“We all have a light to shine, and today more than ever, the world needs us to shine those lights in all the different areas that are there.” – Julie Wignall

In this illuminating episode of Uncorking a Story, Julie Wignall shares her unconventional journey from marine biology to corporate leadership to writing The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies. She reveals how each of us has an inner light and a unique purpose, and she offers insight into overcoming fear, embracing creativity, and finding meaning in the smallest moments. Through powerful storytelling and real-world examples, Julie inspires us to step into our own brilliance and change the world—one firefly at a time.

Key Themes:
1. The metaphor of fireflies and why we all have a light to shine
2. How Julie navigated an unconventional career path spanning science, politics, and business
3, The importance of storytelling in personal and societal transformation
4. Strategies for overcoming fear and imposter syndrome
5. How small, joyful moments shape a meaningful life
6. The power of finding alternative paths when doors seem closed
7. Why play and creativity are essential for adults, not just children

Buy The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41lrvZr
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781954920798

Connect with Julie
Website: https://www.extraordinaryfireflies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinarypoweroffireflies/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryPowerofFireflies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wignall-38548668/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#UncorkingAStory #JulieWignall #Fireflies #ShineYourLight #OvercomingFear #FindingPurpose #Storytelling #LiveYourPassion #TransformTheWorld

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Each book has its own trajectory and process… The things that are meant for you come to you.” – Kristen Arnett

Bestselling author Kristen Arnett joins Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One, a book about a queer birthday clown navigating art, grief, and life in Central Florida. We dive into her writing journey, the importance of place in storytelling, and how her background in library science influences her work. Plus, we discuss clowns, wrestling, Stephen King, and the wild ride of being a full-time writer.


Key Themes:
1. The Origin Story. Kristen’s journey from childhood writing to bestselling novelist.
2. The Florida Effect. How the state shapes her work and why she calls herself a “place writer.”
3. Clowning as Art. The inspiration behind Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One and what she learned researching clowns.
4. Writing Without a Net. Why she never outlines her books and how each novel has a unique process.
5. Overcoming Rejection. The reality of publishing and advice for aspiring writers.
6. Stephen King & Horror Influences. How growing up on banned books and horror fiction shaped her storytelling.
7. Pop Culture & Wrestling Parallels. What clowns and professional wrestlers have in common.

Buy Stop Me If You've Heard This One
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Fyb8lm
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593719770

Connect with Kristen
Website: https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/
X: https://x.com/Kristen_Arnett
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen__arnett

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#KristenArnett #StopMeIfYouveHeardThisOne #QueerFiction #WritingTips #FloridaLit #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #Clowning #StephenKing #writerslife

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“The number one thing a leader can do is have a vision for their team's careers—yet only 12% of employees say their boss ever talks to them about it.” — Kevin McGarry, Ph.D.

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, we sit down with Dr. Kevin McGarry—leadership expert, CEO of Leading 360, and author of Lead with Purpose. Kevin shares his journey from corporate leadership to academia and back, revealing the insights from his doctoral research on what makes an effective leader. He also talks about his unique approach to writing, the parallels between coaching youth sports and leading in the boardroom, and the deeper purpose behind his book. Plus, he shares how his 13-year-old daughter played a special role in bringing Lead with Purpose to life.

Key Themes:
1. The Evolution of a Leader – From corporate sales manager to leadership coach and author.
2. Turning a Doctoral Thesis into a Business Fable – The challenge of shifting from academic writing to storytelling.
3. Lessons from the Field – How coaching his daughter's softball team influenced Kevin's leadership philosophy.
4. The Biggest Leadership Gap – Why most leaders fail to have career vision conversations with their employees.
5. The Business of Writing a Book – Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing and the realities of book marketing.
6. Goal Setting at Home – How Kevin applies leadership principles to parenting.

Buy Lead with Purpose: A Story About Leading In Your Personal and Professional Life
Amazon: https://amzn.to/437kQVh
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798990933804

Connect with Dr. McGarry
Website: https://mcgarryleadership.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgarry-leadership/about/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Leadership #LeadWithPurpose #KevinMcGarry #BusinessFable #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthorLife #Coaching #SuccessMindset

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