In this episode Amy interviews, Kris Jennings, author of Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader. Kris, who was diagnosed with PTSD amidst the pandemic, shares her journey of managing fear. Kris emphasizes that courage is about deciding something is more important than fear, offering insights on how she integrates this philosophy into her life and work.

In this episode, Keri Mangis, returns to discuss her recent TEDx talk on menopause as a rite of passage. She shares her experiences of preparation, the delivery of the talk, feedback from audience members, and so much more.

Amy interviews friend and author Keri Mangis about her upcoming TEDx Talk in Minneapolis on August 13, 2025. They discuss the preparation process as Keri plans to deliver a thought-provoking talk on Menopause as a rite of passage and the importance of this stage in life for women.

In this episode, Amy interviews singer-songwriter, Jeremy Messersmith on his life as a singer-songwriter, how house parties provide him the opportunity to connect with people, and the inspiration behind a few of his best-known songs.

In honor of Pride month, Amy talks with Sigrid K Nielsen about her forthcoming memoir, Letters from Sigrid. And as the title (Sigrid's idea) suggests, at a time of amplified fear mongering meant to scare us away from claiming who we are, and our greatest sources of wisdom, facing our deepest fears can bring blissful freedom.

Amy interviews Cara Pacific Campbell, who is preparing to release her first book, Upspiraling. Cara and Amy reminisce about working on this book together, the personal challenges Cara faced due to Lyme disease, and why writing this book was (and is) necessary. This June 9 episode celebrates the start of Cara's Upspiraling presale: she's inviting readers to walk with her on the rest of this journey.

In this episode, recorded in December 2022, Amy talks with her frequent collaborator and friend Keri Mangis, author of Embodying Soul: A Return to Wholeness. Both women believe that writing is essential for their well-being and soul's purpose. In a gentle reminder for right now, they discuss how creativity shows up in all our lives to connect to ourselves.

In this episode, Amy interviews Corinne Bauer, an artist in Maui known for her detailed miniature landscape paintings. Corinne discusses her transition from interior design to creating tiny art during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasizes the importance of creativity and sharing art, highlighting how her pieces bring joy and a piece of paradise to their owners.

Amy talks with Nikki Kindred Halvorson about her upcoming memoir, Salvaged, in which Nikki writes about losing her husband, Erik, in a tragic accident and rebuilding her life. Nikki reflects on how writing became a lifeline during her darkest days and how the process allowed her to keep Erik’s memory alive on the page.

In this episode, Amy interviews Sara Taylor, a life coach focused on generational trauma, about how daily writing helps in emotional processing and personal growth. Sara highlights her use of the website 750words.com to maintain a writing habit, discuss overcoming resistance, and the importance of non-perfectionism.

In this episode of Courageous Wordsmith, host Amy Hallberg reunites with former Our Town director Carol Ottoson and cast member, Corey Busse as they reflect on their high school production of the iconic play.

It's a new season for Courageous Wordsmith. My first two books are launched and I'm focused on helping Real-Life Writers find their voices. Here’s what has my attention, and why.

In this episode of Courageous Wordsmith, host Amy Hallberg and guest Terrance Newby discuss the enduring influence of James Baldwin in celebration of Black History Month. They explore Baldwin's life as an African American and openly gay novelist, his struggle with identity, major works, and his critical love for America. The discussion also highlights the importance of arts in expressing human experiences.

In this episode, Amy talks with guest, Sarah Bamford Seidelmann, about her book "Boundaries Make Love Possible." Sarah shares her personal journey of becoming an artist and the importance of boundaries in managing relationships and personal well-being, particularly for women.

In this episode, guest Orla Collins interviews Amy, on the journey leading up to the 2023 launch of Amy's book Tiny Altars and its companion card deck. They discuss Amy's blend of excitement and nervousness, her upbringing in Minnesota, and the courage needed to share deeply personal stories. The episode highlights the card deck's role in helping others uncover and articulate their own experiences, showcasing the profound impact of storytelling.

In this conversation, Amy talks with Cara Pacific Campbell, the first person who hired her for a book writing mentorship. Cara shares her journey of writing her memoir, which began as a way to process her diagnosis of Lyme disease. They explore the complexities of writing a memoir, the in-depth self-reflection it requires, and how writing has helped Cara transform her understanding of personal and generational trauma.

At the end of 2024, many of us find ourselves in a time of uncertainty. What better time to talk with Bridgette Boudreau, who specializes in guiding people through liminal space?

On the occasion of Winter Solstice, Amy is sharing a gem from her archives, a three-part podcasting experiment with her friend Nicole Diaz, who co-founded our Circle for Real-Life Writers. Welcome to Storycraft. These are conversations where we unpack one little bit of the creative process. Topic 3: Under Construction.

On the occasion of Winter Solstice, Amy is sharing a gem from her archives, a three-part podcasting experiment with her friend Nicole Diaz, who co-founded our Circle for Real-Life Writers. Welcome to Storycraft. These are conversations where we unpack one little bit of the creative process. Topic 2: Resistance.

On the occasion of Winter Solstice, Amy is sharing a gem from her archives, a three-part podcasting experiment with her friend Nicole Diaz, who co-founded our Circle for Real-Life Writers. Welcome to Storycraft. These are conversations where we unpack one little bit of the creative process. Topic 1: Writing in Layers.