Episodes

  • Patricia Bonis fell madly in love with Rahman Abbar, scion of a wealthy Saudi Arabian family. She reveals her story of a whirlwind romance, her eventual marriage and what happened when she journeyed to his country to meet the family. A smart, free-spirited girl who had attended Wellesley College, Patricia was not prepared for life as a Saudi woman-a life spent looking through curtains and veils at the world outside, a life that of necessity was curtailed and protected from the toxic masculinity of the culture, a life that, for an American girl used to sneaking out and hitchhiking, was dangerous and frightening and alien. Patricia is a renowned interior designer who has spent more than three decades designing the homes, offices, and embassies of some of the world’s most influential leaders, including top CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers.

  • When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper, she has no idea that she’s about to become the anchor to a family in an abusive patriarch's home, setting a mystery in motion that will take decades to uncover. At the age of 72, Lee falls ill and on her deathbed asks Sandra Schnakenburg to write her story. The only problem is, she doesn’t know the story. Embarking on a quest to honor Lee’s final wishes, Sandy takes an emotional and thrilling journey, unveiling shocking truths about herself and her housekeeper. Sandy has a BS in finance and an MBA from the University of Southern California. In 2010 she left a career in corporate finance to study creative nonfiction.

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  • Kathryn also interviews Author Gail Lukasik.Blending social history and personal narratives, Gail Lukasik delves into the devastating psychological trauma of uncovering a hidden family secret with all the twists and turns of a mystery novel, starting with how the discovery was made; to why it was kept secret; to the arduous, sometimes disappointing, quest to find a biological parent or parents. To fully understand the secrecy surrounding these family secrets, the book examines pre-WWII and post-WWII attitudes toward infertility, adoption, donor conception, race and racial passing, and unmarried pregnant women. Prefacing these harrowing narratives is the author's own confusing and sometimes painful journey to redefine her racial identity under the spotlight of public opinion. She is a contributor at the Washington Post. She has also appeared on PBS's Genealogy Roadshow, BBC World News, and NBC's Megyn Kelly Today.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Mickey Huff.It's so common that it’s become a clichĂ©: Americans gather around a holiday table with sumptuous food and plenty of drink. The best china has been taken out of storage for the occasion. Family from out of town reunite after a long year apart or only seeing each other on Zoom. It all starts out with such good intentions and high hopes. Then the talk turns to politics and in short order, cousins are screaming at each other; siblings are vowing never to speak again; parents are pounding the table; someone is crying while others are being excommunicated; and another holiday has gone awry. Mickey Huff and co-author Nolan Higdon offer advice on how to have productive discussions, cultivating effective communication rather than emphasizing our differences. Huff is the executive producer and co-host of the weekly syndicated public affairs program The Project Censored Show.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Kim Dower.Following the commercial and literary success of her bestselling poetry collection, I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom: Poems on Motherhood, Kim Dower delivers What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria—turning her keen eye, vibrant imagination, trademark insight, and humor to the intensity of obsessive love. These steamy and provocative poems, combining humor and heartache, run through the four phases of Limerence, the state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person: Infatuation, Crystallization, Deterioration, and Ecstatic Release. Her work has been described as “sensual and evocative” by the Los Angeles Times. She teaches poetry workshops at UCLA and Antioch University and was previously named City Poet Laureate of West Hollywood.Kathryn also interviews Author Liza Monroy.Mischa Osborn spends her days as a ProWatcher—keeping distracted people on task and lonely ones accompanied—from her Brooklyn Mega Building, while eating Petri Meat Steax and working out with her favorite personal trainer, a straight-talking algorithm named Tory. Her carefully constructed, isolated existence is suddenly upended by a chance realspace encounter with a Highlight Reel celebrity. She takes to relentlessly watching Nic on Reel. As her Reel Watching spirals into an all-consuming obsession, and even realspace stalking, she takes increasingly desperate measures to be seen and valued, sucking others into her vortex of obsession until she completely loses control. Liza Monroy’s work has appeared in The NY Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, “O” Magazine, Marie Claire, , Newsweek, Jane, Psychology Today, and many other publications.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Jill Robin Payne.Discover "Bempathy," the game-changing communication technique that combines lighthearted banter with genuine empathy. Jill Robin Payne shows us how to transform negatives into positives, and watch even good interactions become exceptional using her unique approach on empathy. She was the first student from her college to intern at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During her over 40 years of work experience in the mental health field, she has given numerous lectures and taught college level Behavior Modification as an adjunct professor. Jill is heard on all social media outlets plus local and national radio and television stations commenting on the intersection of current events and social psychology.Kathryn also interviews Author Dr. Macie P. Smith.The holidays can be a joyful but challenging time when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keeping surroundings familiar, letting your loved one help in ways they can, and connecting through meaningful conversations are all ways to include your loved one in the celebration, says gerontologist and licensed social worker Dr. Macie P. Smith. For more than 24 years she has been helping family caregivers and their loved ones navigate a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She now shares the logical progression of a dementia care experience, beginning with how to recognize potential symptoms before the diagnosis and what questions to ask the individual’s primary care physician. She also describes what to expect after the diagnosis. At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a dynamic Geriatric Care Management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers.

  • Kathryn interviews Author and Speaker TJ Woodward.In a world where division and uncertainty are prevalent, the need for genuine connection has never been more critical. But how can we remain connected when opinions diverge and times are unpredictable? The answer lies in cultivating curiosity by “Living in the Question,” according to TJ Woodward. This concept is a practice that encourages authenticity and greater connection by embracing uncertainty and openness. He encourages us to ask questions, rather than seeking immediate answers and avoid the “I am right” trap. He is a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and revolutionary recovery expert who has helped countless people through his simple, yet powerful teachings. TJ is a featured thought-leader on WholeHearted.org along with BrenĂ© Brown, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Gabor MatĂ©, and Mark Lundholm.Kathryn also interviews Author Janeen Golightly.The choice to divorce is a difficult one and can leave you with so many questions. It’s easy to get lost in the process of making the final decision. Janeen Golightly is not your average author writing on the topic of divorce. She doesn’t have a degree in family relations and she’s not a therapist or a marriage counselor. However, she is extremely relatable as a regular, healthy, happy woman who’s had a successful career in broadcast and marketing - and who happens to have suffered through all of the implications (both real and perceived) of living life during and after divorce. She shares with us her 30-day plan with actions to take every single day and shares insight on the issues you should not stick around and work through. She is a Marketing Consultant for KUTV, the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Dr. Macie P. Smith.The holidays can be a joyful but challenging time when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keeping surroundings familiar, letting your loved one help in ways they can, and connecting through meaningful conversations are all ways to include your loved one in the celebration, says gerontologist and licensed social worker Dr. Macie P. Smith. For more than 24 years she has been helping family caregivers and their loved ones navigate a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She now shares the logical progression of a dementia care experience, beginning with how to recognize potential symptoms before the diagnosis and what questions to ask the individual’s primary care physician. She also describes what to expect after the diagnosis. At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a dynamic Geriatric Care Management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers.Kathryn also interviews Author Leah Fisher.She wants to travel the world; he wants to keep working. At sixty, Leah Fisher is ready to love,honor and negotiate. The result is a long-married couple’s decision to commence an unconventional experiment. She takes readers on two journeys: an intriguing global journey—her year of solo travel—and the relational journey she and her husband embark upon as they skillfully negotiate their different priorities and preferences. We accompany them through a series of reunions and poignant farewells as they stay connected and gradually grow comfortable being together and apart. After the marriage sabbatical is over, both spouses are surprised by the outcome of their daring experiment. Leah Fisher worked for thirty-five years as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and corporate work/family consultant. During this time, she brought her expertise to The Oprah Winfrey Show and to media outlets, including Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Dr. Macie P. Smith.The holidays can be a joyful but challenging time when a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keeping surroundings familiar, letting your loved one help in ways they can, and connecting through meaningful conversations are all ways to include your loved one in the celebration, says gerontologist and licensed social worker Dr. Macie P. Smith. For more than 24 years she has been helping family caregivers and their loved ones navigate a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia. She now shares the logical progression of a dementia care experience, beginning with how to recognize potential symptoms before the diagnosis and what questions to ask the individual’s primary care physician. She also describes what to expect after the diagnosis. At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a dynamic Geriatric Care Management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers.Kathryn also interviews Author Leah Fisher.She wants to travel the world; he wants to keep working. At sixty, Leah Fisher is ready to love,honor and negotiate. The result is a long-married couple’s decision to commence an unconventional experiment. She takes readers on two journeys: an intriguing global journey—her year of solo travel—and the relational journey she and her husband embark upon as they skillfully negotiate their different priorities and preferences. We accompany them through a series of reunions and poignant farewells as they stay connected and gradually grow comfortable being together and apart. After the marriage sabbatical is over, both spouses are surprised by the outcome of their daring experiment. Leah Fisher worked for thirty-five years as a psychotherapist, marital counselor, and corporate work/family consultant. During this time, she brought her expertise to The Oprah Winfrey Show and to media outlets, including Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Liz Elting.Most think innovation is synonymous with invention—and that to become successful, you need to come up with a shiny new product, market, or idea. But what if you don’t have to invent something entirely new or have a “Shark Tank” moment to succeed at entrepreneurship? Liz Elting?entrepreneur and philanthropist is the living embodiment of this concept. By studying the shortcomings of other translation companies and finding ways to improve upon them, she co-founded and grew TransPerfect, the billion-dollar translation and solutions company that began as a dream in an NYU dorm room. Now she is sharing her approach to success. She has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list’s inception. Kathryn also interviews Author Janice Kaplan.You may have heard there is extraordinary scientific research on the influence of your body on your mind but how do we translate the signals our bodies are sending and utilize that information for our benefit? Award winning journalist, TV producer and NY Times bestselling author, Janice Kaplan shares in a humorous, conversational prose the knowledge she gained from her interviews with a wide range of experts who draw unexpected links that reveal the power of body-mind connections. Her surprising approach on using your body to change your mind includes the answer to why sitting in a hard chair vs. a soft one can actually influence your decision making. She was editor-in-chief of Parade magazine and the creator and executive producer of more than thirty primetime network television specials. She has also appeared regularly on national TV shows including Today and Good Morning America and is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Liz Elting.Most think innovation is synonymous with invention—and that to become successful, you need to come up with a shiny new product, market, or idea. But what if you don’t have to invent something entirely new or have a “Shark Tank” moment to succeed at entrepreneurship? Liz Elting?entrepreneur and philanthropist is the living embodiment of this concept. By studying the shortcomings of other translation companies and finding ways to improve upon them, she co-founded and grew TransPerfect, the billion-dollar translation and solutions company that began as a dream in an NYU dorm room. Now she is sharing her approach to success. She has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list’s inception. Kathryn also interviews Author Janice Kaplan.You may have heard there is extraordinary scientific research on the influence of your body on your mind but how do we translate the signals our bodies are sending and utilize that information for our benefit? Award winning journalist, TV producer and NY Times bestselling author, Janice Kaplan shares in a humorous, conversational prose the knowledge she gained from her interviews with a wide range of experts who draw unexpected links that reveal the power of body-mind connections. Her surprising approach on using your body to change your mind includes the answer to why sitting in a hard chair vs. a soft one can actually influence your decision making. She was editor-in-chief of Parade magazine and the creator and executive producer of more than thirty primetime network television specials. She has also appeared regularly on national TV shows including Today and Good Morning America and is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Michelle D.Gladieux.Raising your game as a communicator is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world, but it takes courage to open up to others and invite others to open up to you. As a lifelong communication coach, Michelle Gladieux has discovered the four obstacles that can keep you from becoming the best communicator you can be; hiding, defining, rationalizing and settling. These challenges all have something in common. They require taking risks—to reveal yourself, question your beliefs, take a leap of faith, or move out of your comfort zone. Courageous communication requires self-knowledge, practice, and a desire to grow. Michelle and her team at Gladieux Consulting present communication seminars and lead strategic planning and executive coaching around the country. Michelle has been described as a 'top gun' in her field.Kathryn also interviews Author Bill C. Potts.Imagine a road map for the entire cancer journey, for both patients and their loved ones. Think “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, but for navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, its treatment and recovery. Five-time cancer survivor Bill C. Potts covers everything from self-advocacy and building a support team to managing side effects and finding strength in setbacks. He offers practical advice for comfortable treatment days, understanding test results as well as valuable insights on diet, exercise and staying active while navigating the impacts of treatment and the disease on your immune system. Bill is a motivational speaker, energetic community builder, an Ironman Triathlete and co-founder of marketing agency Remedy 365.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Michelle D.Gladieux.Raising your game as a communicator is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world, but it takes courage to open up to others and invite others to open up to you. As a lifelong communication coach, Michelle Gladieux has discovered the four obstacles that can keep you from becoming the best communicator you can be; hiding, defining, rationalizing and settling. These challenges all have something in common. They require taking risks—to reveal yourself, question your beliefs, take a leap of faith, or move out of your comfort zone. Courageous communication requires self-knowledge, practice, and a desire to grow. Michelle and her team at Gladieux Consulting present communication seminars and lead strategic planning and executive coaching around the country. Michelle has been described as a 'top gun' in her field.Kathryn also interviews Author Bill C. Potts.Imagine a road map for the entire cancer journey, for both patients and their loved ones. Think “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, but for navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, its treatment and recovery. Five-time cancer survivor Bill C. Potts covers everything from self-advocacy and building a support team to managing side effects and finding strength in setbacks. He offers practical advice for comfortable treatment days, understanding test results as well as valuable insights on diet, exercise and staying active while navigating the impacts of treatment and the disease on your immune system. Bill is a motivational speaker, energetic community builder, an Ironman Triathlete and co-founder of marketing agency Remedy 365.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Nadine Haruni.In her first novel for middle-grade (and older) readers, The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee, award-winning author Nadine Haruni introduced readers to Ryan Rigbee, a 13-year-old loner reeling from losing his dad who forms an unexpected bond with Merlo. The enchanted hats Ryan puts on before bedtime magically transform him into the role of the hat-wearer, and he is drawn into a world filled with nightly action-packed adventures with his dog, Shadow. Now in her second installment, she takes Ryan's adventures to an exciting and dangerous new level. Haruni is an award winning author known for her captivating children’s book centered on acceptance and provides comfort for children navigating real-life challenges. She is also a practicing attorney, Certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children.Kathryn also interviews Author Becky Faye Smith Galli.Having faced profound challenges, including the loss of her brother, having two children with special needs (one of whom passed away), divorce, and a life-altering paralysis that has left her in a wheelchair, Becky Faye Smith Galli has found a way to redefine life with resilience and purpose. She now shares how to stay positive and “rethinking possible” when life doesn’t go as planned. In 2000, The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair that launched her From Where I Sit newspaper column. She believes life can be good--no matter what. With over 400 published columns, she continues to write Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a column for her subscriber family that shares what’s inspired her to stay positive.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Nadine Haruni.In her first novel for middle-grade (and older) readers, The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee, award-winning author Nadine Haruni introduced readers to Ryan Rigbee, a 13-year-old loner reeling from losing his dad who forms an unexpected bond with Merlo. The enchanted hats Ryan puts on before bedtime magically transform him into the role of the hat-wearer, and he is drawn into a world filled with nightly action-packed adventures with his dog, Shadow. Now in her second installment, she takes Ryan's adventures to an exciting and dangerous new level. Haruni is an award winning author known for her captivating children’s book centered on acceptance and provides comfort for children navigating real-life challenges. She is also a practicing attorney, Certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children.Kathryn also interviews Author Becky Faye Smith Galli.Having faced profound challenges, including the loss of her brother, having two children with special needs (one of whom passed away), divorce, and a life-altering paralysis that has left her in a wheelchair, Becky Faye Smith Galli has found a way to redefine life with resilience and purpose. She now shares how to stay positive and “rethinking possible” when life doesn’t go as planned. In 2000, The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair that launched her From Where I Sit newspaper column. She believes life can be good--no matter what. With over 400 published columns, she continues to write Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a column for her subscriber family that shares what’s inspired her to stay positive.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Sarah Allen Benton LMHC.“Recovery is more than ‘stopping drinking or using drugs’—it involves an entire lifestyle change and impacts every aspect of a parent’s life,” acknowledges Sarah Allen Benton, an Advanced Alcohol and Drug counselor who has been a parent in recovery from alcoholism for more than 20 years. She draws on both her professional expertise and deeply personal experience to support mothers and fathers as they navigate their way through parenting while embracing a sober lifestyle in a digital world filled with challenges and pressures.She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Healthy Psychology from Northeastern University, Bouvé School of Health Sciences, and has worked as a therapist and clinical consultant for various addiction treatment programsKathryn also interviews Author Pattie Dale-Tye.Having a successful career will enable you to live the life you want to lead and to give back and help others all along the way. Pattie Dale Tye offers a comprehensive roadmap for developing a fulfilling career. From new graduates to seasoned professionals, she emphasizes the importance of leveraging one’s unique talents, embracing continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. Pattie’s engaging narrative and practical advice make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to transform their career and life. She has a wealth of experience with thirty-plus years of P&L leadership. She credits her ability to successfully lead the turnaround of Human Inc.’s large business segment to putting clients and community first. She helped increase Humana’s impact and visibility in Texas by engaging in activities such as Go Red for Women, The United Way, and the Humana Foundation.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Sarah Allen Benton LMHC.“Recovery is more than ‘stopping drinking or using drugs’—it involves an entire lifestyle change and impacts every aspect of a parent’s life,” acknowledges Sarah Allen Benton, an Advanced Alcohol and Drug counselor who has been a parent in recovery from alcoholism for more than 20 years. She draws on both her professional expertise and deeply personal experience to support mothers and fathers as they navigate their way through parenting while embracing a sober lifestyle in a digital world filled with challenges and pressures.She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Healthy Psychology from Northeastern University, Bouvé School of Health Sciences, and has worked as a therapist and clinical consultant for various addiction treatment programsKathryn also interviews Author Pattie Dale-Tye.Having a successful career will enable you to live the life you want to lead and to give back and help others all along the way. Pattie Dale Tye offers a comprehensive roadmap for developing a fulfilling career. From new graduates to seasoned professionals, she emphasizes the importance of leveraging one’s unique talents, embracing continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. Pattie’s engaging narrative and practical advice make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to transform their career and life. She has a wealth of experience with thirty-plus years of P&L leadership. She credits her ability to successfully lead the turnaround of Human Inc.’s large business segment to putting clients and community first. She helped increase Humana’s impact and visibility in Texas by engaging in activities such as Go Red for Women, The United Way, and the Humana Foundation.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Stephanie Harrison.It’s not your fault if you are unhappy. You have been told three lies: you’re not good enough; you need to achieve fame, wealth, and power; and you need to do it all on your own. This is “Old Happy”, our society’s false definition of happiness, and it’s making us miserable. Well-being expert and social media sensation Stephanie Harrison takes us through the process of unwinding Old Happy, uncovering your own gifts, and using them to both improve your life and the world at the same time. Her step-by-step guide to building the life you want is the key to discovering the New Happy and will forever change the way that you see yourself and the world. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and Architectural Digest, and she regularly contributes to the Harvard Business Review and CNBC.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW.All of us will experience loss in our lives, and with loss comes grief. Still, nothing really prepares you for the toll grief takes. As Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW explains, grief doesn’t just happen in your mind — it’s a five-senses experience that impacts all physical systems. “Grievers end up stunned by what a full-contact sport grief ends up being.” Anyone who has struggled with grief knows that there are many questions that come with the journey. With more than two decades of experience as a psychotherapist and trauma specialist, she helps readers make sense of their emotional experience with grief. Meghan is a TEDx speaker and hosts the popular blog and podcast Grief Is My Side Hustle. She offers a free writing workshop, Grief Mates.Kathryn also interviews Author Dr. Dawn Filos.Whether it's a NSFW (not safe for work) encounter with a bra-selling pet parent or a touching farewell to a beloved family dog - Dr. Dawn Filos brings us a variety of tales underscoring the deep connection and mutual affection between pets and their owners. With a blend of touching stories and professional knowledge, she shares her journey from a nervous - and sometimes fainting - veterinary student who lost a prized racehorse - to a confident veterinarian with 3 decades of experience in both Eastern and Western medicine with viral social media videos and an informational, and at times deeply personal blog. Her candid narrative style brings to light the realities of a mobile veterinary practice, where every day is brand new, and every pet has a story worth telling. Retiring after 30 years, she realized a decades-long dream to add “pet portraitist” to her list of talents.

  • Kathryn interviews Author Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW.All of us will experience loss in our lives, and with loss comes grief. Still, nothing really prepares you for the toll grief takes. As Meghan Riordan Jarvis, MA, LCSW explains, grief doesn’t just happen in your mind — it’s a five-senses experience that impacts all physical systems. “Grievers end up stunned by what a full-contact sport grief ends up being.” Anyone who has struggled with grief knows that there are many questions that come with the journey. With more than two decades of experience as a psychotherapist and trauma specialist, she helps readers make sense of their emotional experience with grief. Meghan is a TEDx speaker and hosts the popular blog and podcast Grief Is My Side Hustle. She offers a free writing workshop, Grief Mates.Kathryn also interviews Author Dr. Dawn Filos.Whether it's a NSFW (not safe for work) encounter with a bra-selling pet parent or a touching farewell to a beloved family dog - Dr. Dawn Filos brings us a variety of tales underscoring the deep connection and mutual affection between pets and their owners. With a blend of touching stories and professional knowledge, she shares her journey from a nervous - and sometimes fainting - veterinary student who lost a prized racehorse - to a confident veterinarian with 3 decades of experience in both Eastern and Western medicine with viral social media videos and an informational, and at times deeply personal blog. Her candid narrative style brings to light the realities of a mobile veterinary practice, where every day is brand new, and every pet has a story worth telling. Retiring after 30 years, she realized a decades-long dream to add “pet portraitist” to her list of talents.