True Fiction Project

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This episode of the True Fiction Project dives into the remarkable true story behind the historical fiction novel, Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life, by Pamela Reitman about Charlotte Salomon, a young Jewish artist who painted over a thousand works while fleeing the Nazis in France. We talk about the ethics of biographical fiction, how Pamela handled the unanswered questions of Charlotte’s life, and why this story of art born from unimaginable loss still resonates today. This conversation reveals the research process behind historical novels and what it means to give voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Tune in to hear Pamela and excerpt of the novel when Charlotte is being reminded that she is a genius artist.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How biographical fiction differs from traditional biography when writers face gaps in the historical record

Why Charlotte Salomon's artwork Life? Or Theater! is considered a masterpiece of Holocaust literature and modern art

How author Pamela Reitman decided which relationships, like the one with Wolf Abrams, to fictionalize and which to leave ambiguous

The role that art and trauma played in helping Salomon process the loss of her mother and family during Nazi occupation

Subscribe toReenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

01:10 Pamela Reitman shares her historical fiction novel about Charlotte Salomon's and explains the difference between biographical fiction and traditional biography writing

04:34 Discussion of the Wolf Abrams relationship and the choice to leave their romance ambiguous

07:49 Pamela describes the genesis of the book, since there was already a biography

10:39 Pamela shares how she discovered Charlotte Salomon's work at the Jewish Museum in San Francisco

13:08 Discussion of the time period during which Charlotte’s work was created, and where the listener can learn more about this amazing woman

15:56 Pamela reads a moving excerpt from her novel about Charlotte's belief in her own artistic genius

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Writers of biographical fiction carry a unique responsibility, especially as Holocaust survivors who could verify the facts become fewer with each passing year

Charlotte Salomon's more than 1,300 paintings, created in a single year while she lived without identity papers, eventually became an opera that debuted in Salzburg in 2017

Pamela Reitman believes art served as a way to transform suffering rather than heal it completely, shaping the emotional core of her historical novel

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Pamela Reitman, a Jewish Book Council Network author, is an award-winning writer with numerous publications in literary journals, news outlets, and magazines. She has a B. A with honors in English from Columbia and an MPH from UC Berkeley. She is retired from a career in public health and community service focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Pamela is also Director Emerita of Makor Or: A Jewish Meditation Center in San Francisco. She now lives in Healdsburg, California, with her husband.

Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life is Pamela’s debut novel. Over two months on Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Biographical Literary Fiction, Kirkus Reviews calls this novel “a vividly detailed rendering of a real life caught in a maelstrom of 20th-century horror.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Pamela Reitman (@PamelaReitman1) - Facebook

Pamela Reitman - Website

Amazon.com: Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life: A Novel

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What happens when historical fiction dares to challenge the rules? On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora welcomes New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin, whose latest novel, The Secret Book Society, uncovers the radical act of women reading books in the Victorian era. A three-times-widowed Countess builds a secret book club, defying a culture that viewed literate women as dangerous. Madeline shares her extraordinary path through self-publishing, traditional publishing, and deep historical research, writing over 40 books along the way. Rich with Victorian women's history, hatpin fighting, seances, and the language of flowers, this episode is a love letter to storytelling. Tune in to hear the author read the prologue, in which a street boy delivers a single boot as proof that a woman may have been wrongfully taken to a lunatic asylum.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why historical fiction set in the Victorian era continues to captivate readers, and how the rigid etiquette of the period creates a rich backdrop for subversive, empowering storytelling rooted in women's history.

✅ How self-publishing works in the romance novel market, including why authors must release books every one to two months to remain visible, and how Madeline Martin balanced that pace with a full-time career and family.

✅ How a real historical account of a woman wrongfully committed to a lunatic asylum became the foundation for The Secret Book Society, demonstrating how literary fiction is born from documented history.

✅ How intentional detail, including the language of flowers, hatpin fighting, and female authors of the era, can transform a novel into an immersive, layered reading experience.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Madeline Martin introduces The Secret Book Society and its Victorian-era setting, where women's reading was actively suppressed

02:36 Madeline shares her 20-year writing journey, from childhood storytelling to publishing over 40 historical fiction and romance novels

05:06 A candid look at self-publishing: writing six to eight books a year, managing every detail, and why independent publishing is demanding

09:56 The transition from historical romance to literary fiction, and why a hatpin played a significant role in the novel

15:41 Madeline reads the prologue of The Secret Book Society

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Victorian era restrictions on women's reading were not just social norms; they were enforced control. The Secret Book Society reclaims that history by centering women's empowerment through the radical, joyful act of gathering to read works by female authors.

💎 Madeline Martin's publishing path illustrates the demanding realities of self-publishing, where output volume directly determines visibility. Her shift to traditional publishing allowed her to trade quantity for quality, producing one richly researched historical fiction title per year.

💎 The most compelling literary fiction is often grounded in stranger-than-fiction historical truth. Martin's discovery of a real Victorian woman saved from an asylum by a single thrown boot proves that history, when told with heart and craft, needs very little embellishment.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Madeline Martin is a New York Times and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance, with books translated into over 25 languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband (known as Mr. Awesome), two amazing daughters, and two very spoiled cats.

The Secret Book Society: A Novel – A USA Today Bestselling Historical Gothic Mystery: Martin, Madeline

Madeline Martin (@MadelineMartinAuthor) - Facebook

Madeline Martin - Instagram

Madeline Martin (@MadelineMMartin) / Posts - X

Madeline Martin - Threads

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Historical fiction meets raw human resilience in this rich conversation with award-winning author Jennifer Wright on this episode of the True Fiction Project. Jennifer’s book, Last Light Over Galveston, centers on women's empowerment during the turn of the century, following a young woman who defies her wealthy family in search of purpose, only to find herself stranded in Galveston as a monster hurricane bears down. Jennifer reveals how writing fiction based on real historical events gives readers the empathy that dry textbooks simply cannot. From her journalism roots to her life as an Air Force wife abroad, Jennifer brings an outsider's curiosity and an insider's discipline to every story she tells. Tune in to hear an excerpt of the book to when the character Kathleen arrives in Galveston, contemplating a decision as she arrives at the ocean.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why historical fiction is one of the most powerful tools for helping readers connect emotionally with real historical events, and how award-winning author Jennifer Wright uses storytelling to bring the human side of history to life in ways that journalism and textbooks simply cannot.

How women's empowerment in the early 1900s was both revolutionary and dangerous, and what it cost a young woman to walk away from wealth and family in pursuit of purpose and passion during the turn of the century.

What the research process looks like for a fiction writing project rooted in a real natural disaster, including how firsthand newspaper accounts from 1900 shaped the world of The Last Light Over Galveston.

Why the period voice of historical fiction is one of the most challenging craft elements to master, and how collaboration with a skilled editor protects the authenticity of the story.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Jennifer Wright, award-winning author, introduces Kathleen, a wealthy woman craving purpose beyond marriage at the turn of the century

02:27 Jennifer shares her journey from journalism to marriage to historical fiction and explains why historical storytelling can reveal the human side of history

07:30 The plot of Last Light Over Galveston unfolds: women's empowerment, family conflict, and survival during the Galveston Hurricane

10:30 Jennifer discusses the different time periods she chooses to write about and how books are marketed

15:30 Jennifer and Reenita discuss the challenge of period voice and how editors protect the authenticity of historical fiction

18:34 Jennifer Wright reads a snippet of the prologue of Last Light Over Galveston, of character Kathleen's arrival in Galveston

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Historical fiction has a unique power to draw readers into events they might otherwise dismiss. Jennifer Wright's work proves that when you place a fully realized human being inside a natural disaster, readers stop seeing history as a subject and start feeling it as an experience.

Jennifer Wright's creative process begins with six months of deep research into a historical event before a single word of fiction is written. Her ability to compress that into three months under a publishing contract for Last Light Over Galveston speaks to both her discipline and her instincts as a fiction writing professional.

Labeling books by age category, such as young adult or new adult, can quietly shrink an award-winning author's readership. Wright argues that a compelling protagonist transcends age and that character development should be the draw, not a marketing bracket.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school and eventually earned a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born-and-bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to fit old curtains into the windows of a new home. She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband and two children.

Her debut novel, 'If It Rains,' was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' was a 2023 Carol Award finalist. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Jennifer Wright - Facebook

Jennifer Wright - Instagram

Jennifer Wright - Website

Last Light over Galveston: by Wright, Jennifer L. - Amazon

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Taylor Swift biography writing takes rare skill, and Caroline Sullivan has mastered it. On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora sits down with UK-based music journalist Caroline Sullivan, author of Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography, exploring Taylor Swift's remarkable rise. Caroline shares how deep research and dry wit shape her storytelling, revealing surprising details about Taylor's music activism, her fight to reclaim her album rights from Scooter Braun, and her extraordinary bond with her mother. Tune in to hear Caroline read from the afterword of Era by Era, capturing the final emotionally charged night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and what comes next for Taylor Swift.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What an unauthorized biography actually means legally, and how a skilled music journalist like Caroline Sullivan conducts deep research without ever meeting the subject, using published sources, industry contacts, and her own expert voice to tell a compelling story about a Taylor Swift biography.

How Taylor Swift's music activism led her to spend nearly five years fighting to buy back her first six albums from Scooter Braun, ultimately reclaiming her album rights and setting a powerful precedent for artists across the music industry.

How Caroline approached the tone of Era by Era differently from other Taylor Swift books by weaving in dry British humor and personal music journalism perspective, turning dense research into a reading experience worthy of a Sunday Times bestseller.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Reenita opens with a bold question about unauthorized biography writing and what permissions are actually required.

02:00 Caroline Sullivan discusses her six books, including pop star profiles of Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Dua Lipa, and Taylor Swift

04:10 Deep dive into music journalism research methods and why published sources form the backbone of a music biography

06:36 The origin story of Taylor Era by Era, how the publisher approached her after her Dua Lipa book, and how it sold 50,000 copies

12:20 Discussion of Taylor Swift's music activism, her long battle to reclaim her album rights, and her influence on the broader music industry

19:00 Caroline reads from the afterword of Taylor Era by Era, covering the final night of the Eras Tour in Vancouver and Taylor's appearance at the Grammy Awards

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Writing a Taylor Swift biography without the subject's cooperation is entirely legal and achievable through thorough research, industry sources, and a strong authorial voice. Caroline Sullivan proves that an unauthorized biography can outsell the competition when personality and craft drive the narrative.

Taylor Swift's relentless pursuit of her album rights against Scooter Braun is one of the most significant acts of music activism in modern industry history, and one that Caroline documents with admiration throughout Taylor Era by Era, showing how Taylor uses her platform to benefit all artists.

The Eras Tour was far more than a concert series. With 149 dates, a terrorist threat in Vienna, and fans paying just to listen from behind the stage, it became a cultural phenomenon that Caroline argues marks a turning point in pop star history and in Taylor's personal legacy.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

I'm a UK-based music journalist who writes for The Guardian and more, and have written seven books, most recently Taylor: Era by Era - an unofficial biography of Taylor Swift.

Caroline Sullivan - Facebook

Caroline Sullivan - Instagram

X: @TheCSullivan

Taylor Era by Era: The Unauthorized Biography

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What happens when Alfred Hitchcock, Manhattan ghost stories, and a family legend collide? In this episode, debut novelist John McDermott reveals how he crafted The Last Spirits of Manhattan from a true event where Hitchcock rented his ancestor's decaying house for a celebrity-studded party. McDermott shares insights into the fiction writing process, navigating permissions for historical fiction featuring real figures, and why he added actual family ghosts to crash Hitchcock's 1956 soiree. From his publishing journey with Simon and Schuster to teaching undergraduates at Stephen F. Austin State University, McDermott offers invaluable lessons on creative writing and perseverance. Tune in to hear the chilling opening of The Last Spirits of Manhattan where Snug, a ghost trapped in the coal room, stirs as a new venture begins.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to balance historical fiction writing accuracy with poetic license when featuring real celebrities like Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Fonda, and Charles Addams as characters in your supernatural fiction.

The importance of literary research in crafting authentic period pieces, including navigating copyright permissions, advertising archives, and biographical sources when developing your novel.

Strategies for incorporating family history and personal anecdotes into creative writing, as demonstrated by McDermott's transformation of a Manhattan ghost story family legend into a publishable manuscript.

The reality of the publishing journey, including the persistence required through finding the right agent and working with major publishers like Simon and Schuster.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal.

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 A story inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 party at John McDermott's great aunt's Manhattan house

02:30 Discussion of McDermott's family roots from Wisconsin to Texas and his role at Stephen F Austin State University's creative writing program

04:48 Exploring the marriage plot as an inciting incident and how poetic license shapes historical fiction writing

06:03 Navigating permissions and copyright issues when featuring deceased celebrities like Henry Fonda and Charles Addams in fiction

09:45 The addition of supernatural fiction elements, including family ghost stories and getting this novel published

15:32 An excerpt from The Last Spirits of Manhattan prologue introducing the blue girl ghost who hangs out in the coal room

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Historical fiction success requires extensive literary research to capture authentic voices and settings, but the magic happens when authors blend documented facts with imaginative storytelling through careful poetic license.

The publishing journey for a debut novel often spans decades with multiple manuscript attempts. McDermott's 20-year persistence and four complete manuscripts before finding success with Simon and Schuster demonstrate that timing, craft improvement, and presenting the right idea to the right people all matter.

Creative writing drawn from family history creates deeply personal and compelling narratives. By weaving real family members who died from the Spanish influenza into his Manhattan ghost stories, McDermott transforms historical research into emotionally resonant supernatural fiction.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John A. McDermott was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He now serves on the board of directors for the Writers’ League of Texas and teaches creative writing at Stephen F. Austin State University. Before teaching, he worked as an actor, bartender, house painter, and advertising copywriter. He lives in Nacogdoches with his wife and teenage daughter.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

John A McDermott - Website

John A McDermott - LinkedIn

John A McDermott - Facebook

The Last Spirits of Manhattan - Instagram

Book Shop - Website

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What does it look like when a woman refuses to be put in a box? On the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora sits down with the fearless Keldamuzik Diva, a singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer whose life is the ultimate blueprint for women's empowerment. Keldamuzik shares how she went from childhood auditions to starring in films, performing in live theater, launching her beret collection Tamz, and hosting her own fashion shows, all while building a fiercely independent brand. Her story is proof that creative entrepreneurship has no ceiling. Tune in to hear Keldamuzik Diva deliver a powerful verse from her song "Get Up and Get It," a bold declaration of independence and self-sufficiency for women everywhere. Listen here to stream her music

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why women's empowerment and financial independence go hand in hand, and how Keldamuzik Diva's music speaks directly to women who are building lives on their own terms as independent artists and entrepreneurs.

How a multifaceted artist can successfully manage a music career, an acting career, and a fashion line simultaneously without sacrificing quality or passion, even when industry insiders say otherwise.

What it truly takes to succeed in the entertainment industry as a creative entrepreneur, from navigating auditions and live theater to launching a product line and hosting your own fashion shows.

How personal branding in the entertainment industry requires more than one skill set, and why having your hands in multiple areas of performing arts can actually strengthen rather than dilute your brand.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Keldamuzik on why the entertainment industry demands a strong personal brand and multifaceted creative approach

01:56 Keldamuzik explains how she ignored industry advice to specialize and instead pursued creative entrepreneurship across multiple fields

04:34 Kelda discusses how acting came first, from childhood auditions to co-starring in the live stage play How Black Mothers Say I Love You

06:32 Living in California and having a song on The Housewives of Atlanta

08:05 Keldamuzik describes her beret collection, Tams, her inclusive fashion shows, and her upcoming glitter lipstick line

10:12 Keldamuzik shares the women empowerment message behind her song "Get Up and Get It" and performs a verse live

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The entertainment industry is crowded, and the most resilient creatives are those who build a distinct personal brand by developing skills across multiple disciplines rather than limiting themselves to one lane.

💎 True women's empowerment is not just a message in a song. For Keldamuzik Diva, it is a lived practice: she earns her own income, produces her own shows, creates her own fashion line, and answers to no one but herself.

💎 Launching a beret collection and hosting inclusive fashion shows that welcome customers of all heights, weights, and backgrounds is Keldamuzik's way of dismantling traditional gatekeeping in the fashion world and making space for every woman to shine.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Keldamuzik is a multifaceted artist known for her international touring, music placements on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and an acting role in the film "First Date," available for streaming on Hulu. In addition to her accomplishments in the entertainment industry, she has launched her own beret line, Tamz, and is involved in producing fashion shows.

Keldamuzik - Website

Get Up and Get It

‎Keldamuzik - Apple Music

https://weartamz.com/

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Memoir writing blurs the line between truth and imagination in this revealing conversation with Lily MacKenzie. We explore how creative writing techniques shape both fiction narrative and personal stories, as Lily explains her unique approach: "you lie in the service of the truth." The prolific author, with works published in over 170 venues, teaches writing dialogue, narrative structure, and storytelling techniques at the University of San Francisco's Fromm Institute for older adults. Discover why age matters, and doesn't matter, in the writing community, and what connects memoir to traditional storytelling. Hear an excerpt from Freefall: A Divine Comedy where Tilly, an installation artist approaching 60, confronts her anxieties about aging and finances in San Francisco.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How memoir writing employs storytelling techniques identical to fiction, including writing dialogue that reconstructs past conversations through imagination in writing and memory recreation.

Why traditional narrative structure rules can be broken in favor of fragmented, non-chronological approaches that create compelling conversations between different life stages.

The distinction, or lack thereof, between memoir writing and historical fiction, and how both genres recreate time periods through similar creative writing processes.

How the writing community serves older adults by providing audience, connection, and purpose while preserving family legacies through literary arts.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Memoir writing and the concept of lying in the service of truth with creative writing techniques

03:30 Does age affect readership and character development in novels featuring women over 60

05:51 Why writing community and memoir writing appeal to older demographics seeking legacy preservation

07:07 Exploring narrative structure and making a comparison to historical fiction

10:58 Inspiration behind the Freefall: A Divine Comedy novel about four women writers reuniting in Whistler and Venice

15:09 Reading excerpt from Freefall: A Divine Comedy featuring installation artist Tilly confronting aging and financial anxiety

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Memoir writing succeeds by "lying in the service of truth," using creative writing techniques like scene construction, imagery, and writing dialogue to recreate authentic experiences from imperfect memory recreation.

Narrative structure doesn't require chronological order or traditional story arcs; fragmented approaches can create powerful juxtapositions between life stages, allowing pieces to "talk to each other or clash."

Writing community for older adults serves multiple purposes beyond skill development, creating audiences for each other's stories and fostering connections through shared memoir writing experiences.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lily Iona MacKenzie has published poetry, essays, and short stories in over 170 venues. She’s also published four novels: Fling!, Curva Peligrosa, Free Fall: A Divine Comedy, and The Ripening: A Canadian Girl Grows Up, a sequel to Free Fall and two poetry collections: All This and California Dreaming. Shanti Arts Publishing released her hybrid memoir Dreaming Myself into Old Age: One Woman’s Search for Meaning on 9/19/23. She blogs at http://lilyionamackenzie.com and teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco's Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Lily MacKenzie - Website

Lily MacKenzie - LinkedIn

Lily MacKenzie - Facebook

Lily MacKenzie - Business Facebook

Lily MacKenzie - Twitter

Lily MacKenzie - Instagram

Free Fall - A Divine Comedy - Website

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Middle-grade historical fiction meets women in science in this inspiring episode! In this episode we welcome Michele Hollow, author of the novel Jurassic Girl, a biographical fiction about Mary Anning, the remarkable 12-year-old fossil hunter who discovered an ichthyosaur in 1811. Despite being poor, female, and self-educated, Mary triumphed over the dismissive men of the Geological Society. Michele shares her journey from animal writing and wildlife conservation journalism to crafting this middle-grade biography, discussing her research at the Lyme Regis museum and the challenges of writing historical research with authentic dialogue. Tune in to hear an excerpt from Jurassic Girl where young Mary visits Elizabeth Philpot's library for the first time.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Michele Hollow discovered the story of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who made groundbreaking discoveries in paleontology despite facing gender and class barriers in 1811

The process of transforming journalism skills into middle-grade historical fiction writing, including researching Lyme Regis and the Geological Society archives to create authentic biographical fiction

Why Mary Anning was dismissed by male scientists of her time and how she persisted in her fossil hunting work along the dangerous cliffs of England's Jurassic Coast

Michele's background in animal writing and wildlife conservation, from childhood classes at the Bronx Zoo to writing a middle-grade biography about the Grateful Dead

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Michele Hollow shares her work: animal writing, wildlife conservation, and middle-grade historical fiction

02:19 - Michele's childhood passion for animals, from the Bronx Zoo zoology classes to volunteering at Central Park Zoo and learning about wildlife

05:03 Michele discusses her experiences writing about the Grateful Dead

07:42 - Discovering Mary Anning, the 12-year-old fossil hunter who found an ichthyosaur in Lyme Regis in 1811, despite being dismissed by the Geological Society

10:12 - Research process for Jurassic Girl, including connecting with the Lyme Regis museum and studying Mary Anning's life through biographical fiction sources

14:32 - Excerpt from Jurassic Girl where Mary Anning visits Elizabeth Philpot's library and discusses fossil hunting and paleontology discoveries

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mary Anning overcame extraordinary obstacles as a poor, self-educated 12-year-old girl in 1811 to make groundbreaking fossil hunting discoveries that changed our understanding of prehistoric life, yet faced dismissal from the male-dominated Geological Society

Michele Hollow demonstrates how journalism skills translate powerfully to middle-grade historical fiction, using research abilities to uncover details about Lyme Regis, museum archives, and Mary Anning's life while creating authentic dialogue for biographical fiction

Jurassic Girl brings women in science history to young readers, showing how Mary Anning's persistence and passion for paleontology paved the way for future scientists despite the gender barriers of her time

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Michele C. Hollow writes about health, pets and wildlife, climate, and lifestyle. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Next Avenue, The Guardian, Parents, AARP, and The Costco Connection. She's the author of The Everything Guide to Working with Animals (Adams Media) and a middle-grade biography of the Grateful Dead (Enslow Publishing).

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Michele C. Hollow - LinkedIn

Michele C. Hollow - Facebook

Michele C. Hollow - Website

Jurassic Girl: The Adventures of Mary Anning, Paleontologist and the First Female Fossil Hunter (Dinosaur books for kids 8–12): Hollow, Michele C.

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What is a cozy mystery? Author Lori Pollard-Johnson joins host Reenita Hora to discuss her mystery book, Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage. This episode explores the cozy mystery genre and Lori discusses fiction writing, creative writing processes, and how contemporary mystery fiction blends genres. Her protagonists are divorced best friends running a house flipping business, discovering mystery and mayhem in unexpected places. Learn about cozy mystery authors, mystery novel writing, and the importance of sisterhood in mystery genre storytelling. Then, listen to the fiction read to hear how the protagonist discovers a waterlogged corpse hidden inside a closet aquarium while renovating a 1920s craftsman cottage.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Discover what defines a cozy mystery and how violence stays off the page while maintaining compelling mystery elements and engaging dead body scenarios in cozy crime fiction.

Learn the importance of crafting strong female friendships in women's fiction, including how divorced protagonists support each other through house flipping adventures and mystery solving.

Gain insights into the mystery novel writing process, from finding inspiration in real-world food critics and chefs to developing small-town mystery settings that keep readers engaged without graphic cozy mystery violence.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The cozy mystery genre, violence occurs off the page in cozy crime fiction

02:15 Lori's fiction writing journey from periodicals to mystery books, including culinary mystery and women's fiction projects

03:28 Defining a cozy mystery and a culinary mystery inspired by working with chefs

06:32 The importance of female friendship and sisterhood themes in contemporary mystery fiction and cozy mystery storytelling

10:52 Reading from Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage featuring a shocking dead body discovery in a house flipping project

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Cozy mystery novels keep violence off the page, allowing readers to enjoy mystery solving without graphic content—the dead body exists. Still, readers don't witness the killing, making cozy crime fiction accessible and entertaining.

Culinary mystery books blend food industry knowledge with mystery writing, creating authentic chef characters and restaurant settings that add flavor to contemporary mystery fiction while exploring themes beyond traditional small town mysteries.

Strong female friendships elevate women's fiction within the cozy mystery genre—protagonists who support each other through divorce, house flipping businesses, and mystery adventures create compelling, relatable narratives for cozy mystery authors to explore.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lori Pollard-Johnson writes from Washington and Arizona with two 2024 releases: Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage, featuring BFF amateur sleuths, and Toxic Torte, a culinary cozy about a critic's demise. She has 100+ publishing credits and holds an MA in writing from Seton Hill University. A former teacher and college professor, she's been a PNWA Literary Contest finalist and won awards for short fiction and poetry. When not writing, she enjoys her grandbabies, yoga, swimming, hiking, renovating fixer-uppers, and watching javelinas in her backyard.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Lori Pollard-Johnson - Facebook

Lori Pollard-Johnson - Business Facebook

Lori Pollard-Johnson - Twitter

Lori Pollard-Johnson -Instagram

Corpse in the Craftsman Cottage (A Flippin' Good Mystery Book 1) - Amazon

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Hi everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of songwriting, screenwriting, and fiction writing with author Eva Moon. We explore her journey from musician to playwright to novelist, discovering how storytelling evolves across musical theater, one-woman shows, and her debut novel, Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World. Eva shares how her genetic mutation diagnosis transformed her creative writing process, leading to the comedy show Mutant Diaries and ultimately inspiring her fantasy fiction novel about Pinocchio at midlife, grappling with body image and self-discovery. Tune in to hear an excerpt from the book as Pinocchio reflects on his transformation and feeling like an imposter in his human body.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How storytelling naturally evolves across different creative mediums—from songwriting to screenwriting to fiction writing—and how to let your story dictate its own format

The power of using fantasy fiction and character development to process personal trauma, as Eva transformed her genetic mutation experience into compelling creative writing

How Pinocchio becomes a metaphor for body image, imposter syndrome, and self-discovery when dealing with physical transformation and identity

Why authentic storytelling that explores internal versus external identity resonates with audiences dealing with their own transformative experiences

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Eva Moon's multi-format creative writing career as songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, and novelist

03:20 How songwriting evolved into musical theater through patter and storytelling between songs at performance venues

05:00 Eva's genetic mutation diagnosis and creating Mutant Diaries, a woman's show, as creative writing therapy

08:00 Origin story of Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World, exploring body image, transformation, and self-discovery

11:25 Eva reads an excerpt from Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World, featuring Pinocchio at midlife reflecting on his transformation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Let your creative writing take multiple forms throughout your career: Eva's evolution from musician to songwriter to playwright to novelist shows that storytelling mastery isn't about choosing one lane—it's about following where each story needs to go

Transform lived experience into universal themes through character development: Rather than writing another autobiographical piece after Mutant Diaries, Eva used Pinocchio to explore body image and identity crisis in ways that resonated beyond her personal genetic mutation story

The entertainment industry offers multiple entry points for independent creators: Eva's path included performing at clubs, attending screenwriting school, touring her musical theater show internationally, and self-distributing content—proving there's no single formula for author success

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Eva Moon is an author, songwriter, playwright, screenwriter, performer, and former Huffington Post blogger. Her plays and musicals have been staged across the US and UK, and her solo musical, “The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes,” is streaming on Amazon. “Pinocchio’s Guide to the End of the World” is her first novel.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Eva Moon - Website

Eva Moon - Author | LinkedIn

Eva Moon (@evamooon) • Facebook, Connect with friends

Eva Moon, Writer (@evamoonwriter) • Facebook

Eva Moon, storyteller, author (@evamoon) / Posts / X

Eva Moon - Instagram

Amazon.com: Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World eBook

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Historical true crime, genealogical mysteries, and unsolved deaths await in this gripping episode of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the mysterious world of true crime with author Michelle Graff and her book Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford. We'll explore genealogical research, unsolved mysteries from 1899, and the dark reality of human trafficking and unwed mothers. Michelle uncovers parallels between her great-grandmother and 15-year-old Sarah Mumford through newspaper archives and primary source research. This blend of narrative nonfiction and historical fiction reveals the secrets of a Victorian-era death investigation. Then, hear an excerpt from the book as we witness Amelia giving birth to her daughter and, despite the shame of being unwed, courageously insisting that the baby's father be recorded in the doctor's records.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How genealogical research and newspaper archives can uncover historical true crime cases from the 1800s

How orphanage records reveal the dark history of human trafficking and exploitation of children in the Victorian era

The investigative techniques used in death investigations and forensic investigations during the 19th-century crime era

How narrative nonfiction and historical fiction blend to tell the stories of unwed mothers and hidden truths in family history

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Michelle Graff explains how genealogical research on her great-grandmother led to discovering the 1899 historical true crime case of Sarah Mumford’s unsolved mystery

04:54 The death investigation reveals Sarah was dead before the train hit her, and the coroner uncovers that she was treated as an indentured servant

07:56 Michelle discusses using newspaper archives, primary source research, and orphanage records to piece together the narrative nonfiction story in Hidden

13:33 The themes of human trafficking, unwed mothers, hidden truths, and how children were exploited in the Victorian era

17:33 Michelle Graff reads an excerpt from Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sarah Mumford's death investigation in 1899 revealed she was dead before being placed on train tracks, transforming the case from suicide to a covered-up murder involving child welfare exploitation

Michelle Graff combined genealogical research techniques with historical true crime investigation, using newspaper archives and orphanage records to uncover the parallel stories of Sarah and her great-grandmother Amelia

The book exposes how children from orphanages were exploited as indentured servants for profit, drawing connections to modern-day human trafficking issues

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Michelle is drawn to mystery and true crime novels. Like so many true crime lovers, she longed to solve a real-life mystery. Fellow fans of history, genealogy, research, puzzles, true crime, mystery, social justice, and child advocacy can contact her at resiliencyonline.com.

Cultivating Human Resiliency - Website

Michelle Graff - LinkedIn

Hidden: The Unsolved Mystery of Sarah Mumford - Amazon

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Welcome to the True Fiction Project, your go-to podcast for exploring the journey of stories from their non-fiction roots to their fictional outcomes! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, and today we're doing something different and special. We have marketing strategy expert Saurabh Bajaj, Executive Vice President at Vodafone Idea and author of the fascinating book The Practical Marketer. We explore practical marketing strategies, brand positioning, consumer insights, and social media marketing. Saurabh reveals how category growth, market share, personal branding, and domain authority shape successful marketing campaigns and how those concepts can be applied to fiction writers and artists. He shares his digital marketing journey and the power of brand strategy. Tune in to hear his Cadbury Celebrations story—how a profound consumer insight about the Diwali holiday, "Iss Diwali Aap Kise Khush Karengay" (This Diwali, Who Will You Make Happy), inspired the iconic, successful campaign.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The fundamental brand strategy decision: pursue category growth or steal market share—this choice determines your entire marketing campaign approach.

✅ Build personal branding and domain authority through social media marketing with vulnerable, authentic content that resonates with audiences.

✅ How consumer insights and digital marketing evolved—why establishing context and authority matters more than keywords in modern practical marketing strategies.

✅ The story behind Cadbury's iconic Diwali campaign and how understanding genuine human connection created a timeless brand positioning success.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Saurabh Bajaj, author of The Practical Marketer and how the pandemic sparked his writing journey

03:56 The fundamental brand strategy question: grow the category growth or steal market share

08:03 Understanding your brand positioning task before executing any marketing campaigns

13:33 Storytelling techniques for authors and how practical marketing strategies apply to creative professionals

17:48 The evolution of social media marketing and building domain authority through authentic content

26:11 Creating vulnerable, authentic content that builds personal branding and consumer insights

32:00 Saurabh tells us an anecdote about the Cadbury Celebrations Diwali campaign story he spearheaded: discovering the power of genuine consumer connection

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Understanding whether your goal is category growth or stealing market share is the most fundamental brand strategy decision that shapes all marketing campaigns and determines success.

💎 Building domain authority through social media marketing requires authentic content creation and vulnerability—the posts that make you uncomfortable often perform best and create a genuine consumer connection.

💎 Great consumer insights come from profound observation—Saurabh's Cadbury Celebrations campaign succeeded by discovering that Diwali represents a genuine human connection rather than transactions, a timeless insight still relevant today.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Saurabh Bajaj has served as the Executive Vice President and Prepaid Marketing Head at Vodafone Idea since August 2022. An alumnus of Delhi College of Engineering and IIM Indore (2004), he brings over 21 years of sales and marketing expertise.

His career spans a decade at Mondelez, Innovation Head for Premium & Luxury Spirits at Diageo, and over 5 years as Head of Marketing for Dairy & International Business at Britannia before joining Vodafone Idea. He was recognized among the 50 Best Marketing & Communication Professionals by White Page International (2020) and as a DMA Trailblazer Rising Star CMO (2021).

The Practical Marketer

Saurabh Bajaj - LinkedIn

The Practical Marketer - Instagram

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Character-driven fiction, multi-perspective narrative, and historical fiction await in this episode of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, sitting down with award-winning journalist and novelist Marshall Fine. We'll explore his new novel Hemlock Lane, releasing today, November 25, 2025! It’s a women's fiction masterpiece told through a multi-perspective narrative over four days. Marshall shares his creative writing process, narrative structure techniques, and how film criticism and writing shaped his character development approach. Set in 1967, this book club fiction tackles second-wave feminism through family drama.

Finally, Marshall reads an excerpt from Hemlock Lane which follows Nora Levitsky, a young woman on a quiet drive through upstate New York in the summer of 1967, at a roadside stop and with a handwritten note from her boyfriend which stirs unexpected emotions and the realization that she may be ready to imagine a future she once swore she’d never want.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to structure character-driven fiction using a multi-perspective narrative approach that reveals secrets gradually over four days

✅ Narrative structure techniques for writing historical fiction set in 1960s America while making themes resonate with contemporary readers

✅ How film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking experience can enhance your creative writing process and character development skills

✅ Methods for crafting compelling women's fiction and book club fiction that explores second-wave feminism and family dynamics through literary character study

✅ Hemlock Lane is releasing on November 25th and is available for pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Hemlock-Lane-Novel-Marshall-Fine-ebook/dp/B0F1Z37XX6

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Marshall Fine's character-driven fiction novel Hemlock Lane and his background in film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking

01:49 Marshall's restless creativity philosophy and his approach to the creative writing process while working on multi-perspective narrative projects

08:33 Discussion of Hemlock Lane's narrative structure: four days told from different character perspectives, classified as women's fiction and book club fiction

11:06 Exploring the character development of domineering mother and daughter dynamics in historical fiction writing set in 1967 with second-wave feminism themes

16:59 Marshall reads an excerpt from Hemlock Lane, introducing Nora Levitsky, demonstrating literary character study and flashback narrative techniques in contemporary fiction

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Character-driven fiction works best when you challenge yourself with structure—Marshall crafted Hemlock Lane as a multi-perspective narrative unfolding over four days, with each character's perspective revealing new insights into previous events through flashback narrative techniques

💎 Writing historical fiction set in 1960s America requires balancing period-specific tensions with universal themes—while second wave feminism was shocking in 1967, the story's core about domineering parents and family members treading on eggshells resonates across generations in women's fiction

💎 Drawing from diverse creative experiences enhances your creative writing process—Marshall's background in film criticism and writing, biography writing, and documentary filmmaking about rebels who charted their own paths directly influenced his character development approach in book club fiction

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Marshall Fine is an award-winning journalist, critic, and filmmaker with a 50-year career. Before his bestselling 2024 fiction debut, The Autumn of Ruth Winters, Fine wrote biographies of filmmakers John Cassavetes and Sam Peckinpah, directed documentaries about film critic Rex Reed and comedian Robert Klein, conducted the Playboy interview with Howard Stern, and chaired the New York Film Critics Circle four times. He currently lives in Ossining, New York.

Marshall Fine - Website

Hemlock Lane - Amazon

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A queer South Asian woman’s story takes center stage at the start of season 7 of the True Fiction Project! I'm Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the groundbreaking world of queer storytelling with writer, comedian, and filmmaker Aneri Shah. We'll explore her journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking, her Eyebrow Queens podcast, and her television comedy pilot she’s written called, Not Quite, which is about queer reinvention. Aneri discusses creating LGBTQ+ content that challenges cultural norms and the absence of South Asian women filmmakers creating authentic bisexual coming-out stories. This episode features a concept teaser called Not Quite, demonstrating emotional authenticity in creating authentic LGBTQ+ content about cultural identity and women's friendship dynamics.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How queer South Asian representation is breaking new ground in television through comedy writing and independent film production that centers around South Asian women filmmakers

The creative journey from documentary filmmaking about ER physicians during the pandemic to developing LGBTQ+ television pilots that explore bisexual coming-out stories and cultural identity exploration

The power of podcast creation as a tool for discovering your voice and building community around queer South Asian representation and non-conformist life paths

How creative reinvention happens gradually through embracing uncertainty, shedding labels, and creating LGBTQ+ content that explores women's friendship dynamics and self-actualization

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Aneri Shah, a South Asian woman filmmaker creating LGBTQ+ content about flawed, funny women and her creative reinvention journey from pre-med student to documentary filmmaking

03:52 Creating I'm Doing My Job documentary about ER physicians during the COVID-19 lockdown

09:07 Discussion of Not Quite, LGBTQ+ comedy pilot exploring bisexual coming out stories, cultural identity exploration, and shedding labels in your thirties

18:30 The importance of emotional authenticity in queer storytelling and representing South Asian American experience beyond parental relationships

22:45 Listen to Aneri Shah's concept teaser called Not Quite.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Queer South Asian representation in media is virtually nonexistent for women—while there are examples with men like A Nice Indian Boy, there are no fully realized queer South Asian women characters on screen, making LGBTQ+ television shows.

Emotional authenticity is the true superpower in queer storytelling—it's not just about putting a South Asian woman on screen, but making audiences feel her emotions deeply

Creative reinvention and coming out isn't just about sexuality—it's about questioning all the labels and assumptions you've made about yourself, from career paths to life goals, and recognizing that South Asian Women filmmakers can tell stories beyond the lens of parental approval

Women's friendship dynamics shift dramatically when one friend stops performing and the other continues—exploring how South Asian American experience friendships evolve when someone begins self-actualizing is a universal theme that resonates across all women's relationships

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Aneri Shah is a writer, comedian, and filmmaker obsessed with telling stories about flawed, funny women - because perfect is boring. She hosts Eyebrow Kweenz, a salon-style podcast where guests blurt out their truths, is developing Not Quite, a comedy pilot about her queer reinvention, and directed I’m Doing My Job, a feature documentary about women of color ER physicians during the pandemic. She's adept at transforming her trauma into comedy with heart.

Aneri Shah - Instagram

tiktok.com/@kweenaneri

Instagram.com/eyebrowkweenz

Eyebrow Kweenz - TikTok

Eyebrow Kweenz | Podcast on Spotify

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Female Indian artists shine in this powerful mash-up episode from Season Six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, honoring the voices of female Indian artists who use writing to explore identity, culture, and creativity. From the sacred symbolism of the Narmada River to the reflections of Indian mixed-media artists like Laila Khan Furniturewalla, these stories reveal how words become art. We’ll explore themes of Indian cultural identity, resilience in art, and the historical depth of the Vermilion Harvest novel, shaped by the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. This collection of conversations of fiction and historical fiction highlights the brilliance of female Indian artists who write to empower and inspire.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How female Indian artists use storytelling to share culture, resilience, and creativity

The spiritual inspiration behind Narmada River rituals and its influence on artistic writing

Insights from Indian mixed media artists like Laila Khan Furniturewalla and her creative journey

How the Vermilion Harvest novel explores history through fiction, including the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy

Why celebrating Indian cultural identity through literature empowers communities and future generations

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to the True Fiction Project, focusing on female Indian artists from Season Six

02:15 Rachana Devidayal explains the creativity that flowed from the sacred Narmada River and other elements of her heritage

06:45 Laila Khan Furniturewalla, daughter of Pharaoh Khan, is an Indian mixed media artist who focuses on heritage and art. Hear Laila O Laila

14:23 Traci DeForge interviews Reenita’s publisher about her novel Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh, discussing how real life can inspire historical fiction

17:00 Excerpt from Vermillion Harvest Playtime at the Bagh about forbidden love and the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, read by Reenita Hora

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The introduction to the True Fiction Project highlights female Indian artists, storytelling, and Indian cultural identity

Rachana Devidayal shares her journey as a female Indian artist, inspired by the sacred Narmada River, rituals and resilience in art

💎 Laila Khan Furniturewalla, an Indian mixed media artist, reflects on heritage, creativity, and the legacy of female Indian artists

💎 Exploration of the Vermilion Harvest novel, its connection to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, and the power of female Indian artists in historical fiction

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Rachana Devidayal - Website

Laila Khan Furniturewalla - Website

Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Reenita Malhotra Hora - Website

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Hope, loyalty, and love shine in this heartwarming mash-up from season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, sharing uplifting stories that remind us of resilience, family bonds, and the power of kindness. We’ll hear from Mark Steven Porro and his touching memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, capturing the humor and love in caregiving for his mother. Then, Brian Gotta brings us Him, a moving tale of a dog’s devotion and search for his best friend. Each story blends real-life inspiration with fiction that stirs the heart. Tune in today for interview highlights and unforgettable storytelling.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How inspirational stories of hope, loyalty, and love can strengthen family bonds and inspire resilience in everyday life

Why caregiving stories like Mark Steven Porro’s memoir highlight the humor, challenges, and rewards of showing kindness to loved ones

Brian Gotta captures themes of devotion, trust, and emotional storytelling in his dog fiction story, Him.

The way the True Fiction Project transforms real-life inspiration into fiction inspired by real life, creating uplifting and unforgettable narratives

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free at https://substack.com/@reenitahora and to her YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode! https://www.youtube.com/@reenymal

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to the True Fiction Project and how inspirational stories are born from real-life inspiration

02:00 Mark shares his journey on how he began to be the caregiver for his mom in his memoir, filled with love, humor, and family bonds, in A Cup of Tea on the Commode

03:17 A touching emotional storytelling scene highlights hope and resilience through children, bringing joy to Genevieve

05:02 Brian discusses his self-publishing journey and writing dog lover fiction rooted in loyalty and devotion

11:52 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on the True Fiction Project

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The opening of the True Fiction Project highlights how inspirational stories, real-life inspiration, and emotional storytelling connect to human experiences.

Mark Steven Porro’s memoir showcases caregiving stories, family bonds, and the power of love in difficult times.

Brian Gotta shares his self-publishing journey, creating dog lover fiction that blends loyalty, hope, and devotion.

Excerpt from Him delivers an uplifting story, trust, and kindness through the heartfelt eyes of a dog.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Mark Steven Porro - LinkedIn

Brian Gotta - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Website

Him - Book

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Crime thrillers, suspense, and twists await in this gripping crime thriller mash-up review of season six of the True Fiction Project! I’m Reenita Hora, your host, diving into the thrilling world of crime thrillers with excerpts from talented fiction authors. We’ll explore Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor, a novel about a young man’s haunting choices after a life-altering tragedy. Then, Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia, where a crew member’s mistake risks everything. Finally, The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser uncovers a bloody investigation in historic Virginia. Each story weaves fiction inspired by real-life drama. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How crime thrillers blend suspense and real-life inspiration

The power of twists in shaping gripping narratives

How authors use fiction to reflect personal and historical drama

Insights into the creative process behind storytelling

Check out her website to stay up-to-date on events, book releases and more! https://reenita.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00: Reenita Hora introduces a blend of crime thriller, non-fiction interviews, and fiction stories that explore life experiences.

01:45: Rhonda shares how crime thrillers like Crossroads use suspense to highlight the impact of choices and drama in shaping lives.

07:15: Armand discusses the market for crime thrillers and their appeal to readers craving twists and thrillers.

15:15: Ed Moser reveals the scandalous history of Lafayette Square, tying crime thrillers to real secrets and drama.

20:39 Reenita invites listeners to share great stories they would like to see featured on True Fiction Project

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor: Choices lead to irreversible drama and trauma, urging readers to reflect on life's pivotal decisions before they spiral into suspense and tragedy.

Shakedown by Armand Rosamilia: In the gritty world of crime thrillers, a single oversight can seal your fate, highlighting the deadly consequences of mistakes in high-stakes criminal operations.

The Old Town Horror by Ed Moser: Historic locales hide layers of secrets and violence, where investigating murder unearths the eerie persistence of the past in modern thrillers.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Rhonda Parker Taylor (@rhondaparkertaylor) • Instagram photos and videos

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram photos and videos

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor

ShakeDown (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Armand: Books

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. We are in between seasons and in this special episode, we are mashing up three talented children’s book authors from Season 6, each bringing unique stories inspired by personal experiences. These episodes include Your Heart’s Voice, Leave Your Mark On The World, and The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic. All three stories touch on different heartstrings: handling grief, boosting self-esteem, and following your dreams. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below. Let’s jump right in!

Also, Reenita is giving away free copies of her children’s book, Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure! Email her at reenita.malhotra@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:30) Reenita shares information about her children’s book, titled Sundri and Mundri’s Lohri Adventure, and she is offering free copies! Email her at reenita.malhotra@gmail.com or reach out on Instagram at @reenita_storyteller
(01:32) Interview snippet with Renee Green Murphy. She shares how grief from her brother’s 2022 loss inspired Your Heart’s Voice
(03:30) Excerpt from Your Heart’s Voice by Renee Green Murphy
(08:53) Interview snippet with Erica Silverman discussing her daughter’s self-esteem issues, inspiring Leave Your Mark On The World
(09:40) Excerpt from Leave Your Mark On The World
(12:38) Interview snippet with Vicky McGrath. She shares how her daughter’s veterinary dreams inspired The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic
(15:06) Excerpt from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Renee Green Murphy's Your Heart's Voice uses grief and intuition to craft a children's book that promotes self-awareness, helping young readers navigate emotions through a heartfelt story inspired by personal loss.
Erica Silverman's Leave Your Mark On The World inspires self-esteem and perseverance in children's literature, showing a marker's journey to become permanent through kindness, resonating with young readers.
Vicky McGrath's The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic brings a veterinary clinic to life in a middle-grade graphic novel, using a hometown setting to engage readers with themes of friendship and aspiration.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

FICTION CREDITS:

Your Heart's Voice

A short story written and read by Renee Green Murphy

Your Heart's Voice - Website

Renee Greene Murphy - Website

Renee Greene Murphy - LinkedIn

Leave Your Mark on the World

A short story written and read by Erica Silverman

Erica Silverman - Website

Erica Silverman - LinkedIn

The Dragon And The Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic

A short story written and read by Vicky McGrath

Vicky McGrath - Website

Vicky McGrath - LinkedIn

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic: Book 1

RESOURCES:

S6 Ep 2 - Your Heart's Voice–True Fiction Project

S6 Ep 3 - Leave Your Mark on the World - True Fiction Project

S6 Ep 7 - The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tales from the Clinic - True Fiction Project

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

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In this revisited episode, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story of her father’s incredible escape in the midst of the violence and mayhem of the partition. Later in the episode, Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar, reads an excerpt from Shukla’s book, Rano and Phulo.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:50] Shukla and her new book on the 75th Anniversary of the Partition of India are introduced.
[05:39] We hear about Shukla’s family’s experience before the partition and how her father escaped.
[11:45] We learn how her true events are interwoven into her short story.
[14:30] We explore how Shukla’s story captures an India frozen in time.
[18:50] Has India grown into the identity it desired after the partition?
[21:16] We hear about the future of India and more about Shukla’s written work.
[24:57] An excerpt from Rano & Phulo written by Shukla Lal, and read by Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Shukla and her family left for Shimla on holiday, never believing that they would not return to their home due to rising political and religious tensions, now known as the partition of India. Her book is based on her family’s experience during this time.
Following the partition, there was a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism. It was also a time where women were leading out in entrepreneurship and contributing as business women.
India continues to rise and be recognized for its culture and ethics. Since the 60s and 70s it has grown from being a developing and poor nation to being a globally recognized and self-respecting nation.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Fiction Credits:

Excerpt taken from Rano & Phulo, a book written by Shukla Lal

Shukla Lal's website

Shukla Lal's Facebook

Link for further research

Excerpt read by: Sonia Kullar, Shukla Lal’s daughter

Sonia's email

BIO:

Shukla Lal was born in Amritsar. As a child, she imbibed the beauty and diversity of this beautiful land – India, as her family moved from Amritsar, Lahore, Shimla, to the Central and Southern cities of Madras (now Chennai), Nagpur and Hyderabad and eventually found their anchor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early-1950s. Over 40 years later, she moved to New Delhi to retire.

Since catching the literary bug on her 80th birthday, Shukla has written two historical romance sagas, Floating Logs set in Kolkata (published by Notion Press in December 2019), and Rano and Phulo set in Undivided and then partitioned India (published by Goya Publishing in March, 2019), and a collection of poems, Meri Nazmon ka Ehsaas (soon to be published) all captured gamely on her iPad Notes App. She has finished the first draft of her third historical novel, Soul’s Rapture, a mystical romance set in Lahore and Mumbai. She has also written several short stories. She was invited to write for the Chandigarh Tribune, and has been interviewed for the Reader’s Digest, the Times of India, the Telegraph (Kolkata), and www.womensweb.com. Her deep spiritual practice and sense of wonder for the beauty of the world around her find expression in her storytelling. Her own lived experience adds luster and authenticity to her stories.

Joyful wit and multilingual expressiveness is a family trait she inherited from her parents and shares with her accomplished siblings. Her choice of stories and writing style could best be understood from her own words “I am a romantic and an idealist by nature and find true romance scattered everywhere irrespective of class, creed, religion, nationality or age”.

Shukla Lal Website

Shukla Lal on Facebook (personal)

Shukla Lal on Facebook (business)

Shukla Lal on Instagram

Good Reads - Shukla Lal

If you would like to purchase any of Shukla Lal’s books, follow these links::

Amazon India

Flipkart

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Are you ready to dive into a thrilling sci-fi world? Want to uncover the chilling secrets of an alien invasion? I’m excited to welcome Aaron Ryan, a passionate author and self-proclaimed Lord of the Rings geek, to today’s episode. Aaron’s vivid storytelling, inspired by cinematic masterpieces like Aliens, brings a unique musicality to his gripping narratives. We’ll explore his Dissonance series, a four-book series that began as a trilogy and expanded with a prequel, set in a post-apocalyptic 2042. Aaron shares insights into his creative process and the thematic depth of human conflict in his work. He reads an excerpt from his novel, Dissonance, where Cameron Shipley recalls the day the world was ravaged by telepathic gorgons during their devastating 2026 invasion.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(01:51) Explanation of tetralogy versus quadrilogy, with tetralogy being the correct term for four books, distinct from quadrilogy for movies
(02:56) Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and Aliens, crafts Sci-Fi thriller narratives driven by speculative, scientifically creative concepts
(04:22) Discussion on authors crossing genres, explanation of Dissonance as a theme
(08:40) Ryan describes incorporating musicality in writing, inspired by the Alien's soundtrack
(13:53) Ryan reads an excerpt from Dissonance describing Cameron Shipley recalling the 2026 Alien invasion by Gorgons

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Aaron Ryan's Dissonance series, a gripping sci-fi thriller tetralogy, explores a post-apocalyptic world after a 2026 alien invasion by telepathic Gorgons, blending intense action with themes of human dissonance and survival.
Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien and films like Aliens, Ryan crafts a vivid world-building narrative, using weaponized frequencies and a musicality in writing to enhance thrilling scenes, such as those in Dissonance.
Dissonance is being adapted into a Screenplay for platforms like Netflix, with its telepathic paralytic Gorgons and weaponized frequencies, highlighting its pulse-pounding storytelling and terrifying alien encounters.

FICTION CREDITS:

Written and read by Aaron Ryan

GUEST RESOURCES:

Aaron Ryan Author - Website

Dissonance Alien Invasion Saga - Website

Aaron Ryan - LinkedIn

Author & Speaker Aaron Ryan - Facebook Business Page

Author Aaron Ryan - Twitter

Author Aaron Ryan (@authoraaronryan) • Instagram photos and videos

Author Aaron Ryan - Pinterest

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Aaron Ryan, a Washington-based author, lives with his wife, two sons, a dog, a cat, and finches, and writes the Dissonance series, Forecast, The Superhero Anomaly, and business books. Inspired by a second-grade novella, his diverse experiences as a voiceover artist, musician, and more fuel his unique storytelling.

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Ever wonder how a medical thriller is born? Or what happens when a real-life experience sparks a pulse-pounding fiction excerpt? Today, I’m joined by Dr. John Bukowski, former veterinarian, epidemiologist, and now full-time novelist. John brings a fascinating journey from medicine to fiction, with a knack for turning scientific curiosity into gripping narratives. In this episode, we discuss how his background shaped his storytelling, how real moments become powerful “what if” plot points, and how an ordinary hotel stay inspired a high-stakes, suspenseful scene. John reads an excerpt from his latest novel, Checkout Time—a page-turner about a mysterious arsonist targeting hotels and the unlikely duo racing to stop him.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:10) Bukowski’s path from veterinarian and epidemiologist to fiction writer
(05:06)Summary of Project Suicide, a thriller based on an Alzheimer’s drug turned weapon
(06:49) Value of short fiction for building credibility before novel publishing, and how they differ
(11:38) How a real hotel stay sparked the plot for the thriller Checkout Time
(14:30) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The Wheel of Fortune
(15:50) Excerpt from Checkout Time, where an unassuming hotel room trap door erupts into an explosion

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Bukowski turned a science and medical background into a foundation for writing medical thrillers like Project Suicide.
Publishing short fiction helped Bukowski refine his skills and establish himself as a novelist.
A hotel trapdoor inspired Checkout Time, showing how everyday moments can lead to compelling fiction.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

GUEST RESOURCES:

thrillerjohnb.net

www.projectsuicidenovel.com

www.checkouttimenovel.com

John Bukowski - Facebook

https://X@jabukow2021

HOST RESOURCES

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Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

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BIO:

Dr. John Bukowski is a former veterinary practitioner, health researcher, and medical writer who now writes short fiction and fast-paced novels, including Project Suicide (www.projectsuicidenovel.com) and the recently published Checkout Time (www.checkouttimenovel.com). He has authored fourteen published short stories and a variety of consumer materials, including handbooks, website content, and radio scripts. He has extensive experience in public speaking, having appeared on the theatrical stage, radio, television, and podcasts, as well as in workshops and seminars. He’s a Detroit native who currently resides in Eastern Tennessee.

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Have you ever wondered how history’s dark secrets inspire modern fiction? Ready to uncover the violent past of America’s most iconic locales? I’m Reenita Hora, your host of the True Fiction Project, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Ed Moser—a former writer for Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, presidential speechwriter, history tour guide, and author with a knack for unearthing gripping tales. In this episode, Ed takes us through the scandal-filled history of Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square, as detailed in his nonfiction book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood, which exposes 230 years of crime. Ed reads an excerpt from his novel, The Old Town Horror: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale, which transports us to a bloody investigation taking place at The Carlisle Mansion, in Alexandria Virginia.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(01:32) Ed reflects on his professional journey and working on The Tonight Show
(04:25)Ed shares that there have been violent events over 230 years around the White House
(06:47) How the events of the past become fiction in the present day at the Carlisle Mansion
(08:52) Paid subscribers will hear an excerpt from The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood
(11:44) Excerpt from The Old Town Horror, set in modern Alexandria, Virginia, where a bloody investigation taking place

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Moser’s novel The Old Town Horror draws from real historical events in Alexandria, blending past and present for a thrilling narrative.
Moser’s research reveals a surprising history of violence, including murders and espionage, in iconic Washington, DC locales like Lafayette Square.
Moser compares writing for The Tonight Show and the White House to making sausage, as both involve blending material from multiple writers.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

GUEST RESOURCES:

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America’s Most Historic Locale

Lafayette Sq. Tours of Scandal, Assassination & Spies Meetup

THE OLD TOWN HORROR: Murder and Theft in America's Most Historic Locale - Amazon

Lafayette Square Tour of Scandal, Assassination & Intrigue

Ed Moser - LinkedIn

HOST RESOURCES

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BIO:

Ed Moser is a former writer for Jay Leno's "Tonight Show"; operator of a history tours group; speechwriter for the President of the United States; a former editor for Time-Life Books; tech/science writer/editor/manager; and biotech writer.

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What makes a gripping thriller impossible to put down? Is it the twisty plot, the flawed hero, or the chilling consequences of one wrong move?

Welcome! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a guest whose stories leap off the page with intensity and imagination—Armand Rosamilia. A prolific writer with an impressive body of work spanning crime novels, thrillers, supernatural horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction, Armand is the kind of storyteller who begins with one intriguing question: What if? And from there, a gripping tale unfolds. In today’s conversation, we’ll be diving into his novel Shake Down, and you’ll also hear a powerful excerpt capturing the chilling moment when Walt, a low-level crew member, realizes his final mistake may have cost him everything—including his life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:39) Armand discusses the different genres he writes, with crime/thrillers being the most profitable
(03:40) The “business” of writing—how Armand turned his passion into a full-time profession
(09:33) Armand explains character development and the role of Patreon in his creative process
(17:04) The evolution of Clayton Conway, a central figure in his fiction
(22:41) A gripping read-aloud from Shake Down that describes the fatal price of a botched job

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Armand Rosamilia has been a full-time writer for 13 years, which he attributes to a strategic blend of writing in high-performing genres like crime thrillers (which earn him significantly more than horror) and maintaining a business mindset. He writes what sells while still occasionally indulging in passion projects.
Armand uses short stories as marketing tools, “reader magnets,” and experiments in character development. These stories—often published in anthologies or released to his Patreon and newsletter—introduce readers to characters from his longer works, helping build engagement and anticipation for his full-length novels.
Armand follows a hybrid publishing model—self-publishing under his imprint (Rimfire Books) while also working with small and large presses. This approach broadens his audience, shares production costs, and provides him with access to the built-in fan bases of other publishers, thereby increasing discoverability and long-term earnings.

FICTION CREDITS:

Excerpt written and ready by: Armand Rosamilia

GUEST RESOURCES:

Armand Rosamilia - Website

Armand Rosamilia - Horror Author - LinkedIn

Armand Rosamilia - Facebook

Author Armand Rosamilia - Facebook Business

Armand Rosamilia (@ArmandAuthor) - X

Armand Rosamilia (@armand_rosamilia) • Instagram Photos and Videos

Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series): 9798401775757: Rosamilia, Amazon Armand: Books

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life. He has written over 200 stories that are currently available, including crime thrillers, supernatural thrillers, horror, zombie fiction, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels. He also loves to talk in third person… because he's really that cool. Maybe.

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I’m excited to sit down with a very talented writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher, Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel, Crossroads, is rooted in personal tragedy—the loss of her adopted son—and shaped by her journey through professional setbacks. We explore how fiction can be a spiritual mirror, and how her story caught the attention of Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also hear a gripping excerpt from Crossroads, capturing the haunting aftermath of a life-altering choice that will change a young man's life. Tune in for a robust conversation about how storytelling can heal, reveal, and predict real life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(03:35) Rhonda shares how entrepreneurship and academics came together to write crime fiction
(07:27) Discussion of writing a novel and how life can mirror fiction
(09:12) How Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, came to endorse Crossroads
(12:56) Rhonda shares a moment from the book where a young man makes the wrong choice
(15:01) Rhonda reads a passage from Crossroads describing the aftermath of a murder the night before, and Billy did not know what to do

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Professional setbacks and personal tragedy drove Rhonda’s journey from business professional to academic researcher and fiction writer. A humiliating experience with a business proposal motivated her to improve her writing, eventually leading her to publish Crossroads. The tragic loss of her adopted son profoundly influenced her emotional perspective, paralleling elements of her novel’s plot and reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
Writing can reflect or even predict real life, making storytelling a powerful form of personal and spiritual expression. This perspective underscores storytelling as more than mere entertainment; it's portrayed as a deeply personal and sometimes prophetic expression of the inner self.
The endorsement of Crossroads by Mariel Hemingway—actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway—was not just a stroke of luck, but a meaningful alignment. Hemingway resonated with the novel’s central character and themes of emotional struggle and personal reinvention. Her support underscores how powerful fiction can reflect universal life experiences and invite deeper introspection.

FICTION CREDITS:

Written and read by: Rhonda Parker Taylor

GUEST RESOURCES:

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Facebook

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Instagram

Rhonda Parker Taylor - Twitter

Rhonda Parker Taylor - LinkedIn

Rhonda Parker Taylor - TikTok

Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor - Website

Crossroads - Amazon

Crossroads - Barnes and Noble

HOST RESOURCES

Website

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Instagram

Facebook

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BIO:

Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. Rhonda’s diverse writing spans from educational works to fiction, and she is well-known for her research on emotional intelligence. Her academic achievements extend to being a prominent leader, having presented at the United Nations Global Compact Committee. Her debut novel, “Crossroads,” a suspenseful masterpiece, was released in February 2023. Endorsed by bestselling author J.J. Hebert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, the novel has been hailed as a captivating crime thriller that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish.

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Hi everyone! I am so excited to bring you Vicky McGrath on this week’s episode of the True Fiction Project to discuss her graphic novel The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Tails from the Clinic. Victoria was inspired by her daughter’s desire to become a veterinarian, and she uses her childhood hometown to bring the setting of The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact: Tails from the Clinic to life. Listen in as Victoria reads an excerpt from her book about two excited middle-grade friends on their way to the veterinary clinic after school.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:10) Vicky shares how she developed the foundation for the series of novels
(06:59) Vicky tells why she chose to write a graphic novel for middle grade
(08:41) How did Victoria find an illustrator
(13:36) Vicky reads a passage from The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact describing how her characters met due to their moms owning a veterinary clinic together

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Vicky's journey into writing her middle-grade fantasy graphic novel series, Tails from the Clinic, began during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As an in-person, service-based business owner in Ontario, she had to pivot her work life drastically. Writing became a source of stress relief and a way to combat isolation and anxiety—what started as a creative outlet eventually blossomed into a full-fledged book series.
The inspiration behind the series stems from her daughter’s lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. The main characters’ mothers are vets who co-own a clinic, and the story is rooted in Vicky's childhood hometown.
Vicky gravitated toward the graphic novel format because of her childhood love for comics like Tintin. Though she isn’t an illustrator, she collaborated closely with her publisher and artist to bring her detailed vision to life, making her books accessible and appealing—especially to reluctant readers and those who thrive on visual storytelling.

FICTION CREDITS:

Written by Vicky McGrath

Read by Vicky McGrath

GUEST RESOURCES:

Vicky McGrath - Facebook

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Amazon

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Barnes and Noble

The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact - Indigo Chapters

Vicky McGrath - Website

Vicky McGrath - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Vicky McGrath is the author of a middle-grade children’s graphic novel series, Tails From the Clinic. Vicky began writing the novel series during the COVID-19 lockdown as a creative outlet, inspired by her daughter's desire to become a veterinarian and their shared love for Harry Potter. Before becoming an author, Vicky owned and ran a senior care business for eight years. Vicky enjoys writing fantasy and incorporating fun, humor and adventure with the main themes of friendship, love and bravery.

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Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to visit with Mark Steven Porro, who has led a fascinating life, taking him from Hollywood to caring for his mother, the inspiration that led him to write A Cup of Tea on the Commode. This heartfelt memoir captures the raw, authentic, and humorous moments of caring for a loved one. Stay tuned as Mark reads an excerpt from his book, detailing an unusual conversation between mother and son during their seemingly normal morning routine. Tune in to hear more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:10) Mark speaks about his current home in France and his childhood
(04:54) Mark began his acting career with stars like Chuck Norris and Tom Hanks
(08:26) An award-winning short film called SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle
(12:08) Mark moves from Hollywood back to his childhood home to care for his mother
(16:32) Mark reads a conversation he and his mother had that inspired A Cup of Tea on the Commode
(20:46) Mark reads an excerpt from A Cup of Tea on the Commode

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mark’s journey showcases his strong entrepreneurial drive, from launching multiple businesses to creating a unique snack food company in honor of his father. His ability to balance creative pursuits with business ventures serves as an inspiration to all of us.
Mark has explored various artistic avenues, including acting, directing, writing, and industrial design. His work in Hollywood includes roles in Hill Street Blues and Castaway, along with his award-winning short film.
Now residing in a historic village in southwest France, Mark immerses himself in a creative environment rich in theater, history, and artistic inspiration. His move emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a stimulating atmosphere to fuel creativity.

FICTION CREDITS:

Written by Mark Steven Porro

Read by Mark Steven Porro

GUEST RESOURCES:

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Website

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Facebook

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - YouTube

A Cup of Tea on the Commond - Twitter (X)

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Instagram

Mark Steven Porro - LinkedIn

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - Pinterest

A Cup of Tea on the Commode - TikTok

SUV Sport Utility Vehicle - YouTube

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), earned an Industrial Design degree from Ohio State University. After years in agency work, his passion for acting took him to Hollywood, where he appeared in numerous TV, film, and stage productions. Along the way, Mark launched five non-profit companies, none of which were planned for applause. Now living in the South of France, he enjoys life in wine country, where the locals assure him his French isn’t so bad—at least, that’s what he believes they’re saying. An award-winning designer, writer, director, and best-selling author, Mark's debut memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, chronicles the bittersweet and humorous journey of caring for his mother in her final years. Though his efforts weren't always perfect, he came pretty close.

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Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Laila Khan Furniturewalla to the show. Laila comes from a renowned and multitalented family, led by her father, the legendary Indian filmmaker, actor, and writer, Feroz Khan. While her roots are in film, Laila has carved her path in mixed media art, drawing inspiration from Ganesha—the beloved elephant god honored across and revered amongst various cultures. Listen as Laila recounts fond memories of her father and his dedication to perfecting his craft. As a special treat at the end of the episode, we’ll hear a song dedicated to Laila by her father, Feroz Khan from the film Qurbani.

See below for more information on Laila's upcoming art show!

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:24) Laila shares the type of art she creates
(05:32) Laila discusses her father and his contributions to the film industry in India
(10:16) Why wasn’t Laila encouraged to pursue acting
(12:09) Laila explains how the song Laila O Laila was inspired
(16:11) Discussion of the actresses' careers launched because of the film Qurbani
(21:00) Listen to the song Laila O Laila from the film Qurbani

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Laila Furniturewalla’s artwork is deeply inspired by spirituality and Indian culture, especially the elephant-headed deity Ganesh. She explores themes of divinity, abstraction, and formlessness, using mixed media and textures to create almost sculptural canvases that invite the viewer to complete the interpretation.
Laila is the daughter of legendary Indian filmmaker and artist Feroz Khan. Growing up in a creative, intellectual household filled with art, sculpture, and film, she was influenced by her father’s aesthetic sensibilities. She chose to follow her artistic path, embracing the self-expression of visual art.
The beloved Hindi film song Laila O Laila was named after and inspired by Laila Furniturewalla herself. The song became a generation's anthem. She pridefully recalls how her father predicted its success and how the original version remains unmatched in its emotional impact and artistry.

ART SHOW

“UNTAMED HEART “ is a celebration of raw emotion.”

Born in the quiet storm of the COVID-19 crisis, these works respond to the fragility of life — interweaving survival, loss, and resilience.

Ganesh appears not as an idol, but as an evolving force , a symbol of Shakti through Gauri, the feminine energy within.

This exhibition marks a breaking free — from boundaries, from expectations and expresses how I feel about life, and the soul of things.

We look forward to having you with us at Gallery Art & Soul - Worli, Mumbai from 16th -22nd April.

MUSICAL CREDITS:

Inspired by Laila Furniturewalla and written by Feroz Khan

GUEST RESOURCES:

Laila Khan - Website

Laila Khan Art - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

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LinkTree

BIO:

An Artist since childhood, Laila Khan Furniturewalla has trained in fine art from the Slade School of Fine Art & the Central Saint Martins School of Fine Art in London, UK. She has held numerous shows & her artworks are held in many esteemed private collections. Her work has been included in auctions and fundraisers & she has donated her work to many charitable causes in India & Internationally. She is also the creative head of Furniturewalla, one of India’s largest & most renowned furniture & decor brands.

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Welcome everyone! Today, I am joined by guest Brian Gotta, a talented author and entrepreneur based in San Diego. Brian has written four youth sports novels and has recently ventured into adult fiction with his touching new book, Him, a story about a dog that will capture the hearts of all dog lovers. In this episode, we’ll dive into Brian’s journey as an author, the inspiration behind Him, and what it’s like to navigate the world of self-publishing and marketing. At the conclusion of the episode, you'll hear an excerpt from Him, following a dog who is determined to reunite with his former owner but is faced with an obstacle they didn’t expect.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Teaser and opening
(01:50) Brian shares his writing journey and talks about his first book, Congratulations, You're a Millionaire
(04:20) How Brian began writing the non-fiction genre and then moved into writing fiction inspired by sports books he read in his youth
(06:40) Brian discusses self-publishing and the rebranding opportunities on Amazon
(10:31) Brian shares the inspiration behind Him
[14:23 Brian reads an excerpt from his newest book, Him

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Brian Gotta started his writing career with nonfiction, documenting sales techniques, which led to his first published book, Congratulations, You’re a Millionaire. His transition to fiction began with middle-grade sports novels, inspired by his children’s interests and the need for updated, modern storytelling.
Whether traditionally published or self-published, authors must actively market their books. Brian learned that even with a publisher, the responsibility of promotion largely falls on the author. This realization led him to self-publish his youth sports novels and rebrand and re-release them for new audiences.
As a natural entrepreneur, Brian approaches writing as a business, leveraging his sales and marketing background to promote his books. His experience highlights the importance of perseverance in the publishing world, from rebranding older works to embracing new platforms like Amazon KDP.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Fiction Credits:

Written by Brian Gotta

Read by Brian Gotta

GUEST RESOURCES:

Brian Gotta - LinkedIn

Brian Gotta - Facebook Business

Brian Gotta - X

Brian Gotta - Instagram

Brian Gotta - Website

Brian Gotta Author Page - Amazon

Congratulations, You're a Millionaire - Book

Him - Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Brian Gotta is an author and entrepreneur who lives in San Diego, CA. After graduating from Indiana University with a B.A. in English Literature, he began a sales and sales management career, which inspired his first book, Congratulations! You're a Millionaire! Raising his four children and coaching them in sports inspired him to write a book on coaching baseball, Winning Secrets, and four youth sports novels. His recently-published novel, Him, is his first work of adult fiction.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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I’m thrilled to introduce the imaginative world of children's author and illustrator Erika Silverman. Through engaging storytelling, Erika explores meaningful themes like self-esteem, perseverance, and inclusivity, helping young readers navigate bullying and self-doubt. We discuss how writing serves as both a creative escape and a powerful mission for her, leading to recognition from The New York Times and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. In this episode, Erika shares her inspiration, the impact of her work, and the heartfelt message behind Leave Your Mark on the World—a charming story about a washable marker determined to become permanent by making a difference.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Teaser
(02:04) Erika shares why she writes children's fiction, her recognition by The New York Times, and a Pulitzer Prize nomination.
(04:25) Erika writes about a range of topics kids may be struggling with
(07:10) Writing is an escape for Erika from her day job
(08:57) Erika explains where she gets her inspiration and tells about the book she will read
(12:06) Erika’s books are at Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble and online stores
(12:43) Erika shares the premise of her work Leave Your Mark on The World

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Inspired by a deep desire to uplift young minds, these stories explore self-esteem, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles. They address real-world issues like bullying, self-doubt, and inclusivity in a way that resonates with children, transforming personal passion into a meaningful creative outlet.
These books cover various inspirational topics, including overcoming self-doubt, turning challenges into opportunities, and navigating issues like bullying, discrimination, and self-esteem.
Encouraging Young Readers – Inspired by the struggles of young readers who find books challenging, these stories are designed to engage children while reinforcing positive messages and a love for reading.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible to receive other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Fiction Credits:

Written by Erika Silverman

Read by Erika Silverman

GUEST RESOURCES:

Erika Silverman - Website

Erika Silverman - Facebook

How To Be Human - Book

How To Become a Super Hero -Book

Lemonade - Book

Raining Lemons - Book

Enzos Treasure Hunt - Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

I’m a wife, mother, estate planning attorney, author, and illustrator who wears many hats. With 12—soon to be 14—published children's books, I combine my love for writing, art, and design to inspire young minds. My greatest inspiration comes from my two children, and I also design empowering clothes and accessories for kids. Resting for me is working because I love what I do. I believe in making a difference—otherwise, why are we here? I was honored when The New York Times featured my first book, How to Become a Superhero: Unlock Your Superpowers, and I haven’t stopped writing since!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to welcome multi-award-winning children’s book author Renée Greene Murphy to the show this week. Renée is the author of Your Heart's Voice, one of the first children’s picture books on intuition, which she lovingly dedicated to her younger brother, who tragically passed away in 2022. In this heartfelt episode, Renée shares the inspiration behind her book, how grief shaped its development and the spiritual symbolism woven throughout its pages. We’ll also hear an excerpt from this beautifully written story designed to help children embrace self-awareness and intuition. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:48] Renée shares why she wrote the book
[4:23] There were no accessible resources for children on the topic of intuition
[7:01] How the book was restructured after the death of her brother
[10:13] Where you can get your copy of Your Heart's Voice,
[11:54] We hear an excerpt from Your Heart's Voice

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In 2018, a New York State-certified school counselor and mother of two noticed a lack of children's picture books on intuition, a vital life tool. With three master’s degrees and 10 years of experience, she was inspired to fill this gap.
The tragic loss of Renée’s younger brother in 2022 deeply impacted her, with writing serving as a therapeutic outlet to cope with the shock, anger, and depression of grief.
The book incorporates numerous spiritual elements, including angel numbers, symbolic animals like a cardinal, dragonfly, and turtle, and settings like the beach, where the author feels most connected to her intuition—all reflecting themes of guidance, resilience, and celebrating her brother.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by: Renée Greene Murphy

Read by: Renée Greene Murphy

GUEST RESOURCES:

Renée Greene Murphy - Website

Renée Greene Murphy - LinkedIn

Renée Greene Murphy - Business Facebook

Renée Greene Murphy - Instagram

Renée Greene Murphy - Facebook

Your Heart's Voice - Audio

Your Heart's Voice - Barnes and Noble

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIOGRAPHY: Renée Greene Murphy

Multi-award-winning children’s book, author of Your Heart's Voice, one of the first children’s picture books on intuition. Your Heart's Voice is dedicated to my little brother, who tragically passed in a car accident in 2022. Writing was therapeutic for me during the initial stages of grief, so I ended up dedicating my book to him and adding him as a main character. Jade learns three life lessons throughout the story, and by listening to our heart's voice, she makes the right choice and feels good about herself. Robert, my brother in the story, teaches her that her heart voice is indeed her intuition. Your heart voice is an excellent supplemental tool in any classroom for students ages five and up to help increase self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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Welcome to season 6 of the True Fiction Project Podcast! I’m thrilled to start this season off with my dear friend Rachana Devidayal. Rachana is a graphic design artist with a profound connection to her craft and the stories she tells through her work. In this episode, she opens up about her journey—why she chose a path different from her mother’s, how her struggles are reflected in her art and the barriers she’s had to overcome along the way. We also dive into the deep inspiration she draws from the sacred Narmada River, the rituals of Maheshwar, and her ongoing artistic projects. Join us for an insightful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the interplay between art and spirituality.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:01] Rachana shares her background as a graphic design artist and why she felt she needed to follow a different path than her mother
[6:49] How her struggles are reflected in her work
[13:08] Rachana describes the dams she erects in her heart
[15:43] Rachana describes this huge puja, this huge religious ceremony
[17:13] Rachana describes a ritual in the town called Maheshwar and her last project, which is still a work in progress
[19:28] The inspiration behind Rachana’s focus on the river

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Flowing uniquely east to west, the Narmada River is revered as one of India’s most sacred, believed to cleanse sins with a mere glance. Its deep spiritual significance inspires artistic exploration, with layered mediums reflecting the river’s essence and timeless story.
The Narmada River exudes unstoppable feminine energy, defying control despite controversies and environmental impacts. A holy man’s prediction of her resistance was affirmed by early dam failures, symbolizing her enduring vitality and inspiring awe and resilience.
Artists often face self-imposed barriers, but awareness enables reinvention and progress. Each success breaks old limitations, though new challenges arise, reflecting growth, persistence, and artistic fulfillment.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

GUEST RESOURCES:

Rachana Devidayal - Website

Rachana Devidayal Design - LinkedIn

Rachana Devidayal - Facebook

Rachana Devidayal - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIOGRAPHY: Rachana Devidayal

I completed my education at the Cathedral School, Bombay, and earned honors in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1994. With a passion for print media, I’ve worked on diverse projects for publishing houses, museums, and private clients. I taught art to ISDI School of Design & Innovation students and co-founded Flying Tricycle Workshops in 2016, curating creative programs for children. Reconnecting with fine arts during the pandemic led to my 2023 solo exhibition, Palash & Baadal, inspired by the light and architecture of Mandu. My paper and watercolor works blend structured design, artistic freedom, and vibrant color.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, we are looking back at a True Fiction Fan Favorite episode withactor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera.

He shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career?
[2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path.
[11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation?
[13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian.
[14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It.
[16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played?
[22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career?
[23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character.
[26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.
Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level!
You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up.

Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik

BIO:

Shenuque is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. He portrays 'Jaylen' in the theatrical production of the Art of Killin' It. He's been featured on HBO Max's Human By Orientation. He is also the voice of Yaksha Rah on the Twenty Sided Podcast. You can find him @shenuque on Instagram or @fakeshenuque on TikTok.

Shenuque Tissera Website

The Twenty Sided Podcast

Shenuque Tissera's Twitter

Shenuque Tissera's Instagram

Shenuque Tissera's TikTok

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast! During this special episode, we are mashing up three spooky authors: one a fiction author, another a paranormal writer and the third a writer of witch fantasy from Season 5. These episodes include The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper, The Pied Piper’s Prince and Whisper’s Most Foul. All three stories have unique plots and will make your spine tingle. Tune in today for interview snippets and stories, and find the link to the full episodes in the notes below.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:48] Interview snippet of Mary Savarese sharing how her life experiences inspire her storytelling
[3:08] Short story The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary Savarese
[6:28] Interview snippet of Gina Schaeffer sharing how her work as a paranormal investigator has framed her writing
[7:25] Short story The Pied Piper’s Prince by Gina Schaeffer
[11:41] Interview snippet of Emma MacDonald and where she finds her inspiration to write about witches
[12:54] Short story Whisper’s Most Foul by Emma MacDonald

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mary Savarese builds suspense and emotional depth by immersing readers in a vivid and magical prologue.
Gina Schaefer incorporates chilling, tangible elements that encourage readers to reflect and explore further, heightening their emotional investment.
Emma McDonald leverages atmospheric storytelling and relatable characters to evoke fear and intrigue, leaving readers captivated by the unfolding mystery.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

FICTION CREDITS:

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper

A short story written and ready by Mary Savarese

Mary Savarese - Facebook

Mary Savarese - Instagram

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper - Audiobook

The Pied Piper’s Prince

A short story written and read by Gina Schaeffer

The Pied Piper's Prince - Barnes and Noble

Gina Schaeffer - Instagram

Gina Schaeffer - Facebook

Whisper’s Most Foul

A short story written and read by Emma MacDonald

Emma MacDonald - Instagram

Emma MacDonald - Website

Whisper's Most Foul - Barnes and Noble

RESOURCES

Season 5 Episode 2 - The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper

Season 5 Episode 11 - The Pied Piper's Prince

Season 5 Episode 9 - Whisper's Most Foul

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Welcome to this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project. Traci DeForge, CEO and Founder of Produce Your Podcast, interviews Lynn Moon (CEO) and Shannon Peason (CFO), Co-Founders of the publisher, Indignor House, about Reenita’s new book she launched back in July of 2024! Lynn and Shannon share a bit about the type of authors they typically work with, and how they became connected to Reenita. Lynn shares a lot of the history in India from when this book was written and the impact that it can have on future generations of those who read this book. At the end, you will hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita herself about the forbidden love between an Anglo-Indian school teacher and a Muslim student activist against General Dyer’s impending tragedy.

Get your copy of Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh here!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:42] How did Lynn and Shannon get started on creating Indignor House?
[4:12] What type of authors were they looking for when they started Indignor House?
[5:53] How did they get connected to Reenita?
[12:21] What type of genre do they typically work with?
[15:27] What is the history of the time that Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh was written about?
[21:35] What is it like to publish a non U.S. historical fiction book in the United States?
[25:06] How did the experience of publishing this book impact Shannon (editor)?
[27:01] What are Lynn’s expectations for this book?
[30:14] Is there a screenplay version in development?
[31:02] How can people get their hands on the book?
[32:21] We hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita Hora.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of the podcast and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you are an aspiring author, take your time and wait for the right publishing company and editor. The wait is worth it to ensure that you are able to send your message out to the world in a beautiful way.
We need to take care of each other, we need to respect each other. Power is not everything. Disagreement is important, but being able to have a conversation without getting emotional is crucial.
The story Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh is a story that everyone needs to get their hands on. It is a tragic historical fiction story, but the lessons show why we must support others to avoid history continuing to repeat itself.

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Reenita Hora

RESOURCES:

Where to buy Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953278523
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/1145699636?ean=9781953278524
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Reenita-Malhotra-Hora/author/B001KHTMSS
Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vermilion-Harvest-Playtime-at-the-Bagh-Hardcover-9781953278517/5976849351?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0

Thriftbooks

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/vermilion-harvest-playtime-at-the-bagh_reenita-m-hora/53127072/#edition=71488527&idiq=64643525

Booktopia (Australia)

https://www.booktopia.com.au/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/book/9781953278517.html

Hatchards (UK)

https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/vermilion-harvest/reenita-m-hora/9781953278524

Indignor House Website

Indignor House Facebook

Indignor House Twitter

Indignor House Instagram

BIO:

Bio for Lynn Moon: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House

Lynn is the award-winning author of the Agency Series that follows a government with unlimited power and money. She has worked for state and federal government agencies and uses her long reaching personal experiences to captivate her audience with realistic stories of political corruption. Her novels have won awards including the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, IPPY award, and the Dante Rossetti Book award. Lynn holds an MPA in Public Administration from Troy State University and an MFA in Literature from Lindenwood University. She’s the CEO of Indignor House, working to change the publishing environment one book at a time.

Bio for Shannon Pearson: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House

Shannon comes to Indignor House with a treasure trove of over 10 years of experience in accounting and administrative services. For the last five years, Shannon has worked in the editorial fields of all genres. With her talent, she gives the numbers and letters a refined breath of fresh air.

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Hi everyone! This week, I am thrilled to introduce Doyle Glass, a former criminal prosecutor, an American historical novelist, and a sculptor who brings us the powerful story of the young men who fought in Vietnam. Doyle's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and the desire to preserve the untold stories of those who served. His book, Swift Sword, is a tribute to the Vietnam War veterans whose real experiences were often overlooked or forgotten. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about history, healing, and the importance of telling the truth.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:31 Doyle’s background is shared, and he discusses the story of Swift Sword
[3:24] Doyle gave up his role as prosecutor and his passion for these veterans
[6:02] Why weren’t these stories documented
[8:17] How did Doyle find the subjects for his book
[10:01] Doyle’s life experiences at the time of the writing of the first edition
[12:40] Doyle shares the backstory of what we are about to hear
[18:21] We hear an excerpt from Swift Sword

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Vietnam War left deep pain and division, causing many to avoid documenting veterans' true stories. Unlike WWII, Vietnam was marked by controversy and a desire to forget. As veterans pass, their stories risk being lost, a gap the writer seeks to fill with his books.
The writer faced a tough journey creating his book, as many veterans were reluctant to share painful memories. After years of interviews and personal hardships, including caring for his terminally ill wife, he rediscovered the transcripts a decade later and completed the book after two decades.
Doyle's book on the Vietnam War appeals to the Americans who fought in the Vietnam War and their families, as well as to lovers of history. Many readers, including the children, grandchildren, and relatives of veterans, seek a deeper understanding of what their loved ones experienced. The book serves as a way to preserve and uncover the "real truths" of those who fought, capturing a legacy that might otherwise be lost.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Doyle Glass

Read by Doyle Glass

GUEST RESOURCES:

Doyle Glass - Website

Doyle Glass - Facebook

Doyle Glass - Instagram

Doyle Glass - LinkedIn

Swift Sword

Lions of Medina

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Doyle Glass (born January 22, 1962) is an American historical novelist and sculptor known for his bestselling books Lions of Medina (2007) and Swift Sword (2023), as well as his sculptures of the Texas and Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorials. A former criminal prosecutor, Glass began writing and sculpting after his legal career. Lions of Medina details the sacrifices of Charlie Company Marines in Vietnam, while Swift Sword recounts a harrowing firefight in the Queson Valley. His upcoming book, Unthrottled: The Story of Robert Benoist (2025), will tell the story of a French Grand Prix champion turned British secret agent during WWII.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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Hi everyone! This week, I am excited to introduce Melody Fowler, a passionate creative who brings a story to us ranging over several decades. The inspiration for this historical fiction novel comes from her husband’s grandmother, Loucindia. She died at the age of 97 but left behind a life-long trail of stories. Melody reads an excerpt from her book How We Healed which tells of Loucindia facing the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 and waiting for her alcoholic husband to come home. Tune in for a story of a powerful woman, ahead of her time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:35] How did Melody go from wanting to be a journalist to a full time writer?
[3:46] What does Melody feel is her primary creative skill?
[5:16] How did the storyline for How We Healed come to Melody?
[8:47] Is this story more like a memoir or a fictional structure with a plot?
[9:57] Melody shares the backstory of what she will read today.
[10:42] Why was it important to bring Loucindia's story to the reading public?
[13:30] We hear an excerpt from How We Healed .

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Maintaining authentic vernacular in writing, whether for fiction or nonfiction, is essential. It brings the storyline to life, making it feel more genuine and relatable.
Our guest spent hours on end visiting with her husband’s grandmother to capture her biographical story and then share it with us taking creative license to create How We Healed .
The importance of sharing her husband's grandmother's story lies in the universal themes of relationships, personal growth, and perspective. Her connections with family and friends and the lessons she learned are experiences we can all relate to. Often, we view others through the lens of our own perspective, sometimes missing a more holistic understanding of them. As we mature, we start to recognize that it's not all about us; other viewpoints come into focus, and we see people differently.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Melody Fowler

Read by Melody Fowler

GUEST RESOURCES:

Melody Fowler - Website

How We Healed - The Book

Melody Fowler - LinkedIn

Melody Fowler - Facebook Personal Page

Melody Fowler - Facebook Business Page

Melody Fowler - Twitter Personal Account

Melody Fowler - Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Melody is from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Three years ago, Melody retired after decades of working for the government. The artist in her was now completely free to pursue her passions. She is a recognized painter and a poet. Her art has been showcased in local galleries. Her first book wasLife Lyrics: Love, Sex & Other Deviances,a book of poetry, and her latest work is How We Healeda novel she has co-written with her husband, Arric. She now lives outside Vancouver with her husband, where their backyard, affectionately known as the "Fowler Vineyard," continues to produce amazing mustard, wines, jams and jellies.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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This week, I am excited to introduce paranormal writer Gina Lynelle Schaefer. The stories she shares throughout the episode are quite fascinating and it is inspiring to learn more about her writing process and how she is inspired by real life events. She shares about her personal contributions and how she pulls them into stories, as well as her experience with capturing ghosts. Gina reads an excerpt from her book Pied Piper’s Prince which is inspired by the Candy Man. This portion of the story is when the veil is lifted, and a woman is trying to understand what happened in her home in the past. Tune in if you enjoy spooky, goosebump giving stories!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:57] Gina shares about her inspiration when writing paranormal fiction.
[4:41] Why are people so fascinated with true crime?
[6:09] What sites has Gina visited for inspiration for her stories?
[9:40] What’s the difference between paranormal, horror, and mystery?
[12:04] What personal contributions does Gina bring into her stories?
[12:48] How does a paranormal investigator capture ghosts?
[14:41] Gina shares about the piece she will read for us, the Pied Piper’s Prince.
[18:57] We hear an excerpt from the Pied Piper’s Prince.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If young readers can see it, feel it, and it's descriptive, they’re more likely to buy it, read it, and get hooked on it.
The research that goes into creating non fiction into fiction can be a huge amount of time. Our guest today spends time physically visiting sites, talking with those who were involved, and gathering information to inspire her next story.
It is thought that the obsession with true crime comes from people trying to understand what goes on in the minds of these people and how it’s possible.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Gina Lynelle Schaefer

Read by Gina Lynelle Schaefer

GUEST RESOURCES:

Gina Schaefer's LinkedIn

Gina Schaefer's Facebook Personal Page

Gina Schaefer's Facebook Business Page

Gina Schaefer's Instagram

Gina Schaefer's Website

The Pied Piper's Prince Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Gina Lynelle Schaefer is the author of five books based out of historical fiction and paranormal horror. She has performed paranormal investigations and visited and written about all realms of paranormal and true crime.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

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Welcome to the True Fiction Project! From historical fiction to adult romances, Amy True is a wonderful storyteller. Amy shares the various female protagonists she showcases in her stories, and who she got the inspiration from. She explains how she creates her characters and the process of writing historical fiction. Amy then shares what led her to add adult romance to her list of books. Tune in to hear an excerpt from her newest book Meet Me in Ivy Falls, about a hot mess of a woman who goes on to save a small town.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:04] Why does Amy go by the last name of Trueblood vs. True?
[4:42] Are Amy’s female protagonists inspired by real people?
[8:05] Why did Amy write historical fiction vs. a history book?
[9:25] What made Amy segue into adult romance?
[12:31] How does Amy’s relationship with her siblings tie into her stories?
[16:09] When is the book available and where can you find Amy?
[17:18] Amy reads an excerpt from her newest book, Meet Me in Ivy Falls.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Writing historical fiction is a huge undertaking because not only are you writing a story, but you have to have your facts straight as well, which requires a lot of research.
Sometimes as an author, you need to switch up your writing style to allow yourself to clean your slate and get out of a rut. That is what caused our guest to switch from historical fiction to adult romance.
Meet Me in Ivy Falls is a sweet small town romance, readers who enjoyed the show Gilmore Girls will love this book!

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode and listen to Bill’s second song, “It is What it Is Until It’s Not”. You will also be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Amy True

Read by Amy True

GUEST RESOURCES:

Amy True's Website

Amy True's Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

After stints working in entertainment and advertising, Amy True turned to chasing her one dream: writing romance. She can often be found in her local writing spot sipping her favorite iced tea (with a touch of lemonade) and putting together playlists for her next books. When she’s not daydreaming about her next cinnamon roll hero, she’s traveling with her family, reading good books, and plotting her next small-town romance. While she grew up only ten minutes from Disneyland, which inspired her love for storytelling, she now calls Arizona home.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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Welcome to the Season of the Witch! This week I am joined by Emma MacDonald, a storyteller of witch fantasy. We talk about all things witches from black and white witches, to herbal witches. Emma explains how she uses witchcraft in her life, and how it is different from the outcasted witches of the past. She shares what inspired her to write her novel Whispers Most Foul about a college student who cannot cast spells, but can see ghosts. At the end of the episode, you’ll hear an excerpt of her novel, which is when the main character, Rose, is visited by a ghostly vision in the bath. Interested in reading more? Whispers Most Foul is out now! Check it out here.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:46] What is witch fantasy?
[2:24] What was Emma doing before she became a witchy author?
[3:26] Emma explains the background of witchiness.
[5:23] What is Emma’s witchy setup?
[8:30] What is a white witch vs. a black witch?
[9:37] Emma shares what her novel Whispers Most Foul is about and what inspired her to write it.
[12:44] We hear an excerpt from Emma’s novel Whispers Most Foul.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Witchcraft is varied in so many different places and there are different types of witchcraft.
The term white witch and black witch comes from a Wiccan tradition, where white magic was good magic and black magic was bad magic.
People like to flirt with the unknown, that mystery. There is something innately human about wanting to reach for those mysterious places.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Emma MacDonald

Read by Emma MacDonald

GUEST RESOURCES:

Emma MacDonald's Twitter Account

Emma MacDonald's Instagram Account

Emma MacDonald's TikTok Account

Whispers Most Foul Book

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Emma MacDonald was born and raised outside of Washington, DC, where she received a B.A in International Relations from American University. When she’s not writing, she can be found gardening, brewing potions, or chasing after her small menagerie of pets. Emma loves to write fantasy with a big splash of magic and romance.

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Hello everyone! This week, on the True Fiction Project, I am joined by screenplay writer and professor of film and media, Candace Egan. Candace shares about how she works on a variety of different genres from horror to comedy pieces. She talks about her latest piece, Second Set which is a twist on getting a second chance to do something you would never expect. Candace describes her writing and revision process and what it looks like to go from draft to final piece. At the end of the show we hear an excerpt from Second Set about a woman who received a tennis scholarship, but after ending up pregnant at a young age, decided to move away. She has since come back home and is getting a second chance at tennis.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:10] What is Candace’s focus and what is she currently working on?
[6:00] Candace shares about the script that is today’s focus of discussion.
[7:24] What types of genres does Candace write about?
[11:40] Candace talks about her piece Second Set.
[15:32] We learn about the relationship between the characters in the Second Set.
[19:06] Candace talks about the writing and revision process.
[21:02] What made this story really hit the mark with the fellowships and residencies?
[23:48] Candace reads an excerpt from Second Set.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Life doesn’t end just because you’re retired!
Write what is actually meaningful and coming to you, the things you are passionate about, don’t chase after the trends or genres.

Reenita is also on Patreon! Check out her link here:https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Candace Egan

Read by Candace Egan

GUEST RESOURCES:

Candace Lee Egan | Portfolio

Candace Egan's LinkedIn

Candace Egan's Facebook

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Candace Egan is a professor of Film and Media Arts at Fresno State and a screenwriter focused on female-forward stories. She’s had a long career as a non-fiction visual storyteller, exploring stories about a breadth of people such as the first Hmong women to go to college, a U.S. Poet Laureate, and competitive wheelchair tennis players. She writes female-driven stories about mature, authentic women who transform into vibrant, adventurous versions of themselves and learn that it’s never too late to explore new opportunities. Her comedy pilot “Second Set” about a grandmother becoming a freshman tennis student-athlete, based on Candace’s own experience, has won or placed in 16 contests including winning a fellowship at the Stowe Story Labs. When Candace isn’t writing she’s on the tennis court trying to keep up with spry, athletic 80-year-olds who compete internationally.

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I can’t wait for you to meet my guest this week, singer and songwriter, Bill Abernathy. Bill started in the music world at 19, then shifted to work in the corporate world for 40 years and has come back around to music! Many of his songs are based around sci-fi and the political world that we are experiencing today. Tune in to hear his song Save Your Drama for Your Mama and if you are a paid substack subscriber or a patreon member, you can listen to his second hit It is What it Is Until It’s Not. If you are up for a challenge, after you listen to both songs, send me a message at reenita.com/contact-us about the sci-fi connections you hear for a chance at a prize!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:09] Bill shares how he navigated the life of the corporate world and the music world.
[6:23] How did Bill find and build his audience?
[8:44] What does Bill think his audience enjoys about his songs?
[9:46] Where does Bill advertise his music?
[10:35] What are the different types of songs that Bill releases?
[12:56] Bill shares the story about his song Save Your Drama for Your Mama.
[16:13] What is the bonus Bill is offering to our subscription audiences?
[17:50] How can we change things aside from voting in today’s world?
[19:30] Bill shares a challenge for our listeners to find his science fiction references in his songs Save Your Drama for Your Mama and It is What it is Until It’s Not.
[22:41] Tune in to hear Save Your Drama for Your Mama.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It is what it is until it is not. We have the ability to change the things that we don’t like. Use your rights and freedom of speech to fight for what you believe.
Don’t give up on your dream! My guest this week started as a musician, joined the corporate world and came back around to music, it’s never too late.
Even music can be a type of fiction from non fiction. Bill writes his music based on sci-fi and politics. If you are a sci-fi fan, tune in to hear Bill’s challenge to our listeners.

Or subscribe to Patreon for exclusive content! https://www.patreon.com/Reenita

Fiction Credits:

Written by Bill Abernathy

Sung by Bill Abernathy

GUEST RESOURCES:

Reenita Malhotra Hora - send your challenge answers here!

Bill Abernathy's Website

Bill Abernathy's LinkedIn

Bill Abernathy's Personal Facebook

Bill Abernathy's Business Facebook

Bill Abernathy's Twitter

Bill Abernathy's Instagram

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Bill Abernathy has embarked on an exceptional journey, courageously navigating through the ebbs and flows of his musical and corporate life. Rising from humble beginnings, he has persistently pushed beyond the ordinary, challenging the status quo and dismantling long standing stereotypes.

Bill's Latest Project "MORE", released in 2023 has had 3 #1 singles in the Adult Contemporary Charts. The Songs, "Hideaway", Call Their Name, and the title cute "More", have reached hundreds of thousands of listeners on various streaming and video platforms.

In 2017, Abernathy's musical passion ignited with the release of his album "Find A Way," indelibly inscribing his unique signature on the vast tapestry of music. His pivotal track, "Goodbye Will Never Come Again," ascended to the zenith of the Roots Music Chart, signaling the inception of a truly extraordinary musical journey.

Venturing further, his acclaimed album "Crossing Willow Creek," unveiled the hit "Cry Wolf," among other tracks that captivated international audiences, increasing his global reach.

His deeply stirring track, "Who Are You, Who Am I," from his 2021 EP, earned him a place as a finalist for ISSA Song of the Year— an accolade that attests to his ever-evolving artistry.

Abernathy's music has permeated the globe, amassing streams from countless devoted listeners. His authentic voice, genuine songwriting, and masterful storytelling have nurtured a long-lasting bond with his audience, carving a niche for him in the hearts of music lovers across the world.

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Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m excited to introduce two amazing storytellers and writers to the show, Jodie Anders and Eric Rosswood. This week we are discussing their collaboration writing Queer Cheer and why it was so important to them to represent the queer teen community. We discuss identity, book bans, and the difference that teens are making in the queer community. Jodie shares a “News Announcement” from their book Queer Cheer, about two teens who are on a mission to remove a book ban. Tune in for a great episode!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:02] Eric and Jodie introduce themselves and describe their work.
[3:18] Eric describes how he and Jodie came together on their project Queer Cheer.
[5:37] Why is representing queer teens important?
[8:32] What is causing book bans to be on an all time high?
[12:08] Does the uncertainty around being queer and identity change as they get older vs. being a teen?
[16:08] Jodie shares what the excerpt is that she will be reading.
[18:08] We hear a fictional piece from the book, Queer Cheer.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

There is nothing wrong with who you are as a person. You are loved, you are valuable, you are important.
By demonstrating differences in race, sexuality, gender identity and sexism, those who are working through their identity can find similarities with others, and realize that they are not alone.
It can be eye opening to look at your identity and how you behave around different types of people, from work to school to spending time with friends, seeing who you show up as can help determine who you truly are.

Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode, to receive the ‘News Announcement’ from the book Queer Cheer, referred to in the fiction section of the podcast, and be eligible to receive other extras such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora

Fiction Credits:

Written by Jodie Anders & Eric Rosswood

Read by Jodie Anders

GUEST RESOURCES:

Jodie Anders' Twitter

Jodie Ander's Website

Jodie Anders' LinkedIn

Jodie Ander's Instagram

Eric Rosswood's Facebook

Eric Rosswood's Instagram

Eric Rosswood's Website

Queer Cheer Book Website

Students Protecting Education

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Jodie is a multi-talented artist whose work spans the mediums of acting, writing, videography, editing, and graphic design. As a Jewish bisexual creator who struggled as a teen, Jodie focuses on celebrating diversity and promoting youth empowerment. She currently serves as the Publicity and Communications Director for the youth non-profit California Rainbow Girls, where she's spent over two decades mentoring and guiding teens in confidence and leadership skills. She is the co-author of Queer Cheer: Activities, Advice, and Affirmations for LGBTQ+ Teens and the producer of "Let's Talk about Leadership, Service and Sisterhood," a podcast by and for teens.

Eric Rosswood is an author and commentator on LGBTQ+ issues including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He has led panels on LGBTQ+ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance.

His bestselling book, Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood, won numerous awards including the best Parenting/Family/Relationships book in the IAN Book of the Year Awards, the best Parenting book in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, and the best LGBTQ Non-Fiction book in the International Best Book Awards. His picture book, Strong, won the Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association.

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Hey everyone! Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project. Today I’m honored to talk with Sathya Saran and learn her story about rising in the editorial world in India that was typically dominated by men. Sathya shares her experience in journalism and explains how she turned around and brought success to the magazine’s Femina India and Me Magazine for the DNA, Daily News and Analysis. Tune in to learn how she flew high, even when her wings were clipped.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:16] Sathya shares how she got started with her career path.
[8:10] What led to hostility that Sathya experienced in journalism?
[9:07] Who is Dr. Mulk Raj Anand and what did meeting with him lead to?
[10:34] What was so important about the magazine Femina?
[11:55] Sathya shares how she turned Femina magazine around.
[18:20] What happened after Sathya left Femina?
[21:43] Sathya shares her journey of writing her first book.
[23:13] What was the Me Magazine for the DNA, Daily News and Analysis?
[28:52] Sathya shares what led her to focus full time on her books.
[30:50] Sathya discusses her journey of sharing with others how to write.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you love what you do, and do it with confidence and do it with integrity, it will reward you in some way.
Take a chance on yourself! Sathya went outside the box, challenged the norm, and created wild success.
Fly high, even if your wings are clipped!

Fiction Credits:

Read by Sathya Saran

GUEST RESOURCES:

Sathya Saran's Twitter

Sathya Saran's Instagram

Sathya Saran's LinkedIn

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Best known for her long association with Femina, which she edited for 12 years, Sathya Saran is currently Consulting Editor with Penguin Random House India.

Sathya Saran is also the author of a diverse variety of books. The Dark Side reflects her love of the short story, while the critically acclaimed biographies, Ten Years with Guru Dutt Abrar Alvi's Journey; Sun Mere Bandhu Re The Musical World of SD Burman and Baat Niklegi toh Phir The Life and Music of Jagjit Singh bear testimony to her love of cinema and music.

Sathya has also written the hugely appreciated biography of Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Sathya teaches fashion journalism at NIFT Mumbai, Kangra and Srinagar. She has been a stage actor with Veenapani Chawla.

Passionate about writing, she conceptualised and curates the first of its kind Writers Conclave titled The Spaces between Words the unfestival sponsored by JSW at Kaladham near Hampi.

Sathya has written a tv serial titled Kashmakash on marital problems.

Her column in Femina and Me magazine is now continuing to gain new fans as a guest column in Dainik Jagran. She also writes a column for the New Indian Express.

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Hey everyone! Welcome to this week's True Fiction Project. India's celebrating its 78th Independence Day, and we've got a treat for you. A few years back, Shukla Lal shared her Partition story (which we have linked to below). Today, I'm excited to continue that thread with her niece and my lifelong friend, Miel Sahgal.

Miel talks about growing up with her inspiring grandfather, his love for yoga, and how he influenced her essay "Balancing Act." At the end of the episode Miel shares her touching essay which hones into the story of her grandfather and her upbringing. Don’t miss it!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:30] Miel shares how and why she wrote the essay Balancing Act.
[6:28] Why did Miel start with her grandfather as a starting point?
[11:16] What changes or makes things different from where or how or who you descended from to where you grew up in?
[14:25] Miel and Reenita share their experiences around ritualistic living.
[17:49] Why did Miel’s grandfather promote independence with women in the family?
[19:31] How did yoga bring Miel further into her culture in a different way?
[21:09] What was the connection her grandfather had with her son?
[22:48] Did her grandfather’s relationship with younger friends impact his long lifespan?
[24:20] Why is the essay called Balancing Act?
[26:15] Where can you read more of Miel’s work?
[27:42] We hear the essay Balancing Actby Miel Sahgal.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Yoga, pronounced yog, means to yoke or unite, and wellness comes not just from contortions, but from the integration of mind, body, and spirit; the enduring ancient teachings apply to everyone.
Miel’s lesson from her grandfather was showing that where you live or what you leave behind is not nearly as important as what you carry inside.
Part of the fun of being alive is learning and growing. Spend your time listening to stories of those older and younger than you, learning from your culture and others, and continuing to experience all life has to offer.

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Miel Sahgal

Balancing Act in the Hamilton Arts & Letters

RESOURCES:

Books by Miel Sahgal

S2 EP 4 – India at 75: A special “Partition Story” with Shukla Lal, author of Rano & Phulo Episode

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Miel Sahgal writes about nature, education, and contemporary world society. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, where she was previously Managing Editor of Sanctuary Asia and conducted events for children and educators. Miel was born in India, and has co-authored a children’s book on Mumbai as well as a travel book on Maharashtra. She now lives in Southern Ontario, Canada.

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Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project! I am honored to have author and poet, Bhakti Mathur join the show. Bhakti is the author of two children’s series titled Amma, Take Me and Amma, Tell Me, which were inspired by exploring new places with her children. Aside from writing, Bhakti is also a bibliotherapist, who helps clients explore their emotions and heal through the use of fiction, non fiction and poetry. She explains how she got into the bibliotherapist work and came to be the first in Hong Kong. At the end of the episode, Bhakti shares three different poems with us. The first is about her grandmother’s death, the second is about the Ganges on fire, and the last is about a failed relationship. Tune in to learn more about bibliotherapy and hear her amazing poems.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[3:09] What is a bibliotherapist?
[8:12] How did Bhakti get into this field?
[10:51] What is the Amma, Take Me series?
[12:31] What is the Amma, Tell Me series?
[13:48] Do Bibliotherapists exist in other places in the world?
[15:42] What is Bhakti going to share with the listeners and why?
[17:52] Does Bhakti explore light and death a lot in her work?
[20:11] Is Bhakti taking new bibliotherapist clients?
[20:40] What is coming next from Bhakti?
[23:23] Bhakti reads us her poem called An Indian Summer about the death of her grandmother.
[26:30] Bhakti reads her poem called Varanasi about a city of water by the Ganges on fire.
[27:52] Bhakti reads her poem The Thornbird about the ending of a relationship.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A bibliotherapist is someone who recommends books to people as a way to heal. They focus on healing by using fiction, nonfiction and poetry to help people connect with their experiences and feelings through a different view.
Amma, Take Me and Amma, Tell Me are stories inspired by trips that Bhakti took with her children. They are nonfiction books, inspired by questions that her children asked her while they were out seeing new places.
Bhakti utilizes poetry as a form of healing. They provided her space to express and label her emotions. Writing offers an opportunity to put distance between you and the problem or issue that you are struggling with.

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Bhakti Mathur

GUEST RESOURCES:

Bhakti Mathur's LinkedIn

Bhakti Mathur's Personal Facebook

Bhakti Mathur's Business Facebook

Bhakti Mathur's Instagram

Bookswithbee.net

HOST RESOURCES

Website

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Bhakti Mathur is the author of the 'Amma Tell Me' and 'Amma Take Me' series of children’s books about Indian mythology and history, with 19 published titles to date. After a long stint as a banker, she now juggles her time between writing, practicing yoga, and with her family. She lives in Hong Kong with her husband, their two children, and two dogs. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Hong Kong and is a freelance journalist with 100 published articles in the South China Morning Post on life, health, and fitness. Bhakti is an ICF credentialled (ACC) executive coach and is Hong Kong's first bibliotherapist. When not writing or running after her boys, Bhakti is happiest curled up with a book in one hand and a hot cup of chai in the other. To learn more about her, visit her at www.bhaktimathur.com, www.reflectwithbhakti.com, and www.bookswithb.net.

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Welcome to this week's episode of the True Fiction Project! Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mary K. Savarese, an "overnight success" who discovered her passion for writing after becoming an empty nester. In this episode, Mary shares how her life experiences have shaped her unique storytelling style, and why she loves to explore different genres and projects. Mary captivates us with her writing journey, from the challenges she faced to the triumphs she achieved. She also treats us to an exclusive reading from her trilogy, The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper. In this excerpt, we meet Dante, a man ensnared in a mysterious world, where an evil figure manipulates scenes he cannot intervene in. Tune in for an episode filled with creativity, perseverance, and the magic of storytelling!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:56] Mary shares about her day to day life.
[4:41] What is an overnight success and what does that mean to Mary?
[7:39] How has life experience impacted her writing?
[12:06] What is a spiritual mystery?
[13:44] What is the difference between a series and a trilogy?
[18:40] What was the adventure that Mary had the other day?
[22:21] What inspired the excerpt that Mary is going to read to us?
[26:13] We hear an excerpt from The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper written and read by Mary K. Savarese.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

If you have the passion for it and you stick with it, it can happen for you. Not overnight, but if you have the passion and the desire it can happen for you.
Mary utilized the ending of her parenting chapter, becoming an empty nester, to begin writing as a way to deal with the difficult transition.
As an author, you don’t need to write like everyone else. Follow your heart, and your creativity to find what lights you up the most.

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Mary K. Savarese.

GUEST RESOURCES:

Mary K. Savarese's LinkedIn

Mary K. Savarese's Facebook Page

Mary K. Savarese's Twitter

Mary K. Savarese's Instagram

Mary K. Savarese’s Website

HOST RESOURCES

Website

LinkedIn

Tiktok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Substack

Threads

LinkTree

BIO:

Mary K. Savarese is a traditionally published, best-selling, award-winning fiction author and speaker. She is known for her quirky titles. Her debut novel, Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) a mystery romance with a supernatural twist garnered eight awards.

Her recent novel is a fantasy adventure intertwined with romance and has also become an audiobook. The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, is the first in the StarWriters trilogy. The second novel, The StarWriters Club, will be published this July 15.

A finalist in the CIBA 1st place and grand prize category, The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, won The NYC Big Book Award for Fantasy, the International Royal DragonFly for Fantasy and YA and most recent swept the Fantasy category at the International Cadmus Awards.

US Review of Books compared it to A Wrinkle in Time and Dr. Who.

Mary K. Savarese was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised her family in New England, and now resides in Florida where she loves to take her readers on wonderful fantasies.

Mary appears on iHeartRadio, radio podcasts, Streaming Podcasts, Mindalia TV, Cable, YouTube, local publications and UK Radio.

Her novels can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, on line & brick and mortar and independent book stores everywhere

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Welcome to Season 5 of the True Fiction Project. We are kicking off this episode with something a little different. Traci DeForge, CEO and Founder of Produce Your Podcast, interviews Lynn Moon (CEO) and Shannon Peason (CFO), Co-Founders of the publisher, Indignor House, about the new book they are launching July 15, 2024, written by our very own Reenita Hora! Lynn and Shannon share a bit about the type of authors they typically work with, and how they became connected to Reenita. Lynn shares a lot of the history in India from when this book was written and the impact that it can have on future generations of those who read this book. At the end, you will hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita herself about the forbidden love between an Anglo-Indian school teacher and a Muslim student activist against General Dyer’s impending tragedy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:42] How did Lynn and Shannon get started on creating Indignor House?
[4:12] What type of authors were they looking for when they started Indignor House?
[5:53] How did they get connected to Reenita?
[12:21] What type of genre do they typically work with?
[15:27] What is the history of the time that Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh was written about?
[21:35] What is it like to publish a non U.S. historical fiction book in the United States?
[25:06] How did the experience of publishing this book impact Shannon (editor)?
[27:01] What are Lynn’s expectations for this book?
[30:14] Is there a screenplay version in development?
[31:02] How can people get their hands on the book?
[32:21] We hear an excerpt from Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh written and read by Reenita Hora.

If you'd like to receive a FREE Chapter 1 of Vermilion Harvest - Playtime at the Bagh or if you are interested in inviting Reenita to connect with you book club (in person or by zoom), please send us a note at https://www.reenita.com/contact.

Fiction Credits:

Written and read by Reenita Hora

RESOURCES:

Where to buy Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953278523
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vermilion-harvest-reenita-m-hora/1145699636?ean=9781953278524
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Reenita-Malhotra-Hora/author/B001KHTMSS
Walmart
Thriftbooks
Booktopia (Australia)
Hatchards (UK)

Guest Information

Indignor House Website

Indignor House Facebook

Indignor House Twitter

Indignor House Instagram

Get in touch with Reenita:

LinkedIn
Tiktok
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter (X)
Substack
Threads
LinkTree

BIO:

Bio for Lynn Moon: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House

Bio for Shannon Pearson: CEO & Co-Founder of the publisher, Indignor House

Bio for Reenita Hora

Reenita, the 'Nora Ephron' of South Asian storytelling, spinning yarns as eclectic as Mumbai's iconic 'Bhel Puri' – a tantalizing concoction of flavors with an occasional bug for that extra crunch! Her stories star a motley crew of characters caught in the whirlwind of imperfect scenarios, all while stubbornly refusing to sell out. Her writing, unapologetically Indian, pulses with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity. LA Weekly spotlighted her unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry, celebrating the innovative narrative of Operation Mom. Read the LA Weekly Article here.

In her previous life, Reenita was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad, and Emerging Screenwriters awards, and Sundance Institute Development Slate second rounder. No one-trick pony though, she's the brains behind two podcasts: the True Fiction Project (where reality takes a nose dive into the scripted world) and Shadow Realm (a magical portal to riveting narrative fiction). Dive headfirst into her world fantastical tales, and laugh-out-loud moments at http://www.reenita.com.

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. During this episode we are highlighting guests from my homeland, India. First you will hear poetry titled Sea Link, My Place and The Kohinoor, Mughal Sequence, written and read by Anand Thakore about life and letting go. Next, you will hear an excerpt from the story Toddy Trails, written by yours truly, about the adventures of a baker who ran out of yeast and must find a replacement. Lastly, you will enjoy an excerpt from My Voice, written and read by Priya Subberwal, which tells of her learning about being adopted. All three are wonderful, don’t forget to tune in to the original episodes linked in the show notes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:21] Anand Thakore shares about his writing and work.
[2:10] We hear the poems Sea Link, My Place and the Kohinoor written and read by Anand.
[8:40] Avinash Martin discusses his restaurant Cavatina and how he decided to focus the food on Goan cuisine.
[9:56] We hear an excerpt from the story Toddy Tails written by Reenita.
[16:17] Priya Subberwal shares about her book My Voice and how she found out she was adopted.
[17:05] We hear an excerpt from My Voice by Priya about her adoption.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Priya decided to write about her journey of finding out she was adopted as an adult as a way to find closure after her parents had passed away. Her story is fantastic for those who have been adopted or for people who are considering adoption.
Anand feels that poetry really has to embrace the moment and be very short and brief and make its statement in a short space.

Fiction Credits:

Sea Link, My Place, and The Kohinoor, Mughal Sequence by Anand Thakore

Poetry written and read by Anand Thakore

Anand Thakore's Facebook | Anand Thakore's Website | Poetry International Website

Toddy Trails

Short story written by Reenita Hora inspired by Avinash Martin’s story

Chef Avinash Martins' Instagram | Chef Avinash Martins' Facebook

My Voice

Excerpt written and read by Priya Subberwal

Dishas Consulting Website | Priya Subberwal's Instagram | Priya Subberwal's Facebook

Priya Subberwal's LinkedIn

RESOURCES

Season 4 - Episode 12: The Kohinoor, Mughal Sequence

Season 4 - Episode 6: Toddy Trails

Season 4 - Episode 9: Masala Movie

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. During this special episode, we are mashing up two fantasy fiction author interviews and true fiction pieces from season 4! These episodes include Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity and New Rock, New Role. Both stories have unique plots and are sure to make you laugh! Tune in today to hear interview snippets and full story stories from each episode! Find the link to the full episode in the notes below.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:37] Interview snippet of Daniel Finkel discussing his life on the other side of Hollywood.
[3:04] Short story Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity by Daniel Finkel.
[13:34] Interview snippet of Richard Sparks discussing how he entered into fantasy writing.
[15:42] Short story New Rock, New Role by Richard Sparks.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Sometimes your fun projects that seem crazy can actually turn into something big!
You never know what will change your life, one second you could walk out on a stage and be unknown, and the next you could be a star walking off the stage.

Fiction Credits:

Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity

A short story written and read by: Daniel Finkel

Daniel Finkel's Personal Facebook Page | Daniel Finkel's Instagram | Trailer for the Audiobook

New Rock, New Role

A short story written and read by: Richard Sparks

Richard Spark's Website | Richard Spark's Facebook | Richard Spark's Instagram | Buy New Rock New Role Fantasy Novel Today!

RESOURCES

Season 4 - Episode 8: Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity

Season 4 - Episode 5: New Rock, New Role

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In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, actor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career?
[2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path.
[11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation?
[13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian.
[14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It.
[16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played?
[22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career?
[23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character.
[26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.
Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level!
You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up.

Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik

Excerpt narrated by:

BIO:

Shenuque Tissera Website

The Twenty Sided Podcast

Shenuque Tissera's Twitter

Shenuque Tissera's Instagram

Shenuque Tissera's TikTok

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. This week we are revisiting an episode that was recorded October 12, 2023 to mark the October 2023 events between Israel and Hamas, marking the most significant escalation of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several decades.

With the heaviness in the world still today and the events playing out in Israel and the Gaza strip, I introduce a story brought to audiences through playwright, poet and screenwriter, Simone Yehuda. Simone discusses her screenplay, Jerusalem Road, which has wild synchronicity between the storyline and what is happening between the Israelis and Palestinians right now. Simone talks about why it is so important to release her screenplay right now. She shares the history of both the Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place, and the barriers that are at stake. We then hear a scene from Simone’s screenplay, Jerusalem Road. The scene compares and contrasts the years of suffering the two character groups, Palestinians and Jews, have faced and how both groups were forced into exile.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:47] Simone discusses her background and where her story Jerusalem Road came from.
[5:01] Is it true that all of her screenplays focus on the reconciliation of opposites divided by major barriers where survival and identities are at stake? Why did she choose this path?
[6:33] Why is Jerusalem Road so important and why release it right now with the events happening in the world?
[9:02] Who are some of the characters and what is the context of the characters?
[12:26] What is the history of both Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place?
[15:24] Has the significance of the screenplay expanded given what is happening this week?
[16:36] Can we bring about change through storytelling?
[17:52] Will Simone’s screenplay go beyond a screenplay into something more?
[22:00 A scene from the screenplay, Jerusalem Road, written by Simone Yehuda.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

We’re all a human family. We have to try to put an end to the inhumane treatment that is happening. If we keep defending “our own” and not stepping out to right against the things that are going wrong in the world then they will continue to happen.
If we can’t talk to each other and listen to each other then disaster will follow. Each person’s story is valuable and a way to get to know each other’s lives, cultures, and history. Take the time to listen to stories as much as you tell them.
There is so much loss happening right now, so much inhumane activity happening all across the world with racism, ageism, prejudice behavior. Take the time in your day to spread kindness and empathy. Do what you can to make the world a better place.

Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Simone Yehuda

BIO:

Simone Naomi Yehuda was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to a German Jewish Holocaust survivor and French Catholic mother whose own mother was a leader of the French Resistance. Writing became her cure for massive psychic trauma. She began as a published poet (two books: THAW and LIFTING WATER) and multi-produced playwright (including a play, WILLING, Off Broadway). While in New York, she played the flute with the New York Symphony and was a member of the Mass Transit Dance Company. Simone began writing screenplays full-time ten years ago hoping to reach a wider audience. She now writes feature screenplays that include JERUSALEM ROAD, THE NEW EVE, LOVE AND HOMICIDE, THE THIRD MOTHER, THE SIG OF A FREE MAN and MATADORA! Her scripts focus on the reconciliation of opposites divided by insurmountable barriers where survival and identity are at stake. Simone’s adult twin daughters, physician Valerie Gabriella Press and psychologist/artist Corinna Nicole Press, live in Chicago and San Francisco respectively. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her historian husband Barry Michael Shapiro.

Simone Yehuda's Website

Simone Yehuda's LinkedIn

Simone Yehuda's Facebook

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In the last episode of season 4 of the True Fiction Project, I am honored to welcome the amazing Anand Thakore. I’ve known Anand since we were in school together, and it has been incredible to see his journey and learn of his success as an Anglophone Poet and Hindustani Classical Musician. During this episode we reminisce on some of our school experiences and share stories. Then we dive in to learn what Anand is up to now, while he shares his latest projects. We hear an excerpt of music and a poem from Deepankar Khiwani, titled Cathedral. Anand shares his experience working with Deepankar and how their work together inspired him to start writing poetry again. The episode goes on to include three original pieces by Anand Thakore titled Sea Link, My Place and Mughal Sequence. Tune in for this entertaining episode!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:28] Anand shares about his journey with Sanskrit.
[4:03] What was Anand’s journey with music and poetry?
[9:49] What is the style of contemporary Indian writing?
[10:50] Anand shares his story about the creation of the Mughal Sequence.
[13:50] What is the backstory behind some of his latest pieces?
[16:30] How do poets utilize characters in their poetry?
[18:42] Anand talks about the work he’s done with Deepankar Khivani.
[21:23] Anand shares the song and poem Cathedral by Deepankar Khivani.
[22:51] We hear the poem Sea Link, by Anand Thakore.
[25:09] We hear the poem My Place, by Anand Thakore
[26:24] Why was Anand feeling like a sock puppet?
[29:01] Anand shares more about the poem Mughal Sequence and then we hear an excerpt from it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[12:51] Anand wants the American audience to understand that they are a trans culture, multicultural, multilingual people. Their themes are Indian, their language is English, their music can be Indian, they can also experience Western music in great depth.
[14:49] Anand feels that poetry really has to embrace the moment and be very short and brief and make its statement in a short space.
[16:32] Sometimes poets reveal themselves when they are pretending to be someone else.

Fiction Credits:

Poems below written and narrated by: Anand Thakore

Sea Link
My Place
Mughal Sequence

Cathedral Poem: Written by Deepankar Khiwani and narrated by Anand Thakore

The Cathedral & John Connon School

Anand’s song at end of episode:

Pt. Anand Thakore - Kabir Bhajan-Kuan thagva nagariya lutal ho (Juhu Hamara Festival Kaifi Azmi Park 2019)

Anand's other works and information:

De Kooning's Smile: Collected Poems

In Praise of Bone

Elephant Bathing

Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls

Selected Poems-1992-2012

youtube interview and reading at book launch

Anand Thakore introduces you to 'In Praise of Bone' ( video)

_THE-KOH-I-NOOR, Poetry International , Anand Thakore

BIO:

Born in Mumbai in 1971, Anand Thakore grew up in India and in the United Kingdom. He has spent most of his life in Mumbai. His published collections of poetry include In Praise of Bone (2023), Waking In December (2001), Elephant Bathing (2012), Mughal Sequence (2012), and Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls (2017). A Hindustani classical vocalist by training, he has devoted much of his life to the study, performance, composition and teaching of Hindustani vocal music. He received musical instruction for many years from Ustad Aslam Khan, Pandit Baban Haldankar and Pandit Satyasheel Deshpande. He is the founder of Harbour Line, a publishing collective, and of Kshitij, an interactive forum for musicians. He holds an MA in English Literature and is the recipient of grants from The Ministry of Human Resource Development and The Charles Wallace India Trust. He lives in Mumbai and divides his time between writing, performances, and teaching music. His fourth collection of verse, entitled Seven Deaths and Four Scrolls, was recently shortlisted for The Jayadeva National Poetry Award.

Anand Thakore's Facebook

Anand Thakore's Website

Poetry International Website

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Music is a way for everyone to connect, no matter where they come from or what their beliefs are. Today’s guest Pablo Sáinz-Villegas is on the True Fiction Project Podcast to talk about why music and Spanish guitar is the perfect vehicle for storytelling. He discusses the difference between the guitar and Spanish guitar, and how even though they all may have the same six strings, and the same tuning, they all offer something different. He shares his stories of working with other musicians and how storytelling comes out of each piece, whether working alone or collaborating with others. Tune in and close your eyes to enjoy the piece Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Memories of Alhambra in English)by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega at the end of the episode.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:45] What does Pablo mean by the statement “music and Spanish guitar is the perfect vehicle for storytelling?”
[5:25] Is there a difference between a guitar and a Spanish guitar?
[7:26] Does Pablo always have the opportunity to explore storytelling even when collaborating and playing with other artists?
[10:05] How is Pablo providing children with the opportunity to explore the magic of music?
[13:07] Pablo gives an example of what he means by storytelling through music.
[16:00] Close your eyes and enjoy hearing the piece Recuerdos de la Alhambra by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega.
[19:17] Enjoy another piece played by Pablo titled Asturias (Leyenda)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[3:25] Music is an experience that we cannot touch, we cannot see, but we feel, and those are the experiences in life that are most transcendental, most profound to us.
[5:25] While all guitars have six strings and the same tuning, each instrument is related to a different kind of music because they have different features.
[15:07] Music is a way for people to come together and share stories, share about life, and connect on a deep level that connects to our hearts.

Fiction Credits:

First song: Recuerdos de la Alhambra by the Spanish composer Franciso Tarrega

Second song: Asturias (Leyenda) - Isaac Albéniz. Pablo Sainz-Villegas. LIVE at Teatro Mayor, Colombia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EowSRVAp8rM

BIO:

Sainz-Villegas is the "global ambassador of the Spanish guitar" (Billboard Magazine), a star who has brought classical music to millions of people from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to a floating stage on the Amazon River or Carnegie Hall in New York. He has been the first guitarist in 38 years to perform at the Philharmonie with the Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill Petrenko. In addition, he has collaborated with artists such as John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma and played for world leaders as the Dalai Lama. Thanks to his charity work Pablo Sainz-Villegas has also been able to bring access to classical music to tens of thousands of children in Spain, Mexico and the United States.

Pablo Sainz Villegas' Website

Pablo Saniz Villegas' Personal Facebook

Pablo Saniz Villegas' Twitter

Pablo Saniz Villegas' Instagram

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After experiencing a tragic bicycle accident, Mark Berridge spent a year getting his health back. He then decided to write a story to inspire others to keep pushing a little bit further, because they are stronger than they think. This week on the True Fiction Project, Mark Berridge joins Reenita to talk about his accident, and what led him to write his nonfiction book, A Fraction Stronger. Mark discusses future work that he hopes to accomplish, shifting from a nonfiction author to a fiction author, and hopefully one day to playwriting. We then hear an excerpt from the short story, Wondrous Experiences, where a man takes a trip and allows himself to experience it from a new perspective, seeing how the world is truly vibrant and full of possibility.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:20] Mark talks about winning an award for his nonfiction book.
[3:26] What is A Fraction Stronger about?
[5:13] Mark discusses his physical therapist that was instrumental in his journey to be able to walk again
[9:03] Does Mark hope to write more books?
[15:57] Mark shares where people can learn more about him.
[17:32] Mark shares an excerpt from the short story, Wondrous Experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[4:43] We are all a fraction stronger than we realize, and if we find that inner strength and channel it and embrace the support around us, then we can achieve almost anything.
[14:58] In a world where we are so interconnected in a way because of technology, there’s still nothing quite like going somewhere and really making connections and finding your tribe, or finding something that changes your life.
[24:26] If you immerse yourself in the world’s range of potential experiences, you can feel truly alive.

Fiction Credits:

Story written by: Mark Berridge

Story narrated by: Mark Berridge

BIO:

Mark Berridge has broad experience in negotiation, marketing, strategy and transformation. His most prominent corporate role was the Chief Negotiator for Rio Tinto Iron Ore from 2012 to 2015 where he led the pricing strategy for revenue worth USD20 billion.

Mark always enjoyed finding high value in complex situations. In March 2019 he became his own subject matter when a bicycle crash changed his life forever. Mark fractured 2 vertebrae and heard the devastating words spinal cord injury. He spent 7 weeks in hospital and 9 months in full time rehabilitation regaining the ability to walk. He will strive to maintain and improve his mobility all his remaining life.

Mark now writes and speaks about the impacts of disruption and how we can fight our way forward from almost any situation. His inspirational award-winning book A Fraction Stronger was released in the USA September 2022.

A Fraction Stronger Book

Mark Berridge's LinkedIn

Mark Berridge's Personal Facebook Page

Mark Berridge's Business Facebook Page

Mark Berridge's Instagram Page

Mark Berridge's Website

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Learning about her adoption at age 21 was quite impactful for Priya Subberwal, along with the lack of conversation that her adoptive parents had with her afterwards regarding her biological family. Today, I am honored to have Priya join the True Fiction Project, she is a long time friend of mine, and is a wonderful storyteller. We start the episode discussing her business, Disha Limited, where she helps people set their homes up for the best energy through Feng Shui work. She talks about how to utilize the evergreen elements of Feng Shui as well as what to prioritize for 2024. We then get to hear the story of how Priya found out she was adopted, and what that was like to find out as an adult. Priya reads an excerpt from her story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice about what she uncovered through the process of trying to find her biological parents and how she brought closure to herself.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:30] Priya explains what her business, Disha Limited, is.
[5:10] How does it work if your home has bad energy?
[6:10] What does Priya mean about good Feng Shui in Hong Kong and San Francisco?
[7:50] How does Priya work with people who are on more flat land who don’t have natural Feng Shui?
[8:37] How does Feng Shui change across the years?
[9:10] What does the year of the wood dragon mean for Feng Shui?
[10:52] Priya describes her short story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice.
[20:05] Priya shares an excerpt from her story, Masala Movie, in the book, My Voice, when she learned about her adoption.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[6:13] Feng Shui is all about the wind and water, mountains play a very important role because they work as the antennas, it’s where the energy is stacked from the planets and then through wind it comes down and settles at the base of the water.
[9:37] For 2024, the year of the dragon, the best ways to benefit from Feng Shui are to utilize the Southwest of your home and the East. The Southwest is for happiness, advancement, promotion, and happy events. The East is for networking, finding leads, any kind of business work that is done in the home.
[18:47] Priya decided to write about her journey of finding out she was adopted as an adult as a way to find closure after her parents had passed away. Her story is fantastic for those who have been adopted or for people who are considering adoption.

Fiction Credits:

Story written by: Priya Subberwal

Story narrated by: Priya Subberwal

BIO:

Priya Subberwal is a qualified Classical Feng Shui practitioner. A trained interior designer, her interest in Chinese Metaphysics was sparked by a chance look through at a coffee table book on the subject in 2000. After extensive reading on the subject, she formally started studying in 2007 and applying it to her daily life. Friends and family too gained from her knowledge and fascination. Priya aims to bring focus and stability to the lives of others. In 2016 she formed the company 'Disha' which comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Dishadhara’ meaning direction - something that she strives to give her clients.

Priya is a yoga enthusiast and an avid reader. She lives in Hong Kong with her banker husband and a dog. She is a mother of two adult daughters, who love giving her unsolicited fashion and make-up advice. Interestingly, she previously co-owned a cricket team “Kowloon Cantons” in Hong Kong and has co- authored an Amazon bestseller novel #my voice -A collective memoir by women of substance.

Dishas Consulting Website

Priya Subberwal's Instagram

Priya Subberwal's Facebook

Priya Subberwal's LinkedIn

My Voice Book

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What would it be like to experience a 26 mile dinner party? Today, on the True Fiction Project, I am joined by author and screenwriter, Daniel Finkel. Daniel shares with us his story Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity, how it came about, and the adventure he has taken to write this story and get it out to the public. He talks about other screenplays he has written and what his next steps are for this adventurous story. Daniel discusses what it was like growing up in L.A. and Hollywood and how his experience may have differed from others. At the end of the show, we hear a chapter titled The Dinner Party from Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity where the characters explore through a 26 mile long underground dinner party. Tune in to hear more of this insane story!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:55] Daniel tells us about himself and how he is a Hollywood guy in the most non Hollywood of ways.
[3:39] What is Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity and how did it come about?
[6:07] Why didn’t the screenplay end up being made into a movie as planned?
[7:50] What screenplay did Daniel write that was made into a movie?
[8:50] What is the true life inspiration to Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity?
[12:38] What is the book wrap tour?
[14:39] What are the next steps for the story?
[16:28] Where can listeners find out more about Daniel’s work and events?
[17:24] Daniel explains what his favorite part of the book is.
[19:45] We hear a chapter titled The Dinner Party from Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity by Daniel Finkel about navigating a 26 mile underground dinner party.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[9:03] Changing one thing about yourself can change the perception that others have of you.
[15:39] Never stop dreaming, your dreams can come true!
[19:50] If you ever get a chance to go for a 26.2188 mile dinner party, you are in for quite an adventure! Grab Mr. Taffles Pants of Insanity to see what I mean!

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Fiction Credits:

Story written by: Daniel Finkel

Story narrated by: Daniel Finkel

BIO:

I moved to LA to work in the entertainment industry, where I learned I didn't want to work in the entertainment industry. But I got to read screenplays by writers with big agents that were horrible. So I started to write my own screenplays that were also horrible. And it worked! I started to option and sell them… eventually selling the biggest piece of crap I ever wrote to MGM. But then my brain literally went on strike. I was supposed to write this script with a big time commercial producer and I literally couldn't think of anything. My brain forced me to write only ideas that I was passionate about. So I co-wrote and directed my first feature film Everything Will Happen Before You Die. The cast was amazing and I got to direct major league talent like Academy Award Nominee John Hawkes and Marc Boone Junior (Sons of Anarchy). It was a dream come true.

However, there's a big missing part of this story… MUSIC. It all started when my roommate asked me to be his vocal sidekick in this rave rock psychedelic lounge funk band called The Serotonins. The idea was I would be a cow and he would be the farmer. Well, he never dressed as a farmer, thus The Mad Cow was born. I became a bit of a counter-culture hero in the Burningman scene and played to packed clubs for years.

And TODAY… I'm beyond excited to have published my award winning debut comedy/satire/sci-fi novel MR. TAFFLE'S PANTS OF INSANITY. It's an incredible feeling to have written my first book but even more of an incredible feeling to know that I'll be writing them for the rest of my life. And now we just released the audiobook which I couldn't be more excited about how it turned out. Oh and yes… the MUSIC. A couple of pals and I wrote an EP of songs based on the novel. I will be performing this at bookstores and weird stages all over North America (to start.)

Daniel Finkel's Personal Facebook Page

Daniel Finkel's Instagram

Trailer for the Audiobook

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Raised as an evangelical Christian, Bethel Swift started her dating journey late in life, after realizing that God was not going to drop the right guy in her lap. Throughout her three part book, Conversations with Good Men, Bethel shares poems of her experience as a daughter and then about her dating life. In this episode, you will hear what propelled Bethel to turn her personal experiences into a story, and what she found along the way. Bethel then reads two of her poems, the first called The Artist Takes Herself on a Date, which represents her journey of becoming a strong version of herself and the lessons she learned. The second poem, Potpourri Rain, is about her experience with sexual assault from someone close to her, which sent a chill down my spine. Tune in to learn more about Bethel’s dating journey

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:57] Bethel shares what her book Conversations with Good Men is about.
[4:02] What propelled Bethel to turn her own personal experience with dating into a story?
[5:40] What did she find in her explorations?
[9:35] Why did Bethel include conversations with her father in a book about dating?
[12:44] Bethel shares about the pieces she will be reading and where the stories came from.
[13:34] We hear Bethel’s first poem The Artist Takes Herself on a Date.
[16:50] Bethel shares her second poem Potpourri Rain. (Trigger Warning - Sexual Assault)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[2:59] In order to find the love of your life, you have to actually go out on dates and spend time with people to find out what your deal breakers are and what things are really important to you.
[7:50] We cannot expect our lovers to be everything for us, it puts unrealistic and high pressure expectations on relationships.
[16:08] Women will sometimes behave unexpectedly after an assault, like still being friends with the person or still trying to please that person. It can take days, months, years sometimes before women realize that the person did them wrong and that they don’t have to carry the blame.

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Fiction Credits:

Poems written by: Bethel Swift

Poems narrated by: Bethel Swift

BIO:

Bethel Swift is a San Diego based artist, poet, indie publisher, workshop instructor, professional home organizer, and the author of Conversations with Good Men (2020, Swift & Sparrow Press). Bethel's poetry has been published in Armenian Poetry Project, Haiku Journal, San Diego Poetry Annual, and Expressions from Englewood as well as exhibited at Columbia College Chicago. In 2017, Bethel was the recipient of an AWP Writer to Writer Mentorship with poet Sandy Coomer (Available Light). Prior to that, she studied poetry under Kristina Marie Darling (Dark Horse) and Larry Sawyer (Vertigo Diary) at the Chicago School of Poetics and with Martha Vertreace-Doody (Glacier Fire) at Kennedy-King College. Bethel earned her degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago (in 2007) and her journalistic features, interviews, reviews, and opinion pieces have appeared in multiple print and web publications.

Bethel Swift's Website

Bethel Swift's Personal Facebook Page

Bethel Swift's Business Facebook Page

Bethel Swift's Twitter

Bethel Swift's Instagram

Bethel Swift's Pinterest

Bethel Swift's LinkedIn

Conversations with Good Men

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. Today we feature Chef Avanish Martins. Avanish discusses how his restaurant, Cavatina, came to be and how he made the decision to focus on Goan cuisine. He discusses what “toddy trappers” are and why their skill is so essential to Goan food. Avinash describes how he tells stories through his cuisine and the beautiful way he ties the culture in by plating his food. We learn how the coconut and tree are used in the Goa Culture, and how Pader Pader Ponk Ponk was used to wake up the town. Toddy Trails the fiction piece from this episode takes us along the journey of a local baker who’s yeast has been ruined, risking a critical order he needed to fill. A friend encourages him to use toddy to replace the yeast, and after many attempts he nails down a successful recipe, only to have his rolls of bread stolen. Tune in to hear how the story ends!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:38] Avinash introduces himself and talks about how he grew up.
[3:34] How did Avinash’s restaurant, Cavatina, come to be?
[6:03] What are “toddy tappers” and how does Avinash utilize it in his cooking?
[11:28] Why does Feni get a bad rap?
[12:50] How does Avinash’s cuisine differ from other Goan cuisine that is found in other restaurants?
[13:46] What is a Chitari artist and how is their artwork represented on Avinash’s table?
[18:09] Where did the roots of Goan cuisine originate from?
[19:41] How can those of us outside of South Goa and India get to explore and experiment with Avinash's cuisine?
[22:31] Is there one particular kind of ingredient that you would say is quintessentially Goan that we don’t know about?
[24:58] What did Pader Pader Ponk Ponk represent?
[28:13] We hear the short story Toddy Tails written by Reenita Hora

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[8:35] Toddy is at risk of not being harvested in Goa due to the next generation not wanting to work the dangerous job of harvesting toddy. If there is no toddy, the product doesn’t exist, you cannot make it with anything else.
[13:19] Avinash has experienced many parts of the world, and has decided that he will feature his Goan cuisine as Local Heart, Global Food. The food is genuine Goan good, with flair from other parts of the world.
[22:40] The most important ingredient in Goan cuisine would be coconut. Coconut in all forms is a versatile element in Goan cooking. There is nothing of the coconut that goes to waste including the tree itself. It can be used for rafters of a roof, the leaves make beautiful shade nets, the spikes can be used as brooms, the husk is used to make ropes, and more!

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Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Reenita Hora

Excerpt narrated by using AI

BIO:

Chef Avinash Martins has got the humble Goan cuisine to an international level with farm to table practices and traditional cooking methods but presented it in a modern flair

Chef Avinash Martins' Instagram

Chef Avinash Martins' Facebook

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Richard Sparks has been successful in so much of his work from writing The Schoolmaster, performed by Rowan Atkinson, to aiding an opera singer to launch her career. The one area he couldn’t seem to get into was fiction writing, until now that is. On today’s episode, I am so excited to have writer and author Richard Sparks on the show to discuss his prior pieces of work as well as his new fantasy novel! Richard shares what it was like to work with John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, and others. At the end of the episode, we hear a clip from his new fantasy story, New Rock New Role that talks about a man who gets sucked into a video game and is trying to understand how he got there. This is Richard’s take on how it would feel to be a character in one of the games that he frequently plays.

The clip we hear is from early on in the book and series, and there is more to come! Grab a free audio book chapter and ebook chapter or buy the full novel released December 12 on his website - www.richardsparks.com!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:37] Richard tells us about what he’s been doing and the work he’s done with John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and others.
[6:38] A clip from The Schoolmaster by Richard Sparks and Rowan Atkinson.
[10:14] Richard tells us about his experience in the music industry.
[11:58] Richard shares about his new project, a fantasy, and how it was inspired from real life.
[19:45] A clip from New Rock New Role read and written by Richard Sparks.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Richard doesn’t take credit for launching people off into their careers, he says they are all a collaborative relationship, where both sides are needed to be successful.
Comedy is fear and pain and misery and disasters and things going wrong and people falling into puddles and betrayals and miscommunications and what good adventure isn't full of that.
Richard struggled to become a fiction writer because he couldn’t connect with the content. He has now finally embraced fiction writing now that he can use his own voice.

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Fiction and Schoolmaster Credits:

Excerpt written by: Richard Sparks

Excerpt narrated by: Richard Sparks

Schoolmaster Clip performed by: Rowan Atkinson

Schoolmaster Clio written by Richard Sparks

BIO:

Born in England, and a graduate of Oxford University (Exeter College, where, like both JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman before him, he read English), Richard started out as a writer of stage plays, comedy revues and TV, for such shows as Not the Nine o’clock News. Rowan Atkinson performed his Schoolmaster sketch in John Cleese’s The Secret Policeman’s Ball. UK TV credits include The Famous Five, The Flying Kiwi, The Optimist, The Worst of Hollywood, and a lot of script editing. On being hired by Columbia Pictures TV, Richard moved with his family to Los Angeles. His lyrics have been recorded by talents as diverse as Dom de Luise, Eric Idle, Vanessa Williams and Plácido Domingo. He has written libretti for several new operas composed by Lee Holdridge (TV’s Beauty and the Beast, et al.), produced by the LA Opera, as well writing new English versions of German and Italian classics. His non-fiction books, Diary of a Mad Poker Player, and its sequel, Getting Lucky, chronicle his adventures in the poker boom of the 2000’s. Along the Cherry Lane is his biography of the music producer, Milt Okun. “High Adventure Spiced with Low Comedy,” inspired by his love of online role-playing games, New Rock New Role is the first of four volumes Richard has written so far in the New Rock fantasy series, and is his fiction debut.

Richard Spark's Website

Richard Spark's Facebook

Richard Spark's Instagram

Buy New Rock New Role Fantasy Novel Today!

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Denise has an incredible skill of turning the truth of WWII into a fiction book that people will both learn the history from while also finding the story engaging and entertaining. An award winning writer, teacher, actress, director and producer, Denise is a wealth of knowledge, and I am so grateful to have her back on the show. She shares why America and the world has such a fascination with spies and then dives into how spies helped lead Japan to their attack on Pearl Harbor, 82 years ago today. Denise discusses why she chose to write fiction vs. nonfiction and how she used her research to create such an engaging story. She then reads an excerpt from her story Storms From a Clear Sky where the Americans realize that they’ve been assisting a Japanese spy all along.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[3:16] Denise shares why she thinks the world has such a fascination with spies, spy networks, and how they operate.
[6:20] We hear the story of a Japanese spy prior to WWII.
[10:02] What was the spy relationship between the Japanese and Germans against the US?
[17:00] Did American spies drop the ball in 1941 to miss the attacks?
[19:15] Why did Denise decide to write fiction rather than recreate nonfiction accounts of everything that she has discovered through her research?
[22:51] Denise shares a short excerpt from her story Storms From a Clear Sky.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Pre World War II, the Japanese were encouraging anyone to step inside their consulate on American ground and offer up any information. There were actual trained spies or there were just somebody who saw ships or any information on the Americans. They started planning the attack on Pearl Harbor in January of 1941. That is when they got serious about it and they did all sorts of different activities to prepare for that war.
Due to the American spies, America knew the date for the attack from Japan, but didn’t know the time and place that it would occur (attack of Pearl Harbor 1941.)
The task for Tadashi Morimura, a Japanese spy, to gather valuable information was boundless. It was easy to observe the movements of the ships, the submarines, their moorings, and the times of patrols from where he was staying on American land.

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Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Denise Frisino

Excerpt narrated by: Denise Frisino

BIO:

A Seattle native, Denise Frisino, is an award-winning writer, teacher, actress, director, and producer.

Whiskey Cove, her first novel, a fast-paced who done it, centers around Prohibition in the Northwest.

Next came Orchids of War and Storms From A Clear Sky, both finalists in numerous national competitions, including 1st place for the Hemingway Book Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction.

When researching for these historical fictions, Denise spent over 10 years interviewing 50 men and women from the WWII era. She weaves the experiences of those she interviewed into her story about Japanese espionage along the West Coast prior to WWII, then follows the same characters throughout the war.

She is currently working on the last book in the Orchids Trilogy and the movie script for Whiskey Cove

Her blogs and YouTube channel contain some of the WWII veteran interviews and she has just launched a new web www.wwiiinterviews.com.

Denise has stood atop 5 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, lived aboard one of the old Mosquito Fleet boats on Lake Union, and drank scotch with Katharine Hepburn. She enjoys being on the water and loves her rowboat. Denise and her husband continue to enjoy the many facets of the Pacific Northwest.

WWII Interviews Website

Denise Frisino's Website

Denise Frisino's Facebook

Denise Frisino's Instagram

Storms From a Clear Sky Book

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. Today I am joined by writer, podcaster and CEO of Tulla Productions, Nicole Christie. Nicole is a fabulous storyteller and helps others both in the corporate world and entrepreneurs to master their storytelling skills. She talks about her podcast, Here for Me, which highlights badassery stories from people who have gone through difficult situations and persevered to the other side. Nicole discusses why storytelling is so important, and then walks us through the premise of Relationship with a View. She then reads her short story, Relationship with a View, about a woman who meets a man in the elevator of her apartment complex and they hit it off right away but their relationship takes a sudden turn. Tune in to hear more of her story!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:41] Nicole shares about her podcast all about choosing yourself, and what that means.

[4:14] What is Tulla Productions and how does she help brands?

[7:19] What does storytelling look like for a notable person that hires Tulla Productions?

[9:20] Why is storytelling so important?

[11:06] Nicole shares the premise of Relationship with a View.

[21:20] A short story, Relationship with a View by Nicole Christie.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Social media highlights all the good things happening in people’s lives, but misses an opportunity for genuine connection.

Storytelling is what lights up the threads of continuity between humans. The more that our stories are raw, candid and vulnerable, the more genuinely connect with each other.

Many people go through hard moments, but they are able to come out on the other side with healing and a fresh outlook. Nicole’s podcast showcases guests from all walks of life that share their story.

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Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Nicole Christie

Excerpt narrated by: Nicole Christie

BIO:

Nicole is a writer, podcaster, and entrepreneur. She’s the founder and CEO of Tulla Productions—a storytelling studio that connects leading brands and notable people with their audience through human-centered audio, visual, and print stories—and the creator and host of Here For Me, a podcast about the power of choosing yourself. She has been a storyteller since she could string words together and it’s her passion to bring tales of courage, impact, and utter badassery to life!

Nicole Christie's Instagram

Nicole Christie's Website

Here for Me Podcast

Nicole Christie's LinkedIn

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. This week we have Taylor Koekkoek on the show, who is the author of the short stories series, Thrillville USA. Taylor talks to us about the inspiration behind the short stories and how pieces of the stories are pulled from his life. He talks about how he included Oregon’s opioid crisis into the story and why he felt it was relevant. Then we learn what is next for Taylor as far as future projects he is working on. At the end of the episode, he reads us an excerpt from the first story of the Thrillville USA series, where we follow a character finishing his shift at the amusement park and the scandalous scene he stumbles upon behind the back side of the Scrambler.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[3:18] What is Thrillville USA?

[4:40] Why did Taylor decide to name his book series after Thrillville?

[6:29] What was the inspiration behind Thrillville USA?

[7:51] How Taylor tackles the subject of Oregon’s opioid crisis and is it discussed in all the short stories?

[11:12] Taylor tells us about the excerpt he is going to read to us.

[13:28] What future works will we see from Taylor?

[15:55] An excerpt from the first book of the Thrillville USA series by Taylor Koekkoek

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[3:19] Thrillville used to be a little roadside amusement park outside of Oregon that felt like a little bit of a death trap with rides that bucked in ways that didn’t seem natural. Many rumors about fatalities and bodily harm were told about the amusement park, but they are believed to be false.

[6:29] Thrillville USA was inspired by an amusement park that Taylor and his brothers visited from time to time when they were younger. The characters are not based on people he knew directly during his childhood, but instead pieced together from stories he heard from other people that he met.

[10:03] There is an unintentional metaphor between the amusement park and drug use, being a dangerous activity that is also ominous, fun and exciting.

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Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Taylor Koekkoek

Excerpt narrated by: Taylor Koekkoek

BIO:

Taylor Koekkoek received his MFA from Johns Hopkins University. His work has been supported by Oregon Literary Arts, the Breadloaf’s Writer’s Conference, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has appeared in Paris Review, Glimmer Train, Ploughshares, The Iowa Review, online at Tin House, and elsewhere. His short story collection, Thrillville, USA, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Joselyn Takacs, also a writer.

Facebook Personal Page

Twitter Personal Account

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Thrillville USA Series

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. During this episode, we are mashing up the public speaker and comedian interviews and true fiction pieces from season 3! These episodes include: How to Human 101, Brought Together by Bagels, and Faking the Grade. Each interview and story has something unique to share, ranging from an alien learning to read human body language and facial expressions to an unlikely set of neighbors who bond over bagel preferences, to a doctor turned comedian who fakes his graduation. Tune in today to hear interview snippets and full story stories from each episode! Find the link to the full episode in the notes below.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:47] Interview snippet of Brian Galke discussing how to read human faces and creating a valuable connection with someone else.
[1:49] Short story, How to Human 101 by Parker James
[6:55] Interview with Gastor Almonte where he talks about living in America while being a child of an immigrant and not meeting their expectations.
[8:28] Short story, Brought Together by Bagels by Gastor Almonte
[16:01] Interview with Shenuque Tissera about chasing his dreams despite what his parents might think.
[17:56] Short story, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Face reading is all about letting people feel seen and heard. If you attempt to speak someone’s language, you will be treated differently and build better relationships.
Immigrant stories are the best American stories because their world view was different, the things they had to go after were different. Many of the kids of immigrants are artists, and the work that they put in first drove the direction of their families in America.
Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.

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How to Human 101

A short story written and read by: Parker James

Parker Hicks LinkedIn | Parker Hicks Twitter

Brought Together by Bagels

Short story written by Gastor Almonte, Read by Kristen Udowitz

Gastor Almonte's Website | The War Report Podcast | Gastor Almonte's Facebook |

Gastor Almonte Twitter | Gastor Almonte Instagram | Story Collider Website

Faking the Grade

Short story written and read by: Michael Kobzik

Shenuque Tissera Website | The Twenty Sided Podcast | Shenuque Tissera's Twitter

Shenuque Tissera's Instagram | Shenuque Tissera's TikTok

Resources:

S3 EP2 How to Human 101

S3 EP9 Brought Together By Bagels

S3 EP12 Faking the Grade

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Welcome to the start of season 4 of the True Fiction Project Podcast. This episode was recorded October 11, 2023 and rushed to release to mark the October 2023 events between Israel and Hamas, marking the most significant escalation of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several decades.

With the heaviness in the world today and the events playing out in Israel and the Gaza strip, I introduce a particularly timely story brought to audiences through playwright, poet and screenwriter, Simone Yehuda. Simone discusses her screenplay, Jerusalem Road, which has wild synchronicity between the storyline and what is happening between the Israelis and Palestinians right now. Simone talks about why it is so important to release her screenplay right now. She shares the history of both the Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place, and the barriers that are at stake. We then hear a scene from a table read of Simone’s screenplay, Jerusalem Road. The scene compares and contrasts the years of suffering the two character groups, Palestinians and Jews, have faced and how both groups were forced into exile.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:47] Simone discusses her background and where her story Jerusalem Road came from.
[5:01] Is it true that all of her screenplays focus on the reconciliation of opposites divided by major barriers where survival and identities are at stake? Why did she choose this path?
[6:33] Why is Jerusalem Road so important and why release it right now with the events happening in the world?
[9:02] Who are some of the characters and what is the context of the characters?
[12:26] What is the history of both Israelis and Palestinians feeling that home is the same place?
[15:24] Has the significance of the screenplay expanded given what is happening this week?
[16:36] Can we bring about change through storytelling?
[17:52] Will Simone’s screenplay go beyond a screenplay into something more?
[22:00 A scene from the screenplay, Jerusalem Road, written by Simone Yehuda.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

We’re all a human family. We have to try to put an end to the inhumane treatment that is happening. If we keep defending “our own” and not stepping out to right against the things that are going wrong in the world then they will continue to happen.
If we can’t talk to each other and listen to each other then disaster will follow. Each person’s story is valuable and a way to get to know each other’s lives, cultures, and history. Take the time to listen to stories as much as you tell them.
There is so much loss happening right now, so much inhumane activity happening all across the world with racism, ageism, prejudice behavior. Take the time in your day to spread kindness and empathy. Do what you can to make the world a better place.

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Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Simone Yehuda

BIO:

Simone Yehuda's Website

Simone Yehuda's LinkedIn

Simone Yehuda's Facebook

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. During this special episode, we are mashing up the actors and musicians interviews and true fiction pieces from season 2! These episodes include: A Good Samaritan, The Night That Dancing Saved By Life, and The Garden of Earthly Delights. Each interview and story has something unique to share, ranging from a woman who lived in a cult, a man who danced himself away from some serious dangers to a couple who show up to defend the Lord. Tune in today to hear interview snippets and full story stories from each episode! Find the link to the full episode in the notes below.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:16] Interview snippet of Beth Hennessy discussing living in a cult, and her family leaving the cult.
[2:24] Short story, A Good Samaritan by Beth Hennessey
[8:01] Interview snippet of Anand Bhatt discussing his love for latin music and how he emerged into the world of Latindian music.
[9:05] Short story, The Night That Dancing Saved My Life by Anand Bhatt
[21:54] Interview snippet of Tramell Tillman sharing his experiences as the character Seth Milchick in Apple TV+ series Severance and what it was like working with director Ben Stiller.
[23:39] Short story, The Garden of Earthly Delights written by Parker James

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Don’t be so busy in your own life that you miss horrible things that are going on around you. As what happened with the good samaritans and their avoidance of the cult that Beth Hennessey and family were in.
When all else fails, put your dancing shoes on and get out on the dance floor! Enjoy your life, because you never know when it’ll be your last day.
Actors have to be able to really identify with the roles they are going to play. In the example that Tramell Tillman shares, there were details down to the characters full name that he stood aside and discussed with directors so that everything aligned.

Fiction Credits:

A Good Samaritan

A short story written and read by: Beth Hennessy

HOME | Kalliah | Kalliah Music Facebook | Kalliah Music Twitter | Kalliah Music Instagram

The Night That Dancing Saved My Life

Short story written and read by: Anand Bhatt

Anand Bhatt’s Spotify | Rock Star Recipes TV Show on Amazon | Anand Bhatt’s Facebook | Anand Bhatt’s Twitter | Anand Bhatt’s Instagram

The Garden of Earthly Delights

Short story written and read by: Parker James

Parker James Twitter | Parker James Linkedin

Resources:

S2 EP 11 Good Samaratian Full Epsiode

S2 EP 13 The Night The Dancing Saved My Life

S2 EP 8 The Garden of Earthly Delights

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Welcome to this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Les Bird about his fascinating history as a Marine Police Officer in 1976 during the Hong Kong Handover. Les has now written two books about his 21 years in the Marines and his work in helping Vietnamese refugees arrive safely in Hong Kong following the end of the Vietnam War. He recounts specific memories of rescuing refugees from hired criminals and pirates and details the less than ideal conditions of travel that so many Vietnamese braved in order to make it to Hong Kong. Also hear a short story based on Les’ Marine adventures called, The Dawn of the Southern Boundary, from Anna Marie Evans.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:41] Who are the “Boatpeople” referenced in Les’ book and why were they fleeing to Hong Kong?
[07:25] Why did Hong Kong welcome these refugees when other countries were not as willing and what was Les’ role as a Marine Police Officer?
[10:44] What was Les’ connection with a former soldier in South Vietnam?
[16:23] What was the condition of the refugees as they arrived in Hong Kong?
[19:15] Les recalls memories from his time as an officer and the corruption that he encountered.
[29:45] Short story: The Dawn of the Southern Boundary by Anna Marie Evans

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It’s estimated that starting in 1975, between 1 and 2 million people fled by boat over the next 15 years from Vietnam to Hong Kong.
Following the Vietnam War, Hong Kong became a hub for Vietnamese refugees to find safety and through the United Nations, be relocated to other countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.
Many Vietnamese refugees arrived in Hong Kong in unsuitable conditions as they were crammed by the thousands on boats for four to five weeks with no sanitation and little fresh air or food.

Fiction Credits:

Short story written and read by: Anna Marie Evans

Contact Information: Anna Marie Evans - hkhradio3@gmail.com

BIO:

Born in 1951, Les comes from a military family. His father, grandfather and three uncles all served in the Royal Navy, whilst his mother served as a gunner with the Royal Artillery during World War II. Les was the second from his family to serve in Hong Kong. His father was part of the British Royal Navy force that came to Hong Kong in August 1945 at the end of the Japanese military occupation and subsequently helped in the policing of the territory throughout 1946.

Les Bird joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976 and worked in the Marine Police for 21 years until June 1997.

Bird’s work was diverse – he was a rural inspector of West Lantau and in the early 80s he returned to launch-going duties overseeing the influx of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the years that followed. During his service, Les commanded three of the five Marine divisions and also headed the SBU, the Marine Fast Pursuit Unit combating cross-border smuggling of people, arms, drugs and luxury cars.

After leaving the police in 1997, Les moved into the private sector, working in the security industry across Asia. He is an endurance athlete and has taken part in Ironman events and long-distance triathlons worldwide. He represented Great Britain at the 2009 Ironman World Championship. In 201,1 he swam the English Channel and in 2012, summited Mont Blanc.

In 2020, he spoke to a sold-out audience at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival about his memoir “A Small Band of Men: An Englishman’s Adventures in Hong Kong’s Marine Police.” And at the 2021 Festival, he presented photographs and stories from his second book “Along the Southern Boundary: A Marine Police Officer’s Frontline Account of the Vietnamese Boatpeople and their Arrival in Hong Kong.”

Les Bird Website

Les Bird on Facebook

Les Bird on Twitter

Les Bird on Instagram

Les Bird on LinkedIn

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In this revisited episode of the True Fiction Project, I speak with Diann Wingert, psychotherapist turned business mindset coach and the host of the Driven Woman Podcast.

Why are people so fascinated by Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin, who bilked her way through the New York social scene? As a psychotherapist, Diann was particularly intrigued by her motivation – what drove this seemingly successful young woman to engage in such fraudulent behavior? Interestingly, much of Anna's motivation can be traced back to her childhood. She was always a bright and imaginative child, but she was also drawn to the finer things in life. This combination of factors likely contributed to her later sense of entitlement and her willingness to take whatever she felt she deserved – even if it meant breaking the law.

Tune in as Diann Wingert explains where Anna's personality pathology starts to develop, personality of entrepreneurs vs signs of narcissism, and the real reason audiences like stories where humans are missing morals. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story written by Parker James.

Shifting Weight - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:42] Anna Sorokin's personality and what was really the driving force behind her?
[10:23] Creative people need to go where creative things are happening. For Anna, that was Paris.
[14:00] Diann Wingert explains Anna’s personality pathology starts to develop in New York
[18:40] Someone called Anna a sociopath and she considered it a compliment.
[24:00] Why do we like stories where humans are missing morals?
[31:55] Diann talks about age and maturity
[34:40] The common ambition shaming of women
[38:18] FICTION: Shifting Weight written by Parker James
[40:34] Justin James sauntered into the house
[41:50] I need you to wire me $2,000, please

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Celebrities who came from humble beginnings knew that their hometown was not where they belonged
Most people will continue to live a lifestyle and have very close expectations to what they grew up
The flaw in her psychological makeup is that she didn't have empathy for the people that she was taking advantage of
People are drawn to flawed characters because every one of us has the potential to be arrogant, manipulative, to be an opportunist, to be dishonest. Although we like to watch them fall so we can be reminded that we in fact are not, reassuring us of our own morality
Diann Wingert talks about age and maturity. Does it come as a result of being incarcerated or as she aged and matured
We admire, applaud, support, and encourage ambition in males. But girls are supposed to be modest. We are supposed to accept what is offered to women. But men do. So why is this?

BIO:

Diann Wingert is a psychotherapist turned business mindset coach who serves the growing number of female solopreneurs who struggle with self-employment after successful corporate or nonprofit careers by helping them identify and eliminate the obstacles that hold them back so they can embrace their full potential for success. She is an expert in the mental health challenges of entrepreneurship and how ADHD presents in adult women and entrepreneurs.

LINKS:

Diann Wingert is a psychotherapist turned business mindset coach who serves the growing number of female solopreneurs.

WEBSITE: http://diannwingertcoaching.com/

PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-woman/id1513039926

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/coachdiannwingert/

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/

HXGO - New Delhi Song

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! This week's episode is the finale for season 3 and we have actor, writer, and stand up comedian Shenuque Tissera on the show to celebrate! Shenuque shares his story of how he went from a Doctor of Geography to a Stand Up Comedian. He talks about the expectations his parents had of him after immigrating to the US, and his fear of disappointing them as he faked his graduation and dropped out of graduate school. We hear all about the Art of Killin' It and the other projects he is currently working on. The episode ends with the short story titled, Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik. In this story we follow an aspiring stand up comedian who officially drops out from becoming a Doctor of Geography but still shows up at his graduation to receive a fake diploma to appease his unaware parents.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:57] What is Shenuque’s primary career?
[2:50] Shenuque walks through his college education path.
[11:38] How did Shenuque fake his graduation?
[13:10] Shenuque talks about his start as a stand up comedian.
[14:53] We hear about the Art of Killin' It.
[16:43] How is Quidditch (quadball) actually played?
[22:37] What do Shenuque’s parents think of the decisions he has made with his career?
[23:50] Shenuque tells us about the Twenty Sided Podcast and his character.
[26:36] A short story Faking the Grade by Michael Kobzik.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Follow your heart. Shenuque knew that he wasn’t destined for the graduate school path. Once he followed his heart he was able to find a career that he absolutely loves and is wildly successful at.
Quidditch is a real game that was played at the college level!
You can be more than one thing in life! You don’t have to silo yourself into one career, follow your passions and see where you end up.

Fiction Credits:

Excerpt written by: Michael Kobsik

BIO:

Shenuque Tissera Website

The Twenty Sided Podcast

Shenuque Tissera's Twitter

Shenuque Tissera's Instagram

Shenuque Tissera's TikTok

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! This week is part 2 from our last episode. During this episode, Jenny Brav discusses her relationship with her father and how she incorporated those experiences in her new book. She talks about finding a “dad box” which held information about her father she never knew since he passed away when she was a child. Jenny talks about the connection with her dad box and her character Sarah’s dad box. She goes on to discuss what she found in the dad box and how she is carrying out his dream of writing, by releasing her book, The Unbroken Horizon, on the anniversary of his death. Tune in to hear an excerpt from The Unbroken Horizon when Sarah discovers her dad box and reveals astonishing information and a possible tie to Auschwitz?

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:31] What is a “dad box" and how did finding her dad box tie into her character Sarah finding her dad box?

[6:56] Did finding the dad box lead Jenny to delve into the family lineage on Ancestry.com?

[11:31] Did Jenny move to the bay area because of her father’s life in San Francisco?

[13:51] Jenny shares the details of when her book release and the special reason she chose to release the book on August 15.

[15:37] Jenny reads an excerpt from her book, The Unbroken Horizon.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Getting insight into family after you’ve lost them can heal many wounds. Being able to find connections between your life, utilize tools like Ancestry.com can help you piece together your loved ones history and make connections to extended family.

The Unbroken Horizon, a novel by Jenny Brav is set to be released on the anniversary of her father’s death. This is to pay tribute to him and the fact that his dream of being a writer never came to fruition. She is bringing her fathers dream to life.

Fiction Credits: Excerpt written by: Jenny Brav Excerpt narrated by: Jenny Brav

BIO: Jenny Brav was born and raised in Paris, France, to American parents who instilled in her a love of words, a sensitivity to the human condition, and a passion for travel. She did humanitarian work in Asia and the Middle East before settling in Oakland, California, where she practices holistic healing. In her spare time, she writes poetry, dabbles in vegan cooking, chases waterfalls, and caters to her calico cat’s whims. The Unbroken Horizon, winner of a First Place CIBA award in late historical fiction, is her first novel. It brings together the themes that are close to her heart, especially how we find wholeness within our wounding. [One of her main character's journey to heal from her father's sudden death in her childhood, and her exploration to learn more about that lineage, closely mirror Jenny's own experiences.] Jenny Brav’s Personal Facebook Page Radiant Wholeness Healing Facebook Page Jenny Brav Website Jenny Brav's Twitter

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! This week I am speaking with author Jenny Brav. She will be releasing her first book, The Unbroken Horizon on August 15, 2023. During this episode, Jenny describes the connection between her own life, where she did humanitarian work for a decade, and her two main characters. Jenny also explains how her humanitarian work led her to a path of holistic healing. Finally, Jenny shares an excerpt of her book, The Unbroken Horizon. In this excerpt, Sarah, one of the main characters, describes in detail with her therapist the moment she found her father dead in their home. Tune in for part 2 of this episode as Jenny discusses her relationship with her father and how she incorporated those experiences in her new book.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:20] Jenny describes her work in the humanitarian and holistic health fields. Did her experience impact her character, Sarah, in The Unbroken Horizon?

[5:07] Did Jenny’s relationship with her mother play into either of the main character’s relationships with their mothers?

[9:12] Jenny explains the connection between her holistic health experience and Sarah’s nurse job in the book.

[14:35] Where can listeners get a copy of The Unbroken Horizon and when will it be available?

[16:58] Jenny reads an excerpt from her book The Unbroken Horizon.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Avoiding wounds that you are still holding on to can leave you doing self-sacrificing and playing a supportive role to everyone else’s life rather than being the main character in your life. Once you face those wounds, you will be able to be the main character while helping others, which will fill your cup so much more.

Therapy is a great way to deal with the wounds or tragedy that you have faced in your past. Allow yourself to feel things, ensure your safety now, and face the hard things.

Many characters in fiction books have ties to the author who wrote the book. They may look different, but each other’s experiences often show up in some way in their work.

Fiction Credits: Excerpt written by: Jenny Brav Excerpt narrated by: Jenny Brav

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! This week on the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Gastor Almonte. He is a Comedy Central featured comedian and storyteller from Brooklyn NY. Gastor shares his experience being a first generation immigrant, and what it was like having parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. He shares the benefits he has because of the struggles that they faced coming to America, and how he still ties back everything he does to his roots. Gastor tells a hilarious story about the time he attended the wrong party and how he learned that he was in fact at the neighbors house instead of his aunts. At the end of the episode, we hear the story Brought Together by Bagels about new neighbors who struggle with garbage responsibility, but ultimately come together over their love of bagels.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:28] Gastor introduces himself and talks about his profession.

[3:05] Gastor discusses his debut standup album, Immigrant Made, and why he chose that title.

[5:18] Why Gastor thinks immigrant stories are the best American stories.

[9:00] Is there a big difference between an immigrant and a 1st generation child?

[13:48] Gastor shares a hilarious story about a party he attended that he wasn’t really supposed to be at.

[23:27] What is The Story Collider?

[25:48] The short story, Brought Together by Bagels, written by Gastor Almonte and narrated by Kristen Udowitz.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Immigrant stories are the best American stories because their world view was different, the things they had to go after were different. Many of the kids of immigrants are artists, and the work that they put in first drove the direction of their families in America.

As a 1st generation American, the challenges are a lot less than what immigrant parents had to go through. Their stakes were much higher and 1st generation children are automatically granted many opportunities that immigrants weren’t.

Taking opportunities to meet people and get to know them can turn into great stories as well as bonus friendships that we wouldn’t otherwise have! Take the time to talk to someone new.

Fiction Credits: Short story written by: Gastor Almonte Short story narrated by: Kristen Udowitz

BIO: Gastor Almonte is a comedian and storyteller from Brooklyn, NY (East New York specifically.) He has twice appeared on Comedy Central’s This Is Not Happen, Comedy Central’s Featuring, Vice Live, and the PBS featured Stories From The Stage. His appearance on Stories From The Stage won the 2020 Webby People’s Voice award for Best Individual Performance. Timeout Magazine named him “One of your new comedy obsessions.” His debut album, Immigrant Made, debut at #1 on the iTunes Comedy, Google Play Comedy and Amazon Music Comedy charts. His self-funded independent special, “Immigrant Made”, can be seen on Amazon Prime. He is a producer and board member of the science-storytelling non-profit Story Collider. He is also the producer and co-host of the topical news comedy podcast, The War Report, with co-host Shalewa Sharpe. Currently, Gastor can be seen touring the country and workshoping his one-man show, The Sugar. Gastor Almonte's Website The War Report Podcast Gastor Almonte's Facebook Gastor Almonte Twitter Gastor Almonte Instagram Story Collider Website

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! On today’s episode we have award-winning writer, teacher, actress, director and producer, Denise Frisino. Denise is currently writing the third book of The Orchid Trilogy which is a series of books sharing stories of wartime fiction. In this episode, she shares what inspired her to write her books and describes the strong women characters that have arisen from her research. Denise tells us about the interviews that she did with WWII heroes and the miracles that fell into place during her research for the books. Denise then reads an excerpt from her book Orchids of War about Billi O’Shaughnessy, a young caucasian woman fluent in Japanese that would be selected to help the US uncover the Nippon spies.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:11] Denise tells us about The Orchid Trilogy

[4:40] Denise talks about the contribution of all in the war.

[7:21] Where did the strong women characters come from in Denise’s stories?

[8:32] How involved was her father in the stories she has written?

[11:05] What were the miracles that happened while writing her books?

[15:20] Denise talks about her time working with Robin Williams.

[17:06] Denise gives us a summary of Orchids of War.

[17:50] How is the 3rd book of the Trilogy going?

[21:50] Denise reads an excerpt from her book Orchids of War.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A profitable business during the wars was taking fat from the meat that was cut off and having it melted down for bullets.

Everyone contributed during WWII, whether they were wrapping bandages, doing whatever they could on the home front as well as working overseas. This included being a nurse, cook, providing clothing, etc.

Many veterans never tell their stories because they are worried about the impact it would have on their families. The work that Denise is doing allows them to share their story privately while giving her the opportunity to create a fiction piece out of these truths.

Fiction Credits: Short story written by: Denise Frisino Short story narrated by: Denise Frisino

BIO: A Seattle native, Denise Frisino, is an award-winning writer, teacher, actress, director, and producer. Whiskey Cove, her first novel, a fast-paced who done it, centers around Prohibition in the Northwest. Next came Orchids of War and Storms From A Clear Sky, both finalists in numerous national competitions, including 1st place for the Hemingway Book Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction. When researching for these historical fictions, Denise spent over 10 years interviewing 50 men and women from the WWII era. She weaves the experiences of those she interviewed into her story about Japanese espionage along the West Coast prior to WWII, then follows the same characters throughout the war. She is currently working on the last book in the Orchids Trilogy and the movie script for Whiskey Cove Her blogs and YouTube channel contain some of the WWII veteran interviews and she has just launched a new web www.wwiiinterviews.com. Denise has stood atop 5 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, lived aboard one of the old Mosquito Fleet boats on Lake Union, and drank scotch with Katharine Hepburn. She enjoys being on the water and loves her rowboat. Denise and her husband continue to enjoy the many facets of the Pacific Northwest. WWII Interviews Denise Frisino's Website Denise Frisino's Facebook Denise Frisino's Instagram Storms From A Clear Sky Book Link Orchids of War Book Link Whiskey Cove Book Link

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! On today’s episode, I am joined by Bobby Singh Bansal. He is a British born historian, author, documentary filmmaker who has a focus on the history of the Sikh community and their relations over the generations with the British. Bobby is so passionate about carrying on the traditions and culture of the Punjab, as the history is a mystery for many. Bobby discusses his book, The Punjab Chiefs, and shares a story that stood out the most to him during his research. At the end of the episode, we hear a short story titled Solace in Our Roots, written by Trent Davis and narrated by Kristen Udowitz. In this story we follow a young British born Sikh girl who is lost and confused about her Sikh heritage until a friendly stranger decides to educate her about the Sikh culture and religion.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:23] What does Bobby Singh Bansal’s work focus on?

[4:20] What happened in 1984 in India?

[6:35] What is the book Punjab Chiefs about?

[13:30] Bobby Bansal shares one story that stood out to him during his Punjab research.

[20:30] Why was the Maharaja Ranjit Singh so powerful? Why couldn't the British penetrate it?

[24:37] What is the difference between religious and political groups working together vs. apart?

[27:34] A short story, Solace in Our Roots, written by Trent Davis and voiced by Kristen Udowtiz

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In 1984 in India, a radical group of Sikhs entered the Golden Temple and took shelter there. The Indian government sent in an army and completely destroyed the temple while killing many people across a span of 3-4 days.

The Maharaja were incredibly generous and kind. They gave out incredible relics and gifts and were so welcoming to all.

So much history from the Punjab has been lost along the way, where many people don’t realize their heritage or culture. There is so much to learn there. Bobby Singh Bansal’s book illustrates pictures and stories of many families in order to carry on their legacy.

Fiction Credits: Short story written by: Trent Davis Short story narrated by: Kristen Udowitz

BIO: Bobby Singh Bansal is a British-born Sikh historian, writer and filmmaker. His interest in Sikh Heritage and Culture has allowed him to interact with the Sikh diaspora all over the world. He has attended major International Sikh and Indian conferences and has given numerous lectures on the theme of Sikh Heritage and History. A passionate advocate of promoting Sikh Heritage and Culture on a global scale, especially in Pakistan, in 2003 he became President of the Sarkar Khalsa Foundation, and has worked on the restoration of the tomb of Maharaja Sher Singh in Lahore. Abstract: An important facet of Sikh history is the presence of several monuments and other architectural structures in the parts of Punjab that are in modern-day Pakistan. The SK Foundation has been working to create awareness about the need for the preservation of these structures. This presentation deals with one such initiative that aims to enhance the Sikh legacy in the area. The Punjab Chiefs by Bobby Singh Bansal

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Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! Today I have Ann Bancroft with me on the show, one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Ann was the first woman to participate in and successfully finish expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. She shares her journey to becoming an explorer and how she followed her passion to find her purpose in life. Ann recalls some wonderful stories about her experience traveling across both North and South Poles and what she learned about life along the way. At the end of the episode, listen to a short story written by Parker James about a woman who takes her life in her hands and embarks on a dangerous expedition in the Swiss Alps named, The Haul Bag.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:36] Ann tells us about her travels across the Antarctic.

[3:23] How did Ann’s desire to explore and travel come about?

[5:30] What drove Ann’s desire to explore the poles? What was Ann’s purpose for those trips?

[8:30] What did being the first woman at the top of the world feel like? What did it awake inside of Ann?

[10:22] What does Ann learn and teach about while out on expeditions?

[14:22] Ann tells us a story that puts her expeditions and experience into context.

[21:11] A short story, The Haul Bag, written and read by Parker James.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Following your passion and purpose allows you to discover what’s out there and there is the potential of falling into living by design.

Stories draw us together as humans, the common elements to our story will bring stories back from others and we can receive that connection.

The journey’s we take in life are about no one other than ourselves. So much self discovery can come from the experience. Added bonus when you come back from the life changing experience and can share the story and learnings with others.

Fiction Credits: Short story written and read by: Parker James

BIO: Ann Bancroft is one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator, sought-after speaker and philanthropist, Ann believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams. Ann's teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Ann worldwide recognition as one of today's most influential role models for women and girls. She has been named among Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001); featured in the book Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century (1998); inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1995); named Ms. magazine's "Woman of the Year" (1987); and honored with numerous other awards for her accomplishments. Ann Bancroft Foundation Bancroft Arnesen Explore Website Bancroft Arnesen Explore Facebook

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Beth Hennessy, Fiction Author & Singer/Songwriter in the music group, Kalliah. Beth tells us the story of the cult she grew up in and her family’s experience there. She discusses the rules and reasons for a cult and how her family became a part of it. Beth then shares what led her family to leave the cult and what life on the other side was like. She talks a little about her experience trying to create new beliefs that relate more to herself than the beliefs she was ingrained with during her time in the cult. Then, we hear a poem inspired by Beth’s experiences in the cult. A Good Samaritan is written and voiced by Beth Hennessy. IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:07] What about Beth’s past inspired her new book?

[4:33] What is a cult, and how does it work?

[6:21] Why do cults decide to live their way of life?

[9:39] Why are people eager to please the cult's leader?

[14:07] What led Beth’s family to leave the cult?

[17:56] What was it like in the outside world with the cult's beliefs?

[20:53] Where is this cult, and does it still exist?

[24:30] A poem, A Good Samaritan, written and voiced by Beth Hennessy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Your past does not have to be your future.

Learning to tune in to your beliefs as you grow older and determining if the beliefs you grew up with resonate with you are essential to uncovering who you are.

Many things can happen under our noses that we overlook. Open your eyes around you, see what others are going through, and be kind, as you don’t know what the person next to you is experiencing.

Fiction Credits: A poem written and read by: Beth Hennessy

BIO: Beth Hennessy is a multifaceted creative with an unusual beginning. Now a fiction author, songwriter, singer, and visual artist; she can still remember a time when being her most vibrant and free self, wasn’t encouraged. She grew up in a closed community where TV, movies, and music with drums were prohibited. But this didn’t stop her from imagining stories for her little sister’s entertainment, drawing elaborate pictures, and sneaking into the neighbor’s house to play the piano. Her upbringing only fuels her truth. “Our past does not have to be our future. Our minds belong to no one else. They are our own. They are our freedom.” HOME | Kalliah Kalliah Music Facebook Kalliah Music Twitter Kalliah Music Instagram

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Keren Eldad, personal/business coach and TedTalk speaker. Keren starts the episode by telling us about her rocky transition from a “princess” life to military life. Next, she discusses what a coach is and how they differ from a therapist or teacher. She gives us some incredible insights into mindset shifts and how “hustle culture” is damaging to ourselves. Keren encourages taking control of our own lives and to push ourselves to discover our values and live to those values. At the end of the episode, we hear the short story titled Spec Ops for the Princess, written by Parker James.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:30] Keren Eldad discusses her military experience.

[6:15] How did the early days shape who Keren is today?

[7:20] How did Keren get into the coaching industry?

[10:50] What is the difference between a coach, therapist, and teacher?

[13:38] What are “princessy values,” and do they have a purpose?

[16:24] Do big companies like Nike, Este Lauder, etc. need “saving?”

[17:52] What is the superstar paradox?

[20:44] How does one stop him or herself from becoming an “overachiever?”

[23:02] What was it like being mentored by Olympia Dukakis?

[27:23] Short story Spec Ops for the Princess by Parker James

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Superficial things will not build our character. Those things will not bring you any happiness. Focus on your values and live your life towards those values - that is what will fill your life with joy and happiness.

Everybody could use clarity, ease, and tools to feel like they are in the driver's seat of their own life. This is what a coach helps you with. They uncover beliefs and where the views came from and help you choose a new set of beliefs to reach your goals.

When you’re in survival mode, you are in a completely different mode. You are twice as likely to be depressed or anxious the higher your income and achievement levels are. Your focus is on the things that don’t bring you joy and experiences in your life.

Fiction Credits: Short story written and read by: Parker James

BIO: Coach Keren Eldad (PCC) is a transformational coach, speaker/ TEDx speaker, and trainer who has coached professionals and entrepreneurs on business goal achievements as well as personal development goals such as self-awareness, self-acceptance, vulnerability, and empathy to overcome overwhelm, stress and their adverse effects in life and work. Live with Enthusiasm Facebook Coached with Coach Keren Podcast Kenen Eldad’s Website Keren Eldad’s Instagram Keren Eldad’s TED Talk - You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind: Try it today by going to https://www.magicmind.co/tfp and use my code "TFP20" for 20% off all orders or for a limited time 40% off a subscription.

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. Today we are joined by award-winning playwright and actor, Ellen McLaughlin. Ellen joins me to discuss her many pieces of work throughout her career and the project she just completed with the Play On Podcasts series. She describes the incredible experiences of being around someone while they encounter extraordinary joy and the impact of that on individuals. Ellen talks about the connection she believes all artists should have to their work. At the end of the episode, we get the pleasure of listening to Ellen’s short story titled Witness to the Joy of Strangers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:11] Introducing Ellen McLaughlin and her work with Play On Podcasts.

[6:52] What about the Shakespeare play Ellen worked on that resonated with her?

[13:05] When Ellen is creating her art, is she always thinking about a real-life moment or is it happenstance?

[17:45] Ellen gives us an insight into her short story.

[22:07] Short Story Witness to the Joy of Strangers by Ellen McLaughlin

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

People need to recognize that they are privileged to be a bystander and to witness a revelation that one has when they discover their passion. To take in their joy even without necessarily being a part of it is a memorable experience.

Someone cannot make something worthwhile unless they have something on the line. If the story means something to them, you can feel the passion in the piece. Without it being worthwhile to them, it risks falling flat.

A person will work harder and be more involved in a project if they have passion behind it. If there is no passion, choose a different project that will showcase the passion for the work.

Fiction Credits: Short story written and read by: Ellen McLaughlin

BIO: Ellen McLaughlin's plays have received numerous national and international productions. They include Days and Nights Within, A Narrow Bed, Infinity's House, Iphigenia, and Other Daughters, Tongue of a Bird, The Trojan Women, Helen, The Persians, Oedipus, Ajax in Iraq, Kissing the Floor, Septimus and Clarissa, and Penelope. Producers include: the Public Theater, The National Actors' Theater and New York Theater Workshop in NYC, Actors' Theater of Louisville, The Actors' Gang L.A., Classic Stage Co., N.Y., The Intiman Theater, Seattle, Almeida Theater, London, The Mark Taper Forum, L.A., The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Getty Villa, California., and The Guthrie Theater, Minnesota, among other venues. Grants and awards include Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, Great American Play Contest, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the NEA, the Writer's Award from the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, the Berilla Kerr Award for playwriting. T.C.G./Fox Residency Grant -- for Ajax in Iraq, written for the A.R.T. Institute. She has taught playwriting at Barnard College since 1995. Other teaching posts include Breadloaf School of English, Yale Drama School, and Princeton University, among others. Ms. McLaughlin is also an actor. She is most well known for having originated the part of the Angel in Tony Kushner's Angels in America, appearing in every U.S. production from its earliest workshops through its Broadway run. Ellen McLaughlin Website Ellen McLaughlin Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind: Try it today by going to https://www.magicmind.co/tfp and use my code "TFP20" for 20% off all orders or for a limited time 40% off a subscription.

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In today’s episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, I’m speaking with actor and activist, Tramell Tillman. Tramell and I laugh about his least favorite job as an abstinence educator of middle and high school students and how he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. We chat about the success of his latest project on the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series, Severance. He shares his process for building the complex character of Seth Milchick and his experience working with director Ben Stiller. Listen in as we chat about activism, arts, and abstinence! Also, hear a short story titled The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] Tramell’s least favorite job as abstinence educator in Mississippi

[13:30] Tramell’s role in the TV show, Severance

[16:08] The challenge of becoming character, Seth Milchick and what Ben Stiller is like as a director

[20:00] The evolution of Milchick and how he differs from the original intent

[23:55] Future projects and philanthropic work for Tramell Tillman

[31:14] Short Story: The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

One of Tramell’s first and least favorite jobs was as an abstinence educator for middle and high school students in Mississippi. At the time, Mississippi had a high rate of STDs and pregnancy. Tramell shares how it was one of the worst jobs he ever had and one that he was terrible at doing.

For the role of Seth Milchick, Tramell has developed a very specific process using meditation and exercise to get into character.

Philanthropic work is very important to Tramell and he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. It was something that was ingrained in him through his grandparents and parents from an early age.

Fiction Credits: Short story written by: Parker James Short story read by: —David: Arya Hora —Michael: Parker James —Zipporah: Reenita Hora BIO: February 18th, 2022, Tramell Tillman starred in the Apple TV+ brand new psychological thriller series Severance, starring Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Britt Lower; with director and executive producer Ben Stiller at the helm. Serving as a series regular on a top-billed show such as this comes with an incredible artistic history. Tillman has graced the screen and stage for over 20 years. The classically trained actor is no stranger to the classics. This spring you can hear Tillman voice the role of Edmund, in Shakespeare’s King Lear, as part of the Play on Podcast Series. In the summer he will return to the series voicing the role of Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night. In his spare time Tillman works in local communities supporting causes of arts advocacy, mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and causes focusing on persons of color. He has served as guest lecturer for theater programs at both Jackson State, in Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee. He is a singer, dancer, activist, and confidant; but most of all he is an artist committed to giving voice to the voiceless. He believes in the transformative power of the arts. In his opinion it’s one of the purest channels into preserving and enhancing all of humanity. Tramell Tillman on Facebook Tramell Tillman on Twitter Tramell Tillman on Instagram Tramell Tillman Website American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The Creative Coalition - The Creative Coalition Creative Coalition Home - Children's Defense Fund Housing is Healthcare New Alternatives | LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth | New York City University of Tennessee Theatre Department JSU Development – Jackson State University Teach for America

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Kevin Lowe as he tells us about his journey through finding out he had a brain tumor and how his life changed after surgery left him blind. He tells us about the impact that his tumor and blindness had not only on himself but also on those around him. Kevin has turned the unthinkable into an inspiring career where he shares his story at schools, on his podcast, and through life coaching. He is such a light in this world and has dedicated so much time to sharing his struggles and journey with others so they can see and feel that they are not alone. At the end of the episode, listen to Kevin’s story transform into a fiction short story titled “Good-Bye Bob,” written by Anjalika Sharma.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:33] Kevin’s history with a brain tumor.

[9:06] What was Kevin’s reaction when he woke up from his surgery, and how did they find out he was blind?

[12:24] Did Kevin always have strong faith, or did it come after his surgery experience?

[15:24] How did Kevin’s mom take this experience? What did she do?

[18:25] What emotional struggles has Kevin run into during these past 18 years?

[20:36] What led Kevin to create his podcast - The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe?

[27:36] Short Story: Good-Bye Bob by Anjalika Sharma

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Traumatic experiences like this affect the person in the center (who it is happening to), but it also impacts all those around them. Parents, siblings, family, friends, and doctors are also affected.

You never know who you might impact by sharing your story. So many people are struggling, and many can relate to your story, and you can help them work through their situation.

Live life to the fullest today, and let those around you know how much you love and care about them. Don’t take life for granted, as you never know what will happen. Enjoy the mundane moments of your life and make them magical.

Fiction Credits: Short story written and read by: Anjalika Sharma BIO: Kevin Lowe believes everything in this life happens for a reason, and a good reason at that. And this is true, even after losing his ability to see. Fueled by a strong desire to ignite a sense of hope and optimism into the world, Kevin sets out to inspire others to not give up on life, even when it seems like life has given up on them. At just 17 years old, Kevin was left completely blind. Ever since waking to find a world gone dark, Kevin has been inspiring and encouraging people of all walks of life by sharing his own story of rediscovering light, even in the midst of the dark. Today, Kevin continues to spread this same sense of inspiration and encouragement as a Life Coach and host of his podcast, The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe.

The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe Website The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe Apple Podcast Link Kevin Lowe Coaching Facebook Page

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Welcome to this week’s True Fiction Project Podcast. I have the privilege of speaking with Les Bird about his fascinating history as a Marine Police Officer in 1976 during the Hong Kong Handover. Les has now written two books about his 21 years in the Marines and his work in helping Vietnamese refugees arrive safely in Hong Kong following the end of the Vietnam War. He recounts specific memories of rescuing refugees from hired criminals and pirates and details the less than ideal conditions of travel that so many Vietnamese braved in order to make it to Hong Kong. Also hear a short story based on Les’ Marine adventures called “The Dawn of the Southern Boundary” from Annemarie Evans. IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] Who are the “Boatpeople” referenced in Les’ book and why were they fleeing to Hong Kong?

[06:31] Why did Hong Kong welcome these refugees when other countries were not as willing and what was Les’ role as a Marine Police Officer?

[09:20] What was Les’ connection with a former soldier in South Vietnam?

[14:23] What was the condition of the refugees as they arrived in Hong Kong?

[17:41] Les recalls memories from his time as an officer and the corruption that he encountered.

[25:53] Short story: “The Don of the Southern Boundary” by Annemarie Evans

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It’s estimated that starting in 1975, between 1 and 2 million people fled by boat over the next 15 years from Vietnam to Hong Kong.

Following the Vietnam War, Hong Kong became a hub for Vietnamese refugees to find safety and through the United Nations, be relocated to other countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.

Many Vietnamese refugees arrived in Hong Kong in unsuitable conditions as they were crammed by the thousands on boats for four to five weeks with no sanitation and little fresh air or food.

Fiction Credits: Short story written and read by: Annemarie Evans Contact Information: Annemarie Evans - Annemarie's email

BIO: Born in 1951, Les comes from a military family. His father, grandfather and three uncles all served in the British Royal Navy, whilst his mother served as a gunner with the Royal Artillery during World War II. Les was the second from his family to serve in Hong Kong. His father was part of the Royal Navy force that came to Hong Kong in August, 1945, at the end of the Japanese military occupation and subsequently helped in the policing of the territory throughout 1946. Les Bird joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1976 and worked in the Marine Police for 21 years until June, 1997. Bird’s work was diverse – he was a rural inspector of West Lantau, and in the early 80s he returned to launch-going duties overseeing the influx of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees in the years that followed. During his service, Les commanded three of the five Marine divisions and also headed the SBU, the Marine Fast Pursuit Unit combating cross-border smuggling of people, arms, drugs and luxury cars. After leaving the police in 1997, Les moved into the private sector, working in the security industry across Asia. He is an endurance athlete and has taken part in Ironman events and long-distance triathlons worldwide. He represented Great Britain at the 2009 Ironman World Championship. In 2011, he swam the English Channel and in 2012, summited Mont Blanc. In 2020, he spoke to a sold-out audience at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival about his memoir A Small Band of Men: An Englishman’s Adventures in Hong Kong’s Marine Police. At the 2021 Festival, he presented photographs and stories from his second book Along the Southern Boundary: A Marine Police Officer’s Frontline Account of the Vietnamese Boatpeople and their Arrival in Hong Kong.

Les Bird Website Les Bird on Facebook Les Bird on Twitter Les Bird on LinkedIn

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We're going to shake things up by bringing on a guest host today! I’m excited to have Traci DeForge back on the podcast as we talk about my new novel, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man. I also invited my publisher, Dr. Morissa Schwartz, to join the conversation. Dr. Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC, and was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list. We talk about current trends in publishing and how Dr. Schwartz is making strides to increase diversity and representation among writers. We discuss the power of strong female characters and cultural representation in modern fiction and later in the episode, I share a short excerpt from my new book, Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:55] Dr. Schwartz’s journey into publishing from a career in BioSciences

[08:52] Operation Mom and GenZ Publishing’s partnership and how Operation Mom connects with American young adult audiences

[12:58] Representation of strong female characters and diverse cultural backgrounds

[20:25] Diversity in publishing and GenZ’s commitment to storytelling for young adults

[26:10] Future plans and dreams for Operation Mom

[32:51] Book excerpt: Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man written and read by Reenita Hora

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Podcast listenership for comedy podcasts and narrative fiction podcasts grew exponentially during and since the pandemic.

Over 60% of books are still published by men over the age of 45 – and most publishers are white men. GenZ Publishing is making strides to change this statistic by publishing more diverse writers.

Representation and cultural diversity is so important in modern fiction. Not only does Operation Mom give readers a strong female lead, it also represents a cultural experience located outside of the U.S.

Fiction Credits: An excerpt from Operation Mom - My Plan to Get My Mother a Life and a Man, written and read by: Reenita Hora

https://www.facebook.com/ReenitaMalhotraHora https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenita/ @reenymal https://www.amazon.com/s?k=978-1958503096&crid=RKKB1RHM5FT8&sprefix=978-1958503096%2Caps%2C111&ref=nb_s

BIO: Dr. Morissa Schwartz is one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media for 2022. Dr. Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Rissy’s Writing & Marketing and GenZ Publishing, LLC. Dr.RissysWriting.com is a marketing and writing company ranked #1 in PR and in the top ten in Social Media and SEO for New York and New Jersey on Thumbtack. GenZ Publishing is a publishing company that has produced 15 Amazon bestsellers. Dr. Rissy has been featured on Forbes, MTV, and is a bestselling author herself. She speaks professionally about inspiring others through words and entrepreneurship and was named the “Voice of Generation Z” by Community magazine. Dr. Rissy is a contributor for Entrepreneur magazine. She holds a doctorate in Literature from Drew University and has a Master’s in Communications.

Dr. Morissa Schwartz on Facebook Dr. Morissa Schwartz on LinkedIn

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Today, we have a very special show because we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Independent India, which fell on August 15th. Our special guest is Shukla Lal, a writer based in New Delhi, who has recently written a book detailing her personal experience from the partition that led to India’s Independence. We hear the amazing story of her father’s incredible escape in the midst of the violence and mayhem of the partition. Later in the episode, Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar, reads an excerpt from Shukla’s book, Rano and Phulo.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:50] Shukla and her new book on the 75th Anniversary of the Partition of India are introduced.

[05:39] We hear about Shukla’s family’s experience before the partition and how her father escaped.

[11:45] We learn how her true events are interwoven into her short story.

[14:30] We explore how Shukla’s story captures an India frozen in time.

[18:50] Has India grown into the identity it desired after the partition?

[21:16] We hear about the future of India and more about Shukla’s written work.

[24:57] Short Story: Written by Shukla Lal, and read by Shukla’s daughter, Sonia Kullar.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Shukla and her family left for Shimla on holiday, never believing that they would not return to their home due to rising political and religious tensions, now known as the partition of India. Her book is based on her family’s experience during this time.

Following the partition, there was a renewed sense of nationalism and patriotism. It was also a time where women were leading out in entrepreneurship and contributing as business women.

India continues to rise and be recognized for its culture and ethics. Since the 60s and 70s it has grown from being a developing and poor nation to being a globally recognized and self-respecting nation.

Fiction Credits: Short story taken from a book written by Shukla Lal, Rano and Phulo Shukla Lal's website Shukla Lal's Facebook Link for further research

Sonia Kullar, reading from Shukla Lal’s novel, Rano & Phulo Sonia's email

BIO: Shukla Lal was born in Amritsar. As a child, she imbibed the beauty and diversity of this beautiful land – India, as her family moved from Amritsar, Lahore, Shimla, to the Central and Southern cities of Madras (now Chennai), Nagpur and Hyderabad and eventually found their anchor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early-1950s. Over 40 years later, she moved to New Delhi to retire. Since catching the literary bug on her 80th birthday, Shukla has written two historical romance sagas, Floating Logs set in Kolkata (published by Notion Press in December 2019), and Rano and Phulo set in Undivided and then partitioned India (published by Goya Publishing in March, 2019), and a collection of poems, Meri Nazmon ka Ehsaas (soon to be published) all captured gamely on her iPad Notes App. She has finished the first draft of her third historical novel, Soul’s Rapture, a mystical romance set in Lahore and Mumbai. She has also written several short stories. She was invited to write for the Chandigarh Tribune, and has been interviewed for the Reader’s Digest, the Times of India, the Telegraph (Kolkata), and www.womensweb.com. Her deep spiritual practice and sense of wonder for the beauty of the world around her find expression in her storytelling. Her own lived experience adds luster and authenticity to her stories. Joyful wit and multilingual expressiveness is a family trait she inherited from her parents and shares with her accomplished siblings. Her choice of stories and writing style could best be understood from her own words “I am a romantic and an idealist by nature and find true romance scattered everywhere irrespective of class, creed, religion, nationality or age”. Shukla Lal Website Shukla Lal on Facebook (personal) Shukla Lal on Facebook (business) Shukla Lal on Instagram Good Reads - Shukla Lal If you would like to purchase any of Shukla Lal’s books, follow these links:: Amazon India Flipkart

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I’m delighted to be speaking with fellow podcast host, Julia Karol, who is the creator of Stork’d, the podcast where she highlights the unique ways in which people come together and find family. The growth of the podcast has paralleled her own personal journey of discovering what family truly means, no matter what shape it takes. You’ll find inspiration as you hear Julia’s beautiful story about heartbreak, healing, love, and her decision to become a single mom in her 40s. Later in the episode, we hear “Ro’s Journey of Love,” a short story inspired by Julia’s journey, and written by Priya Sharma Shaikh. IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:20] What is the meaning of traditional family and love

[3:27] The premise behind Julia’s podcast, Stork’d

[03:43] A traditional upbringing and choosing an untraditional path towards family

[07:33] Healing after a break up in her 30s and the decision to freeze her eggs

[14:06] A life changing trip to Peru and the next phase of family building

[17:50 Julia’s path down the fertility journey

[22:05] Short story: “Ro’s Journey of Love” by Priya Sharma Shaikh

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Having a family and experiencing the love and joy it brings, no matter in which way or shape it comes, is more important than trying to conform to what a traditional family looks like.

Additional family building options like adoption, IUI, or egg freezing are becoming more culturally accepted and available through advances in science. However, even with these options, it is still a backup plan and you have to remember that no plan is perfect.

Stork’d podcast started from Julia’s interest in how people create amazing families in unique ways. It has grown as a space to help normalize the different paths that people can take to find love and family.

Fiction Credits: “Ro’s Journey of Love,” a short story written and read by Priya Sharma Shaikh

Voice Over by: Priya Sharma Shaikh Contact Information: priyasharmashaikh@gmail.com Twitter: @piyushaikh Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyasharmashaikh/recent-activity/posts/ BIO: Julia Karol is a mom, creative leader, warm friend, animal lover, and champion of alternative families. When she is not hosting Stork'd, Julia runs a private investment firm which acquires, operates, and improves businesses at a crossroads. She loves supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Passionate about social change, Julia also supports a number of non-profit organizations. Outside of work, Julia's passions include hiking, skiing, yoga, and reading. She lives in Boston, MA, with her dog and infant son.

Stork'd Podcast Website Stork'd Podcast on Facebook Stork'd Podcast on Instagram Stork'd Podcast on Pinterest

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within the interview reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest. The short fiction story reflects the creativity of the writer. The contents of this podcast do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. True Fiction Project Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions, beliefs or opinions of the guests taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

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Today, I’m talking with Chrysta Bilton about her new book and the discovery of her 35 (and counting) siblings! Chrysta is an American author who lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and two children. Chrysta’s new memoir, Normal Family, details her nontraditional upbringing and how her father was one of the most prolific sperm donors of the California cryobank in the 80s. Listen in as Chrysta talks about family reunions, nature versus nurture, and how we can learn and grow from our parents’ trauma. Also hear a short story based on Chrysta’s life from Michael Kobzik. IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:02] Chrysta’s discovery of her many siblings

[08:15] Chrysta’s upbringing and meeting and building relationships with her half-siblings

[13:29] Family reunion and interviewing her family for her book

[18:45] Writing prompt and further discussion about her book, Normal Family

[20:16] Short story: “Cut from the Same Cloth”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Sperm donation was and continues to be unregulated.

Normal Family is an effort to try to understand our parents' traumas as a way to gain acceptance of their choices. This often informs the way in which we structure our own families and how we break free from generational issues.

Fiction Credits: Short story written by: Michael Kobzik

Voice Over by: Regina Williams BIO: Chrysta Bilton is an American author who lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and two children. Normal Family is her first book. Chrysta Bilton Website Chrysta Bilton on LinkedIn Chrysta Bilton on Instagram Chrysta Bilton on Twitter

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In today’s episode, Barbara Majeski joins us to talk about how she improved her life and started chasing her dreams amidst life challenges. Barbara is a lifestyle expert and “Curator of the Good Life” where she helps others live life with purpose, style and adventure. We talk about her childhood, divorce, fight with colon cancer, and how she has come to be the person that she is today. Barbara has great tips and insights on pushing through mindset to conquer your purpose with the limited amount of time that we have on Earth. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story by Gary Krivtsov about a girl who meets a fairy who can help her sick mother. IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:25] Introduction to Barbara Majeski - Living life with purpose, style, and adventure

[3:04] Does Barbara think we live life without purpose? Her story while battling cancer.

[7:10] How did her younger brother Steven give her purpose?

[11:20] What pushed her forward during her fight with colon cancer?

[14:30] How did she pick this lifestyle business and reinvent herself?

[20:30] For women who want to emulate the life of Barbara, how do they do that to achieve a dream that is similar to hers?

[28:51] Fiction Story: “The Price of Magic” by Gary Krivtsov

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

We only have one life, so figuring out our purpose makes life so much more powerful. Living through our purpose, style, and adventure is the way to approach life.

When you are ready to tackle something new in life, get information and learning from the experts, the people who have gone through it. Request first-hand reference, don’t take advice from people who are struggling with the thing you are wanting to learn about (money, business, health, etc.)

Change your mind, change your life, that's Barbara’s jam. Having your mental game strong is the only way that you will see shifts in your life.

Fiction Credits: “The Price of Magic”

A short story written and narrated by: Gary Krivtsov BIO: Barbara Majeski is dedicated to living life with purpose and approaching all aspects of living with confidence. After recovering from her divorce and Stage III cancer, the “Curator of the Good Life” was born. Barbara is a TV personality that loves sharing her tips and tricks. She has made frequent appearances on The TODAY Show, Good Day NY, New York Live and the Nick Cannon Show. Barbara is also a mother of three and resides in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2015 Barbara simultaneously entered a divorce and was handed a diagnosis of Stage III cancer. While in the midst of treatment she vowed that if she beat cancer and got another shot at life, she would live bigger, better and bolder with true purpose, meaning and intent. Barbara has taken her life lessons and created the 14-Day Accountability plan that sets the groundwork for crushing lofty goals and teaches you consistency, and habits and rituals that will last a lifetime. Once you take that first step and begin creating real change, you will begin living your life. Barbara Majeski’s Website Barbara Majeski’s Instagram Barbara Majeski’s Facebook Barbara Majeski’s TikTok

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In today’s episode, Heather Vickery is here to talk about her life journey from fear-based to limitless! Heather is an award-winning business owner, global leader, entrepreneur, and published author. We talk about embracing fear and the unhelpful and unrealistic pursuit of being fearless. Heather shares her story of coming out at the age of 38 and how she rebuilt her life by taking risks and manifestation. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story by Michael Kobzik about a woman who takes a chance and a brave step toward her dream.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:15] Why authenticity matters
[04:30] Heather’s coming out experience at the age of 38
[10:50] Fear and bravery
[18:29] Heather’s latest book on bravery: Fck Fearless*
[23:34] The Brave Files Podcast and Heather’s fictional writing prompt
[29:08] Fiction Story: “Janet Blue” by Michael Kobzik

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Authenticity is an important part for building the life you truly want. But being authentic and being vulnerable don’t mean turning yourself inside out for people to pick you apart.
There is no such thing as being fearless. Fear is a part of life. Fear is actually here for us. It either owns us or empowers us and we gain our power when we're honest about our fear, surrender to it, and learn from it.
Manifestation is different than just relying on luck. It comes from declaring something and then changing it. Sometimes it's blind luck, but usually we make choices. We embrace, we show up, we walk through the door, and we start the conversation.

Fiction Credits:

Fiction piece narrated by: Regina Williams - https://www.fiverr.com/raejanae

Fiction piece written by: Michael Kobzik

BIO:

Heather Vickery is an award-winning business owner and global leader with over 20 years as an entrepreneur. She leverages her entrepreneurial skills and expertise to coach individuals towards greater personal and professional fulfillment by helping them leverage their fear into intentional bravery. Heather says,“When we choose bravely, on purpose, we choose bigger, win successes, and it’s contagious.” A celebrated public speaker, Heather inspires audiences and provides attendees with the tools they need to live bold and successful lives on their own terms. Heather is a single mom of four (all girls!) who left a decade-long marriage and came out (yes, of the closet) personally and professionally. She’s on a mission to create a global “everyday brave” revolution.

She’s the author of FCK FEARLESS: Making The Brave Leap, Gratitude Journal: Shift Your Focus, and Grow Grateful: A Gratitude Journal for Kids and Families. Heather is also the host and executive producer of The Brave Files, a top 1.5% global podcast, and Co-host and producer of Was It Chance?* podcast (released in November, 2021).

When Heather’s not coaching, podcasting, volunteering, or hanging out with her family, you’ll probably find her reading, at the theater, on a long walk with a good friend, or playing around on Twitter.

Heather Vickery's Website

Heather Vickery Facebook Group

Heather Vickery on Twitter

Heather Vickery on Instagram

Heather Vickery on LinkedIn

Heather's New Podcast: Was It Chance

Heather's FREE Brave Method 101 Guide

Heather's Latest Book: F*ck Fearless

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Today I’m speaking with the Queen of Teacups, Lissi Kaplan, about her journey to becoming an internationally recognized fine artist. Lissi’s hand-painted porcelains are in the collections of dignitaries, heads of state, and private collectors around the world. We talk about her unique calling to porcelain art following the passing of her mother. More than her skill with a brush, Lissi also has a beautiful gift of capturing the essence and spirit of a client through her artwork. Listen in as she explains the emotional process behind her art and hear a fictional story by Michael Colucci inspired by Lissi’s story.

[ADD MEDIUM LINK HERE]

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:08] The Queen of Teacups, the big dream and the hummingbird
[09:41] Learning the artform and her first hotel collection
[15:35] Painting for dignitaries
[18:55] The emotional process behind her art
[21:56] Would you do things differently if given the chance
[28:15] Fiction Story: The Queen of Teacups by Michael Colucci

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The teacup has a rich history of being used as an offering and a sacred vessel. It was often given as a gift to be felt by others for generations.
Porcelain painting is a very difficult art form because you're painting on a slippery surface. Lissi describes porcelain artists as part mineralogist and part alchemist.
What makes Lissi’s teacups so unique is how she paints a signature essence of flowers based on who the client is and what she perceives and feels about them.

Fiction Credits:

Fiction piece written by: Michael Colucci

Voice Over by: AmyScanlon
Contact Information: AmyScanlonVO@hotmail.com
Twitter: @scanners19
IG: @ScanlonSounds

BIO:

Lissi Kaplan is a fine artist whose hand-painted porcelains are in the collections of dignitaries, heads of state, and private collectors around the world. Her watercolor paintings have been collected internationally. She also designs fabric and wallpaper.

Lissi is a popular guest speaker on the subject of the unique history of China painting which dates back to 1400 A.D. Lissi also incorporates into her presentation the art of exploring and finding one's passion at any age.

Lissi is the author and illustrator of The Power of a Teacup: A Story of Art, Love, and Sacred Gardens, published by ReganBooks in 2003. She is also the author and illustrator of her newly released book, Light as a Feather, published by Little Finch Press.

Lissi's Website
Shop Lissi's Work
Lissi on Facebook
Lissi on Instagram
Lissi Kaplan's Delicate Porcelain Pieces
Meet Lissi Kaplan

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I want to tell you about a show I think you'll enjoy: Play On Podcasts -- epic audio adventures that reimagine Shakespeare’s timeless tales, featuring original music composition and the voices of award-winning actors. Each episode explores plays from Macbeth to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in a way that you can actually understand it and created specifically for the podcast form by some of America’s most exciting playwrights, directors and composers, and performed by stage and screen’s best. Check out their current season of King Lear that stars Emmy-winner Keith David and Severance star Tramell Tillman. Hear Shakespeare like you've never heard before. Subscribe to Play On Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.

I am re-releasing this episode with guest Ethan Hershenfeld. In this episode, I’m speaking with accomplished standup comedian and actor, Ethan Hershenfeld. We talk about his most recent projects and his experience with often being typecast as the villain. We also discuss the nuances of diversity and cultural appropriation for entertainers. The latter part of the episode features a fictional story – written and read by Parker James – and inspired by Ethan’s one and only time playing Prince Charming. Listen as we touch on the complexities of the entertainment industry and hear a new fictional narrative inspired by Ethan’s acting experience.

Wise Guy Charming - A Fictional Story in Print

Play on Podcasts

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:01] Ethan Herschenfeld introduced
[00:59] From Opera Singer to Comedian/Actor
[02:38] Thug Thug Jew
[04:10] Typecasting
[08:09] Diversity in the entertainment industry
[12:16] Cultural appropriations in entertainment
[16:40] Addressing cultural issues in comedy
[20:30] Upcoming projects
[22:59] Ethan’s writing prompt
[26:39] Wiseguy Charming
[30:09] A disinterest in the family business and dream of acting
[31:06] Acting classes while working for the family business
[32:23] Dream role as Prince Charming
[33:37] A surprise confrontation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Ethan spent the better part of two decades as an opera singer, before transitioning to stand up, where he enjoys the spontaneous laughter and the release of energy from the audience.
Although there has been a push for diversity in theater and TV, racism is still woven in storylines in how villains are written as certain ethnicities. There is still an infinite appetite from audiences for cliche and offensive storylines related to certain ethnicities and religions.
Comedy is a different world where you're getting laughs and allowing people to unload baggage around topics that are very charged.
The beauty of theater and performing arts in general, is it opens up a world of empathy for the audience and for the performer to explore things that they don't get to explore in their real lives. There has to be, however, a push to diversify roles and casting and be cognisant of cultural appropriation.

BIO:

Ethan Herschenfeld: Actor and comedian

His album Thug Thug Jew was #1 on iTunes and Amazon and the special is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUA8wel23qI

High Maintenance (hbo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpJ--b-Sd4A[Text Wrapping Break]

Boardwalk Empire (hbo): https://youtu.be/vqUuys6pJCE

Red Notice on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81161626?trackId=259607612&tctx=6%2C1%2C5a5fe77d-2b17-41ef-94a4-13a67831e188-448571224%2C6c29447b-cdcd-48f3-afeb-832d0026d654_63186441X101XX1637761873650%2C%2C

2020 reel: https://youtu.be/a6TXfWrxckk

WEBSITE: ethanherschenfeld.com

TWITTER: @ethanherschenfeld

INSTAGRAM: @eherschenfeld

LINKS:

His album Thug Thug Jew was #1 on iTunes and Amazon and the special is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUA8wel23qI

David Feldman Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-feldman-show/id321997239

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Jess Salomon, a New York based Canadian comedian who prior to her career in comedy was a war crimes lawyer. Jess speaks to the cathartic process of her work and how “tragedy plus time equals comedy.”

Jess shares about her relationship with wife, their comedy duo, and the unique perspective they bring with being Jewish and her wife being Muslim and Palestian. We also hear a comedy fiction story, written by Parker James, based on Jess’s prompt about an odd couple and their unique career choice.

The Appointment Fiction Story

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:05] Jess’s interesting background as a war crimes lawyer
[05:42] How humor can be cathartic and the desire to share that with others
[08:13] Jess shares about her and her wife’s comedic duo
[12:46] The story behind Jess and her wife meeting, their unique relationship and how they work together
[20:39] Comedy As Advocacy: From war crimes lawyer to comedian, Jess shares about her career change
[26:08] Jess talks about her BBC show, Comedians Versus the News
[32:40] Fiction Story: Will, a therapist, and his husband, Marcus, vent about his latest counseling session with a seemingly deranged married couple
[41:10] In the fiction story, Will and Marcus reveal their unique career choice as a couple

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

They say, “Tragedy plus time equals comedy.” When you get a bit of distance between tragedy, pain, or even annoyance and can see the humor in it, it can be very relatable and cathartic to share it with others and make people laugh.
During a career change, there can be a period of time when you have lost touch of the skills used in your previous career but still lack skills for the new career you are pursuing.
Comedy can be a form of advocacy. The hope is that by making people laugh, as a byproduct, you can also make them think.
Jess and her wife co-host a comedy show that airs on BBC called Comedians Versus the News. The third season comes out in February.

BIO:

Jess Salomon is a New York based Canadian comedian, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Jess also performs as part of the beloved comedy duo, “The El-Salomon’s” with her wife Eman El-Husseini (@TheElSalomons). Their comedy special, “Marriage of Convenience” recorded at Just for Laughs, is available in Canada on Crave and elsewhere on Just for Laugh’s YouTube page.

Fun fact: before comedy Jess used to be a U.N. war crimes lawyer. The jury is still out on whether this was a good move.

Jess Salomon Facebook

Jess Salomon Comedy

Twitter: @jess_salomon

Instagram: @jess_salomon

Instagram: @theelsalomons

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In this episode, I’m speaking with three members of the Kabir Café or Neeraj Arya's Kabir Café. Described as a modern mystic band, they are influenced and inspired by a 15th century poet named Kabir. We discuss how the band came to be and what Kabir’s ideology means to them and fans. They also play a beautiful piece of music that encompasses the message of Kabir and carries a central theme that we have come to better understand during the pandemic.

The fictional story is written by Jean Bernard and tells the story of Kabir, a traveling poet who finds a young boy to apprentice. The young boy adopts Kabir’s melodies and continues to share them long after they have both died.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:48] How did Kabir Cafe come together?
[10:41] Who is Ram? Who is Kabir?
[16:32] Is Kabir simply music, or a way of life?
[19:30] What is Kabir Panth?
[21:50] Kabir Cafe sings and explains the meaning behind the music
[25:52] The different between greed and need
[27:52] What does the “Fakir” symbolize?
[33:17] FICTION PIECE: Kabir stops traveling to write
[35:18] Kabir meets a young boy named Neeraj
[37:02] Kabir apprentices Neeraj
[39:27] Kabir passes away and Neeraj carried on his music and ideology

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Kabir was a poet back in the 14th century who spoke about oneness, humanity, gender equality, and love. Although he's from the 14th or 15th century, you can still connect to him as a friend because he spoke about the eternal truth.
The Guru–shishya relationship is a very, very old tradition that we have from India. It’s not schooling in the traditional sense. A student sits with their guru and takes in the knowledge that the guru imparts, similar to apprenticeship.
Kabir Panth is a non-denominational ideology of togetherness, equality, and humanity. It values community and helping other people.
A Fakir represents contentment. They ask nothing of others. They are free to seek and achieve true happiness in life.

BIO:

The only band to exclusively perform the verses of Kabir. Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Café is a Mumbai based folk fusion band known for performing songs composed out of Saint Kabir’s Dohas. The band’s lineup consists of Neeraj Arya (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Raman Iyer (Mandolin), Viren Solanki (percussions and drums), Mukund Ramaswamy (violin), and Poubuanpou Britto KC (Bass Guitars, backing vocalist). Kabir Café aims to ensure that the verses of Kabir Das are accessible to the rest of the world.

Not only does the band perform folk renditions of classic verses by Sant Kabir Das, but they also are known for fusing different genres of music into their compositions. The songs composed and produced by Kabir Café reflect the flavours of pop, rock, reggae, and Carnatic music occasionally. Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Café talks about Sant Kabir Das who did not believe in any sorts of boundaries, then why should they do so?

Bio Source: https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/music/everything-about-kabir-cafe-the-fusion-band-based-out-of-mumbai.html

LINKS:

Instagram @kabircafelive

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards and the man responsible for putting wine on the map of India. When asked about his success he simply says he was “the right guy in the right place with the right background.” His friends called him crazy when he quit his job and moved to a poverty-stricken area in India to start a vineyard. But, he now has the last laugh having created one of the most visited vineyards in the world. Rajeev talks about the team he assembled to help him create Sula Vineyards, the bureaucratic obstacles he had to overcome in the beginning, and his top takeaways for entrepreneurs. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story written by Gary Krivstov.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:20] The right guy in the right place with the right background
[08:15] Acclimating to the culture of Nashik
[11:52] Rajeev’s team and mentors
[15:30] Challenges of an entrepreneur
[20:08] Agricultural entrepreneurship in India
[23:25] Takeaways from Rajeev’s experience
[31:38] FICTION: Sanith grapples with tales of a ghost in his vineyard
[35:35] Sanith’s father recounts seeing the Spirit and Sanith tries to understand
[41:50] Sanith gets to the bottom of the ghost story

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Rajeev’s success goes far beyond having established and grown a business, he essentially crafted an industry that was nonexistent in India.
Rajeev turned the vineyard into one of the most visited vineyards in the world. He created a destination where people would love what they saw and experienced. Where they would leave as converts and as brand ambassadors.
The Indian government has a lot of potential when it comes to agricultural progress. Rajeev explains how bringing in private buyers could balance out the larger farms that are far too politically powerful.
Entrepreneurs need to be strong. They have to be mentally resilient.
In your business, if you're not talking about sustainability and you're not thinking about doing business in an eco-friendly way from day one, then you should not be doing it.

BIO:

Rajeev Samant is the CEO of Sula Vineyards.

LINKS:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

LINKED IN

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In this episode, I’m having a timely conversation with Dr. Barry Thomas Malin, a head and neck surgeon turned art gallerist (the Malin Gallery), about switching careers and following your passions. Now more than ever people are reevaluating their careers and asking themselves the important question of am I satisfied in my work. Dr. Malin reflected on this same question when he decided to leave his career as a sought-after free flap construction surgeon and open his own art gallery. We talk about the intricacies and challenges of being a free flap surgeon and what ultimately led him to quit his job. Dr. Malin shares about his journey into the art world and what it is like to manage an art gallery. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story written by Jared K. Chapman about a young man’s journey to living life to the fullest.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:20] Barry shares about his medical education and early career and when he decided to change careers
[07:42] Why choose art as a second career and the irony of a career in free flap construction
[12:35] How Barry started his art collection and the meaning behind the original art gallery name
[16:31] Malin Art Gallery and the backstory on its original name
[20:21] What kind of artists and art is represented at Malin Gallery and challenges of being an art gallery owner
[25:00] The post-covid phenomenon of people making career changes
[28:17] FICTION: A hospital visit leaves a young man grappling to honor his Papa’s death-bed bucket list
[35:34] At his Papa’s funeral, this young man realizes the true meaning of his Papa’s last wishes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A career as a free flap surgeon takes years to train for but studies show the average career length, meaning the time that people spend doing this almost exclusively, is only six or seven years. It’s a young person's game, both from a physical and a mental standpoint.
Following your passion and switching careers can be terrifying. Now more than ever people are reevaluating their jobs and making appropriate changes.
People don’t normally reflect on their own mortality but in Barry’s previous career it was an everyday conversation. He would often shift the focus from death to living by asking questions like what is most important in life and what is most satisfying. He took his own advice when he decided to switch from medicine to art.

Fiction Credits:

Fiction piece narrated by: Regina Williams

Fiction piece was written by: Jared Chapman - Los Angeles

BIO:

Dr. Barry Thomas Malin founded Malin Gallery in 2015. Originally named Burning in Water, Malin Gallery actively represents a diverse roster of living artists. The curatorial program combines exhibitions by roster artists with historically-oriented shows, particularly of work by previously under-recognized artists. The gallery’s progressive approach to curation has earned it a reputation in both introducing and re-introducing important artists to a NY audience. Malin Gallery exhibitions have been reviewed in multiple national publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Artforum, The Wall Street Journal, ARTnews, Time Out - New York, Galerie, The San Francisco Chronicle, The London Review of Books and Artnet News.

LINKS:

Malin Gallery Website
Malin Gallery Facebook Page
Malin Gallery on Instagram
Malin Gallery on Twitter

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In this episode, I'm speaking with Diann Wingert, psychotherapist turned business mindset coach and the host of the Driven Woman Podcast.

Shifting Weight - A Fictional Story in Print

HXGO - New Delhi Song

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:42] Anna Sorokin's personality and what was really the driving force behind her?
[10:23] Creative people need to go where creative things are happening. For Anna, that was Paris.
[14:00] Diann Wingert explains Anna’s personality pathology starts to develop in New York
[18:40] Someone called Anna a sociopath and she considered it a compliment.
[24:00] Why do we like stories where humans are missing morals?
[31:55] Diann talks about age and maturity
[34:40] The common ambition shaming of women
[38:18] FICTION: Shifting Weight written by Parker James
[40:34] Justin James sauntered into the house
[41:50] I need you to wire me $2,000, please

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Celebrities who came from humble beginnings knew that their hometown was not where they belonged
Most people will continue to live a lifestyle and have very close expectations to what they grew up
The flaw in her psychological makeup is that she didn't have empathy for the people that she was taking advantage of
People are drawn to flawed characters because every one of us has the potential to be arrogant, manipulative, to be an opportunist, to be dishonest. Although we like to watch them fall so we can be reminded that we in fact are not, reassuring us of our own morality
Diann Wingert talks about age and maturity. Does it come as a result of being incarcerated or as she aged and matured
We admire, applaud, support, and encourage ambition in males. But girls are supposed to be modest. We are supposed to accept what is offered to women. But men do. So why is this?

BIO:

LINKS:

Diann Wingert is a psychotherapist turned business mindset coach who serves the growing number of female solopreneurs.

WEBSITE: http://diannwingertcoaching.com/

PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-woman/id1513039926

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/coachdiannwingert/

LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Steve Vines, who was a journalist based in Hong Kong for 35 years until he recently left for political reasons in 2021. Steve shares the rapid series of events that ultimately led to his departure from the country he called “home.” Steve sheds light on the current situation in Hong Kong by looking back at its history and the resilient spirit of Hong Kong, which he has studied in depth for his new book, Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship. He discusses how there was once a high degree of liberty and low democracy in Hong Kong, but now both are non-existent. Later in the episode, we hear a fictional story about the oppression and propaganda that is prevalent in Hong Kong.

White Terror - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:11] Steve’s departure from Hong Kong
[07:39] White Terror explained
[10:20] Democracy, Liberty and the Special Administrative Region
[18:30] The incredible spirit of Hong Kong
[23:00] What other societies can learn from the situation in Hong Kong
[30:29] FICTION: White Terror
[33:33] Bob defies the warnings to stay in at night
[37:00] Bob leaves Hong Kong after witnessing something terrible

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

White Terror refers to the suppression of the democracy movement by the Taiwanwese government after they left the main Chinese mainland and installed a regime on the island of Taiwan. It’s what is similarly happening in Hong Kong now.
The Special Administrative Region claimed that Hong Kong would be a fully-fledged capitalist society until 2047. If we look back more carefully, the mainland never really saw one country or two systems applying to the political orient.
The narrative that is spun in Hong Kong by the Chinese communist party is that the terrible people of Hong Kong brought all these troubles on themselves by provoking the mainland.
Hong Kong survived the 1960s and came back stronger. Hong Kong has survived enormous economic recessions, and many, many things but come back stronger. So the question is, will the spirit of Hong Kong survive this?

BIO:

Stephen Vines was a Hong Kong based journalist, writer and businessman until 2021 when he was forced to leave for political reasons. He is the author of Defying the Dragon – Hong Kong and the World’s Largest Dictatorship.

In Hong Kong, he was the founding Chief Editor of ‘Eastern Express,’ a groundbreaking daily newspaper published in Hong Kong. He was also a founder and publisher of Spike magazine.

He presented a weekly current affairs television programme – The Pulse – produced by RTHK and is a frequent broadcaster and commentator on business and political affairs for newspapers and a number of international radio and TV stations.

Vines combined writing with founding and running a number of companies, mainly in the food sector and this has enabled him to learn a lot more about how business really works.

He is the author of a number of books including ‘Hong Kong: China’s New Colony’ and a study of the Asian financial crisis called ‘The Years of Living Dangerously’. He is also author of the multi-edition ‘Market Panic’ and ‘Food Gurus.’

Stephen Vines was the Deputy Business Editor of The Observer and has worked for The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, and the BBC.

LINKS:
https://stephenvines-author.com/

White Terror - A Fictional Story in Print

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In this Ukraine special emergency episode, I’m speaking with Yuriy, a journalist on the ground in Kyiv who has taken up arms to fight for the freedom of his country. Yuriy recalls waking up to the early morning attacks in Kyiv and shares how this unwarranted conflict has affected his family and the civilians of Ukraine. He speaks to the heroic and sacrificial patriotism of his fellow Ukrainians. Yuriy’s main concern is to appeal to Western allies to take to the streets in an effort to help convince NATO to help Ukraine by establishing a no fly zone. Later in the episode, we hear two fictional stories that give us a glimpse into the sobering realities that the people of Ukraine are facing today.

A Plea from Yuriy - A Fictional Story in Print

Mornings in the Kyiv Metro - A Fictional Story in Print

Dearest Papa - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:59] Yuriy recalls the morning when the Russians first attacked Kyiv
[05:36] Ukrainian neighbors become family as they fight for their freedom
[08:40] Yuriy shares about the location and safety of his family and pleads for Western allies to help stop the destruction of Ukraine
[14:00] Yuriy talks about his wartime duties, helping foreign journalists
[15:57] An appeal for a no fly zone to be issued for Ukraine and Yuriy’s concern for Ukrainians and all of the people of the free world
[19:28] Fiction Story #1: Mornings in the Kyiv Metro was written and voiced by Parker James
[24:02] Fiction Story #2: Dearest Papa story was written by Anjalika Sharma and voiced by her daughter, Anika

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Yuriy makes a strong plea for Ukrainian allies to do everything in their power to demand that NATO help establish a no fly zone and protect Ukrainian civilians.
From Yuriy’s perspective, Russia’s attack is not a war against only Ukraine. If Russia’s agenda is not halted it may impact free people all over the world.
Free speech may be another casualty of the Russia Ukraine situation as President Vladimir Putin is taking extreme steps to control what the Russian public knows about the invasion of Ukraine. He has signed a law that imposes stiff sentences on journalists who air what he deems to be false information.
In “Mornings in the Kyiv Metro,” we see the loss, confusion, and hardship of Russia’s attacks through a child’s eyes. In “Dearest Papa,” a father and daughter are separated by the Ukrainian war with only memories and letters to comfort them.

LINKS:

Listen to Yuriy’s Fighting For Ukraine: On The Ground for daily updates
Apple Podcast
Spotify

Visit Change.org to petition demanding NATO to install a no fly zone of Ukraine: https://www.change.org/p/no fly-zone-for-ukraine-now

A Plea from Yuriy - A Fictional Story in Print

Mornings in the Kyiv Metro - A Fictional Story in Print

Dearest Papa - A Fictional Story in Print

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Marah Arcilla, a yoga practitioner who has been teaching in Hong Kong for over 12 years, about her deep respect for yoga. Although the physical aspect drew her in, she quickly realized yoga had so much more to offer. Marah shares about the emotional and spiritual strength that is birthed through yoga and the community she helps to initiate between her students. We talk about yoga’s evolution over the years and discuss the harmful trend of elevating “performative” yoga using it as a way to prey on vulnerable people. The latter part of the episode features an original fiction narrative written and read by Anjalika Sharma and inspired by Marah’s resilience while facing challenges with her now ex-husband.

Sprit Bird - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:03] Marah introduction and early career
[09:18] Authenticity of yoga
[18:02] Relationships and resilience
[20:00] Evolution of yoga
[28:21] Yoga therapy instructor training information
[33:26] Spirit Bird - audio fiction story by Anjalika Sharma

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Marah first started taking yoga classes when she was an aerialist for Disneyland in Hong Kong.
She was in a harness every day and wanted to be proactive and prevent any serious injuries from doing the same repetitive movements every day.
Marah’s yoga practice focuses on the history, the philosophy, learning the roots, and seeing herself as a practitioner, and a gatekeeper of this tradition.
There is a social media trend for yoga to be more about performance and preying on vulnerable people. Marah focuses on presenting yoga in its purest essence without selling it as a quick fix to people’s problems.
Some view yoga as a way to escape the stresses of life. For Marah, yoga is not an escape. It’s something that arises in you that you have to deal with. It teaches resilience on the mat that then translates to resilience and strength off the mat.

BIO:

Marah is a yoga practitioner and a hatha yoga teacher of 12 years. She moved to Hong Kong from Manila 16 years ago to work for Disney. The intensity of the city and physical demands of being a professional dancer led her to her yoga practice to seek balance and grounding.

Facebook
Instagram

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In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran, an internationally renowned music composer, educator and scholar known for his sustained contribution to music and community for the past 25 years. We talk about his incredible work on the soundtrack of Shadow Realm, a podcast project based on a young adult fantasy fiction book that I wrote. Dr. Kanniks shares how his imagination was instantly captivated by the vivid literary descriptions and how he utilized Sanskrit chants, an ancient language of India, to musically portray different characters. We also talk about the inspiration he found from his travels to the ancient village of Hampi, India. The latter part of the episode showcases Dr. Kanniks’ work as we listen to Episode 8 of Shadow Realm and hear a portion of Arya’s story.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:01] Kanniks Kannikeswaran introduced
[02:02] Purpose of The True Fiction Project
[03:12] His process of writing music
[10:50] Explaining lyrics and Sanskrit
[13:40] The Medicine Woman
[16:55] Rishiji’s Theme
[25:57] Where to find the music
[28:30] Episode 8 of Shadow Realm
[29:03] The Vanar’s theme
[39:06] Rishiji’s theme

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Shadow Realm is a young adult fantasy fiction story about Arya, a 15 year old boy who fell through a fault and finds himself in the land of the Ramayana. He has to fight demons in this mythical world in order to get back home to save his mom and tackle demons in his ordinary world
Dr. Kanniks’ main inspiration came from his travels to the ancient village of Hampi in India
The vanar represent the prehistoric people descended from old world tribes, best translated as monkeys or monkey people
For the “Vanar March,” Dr. Kanniks used Sanskrit chants to create a joyful chant to go along with the vanar as they joyfully frolic and jump around
For “Rishiji’s Theme,” Dr. Kanniks used the pentatonic scale, most commonly known for meditation, to create a serene humming that captures the magic and mysteriousness of the mystical mentor
The Medicine Woman is a representation of a source of wisdom for us all
Dr. Kanniks created a total of 14 tracks to complement the podcast project which is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.

BIO:

Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran, an internationally renowned music composer, educator and scholar is known for his sustained contribution to music and community for the past 25 years. His recent viral video ‘Rivers of India’ featuring Bombay Jayashri and Kaushiki Chakravarti has received critical acclaim. Kanniks, is regarded as a pioneer of Indian American Choral music and for bringing together ancient chants in Indian ragas with choral and orchestral polyphony; his far reaching work in this area has personally touched the lives of over 3500 performers, has inspired the flowering of community choirs in over 12 cities in the United States, has built new audiences and collaborations. His composition ‘Mahavakya’ was performed at the historic reception accorded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Madison Square Gardens in 2014. Kanniks has been described as a renaissance personality who effortlessly traverses diverse disciplines such as music, spirituality and innovation. He is a recipient of several awards including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Madras, the McKnight Residency, the Ohio Heritage Fellowship and more. He can be reached at kanniks@gmail.com.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/kanniks/

https://twitter.com/kanniks

https://www.instagram.com/kanniks_kannikeswaran/

LINKS:

https://www.thearyachronicles.com/

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In this episode, I’m speaking with accomplished standup comedian and actor, Ethan Herschenfeld. We talk about his most recent project, Thug Thug Jew, and his experience with often being typecast as the villain. We discuss diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation within the entertainment industry. As a Jewish comedian, Ethan talks about the fine line between producing comedy that is inoffensive while still being relevant – which can change quickly based on the political and cultural temperatures. The latter part of the episode features a fictional story written and read by Parker James. Parker’s story is inspired by Ethan’s comical experience of playing Prince Charming in a children’s theater and being called out by a little girl for not meeting her “princely” expectations.

Wise Guy Charming - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:01] Ethan Herschenfeld introduced
[00:59] From Opera Singer to Comedian/Actor
[02:38] Thug Thug Jew
[04:10] Typecasting
[08:09] Diversity in the entertainment industry
[12:16] Cultural appropriations in entertainment
[16:40] Addressing cultural issues in comedy
[20:30] Upcoming projects
[22:59] Ethan’s writing prompt
[26:39] Wiseguy Charming
[30:09] A disinterest in the family business and dream of acting
[31:06] Acting classes while working for the family business
[32:23] Dream role as Prince Charming
[33:37] A surprise confrontation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Ethan spent the better part of two decades as an opera singer, before transitioning to stand up, where he enjoys the spontaneous laughter and the release of energy from the audience.
Although there has been a push for diversity in theater and TV, racism is still woven in storylines in how villains are written as certain ethnicities. There is still an infinite appetite from audiences for cliche and offensive storylines related to certain ethnicities and religions.
Comedy is a different world where you're getting laughs and allowing people to unload baggage around topics that are very charged.
The beauty of theater and performing arts in general, is it opens up a world of empathy for the audience and for the performer to explore things that they don't get to explore in their real lives. There has to be, however, a push to diversify roles and casting and be cognisant of cultural appropriation.

BIO:

Ethan Herschenfeld: Actor and comedian

His album Thug Thug Jew was #1 on iTunes and Amazon and the special is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUA8wel23qI [Text Wrapping Break]High Maintenance (hbo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpJ--b-Sd4A[Text Wrapping Break]Boardwalk Empire (hbo): https://youtu.be/vqUuys6pJCE

2020 reel https://youtu.be/a6TXfWrxckk [Text Wrapping Break]WEBSITE: ethanherschenfeld.com[Text Wrapping Break]TWITTER:

@ethanherschenfeld[Text Wrapping Break]INSTAGRAM: @eherschenfeld

LINKS:

His album Thug Thug Jew was #1 on iTunes and Amazon and the special is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUA8wel23qI

David Feldman Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-feldman-show/id321997239

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The True Fiction Project was born from Reenita Hora’s love of fiction and how she finds it in everyday non-fiction. In the pilot episode, Reenita talks about the purpose behind the True Fiction Project which will invite amazing guests to share their unique impact on the world while also giving different fiction writers the opportunity to create new fiction narratives based on the interview. Colleague and friend, Traci DeForge, joins the conversation as Reenita shares about her many career reincarnations and her traditional Indian upbringing in Bombay. Reenita opens up about her late father and her recent decision to quit her job to pursue creative endeavors like this podcast project. The second half of the podcast features a compelling fictional story inspired by key moments in Reenita’s life and her experience of being a woman and building a career in a male-dominated culture.

3 Innings - A Fictional Story in Print

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:16] True Fiction explained
[02:33] Podcast producer introduced
[03:28] Reenita shares about her life and career history
[09:40] Guests to look forward to
[12:24] Reenita about her family
[18:04] Women in business in traditional Indian family
[22:55] Building the narrative
[28:14] That’s my version of the truth
[30:53] First inning - Gaia and Reenita as children
[35:12] Second inning - Gaia and Reenita’s early careers
[40:53] Third inning - Gaia and Reenita’s losses and gains

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Reenita’s career has included several reincarnations of herself: Ayurveda clinician, freelance writing, broadcast journalism in Hong Kong, recruited as a writer by Bloomberg, and now author, podcast host, and creative content creator.
She recently quit her job to pursue her creative projects, like this podcast, that marries the two things she loves: fiction and how she finds it in everyday non-fiction.
Reenita shares about her father’s recent passing and the values he held as a serial entrepreneur.
Reenita grew up in a traditional Indian home where women were not included in the inner workings of the family business. Only recently, after her father’s passing, has she been invited to sit on the board of the family business.
Her role, if not to join the family business, was to document the stories of her father and family life and plans to turn them into a book or TV show.
Looking back on her upbringing, she has learned now that it’s not about what you are or are not supposed to think about certain things, but rather what you have experienced.
The purpose of this podcast is to share interviews with guests as a way to give other storytellers an opportunity to create fiction.

BIO:

Traci DeForge, founder of Produce Your Podcast, is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. She is the creator of PODHIVE.com, an online community providing education, encouragement and support for podcasters and her newest venture, My Podcast Biz .Traci is the host of the podcasts, Journey to There and Talking Finance and co-host of Ask Brien on KHTS AM 1220, Los Angeles, CA. She is the Executive Producer of The Personal Finance Podcast Network.She's been featured on all three major networks along with CNN, CTV, Fortune.com and American Express Open. Traci is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council, a regular contributor to RadioINK and is on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Podcast Business Journal.

LINKS:

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/produceyourpodcast

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracideforge

True Fiction Project: Recent Episodes

Reenita Hora