The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 76: Author Interview with Eliza Lake

Episode Summary:

What if you didn't have to choose between completely losing yourself for the people you love and becoming so focused on yourself that you disconnect from them?

In Episode 76, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, sits down with Eliza Lake, author of the forthcoming book The Third Option, to explore a different path—one rooted in self-trust, wholeness, and learning how to honor both yourself and the people you love.

Eliza shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write the book, including motherhood, marriage, healing, faith, trauma, and the realization that she had lost touch with something as simple as knowing what she wanted. A solo trip became a turning point, and later, a difficult moment with her daughter sparked an even deeper commitment to learning how to be okay herself so she could help her family be okay too.

The conversation dives into what Eliza calls “the third option”: slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and bringing your heart, mind, body, and nervous system into greater integration. Rather than choosing between self-sacrifice and self-focus, the goal is to find a grounded way to love others without abandoning yourself.

Eliza also shares how writing The Third Option became a therapeutic process of integrating what she had learned at a deeper level, and how she plans to use the book as a starting point for coaching, retreats, and helping more women develop a healthier relationship with themselves.

What You'll Hear:

• The personal journey that inspired Eliza to write The Third Option

• How motherhood led her to question whether she truly knew herself

• Why being “easygoing” can sometimes mean losing touch with your own needs

• The moment Eliza realized she needed to learn how to be okay

• How writing the book became part of her healing and self-discovery

• Why knowledge in your head isn't always the same as true integration

• The two extremes many women can feel trapped between

• What “the third option” actually means in everyday life

• How to slow down and reconnect with your heart, body, and inner knowing

• Why self-acceptance can be more powerful than constantly trying to “fix” yourself

• How parents can model emotional regulation and self-trust for their children

• How Eliza plans to use her book, coaching, and retreats to help women

Quote to Remember:

“You do not have to become anything else. You're already perfect.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Eliza Lake - writer, coach, mother of five, and author of The Third Option, a book about self-trust, healing, motherhood, and finding wholeness without abandoning yourself.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Third Option - releasing September 15, 2026Eliza Lake on Facebook and InstagramVisit thecompassandflame.comsmartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch and Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Third Option for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. 

👉 https://jusserv.net/waitlist

Key Takeaway:

You don't have to choose between taking care of everyone else and taking care of yourself. There is another way. One where you can love others deeply while staying connected to who you are.

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the experiences that shaped their messages, and how publishing can turn a personal journey into something that helps others.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 75: Author Interview with Alex Holt

Episode Summary:

What if the most important thing a coach can develop isn't an athlete's performance—but their character?

In this milestone Episode 75, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with Alex Holt, author of The Character Code, to explore the lasting impact coaches, parents, and mentors can have on the next generation.

Alex shares the personal experiences that shaped his approach to coaching and character development, including the coaches who corrected him when he needed it, believed in him when he made mistakes, and ultimately gave him opportunities to grow. His story demonstrates how a coach's influence can extend far beyond the scoreboard and into the person an athlete eventually becomes.

The conversation also explores the three-dimensional athlete—physical, mental, and spiritual—and why coaches need to recognize that every interaction can leave a lasting impression. Alex explains how his Character Code workbook takes those principles further through reflection exercises, team discussions, accountability challenges, and practical character-building drills for coaches, athletes, and parents.

Whether you're a coach, parent, mentor, athlete, or someone who works with young people, this episode offers a powerful reminder to look beyond temporary wins and focus on the person you're helping build.

What You'll Hear:

• The story behind The Character Code

• How one coach's correction changed Alex's life

• Why coaches have a responsibility beyond winning games

• The importance of believing in athletes beyond their performance

• Why athletes should be developed physically, mentally, and spiritually

• How a coach's words and actions can leave a lasting impact

• The critical role parents play in character development

• Why parents need to model the values they expect from their children

• How Alex's Character Coin became part of his work with young athletes

• How the workbook turns character principles into practical action

• Why reflection, accountability, and intentional conversations matter

• The difference between developing an athlete and developing a person

Quote to Remember:

“Talent may open the door, but it's ultimately character that determines what happens once you walk through it.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Alex Holt — author of The Character Code, certified chaplain, pastor, character coach, longtime safety leader, former college football player, and mentor to young athletes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Character Code

The Character Code Workbook

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Character Code for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. 👉 https://jusserv.net/waitlist

Key Takeaway:

A scoreboard measures what happened in the game. Character reveals what the game is helping build in the person.

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors about the stories behind their books, the lessons that shaped their messages, and how their books can create meaningful impact beyond the page.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 74: Kobo for International Publishing

Episode Summary:

What happens when your readers are ready to buy your book—but Amazon won't let them?

In Episode 74, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, shares a recent publishing lesson that could make a major difference for authors with international audiences. After discovering that a Kindle book distributed through KDP was unavailable to readers in Malaysia—even though Amazon's documentation suggested worldwide Kindle access—Renée went searching for another solution.

She found it with Kobo, an international e-book platform with territory-specific storefronts, including one for Malaysia. Renée walks through what happened, why the issue was so difficult to uncover, and how Kobo provided a practical alternative for reaching readers in markets where Amazon's Kindle distribution doesn't work as expected.

The episode also explores Kobo's additional features, including library distribution, scheduled sales, automated pricing changes, royalty tracking, and direct access to international readers. If you're planning to build an international audience around your book, this is a publishing lesson worth knowing before launch day.

What You'll Hear:

• Why international Kindle access isn't always as straightforward as Amazon's documentation suggests

• The surprising KDP distribution limitation affecting Malaysia

• How Renée discovered the issue through a real book launch

• Why authors with international audiences should test e-book accessibility before launch

• How Kobo can provide an alternative distribution channel

• Why avoiding KDP Select can give authors greater publishing flexibility

• How Kobo supports territory-specific storefronts

• How authors can make their books available to libraries

• Kobo's scheduled sale and automated pricing features

• How Kobo compares with Amazon for international e-book distribution

• Why having a backup e-book solution can protect an international launch

Quote to Remember:

“If you have an audience in a place, a territory that is not either the Philippines or a place where Amazon has a direct marketplace, that is something I would strongly suggest for you.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kobo Writing LifeAmazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the worldEmail: [email protected]

Key Takeaway:

If your book has an international audience, don't assume that Amazon's worldwide Kindle access will work everywhere. Test your target territories ahead of launch and consider having an alternative e-book distribution channel, such as Kobo, ready to go.

Coming Next:

More real-world publishing lessons, author experiences, and strategies to help you navigate the publishing process and get your book into the hands of the readers who need it.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 73: Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Right

Episode Summary:

You’ve finished your manuscript. You’re excited. You just want to get the book out there.

But should you?

In Episode 73, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, tackles a mistake she sees authors make again and again: rushing the publishing process simply because they're ready to be done.

Renée explains why a book is far more than a finished manuscript. It represents your name, your expertise, and your credibility—and when the execution is rushed, the book can actually undermine the authority you're trying to build.

From professional editing and interior formatting to cover design, launch planning, and long-term marketing, this episode breaks down the areas authors shouldn't cut corners on. Renée also explains why a successful book launch requires more than announcing your release on social media and shares practical strategies for building momentum before your book even comes out.

If you're preparing to publish—or you're feeling the urge to just get your book finished and out the door—this episode is your reminder to take a breath and do it right.

What You'll Hear:

• Why excitement and emotion can lead authors to make rushed decisions

• How a poorly executed book can damage your credibility

• Why professional human editing still matters in the age of AI

• The difference between AI processing and professional editing

• Why professional interior formatting can dramatically improve a book's appearance

• What to consider when designing a professional book cover

• Why Amazon's Cover Creator may not give you the professional result you're looking for

• Why publishing next week without a launch plan is a mistake

• What a strategic six-week book launch can look like

• How social media, outreach, influencers, press releases, and podcasts can work together

• Why podcast interviews before launch can build visibility and SEO

• How to make your book stand out in an increasingly crowded publishing landscape

• Why your book should have a long-term leverage plan—not just a launch date

Quote to Remember:

“Keep writing your story because the world needs your voice, but just make sure you do it the right way.”

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 72: Interview with Blake Ruff, Co-Author of The Full Gym

Episode Summary:

Why do some gyms consistently grow while others struggle to replace the members they lose?

In Episode 72, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with Blake Ruff, co-author of The Full Gym and co-founder of LASSO Framework, to unpack the biggest misconceptions about gym marketing, sales, and sustainable growth.

After helping fitness businesses generate more than $30 million in tracked client revenue and managing over $2 million in Facebook ad spend, Blake shares why most gym owners don't actually have a marketing problem—they have an alignment problem. From identifying your ideal client to building a predictable lead generation system and creating messaging that actually resonates, this conversation is packed with practical strategies gym owners can implement immediately.

Blake also shares his personal journey of writing the book, why he almost didn't do it, and how the process unexpectedly inspired his six-year-old son to start writing books of his own.

Whether you're a gym owner, business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers timeless lessons about clear messaging, solving real problems, and building systems that create long-term growth.

What You'll Hear:

• Why most gym owners don't actually have a marketing problem
• The difference between attracting leads and attracting the right clients

• Why gimmicky promotions often hurt long-term growth
• How to know when your business is truly ready for paid advertising
• The importance of aligning marketing and sales into one seamless customer journey

• Why "Don't be cute—be clear" is one of the most valuable marketing principles
• How StoryBrand principles transformed Blake's approach to messaging
• Why authentic content is becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world

• How Blake turned podcast-style conversations into a bestselling book

• The unexpected impact writing a book had on Blake's family

Quote to Remember:

“Don't be cute. Be clear.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Blake Ruff — StoryBrand Certified Guide, growth strategist, co-founder of LASSO Framework, co-host of the Gym Marketing Made Simple podcast, and co-author of The Full Gym

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Full Gym (releasing September 8)

LASSO Framework

Gym Marketing Made Simple Podcast

StoryBrand by Donald Miller

SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author support

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase The Full Gym for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only.

👉 https://fullgym.lassoframework.com/

Key Takeaway:

Marketing isn't about chasing more leads—it's about clearly communicating the problems you solve, attracting the right people, and creating an aligned system that turns prospects into long-term clients.

Coming Next:

More conversations with successful Smart Publishing authors sharing how they've transformed their expertise into books that build authority, create opportunities, and grow their businesses.

Episode Title:The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 71: When Does it Actually Make Sense to Work With a Publisher?

Episode Summary:

Should you self-publish your book… or partner with a professional publisher?

It's one of the biggest decisions every aspiring author faces—and in Episode 71, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, break down how to make the right choice.

Drawing from years of experience working with business leaders, memoirists, children's book authors, and faith-based writers, Renée and Jonathan explain that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, they walk through the questions every author should ask before investing time, money, and energy into publishing.

From passion projects and personal testimonies to business books and children's stories, this episode explores how your goals should determine your publishing path. They also discuss why many authors focus so much on writing the book that they forget to plan what happens after it's finished—and why that decision often determines whether a book simply exists or truly creates impact.

If you're thinking about writing a book, this episode will help you gain the clarity you need before taking your next step.

What You'll Hear:

• The first question every aspiring author should ask before publishing

• When self-publishing is the smartest choice

• When partnering with a professional publisher makes more sense

• Why writing the book is only half of the journey

• The importance of having a distribution and marketing plan

• How business books, children's books, memoirs, and faith-based books each require different strategies

• Why your purpose should determine your publishing path

• The hidden cost of poor design, editing, and formatting

• Why credibility can be strengthened—or damaged—by the quality of your book

• How to think about your book as a long-term asset instead of a one-time project

Quote to Remember:

“Before you choose your publishing path, get clarity on why you're writing the book in the first place.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the worldConnect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Key Takeaway:

There isn't one "right" way to publish a book. The right path is the one that aligns with your goals, your willingness to market your message, and the impact you want your book to create.

Coming Next:

More practical publishing conversations, author success stories, and actionable strategies to help you write a book that doesn't just get published—but gets remembered.

Episode Title:The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 70: Interview with Matthew Jenkins

Episode Summary:

What do you do when life keeps knocking you down—and it feels like even God has abandoned you?

In Episode 70, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, welcome publishing partner Matthew Jenkins to share the deeply personal story behind his upcoming book, Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart.

Matthew opens up about one of the darkest seasons of his life, including battling chronic illness, losing loved ones, enduring the breakdown of his marriage, and surviving a suicide attempt. What began as a private journal during his healing journey eventually became a message of hope for others who feel forgotten, broken, or spiritually exhausted.

Together, Matthew, Renée, and Jonathan discuss church hurt, mental health, suffering, and the difference between simply attending church and cultivating a genuine relationship with God. They also explore why some of the most impactful books are written not from a place of expertise—but from a place of honest healing.

Whether you're walking through your own difficult season or looking to encourage someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, God is still at work.

What You'll Hear:

• The heartbreaking story behind Beat Up by God

• How Matthew's personal journal became a book that can help others

• The difference between knowing about God and truly walking with Him

• Why suffering doesn't mean God has abandoned you

• The importance of taking one faithful step at a time

• How writing became part of Matthew's healing process

• Why shifting your focus from yourself to serving others changes everything

• The value of working with a publishing partner to strengthen your message

• What it means to write for the "bruised believer"

• How faith communities can bring hope during life's hardest seasons

Quote to Remember:

“God doesn't always light the whole path—sometimes He simply gives you enough light for the next step.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Matthew Jenkins — author of Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart

Mentioned in This Episode:

Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart (releasing August 4)SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the worldConnect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase Beat Up by God for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only. 

👉 https://beatupbygod.com/

Key Takeaway:

The greatest testimonies aren't built on lives without pain—they're built on choosing to trust God one step at a time, even when the path ahead isn't fully visible.

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors as they share the stories behind their books, the lessons they've learned through the publishing journey, and how their messages are helping readers around the world.

Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 69: Interview with Dr. Corina Tan

Episode Summary:

How do you go from growing up in a small village with very little to leading global teams and transforming organizations around the world?

In Episode 69, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with publishing partner Dr. Corina Tan to discuss the inspiring journey behind her upcoming book, Lead Like Water: From the Village to the Boardroom.

Corina shares how resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep learning shaped her 35-year leadership career—from selling rice cakes in a Malaysian village to becoming the first woman to lead a Dell Technologies site of more than 4,000 employees. She also opens up about the mentors who believed in her, overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing family and career, and why the best leaders stay true to their values while adapting to change.

Whether you're leading a business, a team, or simply striving to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical leadership wisdom rooted in real-life experience.

What You'll Hear:

• The remarkable journey from a rural Malaysian village to global executive leadership

• Why Corina believes great leaders should "lead like water"

• How one mentor's belief changed the trajectory of her career

• The mindset shift that helped her overcome imposter syndrome

• Why reflection is one of the most important leadership skills

• How leadership principles apply just as much at home as they do in the workplace

• The value of focusing on your strengths and trusting others with theirs

• Why compassion and adaptability are essential in today's AI-driven world

• How writing a book clarified Corina's purpose and leadership philosophy

• Why your starting point never determines your destination

Quote to Remember:

“Success isn't measured by the title you hold. It's measured by the lives you influence.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Dr. Corina Tan – executive leadership coach, founder of Grow With Coaching & Development, and author of Lead Like Water: From the Village to the Boardroom

Mentioned in This Episode:

Lead Like Water: From the Village to the Boardroom (releasing August 18)

GrowWith Coaching & Development

SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author support

Connect with Dr. Corina Tan on LinkedIn

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase Lead Like Water for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only.

👉 https://book.growithint.com/waitlist

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors sharing the stories behind their books, the lessons they've learned, and how writing a book can create lasting impact both personally and professionally.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 68: Interview with Jason T. Powell

Episode Summary:

Can stand-up comedy make you a better leader?

In Episode 68, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sit down with publishing partner Jason T. Powell to explore the surprising connection between comedy and leadership.

Drawing from decades of experience as a stand-up comedian, speaker, coach, and leadership trainer, Jason shares how performing in front of unpredictable audiences taught him lessons that apply far beyond the stage. From learning how to read a room and earn trust to recovering from failure and communicating with confidence, he explains why some of the best leadership principles come from the world's toughest proving ground: live comedy.

Jason also opens up about the writing process behind his upcoming book, Laughs to Leadership, why vulnerability is essential to connecting with readers, and how the most embarrassing moments in life can become the greatest opportunities for growth.

Whether you lead a business, a team, a classroom, or your own family, this conversation will challenge you to embrace authenticity, build stronger relationships, and lead with greater confidence.

What You’ll Hear:

• How stand-up comedy teaches real-world leadership skills

• Why every leader needs to learn how to read a room

• The role humor plays in building trust and influence

• How failure becomes one of your greatest teachers

• Why vulnerability makes leaders—and authors—more relatable

• The surprising story that launched Jason's confidence on stage

• What writing a second book taught Jason about growth and authenticity

• Why leadership doesn't stop when you leave work—it follows you home

• How great leaders help people get "unstuck"

• Why finishing a book creates confidence that carries into every area of life

Quote to Remember:

“Every great leader has had embarrassing moments. The difference is they learn from them and keep moving forward.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Jason T. Powell – leadership speaker, stand-up comedian, TEDx speaker, and author of Compete to Live and Laughs to Leadership

Mentioned in This Episode:

Laughs to Leadership (releasing July 21)

Compete to Live: The Everyman's Playbook to Beating Depression

Compete to Live Foundation

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Where you can find Jason T. Powell:

Watch Jason at The Unserious Summit on July 25th - https://www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=12109

Connect with Jason: https://www.jasontpowell.com/about-jason

Jason’s Social Media Platforms: linktr.ee/coachjpow71

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing authors, sharing the stories behind their books and the lessons they've learned about writing, publishing, and using a book to create lasting impact.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 67: Author Interview with Joshua Smith

Episode Summary:

What happens when you stop trying to control everything—and let God take the throne?

In Episode 67, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, sits down with publishing partner Joshua Smith to discuss his upcoming book, When He Reigns, He Rains: Learning to Let God Take the Throne in Your Life.

Joshua shares the remarkable story behind his book—from waking up at 2:00 a.m. with a title and outline he believes God gave him, to walking through addiction, divorce, shame, forgiveness, and ultimately restoration. His testimony is one of surrender, healing, and discovering that God's plans are often greater than our own.

The conversation also explores the publishing journey itself, why vulnerability makes a message more powerful, and how writing a book became both a personal milestone and a way to encourage others who may be facing similar struggles.

Whether you're an aspiring author, a person of faith, or someone searching for hope in the middle of life's hardest seasons, this episode is a reminder that no story is beyond redemption.

What You’ll Hear:

• The extraordinary 2:00 a.m. moment that sparked Joshua's book

• How surrendering control transformed his life and faith

• Why vulnerability creates stronger connections with readers

• The role of storytelling in sharing a powerful testimony

• How journaling and reflecting on your journey can strengthen your faith

• What surprised Joshua most about becoming an author

• Why he chose to work with a publisher instead of self-publishing

• The healing that came through writing and revisiting difficult seasons

• How Strongman competitions unexpectedly reinforced lessons about perseverance and forgiveness

• Joshua's hope of using his book to encourage people in recovery and deepen others' relationship with God

Quote to Remember:“When you let God take control, He can take your life further than you ever could on your own.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Joshua Smith — entrepreneur, Strongman competitor, and author of When He Reigns, He Rains: Learning to Let God Take the Throne in Your Life

Mentioned in This Episode:

When He Reigns, He Rains (releasing July 21)

Connect with Joshua - whenhereignsherains.com

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Coming Next:

More conversations with Smart Publishing partners as they share the stories behind their books, the lessons they learned through the publishing process, and the impact they hope to make with their message.