This week, we’re joined by Ayah Abdul-Rauf, an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and professor, known for her novel The Fox and The Stag. In this episode, we dive into her unique approach to crafting unforgettable characters and writing authentic dialogue that resonates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about her creative process and storytelling journey.

Have you ever felt life’s chaos steal away the simple joy of reading? Rachel Pierce did, and she transformed her desire to reconnect with books into the viral “Book Bowl Challenge.” Join us as we explore her story of rekindling a lost love and building a vibrant community of readers!

This Thursday, we dive deeper into the world of audiobooks with a review of Just The Nicest  Couple. In this episode, we explore the craft of storytelling through voice and how narration can add new dimensions to a story.   Join me as we uncover the suspense, tension, and hidden intricacies in Just The Nicest Couple  and reflect on the unique way audiobooks can transform the written word. 

In celebration of the first book birthday of Seasons of Sobriety, I embarked on a new journey—bringing my words to life through my first audiobook. This episode unveils the intricate layers of this process: the hours in the recording booth, the detail of production, and the vulnerable moments that arise when you vocalize your story for others to hear. Join me as I reflect on the power of spoken words, the art of capturing emotion through voice, and the milestones that you embark through the publishing process.

Kansas City’s first poet laureate, Melissa Ferrer Civil, was appointed in February 2024, bringing a powerful spirit to the community through her words. In this episode, I reflect on her moving appointment ceremony and dive into what it truly means to be a poet laureate. We also explore Civil’s work beyond poetry, including her programs A Nation in Exile and Melanated Measures, which aim to inspire healing, community, and self-expression.

In this episode, we dive into Stephen King's memoir On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I chose to review this book now because we’re featuring an interview with Kansas City’s first Poet Laureate, and it also marks one year since the release of my debut book. I thought it would be fitting to explore something more educational in celebration of this milestone. The book offers valuable insights on the writing process, creativity, and the discipline needed to become a successful author.

A recently received a message on LinkedIn, asking how she manages to balance the weight of work with the pursuit of passion. In this episode, she thoughtfully unravels that very question—reflecting on the delicate balance between her demanding career and the soul-driven journey of writing her debut book. With intention and depth, A shares her insights on weaving together the threads of duty and desire, work and art.

In this episode, A sits down with Michael Smith, the visionary Editor in Chief behind The Object, a one-of-a-kind newspaper breathing new life into Kansas City’s art scene. They dive into the inspiration behind this living tribute to print and its roots in timeless storytelling. With the second issue set to release on November 1st, 2024, Michael shares how The Object unites local artists and writers, offering readers a pure, ad-free experience that will endure for years to come. Don’t miss this deep dive into the power of print and creativity. https://www.theobjectkc.com/giving

In this episode, A dives into Lessons in Chemistry, a New York Times bestseller set in the 1960s. Through reflections, she unpacks its themes of romance, motherhood, and the struggle against workplace discrimination. As the pages of the novel stir thoughts of resilience, A shares a personal story of navigating tough conversations in her own life—highlighting the intersections of fiction and reality. Each theme resonates, weaving the past into the present, inviting listeners to explore the power of voice in love and adversity.

In this solo episode, we explore the power of stepping outside our comfort zones and joining new communities. A shares personal stories of times when she embraced new groups of people, even when she didn’t know anyone. Through these experiences, she shows the value of saying yes to the unfamiliar and finding connection in unexpected places.