Uncorking a Story

Who would play Lion-O in a live action adaptation of Thundercats? Today’s guest, Sara Staggs, needed the eye of Thundera to help answer that question, but you didn’t come here for 80’s cartoons, did you? 

Meet Sara Staggs

Sara is an epileptic who had to leave her job as a civil litigator in Portland, Oregon as the lifestyle associated with that career triggered her seizures. As such, she had to close her law practice and bid farewell to that chapter of her life for good but, for Sara, writing was the next frontier. She has contributed to several publications including: Huffington Post, Flash Fiction Magazine, In Parentheses Literary Journal, Five Minute Lit, and Tiny Seed Literary Journal literary journals. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her debut novel, UNCONTROLLABLE, an inspirational story of a woman whose life is derailed by something out of her control, and how she chooses to face life on its terms, abandoning what she once dreamed she could be.

Key Topics

00:00:00 About Sarah Staggs

00:05:20 From Legal Briefs to Fiction: A Journey of Relearning the Art of Writing

00:08:50 Unlocking the Power of Collaboration: How a Group of Writers Achieved Publishing Success

00:14:59 Blurring the Lines: Exploring the Authenticity of Auto Fiction and the Journey of a Writer

00:16:29 Nostalgic TV Delights: Exploring Sarah's Favorite Childhood Shows, from Care Bears to Thundercats

00:20:16 Discovering Hidden Potential: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Writing

00:21:35 Empowering Writers: The Impact of Encouragement and Validation in the Epilepsy Community

Buy Uncontrollable

Amazon:https://amzn.to/3P2fNhT

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781685132019

Connect With Sara

Website: https://www.sarastaggswrites.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraStaggs

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-staggs-28b82925a/

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

Jenell Jones and her family opened up their home to foster, and later adopt Mercy, an eight year old girl in need of a home. Mercy came with a secret, though—her traumatic past. The traumas experienced by this young child started to manifest itself in behavioral problems that caused her adoptive family to shatter, that that is where our story begins.

Meet Jenell Jones

Jenell is an author and early education entrepreneur currently operating multiple early learning centers which specialize in providing high quality learning experiences to children who experience trauma in low-income areas. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss her memoir Shattered.

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introducing Jenell Jones

00:05:45 The Urgent Need for Reform in the US Foster and Adoptive Systems: A Story of Two Children with Different Paths

00:07:36 Unraveling the Unknown: Navigating the Journey of Adoption and Uncovering the Backstory

00:09:54 Missed Opportunities: The Devastating Impact of Withholding Information in Adoption and Foster Care

00:14:05 The Barbaric Reality of Juvenile Detention for Homeless Foster Children: A Call for Change

00:15:46 Why I Wrote My First Book: Shedding Light on the Dark Realities of the US Foster Care System

00:18:00 Behind Every Successful First-Time Author: The Importance of Building a Writing Team

00:21:39 From Trauma to Triumph: How Writing Shattered Helped Jenell Jones Overcome Self-Doubt and Shed Light on the Broken System

00:22:49 Discovering My Strength: How My Troubled Past Helped Me Show Myself Grace

00:25:48 Get Your Copy of Shattered Today: A Memoir of Adoption and Foster Care, Plus Exclusive Resources on Janelle Jones' Website

00:27:00 From MTV to Video Jukebox: How Music Videos Shaped My High School Years

Buy Shattered

Amazon:https://amzn.to/3oCQ58U

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798823000314

Connect With Jenell

Website: https://www.jenelljones.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090561567415 

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

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

I love hearing how authors come up with the ideas for their books and today’s guest, bestselling author Lindsay Cameron, doesn’t disappoint. Listen in to hear about how the Ashley Madison data breach and Lindsay’s own experience on a neighborhood parenting forum influenced the story behind her latest book, No One Needs to Know.

Meet Lindsay Cameron

Lindsay Cameron worked as a corporate lawyer for many years in Vancouver and New York City before leaving the law behind to write books. Her first novel, Biglaw, was published in 2015. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about her latest book, No One Needs to Know. 

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introducing Lindsay Cameron

00:04:07 From Corporate Law to Fiction Writing: How Lindsay Cameron Had to Unlearn Legal Writing to Tell a Compelling Story

00:06:54 The Secret Life of a Lawyer Turned Novelist: Why I Kept My Writing Dreams Hidden from Everyone

00:08:48 From Diapers to Deadline: How Three Kids Inspired Lindsay Cameron's Writing Journey

00:11:00 Lindsay Cameron on her latest book, 'No One Needs to Know'

00:12:38 New Mom Discovers Shocking Truths on Anonymous Parenting Forum

00:15:32 Behind the Scenes of Big Law: Lindsay Cameron's Authentic Take on Law Firm Culture

00:19:04 Why 'Cheers' and 'Family Ties' Still Hold Up

00:23:06 From Lawyer to Writer: Navigating Identity Shifts and Self-Motivation

Buy No One Needs to Know

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

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593159101

Connect With Lindsay

Website: https://www.lindsayjcameron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayjcameron

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063130395560

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

I’m thrilled to welcome Andrea Bartz back on Uncorking a Story. This time we discuss her latest novel, The Spare Room, and a big revelation!

Meet Andrea Bartz

Andrea is a Brooklyn-based journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club pick WE WERE NEVER HERE. Her second thriller, THE HERD, was named a best book of 2020 by Real Simple, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, CrimeReads, and other outlets. Her LA-Times bestselling debut, THE LOST NIGHT, was optioned for TV development by Mila Kunis. She joins me today to talk about her latest novel, THE SPARE ROOM.

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introducing Andrea Bartz

00:02:46 The Rise and Fall of Magazines: An Insider's Perspective

00:05:30 Author Andrea Bartz on the Importance of Sensitivity Readers 

00:08:57 Andrea's Journey of Self-Discovery Through Fiction

00:10:29 Unpacking Complex Emotions Through Writing

00:13:04 Why Writing is the Ultimate Tool for Processing Emotions and Thoughts

00:23:45 From Wrestling with Plot to Bestseller: How Andrea Bartz Found Her Writing Process

00:26:27 The True Definition of a Writer: A Conversation on Control and Collaboration in the Writing Process

00:28:44 Choosing the Right Agent: How Andrea Bartz Found the Perfect Match for Her Thriller Writing Career

Buy The Spare Room

Amazon:https://amzn.to/413yLHf

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781984820495

Connect With Andrea

Website: https://www.andreabartz.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andibartz

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

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

TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andibartz?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

When I was a kid, my brother Jimmy and I would watch wrestling all the time. The colorful characters, soap opera like drama, and high flying action had us hooked on the WWF like most of its superstars were hooked on Colombian marching powder. When offered the opportunity to interview author Charlie Jenkins about his book American Wrestling 1989, I leapt at the chance like Jimmy Snooka off the top rope.

Meet Charlie Jenkins

Charlie has worked as the Creative Director of a film and television industry and as an assistant to the writer’s room of the Amazon Original Series Lost in Oz. He has led or worked on digital campaigns for The CW, NBC, Hulu and Blizzard Entertainment properties. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his debut novel American Wrestling: 1989, a heartfelt and funny novel set behind the scenes of the pro wrestling industry’s golden era, for which he drew on his experiences working for an independent promotion. 

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introducing Charlie Jenkins 

00:04:09 How The Undertaker Captivated a Young Wrestling Fan

00:06:50 Behind the Scenes of Wrestling: A Firsthand Account of the Minor Leagues

00:08:42 Why I Chose Fandom Over Corporate: A Creative's Journey in the Entertainment Industry

00:11:40 Behind the Scenes of a $20 Million Fantasy Franchise: The Rise and Fall of a Creative Director's Dream

00:13:06 From Screenplay to Novel: The Genesis of American Wrestling in 1989

00:16:04 From Passion to Page: A Journey of Wrestling and Writing

00:20:19 Lessons Learned: How My First Book Taught Me to Be a Better Writer and Entrepreneur

00:22:40 From Novel to Netflix: The Potential for a Wrestling Series Adaptation

00:26:32 The Bully Hero: Why Hulk Hogan Wasn't Always a Fan Favorite

00:28:34 The Dark Side of Wrestling: Drug Abuse, Death, and Unpleasant Fantasies

00:30:38 From Metal to Wrestling: Exploring the Best Wrestling Songs of All Time

Buy American Wrestling: 1989

Amazon:https://amzn.to/3p3NDbB

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647424367

Connect With Charlie

Website: https://www.charlie-jenkins.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlieGJenkins

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

What happens when "in sickness and in health" becomes "in sickness"? Today’s guest, author Suzanne Marriott addresses that question, and many others, in her memoir Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about that, and so much more!

Meet Suzanne Marriott

Suzanne Marriott is a memoirist and deep-travel writer who shares her transformative experiences with her readers. Her writings on compassionate caregiving have been published by The Union newspaper and Writer Advice awarded her the “Scintillating Start Prize” for the first chapter of her memoir, Watching for Dragonflies. Suzanne’s stories of deep travel have appeared in the award-winning online magazine Your Life is a Trip.

Key Topics

Buy Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey

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

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647424367

Connect With Suzanne

Website: https://suzannemarriottauthor.com/

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

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

I’m thrilled to welcome author and executive Emmanuel Probst on Uncorking a Story. Emmanuel’s background combines over 16 years of market research and marketing experience with strong academic achievements. He joined me to discuss his career and latest book, Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation.

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:29 The Fulfilling And Compelling World Of Market Research

00:05:21 Traditional Market Research Vs. Technology

00:09:07 The Evolving Role Of Brands And Branding.

00:15:07 The Increasing Risk Of Brand Backlash

00:18:24 Testing The Concept Of A Transgender Spokesperson In Marketing Campaigns

00:21:21 Transforming Brand And Market Research In The Digital Age 

00:26:20 Recall And Transforming Consumer Attitudes Towards Products

00:32:57 Tacky Advertisements Don't Build Brand Equity

00:39:03 How To Purchase Assemblage: The Art And Science Of Brain Transformation Book

Buy Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation.

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

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781646871254

Connect With Emmanuel

Website: https://www.emmanuelprobst.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelprobst/

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

In this podcast episode, Mike interviews author Hanna Halperin about her latest novel, I Could Live Here Forever. 

Meet Hannah Halperin

Hanna is the author of Something Wild, which won the 2021 Edward Lewis Wallant Award and was a finalist for the 2021 National Jewish Book Award for Debut Fiction. She joins me today to talk about her latest book, I Could Live Here Forever. Welcome to Uncorking a Story Hannah!

Key Topics:

00:00:00 Introduction 

00:03:59 Hanna's latest book

00:05:13 Hanna's motivation for writing about addictive relationships

00:14:37 How to get in touch with Hanna

Buy I Could Live Here Forever

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H00H7V

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593492079

Connect With Hanna

Website: https://www.hannahalperin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna.halperin/?hl=en

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

On today's episode of Uncorking a Story, Author Shannon Duncan discusses the use of psychedelics as a tool for healing trauma, particularly childhood trauma and complex PTSD. The conversation revolves around the idea that psychedelics can be used to unlock the subconscious and help individuals process their trauma in a way that traditional talk therapy may not be able to achieve. The speakers caution that finding a qualified therapist who is experienced in dealing with trauma and has done their own deep work on psychedelics is crucial, as there are many unqualified individuals operating in the gray market who can be dangerous. The conversation also touches on the recreational use of psychedelics and how it differs from their therapeutic use.

Meet Shannon Duncan

Shannon Duncan is an entrepreneur and the author of “Present Moment Awareness.” He lives in California finding his way to an authentic expression of himself, including and especially his sense of humor, has been the most rewarding aspect of healing from trauma. He joins me today on Uncorking a Story to discuss his latest book, Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma Using Psychedelics. Welcome to Uncorking a Story Shannon.

Key Topics

00:00:00 Introducing Shannon Duncan

00:05:21 Healing Trauma With Psychedelics - An Author's Personal Journey

00:06:29 Personal Psychedelic Experimentation And Guided Sessions Lead To Growth And Healing for Shannon

00:10:08 The Concept Of Complex PTSD

00:11:23 Exploring Psychedelics as A Healing Option: A Discussion On Trauma And Therapy

00:16:41 Psychedelics as a Tool For Unlocking The Subconscious

00:19:51 Healing Through Psychedelics and Self-release

00:21:37 Healing Trauma And Using Psychedelics To Treat Addiction

00:25:40 Identifying Qualified Psychedelic Therapists In The Gray Market

00:27:04 Getting To Know Shannon Through Pop Culture: Tv Show Favorites With Shannon

Buy Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma Using Psychedelics

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

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781959254041

Connect With Shannon

Website: https://shannonduncan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-duncan-author/

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.

Pattiann Rogers has published fifteen collections of poetry and two book-length essay collections, The Dream of the Marsh Wren and The Grand Array: Writings on Nature, Science, and Spirit. She is the recipient of two NEA grants, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a 2005 Literary Award in Poetry from the Lannan Foundation, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Missouri, College of Arts and Sciences. In 2018 she was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nature Poetry. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest collection, Flickering. 

Buy Flickering

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

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780143137665

Connect With Pattiann

Website: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/pattiann-rogers

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

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.