Wisdom on the Front Porch

What happens when accessibility is built in from the beginning rather than added after the fact? Burt Pusch talks with LS Kirkpatrick about publishing a book with purpose, finding the audience who most needs its message, and using that message to help people better understand disability. “One of the worst things in the world is when disability becomes an afterthought,” Burt says. Their conversation explores visible and invisible differences, the cost of delayed accessibility, and why interdependence matters. As LS puts it, “We don't need to be the same.”

(0:00) Welcome and Publishing Goals

(3:11) Finding the Right Audience

(9:10) Accessibility, Difference, and Variety

What changes when disability is understood through ability, environment, and personal agency rather than limitation? Burt Pusch and LS Kirkpatrick discuss meeting difficult seasons with self-awareness, choice, and a determination to move forward. Burt shares why biological differences do not define character and how environments can either preserve or restrict a person’s agency. They also explore respectful questions, inclusive hiring, lived experience, and the importance of designing access from the start. As Burt says, “Look for what you can do and then figure out how to use what you can do in a particular environment.”

(0:00) Learning from Hard Seasons

(6:20) Reframing Disability and Agency

(13:13) Problem Solving in Practice

(20:23) Asking Questions with Burt Pusch

(22:30) Unique Architecture and Shared Difference

(31:36) Hiring, Research, and Showing Strengths

What if the opportunity that changes your business isn't something you're searching for, but something you've already overlooked?

Greg Bennick started his entrepreneurial journey at just 13 years old as a juggler. Today, he's an international keynote speaker, author, and speaking coach who helps individuals and organizations sharpen their focus, strengthen communication, and recognize new possibilities.

Join LS Kirkpatrick on Wisdom on the Front Porch as Greg shares how unexpected opportunities, meaningful relationships, and small shifts in perspective can lead to extraordinary results.

Discover why being memorable matters in business, how distractions can keep you from what matters most, and why your next level of success may require a change in focus rather than a complete change in direction.

Greg also shares how his book, Reclaim the Moment: 7 Strategies to Build a Better Now, opened new doors in his business.

Are you so busy building your business that you're missing the opportunities right in front of you?

Pull up a chair. This is a conversation worth having.

(0:00) Intro on the Front Porch

(2:41) Greg Bennick’s Unexpected Start

(7:49) Reclaiming the Moment

(11:22) Building Better Focus Now

(15:23) Entrepreneur Lessons and Mindset

(26:59) Morning Routines and Tech Troubles

(31:25) Coaching Communication and Connection

(37:45) Books, Business Cards, and Reach

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick talks with Rachel Allen about writing, marketing, and developmental editing, and how those pieces work together to shape a book. Rachel shares memoir work centered on identity and healing, along with lessons from ghostwriting, business books, and helping authors finish projects. They discuss Baxter’s Heart, grief and pet loss, editing as support rather than correction, and why voice matters. The conversation also covers self-publishing mistakes, AI as a brainstorming tool, reader feedback, and the value of finishing and sharing the story you were meant to tell.

(0:00) Introduction, Central Texas weather, and positive tone

(1:25) Rachel Allen’s background in writing, marketing, and developmental editing

(2:22) What is developmental editing and how it differs from other editing types

(4:00) The role of developmental editing in shaping a book

(5:14) Rachel’s memoirs: themes of identity, healing, and writing a second memoir

(7:05) Business books, ghostwriting, and finding your own path

(9:37) Helping authors bring books to life and supporting the full process

(12:11) Unexpected audiences and the overlap of writing and marketing

(14:17) Serving others, the limits of monologues, and value of conversation-driven podcasting

(16:35) Baxter’s Heart and the creative process behind magazines and finished work

(17:48) Writing about pet loss, grief, and inspiration for Baxter’s Heart

(20:30) Revising the ending of Baxter’s Heart with a developmental editor

(21:38) The importance of strong designers and editors for different book types

(23:15) Why writing, editing, and marketing are equally important

(24:04) Quality over speed and the role of early book promotion

(25:02) Lessons from self-publishing mistakes and the necessity of editing

(26:35) Writing from grief, character attachment, and choosing the right title

(28:49) Red marks from editors as helpful feedback

(31:21) Protecting an author’s voice and when to push back on edits

(33:08) Using AI as a brainstorming tool, not an editing replacement

(34:29) The editor’s role as advocate and support for stuck writers

(37:07) Fixing broken story structure in manuscripts

(39:10) Balancing detail with readability and letting readers imagine

(41:17) Keeping the story focused on its true purpose

(44:06) Handling critique with tenderness for personal writing

(46:07) Completing projects even when you dislike the book, and learning about your writing preferences

(48:08) Helping others publish and how writing changes the writer

(49:19) Encouraging writers to finish and share their books

(50:57) Family stories and how books have different meanings for readers

(52:20) Revising after reader feedback and adding chapters

(52:59) Key takeaway: the world needs your book, and there’s always another one

(53:50) Meeting on the steps of the story and connecting on the front porch

(54:28) Importance of joyful children’s books and the goat the reindeer inspiration

(57:32) Encouragement to write and release your story

(58:05) How to contact Rachel Allen Wrights and find her online

(59:08) Closing invitation to join the conversation and share your projects

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick talks with Kira Hartley about book formatting frustrations, publishing support, and the many projects she is juggling. Kira shares how severe arthritis, inflammation, and debt shaped her routines, along with the habits that helped her become debt free and avoid financial traps. They also discuss focusing on one writing project at a time, thrift store adventures, Rocky Horror costumes, AI-assisted art, fabric reuse, and selling books through word of mouth and community groups. The conversation closes with simple self-care, time outdoors, country living, and making space for joy.

(0:00) Frustration with book formatting, publishing support, and Kira’s current projects

(3:24) Living with severe arthritis, managing pain, and staying productive

(7:31) Inflammation, genetics, types of arthritis, and mindset for self-care

(10:27) Debt, financial stress, becoming debt free, and using credit cards wisely

(14:06) Avoiding buy-now-pay-later traps and establishing healthy financial habits

(16:11) Writing priorities, magazine articles, and focusing on one project at a time

(19:23) Friday routines, thrift store adventures, and personal downtime

(22:10) Costumes, travel, and the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show trip

(24:21) Rocky Horror costumes, prop packages, and embracing silliness

(25:30) Creating a celebration book from a father’s photo collection with AI art

(28:18) Narrowing down photos and crafting a mother’s spiritual book

(31:40) Fabric Wars, cover art, and fixing AI and formatting issues with Fiverr

(36:47) Selling books via word of mouth, Etsy, quilting guilds, and reviews

(40:05) Creative reuse in fabric art, vintage textiles, and unique handmade projects

(41:03) Advice for chasing dreams, pivoting, and starting later in life

(44:05) Repurposing porch posts, harvest table benches, and home projects

(45:15) Taking breaks outside, mental health, and connecting with nature

(47:45) The daily fourteen-minute break and simple ways to improve your life

(48:17) Walking for recovery, making space for movement, and getting outdoors

(49:29) New kittens, dog doors, and raising pets with dogs

(50:57) The deer raised with dogs and humorous country life moments

(51:42) Why country living is irreplaceable despite inconveniences

(52:29) Closing thanks to Kira Hartley, LS Kirkpatrick’s health update, and future episodes

(53:25) Listener invitation to join the conversation and subscribe for more wisdom

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick talks with Steve Ward about career change, calling, and how personal and family recovery shaped his mission. Steve shares how denial, financial reality, and a strong sense of purpose led to Steps Ministries and The Giving Book, along with the first steps for starting a nonprofit. They discuss addiction, perfectionism, workaholism, fear of success, impostor syndrome, and the value of grace, journaling, mentors, and small wins. The conversation also addresses youth struggles, digital addiction, comparison, and helping people build life skills one day at a time.

(0:00) Welcome, Steve Ward’s career shift, and episode focus

(2:42) Calling, purpose in work, and navigating career changes

(6:19) Personal and family recovery shaping a new mission

(8:32) Writing advice and the importance of true calling

(12:11) Passion, entrepreneurship, and meaningful work

(12:45) Recovery, denial, and transformative help

(14:28) Financial realities and the importance of a strong why

(16:22) Support systems, nonprofit funding, and The Giving Book

(18:12) First steps for starting a nonprofit

(21:06) Meaning behind Steps Ministries and one-day-at-a-time change

(23:40) Momentum and learning as you go

(25:13) Coaches, mentors, podcasts, and support

(26:31) Fear of success, growth, and guidance

(27:21) High-functioning addiction, perfectionism, and workaholism

(31:27) When high achievement becomes toxic

(34:18) Balancing drive with self-awareness and small steps

(37:00) Grace and journaling lessons learned

(38:58) Impostor syndrome, authenticity, and small victories

(41:46) Judging success by principles and Steps Ministries’ mission

(43:34) Who Steps Ministries serves and how it helps

(46:45) Purpose, comparison, and young people feeling stuck

(47:23) False comparisons and hidden struggles

(49:43) Digital addiction, social media, and youth challenges

(51:05) Suicide statistics and the need for grace

(51:45) Fear as a hologram and overcoming it

(52:05) Connecting with Steve Ward and resources

(53:37) Closing thoughts on life skills and learning

(54:12) Listener invitation and subscription

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick talks with Paul Pape about gaming as a tool for entrepreneurs. Paul shares how different communication styles, flexibility, and “do-overs” can shape business decisions, along with ways to build quests, rewards, and short-term goals into daily work. They discuss self-care, mental health days, and letting go of the pressure to always be productive. The conversation also covers storytelling, business finances, paying yourself, and using play for coaching, workshops, and team-building, with resources from GamifyBusiness.com and Paul’s books.

(0:00) Introduction and episode focus: gaming for entrepreneurs

(0:48) Paul Pape’s books and Gamify Business overview

(1:47) Communication styles: linear, cloud, and ADHD-friendly approaches

(5:15) Gaming’s fit for entrepreneurship: do-overs, flexibility, and pressure

(6:34) Gamification and creative approaches to business

(8:12) Customizing business rules and identifying strengths and weaknesses

(10:01) Quests, rewards, short-term goals, and integrating self-care

(12:12) Unlearning “always productive” and valuing rest

(15:29) Mental health days and self-care acceptance

(15:52) Selling yourself vs. products: Quit Selling Your Shit

(18:08) Storytelling in business and advertising

(20:20) The Creative Player’s Handbook to Business and workbook

(21:36) The Game Master’s Guide for educators and classrooms

(22:25) Creative Player’s Guide to Gold and Monster Manual for Business

(23:15) Defeating business monsters and overcoming challenges

(24:05) Teaching business finances through story

(25:20) Tracking income, expenses, and stewardship in business

(26:19) Buckets, profit, and paying yourself as a creative

(27:46) Holiday bundles and special offers

(28:54) Coaching, consulting, and the barkeep approach

(29:50) Workshops, games, and team-building through play

(31:06) Gamifybusiness.com resources, the podcast, and free class

(32:04) Closing thanks and invitation to join the conversation

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick talks with Vicki Noethling about early career lessons, adapting to technology, and confidence through change. Vicki shares how her entrepreneurial start in wine and spirits brokerage shaped her views on mentorship, feedback, and steady progress. They discuss breaking goals into daily steps, building habits and accountability, and the role of community for new entrepreneurs. The conversation also covers trust, vision, servant leadership, and how Vicki helps entrepreneurs, speakers, and nonprofit leaders communicate with clarity and authenticity.

(0:00) Introduction, guest background, and early career lessons

(2:44) Embracing technology and confidence through change

(3:22) Early entrepreneurial experience in wine and spirits brokerage

(3:58) Mentorship: leading with heart, head, and hands

(5:56) Mentor vs. coach: understanding the difference

(7:35) Learning from feedback, imperfection, and “but reviews”

(10:14) Breaking goals into daily steps and celebrating small wins

(12:27) Building habits, accountability, and discipline as an entrepreneur

(14:08) The importance of community and support for new entrepreneurs

(18:37) Toastmasters, peer learning, and stepping stones for growth

(21:20) Leadership framework: trust, vision, and servant leadership

(26:13) Applying leadership to sales and serving people well

(28:22) Coaching entrepreneurs in confidence, storytelling, and leadership

(31:11) Helping a nonprofit founder share a painful story authentically

(32:13) Guiding speakers, authors, and panelists to connect with audiences

(33:15) Teaching conversation as a skill to students and nonprofits

(33:44) How to contact Vicki Noethling and find her work

(34:52) Supporting women entrepreneurs and building trusted communities

(36:16) The ongoing value of mentors and coaches

(37:18) Closing thoughts and invitation to join the conversation

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick chats with Joshua Altman from Beltway dot media about reshaping perception and building trust. Joshua delves into the story and brand framework, the four languages model, and its real-life applications. They explore podcast listening habits, audience engagement strategies, and the impact of social media algorithms. Joshua also discusses targeting audiences with paid ads, working with startups, and enhancing media relations. Emphasizing the importance of identifying needs, promoting products, and building trust, the episode wraps up with contact info and closing remarks.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome

(0:26) Joshua Altman's role at Beltway dot media

(1:38) Reshaping perception and building trust

(2:28) Story, narrative, and brand framework

(4:18) Four languages model overview

(6:03) Real-life applications of the four languages model

(9:13) Podcast listening habits

(12:44) Engaging audiences through multiple touch points

(16:01) Choosing the right social media platforms

(21:37) Customizing and repurposing content for platforms

(27:03) Algorithm impact on social media

(30:11) Targeting audiences with paid ads

(32:04) Working with startups and established companies

(33:08) Media relations and visibility

(34:13) Developing media skills

(36:03) Identifying real needs vs perceived needs

(38:36) Promoting a book or product

(40:30) Building trust and brand recognition

(42:28) Methods to build trust and exposure

(43:03) Contact information and closing remarks

In this episode of Wisdom on the Front Porch, LS Kirkpatrick chats with Terry Whalin about the publishing world. They discuss the role of an acquisitions editor, the importance of a strong book proposal, and tips for aspiring authors. Terry shares insights on ebook giveaways, targeted distribution, and Morgan James Publishing's unique approach. They emphasize managing author expectations and the need for ongoing book promotion. Key lessons from "10 Publishing Myths," the value of entertainment-focused books, building a social media presence, and persistence in writing are highlighted. The episode wraps up with common author mistakes, the importance of endorsements, and ways to connect with Terry Whalin.

(0:00) Introduction and guest background

(1:07) What is an acquisitions editor?

(1:56) Advice for aspiring authors

(2:21) The role of a book proposal

(3:45) Sponsor: Free ebook offer from Terry Whalin

(4:58) Benefits and strategies of ebook giveaways

(7:00) Targeted and broad book distribution

(9:30) Morgan James Publishing's unique approach

(10:23) Bulk sales and marketing strategies

(12:52) Setting and managing author expectations

(13:54) Opportunities in modern publishing

(16:23) The need for ongoing book promotion

(19:33) Key lessons from "10 Publishing Myths"

(22:34) Entertainment-focused books and their value

(26:23) Building a social media presence

(27:37) Navigating social media challenges

(28:32) The importance of persistence in writing

(29:22) Mega Book Marketing University experience

(30:35) Taking responsibility for your success

(32:18) Comparing book sales to magazine reach

(34:23) Leveraging print and online magazines

(34:44) Common author mistakes

(35:21) Importance of book endorsements

(36:46) Connecting with Terry Whalin

(38:31) Closing remarks and engagement