Inspiring conversations with engaging storytellers.

“The more you unpack something—or uncork it—the less power it holds over you.”

In this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with cultural and medical anthropologist Mimi Nichter, whose new memoir Hostage revisits the harrowing 1970 hijacking that changed her life forever. Now a professor emerita and award‑winning anthropologist, Mimi opens up about the 21 days she spent as a hostage in Jordan, how decades of silence shaped her identity, and why she finally chose to share her story more than 50 years later.

This conversation dives deep into trauma, resilience, memory, and the healing power of storytelling—making it a must‑listen for memoir lovers, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the inner mechanics of survival.

Key Takeaways:
1. How a 1970 hijacking led to the first use of airport metal detectors and reshaped air travel safety worldwide.
2. Why Mimi kept the trauma silent for decades—and how cultural expectations around women’s stories contributed to that silence.
3. What it means to remember: Mimi’s process of uncovering a long‑hidden box of artifacts and confronting the depth of her own memories.
4. The surprising role of children in her survival during the hostage crisis, and how caring for them helped her manage fear.
5. Trauma, resilience, and healing: why writing Hostage became an emotional but liberating journey.
6. How reconnecting with fellow hostages 50 years later reopened conversations and fostered communal healing.
7. Why her memoir matters now, in a world where hostage‑taking remains tragically relevant.

Buy HOSTAGE: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NT2P7Q
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781640126848

Connect with Mimi
Website: https://www.miminichter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miminichter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-nichter-30673313/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MimiNichter

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#MimiNichter #HostageMemoir #UncorkingAStory #Hijacking1970 #TraumaHealing #MemoirWriting #AuthorInterview #ResilienceStories #Anthropology #SurvivingTrauma #TrueStoryBooks

“The more you unpack something—or uncork it—the less power it holds over you.”

In this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with cultural and medical anthropologist Mimi Nichter, whose new memoir Hostage revisits the harrowing 1970 hijacking that changed her life forever. Now a professor emerita and award‑winning anthropologist, Mimi opens up about the 21 days she spent as a hostage in Jordan, how decades of silence shaped her identity, and why she finally chose to share her story more than 50 years later.

This conversation dives deep into trauma, resilience, memory, and the healing power of storytelling—making it a must‑listen for memoir lovers, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the inner mechanics of survival.

Key Takeaways:
1. How a 1970 hijacking led to the first use of airport metal detectors and reshaped air travel safety worldwide.
2. Why Mimi kept the trauma silent for decades—and how cultural expectations around women’s stories contributed to that silence.
3. What it means to remember: Mimi’s process of uncovering a long‑hidden box of artifacts and confronting the depth of her own memories.
4. The surprising role of children in her survival during the hostage crisis, and how caring for them helped her manage fear.
5. Trauma, resilience, and healing: why writing Hostage became an emotional but liberating journey.
6. How reconnecting with fellow hostages 50 years later reopened conversations and fostered communal healing.
7. Why her memoir matters now, in a world where hostage‑taking remains tragically relevant.

Buy HOSTAGE: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NT2P7Q
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781640126848

Connect with Mimi
Website: https://www.miminichter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miminichter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-nichter-30673313/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MimiNichter

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#MimiNichter #HostageMemoir #UncorkingAStory #Hijacking1970 #TraumaHealing #MemoirWriting #AuthorInterview #ResilienceStories #Anthropology #SurvivingTrauma #TrueStoryBooks

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Surviving Hijacking: Mimi Nichter on Trauma, Silence, and “Hostage”

The Uncorking a Story Podcast March 3, 2026 6:00 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"Medicine knows a patient’s disease, but it does not know the patient — and that is where the real crisis lies." — Dr. Robert Smith 
In this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Dr. Robert Smith, a nationally recognized pioneer in evidence‑based mental health care and physician‑patient communication. Drawing from his new book Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, Dr. Smith reveals how our current medical system inadequately prepares doctors for the most common health issues in America — mental health conditions — and why this failure is costing lives, families, and entire communities.

From formative early-career mistakes to the creation of the first patient‑centered interviewing method, Dr. Smith shares a compelling journey of awakening, reform, and hope. If you've ever wondered why navigating mental health care feels so broken — or what it would take to fix it — this conversation is essential listening.

Key Takeaways:

1. The mental health crisis is rooted in medical education. Doctors receive only 2% of training in mental health, despite mental illness being the most common health condition in the U.S. 
2. A powerful personal failure reshaped Dr. Smith’s career. A patient's diary — detailing how unheard she felt — sparked his lifelong mission to reform how physicians communicate and treat mental health. 
3. Primary care doctors handle most mental health cases — untrained. Psychiatrists see only about 12% of mental health patients; primary care sees the rest, often without adequate preparation. 
4. The mind–body split dates back to the 1500s. Deep historical roots shape modern medicine’s exclusion of psychological and social factors, to the detriment of today’s patients. 
5. Untreated mental illness drives society-wide consequences. Divorce, addictions, homelessness, incarceration, and even suicide can often be traced back to missed diagnoses in primary care. 
6. Dr. Smith proposes a Second Flexner Report. A federally led investigation could expose systemic failures and force medical education to modernize. 
7. Listeners can take action today. Dr. Smith provides tools on his website — robertcsmithmd.com — for contacting political leaders and advocating reform. 

Buy Has Medicine Lost Its Mind
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46Iaw7a
Bookshop:https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781493087655

Connect with Dr. Smith
Website https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/
X: https://x.com/RobertCSmithMD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCSmithMD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcsmithmd/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#MentalHealthCrisis #HealthcareReform #PatientCenteredCare #MedicalEducation #UncorkingAStory #DrRobertSmith #HasMedicineLostItsMind #PrimaryCareMentalHealth

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"Medicine knows a patient’s disease, but it does not know the patient — and that is where the real crisis lies." — Dr. Robert Smith
In this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Dr. Robert Smith, a nationally recognized pioneer in evidence‑based mental health care and physician‑patient communication. Drawing from his new book Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, Dr. Smith reveals how our current medical system inadequately prepares doctors for the most common health issues in America — mental health conditions — and why this failure is costing lives, families, and entire communities.

From formative early-career mistakes to the creation of the first patient‑centered interviewing method, Dr. Smith shares a compelling journey of awakening, reform, and hope. If you've ever wondered why navigating mental health care feels so broken — or what it would take to fix it — this conversation is essential listening.

Key Takeaways:

1. The mental health crisis is rooted in medical education. Doctors receive only 2% of training in mental health, despite mental illness being the most common health condition in the U.S.
2. A powerful personal failure reshaped Dr. Smith’s career. A patient's diary — detailing how unheard she felt — sparked his lifelong mission to reform how physicians communicate and treat mental health.
3. Primary care doctors handle most mental health cases — untrained. Psychiatrists see only about 12% of mental health patients; primary care sees the rest, often without adequate preparation.
4. The mind–body split dates back to the 1500s. Deep historical roots shape modern medicine’s exclusion of psychological and social factors, to the detriment of today’s patients.
5. Untreated mental illness drives society-wide consequences. Divorce, addictions, homelessness, incarceration, and even suicide can often be traced back to missed diagnoses in primary care.
6. Dr. Smith proposes a Second Flexner Report. A federally led investigation could expose systemic failures and force medical education to modernize.
7. Listeners can take action today. Dr. Smith provides tools on his website — robertcsmithmd.com — for contacting political leaders and advocating reform.

Buy Has Medicine Lost Its Mind
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46Iaw7a
Bookshop:https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781493087655

Connect with Dr. Smith
Website https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/
X: https://x.com/RobertCSmithMD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCSmithMD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcsmithmd/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#MentalHealthCrisis #HealthcareReform #PatientCenteredCare #MedicalEducation #UncorkingAStory #DrRobertSmith #HasMedicineLostItsMind #PrimaryCareMentalHealth

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy5DMkIzQTQwRkQyNTU3NDAz

Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? Dr. Robert Smith on the Crisis in Mental Health Care & How to Fix It

The Uncorking a Story Podcast February 24, 2026 6:01 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/
“It’s never too late — never too late to heal, to learn, to evolve, or to create a relationship built on something truer than what you grew up with.” — @joellelydon 

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, author and relationship coach Joëlle Lydon uncorks the journey that led to her book Unbreakable Us. Raised in a chaotic family system and identifying as a highly sensitive person, Joëlle spent years navigating old patterns, heartbreak, and healing. Through expressive arts, coaching, and a radical year‑long experiment to change her beliefs about love, she rebuilt her relational “operating system” — and now helps others do the same.

Joëlle shares her path from a 32‑year teaching career to becoming a relationship facilitator, how she met the partner who transformed her understanding of love, and why she believes relationships aren’t just between two people — but with a living, sacred third. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and a hopeful reminder that love is infinite — and it’s never too late to begin again.


Key Themes:

1. We teach what we most need to learn. Joëlle realized her challenges with relating were her greatest calling as a coach and writer. 
2. Highly sensitive people often develop deep empathy — and coping strategies. Her sensitivity was both innate and amplified by a chaotic home environment. 
3. Old family dynamics shape adult relationships — until we examine them. Joëlle’s upbringing taught her to see love as transactional, a pattern she had to unlearn. 
4. A rock‑bottom moment became her turning point. A painful breakup led her into deep self‑work and a year‑long project intentionally reframing her beliefs about men. 
5. Love is not a commodity — it’s a living system. Joëlle describes intimacy as an ever‑present field we must stay aware of, not something given in “crumbs.”
6. Relationships include a “sacred third.” She teaches that a partnership is not just two people, but a third entity — the relationship itself — that must be tended. 
7. It’s never too late to begin again. Whether healing childhood wounds or reigniting long‑term partnerships, growth is always possible. 

Buy Unbreakable Us: Removing the Barriers to Love
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tEoIIq
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781956442625

Connect with Joelle
Website: https://joellelydon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellelydon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourLovebyDesign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellelydon/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joellelydon

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #JoelleLydon #UnbreakableUs #RelationshipHealing #ExpressiveArts #TraumaHealing #LoveAndGrowth #HighlySensitivePerson #PersonalTransformation #PodcastInterview

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/
“It’s never too late — never too late to heal, to learn, to evolve, or to create a relationship built on something truer than what you grew up with.” — @joellelydon

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, author and relationship coach Joëlle Lydon uncorks the journey that led to her book Unbreakable Us. Raised in a chaotic family system and identifying as a highly sensitive person, Joëlle spent years navigating old patterns, heartbreak, and healing. Through expressive arts, coaching, and a radical year‑long experiment to change her beliefs about love, she rebuilt her relational “operating system” — and now helps others do the same.

Joëlle shares her path from a 32‑year teaching career to becoming a relationship facilitator, how she met the partner who transformed her understanding of love, and why she believes relationships aren’t just between two people — but with a living, sacred third. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and a hopeful reminder that love is infinite — and it’s never too late to begin again.


Key Themes:

1. We teach what we most need to learn. Joëlle realized her challenges with relating were her greatest calling as a coach and writer.
2. Highly sensitive people often develop deep empathy — and coping strategies. Her sensitivity was both innate and amplified by a chaotic home environment.
3. Old family dynamics shape adult relationships — until we examine them. Joëlle’s upbringing taught her to see love as transactional, a pattern she had to unlearn.
4. A rock‑bottom moment became her turning point. A painful breakup led her into deep self‑work and a year‑long project intentionally reframing her beliefs about men.
5. Love is not a commodity — it’s a living system. Joëlle describes intimacy as an ever‑present field we must stay aware of, not something given in “crumbs.”
6. Relationships include a “sacred third.” She teaches that a partnership is not just two people, but a third entity — the relationship itself — that must be tended.
7. It’s never too late to begin again. Whether healing childhood wounds or reigniting long‑term partnerships, growth is always possible.

Buy Unbreakable Us: Removing the Barriers to Love
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tEoIIq
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781956442625

Connect with Joelle
Website: https://joellelydon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellelydon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourLovebyDesign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellelydon/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joellelydon

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #JoelleLydon #UnbreakableUs #RelationshipHealing #ExpressiveArts #TraumaHealing #LoveAndGrowth #HighlySensitivePerson #PersonalTransformation #PodcastInterview

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy45RjgyODEyNEJEREM5Nzkx

It’s Never Too Late, Joëlle Lydon on Healing, Creativity, and Redefining Love

The Uncorking a Story Podcast February 17, 2026 6:01 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“There’s always another way of looking at things. Collaborators win bigger—in business, families, communities, everywhere.”

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Priscilla McKinney—CEO and “Mama Bird” of Little Bird Marketing, author of Collaboration Is the New Competition, keynote speaker, podcaster, and lifelong creative. From growing up as part of a traveling Christian family band to building a thriving B2B marketing agency, Priscilla shares her remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what leadership looks like. She opens up about the tornado that destroyed her studio, the anthropology roots that shaped her worldview, the collaborative mindset behind her book, and the power of creating something from nothing.

Whether you’re a marketer, creative, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how work gets done—and why collaboration beats competition every time.


Key Themes:
1. Creative roots matter. Priscilla’s childhood—writing skits, spoofing commercials, performing with her family—instilled a lifelong belief that ideas can come from anywhere.
2. Anthropology shaped her business philosophy. Her cultural anthropology background trained her to see multiple perspectives and understand human behavior—an essential lens for modern marketing and collaboration.
3. Resilience can redefine your path. After a tornado destroyed 35% of her town and her studio burned down weeks later, Priscilla rebuilt with clarity and purpose, eventually creating Little Bird Marketing.
4. Collaboration outperforms competition. Her book breaks down the mindset shift required to work collaboratively and the “anchors” needed to make collaboration sustainable long‑term.
5. Writing is never a solitary act. From scribes to editors to industry peers, Priscilla highlights how creating a book is inherently collaborative—even when the ideas are your own.
6. Self‑publishing can be a strategic business choice. With an existing platform, team, and marketing machine, Priscilla turned her book into a powerful calling card for speaking, podcasting, and client growth.
7. Little Bird Marketing thrives in B2B. Her team blends creativity with serious revenue discipline, helping high‑ticket B2B brands stand out, differentiate, and grow.

Buy Collaboration Is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards a Cross-Pollinating Hive Mind & How Not to Get Left Behind
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tluPRR
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781544535418

Connect with Priscilla
Website: https://littlebirdmarketing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillamckinney/
Podcast: https://podcast.littlebirdmarketing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebirdmktg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebirdmarketing

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #PriscillaMcKinney #LittleBirdMarketing #CollaborationIsTheNewCompetition #B2BMarketing #CreativeLeadership #PodcastInterview #WomenInBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AuthorInterview

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“There’s always another way of looking at things. Collaborators win bigger—in business, families, communities, everywhere.”

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Priscilla McKinney—CEO and “Mama Bird” of Little Bird Marketing, author of Collaboration Is the New Competition, keynote speaker, podcaster, and lifelong creative. From growing up as part of a traveling Christian family band to building a thriving B2B marketing agency, Priscilla shares her remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what leadership looks like. She opens up about the tornado that destroyed her studio, the anthropology roots that shaped her worldview, the collaborative mindset behind her book, and the power of creating something from nothing.

Whether you’re a marketer, creative, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how work gets done—and why collaboration beats competition every time.


Key Themes:
1. Creative roots matter. Priscilla’s childhood—writing skits, spoofing commercials, performing with her family—instilled a lifelong belief that ideas can come from anywhere.
2. Anthropology shaped her business philosophy. Her cultural anthropology background trained her to see multiple perspectives and understand human behavior—an essential lens for modern marketing and collaboration.
3. Resilience can redefine your path. After a tornado destroyed 35% of her town and her studio burned down weeks later, Priscilla rebuilt with clarity and purpose, eventually creating Little Bird Marketing.
4. Collaboration outperforms competition. Her book breaks down the mindset shift required to work collaboratively and the “anchors” needed to make collaboration sustainable long‑term.
5. Writing is never a solitary act. From scribes to editors to industry peers, Priscilla highlights how creating a book is inherently collaborative—even when the ideas are your own.
6. Self‑publishing can be a strategic business choice. With an existing platform, team, and marketing machine, Priscilla turned her book into a powerful calling card for speaking, podcasting, and client growth.
7. Little Bird Marketing thrives in B2B. Her team blends creativity with serious revenue discipline, helping high‑ticket B2B brands stand out, differentiate, and grow.

Buy Collaboration Is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards a Cross-Pollinating Hive Mind & How Not to Get Left Behind
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tluPRR
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781544535418

Connect with Priscilla
Website: https://littlebirdmarketing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillamckinney/
Podcast: https://podcast.littlebirdmarketing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebirdmktg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebirdmarketing

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #PriscillaMcKinney #LittleBirdMarketing #CollaborationIsTheNewCompetition #B2BMarketing #CreativeLeadership #PodcastInterview #WomenInBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AuthorInterview

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy42QTAwM0IwOURDNUE5RURG

Collaboration Is the New Competition: Priscilla McKinney on Creativity, Resilience & Reinvention

The Uncorking a Story Podcast February 10, 2026 6:00 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"When your world feels like it’s falling apart, that’s when your story is beginning." – Jason Reid

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Jason Reid—a successful entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of TellMyStory.org. Jason’s life changed forever in 2018 when he lost his 14-year-old son to suicide. Instead of retreating into despair, Jason transformed his grief into a mission: helping parents and kids navigate mental health challenges through storytelling and connection. We talk about his latest film, Shift: Do What Moves You, why hobbies and passions can literally save lives, and how failure often teaches us more than success ever could. If you’ve ever wondered how to find meaning in the darkest times, this conversation is for you.


Key Themes:
1. The Power of Storytelling – Jason shares why stories connect us and how they’ve shaped his life as a leader and parent.
2. From Tragedy to Advocacy – Learn how Jason turned unimaginable loss into a movement to help families recognize and address mental health struggles.
3. Why Passion Projects Matter – Discover how leaning into hobbies and interests can be life-saving for kids—and sanity-saving for adults.
4. Failure Is the Best Teacher – Jason explains why his biggest lessons came from business failures, not successes.
5. Mental Health Starts Early – Eye-opening insights on how depression can begin as early as age seven and what parents need to know.
6. Gratitude and Resilience – Hear the inspiring story of a young man who thrives despite adversity, thanks to gratitude and creative outlets.
7. How to Bring These Films to Your Community – Jason shares how schools and parents can host screenings of Shift and What I Wish My Parents Knew at zero cost.

Request a Viewing of Shift: Do What Moves you
Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/films/shift

Connect with Jason
Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellmystorycommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tellmystory/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Ns4HMxIRZ5xW7-3D-fgIg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tellmystory-org/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #JasonReid #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #Storytelling #ShiftFilm #PassionProjects #SuicidePrevention #Gratitude #Resilience @tellmystorycommunity

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"When your world feels like it’s falling apart, that’s when your story is beginning." – Jason Reid

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Jason Reid—a successful entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of TellMyStory.org. Jason’s life changed forever in 2018 when he lost his 14-year-old son to suicide. Instead of retreating into despair, Jason transformed his grief into a mission: helping parents and kids navigate mental health challenges through storytelling and connection. We talk about his latest film, Shift: Do What Moves You, why hobbies and passions can literally save lives, and how failure often teaches us more than success ever could. If you’ve ever wondered how to find meaning in the darkest times, this conversation is for you.


Key Themes:
1. The Power of Storytelling – Jason shares why stories connect us and how they’ve shaped his life as a leader and parent.
2. From Tragedy to Advocacy – Learn how Jason turned unimaginable loss into a movement to help families recognize and address mental health struggles.
3. Why Passion Projects Matter – Discover how leaning into hobbies and interests can be life-saving for kids—and sanity-saving for adults.
4. Failure Is the Best Teacher – Jason explains why his biggest lessons came from business failures, not successes.
5. Mental Health Starts Early – Eye-opening insights on how depression can begin as early as age seven and what parents need to know.
6. Gratitude and Resilience – Hear the inspiring story of a young man who thrives despite adversity, thanks to gratitude and creative outlets.
7. How to Bring These Films to Your Community – Jason shares how schools and parents can host screenings of Shift and What I Wish My Parents Knew at zero cost.

Request a Viewing of Shift: Do What Moves you
Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/films/shift

Connect with Jason
Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellmystorycommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tellmystory/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Ns4HMxIRZ5xW7-3D-fgIg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tellmystory-org/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #JasonReid #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #Storytelling #ShiftFilm #PassionProjects #SuicidePrevention #Gratitude #Resilience

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy41NkI3NEIxMUMxQkJGMTY3

Why Passion Projects Save Lives, with Jason Reid

The Uncorking a Story Podcast February 3, 2026 6:01 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“People can see themselves in Jane’s journey — that everyday person who realizes they can build wealth by investing in entrepreneurs.”

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike welcomes back Karen Rands, leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and author of Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Karen shares how her decades in angel investing inspired her newest book, a relatable, story‑driven guide that follows “Jane,” a fictional but very real composite of the many people yearning for a smarter, more meaningful way to invest. Karen breaks down the wealth‑building power of equity crowdfunding, why everyday people (not just the ultra‑wealthy) can become investors, and how purpose, passion, and profit can, and should, align in your investment strategy.


Key Themes:
1. Angel investing isn’t as exclusive as people think. Karen explains that despite being around for 80+ years, most people — even wealthy professionals — have never heard of angel investing or equity crowdfunding.
2. Her newest book teaches through storytelling. Unlike her dense first book, Karen’s new one follows “Jane,” a fictional every-person who learns how to invest responsibly and thoughtfully in entrepreneurs.
3. Crowdfund investing is accessible. You don’t need $25K checks to get started — many platforms allow investments as small as $100 to $2,000, making it a real option for non‑accredited investors.
4. Diversification is the secret weapon. Karen warns that the “kiss of death” is investing in only a few deals. Building a portfolio across stages, industries, and structures is essential.
5. Emotion kills good decision‑making. Her advice: don’t chase excitement. Learn the fundamentals, understand your criteria, and avoid investing purely on impulse.
6. Anyone can start learning — today. From her book to her crowdfunding e‑book, upcoming webinars, and the new Compassionate Capitalist Academy, Karen offers plenty of ways to get educated.

Buy Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qkzukM

Connect with Karen
Website: https://karenrands.co/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelinvesting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKarenRands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionatecapitalist/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrands/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassionatecapi?_t=8q14kyaqCHO&_r=1

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
#AngelInvesting #CrowdfundInvesting #CompassionateCapitalism #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #InvestmentStrategy #ImpactInvesting #AuthorInterview #UncorkingAStory

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“People can see themselves in Jane’s journey — that everyday person who realizes they can build wealth by investing in entrepreneurs.”

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike welcomes back Karen Rands, leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and author of Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Karen shares how her decades in angel investing inspired her newest book, a relatable, story‑driven guide that follows “Jane,” a fictional but very real composite of the many people yearning for a smarter, more meaningful way to invest. Karen breaks down the wealth‑building power of equity crowdfunding, why everyday people (not just the ultra‑wealthy) can become investors, and how purpose, passion, and profit can, and should, align in your investment strategy.


Key Themes:
1. Angel investing isn’t as exclusive as people think. Karen explains that despite being around for 80+ years, most people — even wealthy professionals — have never heard of angel investing or equity crowdfunding.
2. Her newest book teaches through storytelling. Unlike her dense first book, Karen’s new one follows “Jane,” a fictional every-person who learns how to invest responsibly and thoughtfully in entrepreneurs.
3. Crowdfund investing is accessible. You don’t need $25K checks to get started — many platforms allow investments as small as $100 to $2,000, making it a real option for non‑accredited investors.
4. Diversification is the secret weapon. Karen warns that the “kiss of death” is investing in only a few deals. Building a portfolio across stages, industries, and structures is essential.
5. Emotion kills good decision‑making. Her advice: don’t chase excitement. Learn the fundamentals, understand your criteria, and avoid investing purely on impulse.
6. Anyone can start learning — today. From her book to her crowdfunding e‑book, upcoming webinars, and the new Compassionate Capitalist Academy, Karen offers plenty of ways to get educated.

Buy Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qkzukM

Connect with Karen
Website: https://karenrands.co/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelinvesting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKarenRands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionatecapitalist/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrands/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassionatecapi?_t=8q14kyaqCHO&_r=1

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
#AngelInvesting #CrowdfundInvesting #CompassionateCapitalism #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #InvestmentStrategy #ImpactInvesting #AuthorInterview #UncorkingAStory

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy5BODc5NkUyMTAwN0IwRkY4

Building Wealth with Purpose and Passion, with Karen Rands

The Uncorking a Story Podcast January 27, 2026 6:00 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

In this moving and deeply personal episode of Uncorking a Story, Michael welcomes debut memoirist Carol Kennedy, who shares the extraordinary journey behind her book Thank God for God. Carol never set out to become a writer—yet an unexpected spiritual experience compelled her to begin documenting her life, her faith, and ultimately, her family’s devastating loss. Through grief, signs, miracles, and a strengthened connection to God, Carol found healing on the page. Her story is not just for Catholics or even religious listeners—it's for anyone seeking meaning, comfort, and hope in the face of life’s hardest moments.

Key Themes:
1. An “accidental author” — Carol describes receiving what felt like a spiritual download that pushed her to write the first part of her book in just three weeks. 
2. Writing through grief — After the sudden passing of her 23‑year‑old son Gerard, Carol wrote part two as a way to process the unimaginable, finding clarity and emotional release through the act of writing. 
3. Signs, miracles, and moments of grace — From an “angel” guiding lost family members through a hospital to small but meaningful symbols like a Sharpie appearing at the exact moment she needed it, Carol shares powerful stories of divine presence. 
4. Faith as an anchor — Carol discusses how her relationship with God deepened in adulthood and especially during the challenges described in her memoir. 
5. A book for spiritual seekers of all kinds — While rooted in Carol’s Catholic background, the memoir speaks to anyone pursuing spirituality, healing, and connection beyond dogma. 
6. Healing through honesty — Carol learned that writing openly—about joy, tragedy, and transformation—helped free her mind and heart to move forward. 
7. A mission to help others — Despite being a private person, Carol shares her story with the hope that it will bring comfort and strength to readers facing their own hardships. 

Buy Thank God for God
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49t2fED

Connect with Carol
Website: https://www.thankgodforgod.com/
Email: carolkennedy@thankgodforgod.com

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#ThankGodForGod #CarolKennedy #FaithJourney #SpiritualMemoir #GriefAndHealing #UncorkingAStory #AuthorInterview #FindingPeace #HealingThroughWriting

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

In this moving and deeply personal episode of Uncorking a Story, Michael welcomes debut memoirist Carol Kennedy, who shares the extraordinary journey behind her book Thank God for God. Carol never set out to become a writer—yet an unexpected spiritual experience compelled her to begin documenting her life, her faith, and ultimately, her family’s devastating loss. Through grief, signs, miracles, and a strengthened connection to God, Carol found healing on the page. Her story is not just for Catholics or even religious listeners—it's for anyone seeking meaning, comfort, and hope in the face of life’s hardest moments.

Key Themes:
1. An “accidental author” — Carol describes receiving what felt like a spiritual download that pushed her to write the first part of her book in just three weeks.
2. Writing through grief — After the sudden passing of her 23‑year‑old son Gerard, Carol wrote part two as a way to process the unimaginable, finding clarity and emotional release through the act of writing.
3. Signs, miracles, and moments of grace — From an “angel” guiding lost family members through a hospital to small but meaningful symbols like a Sharpie appearing at the exact moment she needed it, Carol shares powerful stories of divine presence.
4. Faith as an anchor — Carol discusses how her relationship with God deepened in adulthood and especially during the challenges described in her memoir.
5. A book for spiritual seekers of all kinds — While rooted in Carol’s Catholic background, the memoir speaks to anyone pursuing spirituality, healing, and connection beyond dogma.
6. Healing through honesty — Carol learned that writing openly—about joy, tragedy, and transformation—helped free her mind and heart to move forward.
7. A mission to help others — Despite being a private person, Carol shares her story with the hope that it will bring comfort and strength to readers facing their own hardships.

Buy Thank God for God
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49t2fED

Connect with Carol
Website: https://www.thankgodforgod.com/
Email: carolkennedy@thankgodforgod.com

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

#ThankGodForGod #CarolKennedy #FaithJourney #SpiritualMemoir #GriefAndHealing #UncorkingAStory #AuthorInterview #FindingPeace #HealingThroughWriting

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy5ENjZGNUMxRURBMkMxODFE

Turning Pain Into Peace: Carol Kennedy on Faith, Loss, and Her Calling to Write Thank God for God

The Uncorking a Story Podcast January 20, 2026 6:00 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“I love having written more than I love writing. The process is work, but the result is joy.” — Rabbi Alon Ferency

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Rabbi Alon Ferency to explore the intersection of spirituality and creativity. From the challenges of writing to the vulnerability inherent in art-making, Rabbi Ferency shares insights on mindfulness, moral imagination, and why editing might just be the most sacred part of the creative process. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or simply curious about the creative life, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on finding meaning through art.

Key Takeaways:
1. The paradox of writing: Rabbi Alon loves “having written” more than the act of writing itself—and that’s okay.
2. Flow state isn’t universal: For some, creativity feels like therapy; for others, it’s structured work rather than spontaneous inspiration.
3. Vulnerability is essential: Great art often requires exposing your scars, not your wounds, to create authentic connection.
4. Spirituality and creativity intersect: Ancient wisdom, like the Talmud’s “words from the heart enter the heart,” still informs modern art-making.
5. Editing is sacred: Ferency argues that editing—whether in writing, music, or visual art—is where true artistry emerges.
6. The artist’s sensitivity: Creative people often wrestle with heightened sensitivity, which can be both a gift and a challenge.
7.Coaching artists: Ferency’s mission is to help artists align their work with their deepest values, offering spiritual and psychological support.

Connect with Rabbi Alon Ferency
Website: https://www.eclecticcleric.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eclecticcleric/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EclecticCleric
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticcleric
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclecticcleric/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWc0eC6TFEnA9I23nES3_tQ

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #RabbiAlonFerency #CreativityCoach #MindfulArt #WritingLife #ArtAndSpirituality #PodcastForWriters

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“I love having written more than I love writing. The process is work, but the result is joy.” — Rabbi Alon Ferency

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike sits down with Rabbi Alon Ferency to explore the intersection of spirituality and creativity. From the challenges of writing to the vulnerability inherent in art-making, Rabbi Ferency shares insights on mindfulness, moral imagination, and why editing might just be the most sacred part of the creative process. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or simply curious about the creative life, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on finding meaning through art.

Key Takeaways:
1. The paradox of writing: Rabbi Alon loves “having written” more than the act of writing itself—and that’s okay.
2. Flow state isn’t universal: For some, creativity feels like therapy; for others, it’s structured work rather than spontaneous inspiration.
3. Vulnerability is essential: Great art often requires exposing your scars, not your wounds, to create authentic connection.
4. Spirituality and creativity intersect: Ancient wisdom, like the Talmud’s “words from the heart enter the heart,” still informs modern art-making.
5. Editing is sacred: Ferency argues that editing—whether in writing, music, or visual art—is where true artistry emerges.
6. The artist’s sensitivity: Creative people often wrestle with heightened sensitivity, which can be both a gift and a challenge.
7.Coaching artists: Ferency’s mission is to help artists align their work with their deepest values, offering spiritual and psychological support.

Connect with Rabbi Alon Ferency
Website: https://www.eclecticcleric.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eclecticcleric/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EclecticCleric
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticcleric
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclecticcleric/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWc0eC6TFEnA9I23nES3_tQ

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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 #RabbiAlonFerency #CreativityCoach #MindfulArt #WritingLife #ArtAndSpirituality #PodcastForWriters

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy4wODYyNTAzNjE1Qzk4MUQ2

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Flow: A Conversation with Rabbi Alon Ferency

The Uncorking a Story Podcast January 13, 2026 6:01 am

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"The Book of Reservations is about a woman navigating a dubious gift in a world that doesn’t always believe in it." — Laura Buchwald

Author Laura Buchwald returns to discuss her latest novel, The Book of Reservations, the second installment in her Ghost Table trilogy. Laura shares how a haunted Manhattan restaurant inspired her series, what it’s like to write under contract deadlines, and why humor is essential—even when tackling heavy themes like grief and the aftermath of 9/11. If you love stories about creativity, resilience, and the supernatural, this conversation is for you.

Key Themes:
1. The origin of the Ghost Table trilogy — How a real-life restaurant and whispers of paranormal activity sparked Laura’s imagination.
2. From standalone to trilogy — The challenges of expanding a single novel into a multi-book series.
3. Writing under pressure — Why Laura found publisher-imposed deadlines motivating rather than stressful.
4. Balancing grief and humor — How levity helps navigate heavy themes without diminishing their impact.
5. Research through experience — Laura’s approach to visiting real locations to bring authenticity to her settings.
6. The role of belief and skepticism — Laura’s personal experiences with mediums and how they influenced her storytelling.
7. Looking ahead — A sneak peek into book three and how early reader feedback is shaping its tone.


Buy The Book of Reservations
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bbtcze
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798892990776

Connect with Laura
Website: https://laurabuchwald.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabuchwaldauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095294176611

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

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.

#LauraBuchwald #TheBookOfReservations #GhostTableTrilogy #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #ParanormalFiction #UncorkingAStory #BookTok #Bookstagram

Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

"The Book of Reservations is about a woman navigating a dubious gift in a world that doesn’t always believe in it." — Laura Buchwald

Author Laura Buchwald returns to discuss her latest novel, The Book of Reservations, the second installment in her Ghost Table trilogy. Laura shares how a haunted Manhattan restaurant inspired her series, what it’s like to write under contract deadlines, and why humor is essential—even when tackling heavy themes like grief and the aftermath of 9/11. If you love stories about creativity, resilience, and the supernatural, this conversation is for you.

Key Themes:
1. The origin of the Ghost Table trilogy — How a real-life restaurant and whispers of paranormal activity sparked Laura’s imagination.
2. From standalone to trilogy — The challenges of expanding a single novel into a multi-book series.
3. Writing under pressure — Why Laura found publisher-imposed deadlines motivating rather than stressful.
4. Balancing grief and humor — How levity helps navigate heavy themes without diminishing their impact.
5. Research through experience — Laura’s approach to visiting real locations to bring authenticity to her settings.
6. The role of belief and skepticism — Laura’s personal experiences with mediums and how they influenced her storytelling.
7. Looking ahead — A sneak peek into book three and how early reader feedback is shaping its tone.


Buy The Book of Reservations
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bbtcze
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798892990776

Connect with Laura
Website: https://laurabuchwald.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabuchwaldauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095294176611

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

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.

#LauraBuchwald #TheBookOfReservations #GhostTableTrilogy #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #ParanormalFiction #UncorkingAStory #BookTok #Bookstagram

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YouTube Video UExNamVTdmRxWkg4eWFSX0pYSFhRaUY0amxOUGhaaWJUQy4xNEMzREYwQzc3REUwNDY0

Turning Inspiration into a Trilogy, with Laura Buchwald

The Uncorking a Story Podcast January 6, 2026 6:01 am

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