The Molten Truth

What if a simple story could help us see beyond our differences and rediscover what connects us?

On this episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels welcomes author Rachael M. Colby for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, cultural identity, and the power of words to inspire understanding. From her Jamaican roots to the inspiration behind her children's picture book Tropical Dreams, Rachael shares how personal experiences, difficult seasons, and a love of storytelling shaped her writing journey.

But this conversation goes far beyond children's books. Rachael explores why the best stories invite readers to recognize themselves in others, how messages of harmony and diversity can reach audiences of all ages, and why reconciliation matters in an increasingly divided world. She also opens up about finding her voice as a writer, confronting her fear of public speaking, and discovering the courage to pursue the work that matters to her.

Whether you're a parent, a reader, a writer, or someone who believes we can do better at understanding one another, this episode is a reminder that stories can open hearts, challenge assumptions, and bring people closer together.

Because sometimes, the most powerful way to change minds isn't to preach a message—it's to tell a story.

To learn more, visit: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/

What happens when you refuse to let comfort become the limit of what your life can be?

Nina Brooks is a storyteller in every sense of the word - a writer, screenwriter, producer, filmmaker and creative force whose work explores meaningful, thought-provoking stories. In this conversation, Nina opens up about the experiences, choices and mindset that have shaped her creative journey and her determination to keep growing beyond what feels safe or familiar.

From her beginnings in Pittsburgh to her work in film and television, Nina's path has taken her through unexpected turns and opportunities. She shares what it means to embrace change, pursue creativity, and continually reinvent yourself rather than allowing fear or comfort to dictate what's possible.

This conversation is about much more than filmmaking. It's about taking risks, finding your voice, and having the courage to become the person you're capable of becoming.

Originally recorded as an early episode of The Molten Truth, this conversation with Nina Brooks is being brought back because some stories deserve another listen.

What if your first language wasn't spoken—it was signed?

In this inspiring episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels welcomes bestselling author Maria Gallucci, who grew up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language.

Maria's story offers a rare glimpse into life between two worlds—the Deaf community and the hearing world. Raised by deaf parents, she learned early that communication is about far more than words. It's about presence, empathy, understanding, and making people feel like they belong.

Drawing from the experiences that inspired her bestselling book, Raised in Silence, Maria shares how growing up in Deaf culture shaped her perspective on leadership, accessibility, inclusion, and authentic human connection. She also discusses the barriers the Deaf community continues to face, the role technology is playing in improving accessibility, and why her personal motto—"Just try."—has the power to transform relationships.

Whether you're curious about Deaf culture, interested in American Sign Language, or simply want to become a better communicator, this conversation will leave you seeing connection in an entirely new way.

• What it means to grow up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults)
• Why American Sign Language became Maria's first language
• How Deaf culture teaches empathy, resilience, and connection
• The importance of accessibility in everyday life and business
• Why inclusion begins with making an effort
• How one simple act of kindness can make someone feel truly seen

Sometimes the greatest lessons about listening come from those who experience the world differently.

How many dreams have been abandoned because someone heard "no" one too many times?

Michael Isaac Shokrian knows that feeling better than most. After years of rejection as a writer, building a successful career as an attorney, and balancing family life, he made an unexpected decision—not to give up on writing, but to create opportunities for writers everywhere.

In this inspiring conversation, Michael shares his remarkable journey from immigrating to America as a young boy, to becoming a lawyer, novelist, editor, and founder of The Thieving Magpie literary magazine. Along the way, he reveals why rejection isn't the end of the story, how journaling transformed his life, why so many lawyers secretly long to create art, and what it really takes to build a creative life in today's world.

This episode is a powerful reminder that dreams don't have expiration dates. Sometimes the path isn't straight, success rarely happens overnight, and the greatest opportunities come when we stop waiting for permission and build the door ourselves.

Whether you're a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone wondering if it's too late to chase the life you imagined, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep going.

Because the process isn't the obstacle...

It's the reward.

ThievingMagpie.org

mishokrian.com

What do hurricane evacuations, reality television, destination weddings, alligators, and mystery novels have in common? Author Sandy Malone.

In this entertaining episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels sits down with Sandy Malone, former star of TLC's Wedding Island, journalist, editor, and author of the Gem of the Golden Isles series. Drawing from more than 500 destination weddings she planned in the Caribbean, Sandy shares the real-life experiences that inspired her novels, proving that truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction.

Listeners will hear unforgettable stories about demanding brides, unusual wedding requests, family drama, and the challenges of life behind the scenes as a wedding planner. Sandy also discusses her move to historic Jekyll Island, Georgia, the fascinating history of the island, her experiences as the wife of a law enforcement officer, and how all of these elements have found their way into her fiction.

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Sandy discusses her upcoming novel, Thicker Than Blood, inspired in part by her family's experiences with Alzheimer's disease and the complicated relationships that shape generations.

Filled with laughter, storytelling, writing insights, and colorful island adventures, this episode is a must-listen for readers, writers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys hearing how real life becomes fiction.

Learn more about Sandy Malone and her books at sandymalone.com.

When A-M Mawhiney retired after a 40-year career as a social worker and university professor, she never expected to become a novelist. During the COVID lockdown, what began as an attempt at journaling turned into a creative journey that produced three books and an entirely new chapter of life. In this episode, A-M Mawhiney shares how her characters often surprise her, why she chose to write hopeful science fiction and fantasy rather than dystopian futures, and how a pair of determined preteens inspired her second novel. She also reflects on growing up in Sudbury, Ontario, witnessing one of the world's most remarkable environmental recoveries, and why community collaboration remains one of her greatest sources of hope. It's a conversation about creativity, reinvention, resilience, and the transformative power of stories.

What does it mean to truly find home—not just in a place, but in a culture, a calling, and within yourself?

In this powerful episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey sits down with Scott Wooster, a South Dakota native whose life journey weaves together family legacy, personal struggle, and deep connection to Lakota culture. What begins as a conversation about his books quickly unfolds into something much deeper: a story of transformation.

Scott shares how decades of working with Native youth, marrying into a Lakota family, and navigating profound personal challenges—including addiction, anxiety, grief, and raising children with chronic illness—led him down an unexpected path of healing. Through ceremonies, storytelling, and relationships that reshaped his worldview, he discovered meaning in places he never anticipated.

This episode dives into:

• The generational loss—and revival—of Indigenous culture
• The emotional weight of identity, belonging, and inherited trauma
• How storytelling can heal both individuals and communities
• The unexpected lessons found in hardship, faith, and human connection

Raw, reflective, and deeply human, this conversation is a reminder that healing doesn’t come from a single moment—it’s a journey shaped by the people we meet, the stories we carry, and the courage to keep going.

In this deeply powerful episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with serial entrepreneur and creative force Caramel Lucas. From a childhood shaped by trauma to building a life fueled by purpose, Caramel shares her journey through writing, comedy, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about the importance of therapy, breaking generational cycles, and transforming pain into power. With honesty and heart, this conversation explores what it means to heal, grow, and inspire others—proving that your past doesn’t define you, but your purpose can.

CaramelLucas.net

In this episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with first-time guest Ben Leman—an entrepreneur, former Texas county judge and state representative, rancher, and now debut novelist. Ben shares his remarkable path from building a successful manufacturing business from his mother’s garage to serving a decade in public office, all while raising a family and living the rugged ranch life in Central Texas.

Now stepping into the literary world, Ben discusses his upcoming novel Between the Times, the first installment in his Forged in Blood trilogy. Set in 1640s Scotland, the story explores identity, loyalty, and transformation through the lens of a Highland clan facing a changing world. With rich historical themes and deeply human conflicts, Ben reveals how his own life experiences shaped the narrative.

Despite some technical hiccups during the recording, this conversation offers an authentic and engaging introduction to a multifaceted guest whose life story is as compelling as the fiction he writes.

The conversation explores the freedom and safety of exploring themes in science fiction and fantasy genres, the flexibility of genre classification, and the importance of choosing the right genre as a vehicle for the story.

Takeaways

• Freedom and safety in exploring themes in science fiction and fantasy
• Flexibility and importance of genre classification

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Themes in Science Fiction and Fantasy