Brenton Harrison is here to make money conversations more approachable. We dive into his incredible journey into finance, which was shaped by the two very different ways his parents handled cash—one who just wanted to earn more, and one who was stressed over a single penny! He explains why money feels like a scary, foreign language to so many of us, and how you can change your mindset to start budgeting and building wealth the right way.

If you've ever been afraid to look at your bank account, this show is for you! Say hi in the chat and let me know your biggest money question! 👇

You're going to be captivated by Melora Fern's book, Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, which is set in the wild and wonderful 1920s on the Chautauqua Circuits. Melora shares the most intimate and special story about how she found a box of mementos that proved her own grandmother was a whistling, trombone-playing woman on that circuit! Her story is truly about turning tradition on its head and finding your voice, which I absolutely love.

We also chat about what the Chautauqua Circuit actually was (think of it as the original TED Talks!), why it took her eight years to write the book, and her former career as a CPA! Plus, we have a great time talking about music and Melora’s favorite pizza topping (I might disagree with her on this one!).

I am feeling incredibly inspired right now and it's all thanks to my wonderful guest, the powerhouse that is Kevie Jackson!

Kevi shares his incredible journey from working as a night shift nurse to launching a fantastic podcast called "Kultivation with Kevie". You have to hear how he literally got a spiritual calling to start the show and I love that! We dive into the life-changing truth of his show's tagline: "Grow through what you go through" , and how sharing our stories proves "we're more alike than different".

Plus, he gives us the exclusive scoop on a super fun, upcoming '90s music project, "Nostalgic AF" , and talks about returning to his first love, singing! We also share a moment of gratitude for all the amazing nurses out there (you all don't get paid enough! ).

You're going to love Kevie's energy and message. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and say hi in the chat! 👇

I’m sitting down with former Virginia Firefighter, Chris LaLonge! Chris is here to talk about his must-read book, "Scars with Purpose" and the incident that changed his life.

The best part? That injury led him to create a moldable hand device to help others with similar conditions! You have to hear how he turned a truly horrible event into a powerful calling. This episode is for everyone—especially first responders, or anyone trying to put the pieces back together after a life-changing injury.

Things are getting spicy! My guest today is the amazing Tina Coleman, who wrote the book that has everyone talking: 50, Fabulous, and F-Able. Fair warning, you might want to send the kids to another room for this one! We are talking about why being 50 is absolutely not the end and it's actually just the beginning, why Gen X is reclaiming their power, and why all those ridiculous excuses about travel are not going to cut it anymore! Tina is currently living internationally in Medellin, Colombia, and she is here to tell us how she reclaimed her life after 45, how she traveled even when she didn't have the money, and why traveling is the best education and investment you can make in yourself. It’s going to be a fun, fabulous, and completely uncensored hour!

I am sitting down with the incredible Melinda Lee, whose new memoir is called Rebel Hugger. Now, I have to brag just a little bit, because I have been called a very good hugger, and when I heard her story, I knew I had to meet her! Melinda decided, after moving to a new state and feeling incredibly lonely, that she was going to go out and hug everyone she encountered for an entire year including the person next to her in the grocery line. She hugged thousands of people and had only five "no's!" But the story gets deep: she’s here to talk about the "dark night of the soul" that followed, and how writing this book helped her unpack her own pain and find a way back to herself and back to loving those hugs again. This is a powerful, inspiring episode about connection, vulnerability, and why sometimes, a simple hug is everything.

I am so excited because I am sitting down with a guy who has truly done it all! My guest, Patrick O'Donnell, spent 25 years as a police sergeant on the street , has written 10 books, hosts a popular podcast, and is even a TV consultant! We’ll about his incredible journey, starting with his roots as the son of Irish immigrants from the south side of Chicago. We'll discuss what it's like to trade in your badge for a keyboard to write his popular Cops and Writers book series. He’s going to share why crime writers kept cornering him at conferences asking about search warrants, red lights, and sirens , which is what inspired his guides to getting police facts straight! Plus, can you guess what his favorite part of retirement is?!

I am so glad Rocky D'Alessandro is here with me today! Seriously, if anyone can make a discussion about garage doors exciting, it's this guy. He walked away from a 20-year career in finance to start his own business with his dad, Pro-Lift Garage Doors of Southeast Charlotte. Why? Because the garage door is basically the new front door for most homes, and it shouldn't just be an afterthought. We're talking about all the gorgeous new trends, from long panels to all-glass doors that look like they belong on a trendy restaurant. Plus, if you have a hot room over your garage (like I do!), we're talking R-value, insulation, and how to keep those temperatures down. But here’s the kicker: Rocky has the numbers that prove replacing your garage door can actually give you over a 100% return on your investment when you sell! It’s all about design, efficiency, and value so tune in!

I am so excited (and maybe a little freaked out) to welcome the incredibly brave Scott Wells to the show today! His new young adult novel, Marked by the Ouija, which has already given some readers nightmares. Scott shares the unbelievable, true story behind the book: how a simple, plastic Ouija board he found in his small farming town when he was 16 led to a friend's tragic death. He reveals the terrifying experience that made two of his friends burn the board and never speak to him again , and how the subsequent guilt sent him into a spiral that led to him being homeless for a while. This is one story that still gives him goosebumps after 38 years, and I promise it will give you goosebumps too.

I am so thrilled to welcome the fantastic writer Susan Dormady Eisenberg to the show today! I get the full story on why she uses that mouthful of a name —it's a lovely tribute to her supportive husband, Barry , and a clever way to stand out from other, more famous Susan Eisenbergs. We dive right into her new book, The Voice I Just Heard. Susan shares the stunning story of playing Guinevere on the original Broadway sets and realizing her true calling was not on the stage, but in writing. Plus, we bond over our mutual, rapid exit from a career in theater. This is a must-listen for all my fellow theater geeks!

Ray Ray Star's life story could be a four-hour long Barbara Walters special. We dive into how he got his unique name from his very first band's bass player. Ray Ray shares the incredible moment he knew he had to be a musician—watching The Kinks on a TV with tin foil on the antenna. We also get into the "rock and roll stuff" that came with cutting his first album at 14. Ray Ray gets candid about his journey from a "latchkey kid" dealing with bullying and early exposure to drugs to finding peace in his guitar and his current life in sobriety.

I sit down with the truly inspirational Dayna Corcoran to talk about the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault (SASA). Dayna shares the emotional story of how this organization started after a brave woman named Angie Jackson was subjected to an orchestrated, multi-layered sexual assault and financial scam while traveling in the Dominican Republic. Dayna shares how her past experience as a retired federal agent specializing in sex crimes helped her and the community rally to start SASA. Dayna and I discuss the signs of assault that people often dismiss, the resources SASA provides (like free self-defense classes!), and why it’s so important to have a support system before you're ready for law enforcement or therapy. You don't want to miss this conversation.

The incredible T.L. McCoy joins me to discuss her new inclusive middle-grade fantasy book, Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm. T.L. shares the powerful story of writing the book for her granddaughter, Delilah, who lives with Dravet Syndrome—a rare disorder that causes catastrophic seizures. She explains how Delilah's "powers are rooted in her disability" to empower children and shift the narrative around being different. T.L. also opens up about her own journey of career reinvention, going from a criminal justice professor to a nurse and finally an author.

Rod Berger joins me for a rich, reflective conversation about the power of story, the art of the interview, and the emotional tango of writing his new book, The Narrative Edge. With over 4,000 interviews under his belt, Rod shares how storytelling has shaped his life, deepened his relationships, and helped him find meaning in moments both ordinary and extraordinary. From Nickelodeon-meets-Carson vibes to train rides through Scandinavia, this episode is a masterclass in authentic connection.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds shares his journey through two cancer diagnoses, Ironman races, and decades of nonprofit leadership. His new book, Every Mile Matters, is part memoir, part survival guide, and part love letter to life itself. From chemo workouts to heart emojis from old friends, this episode explores how adversity reshapes our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our capacity for joy.

Brent Lindstrom joins me to talk about storytelling, side hustles, and the 10-year journey from contractor to filmmaker. With a heart for family-friendly entertainment and a head for long-term strategy, Brent shares how he built Light-Minded Arts — a production company rooted in uplifting values and visual storytelling. From soul-swapping clones to YouTube tutorials, this episode is a celebration of grit, grace, and the art of planning your way to passion.

Julie Rowe joins me for a joyful, fast-paced conversation about folded book art, romance novels, and surviving wildfires with six cats and a dog. With 20 novels, 8 anthologies, and a thriving craft tutorial empire, Julie blends heart, humor, and handmade magic. From vampire autoimmune disorders to business cards that double as bookmarks, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of doing what you love.

Guy Morris: author, songwriter, and former Disney collaborator is here for a deep dive into the power of words, the thrill of historical mysteries, and the real-world implications of runaway AI. From writing bedtime stories for his son to decoding NSA secrets, Guy’s journey is anything but ordinary. Tune in for tales of treasure, prophecy, and the creative spark that keeps him writing.

You know him from Star Search, NBC’s The Sing-Off, and his unforgettable run as Tom Collins in Rent on Broadway. But today, we go deeper with Troy Horne.

Troy shares how his creative journey has always been fueled by purpose, from chasing childhood dreams to making career choices that kept him close to his kids. We talk about the realities of showbiz, the emotional weight of auditioning, and the heart behind his new book Middle Management. It’s a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and rediscovery, especially in the second half of life.

Plus, we play a game where the entire (non-existent) studio audience wins a copy of Troy’s book… if he nails it.

Guest: Troy Horne
Book: Middle Management
Website: troyhorne.com Socials: @troyhorneofficial

00:00 – Friday Vibes & Fundraiser Recap
I share highlights from emceeing the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center fundraiser and my dad’s visit from Wisconsin.

01:00 – Meet Troy Horne
Singer, author, Broadway star, and all-around creative force joins the show.

02:00 – Star Search Origins
Troy tells the story of auditioning with a vintage phone prop and landing his first big break.

04:00 – Behind the Scenes of Reality TV
We talk about the business side of entertainment and how viewership shapes outcomes.

06:00 – From NBC’s The Sing-Off to Rent
Troy shares how he landed the role of Tom Collins and why it was more than just a gig—it was a personal mission.

09:00 – Fatherhood & Career Choices
How Troy balanced ambition with family, and why he turned down a tour to stay close to his kids.

11:00 – Broadway Life & Eight Shows a Week
We talk about the grind, the joy, and the creative restlessness that comes with live theater.

13:00 – Life After Broadway: Denver & New Chapters
Troy reflects on relocating and what life looks like now.

14:00 – The Story Behind Middle Management
We dive into the emotional journey of rediscovery, self-doubt, and starting over in midlife.

16:00 – Game Time: Win a Copy of the Book
Troy plays for the audience—if he wins, everyone gets a copy of Middle Management.

18:00 – What We’re All Figuring Out
We talk about turning 40+, letting go of “supposed to’s,” and finding meaning in the second half of life.

I sit down with Emmy Laybourne: actor, screenwriter, and bestselling author of the Monument 14 series, for a fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and reinvention.

We talk about her journey from Hollywood to publishing, the power of storytelling across mediums, and what it takes to build a career that spans genres and generations. Emmy shares behind-the-scenes stories, writing tips, and a glimpse into her latest projects. Plus, we play a game that puts her storytelling instincts to the test.

If you love YA fiction, disaster thrillers, or just want to hear how one artist keeps evolving, this one’s a must-listen.

Guest: Emmy Laybourne
Books: Monument 14 series, Sweet, Berserker, and more
Website: emmylaybourne.com
Socials: @EmmyLaybourne on Instagram and Twitter

00:00 – Welcome & Updates
I share a few personal updates and tease today’s guest.

01:00 – Meet Emmy Laybourne
We kick off the episode with Emmy’s origin story—from acting in Superstar to writing bestselling novels.

03:00 – Hollywood to Publishing
Emmy talks about transitioning from screenwriting to fiction and how she found her voice in YA.

05:00 – Writing Process & Creative Discipline
We dive into Emmy’s writing habits, how she builds tension, and what keeps her inspired.

07:30 – Monument 14 & Beyond
She shares the story behind her hit series and how readers have responded over the years.

09:00 – Emmy’s Latest Projects
A sneak peek at what she’s working on now—and what genres she’s itching to explore next.

11:00 – Game Time: Plot Twist or Pretend
I challenge Emmy to guess whether a story premise is real or made up. Hilarity ensues.

13:00 – What She Loves About Her Life Right Now
Emmy reflects on family, creativity, and the joy of connecting with readers.

14:30 – How to Connect with Emmy
Where to find her online, follow her work, and stay up to date on new releases.