Uncorking a Story

Uncorking a Story

By Michael CarlonComedySociety & CultureArtsBooks
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Uncorking a Story episodes

  • From Marketing Maven to Magical Storyteller, with Christina Bacilieri

    "Magic finds us in our darkest times." — Christina Bacilieri

    Christina Bacilieri’s life and career were profoundly shaped by her Italian grandmother and a dream that inspired her to write her first novel, "The Last Refuge." In this episode, Christina shares her journey from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time writer, discussing the challenges of balancing creativity with practicality, and the magical influences that guided her storytelling. Listen in to discover the heartwarming and transformative power of following one’s passion against all odds.

    Key Themes:

    1. The Influence of Family: Christina's Italian grandmother's love and stories played a crucial role in her development as a storyteller.
    2. Overcoming Adversity: Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia, Christina's determination and the support of a reading specialist fostered her love for stories and writing.
    3. Career Transition: Christina’s pivot from a stable marketing career to pursuing her passion for writing full-time.
    4. The Power of Dreams: How a vivid dream about a magical world became the foundation for Christina’s debut novel.
    5. Self-discovery and Hope: Themes of self-discovery, hope, and the importance of being true to oneself run throughout Christina’s work.
    6. Writing Process and Challenges: Christina’s evolution from a “pantser” to a plotter and the lessons learned during the writing process.
    7. Independent Publishing: The trials and triumphs of independently publishing and marketing a debut novel.



      Buy The Last Refuge

      Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ci4VoG

      Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798988661818


      Connect with Christina

      Website: https://www.christinabacilieri.com

      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinabacilieri/

      TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinabacilieriauthor


      Connect with Mike

      Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

      Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

      TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


      If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


      #UncorkingAStory #Podcast #ChristinaBacilieri #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #DebutNovel #TheLastRefuge #Storytelling #MagicAndHope #ItalianHeritage #IndependentPublishing #LucidDreams #OvercomingAdversity




      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

      34 min
    8. Love, Loss, and Legacy, with Anna Monardo

      "Marriage can hold more difficulty than you believe and still move forward and evolve into something positive." – Anna Monardo

      How does an arranged marriage spanning continents and generations reveal the hidden strengths and vulnerabilities of a family, and what can it teach us about our own relationships and identities?

      Meet Anna Monardo

      Anna Monardo was born in Pittsburgh, spent many years in New York City, and now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where she teaches in the Writer’s Workshop of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her novels—The Courtyard of Dreams and Falling In Love with Natassia—were published by Doubleday. She joins me today on uncorking a story to discuss her memoir, After Italy: A FamilyMemoir of Arranged Marriage.

      Key Themes:

      1. The Intersection of Tradition and Love: Exploring Anna Monardo's family's arranged marriages and their impact on personal relationships.
      2. Immigration and Identity: The influence of Italian heritage and immigration on Monardo's family dynamics and personal identity.
      3. Writing as Therapy: How storytelling and writing served as a therapeutic process for Anna.
      4. Generational Legacy: The patterns and behaviors passed down through generations and their effects on personal choices and relationships.
      5. Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming challenges such as family disputes, miscarriages, and the struggle for professional success.
      6. The Complexity of Marriage: Insights into the multifaceted nature of marriage, including love, practicality, and evolving together.
      7. Epigenetics and Family Patterns: Understanding how inherited family trauma and behaviors influence personal decisions.


        Buy After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage

        Lightening Source

        Bookworm Bookstore in Omaha

        White Whale Books in Pittsburgh



        Connect with Anna

        Website: https://annamonardo.com/

        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.monardo


        Connect with Mike

        Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

        Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

        TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

        Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


        If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


        #UncorkingAStory #AnnaMonardo #ImmigrationStories #FamilyLegacy #WritingTherapy #MarriageJourney #ItalianHeritage #GenerationalPatterns




        Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

        57 min
      8. Navigating Identity and Belonging, with Adoptee Lisa Ann

        "Being chosen doesn't mean being whole; it means navigating a journey to find yourself.” — Adoptee Lisa Ann

        In this heartfelt episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Mike Carlon welcomes Lisa Ann, the host of the "Wandering Tree Podcast." Lisa Ann shares her deeply personal story as an adoptee, discussing the complexities of identity, family, and the search for her biological roots. From the revelation of her adoption before kindergarten to the challenging journey of finding her biological family, Lisa Ann's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy for adoptee rights. Her insights shed light on the multifaceted experiences of adoptees and the importance of community, support, and changing the narrative around adoption.

        Key Themes:

        1. The Transformative Power of Adversity: Lisa Ann's journey through adoption and the search for her biological family reveals how challenging life events can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery. Her story demonstrates the resilience required to navigate such adversities and find a sense of identity and belonging.
        2. Reinventing Oneself After a Major Life Event: Lisa Ann's experiences highlight the ongoing process of self-reinvention that many adoptees undergo. Her story underscores the possibilities for personal transformation and growth, even when faced with challenging revelations about one's origins.
        3. The Importance of Community and Support: Throughout her journey, Lisa Ann emphasizes the critical role of community and support networks for adoptees. She discusses how connecting with other adoptees and being part of supportive communities can provide strength and encouragement during difficult times.
        4. Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Later Years: Lisa Ann's advocacy work and her role as a podcaster reveal how finding a sense of purpose can be transformative. Her dedication to helping other adoptees and changing the narrative around adoption highlights the fulfillment that comes from using personal experiences to inspire and support others.
        5. Overcoming Societal Expectations and Stereotypes About Adoption: Lisa Ann challenges societal stereotypes and misconceptions about adoption, advocating for a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of adoptees' experiences. Her story encourages listeners to rethink preconceived notions and embrace the diverse realities of adoption.
        6. The Role of Mindset in Navigating Identity: Lisa Ann's positive and proactive mindset played a crucial role in her journey of self-discovery. Her story illustrates the importance of mental resilience and a determined outlook in overcoming the challenges of identity and belonging as an adoptee.
        7. The Impact of Family Dynamics on Personal Growth: Lisa Ann's experiences shed light on the complexities of family dynamics in adoptive and biological families. Her story highlights how understanding and navigating these dynamics is essential for personal growth and forming meaningful connections.



          Listen to the Wandering Tree Podcast: Apple Podcasts 

          Connect with Lisa Ann

          Website: https://wanderingtreeadoptee.com/

          Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wanderingtree_podcast_lisaann/

          Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderingtreeadoptee



          Connect with Mike

          Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

          Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

          TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

          Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

          Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


          If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.



          Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

          39 min
        8. Talents Not Tendencies, with Mary Carol Moore

          "The idea of found family and the hope that you have a pod of people out there who will accept you for who you are is central to my story." — Mary Carol Moore

          In today’s episode, Author Mary Carol Moore discusses her journey from being a food journalist to an accomplished novelist, inspired by her mother's legacy as a World War II era pilot. She shares insights into her latest novel, "A Woman's Guide to Search and Rescue," and the themes of family, bravery, and second chances. This conversation offers a glimpse into the creative process and the personal experiences that shape an author's work.

          Meet Mary Carol Moore

          Mary Carroll Moore is the Amazon-bestselling and award-winning author of three novels and her writing has been featured on NPR and in the New York Times. She received her MFA from Goddard College and has taught throughout the US and abroad at various writing schools and universities since 1998. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest novel, A Woman’s Guide to Search and Rescue.

          Key Themes:

          1. Legacy of a Pilot Mother: Mary's mother was a pilot in World War II, a legacy that inspired Mary to write about women pilots and explore her mother's mysterious past.
          2. Transition from Food Journalism to Fiction: Mary transitioned from a successful career as a food journalist to fiction writing, driven by a desire for more fulfilling work.
          3. Writing and Research: Mary took flying lessons and conducted extensive research to accurately portray the aviation world in her novels, blending personal experience with storytelling.
          4. A Woman’s Guide to Search and Rescue: Mary’s latest novel focuses on two estranged sisters who are both pilots, exploring themes of family, abandonment, and reconciliation amidst thrilling plot twists.
          5. Found Family: The central theme of the book is the idea of found family and the hope that people can find a supportive and accepting community outside their biological families.
          6. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Mary emphasizes the importance of taking time with your writing, recognizing your tendencies, and finding balance to turn those tendencies into strengths.


            Buy A Woman’s Guide to Search and Rescue.

            Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bpq9kp

            Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798987531709


            Connect with Mary

            Website: https://www.marycarrollmoore.com/

            Twitter: https://x.com/writeabook

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marycarrollmoore

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycarrollmoore/


            Connect with Mike

            Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

            Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

            TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

            Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


            If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.




            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            30 min
          7. Divine Gifts, with Lauren Martin

            "Poetry is a gift from the Divine, a voice from ancestors, expressing profound truths and deep emotions." - Lauren Martin

            In today’s episode of Uncorking a Story we sit down with Lauren Martin, a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Ìyânífá. She shares her journey from discovering her poetic voice in sixth grade to compiling her latest collection, Night of the Hawk. Through a conversation that spans her experiences with shamanism, overcoming personal struggles, and the therapeutic power of writing, Lauren offers a unique perspective on life, creativity, and healing.

            Key Themes:

            1. Early Beginnings in Poetry: Lauren recalls her unexpected start in poetry during sixth grade, when a simple essay led her to discover her poetic talent.
            2. Shamanic Journey: She discusses her lifelong spiritual experiences, from seeing ghosts as a child to her deep exploration of shamanism and its impact on her life and work.
            3. Struggles and Recovery: Lauren opens up about her battles with substance abuse during her adolescence and how these challenges shaped her path as both a poet and a psychotherapist.
            4. Night of the Hawk: Insights into her latest poetry collection, which was compiled during a lengthy recovery from a spinal injury, exploring themes of illness, family dynamics, and spiritual experiences.
            5. Therapeutic Practice and Poetry: The intersection of her work as a psychotherapist and poet, emphasizing the role of storytelling and writing in healing and personal growth.
            6. Women and Aging: A discussion on societal perceptions of aging women, the pressure to conform to beauty standards, and the importance of intellectual and creative contributions from women at all stages of life.
            7. Living with Spiritual Gifts: How Lauren navigates her spiritual gifts in daily life, setting boundaries, and finding peace amidst the challenges.


              Buy Night of the Hawk

              Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bqoZFe

              Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647426583


              Connect with Lauren

              Website: https://www.laurenmartin.net/

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.martin.37201

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankyisastar


              Connect with Mike

              Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

              Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

              TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

              Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


              If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


              Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

              55 min
            8. Hidden Healers, with Dr. Stephanie Covington

              "We have a lot to learn from them. It's really about the survival of the human spirit." - Dr. Stephanie Covington

              In this informative episode of Uncorking a Story, we dive into the life and expertise of Stephanie Covington, Ph.D. who shares wisdom gained through her work with incarcerated women and reveals how they support each other in the most challenging of environments.

              Meet Stephanie Covington

              Dr. Stephanie S. Covington is an internationally recognized pioneer in the fields of addiction, trauma, and gender-responsive care. For three decades she has created and facilitated trauma-informed programs and curricula for use in criminal–legal settings across the United States and globally. Educated at Columbia University and the Union Institute, Dr. Covington is co-director of the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender & Justice in Del Mar, California. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her life and book Hidden Healers: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help Each Other Survive.


              Key Themes:

              1. Transformation through Trauma: Dr. Covington's approach to creating trauma-informed programs in prisons that catalyze healing and recovery.
              2. Gender-Responsive Care: The unique needs of women in the criminal legal system and how current systems fail to address them.
              3. The Power of Storytelling: Dr. Covington emphasizes the therapeutic power of sharing and listening to stories, which form the foundation of her work and writing.
              4. Misconceptions of Prison Life: A discussion on the stark contrast between public perceptions of prison life and the realities faced by incarcerated women.
              5. Community and Solidarity: How women in prison form supportive networks that mimic familial structures, providing mutual support and survival strategies.
              6. Reform and Advocacy: Insights into how the public can engage with and influence criminal justice reform.
              7. The Impact of Small Actions: Encouraging listeners to recognize the profound impact of seemingly small gestures of kindness and support towards incarcerated individuals.


                Buy Hidden Healers: The Unexpected Ways Women in Prison Help Each Other Survive

                Amazon: https://amzn.to/49PFDfL

                Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781394254392



                Connect with Stephanie

                Website: https://stephaniecovington.com/

                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecovingtonofficial/


                Connect with Mike

                Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

                Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

                Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

                TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

                Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

                Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


                If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.




                Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                47 min
              8. Embracing Life's Unexpected Twists, with Link Forester

                “Be quick to forgive yourself. It's hard to do, but be quick to forgive people around you. We're going to disappoint ourselves, and people are going to disappoint us. Just forgive, get over it. Don’t let a mistake ruin a relationship—it's not worth it. The relationship is so much more.” — Link Forester

                Join us in this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story with  Link Forester, an author whose life is a testament to finding joy and purpose through unexpected challenges. From early parenthood and career changes to personal tragedies, Link shares how these experiences have shaped his life and inspired his writing. Dive into an intimate conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, and the courage to face life's curveballs.

                Meet Link Forester

                Link Forester possesses a rare blend of humility, faith, and a good sense of humor—all of which have enabled him to grow through the trials of becoming a parent much earlier than planned, a risky career change, and the tragic death of a son. After graduating from Auburn University, Link began his career in sales at IBM. Five years later he took a leap of faith into the financial services industry, where he continues to lead a thriving financial planning and wealth management business. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his life and new book The Side Road: Finding Joy and Purpose Through the Twists and Turns of Life.

                Key Themes:

                1. Overcoming Adversity: Link discusses how unexpected challenges, such as becoming a parent in college and losing a child, taught him the strength of overcoming adversity. He shares insights on navigating these difficulties with grace and resilience.
                2. The Power of Resilience: Resilience shines through as Link recounts his journey from a safe job at IBM to venturing into the precarious world of financial services, emphasizing the importance of tenacity and belief in one’s abilities in the face of potential failure.
                3. The Art of Storytelling: As a natural storyteller, Link illuminates the conversation with engaging anecdotes from his life, showing how storytelling can captivate, educate, and connect us more deeply to our shared human experiences.
                4. Faith and Coping: Faith plays a central role in how Link has coped with life’s curveballs. He speaks on the solace and strength he finds in his spiritual beliefs, which have guided him through his darkest times and helped him make sense of life’s inexplicable turns.
                5. The Dynamics of Family and Relationships: Link delves into the dynamics of maintaining strong family bonds and relationships through various life stages, discussing the joys and challenges of raising children, supporting a partner, and staying connected with extended family.
                6. Career Transitions and Risk-Taking: Link’s career trajectory from a stable corporate position to establishing a successful business in the volatile financial sector illustrates the risks and rewards of following one’s entrepreneurial spirit and adapting to new professional landscapes.


                  Buy The Side Road: Finding Joy and Purpose Through the Twists and Turns of Life

                  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xB3jY7

                  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781631957925



                  Connect with Link

                  Website: https://linkforesterauthor.com/

                  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSideRoadBook/


                  Connect with Mike

                  Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

                  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

                  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/

                  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

                  Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

                  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


                  If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


                  #UncorkingAStory #LinkForester #LifeChallenges #Storytelling #Resilience #Forgiveness #InspirationalStories


                  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                  35 min
                7. Be Your Own Fool, with Joe Di Prisco

                  “Be your own fool. You’ve got to be a little bit crazy to believe your writing matters, and it does!”

                  Today, I chat with author Joe Di Prisco who shares the mosaic of his life, from a Brooklyn childhood shadowed by mob connections to his spirited pursuits in poetry and education. This episode delves into Joe's complex relationship with religion, his vibrant storytelling in both novels and poetry, and his undying passion for empowering young writers. You don’t want to miss it!

                  Meet Joe Di Prisco

                  Joseph Di Prisco is an acclaimed author of prize-winning poetry, bestselling memoirs, nonfiction books, and novels. He taught for many years and has served as chair of not-for-profits dedicated to the arts, theater, children’s mental health, and schools. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his life and latest collection of poetry entitled My Last Resume.

                  Key Topics

                  1. Origins of a Storyteller: Joe reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn's Greenpoint, the influence of the Catholic church, and his early exposure to the arts which shaped his narrative skills.
                  2. “Family” Influences: Joe opens up about his father's mob connections leading to a sudden move to California to escape law enforcement which the stage for a life filled with stories worth telling.
                  3. Battles with Adversity: Joe candidly shares his struggles with substance abuse and personal challenges, highlighting a 20-year gap in his poetry writing. His journey through these hardships culminates in a resurgence in his literary pursuits and personal life.
                  4. Literary Journey: From teaching to writing, Joe discusses his wide-ranging career, including his triumphant return to the literary world.
                  5. Philosophy on Writing and Poetry: Joe criticizes the 'churchification' of writing and expresses his desire for poetry to remain impactful, raw, and genuine.
                  6. Contributions to Education and Literature: Joe talks about his ongoing work with at-risk youth, using literature as a tool for empowerment and social change, highlighted by his involvement with the Joyce Carol Oates Prize and various literary projects.


                    Buy My Last Resume

                    Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tk7z5w

                    Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781644284186



                    Connect with Joe

                    Website: https://www.diprisco.com/

                    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.diprisco.9

                    Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosephDiPrisco

                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdiprisco/



                    Connect with Mike

                    Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

                    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/

                    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

                    Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

                    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


                    If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


                    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                    1 hr 27 min
                  7. Wine, Women, and Dementia with Kitty Norton

                    "It's like a honey badger; dementia doesn't give a shit. It doesn't care about what you want to do." — Kitty Norton

                    Tune into this episode of Uncorking a Story for an honest and inspiring exploration of the highs and lows of caregiving, the power of storytelling, and the unexpected paths life can take.

                    Meet Kitty Norton

                    In 2016 Kitty left her job as an NBC assistant editor in Los Angeles, CA, for her hometown of Portland, Oregon, to walk, stumble, crawl with her mother, Gloria, living with vascular dementia, to death's door. While doing so, she authored the caregiver blog Stumped Town Dementia, writing tales of dementia life, not dementia death, which resonated deeply with readers around the world.

                    After her mother's death in 2021, Kitty created and directed Wine, Women, & Dementia to honor this journey with her mother, to spread awareness of the caregiver side of the equation in the swinging dementia lifestyle, and to celebrate family caregivers - to let them know they are not alone, and that they are worthy of being seen and respected alongside their dementia person on this difficult road to the end of life.


                    Key Themes:

                    1. Journey from Editing to Caregiving: Kitty discusses her transition from a career in network television to caregiving, detailing the emotional and logistical challenges she faced upon her father's death and her mother's dementia diagnosis.
                    2. Empowering Through Writing: Kitty talks about starting her caregiving blog as a creative outlet to process her experiences and connect with other caregivers, emphasizing the blog's growth into a supportive community.
                    3. Exploring the Caregiver's Perspective: The conversation delves into the creation of her documentary, which aims to highlight the often-overlooked struggles and resilience of family caregivers dealing with dementia.
                    4. Therapeutic Power of Creativity: Kitty reflects on the therapeutic benefits of writing and filmmaking, not just for personal catharsis but also for helping others navigate similar experiences.
                    5. Humor and Coping: Throughout the interview, Kitty underscores the role of humor in coping with the daily challenges of dementia caregiving, bringing a light-hearted perspective to difficult situations.
                    6. Influence of Community and Culture: She shares insights into how cultural shifts, including the proactive voices of millennials and baby boomers, are changing the narrative and support structures for dementia.
                    7. Vision for the Future: Kitty discusses her hopes for the documentary's impact and its upcoming public release, intending to increase awareness and support for dementia caregivers globally.



                      See the Film: https://www.winewomenanddementia.com/copy-of-host-a-screening


                      Connect with Kitty

                      Website: https://www.winewomenanddementia.com/

                      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWDdocumentary

                      Twitter: https://twitter.com/WWDdocumentary

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewomenanddementia/


                      Connect with Mike

                      Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

                      Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

                      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/

                      TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

                      Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

                      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory


                      If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.


                      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                      41 min
                    8. From Lost To Found, with Tracy Mayo

                      "Right, you'll forget it ever happened. That's what my social worker told me and other girls at the Florence Crittenton home for unwed mothers. But yeah, you don't forget that you are a mother. And also, how does one keep the secret from oneself? That's an absolute impossibility." — Tracy Mayo

                      In the lead up to Mother’s Day, I wanted to share the powerful story of a mother who worked tirelessly to track down the son she gave up at birth when she was just fifteen years old. 

                      Meet Tracy Mayo

                      Despite having a very successful career, one choice continued to haunt debut author Tracy Mayo’s life— forcibly giving up her baby at the age of fifteen. Now she’s sharing the inspiring story of her impossible journey to find him during the pre-Internet era in her memoir, Childless Mother: A Search for Son and Self. 


                      Key Themes:

                      1. The Unintended Journey of Writing: Tracy shares her transition from corporate to creative writing, highlighting the challenges and learnings of crafting her deeply personal memoir over seven years.
                      2. Forced Separation: Explore the emotional and societal pressures Tracy faced in the late 1960s as a young unwed mother, including her time spent in a home for unwed mothers where her identity was erased.
                      3. Therapeutic Discoveries: Tracy discusses the role of LSD and Transcendental Meditation in her healing process, emphasizing how these experiences helped her confront and manage the lingering guilt and trauma from her past.
                      4. The Search for Reunion: Delve into the logistical and emotional complexities Tracy encountered while searching for her son in the pre-internet age, relying on scant clues and sheer determination.
                      5. Impact of Reunion: The moment of reunion and the evolving relationship with her son are recounted, illustrating the profound impacts of reconnection on both their lives.
                      6. Reflections on Personal Growth: Tracy reflects on how her traumatic experiences have enriched her understanding of life, compassion, and societal dynamics, making her a stronger and more empathetic person.
                      7. Legacy and Healing Through Storytelling: Finally, Tracy discusses the cathartic effect of sharing her story, hoping to inspire and support others who might be dealing with similar experiences.


                        Buy Childless Mother: A Search for Son and Self

                        Amazon: https://amzn.to/3W9120s

                        Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781837940240



                        Connect with Tracy

                        Website: https://tracymayo.com/

                        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracymayoauthor

                        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracymayoauthor/


                        Connect with Mike

                        Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

                        Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

                        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/

                        TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

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                        41 min

                      About Uncorking a Story

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Listen in to Uncorking a Story, where we pop the cork on hidden narratives and delve deep into the brilliant minds of your favorite authors. Get ready to unlock the magic behind your favorite books,…