The first Writers' Voices show to air on KRUU.

Tune in at KRUUfm.com this Friday, November 27 at 1pm Central to hear Chamaigne Montana and Caroline Kilbourn interview Dr. David Daniels about his updated and re-released book, The Essential Enneagram. Dr. Daniels is a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford Medical School. He is co-author of The Essential Enneagram with Virginia Price, PhD. In private practice for more than three decades, David has taught the enneagram system at Stanford University and internationally for 15 years.

Please send your healing thoughts to Dr. David Simon, Chopra Center co-founder when you tune in for this pre-recorded interview hosted by Monica Hadley and Caroline Kilbourn.

Earlier this week, Dr. Simon underwent surgery for a brain tumor.  As poignant as his discussion of his latest book, "Free to Love, Free to Heal" was when we first spoke with him, it is even more so now.  You can follow Dr. Simon's recuperation and express your wishes for his recovery at www.lovefordavid.com.

Dr. David Simon is a board-certified neurologist and pioneer in the medical field. His personal mission is to facilitate the integration of complementary and conventional medicine in the 21st century. Since he began his association with Deepak Chopra, M.D. in the 1980’s, Dr. Simon has become one of the nation’s foremost authorities on effective and appropriate use of holistic health care practices, specifically ayurveda – the 5,000-year-old healing tradition of India.

In his role as medical director for the Chopra Center, Dr. Simon continues to research and develop clinical programs in mind-body medicine. He directs a comprehensive curriculum that includes on-site seminars and workshops, in addition to a worldwide educational outreach enterprise. Dr. Simon is the driving force behind the Chopra Center’s development, training, and implementation of the Center’s flagship programs Perfect Health, Journey into Healing, Primordial Sound Meditation, Seduction of Spirit, Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, and Free to Love, Free to Heal.

Tune in to Writers' Voices this week for a live interview with former Iowan Steven Schneider and his wife Reefka, who will be discussing their new book, "Borderlines: Drawing Border Lives". This joint project pairs Reefka's portraits of people who live and work along the U.S.-Mexico border with Steven's bilingual poems that have been inspired by each of the drawings.

Steven Schneider's poems and essays have been published in journals such as Critical Quarterly, Prairie Schooner, Tikkun, and The Literary Review.  He is the author of two books of poetry and a scholarly treatise on A.R. Ammons, and an editor of another.  Reefka Schneider  is one of the foremost artists of "la frontera," the binational region of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas

Join Monica and Caroline this week on Writers' Voices as we bring back one of our favorite guests, Linda Egenes, to discuss her latest book "Super Healthy Kids: A Parent's Guide to Maharishi Ayuveda,"  coauthored with Dr. Kumuda Reddy.  This is the first book on Maharishi Ayuveda and children, and follows in the footsteps of "For a Blissful Baby: Healthy and Happy Pregnancy with Maharishi Vedic Medicine."

As explained in Super Healthy Kids, "All parents want the best for their children. Yet when faced with a sick kid, it's hard to know what to do. The time-tested wisdom of Maharishi Ayurveda offers surprisingly effective solutions to children's health problems today—from ADHD to obesity."  We will be talking to Linda Egenes about what it takes to write an authoritative book on such an important topic.

Writers' Voices with Monica and Caroline welcomes two guests this week.  First up is Geoffrey Hoppe, writer of "Masters in the New Energy" by Adamus Saint Germain. Don't worry if that sounds confusing; Geoffrey channels Adamus Saint Germain.  According to Wikipedia, The Count of St. Germain (fl. 1710–1784) has been variously described as a courtier, adventurer, charlatan, inventor, alchemist, and musician, but is best known for his connection to Theosophy. Tune in for an unusual and intriguing interview.

Next, Writers' Voices has the pleasure of speaking with Freddy Niagara Fonseca, Fairfield's own Renaissance Man, about his forthcoming poetry anthology, "This Enduring Gift."  This beautiful volume, featuring 76 poets who have lived in Fairfield, is scheduled to launch September 10.

Monica and Caroline welcome Boston College English professor Amy Boesky to Writers' Voices to discuss her memoir of new motherhood and the deep connections of sisters who grew up in the shadow of a family legacy of early death from cancer. This emotionally satisfying memoir shows us what it means to live in the moment when you live with the knowledge that your moments may be all too few. "What We Have" was published by Penguin Books.  Boesky was also one of the principal ghostwriters for the popular young adult series "Sweet Valley High."

Join us once again for an intimate conversation all about writing with a wonderful author.

Sallie Felton, life coach, author, radio show host, facilitator, hypnotherapist, and inspirational speaker, will be this week's guest on Writers' Voices. 20 years ago, Sallie Felton made a major life change to follow her passion and she hasn't looked back. Sallie's writing is featured in the upcoming anthology "GPS For Success", which also features writing from Stephen Covey. Sallie has also written the book "Stepping Stones To Success" with Deepak Chopra.

Make sure to tune in for this insightful and fascinating conversation!

This week Writers' Voices will feature a fascinating conversation with author and child educational psychologist, Dr. Charlotte Reznick. Dr. Reznick is the author of "The Power of Your Child's Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success," an L.A. Times bestselling book, published by Perigee/Penguin. She will be sharing insight into her imagery techniques that she has developed that allows children to harness the power of their imagination to help them deal with many of childhood problems. Her techniques have helped children boost self-esteem and confidence, overcome fears, deal with insomnia and bedwetting, ease headaches and stomache aches, and soothe anger, frustration and loss. Dr. Reznick has been helping children, adolescents, and parents for over 20 years. She has been featured on national television and published in newspapers and professional journals. 

Writers' Voices welcomes Linda Joy to the show this week. Monica and Caroline will be talking with Linda about the upcoming anthology, "A Juicy, Joyful Life: Inspiration from Women Who Have Found the Sweetness in Every Day", which she compiled. The book shares the intimate stories of over 40 women about how they overcame their biggest struggles, discovered who they are, and how they made the choice to live a juicy, joyful life. Linda is also, since 2005, the publisher of Aspire magazine, dedicated to inspiring women to live deeper, more authentic, and inspired lives. Make sure to take take time to tune in for this truly inspiring conversation!

Tune in to the next Writers' Voices for an interview with Michael Fischman. Michael is the author of "Stumbling Into Infinity: An Ordinary Man in the Sphere of Enlightenment."  The book is a spiritual memoir recounting Michael's journey, from a challenging childhood to a successful Madison Avenue advertising career, through a mysterious turn of events that leads him into a relationship with a great humanitarian and one of India's most revered spiritual leaders, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Michael recounts inner traumas, glimpses of wisdom, a fight at an Indian ashram, and a blossoming of love and devotion.

Michael, a former advertising executive with Ogilvy & Mather, is a founding member and current president of the U.S. Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization. He is also the CEO of APEX (Achieving Personal Excellence), the corporate training division of the International Association for Human Values.  

Writers' Voices host Monica Hadley, along with special guest host Cheryl Fusco-Johnson, interview Ari Berman.

Tune into this week's Writer's Voices for an interview with Mary Helen Stefaniak. Stefaniak's most recent book is "The Cailiffs of Baghdad, Georgia: A Novel." Her book, which takes place during Depression-era Georgia, tells of what happens when a new, unconventional and well-traveled school teacher comes to town, choosing to revive the annual town festival as an exotic Baghdad Bazaar. The story is told from the perspective of eleven year old, Gladys Cailiff. The book takes readers from the American South to the banks of the Tigris River and back again.

This week's Writers' Voices features an interview with Bob Saar. His most recent novel is titled "In Memory of David's Buick". The book follows Iowa songwriter Bucky Minnow, who's song David's Buick, was ripped off by booking agent, Buddy Payola, and Dusty Bodine, who is using Bucky's song and a magic guitar to return to fame. Bucky takes off on a road trip that leads him through incredible misadventures like no other and ultimately leads him to the meaning of life. Other characters in this book include Bucky's girlfriend, Lido Wan, disc jockey Roy Lukas, Shadow guitarist Dogus, an ancient medicine man, two ethereal spirits, and a host of FBI agents  The book gives a unique view of life, love, war, rock 'n' roll, Iowa, and sweater-clad Chihuahuas trapped inside hot automobiles.

Cheryl Fusco Johnson takes hosting duties on Writers' Voices this week with guest Anola Pickett. Anola is the author of "Wasatch Summer", a historical juvenile fiction novel, that will be released next month by Cedar Fort. The book follows eleven-year old Hannah Turner on a coming of age journey, as she faces unlikely dangers as she watches her family's sheep in the mountains. 

A former teacher and school librarian, Anola has co-authored a classroom activity book, as well as books, magazine stories, and articles. Anola and her husband, Peter Dolye, have a son, Gerry, who's a novelist and journalist currently living in Abu Dhabi.

Children's book author, Kathy Brodsky, makes a visit to Writers' Voices this week. Her most recent book, "The Winner Is...", tells the humorous story of a dog who tries to be someone else in order to win a contest. Her other books include, "My Bent Tree", "The Inside Story", "Just Sniffing Around" and "Purrsnikitty". Having worked as a psychotherapist for almost 40 years, Kathy has a wealth of material to draw upon for her work.                     

Joseph Tiefenthaler will also be a guest on this Writers' Voices. He will be discussing the many literary events that are part of the Mission Creek Festival, in Iowa City.

Stephen Hopson is the guest this week on Writers' Voices. Stephen, living currently in Fairfield, was born deaf, but had the dream at a young age to become a pilot. As an adult, he made aviation history by becoming the world's first deaf instrument-rated pilot. He also had a very successful 15-year career on Wall Street. In 1996 he had an epiphany that inspired him to leave Wall Street behind to pursue a career as a motivational speaker and author. "Obstacle Illusions; Transforming Adversity into Success" is his first book. The book tells stories from Stephen's life, from childhood to adulthood, and shares lessons he has learned along the way.

Don't miss this inspirational show!

New York Times bestselling author, Sophy Burnham, makes a visit to this week's Writers' Voices. Sophy's most famous book, "A Book of Angels", has recently been re-released. The book is an exploration of angels through a vast collection of stories, history, and literature related to human encounters with angels.

Sophy's most recent book is "The Art of Intuition". This book explores many facets of intuition; what it is, why it's important, and how to have more of it.

Cheryl Fusco Johnson once again takes the hosting reigns for another Writers' Voices. Cheryl will be speaking with author Jan Blazanin of Des Moines. Jan's newest book "A & L Do Summer" was just released this week. The book follows the adventures of two teenage girls in rural Iowa during the summer before their senior year.Jan, a former middle school teacher, currently lives on eleven acres, presents writers workshops, teaches writing to all ages, and spends her free time "planting wildflowers, moving large rocks, and pulling acres of weeds".

In 2002, a railcar rolled into the farming community of Denison, Iowa, where the bodies of eleven undocumented immigrants were found. These eleven Central Americans and Mexicans had been locked inside a baking railcar by smugglers and left to die a horrific death. On the next Writers' Voices, journalist Colleen Bradford Krantz discusses her new book "Train To Nowhere:Inside an Immigrant Death Investigation", being released this summer. Her book dives into this tragedy to discover the full story and larger issues that surround this event. 

Colleen has worked as a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Des Moines Register. She is now a freelance journalist living in central Iowa with her husband and three kids.

Script writing is the topic for this week's Writers' Voices with guest John Rainey. John started out as a professional actor, but worked his way into becoming one of the industry's most sought after script consultants. Voted #1 script analyst in the country by Creative Screenwriting, John has professionally analyzed and consulted on thousands of scripts. He has worked as script consultant on such films as Invincible, Vacancy, Holes, and many more. He has several screenplays of his own currently in pre-production. John currently lives in Redondo Beach, CA.

Don't miss this insightful look into what it takes to create a successful screenplay!

In a society that keeps telling us buy more and consume more, but where we don't seem to be getting any happier, there are few voices that speak of the joy found in the simple things. Michael R. Rossman PH.D., psychologist and small Iowa farmer, has written a book that expresses the happiness found in community-based activities. "Excellent Joy: Fishing, Farming, Hunting, and Psychology" is a collection of essays exploring the reasons why humans have engaged in these activities for generations. Stored in our basic genetic material is information that has survival value for the human species.

Don't miss this incredible conversation!

Monte Schulz, son of famed Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz, is the guest on this week's Writers' Voices. Monte is the author of several books, including his upcoming novel, "The Big Town". Taking place in the summer before the stock market crash of 1929, his novel vividly recreates the Jazz Age, complete with speakeasies, sanitariums, and glittering Gatsby-like parties. The book follows the story of a failed businessman, whose future prosperity hinges on a secret proposition from a millionaire industrialist, and his relationship with a poor orphan girl chasing love. This is the third book in Schulz's trilogy of books delving into the American psyche during the Jazz Age.

Writers' Voices welcomes two guests with books helping others deal with difficult life issues.

More than 12,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year, dramatically changing their lives and lives of their families. Lynda Young has written a useful and compassionate book to give support those families. "Hope for Families of Children with Cancer" presents encouraging short stories, helpful hints, inspiring scriptures and prayers, and resources designed to help the overwhelmed and hurting parents dealing with new feelings and situations. Lynda Young is a writer, national speaker co-founder of Kindred Spirits International  and teaches You-niquely Made Personality Study designed to enhance communication.

Janet Thompson has written "Dear God, Why Can't I Have A Baby: A Companion Guide for Couples on the Infertility Journey". Her book takes the reader through the infertility process. Having dealt with it herself, Janet provides women and couples with tools, direction, guidance, hope, and encouragement. Janet Thompson is also founder of Woman to Woman Ministries and author of several other books.

Barry Spector, a Harvard grauduate who writes about American history and politics from the perspectives of myth and archetypal psychology, is the author of Madness At The Gates Of The City: The Myth Of American Innocence (2011, Regent Press).

The book dissects America's belief in innocence and how that has allowed us to re-enact old patterns that cause us to subvert our goals and miss the deeper meaning in events.

Through his book, Mr. Spector uses Greek mythology, indigenous wisdom and archetypal psychology to discover new ways of looking at our present situation and finding healing solutions.

It's time for Writers' Voices Annual Christmas Show! This year Monica Hadley and Caroline Kilbourn are joined by Stephen Parker of Burlington. Stephen is the national voice for McGruff The Crime Dog, star of the National Crime Prevention Council’s Public Service spots. Stephen became the voice of McGruff in 2006 after a nation wide contest. 

Stephen, a retired Sheriff's Deputy Sergant of over 35 years, helps share holiday stories, songs, and conversation.

Join in for a wonderful hour of holiday fun and inspiration!

In our fast paced, ever changing world, patience is often our most needed, but least cultivated virtue. Allan Lokos is the founder and guiding teacher of New York City's Community Meditation Center. His book "Patience: The Art of Peaceful Living" lays out a compelling and helpful path to deeper patience. Drawing on Lokos many years as a Buddhist practitioner and teacher, as well as interviews from a wide range of people who have had their patience dramatically tested, this book provides a realistic approach to becoming calmer and happier with one's self, in relationships, at work, and with the world.

Don't miss out on this very inspirational Writers' Voices!

Moncia and Caroline have an extended conversation about writing mysteries, sharing advice and exercises from "Now Writer! Mysteries".

Local author, speaker, and consultant, Seth Braun joins Writers' Voices this week to discuss his new book and share his passion for helping others reach their full potential. Seth has written "Indestructible Success: Creativity, Leadership and The Art of Small Business". In this book, Seth lays out a foundation and guide for both inner and outer success. His book shows how to build your mind, heart and actions so that you can live your dreams and make the world a better place.

Seth also enjoys gardening, playing music, and chocolate. He lives with his family in Fairfield.

Don't miss out on this empowering discussion!

Get a behind the scenes look at the world of book publicity on the next Writers' Voices. Molly Brouillette works for Penguin books as a publicist at Tarcher, an imprint focused on mind/body/spirit books. A life-long lover of books, Molly has worked on campaigns for books ranging from healthy soul food to the upside of aging to near-death experiences. Her career has led to such adventures as doing facial yoga on Good Morning America, hand-modeling for the cover of a dating book, and attending a UFO conference. Molly has found that keeping up with the ever-changing publishing world isn't easy, but she finds it worth the effort to have a job that revolves around reading, writing about and talking about books.

Don't miss this delightful conversation!

Economist, attorney, author, and entrepreneur, Michael H. Shuman has authored, coauthored, or edited eight books, including, the award-winning, "The Small-Mart Revolution", "Going Local", and, his most recent, "Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity"(Chelsea Green Publishing). In this new book, Michael shows investors how to use their money to help local businesses and build resilient regional economies.

Considering that not even 1 percent of the $30 trillion Americans' have in long-term savings touches local small businesses, his book serves as a much needed resource and guide through the growing realm of local investment choices—from institutional lending to investment clubs and networks, local investment funds, community ownership, local stock exchanges, crowdfunding, and more.

Local author, Rudy Wilson, makes a return visit to Writers' Voices to discuss his novel, "Girl Walking Backwards".

Rudy, best known for his novel, "The Red Truck", has an MFA in English/Fiction Writing, from the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop, where he was a manuscript reader for admissions to the prestigious graduate writing program. He has received a James Michener Fellowship, a CCLM-GE Award for Fiction published in The Paris Review, and an NEA Fellowship for Fiction, in 1989. He has conducted a series of workshops in fiction writing since 1986 in Iowa, Minnesota, and Maui.

Cheryl Wilfong, our guest this week, is a Master Gardener and mindfulness meditation teacher, who has brought her two passions together in her book, "The Meditative Gardener". This book guides readers in practical easy-to-follow ways to bring full awareness into your gardening.

By sitting, walking, strolling or bending over in your garden, you can learn to enjoy it, just as it is and notice the joy in provides.

Cheryl is a teacher at Vermont Insight Meditation Center and has written a previous book, "Following the Nez Perce Trail: A Guide to the Nee-Me-Poo National Historic Trail"

At age 13, Frank Meeink became a SkinHead. At 18, he was a SkinHead leader and Neo-Nazi recruiter. In "Autobiography of a Recovering SkinHead: The Frank Meeink Story as Told to Jody M. Roy, Ph.D.", Frank tells his raw story, from his angry childhood that found an outlet in the Neo-Nazi movement through his time in prison, encountering cons of all backgrounds and race, that first caused him to question his anger and rascism. The book is a journey into the dark depths of the rascist American underground.

Since turning his life around, Frank has become a noted speaker, author and founder of "Harmony Through Hockey".Currently living in the Des Moines area, Frank's life is now dedicated to tolerance, diversity and mutual understanding.

Don't miss this incredible and moving story and conversation!

Iowa City author, Larry Baker, has written five novels, including "Athens, America" and "The Flamingo Rising". His most recent book, "Love & Other Delusions", presents a fresh take on the story of a married woman having an affair with a younger man.

Larry Baker is currently an adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Iowa, as well as an adjunct instructor at Kirkwood Community College. Baker will be giving a reading Saturday, June 9, 1 PM at Revelations. Bookstore in Fairfield.

Baker is also working on a documentary about the creative process, focusing on the writing of "A Good Man," in which Baker drew on, or "stole" as he would say, from a variety of predecessors.  Check out Monica's review of "A Good Man" at http://www.writersvoices.com/books-review/books-review/good-man-larry-baker/. 

Nancy B. Kennedy, our guest this week, has gathered a collection of inspiring stories from all branches of medicine in her book, "Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Doctors". From family doctors, military doctors, neurosurgeons, dentists, missionary doctors and more, they each tell their stories, both tragic and triumphant, from around the world as they care for people who need their help. This is the second book in her "Miracles and Moments of Grace" book series.

Nancy has written four previous books, two children's books, and numerous articles and personal essays for books, magazines and newspapers. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and son.

Allen Cobb returns to Writers' Voices this week to tell Monica and Caroline about his latest publishing venture - "The Rules for the game of life" - A novel, in which secrets are revealed.

According to Allen, "t's a little comical, a little cosmic, and hopefully a fun read. As many of you know, I've been collecting a strange set of "rules" — with tongue firmly in cheek — and I finally succumbed to repeated requests to "make them into a book." It quickly turned into an unexpected little novel, one which pretty much wrote itself. (Which is probably a Good Thing.)"

Allen is also a poet, a sound artist, and a publisher so no doubt this will be a far-ranging conversation on Writers' Voices!

  When a pig, a frog, and a woodpecker set out on a three wheeled Harley bound for the ancient redwood forests of Big Sur so they can learn how to fly (a woodpecker who can't fly - what's that all about?), a lot can go wrong.It’s times like this when it’s good to have friends. Like Swami, a local surfer who hears your thoughts and changes his appearance at will; or Vashti, the ten thousand year old holy man; or Anansi, the shape shifting trickster; or Stokes, the ageless mountain man.  

"The Unlikely Confderacy of Hoggy, Froggy and Ernie" is hard to describe

 - a little bit "The Incredible Journey" and a little bit Tom Robbins, with a dash of Vedic storytelling thrown in.  Join us this week on Writers' Voices for the story behind the story, when Monica and Caroline interview Fairfield author Ron Louthan, a fourth generation California native who studied English Literature at the University of Oregon and UCLA and has managed to become a witty, original writer nevertheless.  "The Unlikely Conferacy" was published March 22, and Ron will be giving a reading at Revelatiions on Saturday, April 6. 

Caroline and Monica welcome Nancy Kennedy, editor of the "Miracles and Moments of Grace" series back to Writers' Voices this week for an inspiring hour of stories from Moms.

Nancy's previous books include two others in the Miracles and Moments of Grace series - "Inspiring stories from Military Chaplains" and Caroline's favorite, "Inspiring Stories from Doctors" as well as a book of weight loss success stories "How We Did It."

If you are a Mom, have a Mom, or know a Mom - you will surely enjoy this interview.

Join Monica and Caroline on Writers' Voices this week for an English teacher's dream as we welcome Kevin Smokler, author of "Practical Classics: 50 Reasons to Reread 50 Books You Haven't Touched Since High School."  Just released from Prometheus books, "Practical Classics" covers a lot of ground, from Shakespeare to "Huckleberry Finn,"  with stops along the way for "The Bell Jar," "To Kill a Mockingbird" and oh so much more.

And yes, Caroline was a high school Engilsh teacher (here at FHS).

Kevin Smokler has been called "a publishing visionary" by the Huffington Post.  His writing on the arts has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, and he was a recent guest on NPR's "Talk of the Nation."

Tune in to Writer's Voices post-Mothers' Day interview with two of Leafwood Publishers fine authors. 

At 1:30 we will turn to "The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey through Baby's First Year." Co-author Jessica Wolstenhom will be our guest. "The Baby Companion" is Jessica's follow-up to her 2011 book "The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood." This book takes us month by month through baby's first year, with information about infant development, baby care, and mommy care too! Jessica's two coauthors are Dr. Andrea Johnston, pediatrician, and Dr. Heather Rupe, OB/GYN.