“You have to start walking the path before the path is revealed to you.” – Samantha Greene Woodruff

In this lively episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with bestselling author Samantha Greene Woodruff to unpack her unexpected journey from Nickelodeon executive to acclaimed historical fiction writer. Sam shares how yoga teacher training led to her first novel, how a fascination with lobotomy inspired The Lobotomist’s Wife, and why flexibility and courage are crucial for any writer. Along the way, they chat about music, karaoke, parenting, and what it takes to thrive in publishing today.

Key Takeaways:
1. Paths Aren’t Always Straight – Sam never dreamed of being a novelist; she found writing through yoga and staying open to new experiences.
2. History + Storytelling = Magic – Historical fiction lets Sam meld her love of research with creative freedom, breathing life into overlooked eras.
3. Research Smart, Not Just Hard – Sam learned to avoid research rabbit holes by looking up details as needed instead of overwhelming herself upfront.
4. Deadlines Build Discipline – Tight timelines taught Sam efficiency, even if they felt punishing at times.
5. The Author’s Business – Success today means seeing writing as a small business, from branding to marketing, especially since most authors get little publisher support.
6. The Power of Community – Sam finds the writing world uniquely supportive, with authors encouraging each other despite fierce competition.
7. Music Fuels Creativity – From Grateful Dead shows to karaoke renditions of “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” Sam’s love of music has always inspired her creative life.

Sam’s Novels
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kZtM5p

Connect with Sam
Website: https://www.samanthawoodruff.com/
Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/samgwoodruffauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samgwoodruffauthor
X: https://x.com/SWoodruffAuthor

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 liked 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.

#SamWoodruff #HistoricalFiction #WritingCommunity #UncorkingAStory #AuthorsLife #TheLobotomistsWife #TheTradeOff #Publishing

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“There’s never been a movie or TV series about Casey Stengel—and he’s the most animated, fun-loving, Robin Williams-type of character ever. And I intend to change that.” — Mark Galley

In this very special episode of Uncorking a Story, I’m joined by Emmy-winning PA announcer for the NY Mets Colin Cosell—yes, that Cosell—as we welcome author, creative force, and lifelong storyteller Mark Galley. Mark takes us behind the scenes of his new book How the Worst Was Won, a comedic, heartfelt, and historically rich look at the birth of the New York Mets. From Casey Stengel’s quirks to the bizarre and beautiful chaos of the 1962 season, Mark makes the case for why this story belongs on the screen. And trust me—you’ll never think of “traded for yourself” the same way again.

Key Takeaways:
1. How the Worst Was Won started as a 900+ page screenplay before becoming a book.
2. Casey Stengel was more than a manager—he was the quirky, reluctant savior of the Mets franchise.
3. The 1962 Mets weren’t just bad—they were legendarily bad, in the most entertaining way possible.
4. The economic ripple effect of losing the Giants and Dodgers devastated NYC—until the Mets brought civic pride (and fans) back.
5. Mark built fictional characters based on real fans to represent the five archetypes of Mets fandom.
6.Colin Cosell draws powerful connections between the early Mets, the Savannah Bananas, and modern sports entertainment.

Buy How the Worst Was Won
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jGdU67

Connect with Mark
Website: https://www.markgalley.com/amazin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgalley/

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 liked 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 #MetsHistory #CaseyStengel #MarkGalley #ColinCosell #BaseballStories #UnderdogTales #SportsDocumentary #Storytelling #PodcastInterview #LGM #letsgomets

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“I want women to feel seen, supported, and connected—this chapter of life isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of something new.” — Lauren Tetenbaum

Lauren Tetenbaum is an author, therapist, and advocate who helps millennial and younger women navigate the big transitions of life—from perinatal shifts to perimenopause and beyond. In this warm and insightful conversation, Lauren joins Uncorking a Story to talk about her new book, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life’s Next Period. We explore why menopause is misunderstood, how storytelling and community can be powerful tools for healing, and why empathy should guide not just writing, but life. Whether you’re approaching midlife yourself or supporting someone who is, this is a must-listen.


Key Takeaways:
1. Menopause Misconceptions: Most people think of menopause as “the end,” when in reality it’s a transition and an opportunity for growth and empowerment.
2. Perimenopause Education Gap: Many women (and providers) lack awareness of perimenopause symptoms and the mental health impacts that come with hormonal changes.
3. Empathy in Writing & Therapy: Empathy is key to telling stories that resonate and supporting clients through life’s emotional roller coasters.
4. Community Matters: Sharing experiences—whether through group chats, friend circles, or therapy—creates connection and reduces loneliness during transitional periods.
5. COVID Reflections: The pandemic catalyzed career pivots, deepened community bonds, and gave Lauren space to pursue writing her first book.
6. Reframing the Narrative: Rather than resisting or fearing menopause, women can embrace it as a new chapter filled with empowerment and self-discovery.
7. Storytelling as Healing: Whether through journaling or creative writing, storytelling can be a powerful way to process grief, anxiety, and life transitions.

Buy Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period
Amazon: https://amzn.to/45x0m9C
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781646048106

Connect with Lauren
Website: https://thecounselaur.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecounselaur/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenatetenbaum/


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 liked 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.

#MillennialMenopause #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #EmpathyInAction #StorytellingHealing #WomensMentalHealth #LifeTransitions #MidlifeEmpowerment #UncorkingAStory #PodcastInterview

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