What if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in fiction, learn to silence your inner critic, and find out why you should never journal if it feels like a chore. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and living a life without regrets.0:00 - Intro0:22 - Welcoming author Jill Santopolo0:57 - The emotional resonance of Jill's novels2:06 - How Jill compartmentalizes her many roles3:09 - Writing as a zen-like meditation practice5:02 - Using fiction to escape and cope7:48 - The struggle with journaling9:18 - Letting go of parenting "shoulds"11:19 - Baking and running for joy12:19 - Jill's background in music and theater14:20 - The "road trip" method of writing20:05 - Why the first draft is messy24:51 - The truth behind the fiction31:30 - Jill's biggest fear revealed32:12 - Going skydiving and taking risks39:12 - OutroRESOURCES:Jill Santopolo's Website: https://www.jillsantopolo.comJill on Instagram: @jillsantopoloJill on Facebook: Jill Santopolo AuthorThe Light We Lost by Jill SantopoloThe Love We Found by Jill SantopoloThe Sparkle Spa Series by Jill Santopolo

Overcoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill Santopolo

What happens when a tech executive discovers writing as therapy for processing her grandmother's dementia? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan converses with Rachel Caplin—VP of Business Development, mother of three, and author of "The Spoon and the Sea." Rachel shares her incredible journey from Australia to Israel, how she met her husband in a destined encounter, and why writing fiction became her unexpected path to healing. Discover how writing helped Rachel process grief, why she initially never intended to publish her book, and how current events in Israel inspired her second manuscript. Listeners will learn about the therapeutic power of writing, balancing multiple passions, and finding joy during dark times. This conversation explores writing as legacy, cultural identity, and how our greatest challenges often birth our most meaningful creative work.0:00 - Intro0:55 - Rachel's background and family1:58 - Rachel's career in technology2:27 - Childhood love of writing5:26 - Speech therapy and stuttering journey7:51 - Moving from Australia to Israel10:32 - Explanation of Aliyah11:51 - The Spoon and the Sea inspiration15:02 - Writing to process grief22:36 - The freedom of writing fiction25:13 - Second book and October 7th28:12 - Letting go through fiction32:57 - The power of story35:55 - Writing as legacy44:37 - OutroRESOURCES:IG: @rachelhcaplin_https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239379199-the-spoon-and-the-sea

On Healing and Legacy Through Fiction: Rachel Caplin’s Soul-Stirring Story

Discover the memoir writing journey of Julie Fingersh, an award-winning journalist turned "accidental author" of Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas. Named a People Magazine Best Memoir, Julie reveals how midlife crisis, empty nesting, and buried family secrets ignited her bestselling book. Learn why she stopped writing for 30 years—and how radical truth-telling healed her. What happens when publishing success isn’t enough? Unlock universal lessons on creativity, resilience, and finding your voice.    TIMESTAMPS:  0:00 - Intro 0:22 - Julie’s accidental author origin 1:17 - Why she stopped writing 2:45 - Midlife crisis awakening 3:45 - Montana writer’s retreat 4:24 - Crafting memoir for readers 7:44 - Memoir cover symbolism 8:48 - People Magazine accolade 11:00 - Universal reader resonance 19:48 - Platform-building struggles 22:00 - Arrival fallacy revelation 26:13 - Family permission to publish 31:32 - Julie’s gratitude to Dara 32:24 - Outro     RESOURCES:  https://juliefingersh.com/ https://juliefingersh.com/stay

Overcoming Creative Blocks with Julie Fingersh

               What does it take to live a life of purpose and radiance? Author and entrepreneur Lynne Golodner joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on finding meaning through human connection. Lynne shares her transformative journey from seeking external validation to embracing self-empowerment, the pivotal role of her solo travels after divorce, and how she weaves her Jewish identity into her novels for a wide audience. Discover the power of listening to your inner voice, why it's never too late to pursue your passion, and how our deepest wounds can become sources of wisdom. This episode is packed with insights on writing, personal growth, and building a life filled with intention and joy.- 0:00 - Intro- 0:22 - Welcoming author Lynne Golodner- 1:07 - What brings the most joy?- 2:20 - Why every moment matters- 3:19 - The project that changed everything- 3:58 - Who was Lynne before 40?- 4:47 - The courage to choose yourself- 5:23 - A life-changing solo birthday trip- 7:00 - How she met her second husband- 9:01 - Her new novel on processing trauma- 10:09 - Drawing inspiration from Michigan- 11:41 - Weaving Judaism into her fiction- 16:06 - Defining her author brand- 17:30 - Her journey through Orthodox Judaism- 19:36 - How her kids practice Judaism- 23:27 - Gen Z's shakeup of traditions- 26:50 - Advice to her younger self- 29:03 - Outro Lynne Golodner's Website: lynnegolodner.comLynne's New Novel: I Love You, Charlie TannerLynne's Other Novels: Woman of Valor, Cave of SecretsHost Dara Levan's Instagram: @daralevanHost Dara Levan's Website: daralevan.com

Author Lynne Golodner on Writing, Judaism & Self-Discovery

How do you break generational patterns when you had no healthy models to follow?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes Cari Fund, an advocate for women's empowerment and healing from generational trauma. Cari doesn't hold back. From recognizing toxic patterns at just 14 years old to her current work with her Surviving Roots podcast, she shares her journey with narcissistic parents and the difficult decision to establish boundaries. "I took back the f@#$ing pen," she declares, perfectly capturing her determination to rewrite her narrative despite family pressure and societal judgment.  What happens when motherhood becomes the catalyst for breaking cycles? Cari reveals how parenting her own children forced her to confront and heal childhood wounds. She offers practical insights about setting boundaries, navigating estrangement, and creating healthier family dynamics. This conversation isn't about perfect parenting—it's about making hard choices to end toxic patterns. Through personal examples and unflinching honesty, Cari demonstrates how confronting your past can transform your future and protect the next generation from repeating painful histories.  Cari Fund is a fearless advocate for breaking toxic generational patterns and women's empowerment. After spending over a decade in the New York City beauty industry and eight years in corporate social media management, she's now channeling her experiences into her memoir and the "Surviving Roots" podcast. Born in West Virginia and raised on a horse ranch, Cari brings authentic grit to her work helping others heal from toxic parenting. With her trademark honesty, she guides women to become the people they were born to be and the parents they never had.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Welcome and introduction to Cari Fund (03:48) The pivotal decision at age 14 (06:08) Recognizing covert narcissism as a teenager (11:07) Dealing with judgment around family estrangement (15:18) Past relationship patterns and control mechanisms (17:53) The turning point: choosing herself (22:07) Finding purpose through healing your own story (26:41) Motherhood as a pathway to healing (31:08) Siblings' different responses to toxic upbringing (34:38) Standing firm after reconnection attempts (40:21) Closing thoughts   Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: Cari Fund Surviving Roots Podcast Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com  

Guest Cari Fund

 What happens when the preventative surgery you chose to avoid cancer reveals you already have it?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes author Gila Pfeffer, whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through losing both parents to cancer at a young age and her own battle with breast cancer. With refreshing candor and signature wit, Gila shares how her Orthodox Jewish identity shaped her experiences and how becoming a mother to four children galvanized her commitment to preventative healthcare - ultimately saving her life when a preventative mastectomy revealed aggressive cancer.  Weaving together themes of resilience, authentic storytelling, and finding humor in life's darkest moments, Gila reflects on the profound significance of reaching age 50 - making her the first woman in four generations of her family to achieve this milestone. Her powerful metaphor of a broken mug still worth saving resonates deeply as she discusses her advocacy work and how sharing her story has inspired countless women to prioritize breast health. Like the cracked vessel on her book cover - weathered yet still holding precious contents - Gila's narrative embodies the beauty of imperfect survival.  Gila Pfeffer is a Jewish American humor writer whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through loss, cancer, and survival with unflinching candor and unexpected hilarity. A fifteen-year breast cancer previvor and survivor, Gila's "Feel It on the First" campaign has directly led to earlier diagnoses for countless women through its tongue-in-cheek reminders about breast health. As an Orthodox Jewish mother of four who underwent preventative mastectomy at 34 only to discover early-stage cancer, Gila's writing - featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and McSweeney's - transforms tragedy into empowerment through her signature wit. She splits her time between London, New York City, and Instagram.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Meet Gila Pfeffer: Author of "Nearly Departed" (05:26) "Making fun of something is taking your power back" (08:12) What does authentic branding really mean? (13:07) Breaking the cycle: First to reach 50 (19:11) The delicate balance of telling your truth in memoir (23:51) How four children saved their mother's life (29:16) Beyond the pink ribbon: Rethinking breast cancer awareness (34:42) One person at a time: The impact of sharing your story (38:45) The metaphor of the broken mug  (39:55) Closing thoughts   Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: https://www.gilapfeffer.com/ @GilaPfeffer on Instagram Nearly Departed Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

Guest Gila Pfeffer

What if your greatest challenges were actually your most profound teachers?  In this soul-stirring conversation, educator and writer Daphne Gregory-Thomas weaves together the threads of loss, resilience, and transformation through her journey as an innovative educator, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Her narrative illuminates how life&#39;s greatest challenges often become our most profound teachers, from early maternal loss to creating groundbreaking educational programs for students with learning differences, and ultimately facing her own mortality through cancer diagnosis and recovery.  Through her raw authenticity and deep wisdom, Daphne reveals how staying open to life&#39;s lessons - whether they come from students, strangers on New York City streets, or her own healing journey - has shaped her understanding of purpose and meaning. Her story reminds us that every moment holds the potential for transformation if we remain receptive to the teachers who appear in unexpected forms, from classroom students to cancer diagnoses, each offering their unique wisdom for those willing to listen.  Daphne Gregory-Thomas is an essayist and educational innovator who spent 45 years as a high school educator in the New York/New Jersey area, specializing in programs for students with learning differences. After retiring and overcoming two cancer diagnoses, she became a patient-to-patient volunteer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and discovered her voice as a writer through their Visible Ink program. A passionate advocate for authentic living and self-advocacy, Daphne&#39;s work focuses on finding wisdom in life&#39;s challenges and staying open to unexpected teachers. Her essays explore resilience, transformation, and the power of sharing our stories.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Introduction to Daphne Gregory-Thomas and her background in education (02:16) Early life experiences and learning from her children as teachers (07:38) Creating an innovative program for students with learning differences (09:29) Impact of student&#39;s death and continued advocacy (10:41) The inspiring story of student advocacy and transformation (13:05) Impact of the program over 40 years and breaking educational barriers (15:01) Journey through second cancer diagnosis and life-changing decisions (17:37) Finding strength and wisdom from strangers on New York City streets (19:11) Discovering writing through Visible Ink and service as patient volunteer (21:11) Learning from grandchildren and everyday moments, developing intuition and believing in meaningful connections (24:26) Finding balance and gradual transformation Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!  Resources: Daphne Gregory-Thomas LinkedIn  Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Instagram Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Medium Memorial Sloan Kettering Visible Ink writing program  Sign up for Dara&#39;s Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagr

The Unexpected Teachers: Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Learning Life's Hardest Lessons

In what ways did author Sheila Athens transform her personal grief into a powerful source of resilience and creativity, leading to the release of her third novel?In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes novelist Sheila Athens to share her inspiring journey from a corporate HR executive to a successful author. Sheila recounts her early passion for writing, which was reignited in her 40s after a serendipitous NPR ad and the support of her husband. Sheila's HR background had quite an impact on her storytelling, offering a unique perspective on human behavior that now enriches her narratives. Sheila opens up about navigating the grief of losing her husband and soulmate to cancer, finding resilience through writing and the support of a vibrant women’s writing (and hiking!) community. Her experiences highlight the importance of maintaining work-life balance and remaining open to life's serendipitous messages. With her third novel on the horizon, Sheila's story is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the courage to follow one's creative calling.Sheila Athens writes smart fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine State. Her stories are about women navigating internal and external battles to find peace. Her stories resonate with readers who believe in everyday heroes making a difference. After growing up in the Ozarks, Sheila relocated to Northeast Florida, where she now enjoys life living near her two grown sons. From a career in corporate HR, she gained deep insights into human nature, which fuels her writing. A feminist, nature lover, and audiobook enthusiast, Sheila is also discovering the joys of cooking while embracing a quiet life of writing and reflection.In This Episode: (00:00) Sheila’s path from an HR career in corporate America to novelist(03:15) Career shift from journalism to business, HR career and human behavior insights, a supportive spouse and NPR ad inspiring a writing career, moving to Florida(11:51) Grieving her husband’s death and finding resilience, writing and community support during personal grief, creativity and planning life after loss(19:00) A family of men and boys, value of female friendships and writing community(23:30) Neena Lee is Seeing Things: the novel's unique premise, Cumberland Island, the Carnegies and Kennedys(28:15) Signs, synchronicities and messages, closing thoughtsLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!Resources:www.SheilaAthens.com We Should All Be MillionairesJennie NashSign up for Dara's NewsletterListen to other podcast episodes HereConnect with Dara on Instagram and FacebookVisit DaraLevan.comVisit DaraLevan.com

Guest Sheila Athens

Why is the fight against book banning so crucial for maintaining diverse viewpoints, and how can literature empower us to embrace empathy and understanding?  In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes bestselling author Emily Bleeker. This episode is a must-listen for writers and book enthusiasts as it delves into the art of weaving historical truths into fiction, a technique brilliantly showcased in Bleeker's latest novel, "Once We Were Enemies," inspired by her grandmother's wartime experiences. You’ll hear Bleker and Levan offer a critical examination of media bias, and advocate for open access to diverse perspectives, especially amid book-banning controversies in places like Florida. Emily shares her own journey from a conservative upbringing to embracing diversity, largely influenced by her children's identities. Through heartfelt exchanges, this episode emphasizes the value of perseverance and the profound impact of empathy and connection in personal and collective transformation. It's a rich narrative tapestry that resonates deeply with those passionate about the written word and its power to change lives.  Emily Bleeker is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of seven novels. Combined, her books have reached over two million readers and counting. When she’s not writing or mom-ing, Emily performs on the house team of a local improv group in suburban Chicago where she lives with her husband, kids and kitten muse, Hazel.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Emily’s fiction has been inspired at times by mysterious and exciting family anecdotes, blending fact and emotion, discussing today’s parallels to WWII, and the power of firsthand experience (08:09) Exploring bias and truth in media, fiction vs. nonfiction story, media literacy and book banning, humanitarian implications (12:20) Changing perspectives through empathy, being a parent of non-binary and LGBTQ+ children, book banning and religious programming (17:23) Emily’s journey to embracing diversity and personal growth, divorce, conservative beliefs and family history, grace and openness (25:00) Challenges and rewards of pursuing difficult but meaningful paths, perseverance and personal growth Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources: https://emilybleeker.com/ Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

Guest Emily Bleeker

How did author and writing teacher Sarahlyn Bruck’s journey through unexpected twists and turns in the publishing world lead to her ultimate success as an author?  Today host Dara Levan welcomes Sarahlyn Bruck to discuss the intricate paths of the publishing world. Sarahlyn’s setbacks, and ultimate success, reveal her belief in the power of perseverance and the crucial role of timing in the industry. Sarahlyn candidly shares her experiences with various publishing houses and the significance of persistence. You’ll hear her views on feedback and encouragement as a writer, the intersection of writing and past careers, and the mental health benefits of running. With an emphasis on authenticity and positive reinforcement, Sarahlyn and Dara explore the transformative nature of writing and the vital support needed in creative endeavors. With heartfelt anecdotes and insights, this episode is a celebration of creative evolution and the enduring belief in oneself.  Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). Sarahlyn lives in Philadelphia with her family and is a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college.  In This Episode:  (00:00) Intro to author Sarahlyn Bruck - perseverance, timing, and the lessons learned from agent feedback, challenges of finding an agent (09:34) Receiving feedback, balancing criticism with positive reinforcement, the crossover between storytelling and math(14:00) Running and walking for mental and physical health, exercise myths(18:00) “No bad kids” and enjoying your children’s vibes and evolution(20:40) The evolution of the Every Soul podcast, (celebrating four years!)(22:35) Transforming personally before, during, and after writing a book, the Pitch Wars experience(27:05) Artists and the encouragement from loved ones, the importance of someone believing in your talents(31:00) Closing thoughts, how to get in touch with SarahlynLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources: Sarahlyn Bruck Sarahlyn Bruck Links Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @sarahlynbruck Pitch Wars Comes to an End Sign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook Visit DaraLevan.com 

Guest Sarahlyn Bruck

We all live with the possibility that we won’t wake up one day, but not everyone is consciously aware of that fact. Today’s guest lives with a daily reminder of her mortality. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Andra Watkins, a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating writing and soul-stirring speeches. Andra, who has navigated the waves of adversity with unwavering resilience and turned her life into an adventurous journey, offered us an enlightening conversation about life, growth, and self-discovery.   Andra discusses her challenging circumstances and the path she’s forged. She was diagnosed with a chronic parasitic illness that led to partial blindness and grappled with family dysfunction; yet, she chose not to let these issues define her life. Listen to the episode to hear what she has to say about her medical challenges, the manipulative dynamics within her family, empathy, and her pursuit of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth.   Topics Discussed in This Episode   ●      Discussion on Andra's life-changing diagnosis and its impact on her life’s perspective ●      Andra's pursuit of adventure and exploration ●      Deep dive into Andra's past and the dynamics of her family ●      Andra's experiences with gaslighting, manipulation, and narcisstic personality disorder ●      Importance of compassion and empathy in dealing ●      Conversation on Andra's struggles with setting boundaries, particularly with her mother ●      Loving family members from a distance and estrangement ●      Discussion on Andra's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth ●      Exploration of how adversities shape our identities ●      Reflection on finding blessings in challenging situations  Resources Andra Watkins 

Guest Andra Watkins

Bringing my first book to life felt like an emotional adventure akin to childbirth—filled with excitement, challenges, and profound self-discovery. In this heartfelt solo episode of "Every Soul Has a Story", I share about the intense journey of editing, revising, and ultimately letting go of my "book baby". With poignant advice from a dear friend guiding me, I reflect on the incredible personal and professional growth I’ve experienced over the past six months. A highlight I cherish deeply is the warmth and acceptance I felt at my initial big book event in Miami, where my friend, Brad Meltzer, introduced me.   Celebrating the power of connection, I dedicate a substantial part of this episode to the meaningful exchanges I've had with listeners and readers. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, my website, or email, your messages and stories are a vital part of this journey. I respond to each one—these interactions bring immense joy and foster our vibrant community. Tune in to learn more about my ongoing work on my second book and the lessons learned, all while navigating the often tumultuous path with integrity and kindness.  Topics Discussed in This Episode:  The exhilarating and challenging journey of publishing a first book Reflections on valuable advice from a friend about letting go once a book is published  A memorable moment at Dara’s first big book event in Miami, where her friend, Brad Meltzer,  introduced her The importance of kind communication and maintaining integrity while navigating challenges The role of social media in connecting with listeners and readers Dara’s ongoing work on her second book and the lessons learned from her first book's journey Insights on protecting oneself emotionally and professionally, including setting boundaries and recognizing the importance of community support Advice on being open to helping others with communication challenges and maintaining high standards Every reader matters. It’s important to take the time and listenPersonal stories of meaningful interactions at book events The importance of listening to one's body and setting boundariesResources: Dara Levan Dara on Instagram Dara on Substack 

What I’ve Learned About Life and More Since My Book Launch!

What does it mean to receive an autism diagnosis in your 40s? Today’s guest, Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D., shares her unique journey of navigating life with a late autism diagnosis—an experience surprisingly common, particularly among women. Katie is an accomplished author, mental health advocate, professor, and mother who brings a rich blend of personal and professional expertise to the conversation. Diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and autism, she has become a powerful voice in the mental health and neurodiversity communities. Katie has authored several influential books, including A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education and Even If You’re Broken: Bodies, Boundaries, and Mental Health, both of which have won prestigious awards. Her newest work, Parenting Neurodiversity: An Insider’s Companion, is forthcoming from Johns Hopkins University Press and provides a firsthand perspective on raising neurodivergent children. She is also an author of fiction books, including The Hollywood Lights Series.  In addition to her writing, Katie is a sought-after keynote speaker and educator who draws on her academic and lived experiences to shed light on mental health, disability, and neurodiversity. As an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she combines her academic background with her passion for advocacy, frequently contributing to national publications like The Chronicle of Higher Education and Psychology Today. In this episode, Katie talks candidly about the intersection of gender, identity, and neurodivergence, drawing from her experiences growing up in the 1980s, navigating societal expectations, and parenting a neurodiverse child. Katie also delves into her work within the equestrian world, where she founded the NeuroEq show team to promote awareness and accommodation for neurodivergent riders. Join us as we explore the complexities of autism, neurodiversity, and identity through the lens of Katie&#39;s remarkable journey, learning from her insights into how we can all better understand and support neurodivergent individuals in every aspect of life.  Topics Discussed in This Episode  Katie&#39;s journey of receiving an autism diagnosis in her 40s and the high rate of undiagnosed autistic women and girls The high rates of non-binary and queer identification within the autistic community and their vulnerability Katie&#39;s reflection on her upbringing as an autistic girl in the 80s and the struggle to conform to societal norms The intersection between gender identity and neurodivergence Parenting a neurodivergent child with comorbidities and its impact on family dynamics The influence of Katie&#39;s own diagnoses on her treatment compliance The importance of incorporating neurodivergent characters in fiction and how Katie&#39;s books reflect neurodiversity The effort to raise awareness and gain accommodations for neurodivergent individuals in the equestri

Guest Katie Rose Pryal

The journey of “Every Soul Has a Story” began with an unexpected Instagram Live session during the early COVID-19 lockdown. These impromptu conversations, born out of a need for connection, have grown into a sanctuary for authentic dialogues. This season opener is a heartfelt recounting of my personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the profound loss of loved ones. It’s a testament to the power of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments, which have become the cornerstone of this podcast.   We're kicking off this season with stories that embody resilience and authenticity. Joining us are Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins, two remarkable women whose narratives will inspire you to embrace your true self and the support of those around you. Together, we’ll delve into how living in alignment with your values can empower you to overcome adversity and live a fuller life. I invite you to enter a space where genuine connections thrive, and perfection is left at the door. Your engagement is invaluable, and I’m excited to share upcoming episodes that will further unpack these compelling themes.  Topics Discussed in This Episode Introduction to the new season of "Every Soul Has a Story" Reflection on the podcast's beginnings as an Instagram Live show during COVID-19 lockdown Dara's personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the loss of loved ones The importance of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments The podcast's evolution from spontaneous chats to structured interviews The role of authenticity and connection in the podcast Introduction to the first two guests of the season, Katie Rose Pryal and Andra Watkins Professor and author Katie Rose Pryal's journey of resilience, including her diagnosis of autism and bipolar disorder Author and speaker Andra Watkins' story of overcoming chronic illness and family challenges Ways for listeners to find Dara online and connect with the podcast community  Resources Dara Levan Dara on Instagram Dara on Substack 

Every Soul Has a Story_ Revival Trailer

Today’s guest is author, poet, editor, and writing teacher Michelle Cameron. Michelle is also a director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing instruction to adults and kids. She recently published her fourth novel, Babylon: a novel of Jewish Captivity, which is published by Wicked Son Books. In this episode, Michelle joins the conversation to share how she learned that we can't always predict our paths for ourselves or our children. She talks about her experiences with four different publishing houses, adapting to unexpected changes, and why both patience and persistence are important. Michelle also delves into her creative process, why she loves her craft, and how characters often lead writers to unexpected plot twists. Her favorite part of the creative process is that moment when she is birthing a new idea or story. We also discussed the fulfilling journey of growing a small organization into a larger one, teaching young creators, parenting, and much more. What an insightful, engaging, and heartfelt conversation!

64. Guest Michelle Cameron 10-23-23

Today’s guest is author Elizabeth Sumner Wafler. She recently published her fourth novel, A Cleft in the World. In this episode, Elizabeth shares how she learned that her grandfather was Jewish when she was 50 years old. Elizabeth talks about her childhood, sharing she grew up in “an insular world and provincial community” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She talked about how her family in the ‘60s swept controversial or topics perceived as embarrassing under the rug. We laughed as we bantered about our mutual love of Yiddish, an endearing language, and that she and her cousins enjoy exchanging Rosh Hashanah cards. Elizabeth now lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She discussed her unique writing process, cultural influences, and the fascinating revelations about her heritage that impacted her upcoming book.We also chatted about Elizabeth’s love of words, the influence of her first editor's advice, and how observation plays a key role in storytelling. She shared how she explores the themes of identity, love, and compassion in her novels. And why it's taken her a long time to not worry about what others think of her; she lives life on her own terms. What an insightful, lively, and connective conversation!

63. Guest Elizabeth Sumner Wafler 9-18-23

It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has experienced life in two vastly different environments. Today’s guest is @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg, who recently published her fourth novel, A Norn In Bloom. A New York native and former executive recruiter, Jennifer experienced a significant turning point after falling in love and moving to Sweden. Learn how Jennifer adjusted to a new country, language, and culture. Jennifer talks about her career shift, her publishing journey, and being true to yourself.We chatted about authenticity on and off the page, what inspires Jennifer, and how she stays connected to her family in the U.S. We also delved deep into the impact of social media, community, and connections.Jennifer shares her experience of self-discovery during the pandemic, the importance of self care, and how self-publishing her novel expanded her journey. We also discussed how the choices we make in life shape us. When Jennifer returned to the United States for five years, she rediscovered who she was and what she wanted. Loved our conversation @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg and your insights!

62. Guest Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg 9-12-23

Jennifer Vido is the author of the Piper O'Donnell Social Lite Mystery series, a mystery and romance author with a love for all things cozy. When a twist of fate landed Jennifer at the "Reading with Ripa” roundtable discussion with Kelly Ripa and Meg Cabot, her entrée into the publishing world officially began. As an avid book lover, she blogs about bestselling book releases and writes the Jen’s Jewels author interview column for FreshFiction.com. She also is a certified copy editor. A longtime Romance Writers of America member, she recently began penning the Gull Island Series with The Wild Rose Press. Serendipity by the Sea is the first book in the series. Jennifer is also a national spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation, she has been featured by Lifetime Television, Redbook, Health Monitor, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, Healthguru.com, and Arthritis Today. As a former national trainer for The Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic and Land Exercise Classes and a current aquatics instructor, she advocates for those like herself who suffer from arthritis, the nation’s #1 cause of disability.On today's episode, we talked about letting of what we cannot change, how we are both adjusting to being empty nesters, and the highs/lows of life. When Jennifer was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis as a young child, she realized she couldn't control how her body may ache or swell. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges and also shares why this diagnosis doesn't define her. Yoga, prayer, and reading are a few of the ways Jen cares for herself. We also chatted about writing, family, and much more! What an honest, hopeful, and inspiring conversation!

61. Guest Jennifer Vido 7-20-23

What an honest, heartfelt, and profound conversation. Loved chatting with @May Cobb May is the author of MY SUMMER DARLINGS, THE HUNTING WIVES and BIG WOODS. Originally from East Texas, May moved to San Francisco where she studied Victorian Literature; then she lived in Los Angeles for a few years working for filmmaker/writer Ron Shelton and his wife, the actress Lolita Davidovich. She resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and son where she says, “I enjoy napping, staring into space, making to-do lists for my to-do lists, shoveling cookies down my throat when I'm writing a particularly difficult scene (and even when I'm not), wearing my PJ’s as often as I can get away with and collapsing into bed at the end of a day with a great book.” May’s currently finishing a book about the late, jazz great, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, a project which has been in the works for twenty years. Kirk was a human phenomenon—a multi-instrumentalist who was best known for his miraculous ability to play three saxophones simultaneously. During his brief life, he defied staggering odds—from blindness, to prejudice, to a paralyzing stroke—to play the music that came to him through dreams. And May shares on today’s episode why she felt a deep connection with Kirk’s story, which also inspired her to become a writer. The mother of a child with autism, May talks about societal expectations and the judgment she’s experienced. And we also talked about the representation of autism in her latest book, A LIKELY WOMAN. In today’s episode, you’ll learn more about May’s inspiring story, how she carves time to create, and what inspires her writing. Thank you, May, for this honest, poignant conversation.

60. Guest May Cobb 7-13-23

What a lively, heartwarming conversation with Rob Schwartz! We chatted about Rob’s late father, Morrie, his childhood memories, and the indelible impact of Morrie’s wisdom on his family and the world. The book Tuesdays With Morrie touched my heart in the 1990s and has stayed there ever since. Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others. He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan and has been an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine since 2008. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan.In today’s episode, we chatted his father, childhood memories, and the layers of loss. We discussed how Rob discovered his father’s manuscript, written before Morrie was diagnosed with ALS that became the book Rob just edited/published—The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively & Joyfully.Rob’s journey is inspiring, fascinating, and a life well lived.

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