True Fiction Project

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Arden O’Connor, founder and CEO of the O’Connor Professional Group. Arden shares the story she and her family experienced while working through her brother's substance use. She discusses how families can support their family members who are struggling with substance use, what type of support to offer, and how to approach a relationship with an addict. Arden gives insight into how therapists and medical providers can help with substance use and she even provides advice on how parents can talk to their children about the risks of drugs and alcohol. At the end of the episode, we hear the short story, A Small Victory, written and voiced by Shobha Nihalani.  

 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

[2:31] Arden shares her story of love and loss. 

[4:28] What does it mean for there to be a genetic predisposition? 

[7:45] What does Arden suggest is a good way for parents to talk about addiction with their children? 

[10:28] Arden discusses what manipulation she experienced with her brother. 

[16:45] What role do therapists and medical providers play in the addiction scenario? 

[21:20] How can families support someone with an addiction?  

[27:13] What can a parent do to support an adult child?  

[34:44] A short story A Small Victory, written and voiced by Shobha Nihalani 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

Have an open relationship/conversation with your children so they are aware of what may impact them. Someone is talking to your children about these difficult topics even if you choose not to. That might be peers, family members, or someone telling them negative things. 

A person with addiction is two different people. There is a person under the influence and then a sober person. Family members should seek help for themselves to determine how they can support their loved ones.  

There can be added success when family members are doing alcohol and drug testing to support their loved one who has an addiction. Families need a long-term view and evaluate each scenario individually regarding family get-togethers and other events.    

 

Fiction Credits: 

Short story written and read by: Shobha Nihalani 

BIO: 

Arden O’Connor founded the O’Connor Professional Group to address the needs of families and individuals struggling with an array of behavioral health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, learning, and other developmental challenges. With several relatives in recovery, Arden is passionate about helping families and individuals navigate the highly fragmented treatment system in a way that creates positive outcomes and allows families to heal. Arden is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. She remains heavily involved in community activities, as a board member of Winsor School Corporation, Collaboration for Family Flourishing, and Massachusetts Association of Mental Health. Previously, she served as a board member for the Justice Resource Institute (former chair), C4 Recovery Solutions, Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises, Harvard Club of Boston, Victory Programs, and Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Boston. 

 

O’Connor Professional Group Website 

O’Connor Professional Group Facebook Page 

O’Connor Professional Group LinkedIn 

O’Connor Professional Group Instagram 

O’Connor Professional Group Twitter 

Dopey Podcast (Arden’s late brother’s podcast, still hosted by his co-host) 

Beyond The Balance Sheet Podcast 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Beth Hennessy, Fiction Author & Singer/Songwriter in the music group, Kalliah. Beth tells us the story of the cult she grew up in and her family’s experience there. She discusses the rules and reasons for a cult and how her family became a part of it. Beth then shares what led her family to leave the cult and what life on the other side was like. She talks a little about her experience trying to create new beliefs that relate more to herself than the beliefs she was ingrained with during her time in the cult. Then, we hear a poem inspired by Beth’s experiences in the cult. A Good Samaritan is written and voiced by Beth Hennessy.  

 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

[2:07] What about Beth’s past inspired her new book? 

[4:33] What is a cult, and how does it work?  

[6:21] Why do cults decide to live their way of life? 

[9:39] Why are people eager to please the cult's leader? 

[14:07] What led Beth’s family to leave the cult?  

[17:56] What was it like in the outside world with the cult's beliefs? 

[20:53] Where is this cult, and does it still exist? 

[24:30] A poem, A Good Samaritan, written and voiced by Beth Hennessy 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

Your past does not have to be your future. 

Learning to tune in to your beliefs as you grow older and determining if the beliefs you grew up with resonate with you are essential to uncovering who you are. 

Many things can happen under our noses that we overlook. Open your eyes around you, see what others are going through, and be kind, as you don’t know what the person next to you is experiencing.  

 

Fiction Credits: 

A poem written and read by: Beth Hennessy 

BIO: 

Beth Hennessy is a multifaceted creative with an unusual beginning. Now a fiction author, songwriter, singer, and visual artist; she can still remember a time when being her most vibrant and free self, wasn’t encouraged. She grew up in a closed community where TV, movies, and music with drums were prohibited. But this didn’t stop her from imagining stories for her little sister’s entertainment, drawing elaborate pictures, and sneaking into the neighbor’s house to play the piano. Her upbringing only fuels her truth. “Our past does not have to be our future. Our minds belong to no one else. They are our own. They are our freedom.” 

 

HOME | Kalliah 

Kalliah Music Facebook  

Kalliah Music Twitter 

Kalliah Music Instagram 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Keren Eldad, personal/business coach and TedTalk speaker. Keren starts the episode by telling us about her rocky transition from a “princess” life to military life. Next, she discusses what a coach is and how they differ from a therapist or teacher. She gives us some incredible insights into mindset shifts and how “hustle culture” is damaging to ourselves. Keren encourages taking control of our own lives and to push ourselves to discover our values and live to those values. At the end of the episode, we hear the short story titled Spec Ops for the Princess, written by Parker James. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:30] Keren Eldad discusses her military experience. 

[6:15] How did the early days shape who Keren is today?

[7:20] How did Keren get into the coaching industry?

[10:50] What is the difference between a coach, therapist, and teacher?

[13:38] What are “princessy values,” and do they have a purpose?

[16:24] Do big companies like Nike, Este Lauder, etc. need “saving?”

[17:52] What is the superstar paradox? 

[20:44] How does one stop him or herself from becoming an “overachiever?” 

[23:02] What was it like being mentored by Olympia Dukakis?

[27:23] Short story Spec Ops for the Princess by Parker James  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Superficial things will not build our character. Those things will not bring you any happiness. Focus on your values and live your life towards those values - that is what will fill your life with joy and happiness.

Everybody could use clarity, ease, and tools to feel like they are in the driver's seat of their own life. This is what a coach helps you with. They uncover beliefs and where the views came from and help you choose a new set of beliefs to reach your goals.

When you’re in survival mode, you are in a completely different mode. You are twice as likely to be depressed or anxious the higher your income and achievement levels are. Your focus is on the things that don’t bring you joy and experiences in your life. 

Fiction Credits:

Short story written and read by: Parker James

BIO:

Coach Keren Eldad (PCC) is a transformational coach, speaker/ TEDx speaker, and trainer who has coached professionals and entrepreneurs on business goal achievements as well as personal development goals such as self-awareness, self-acceptance, vulnerability, and empathy to overcome overwhelm, stress and their adverse effects in life and work.

Live with Enthusiasm Facebook

Coached with Coach Keren Podcast

Kenen Eldad’s Website

Keren Eldad’s Instagram

Keren Eldad’s TED Talk - You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind:

Try it today by going to https://www.magicmind.co/tfp and use my code "TFP20" for 20% off all orders or for a limited time 40% off a subscription.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. Today we are joined by award-winning playwright and actor, Ellen McLaughlin. Ellen joins me to discuss her many pieces of work throughout her career and the project she just completed with the Play On Podcasts series. She describes the incredible experiences of being around someone while they encounter extraordinary joy and the impact of that on individuals. Ellen talks about the connection she believes all artists should have to their work. At the end of the episode, we get the pleasure of listening to Ellen’s short story titled Witness to the Joy of Strangers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:11] Introducing Ellen McLaughlin and her work with Play On Podcasts.

[6:52] What about the Shakespeare play Ellen worked on that resonated with her?

[13:05] When Ellen is creating her art, is she always thinking about a real-life moment or is it happenstance? 

[17:45] Ellen gives us an insight into her short story. 

[22:07] Short Story Witness to the Joy of Strangers by Ellen McLaughlin

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

People need to recognize that they are privileged to be a bystander and to witness a revelation that one has when they discover their passion. To take in their joy even without necessarily being a part of it is a memorable experience. 

Someone cannot make something worthwhile unless they have something on the line. If the story means something to them, you can feel the passion in the piece. Without it being worthwhile to them, it risks falling flat. 

A person will work harder and be more involved in a project if they have passion behind it. If there is no passion, choose a different project that will showcase the passion for the work.  

Fiction Credits:

Short story written and read by: Ellen McLaughlin

BIO:

Ellen McLaughlin's plays have received numerous national and international productions. They include Days and Nights Within, A Narrow Bed, Infinity's House, Iphigenia, and Other Daughters, Tongue of a Bird, The Trojan Women, Helen, The Persians, Oedipus, Ajax in Iraq, Kissing the Floor, Septimus and Clarissa, and Penelope. Producers include: the Public Theater, The National Actors' Theater and New York Theater Workshop in NYC, Actors' Theater of Louisville, The Actors' Gang L.A., Classic Stage Co., N.Y., The Intiman Theater, Seattle, Almeida Theater, London, The Mark Taper Forum, L.A., The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Getty Villa, California., and The Guthrie Theater, Minnesota, among other venues.

Grants and awards include Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, Great American Play Contest, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the NEA, the Writer's Award from the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, the Berilla Kerr Award for playwriting. T.C.G./Fox Residency Grant -- for Ajax in Iraq, written for the A.R.T. Institute.

She has taught playwriting at Barnard College since 1995. Other teaching posts include Breadloaf School of English, Yale Drama School, and Princeton University, among others.

Ms. McLaughlin is also an actor. She is most well known for having originated the part of the Angel in Tony Kushner's Angels in America, appearing in every U.S. production from its earliest workshops through its Broadway run.

Ellen McLaughlin Website

Ellen McLaughlin Facebook 

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind:

Try it today by going to https://www.magicmind.co/tfp and use my code "TFP20" for 20% off all orders or for a limited time 40% off a subscription.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, I’m speaking with actor and activist, Tramell Tillman. Tramell and I laugh about his least favorite job as an abstinence educator of middle and high school students and how he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. We chat about the success of his latest project on the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series, Severance. He shares his process for building the complex character of Seth Milchick and his experience working with director Ben Stiller. Listen in as we chat about activism, arts, and abstinence! Also, hear a short story titled The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] Tramell’s least favorite job as abstinence educator in Mississippi

[13:30] Tramell’s role in the TV show, Severance 

[16:08] The challenge of becoming character, Seth Milchick and what Ben Stiller is like as a director

[20:00] The evolution of Milchick and how he differs from the original intent

[23:55] Future projects and philanthropic work for Tramell Tillman

[31:14] Short Story: The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

One of Tramell’s first and least favorite jobs was as an abstinence educator for middle and high school students in Mississippi. At the time, Mississippi had a high rate of STDs and pregnancy. Tramell shares how it was one of the worst jobs he ever had and one that he was terrible at doing.

For the role of Seth Milchick, Tramell has developed a very specific process using meditation and exercise to get into character.

Philanthropic work is very important to Tramell and he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. It was something that was ingrained in him through his grandparents and parents from an early age. 

 

Fiction Credits: 

Short story written by: Parker James

Short story read by:

—David: Arya Hora

—Michael: Parker James

—Zipporah: Reenita Hora

 

BIO:

February 18th, 2022, Tramell Tillman starred in the Apple TV+ brand new psychological thriller series Severance, starring Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Britt Lower; with director and executive producer Ben Stiller at the helm. Serving as a series regular on a top-billed show such as this comes with an incredible artistic history.

Tillman has graced the screen and stage for over 20 years.

The classically trained actor is no stranger to the classics. This spring you can hear Tillman voice the role of Edmund, in Shakespeare’s King Lear, as part of the Play on Podcast Series. In the summer he will return to the series voicing the role of Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night.

In his spare time Tillman works in local communities supporting causes of arts advocacy, mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and causes focusing on persons of color. He has served as guest lecturer for theater programs at both Jackson State, in Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee. He is a singer, dancer, activist, and confidant; but most of all he is an artist committed to giving voice to the voiceless. He believes in the transformative power of the arts. In his opinion it’s one of the purest channels into preserving and enhancing all of humanity.

Tramell Tillman on Facebook

Tramell Tillman on Twitter

Tramell Tillman on Instagram

Tramell Tillman Website

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Creative Coalition - The Creative Coalition Creative Coalition 

Home - Children's Defense Fund 

Housing is Healthcare 

New Alternatives | LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth | New York City 

University of Tennessee Theatre Department

JSU Development – Jackson State University 

Teach for America

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Kevin Lowe as he tells us about his journey through finding out he had a brain tumor and how his life changed after surgery left him blind. He tells us about the impact that his tumor and blindness had not only on himself but also on those around him. Kevin has turned the unthinkable into an inspiring career where he shares his story at schools, on his podcast, and through life coaching. He is such a light in this world and has dedicated so much time to sharing his struggles and journey with others so they can see and feel that they are not alone. At the end of the episode, listen to Kevin’s story transform into a fiction short story titled “Good-Bye Bob,” written by Anjalika Sharma. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:33] Kevin’s history with a brain tumor.

[9:06] What was Kevin’s reaction when he woke up from his surgery, and how did they find out he was blind?

[12:24] Did Kevin always have strong faith, or did it come after his surgery experience?

[15:24] How did Kevin’s mom take this experience? What did she do?

[18:25] What emotional struggles has Kevin run into during these past 18 years?

[20:36] What led Kevin to create his podcast - The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe?

[27:36] Short Story: Good-Bye Bob by Anjalika Sharma

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Traumatic experiences like this affect the person in the center (who it is happening to), but it also impacts all those around them. Parents, siblings, family, friends, and doctors are also affected. 

You never know who you might impact by sharing your story. So many people are struggling, and many can relate to your story, and you can help them work through their situation. 

Live life to the fullest today, and let those around you know how much you love and care about them. Don’t take life for granted, as you never know what will happen. Enjoy the mundane moments of your life and make them magical. 

Fiction Credits:

Short story written and read by: Anjalika Sharma

  

BIO:

Kevin Lowe believes everything in this life happens for a reason, and a good reason at that. And this is true, even after losing his ability to see. Fueled by a strong desire to ignite a sense of hope and optimism into the world, Kevin sets out to inspire others to not give up on life, even when it seems like life has given up on them.

At just 17 years old, Kevin was left completely blind. Ever since waking to find a world gone dark, Kevin has been inspiring and encouraging people of all walks of life by sharing his own story of rediscovering light, even in the midst of the dark. 

Today, Kevin continues to spread this same sense of inspiration and encouragement as a Life Coach and host of his podcast, The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe.

The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe Website

The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe Apple Podcast Link

Kevin Lowe Coaching Facebook Page

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Les Bird about his fascinating history as a Marine Police Officer in 1976 during the Hong Kong Handover. Les has now written two books about his 21 years in the Marines and his work in helping Vietnamese refugees arrive safely in Hong Kong following the end of the Vietnam War. He recounts specific memories of rescuing refugees from hired criminals and pirates and details the less than ideal conditions of travel that so many Vietnamese braved in order to make it to Hong Kong. Also hear a short story based on Les’ Marine adventures called “The Dawn of the Southern Boundary” from Annemarie Evans. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] Who are the “Boatpeople” referenced in Les’ book and why were they fleeing to Hong Kong?

[06:31] Why did Hong Kong welcome these refugees when other countries were not as willing and what was Les’ role as a Marine Police Officer?

[09:20] What was Les’ connection with a former soldier in South Vietnam?

[14:23] What was the condition of the refugees as they arrived in Hong Kong?

[17:41] Les recalls memories from his time as an officer and the corruption that he encountered.

[25:53] Short story: “The Don of the Southern Boundary” by Annemarie Evans

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

It’s estimated that starting in 1975, between 1 and 2 million people fled by boat over the next 15 years from Vietnam to Hong Kong. 

Following the Vietnam War, Hong Kong became a hub for Vietnamese refugees to find safety and through the United Nations, be relocated to other countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.

Many Vietnamese refugees arrived in Hong Kong in unsuitable conditions as they were crammed by the thousands on boats for four to five weeks with no sanitation and little fresh air or food. 

Fiction Credits: 

Short story written and read by: Annemarie Evans

Contact Information: Annemarie Evans - Annemarie's email

BIO:

Born in 1951, Les comes from a military family. His father, grandfather and three uncles all served in the British Royal Navy, whilst his mother served as a gunner with the Royal Artillery during World War II. Les was the second from his family to serve in Hong Kong. His father was part of the Royal Navy force that came to Hong Kong in August, 1945, at the end of the Japanese military occupation and subsequently helped in the policing of the territory throughout 1946.

Les Bird joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976 and worked in the Marine Police for 21 years until June, 1997. 

Bird’s work was diverse – he was a rural inspector of West Lantau, and in the early 80s he returned to launch-going duties overseeing the influx of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the years that followed. During his service, Les commanded three of the five Marine divisions and also headed the SBU, the Marine Fast Pursuit Unit combating cross-border smuggling of people, arms, drugs and luxury cars.

After leaving the police in 1997, Les moved into the private sector, working in the security industry across Asia. He is an endurance athlete and has taken part in Ironman events and long-distance triathlons worldwide. He represented Great Britain at the 2009 Ironman World Championship. In 2011, he swam the English Channel and in 2012, summited Mont Blanc.

In 2020, he spoke to a sold-out audience at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival about his memoir A Small Band of Men: An Englishman’s Adventures in Hong Kong’s Marine Police. At the 2021 Festival, he presented photographs and stories from his second book Along the Southern Boundary: A Marine Police Officer’s Frontline Account of the Vietnamese Boatpeople and their Arrival in Hong Kong.

Les Bird Website

Les Bird on Facebook

Les Bird on Twitter

Les Bird on LinkedIn

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're going to shake things up by bringing on a guest host today! I’m excited to have Traci DeForge back on the podcast as we talk about my new novel, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man. I also invited my publisher, Dr. Morissa Schwartz, to join the conversation. Dr. Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC, and was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list. We talk about current trends in publishing and how Dr. Schwartz is making strides to increase diversity and representation among writers. We discuss the power of strong female characters and cultural representation in modern fiction and later in the episode, I share a short excerpt from my new book, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:55] Dr. Schwartz’s journey into publishing from a career in BioSciences

[08:52] Operation Mom and GenZ Publishing’s partnership and how Operation Mom connects with American young adult audiences

[12:58] Representation of strong female characters and diverse cultural backgrounds

[20:25] Diversity in publishing and GenZ’s commitment to storytelling for young adults

[26:10] Future plans and dreams for Operation Mom 

[32:51] Book excerpt: Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man written and read by Reenita Hora

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Podcast listenership for comedy podcasts and narrative fiction podcasts grew exponentially during and since the pandemic.

Over 60% of books are still published by men over the age of 45 – and most publishers are white men. GenZ Publishing is making strides to change this statistic by publishing more diverse writers. 

Representation and cultural diversity is so important in modern fiction. Not only does Operation Mom give readers a strong female lead, it also represents a cultural experience located outside of the U.S.

 

Fiction Credits: 

An excerpt from Operation Mom - My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man, written and read by: Reenita Hora

https://www.facebook.com/ReenitaMalhotraHora

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenita/

@reenymal

 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=978-1958503096&crid=RKKB1RHM5FT8&sprefix=978-1958503096%2Caps%2C111&ref=nb_s

 

BIO:

Dr. Morissa Schwartz is one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media for 2022. Dr. Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC.

Dr.RissysWriting.com is a marketing and writing company ranked #1 in PR and in the top ten in Social Media and SEO for New York and New Jersey on Thumbtack. GenZ Publishing is a publishing company that has produced 15 Amazon bestsellers.

Dr. Rissy has been featured on Forbes, MTV, and is a bestselling author herself. She speaks professionally about inspiring others through words and entrepreneurship and was named the “Voice of Generation Z” by Community magazine. Dr. Rissy is a contributor for Entrepreneur magazine.

She holds a doctorate in Literature from Drew University and has a Master’s in Communications.

Dr. Morissa Schwartz on Facebook

Dr. Morissa Schwartz on LinkedIn

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story of her father’s incredible escape in the midst of the violence and mayhem of the partition. Later in the episode, Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar, reads an excerpt from Shukla’s book, Rano and Phulo. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:50] Shukla and her new book on the 75th Anniversary of the Partition of India are introduced.

[05:39] We hear about Shukla’s family’s experience before the partition and how her father escaped.

[11:45] We learn how her true events are interwoven into her short story.

[14:30] We explore how Shukla’s story captures an India frozen in time.

[18:50] Has India grown into the identity it desired after the partition?

[21:16] We hear about the future of India and more about Shukla’s written work.

[24:57] Short Story: Written by Shukla Lal, and read by Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Shukla and her family left for Shimla on holiday, never believing that they would not return to their home due to rising political and religious tensions, now known as the partition of India. Her book is based on her family’s experience during this time.

Following the partition, there was a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism. It was also a time where women were leading out in entrepreneurship and contributing as business women. 

India continues to rise and be recognized for its culture and ethics. Since the 60s and 70s it has grown from being a developing and poor nation to being a globally recognized and self-respecting nation.

Fiction Credits: 

Short story taken from a book written by Shukla Lal, Rano and Phulo

Shukla Lal's website

Shukla Lal's Facebook

Link for further research

Sonia Kullar, reading from Shukla Lal’s novel, Rano & Phulo

Sonia's email

BIO:

Shukla Lal was born in Amritsar. As a child, she imbibed the beauty and diversity of this beautiful land – India, as her family moved from Amritsar, Lahore, Shimla, to the Central and Southern cities of Madras (now Chennai), Nagpur and Hyderabad and eventually found their anchor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early-1950s. Over 40 years later, she moved to New Delhi to retire.

Since catching the literary bug on her 80th birthday, Shukla has written two historical romance sagas, Floating Logs set in Kolkata (published by Notion Press in December 2019), and Rano and Phulo set in Undivided and then partitioned India (published by Goya Publishing in March, 2019), and a collection of poems, Meri Nazmon ka Ehsaas (soon to be published) all captured gamely on her iPad Notes App. She has finished the first draft of her third historical novel, Soul’s Rapture, a mystical romance set in Lahore and Mumbai. She has also written several short stories. She was invited to write for the Chandigarh Tribune, and has been interviewed for the Reader’s Digest, the Times of India, the Telegraph (Kolkata), and www.womensweb.com. Her deep spiritual practice and sense of wonder for the beauty of the world around her find expression in her storytelling. Her own lived experience adds luster and authenticity to her stories.

Joyful wit and multilingual expressiveness is a family trait she inherited from her parents and shares with her accomplished siblings. Her choice of stories and writing style could best be understood from her own words “I am a romantic and an idealist by nature and find true romance scattered everywhere irrespective of class, creed, religion, nationality or age”.

 

Shukla Lal Website

Shukla Lal on Facebook (personal)

Shukla Lal on Facebook (business)

Shukla Lal on Instagram

Good Reads - Shukla Lal

 

If you would like to purchase any of Shukla Lal’s books, follow these links::

Amazon India

Flipkart

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I’m delighted to be speaking with fellow podcast host, Julia Karol, who is the creator of Stork’d, the podcast where she highlights the unique ways in which people come together and find family. The growth of the podcast has paralleled her own personal journey of discovering what family truly means, no matter what shape it takes. You’ll find inspiration as you hear Julia’s beautiful story about heartbreak, healing, love, and her decision to become a single mom in her 40s. Later in the episode, we hear “Ro’s Journey of Love,” a short story inspired by Julia’s journey, and written by Priya Sharma Shaikh.

 

  IN THIS EPISODE:

 

[2:20] What is the meaning of traditional family and love

[3:27] The premise behind Julia’s podcast, Stork’d

[03:43] A traditional upbringing and choosing an untraditional path towards family

[07:33] Healing after a break up in her 30s and the decision to freeze her eggs

[14:06] A life changing trip to Peru and the next phase of family building

[17:50 Julia’s path down the fertility journey

[22:05] Short story: “Ro’s Journey of Love” by Priya Sharma Shaikh

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

Having a family and experiencing the love and joy it brings, no matter in which way or shape it comes, is more important than trying to conform to what a traditional family looks like.

Additional family building options like adoption, IUI, or egg freezing are becoming more culturally accepted and available through advances in science. However, even with these options, it is still a backup plan and you have to remember that no plan is perfect.

Stork’d podcast started from Julia’s interest in how people create amazing families in unique ways. It has grown as a space to help normalize the different paths that people can take to find love and family.

 

 

Fiction Credits: 

 

“Ro’s Journey of Love,” a short story written and read by Priya Sharma Shaikh

Voice Over by: Priya Sharma Shaikh

Contact Information: [email protected]

Twitter: @piyushaikh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyasharmashaikh/recent-activity/posts/

 

BIO: 

Julia Karol is a mom, creative leader, warm friend, animal lover, and champion of alternative families.

When she is not hosting Stork'd, Julia runs a private investment firm which acquires, operates, and improves businesses at a crossroads. She loves supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Passionate about social change, Julia also supports a number of non-profit organizations.

Outside of work, Julia's passions include hiking, skiing, yoga, and reading. She lives in Boston, MA, with her dog and infant son.

Stork'd Podcast Website

Stork'd Podcast on Facebook

Stork'd Podcast on Instagram

Stork'd Podcast on Pinterest

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within the interview reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest. The short fiction story reflects the creativity of the writer. The contents of this podcast do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. True Fiction Project Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions, beliefs or opinions of the guests taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy