Episodes

  • Episode 270 - Unico! (ft. Samuel Sattin)

    Episode 270 - Unico! (ft. Samuel Sattin)
    Aug 20 2024

    We're back AND we're bringing a magical creature with us!

    Is that a cat? No, it's a unicorn? WRONG, it's UNICO!!!

    Yes, we know we took a bit of a summer break but we're back with some new episodes starting with this fabulous interview with author Samuel Sattin discussing his latest book "Unico: Awakening".

    Joe and Samuel get into a great discussion about writing graphic novels, adapting a beloved manga series for a new generation of children, and what's on the horizon.

    Enjoy!

    About Samuel Sattin

    Samuel Sattin is an American writer. His books include the multi-volume Unico series for Scholastic Graphix, the Eisner Award-nominated Buzzing, Side Quest, The Silent End, and (as co-author) both A Kids Guide to Anime and Manga and The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces. He has also adapted the Academy Award-nominated films WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells to the graphic novel format. He graduated with an MFA in comics from the California College of the Arts and works as a studio writer for Schulz Creative Associates, aka Snoopy Central. Samuel resides with his wife in San Francisco.

    About Unico: Awakening

    An adventure across space and time awaits! A young unicorn named Unico awakens on earth with none of his memories. As he works to unravel the mystery of who he is and where he comes from, he soon realizes he is being hunted by gods and monsters. With the help of new friends, Unico will need to unlock his full power and save the world in this original manga adventure.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    34 mins
  • Episode 269 - My Weird School (ft. Dan Gutman)

    Episode 269 - My Weird School (ft. Dan Gutman)
    Jun 18 2024

    What do you do if you're tryiong to reverse-engineer a popular children's book?

    How about, if your goal is to create a series to help reluctant readers?

    You might follow the path of today's guest, Dan Gutman, when he created the "My Weird School" series over 20 years ago!

    Dan created the phenomenal book series to help solve for reluctant readers and create something he wish existed back when he was a reluctant reader himself!

    Joe and Dan get into a conversation about creating a book series from scratch, how to help reluctant readers, and some advice for those young aspiring writers in our households.

    Enjoy!


    About Dan Gutman

    New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan’s My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.

    Dan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, among others. When he’s not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.


    About the 'My Weird School' series

    With more than 100 titles and 35 million copies sold, Dan Gutman’s My Weird School series follows the day-to-day life of wisecracking A.J., his loyal pals Ryan and Michael, and his archenemy, smarty-pants Andrea, as they face a set of wacky teachers at Ella Mentry School—the weirdest school ever.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    44 mins
  • Episode 268 - Continental Drifter (ft. Kathy MacLeod)

    Episode 268 - Continental Drifter (ft. Kathy MacLeod)
    Jun 4 2024

    What do you do when you feel stuck between two worlds?

    How do you navigate the spaces you're in, when you're both part of and separate from, two worlds?

    This is the situation Kathy finds herself in at the beginning of the book 'Continental Drifter'.

    In this episode of the podcast, Joe sits down with author/illustrator Kathy MacLeod to discuss her autobiographical graphic novel about her time growing up in both Thailand and Maine.

    Joe and Kathy get into a lovely conversation about navigating spaces and places while growing up to find one's one place in this world.

    Enjoy!

    About Kathy MacLeod

    Kathy MacLeod is the author of Continental Drifter, a Winter/Spring 2024 Indies Introduce middle grade selection.

    MacLeod is an illustrator and cartoonist whose work has appeared in The Believer, Catapult, The Hairpin, and Lucky Peach. After spending most of her life in Bangkok, Thailand (with a four-year interlude at Wesleyan University), she is currently living in Berlin, Germany.


    About 'Continental Drifter'

    With a Thai mother and an American father, Kathy lives in two different worlds. She spends most of the year in Bangkok, where she’s secretly counting the days till summer vacation. That’s when her family travels for twenty-four hours straight to finally arrive in a tiny seaside town in Maine.

    Kathy loves Maine’s idyllic beauty and all the exotic delicacies she can’t get back home, like clam chowder and blueberry pie. But no matter how hard she tries, she struggles to fit in. She doesn’t look like the other kids in this rural New England town. Kathy just wants to find a place where she truly belongs, but she’s not sure if it’s in America, Thailand . . . or anywhere.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    49 mins
  • Episode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)

    Episode 267 - Life After Doom (ft. Brian McLaren)
    May 21 2024
    How does one go about navigating a world at odds with each other? Heading into another contentious political cycle, is there hope? What can we do to navigate this feeling of doom in our relationships with each other AND the planet? These are just a few questions asked in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! Joe welcomes back good friend of the podcast, author & theologian Brian McLaren to the show! Brian and Joe get into a fascinating conversation about Brian's latest book 'Life After Doom' and what people can do to navigate what's just around the corner and keep some humanity intact. It's an important conversation, tune in! About Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022). His next release, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, is available for pre-order now and will release in May 2024. Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). About 'Life After Doom' For the last quarter-century, author and activist Brian D. McLaren has been writing at the intersection of religious faith and contemporary culture. In Life After Doom, he engages with the catastrophic failure of both our religious and political leaders to address the dominant realities of our time: ecological overshoot, economic injustice, and the increasing likelihood of civilizational collapse. McLaren defines doom as the “un-peaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling” that “we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet, and not enough of us seem to care enough to change deeply enough or quickly enough to save ourselves.” Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    45 mins
  • Episode 266 - Duck and Moose (ft. Kirk Reedstrom)

    Episode 266 - Duck and Moose (ft. Kirk Reedstrom)
    May 7 2024

    What would you do if you suddenly had a new best friends who moved in...on your head!?

    That is the situation Moose is in when Duck moves in right on top of his head in 'Duck and Moose (Duck moves in)' by Kirk Reedstrom.

    Kirk comes on the show to share all about how he was able to go from dreaming of having painting hanging in galleries to getting books published by Disney in 2024!

    ALSO! Huge shout-out to former guest, Scout Underhill, for making this possible! It was their recommendation back when they were on the show which directly lead to Kirk coming on this episode.

    Enjoy!

    About Kirk Reedstrom

    Kirk Reedstrom has spent most of his adult life surrounded by books. He currently works at a public library and used to be a bookseller at Blue Willow Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Houston, TX. He has led children's art workshops at the Kimball Art Museum, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, and interned with William Joyce at Moonbot Studios. Kirk mixes his past experience with traditional and digital mediums to develop fun-filled characters with a lot of heart and a little bit of mayhem. Kirk enjoys creating books that make people laugh.

    About Duck and Moose

    Moose loves peace and quiet, relaxing, living alone, and spring! He can’t wait for the arrival of sun, flowers, and…a new neighbor?! Duck just landed himself a new home. He loves parties, karaoke, and living with—and on—Moose’s head. Moose tries everything he can to send Duck away, but he soon finds that this persistent neighbor might just be the best thing spring could bring.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    51 mins
  • Episode 265 - ABCs of History (ft. Dr. Seema Yasmin)

    Episode 265 - ABCs of History (ft. Dr. Seema Yasmin)
    Apr 30 2024
    Do you know your history? How much do you see yourself represented in the history books today? Dr. Seema Yasmin set out to provide education for both kids and adults with her latest book "The ABCs of Queer History". In this episode of the podcast Joe and Dr. Yasmin get into a great conversation around representation and the importance of knowing all the various historical figures who helped shape history but may not be in your textbooks. Enjoy! About Dr. Seema Yasmin Dr. Seema Yasmin is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, medical doctor, and professor. She is director of the Stanford Health Communication Initiative, clinical assistant professor in Stanford University’s Department of Medicine, and visiting professor at the Anderson School of Management at UCLA where she teaches crisis management and communications. Yasmin was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news in 2017 with a team from The Dallas Morning News, and she is the recipient of two awards from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Dr. Yasmin has been featured in and contributed to The New York Times, Rolling Stone, WIRED, Scientific American, and other outlets. She is a medical analyst for CNN and a correspondent for Conde Nast Entertainment. Her books paint vivid pictures about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us and include What the Fact?!: Finding the Truth in All the Noise, Muslim Women are Everything, the poetry collection If God Is a Virus and more. About 'The ABCs of Queer History' In this beautiful picture book brimming with P for Pride, writer and poet Seema Yasmin and illustrator Lucy Kirk introduce a different kind of ABCs—not just words like apple, ball or cat, but rather what it means to be diverse, to be equitable, and to be inclusive. That no one counts unless we all count, and how we must open our eyes and ears, minds and hearts, to hear everyone’s story and understand and celebrate their experience. This is a book of people, of ideas, of accomplishments and events. It’s a book about Allies and Ancestors, about Belonging and Being accepted, about Hope, Knowledge, and Love. About historic moments like Stonewall, and how it changed the world. And all about Trailblazers, like Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Harvey Milk, Barbara Jordan, George Takei, Elliot Page, and Sally Ride. The ABC’s of Queer History celebrates both joyful and challenging moments in queer history in the United States through rhyming verse and bright, colorful illustrations. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Episode 264 - Force of Nature (ft. Kate T. Parker)

    Episode 264 - Force of Nature (ft. Kate T. Parker)
    Apr 16 2024
    Have you ever used your voice to stand up and speak out? Are you a 'force of nature?' In this episode of the podcast, fabulous author and photographer Kate T. Parker stops by the show to promote her latest book 'Force of Nature.' It's an incredible book about the power of Women and Girls. The conversation between Kate & Joe covers all manner of individual perspectives and how everyone can learn something from these powerful women and girls. Enjoy! About Kate T. Parker KATE T. PARKER is a mother, wife, Ironman, professional photographer/director and New York Times Bestselling author who shoots both personal projects and commercial work for her clients. Her STRONG IS THE NEW PRETTY book led to collaborations with brands such as Disney, Athleta, Kellogg’s, and NBC. It has also inspired Kate to launch a philanthropic arm of SITNP, partnering with organizations such as Girls on the Run, Girl Up, The Arthur Blank Family Foundation, Disney, Glam4Good, and The Bully Project by investing in childrens’ health and education. Kate is also the author of Strong is the New Pretty: The Guided Journal, The Heart of a Boy Play Like A Girl and Force of Nature About 'Force of Nature' I first picked up a camera not long after my oldest daughter was born, eighteen years ago. I felt as if something clicked in me (almost literally). I loved making images and sharing stories of what it was like to be young, confident and free. I found my calling and means of expression in celebrating kids, especially girls, authentically. My first book, Strong is the New Pretty, started as a project to encourage my own two girls to know that they are enough just as they are and that being who they are is enough. I’ve been photographing with that in mind ever since. My hobby soon turned into a passion and then into a career. Yes, it took me until I was in my thirties to find my “thing”, but I am so grateful. This is my fifth book that celebrates the voices and stories of my subjects alongside images of them being themselves. I love helping to amplify their stories, told in their own words. It’s the best part of what I do, and it is how I use my voice. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    55 mins
  • Episode 263 - The Icon (ft. Dashaun Wesley)

    Episode 263 - The Icon (ft. Dashaun Wesley)
    Apr 9 2024

    "Said you wanna be a legend
    Or a statement, or a star
    Said you wanna be a legend said you wanna
    Be a statement, said you wanna be a star
    No, we're legendary!"

    On the episode today is THE ICON Dashaun Wesley!

    I've been a fan of Dashaun ever since I first saw him on Max's 'Legendary' ballroom competition show! I then went back and watched him on Pose!

    This was an incredible episode where we covered Ballroom, Dashaun's performance background, and how ballroom can be used to further the conversation around the LGBTQ+ community.

    Enjoy!

    About Dashaun Wesley

    A lifelong dancer & performer Dashaun has wowed crowds with his outstanding unique vogue dance style & charismatic personality!

    His dedication, talent and ambition has landed Dashaun on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, in international commercials for Coca Cola and inspired the creation of the Hip Hop dance “The 5000” making him an internet and media sensation, garnering millions of hits on Youtube.

    A Brooklyn, NY native Dashaun was introduced to the underground NYC Ballroom scene in High school where the dance phenomenon vogue was created; from that initial introduction it captivated his attention.

    August 2009 marked Vogue performance’s return to mainstream attention when Dashaun competed on the fourth season of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew as 1/5 of the dance group Vogue Evolution. The crew’s showcase of different elements of the vogue performance alongside popular urban dance moves took them to the top five in the competition. In January 2010 Dashaun was invited back to host the behind the scenes specials for “ABDC” season 5 interviewing & guiding new competitors on their journey.

    Dashaun currently travels the world touring with his dance company & hosting international dance competitions in Helsinki, Finland, Stockholm, Sweden, St. Petersburg, Russia & Hong Kong, China.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    41 mins