Episodes

  • Guest Andra Watkins

    Guest Andra Watkins
    Oct 16 2024
    We all live with the possibility that we won’t wake up one day, but not everyone is consciously aware of that fact. Today’s guest lives with a daily reminder of her mortality. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Andra Watkins, a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating writing and soul-stirring speeches. Andra, who has navigated the waves of adversity with unwavering resilience and turned her life into an adventurous journey, offered us an enlightening conversation about life, growth, and self-discovery.

    Andra discusses her challenging circumstances and the path she’s forged. She was diagnosed with a chronic parasitic illness that led to partial blindness and grappled with family dysfunction; yet, she chose not to let these issues define her life. Listen to the episode to hear what she has to say about her medical challenges, the manipulative dynamics within her family, empathy, and her pursuit of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode

    ● Discussion on Andra's life-changing diagnosis and its impact on her life’s perspective
    ● Andra's pursuit of adventure and exploration
    ● Deep dive into Andra's past and the dynamics of her family
    ● Andra's experiences with gaslighting, manipulation, and narcisstic personality disorder
    ● Importance of compassion and empathy in dealing
    ● Conversation on Andra's struggles with setting boundaries, particularly with her mother
    ● Loving family members from a distance and estrangement
    ● Discussion on Andra's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth
    ● Exploration of how adversities shape our identities
    ● Reflection on finding blessings in challenging situations

    Resources
    Andra Watkins
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    30 mins
  • What I’ve Learned About Life and More Since My Book Launch!

    What I’ve Learned About Life and More Since My Book Launch!
    Sep 25 2024
    Bringing my first book to life felt like an emotional adventure akin to childbirth—filled with excitement, challenges, and profound self-discovery. In this heartfelt solo episode of "Every Soul Has a Story", I share about the intense journey of editing, revising, and ultimately letting go of my "book baby". With poignant advice from a dear friend guiding me, I reflect on the incredible personal and professional growth I’ve experienced over the past six months. A highlight I cherish deeply is the warmth and acceptance I felt at my initial big book event in Miami, where my friend, Brad Meltzer, introduced me.

    Celebrating the power of connection, I dedicate a substantial part of this episode to the meaningful exchanges I've had with listeners and readers. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, my website, or email, your messages and stories are a vital part of this journey. I respond to each one—these interactions bring immense joy and foster our vibrant community. Tune in to learn more about my ongoing work on my second book and the lessons learned, all while navigating the often tumultuous path with integrity and kindness.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode:
    • The exhilarating and challenging journey of publishing a first book
    • Reflections on valuable advice from a friend about letting go once a book is published
    • A memorable moment at Dara’s first big book event in Miami, where her friend, Brad Meltzer, introduced her
    • The importance of kind communication and maintaining integrity while navigating challenges
    • The role of social media in connecting with listeners and readers
    • Dara’s ongoing work on her second book and the lessons learned from her first book's journey
    • Insights on protecting oneself emotionally and professionally, including setting boundaries and recognizing the importance of community support
    • Advice on being open to helping others with communication challenges and maintaining high standards
    • Every reader matters. It’s important to take the time and listen
    • Personal stories of meaningful interactions at book events
    • The importance of listening to one's body and setting boundaries
    Resources:
    Dara Levan
    Dara on Instagram
    Dara on Substack
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    12 mins
  • Guest Katie Rose Pryal

    Guest Katie Rose Pryal
    Sep 11 2024
    What does it mean to receive an autism diagnosis in your 40s? Today’s guest, Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D., shares her unique journey of navigating life with a late autism diagnosis—an experience surprisingly common, particularly among women. Katie is an accomplished author, mental health advocate, professor, and mother who brings a rich blend of personal and professional expertise to the conversation. Diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and autism, she has become a powerful voice in the mental health and neurodiversity communities. Katie has authored several influential books, including A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education and Even If You’re Broken: Bodies, Boundaries, and Mental Health, both of which have won prestigious awards. Her newest work, Parenting Neurodiversity: An Insider’s Companion, is forthcoming from Johns Hopkins University Press and provides a firsthand perspective on raising neurodivergent children. She is also an author of fiction books, including The Hollywood Lights Series.

    In addition to her writing, Katie is a sought-after keynote speaker and educator who draws on her academic and lived experiences to shed light on mental health, disability, and neurodiversity. As an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she combines her academic background with her passion for advocacy, frequently contributing to national publications like The Chronicle of Higher Education and Psychology Today. In this episode, Katie talks candidly about the intersection of gender, identity, and neurodivergence, drawing from her experiences growing up in the 1980s, navigating societal expectations, and parenting a neurodiverse child. Katie also delves into her work within the equestrian world, where she founded the NeuroEq show team to promote awareness and accommodation for neurodivergent riders. Join us as we explore the complexities of autism, neurodiversity, and identity through the lens of Katie's remarkable journey, learning from her insights into how we can all better understand and support neurodivergent individuals in every aspect of life.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode

    • Katie's journey of receiving an autism diagnosis in her 40s and the high rate of undiagnosed autistic women and girls

    • The high rates of non-binary and queer identification within the autistic community and their vulnerability

    • Katie's reflection on her upbringing as an autistic girl in the 80s and the struggle to conform to societal norms

    • The intersection between gender identity and neurodivergence

    • Parenting a neurodivergent child with comorbidities and its impact on family dynamics

    • The influence of Katie's own diagnoses on her treatment compliance

    • The importance of incorporating neurodivergent characters in fiction and how Katie's books reflect neurodiversity

    • The effort to raise awareness and gain accommodations for neurodivergent individuals in the equestrian world


    Resources


    Katie Rose Pryal
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    39 mins
  • Every Soul Has a Story_ Revival Trailer

    Every Soul Has a Story_ Revival Trailer
    Sep 3 2024
    The journey of “Every Soul Has a Story” began with an unexpected Instagram Live session during the early COVID-19 lockdown. These impromptu conversations, born out of a need for connection, have grown into a sanctuary for authentic dialogues. This season opener is a heartfelt recounting of my personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the profound loss of loved ones. It’s a testament to the power of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments, which have become the cornerstone of this podcast.

    We're kicking off this season with stories that embody resilience and authenticity. Joining us are Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins, two remarkable women whose narratives will inspire you to embrace your true self and the support of those around you. Together, we’ll delve into how living in alignment with your values can empower you to overcome adversity and live a fuller life. I invite you to enter a space where genuine connections thrive, and perfection is left at the door. Your engagement is invaluable, and I’m excited to share upcoming episodes that will further unpack these compelling themes.

    Topics Discussed in This Episode
    • Introduction to the new season of "Every Soul Has a Story"

    • Reflection on the podcast's beginnings as an Instagram Live show during COVID-19 lockdown

    • Dara's personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the loss of loved ones

    • The importance of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments

    • The podcast's evolution from spontaneous chats to structured interviews

    • The role of authenticity and connection in the podcast

    • Introduction to the first two guests of the season, Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins

    • Professor and author Katie Rose Pryal's journey of resilience, including her diagnosis of autism and bipolar disorder

    • Author and speaker Andra Watkins' story of overcoming chronic illness and family challenges

    • Ways for listeners to find Dara online and connect with the podcast community


    Resources

    Dara Levan
    Dara on Instagram
    Dara on Substack
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    10 mins
  • 64. Guest Michelle Cameron 10-23-23

    64. Guest Michelle Cameron 10-23-23
    Oct 23 2023
    Today’s guest is author, poet, editor, and writing teacher Michelle Cameron. Michelle is also a director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing instruction to adults and kids. She recently published her fourth novel, Babylon: a novel of Jewish Captivity, which is published by Wicked Son Books.

    In this episode, Michelle joins the conversation to share how she learned that we can't always predict our paths for ourselves or our children. She talks about her experiences with four different publishing houses, adapting to unexpected changes, and why both patience and persistence are important. Michelle also delves into her creative process, why she loves her craft, and how characters often lead writers to unexpected plot twists. Her favorite part of the creative process is that moment when she is birthing a new idea or story. We also discussed the fulfilling journey of growing a small organization into a larger one, teaching young creators, parenting, and much more. What an insightful, engaging, and heartfelt conversation!
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    24 mins
  • 63. Guest Elizabeth Sumner Wafler 9-18-23

    63. Guest Elizabeth Sumner Wafler 9-18-23
    Sep 18 2023
    Today’s guest is author Elizabeth Sumner Wafler. She recently published her fourth novel, A Cleft in the World. In this episode, Elizabeth shares how she learned that her grandfather was Jewish when she was 50 years old. Elizabeth talks about her childhood, sharing she grew up in “an insular world and provincial community” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She talked about how her family in the ‘60s swept controversial or topics perceived as embarrassing under the rug. We laughed as we bantered about our mutual love of Yiddish, an endearing language, and that she and her cousins enjoy exchanging Rosh Hashanah cards.

    Elizabeth now lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She discussed her unique writing process, cultural influences, and the fascinating revelations about her heritage that impacted her upcoming book.

    We also chatted about Elizabeth’s love of words, the influence of her first editor's advice, and how observation plays a key role in storytelling. She shared how she explores the themes of identity, love, and compassion in her novels. And why it's taken her a long time to not worry about what others think of her; she lives life on her own terms. What an insightful, lively, and connective conversation!
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    23 mins
  • 62. Guest Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg 9-12-23

    62. Guest Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg 9-12-23
    Sep 12 2023
    It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has experienced life in two vastly different environments. Today’s guest is @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg, who recently published her fourth novel, A Norn In Bloom. A New York native and former executive recruiter, Jennifer experienced a significant turning point after falling in love and moving to Sweden. Learn how Jennifer adjusted to a new country, language, and culture. Jennifer talks about her career shift, her publishing journey, and being true to yourself.

    We chatted about authenticity on and off the page, what inspires Jennifer, and how she stays connected to her family in the U.S. We also delved deep into the impact of social media, community, and connections.

    Jennifer shares her experience of self-discovery during the pandemic, the importance of self care, and how self-publishing her novel expanded her journey. We also discussed how the choices we make in life shape us. When Jennifer returned to the United States for five years, she rediscovered who she was and what she wanted. Loved our conversation @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg and your insights!
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    42 mins
  • 61. Guest Jennifer Vido 7-20-23

    61. Guest Jennifer Vido 7-20-23
    Jul 20 2023
    Jennifer Vido is the author of the Piper O'Donnell Social Lite Mystery series, a mystery and romance author with a love for all things cozy. When a twist of fate landed Jennifer at the "Reading with Ripa” roundtable discussion with Kelly Ripa and Meg Cabot, her entrée into the publishing world officially began. As an avid book lover, she blogs about bestselling book releases and writes the Jen’s Jewels author interview column for FreshFiction.com. She also is a certified copy editor. A longtime Romance Writers of America member, she recently began penning the Gull Island Series with The Wild Rose Press. Serendipity by the Sea is the first book in the series.

    Jennifer is also a national spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation, she has been featured by Lifetime Television, Redbook, Health Monitor, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Healthguru.com, and Arthritis Today. As a former national trainer for The Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic and Land Exercise Classes and a current aquatics instructor, she advocates for those like herself who suffer from arthritis, the nation’s #1 cause of disability.

    On today's episode, we talked about letting of what we cannot change, how we are both adjusting to being empty nesters, and the highs/lows of life. When Jennifer was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis as a young child, she realized she couldn't control how her body may ache or swell. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges and also shares why this diagnosis doesn't define her. Yoga, prayer, and reading are a few of the ways Jen cares for herself. We also chatted about writing, family, and much more! What an honest, hopeful, and inspiring conversation!
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    21 mins