overwhelm.
8. Rest and self-care are vital for productivity.
9. Switching negative narratives about ADHD can empower individuals.
10.Community support can help in managing ADHD effectively.

To get you started with time blocking, grab your guide below:

https://timeblockingmasterytakecontrolofyourtimeandgetmoredone-mc0.plannerpack.co

Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter:

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day

Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Work with me: https://www.ngoziedema.com/work_with_me.html

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema engages in an inspiring conversation with children's author Caroline Fernandez, who has written 17 children's books. 

They discuss the importance of storytelling in children's literature, the creative process behind writing, and how real-life figures like Gladys West can inspire young readers. 

Carolyn shares her insights on the role of children's books in shaping perspectives and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors. The episode highlights the significance of relatable characters and meaningful lessons in children's stories.

Takeaways

1. I love inspiring conversations with children's book authors.
2. Her latest book shines a spotlight on a real woman in STEM.
3. I need to keep food on the table and keep projects on the go.
4. This is a great subject, but I need to thank her.
5. Kids can take away from the story... it's okay to face a challenge.
6. Books can take us to places we have never traveled to before.
7. Reading is the best way for an author to develop their craft.
8. It's available everywhere as of May 1st, 2025.
9. I started a blog as one did back in the day.
10.Thank you for sharing your time, your wisdom, and your passion.

Daily Planner for busy moms, writers and entrepreneurs

https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/daily-planner-for-busy-people

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.