Author, mystic, monk -- Thomas Merton wrote 70 books, made millions, and never kept a cent. And he had a profound impact on my life. He still does. From Merton: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I...

Jack Carr is my favorite living author. I met him in the summer of 2024. He's very down to earth--and yet he writes the most realistic thrillers possible about combat, the deep state, warriors, and much more. I recommend his work highly! Novels include: "The Terminal List" (also an amazon series with Chris Pratt), "True Believer," "Savage Sun," and six more.

Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, E.R., Twister, and so many more) wrote some of the greatest thrillers of all time. He also discussed and/or predicted things like AI, genetic engineering, worldwide viruses, chaos theory, using fear to manipulate people, and much more. In this episode, I discuss his biography, works, themes, and what he might thrill us with if he were alive today. He was a great man, and his impact is still with us today.

Mary Flannery O'Connor is in my top three authors. She is hilarious!! And satirical. And shocking. And violent. When I read anything she writes the first time, I am startled by what happens. When I finish, I wonder why she ended it that way. So, I reread her, and then I catch all the comic lines. A world-class author who is considered to be one of the greatest of the 20th Century, Flannery O'Connor will shock you, make you laugh, and turn your world sideways. Enjoy!

I've always liked the party animal author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, although I wouldn't want to be neighbors with him--too dangerous. Even so, I find he and his wife, Zelda's, lives fascinating. Here is a little about his twenties (the party) and his thirties (the hangover). He also has powerful life lessons, inadvertently given, for anyone who wants to be happy.