J Merrill Spotlight: Recent Episodes
Jackie Smith
CHEWIN' THE FAT Presents: J MERRILL SPOTLIGHTA Podcast showcasing the published works of J Merrill Publishing through one-on-one interviews with the Authors.The Show also features News and Updates about J Merrill Publishing, as well as Advise, Tips & Tricks on how to get your work written and published.
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author and Pastor Cheryl Travis to talk about her "Help God..." pocketbook Series.
Starting with the first book in the 7 book series, "Help God, I Am Afraid", Cheryl explains how fear can steal our confidence to do what we need to do and how to conquer it.
The other books in the Series include:
- Help God, I Am Angry
- Help God, I Am Hurt
- Help God, I Am Lost
- Help God, I Am Sad
- Help God, I Am Confused
- Help God, I Am Lonely
Jackie and Cheryl also discuss her thoughts on the Church today and some of the misconceptions people have about who a Pastor is and how they should act.
You can find All of Cheryl's pocketbooks on Amazon by clicking on the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Cheryl+Travis%22+hardcover&i=stripbooks&crid=3IZWD8JKEBP3H&sprefix=cheryl+travis+hardcover%2Cstripbooks%2C63&ref=nb_sb_noss
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author and Poet, Edith Clay and her Husband, Johnny.
In her book, Inspirations From God, Edith has compiled a collection of poems originally written for her Family and Friends, but can be used to inspire and motivate each of us today.
Married to her husband (who is always at her side) for over 50 years, Edith and Johnny share a bond that can only come from a strong, mutual faith in God and His provision.
You can find Edith's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Inspirations-God-Gooood-Edith-Clay/dp/1950719804/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1638380243&sr=1-1
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author and Entrepreneur Cynthia Sloan to discuss her Book, Speech Therapy Works!This autobiographical book centers around Cynthia's daughter, Juliana and recounts her challenges and struggles while dealing with a speech impediment.
Cynthia hopes her daughter's story will be an encouragement to Parents and their children who are dealing with the same issues.
You can find Cynthia's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Speech-Therapy-Works-Julianas-Story/dp/1950719561
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Christina Chislom to discuss her book and the importance of Genuine Faith and the role of the Church in our daily lives.
Christina also announces her new Children's Book due to be released by Christmas!
You can find Christina's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Out-Hiding-Activating-Deliverance/dp/1792313705/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T3MY6PEQG04U&dchild=1&keywords=come+out+of+hiding+by+cristina+chislom&qid=1635805376&sprefix=come+out+of+hiding+by+cristina+chislom%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Children's Author, Debbie Eiland to discuss her book "Ebony Locs" - A re-imagining of the Fairy Tale Goldilocks - but with a modern twist as it presents itself to children of all Colors.
Debbie is also a recently retired Educator with an emphasis on early childhood development, so that provided Jackie an opportunity to talk about childhood (and adult) illiteracy and how it is becoming an epidemic.
You can find Debbie's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Ebony-Locs-Three-Bears/dp/1950719065
For our 10th Episode Special, Jackie sits down with his Producer (Big Jay) and focuses the Spotlight on J Merrill - The Publishing House, The Foundation, The Podcast and The Cable Show - and gives some insight into the inner workings of what his Company is all about and what is to come in the future.
So get a behind the scenes glimpse as we shine the Spotlight on Mr. Jackie 'J Merrill' Smith himself.
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Brandyn McElroy to discuss his book, Support Beyond the Cycle.
This book was written as a support and encouragement for Men who have endured the trauma of a miscarriage, reminding them that while the focus may be on the Woman, you, as a Man, have pain and feelings that need to be recognized and dealt with as well.
This is a very Real and Heavy subject, but Brandyn takes a faith-based and practical approach to how a Man can process and find strength in order to heal the hurt, support his Woman and repair the bond between them.
You can find Brandyn's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Support-Beyond-Cycle-Brandyn-McElroy/dp/1950719960/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=support+beyond+the+cycle&qid=1630536993&s=books&sr=1-1
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Pastor and Author Adrean Young to discuss his Daily Devotional - "Just What I Needed"It is a Unique devotional designed to allow God to lead you to the inspirational Message you need for that day.
Jackie and Adrean also discuss Music in the Church today and the importance of having a genuine relationship with God.
You can find Pastor Adrean's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Just-What-Needed-Daily-Devotional/dp/1950719863/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=just+what+i+needed&qid=1629579637&s=books&sr=1-3
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Dennis E. Brown as they discuss his upcoming book, (tentatively titled) The Faithful Christian in a Hostile World.
Dennis is a retired Pastor and Missionary who spent many years in the jungles of Papua, New Guinea teaching the Word of God to the Natives.
During the interview, he shares some of his first-hand experiences of the power of Authentic Faith, and how we, in Western Society, can use that Faith to navigate the World and people around us.
Look for Dennis's other book, CONNECTED! Unlocking the DNA of Authentic Prayer, on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Unlocking-DNA-Authentic-Prayer/dp/1490860614
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with his Mother, Pamela and his Father, Jackie Sr. to talk about her book "Never Give Up on Love", an uplifting and encouraging Autobiography that gives hope to Women that its never too late for Love.
In it, she tells of the physical and emotional hardships she endured in her life, from growing up in a small Coal Mining Camp, to living in the Big City all the while trusting God would bring her through her struggles and send her the Man of her dreams.
You can find Pamela's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Never-Give-Love-Pamela-Smith/dp/1950719529/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author and Pastor, Obadiah Harris to discuss his book, The Celestial Advantage, a book filed with encouragement and insight about the Spiritual Warfare that surrounds us. When we feel lost and don't know which direction to go, Pastor Harris reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we have a Powerful Celestial Ally on our side!
You can find Pastor Harris's book on Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Celestial-Advantage-Obadiah-Harris/dp/1950719081/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Shana Byrd and discusses her book, Focus, Trust & Follow; an inspirational collection of personal experiences that made God real to her in her life.
Shana is a Supervisor for a Home Visiting Agency, providing Counseling and other much needed services for pregnant and parenting youth.
She is also an amateur painter and sculptor, and is currently attending College to earn her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Shana and her Husband of 20 years have 4 children.
You can find Shana's book on Barnes & Noble by clicking the Link below:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/focus-trust-follow-shana-byrd/1137465224
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with prolific Author and Licensed Social Worker, Carolyn Booker-Pierce as they discuss several of the inspirational and self-help books she has written.
You can find all of Carolyn's books at Amazon by clicking the Link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-Booker-Pierce/e/B088S7CC8T%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Janet Stephens and her Husband, Terry, to discuss her Devotional, "Jewels".
Janet is a Minister, Entrepreneur, Business Owner and Organizer who believes in Community Outreach and the betterment of all people - especially Women who seek daily encouragement and advice from the Bible through her book.
Get ready to be Blessed, because were havin' Church in this Episode!
You can find Lady J's book on Amazon by clicking the Link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Jewels-Lady-Daily-Devotion-Reflection/dp/1950719286
In this Episode, Jackie sits down with Author Deanna Jones and discusses her new book, "Life After Detour".
An autobiographical story about her struggles as a Teen Mom and her life in and out of the Foster Care System, Deanna uses her negative experiences to educate young Mothers on how to cope with the unknowns of raising a child during difficult times.
Her story gives Hope that despite how bad things may look today, there is Always a better tomorrow.
You can find Deanna's book on Amazon by clicking the Link below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088P5GX66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_0A53RJB6VBCMG5K9KYP0
