59:56 minutes (54.87 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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!

60:34 minutes (55.45 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Author, speaker, and teacher, Melissa Tosetti is our Writers' Voices guest this week. Melissa founded the online magazine, The Savvy Life, and, with coauthor Kevin Gibbons, wrote the book "Living the Savvy Life: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living" (Morgan James Publishing 2011).

At businesswomen’s conferences in San Francisco and Sacramento, Melissa’s chaired panel discussions on balanced spending and financial security. She teaches courses on savvy living in the San Francisco Bay area and also at Chabot College in Hayward, California. Melissa also teaches Kung Fu and Fearless Fitness classes. Her hobbies include traveling with husband Paul and son Dante, horseback riding, gardening, and cooking. 

60:01 minutes (54.95 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

 

 

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

59:57 minutes (54.89 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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!

62:11 minutes (56.93 MB) Mono 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

 

Cheryl Fusco Johnson discusses storytelling this week with Larry Brooks. Larry, a critically acclaimed best-selling author of six psychological thrillers, has written "Story Engineering". The book presents readers with six core competencies that any writer should master. He is also the creator and editor of Storyfix.com, an award winning instructional writing site.

Don't miss this fantastic informational conversation!

59:51 minutes (54.8 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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!

59:55 minutes (54.86 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Long-time educator, Sharron McElmeel is the guest this week. Sharron is an an award-winning literacy advocate, author of educational materials, and publicist for many Iowa authors.

She has written extensively on integrating literature into every part of curriculum. She has been awarded with Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year and nominated as Iowa's Teacher of the Year.

59:57 minutes (54.89 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Writers' Voices welcomes back best-selling author, Dr. Rick Hanson. Dr. Hanson is the author of "Buddha's Brain", which has been published in 21 languages. His most recent book, "Just One Thing: Developing a 'Buddha Brain'", a pocket-sized companion to "Buddha's Brain" features many quick, simple, yet helpful practices to change the neurocircuitry in our brains to enable us to have greater happiness, love and wisdom.

An expert on self-directed neuroplasticity, Dr. Hanson is the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, he's taught at Oxford, Stanford, and Harvad, and in meditation centers across the world. His work has been featured on the BBC, U.S. News and World Report, and Consumer Reports Health.

60:37 minutes (55.5 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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.

59:35 minutes (81.83 MB) Stereo 44kHz 192Kbps (CBR)

Writers' Voices welcomes environmental educator, writer and historian Dr. Bruce Hopkins to the show this week. Dr. Hopkins has written the book "When Foxes Wore Red Vests", a collection of essays, poetry, drawings and photographs that demonstrate how sense-of-place can serve as a role-model for future generations, as well as helping us learn how we can best live in our communities and with the natural world around us.

Dr. Hopkins career has included teaching in Nebraska, New York, and Iowa, and serving as chief administrator of an Iowa area education agency. Bruce’s life now centers on helping people of all ages connect with nature, a greater sense of community, and the literature of place.

59:17 minutes (81.42 MB) Stereo 44kHz 192Kbps (CBR)

Cheryl Fusco Johnson speaks with three Iowan children's books creators on this week's Writers' Voices.

First up conversations with the writer and illustrator of "The Juggler"(published by Ice Cube Press). "The Juggler" follows the wiry and tan young farmer, who desperately wants to be a great juggler. Through rhythm, rhymes, and vibrant colors, the book follows the young farmer's quest. Children's author and educator, Jeanette Hopkins provided the words, with artist Stormy Mochal providing the illustrations. Mochal also co-owns Outside the Lines Art Gallery in Dubuque.

61:19 minutes (56.14 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Current Fairfield resident and World War II veteran, Jerry Yellin is our Writers' Voices guest this week. Jerry is the author of four books, including his most recent, "The Black Canteen". He has also written the book, "The Resilient Warrior: Healing the Hidden Wounds of War", which describes the pain of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome experienced by returning veterans and the ways Transcendental Meditation can be used to help them. Jerry is the co-director of Operation Warrior Wellness, a division of the David Lynch Foundation that helps returning veterans learn TM.

60:51 minutes (55.71 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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.

52:48 minutes (48.34 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

We're very happy to present a special Writers' Voices interview with author and activist, Frances Moore Lappé. Her first book, "Diet For A Small Planet" , has sold millions of copies and has received praise from around the world. She has since authored many more books, including her newest "EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think to Create the World We Want". She is also the co-founder of Small Planet Institute and Food First. Gourmet Magazine named her one of 25 people (including Thomas Jefferson, Upton Sinclair, and Julia Child), who have changed the way America eats.

59:30 minutes (81.72 MB) Stereo 44kHz 192Kbps (CBR)

Writers' Voices gets into the Halloween mood with a conversation with Young Adult book author, Delia Ray. Her most recent book, "Here Lies Linc", a Junior Library Guild Selection, tells what happens when young Lincoln Crenshaw Jr. investigates a mysterious curse connected with an ominous statue in a nearby cemetary. Along the way, Linc discovers another haunting mystery lurking in his own family’s past.

59:56 minutes (54.87 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

One of the most creative literary journalists of today, Susan Orlean is a staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of the best-selling book, The Orchid Thief (made into the Oscar-winning movie, Adaptation). Her latest work, Rin Tin Tin, tells the story of the great dog actor’s journey from orphaned puppy to movie star and international icon. Almost ten years in the making, Orlean's first original book since The Orchid Thief, Rin Tin Tin is a tour de force of history, human interest, and masterful storytelling.

59:56 minutes (54.87 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

59:51 minutes (54.8 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

This week's Writers' Voices guest is author and activist, Diane Wilson. Diane will speaking at the Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors, Inc. annual meeting giving a talk entitled “Corporate Accountability: One Woman’s Struggle and Triumph.” Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30 pm at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. 

Diane is a fourth-generation shrimper who made a living along the Texas Gulf Coast. She was driven to activism when she discovered her area was number one in the nation for toxic waste disposal. Through hard work and determination, Diane finally convinced local plastic manufacturers to sign a zero-discharge agreement. Since then, she has become a strong and vocal determined activist who has taken on a number of other environmental and human rights causes. In 2002, she helped co-found, Code Pink, a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement.

59:57 minutes (54.89 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Seventh-generation Iowan, Zachary Michael Jack is the Writers' Voices guest this week. His book, "Native Soulmate: A Season in Search of a Love Homegrown", tells of his attempts to love fresh, love local. Travelling across the state of Iowa, giving lectures and signing books, Zachary tests his theory that the girl of his dreams may be closer than he imagines.

Zachary Jack currently lives in rural Iowa. He has authored "What Cheer: A Love Story", been a sports editor and has edited many anthologies, including "Letters to a Young Iowan", "Uncle Henry Wallace: Letters to Farm Families", "Iowa: The Definitive Collection", and many more.

60:00 minutes (54.93 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Tune in for an exciting interview, as our Writers' Voices gues this week is an expert in “disrupting the ordinary” and helping others do the same. Author, speaker, personal coach, and radio show host, Kristen Moeller has recently written the book "Waiting for Jack: Confessions of a Self-Help Junkie". After struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs, and food, Kristen realized her transerance of addiction to the self-help world. Through personal anecdotes, including her fatefull first meeting with Jack Canfield(the man behind Chicken Soup for the Soul) that changed the course of her life, Kristen explores the ways we often wait for life and look outside ourselves for answers.

 

56:26 minutes (77.51 MB) Mono 44kHz 192Kbps (CBR)

New author Wendy Henrichs had two children’s books released in 2011.  With pictures by award-winning illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi, "I Am Tama, Lucky Cat" (Peachtree) retells the 17^th-century Japanese legend behind the beckoning cat figurines commonly displayed in Japanese shops and restaurants.  Illustrated by accomplished artist John Butler, "When Anju Loved Being an Elephant" (Sleeping Bear Press) reveals how a lonely elephant no longer young enough to work in a circus or reside in a zoo finds friendship at last.  Always an animal lover, Wendy lives in Iowa City with her husband, two sons, two cats, one dog, and whatever stray wildlife manages to slip into their 88-year-old home.

59:51 minutes (54.8 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

This week's Writers' Voices features an interview with local Fairfield author, Andrew Edlin. Andrew has written the fantasy novel "Inaccessible: Dragon Retreat".

Taking place in 1961, when the few solitary dragons are threatened as their invisibility begins to fail, the Protectors, allies of the dragons, led by 15-year old Griff Owen and his family, go up against the forces that are working to destroy the dragons and their Protectors.

Andrew self-published this novel and it is being released through e-book applications.

Andrew Edlin was born in Brighton, U.K. and currently lives in Fairfield, Iowa.

59:53 minutes (54.83 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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.

60:18 minutes (55.21 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

The recently released anthology, "An Endless Skyway: Poetry from the States Poet Laureate", collects the poetry of thirty-eight State Poets Laureate from across the United States. The collection gives a glimpse into the heart of our nation. Writer's Voices this week has the honor of having two State Poets Laureate on the show this week, both of whom are featured in this anthology. Iowa's curent Poet Laureate, Mary Swander, and former State Poet Laureate of Missouri, Walter Bargen, talk with Cheryl Fusco Johnson about their work and this anthology. 

Tune in for a delightful discussion!

59:59 minutes (54.92 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

This week's episode features a discussion with author Zoe Ghahremani. Zoe's debut novel is entitled "Sky of Red Poppies". The book begins with an unusual friendship between two women coming of age in a politically divided 1960’s Iran under rule of the Shah. As the story continues, the history and culture of their homeland takes on a life of its own. The book is a glimpse into a part of the world that many people in western civilization are unaware. Her novel is a featured book in KPBS' One Book, One San Diego.

Tune in for an incredible interview!

59:59 minutes (54.92 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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!

59:57 minutes (54.89 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

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!

59:54 minutes (54.84 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

 

This week Writers' Voices features an interview with local author Rudy Wilson.

WIlson's books include "The Red Truck," "Sonja's Blue," and more. His work has appeared in The Paris Review.

56:13 minutes (64.33 MB) Mono 44kHz 160Kbps (CBR)

This week's Writers' Voices features a very touching conversation with Marianne Dietzel. Marianne is the author of "Laughing in a Waterfall: A Mother's Memoir". The memoir recounts Marianne's emotional and spiritual journey following the death of her daughter, Nina. After the accident, with a teenager and young child still at home, and a dying mother 500 miles away, Marianne’s finds help from her spiritual and community resources. The book shows ways to create a new culture around the threshold of death and keep a living connection to those on the other side.

Since her daughter’s death in in 1996, Marianne has become a hospice bereavement coordinator. She plays music for healing on the lyre as a Certified Music Practitioner and educates families in caring for their own deceased.

59:54 minutes (54.84 MB) Stereo 44kHz 128Kbps (CBR)

Social media has quickly become one of the most popular tools for online marketing. Facebook has infiltrated itself into our lives in countless ways. To have an effective marketing campaign in our current culture, it is necessary to learn the tools of social media, especially Facebook. On this week's Writers' Voices, our guest will be Phyllis Khare, co-author of "Facebook Marketing All-in-One For Dummies." Her book is a guide through Facebook basics, creating your business Facebook page, working with apps, monitoring and measuring your campaign, and much more. The book is full of examples illustrating the techniques and how to use them. 

Phyllis Khare is an author and speaker specializing in social media marketing and helping others become more socially congruent.