Episode 463 - Public Policy Analyst, Journalist, and Author Sreya Sarkar - Beneath the Veneer

Sreya Sarkar is a freelance writer based out of Massachusetts, with her fingers dipped in multiple writing projects. A public policy professional by training, she writes socio-political columns for Indian news magazines. She has published her debut novel and continues to pen more full-length fictions and short stories for literary magazines.

Book: Beneath the Veneer

The newly sprouted town of Rangvihar has lured people with the promise of a safe haven, away from Delhi’s maddening din. But beneath its swanky veneer lurks a hidden evil that is devouring the town’s safety.

Six women with troubled pasts – Falguni, Kesri, Gunjan, Asha, Farzeen, and Rani, drawn to the town with the hope of starting their lives afresh, befriend one another to form a safety net. They discover the sinister side of Rangvihar as Falguni’s teenage daughter goes missing. It soon becomes evident that the disappearance is connected to a nefarious human trafficking racket in the town. The plot further thickens with more disappearances and the eventual death of suspects. As the layers of mystery peel off, all six find themselves embroiled in the crisis in unexpected ways.

Pushed to seek a way out of it, what secrets will they unearth about the town as well as each other? Will they be able to re-establish the golden equilibrium of peace and safety they had once come in search of?
How heavy a price do they have to pay to protect themselves?

https://sreyasarkar.wixsite.com/sreyasworld

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 462 - Co Authors Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley - Where Design is Going, Try On Future with Assembling Tomorrow

Assembling Tomorrow
Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter

Learn how to use the readily accessible tools of design to both mend the mistakes of our past and shape our future for the better.

Book Overview
Assembling Tomorrow explores how to use readily accessible tools of design to both mend the mistakes of our past and shape our future for the better. It explores the intangibles, the mysterious forces that contribute to the off-kilter feelings of today, and follows up with actionables to help you alter your perspective and find opportunities in these turbulent times. Mixed throughout are histories of the future, short pieces of speculative fiction that illustrate how things go haywire and what might be in store if we don’t set them straight.

Carissa Carter is a designer, geoscientist, and the academic director at the Stanford d.school. She guides the development of the d.school’s pedagogy, leads its instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She is the author of The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data and teaches design courses on emerging technologies, climate change, and data visualization. Her work on designing with machine learning and blockchain has earned multiple design awards, including Fast Company Innovation and Core 77 Design awards.

Scott Doorley is a writer, designer, and the creative director at the Stanford d.school. He has overseen everything from books to workspaces to digital products and initiatives focused on the future of learning and design. He co-wrote the book Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration and teaches courses in design communication. His work has been featured in museums from San Jose to Helsinki and in publications such as Architecture + Urbanism and the New York Times.

Illustrator
Armando Veve is an award-winning illustrator and 2023 Pew Fellow whose drawings have appeared in The New Yorker, National Geographic, Scientific American, MIT Technology Review, and Wired, among other publications. He studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and currently resides in Philadelphia.

https://dschool.stanford.edu/book-collections/assembling-tomorrow

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 461 - Susan E. Schwartz, Ph.D. - A licensed clinical psychologist, Jungian Analytical Psychology

Susan E. Schwartz, Ph.D. is a Jungian analyst educated in Zurich, Switzerland and is a licensed clinical psychologist. For many years Susan has been giving workshops and presentations at numerous local, national, community and professional organizations, and lectures worldwide on various aspects of Jungian analytical psychology. She has written several journal articles and book chapters on daughters and fathers, Puella, Sylvia Plath and has co-authored a couple of books.

She is a member of the International Association of Analytical Psychology and the American Psychological Association. Susan maintains a private practice in Paradise Valley, Arizona serving people in the greater Phoenix area, Tuscon, Prescott and Cottonwood, West Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe.

Jungian Analytical Psychology
Each of us harbors within our inner universe a number of characters, parts of ourselves that can cause conflict and distress when not understood. We seem to be relatively unacquainted with these players and their roles and yet they are constantly seeking a stage on which to perform their tragedies and comedies personally, relationally and collectively.

A life challenge, crisis or change of any form may feel overwhelming and leave us bewildered, confused, even shattered. The current world with its uncertainty can make us feel isolated and confused. How we coped before works no longer and the former attitudes, beliefs or ways we perceived ourselves are now proving inadequate. The problems reflect what is discordant and unassimilated in our personality. Paradoxically, these very obstacles can also become the incentives and openings to development.

The approach of Jungian Analytical Psychology addresses a broad range of emotional and relational situations and conflicts in the service of psychological growth. At the heart of the Jungian process is a realignment of conscious and unconscious energies so the psyche gains balance. Jungian Analytical Psychology is very much experience driven, keeping one foot in the outer world and the other in the realm of dreams, synchronistic events, fantasies, and symbols. Knowing oneself entails a journey so the unconscious, repressed or unknown elements are released, not merely for symptom relief but to transform and become concious. The psychological work involves connecting the past and the present, personal and collective, spiritual and mundane, and thereby creating an embodied and meaningful life. This is a process that is individual and collective, personal and relational and the work occurs in a sensitive and therapeutic atmosphere oriented to becoming all one is meant to be.

https://susanschwartzphd.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 460 - Gillian Eliza West - Ruin - The Infernis Duology, A fantasy romance novel

About the author

Gillian Eliza West, debut author of Ruin: The Infernis Duology, lives in Austin, Texas. With a passion for mythology that has taken her around the world (despite her fear of flying), she strives to infuse her own stories with a similar kind of wonder and magic. Her first foray into writing for an audience came through fan fiction, allowing her to hone her skills as a storyteller. When she isn’t working on her debut duology, you can find Gillian snuggled up with her dog, Walter, and a book or her favorite fanfic.

Book:

“Ruin is a captivating romantasy that masterfully blends steamy tension with breathtaking world-building. . .a must-read that will leave you bewitched and eager to read the next book.” — Amanda Richardson, USA Today Bestselling Author

Oralia Solis hasn’t felt the touch of another in 245 years. Not without them crumbling to ash at her feet. Cursed by the bite of a daemoni, she has been sequestered away for the greater good of Aethera by her adopted father, King Typhon.

King Renwick rules the rival kingdom of Infernis, the land of the dead. When Oralia flees the palace of Aethera after her power is let loose with deadly results, he recognizes her potential as a weapon and aids her escape.

Oralia finds herself the prisoner of the man she has been taught to fear most, and Renwick is surprised to find there is more to this princess than her untamed powers. Despite the gulf of secrets and magic between them, Renwick can’t deny the pull he feels towards her, and Oralia struggles to resist the one person who cannot only survive her touch, but craves it.

As Oralia uncovers the truth of her parentage and masters her magic, she will discover that the power to raze or save either Aethera or Infernis lies in her hands. War between the two kingdoms looms and she must decide who she can trust and which she wants more: power or love.

Ruin is a true slow burn romance, with enemies to lovers, nods to multiple mythological stories reimagined into new lore, LGBTQIA+ representation (supporting characters)

https://a.co/d/dVUSvUA

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 459 - Jody Hobbs Hesler - A Literary Citizen Residing in The Blue Ridge Mountains

Jody Hobbs Hesler has written ever since she could hold a pencil and now lives and writes in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Growing up, she split time between suburban Richmond, Virginia, and the mountains outside Winchester, Virginia. Experiences of all these regions flavor her writing. She is the author of the novel Without You Here (Flexible Press) and the story collection What Makes You Think You're Supposed to Feel Better (Cornerstone Press). She teaches at WriterHouse in Charlottesville, Virginia, and serves as assistant fiction editor for The Los Angeles Review.

https://www.jodyhobbshesler.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 458 - Annika Rosendahl, Storyteller, Timefinder, Leadership Coach and Consultant

Annika is a result-minded and caring Storyteller, Timefinder and Leadership coach with 20+ years of leadership experience from the corporate world in Telecom, Automotive and Utility industries. She is a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a PMI certified Project Management Professional and a certified Professional scrum master as well as a Robbins-Madanes trained life coach. Annika is also a published author of both fiction and non-fiction books.

https://www.instagram.com/annikaslol
https://annikarosendahl.com/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 457 - Bella Ellwood Clayton - Her gripping debut novel, Weekend Friends is Unputdownable

DR. BELLA ELLWOOD-CLAYTON was born on Valentine’s Day in Melbourne, Australia; the daughter of avant-garde composer and playwright, Syd Clayton, and enlightenment-seeker, Gwenda Ellwood.

At a young age, Bella moved to Vancouver, Canada, with her mother. They lived in Kits (Kitsilano) in different basement suites. Bella’s mother went back to school, studying IT. Bella had a chaotic childhood with lots of freedom. She loved dancing and being with her friends.

In elementary school, Bella had a bad knee accident and on the way to the hospital, wrote her first poem—a topic fitting a Vancouverite.

Raindrops on the window meet like lovers after a long separation

During her recovery in the hospital, a friend’s mother visited Bella and read aloud Dylan Thomas’ poem, “Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night,” as well as gifting her a book of poetry. From that moment on, Bella never stopped writing. She always had a journal and found deeper companionship with the page than almost anything or anyone else.

After high school, Bella moved to Montréal and completed a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, majoring in anthropology. Her honours thesis examined beauty historically and cross-culturally. She received first class honours and was the recipient of the Mark Doughty Scholarship. She had a studio apartment in the McGill Ghetto, a long-distance (toxic) relationship, and a desire explore the world.

Her first short story was published, as well as some poetry.

Soon after, with a crew from National Geographic, Bella took to the jungle to explore tattoo and social change in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia. This documentary continues to air from a wide range of international locations.

Her nonfiction book, Sex Drive: In Pursuit of Female Desire, was published by Allen & Unwin. She published more short stories and poetry and wrote for The Huffington Post and Daily Life, and frequently appeared on radio programs such as Triple M and TV programs including, The Project and Sunrise. She’s given many talks about relationships, including a TEDx talk.

Bella hosted The Science of Sex Drive on Love Destination, a global video-on-demand network on 8 million devices.

Now, Bella is the Head of Editorial at NAC (New Authors Collective) Literary Agency and has a freelance editing business, Dr. Bella Editorial. She was the resident creative writing teacher at Kensington Neighbourhood House.

After writing her first poem about raindrops all those years ago, her debut novel, WEEKEND FRIENDS, was published in November 2023 (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster).

https://www.drbella.com.au/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Episode 456 - Jenny Sanders - Driving A Tank Bucketlist Item, Polished Arrows and Helping Kids Write

For the last few years I’ve been living wherever I hang my proverbial hat, currently between the UK and South Africa.

I’m a writer, speaker, imperfect follower of Jesus, wife, and mother of four grown-and-flown children, and a thousand other things besides.

My passions are for authenticity, integrity and justice. I love to ‘see the lights come on’ for people when they grasp truth that makes a daily difference.

These days, I have more time and write for a number of magazines as well as working on book projects.

For twelve years I had a monthly column for a local newspaper. I’ve also written a series of four devotionals around the themes of the sea, the city, the countryside and the mountains – each with six weeks of material. Contact me if you’d like to order a copy (details below).

MY BOOKS:

Spiritual Feasting (Instant Apostle May 2020), explores Psalm 23:5, asking how it’s possible to take our assigned place at God’s table and ‘feast’ even when life serves us a bitter or sour ‘menu’. It’s written for those who ‘recognise that Jesus never promised a trouble-free life, but want to experience the reality of living life to the full with Him.’ With Biblical and contemporary examples of those who’ve done just that, it’s a book that will challenge assumptions and comfort zones while encouraging you to pursue authentic intimacy with the Host of the banquet. ‘Taster questions’ alongside each chapter give an opportunity to dig in to the nourishment of the sections more fully – ideal for small groups or an individual reader. Published by Instant Apostle, it’s available through good bookshops and on-line; you can find it here: https://instantapostle.com/books/spiritual-feasting/

Polished Arrows (Instant Apostle May 2024), is based on Isaiah 49:2, it unpacks the arrowsmith’s art of taking an unpromising stick and crafting it into a lethal weapon; a powerful illustration of the journey of faith and discipleship. God, both Master craftsman and skilled archer, shapes us for His purposes so we can be fired with impact into our culture and contexts. Are we willing to be arrows in His hands? Each chapter of Polished Arrows closes with ‘Target questions’ followed by a biblical example of the process described in the text. Great for personal or small group use. Available from good book shops, on line and here: https://instantapostle.com/books/polished-arrows/

https://jennysanderswriter.co.uk/

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca