342. From Coast Guard to Creative Writer: Tamara Miller Davis Despite the Buzz

Explicit content warning

12/13/23 • 43 min

8 Listeners

Today's episode features a remarkable guest, Tamara Miller Davis, who embodies the fusion of service, technology, and creativity. Hailing from a quaint town in rural Michigan, Tamara's upbringing without cell phones and modern tech painted a childhood rich with natural connection and simpler times. Now as a mother, veteran, indie author, and an advocate for intentional living, she shares a fascinating journey from joining the Coast Guard at 18 to becoming the accomplished writer of "Despite the Buzz."
Delving into her multimedia novel, we explore how technology shapes our lives, behaviors, and relationships across generations. Tamara gets personal, discussing her road trips back to Michigan, her powerful dedication to service, and how her love for the Coast Guard has interwoven with her family values and creativity.
Her insights into the importance of writing as a therapeutic outlet, setting technology boundaries for her children, and her passion for cultivating their artistic and musical talents, provide a rich dialogue that's both enlightening and heartening.
As we traverse through memories, mentorship, and the undying spirit of community, Tamara stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and its pivotal role in our lives. So tune in for an inspiring conversation about legacy, service, the dance of life, and the wonder that lies within "Despite the Buzz."
Get ready for a dose of wisdom, wit, and wonder with Tamara Miller Davis on this episode of Better Call Daddy: The Safe Space For Controversy.

Tamara Miller Davis is an author, fire wife, mother, substitute teacher, parent club volunteer, and U.S. Coast Guard veteran. Tamara grew up in Michigan and resides in California. Once upon a time, she performed on stage via USA Today’s Storytellers Project. Tamara is a member of the Writers and Publishers Network, Women's National Book Association, and Ventura County Mom Collective. Her realistic novel, Despite the Buzz, won awards for contemporary romance and literary fiction at thebookfest.com.

Connect with Tamara

Website: https://www.despitethebuzz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz (professional)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tami.davis.169 (personal, for tagging purposes)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis

Instagram: #despitethebuzz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-davis-094499238

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tamara-miller-davis_2021

Despite the Buzz

Connect with Reena

bettercalldaddy.com

linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts

twitter.com/reenareena

instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast

Me and my dad would love to hear from you, Drop us a review, reviews help more people find the show, and let us know what you like and what you'd like us to change, Please share the show with one friend who you think would be helped by the show

ratethispodcast.com/bettercalldaddy

podchaser.com/bettercalldaddy

Castmagic is the AI tool I use...

Connect with Tamara

Website: https://www.despitethebuzz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz (professional)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tami.davis.169 (personal, for tagging purposes)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis

Instagram: #despitethebuzz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-davis-094499238

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tamara-miller-davis_2021

Despite the Buzz

Connect with Reena

bettercalldaddy.com

linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts

twitter.com/reenareena

instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast

ratethispodcast.com/bettercalldaddy

podchaser.com/bettercalldaddy

Castmagic is the AI tool I use...

Previous Episode

341. The Vow, A Love Story And The Holocaust: Michael Ruskin

10 Recommendations

Did you want to explore and be free before marriage? Did your parents expect you to get married? Before penning a best-selling book chronicling the experiences of his Holocaust survivor parents from Lithuania, Michael Ruskin led a diverse life rooted in swing and country music. Now, his primary focus is on his book and its legacy.

Today's episode is a spiritual journey through faith, family, and the forging of a personal identity in the face of adversity. Hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman are joined by the inspiring Michael Ruskin to discuss the somber history of the Holocaust and the nuances of Jewish life and spirituality.
Michael takes us on an emotional ride, reflecting on his personal struggles with his Jewish heritage, his relationship with his mother, and his deep connection with his faith.

His story is one of contrast—between the smothering love of his family and his own quest for love and freedom, between the darkness of the Holocaust and the light of the human spirit.

In today's episode, Michael shares insights from his own life experience—washing dishes for Passover, engaging in self-reflection, and embracing an active lifestyle.

His candid storytelling resonates with a universal longing for authenticity and a better understanding of our spiritual existence, including beliefs in reincarnation and astrology.

Michael's legacy is vital not just for him but for the Jewish community, as we learn about his book "The Vow, A Love Story and The Holocaust" and his lifetimestories.net project.

This episode is rich with history, from the tragedies of World War II to the incredible story of his parents—survivors of concentration camps and death marches—whose profound love and faith bore witness to unspeakable horrors.

So join us as we explore the strength derived from ancestry, the complexities of identity, and the undeniable power of storytelling with Michael Ruskin. This is an episode you won't want to miss, and it's all right here on Better Call Daddy: The Safe Space for Controversy.

Michael Ruskin (born Meyer Ruksen), was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the beautiful city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (central New Jersey). He is the youngest son of David and Dora Ruskin and the younger brother of the late Allen Ruskin. A graduate from Kent State University in Ohio, he received a B.A.

in Political Science and Psychology. Michael spent most of his 40-year career in corporate Human Resources and private consulting. Mr. Ruskin, now retired, lives a very active lifestyle which includes traveling, tennis, dancing, hiking. He is a student of spirituality, world history, and an avid researcher. He has one niece and enjoys spending time with friends and making new ones. Michael is the last surviving member of his immediate family. The Vow: A Love Story and the Holocaust is Mr. Ruskin's first book, but not his last. He currently resides in Roswell, Georgia.

Connect with Michael

https://www.facebook.com/rusk7777

Connect with Reena

bettercalldaddy.com

linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts

twitter.com/reenareena

instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts

instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast

ratethispodcast.com/bettercalldaddy

podchaser.com/bettercalldaddy

Castmagic is the AI tool I use for show notes and podcast title ideas, it has helped save me tons of time. I talked about it in this episode. Please use my affiliate link if you sign up.

https://get.castmagic.io/bettercalldaddy

Are you a popular podcaster or a rising influencer? Or do you have a great idea for an online business? Then you should know that every great website starts with an awesome domain name. Namecheap offers hundreds of domain extensions, from the traditional dot com to creative extensions for podcasters like dot fm, dot live, or dot space. Namecheap is the world’s 2nd largest domain registrar, with nearly 17 million domains under management and a top web service provider for everything you need to launch an amazing website. Namecheap offers hundreds of domain extens...

Next Episode

343. A Father And Son’s Guide to What the F is Next - David and Colton Chorpenning

8 Recommendations

Today, our hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Big Daddy Wayne Friedman are joined by a very special father-son duo, David and Colton Chorpenning, who take us deep into the world of intentional parenting and the power of breaking generational traumas.

Prepare for a heartwarming journey as David shares the transformative impacts of therapy on his parenting style and Colton reflects on the unconditional love he's received, mirroring the gratitude for the cycles his father has worked hard to break.
In an engaging conversation sprinkled with wisdom, we explore the profound influence of intention in our daily lives and how we can craft our destinies with thoughtful action. Our guests remind us to hold our lofty expectations lightly and stay adaptable to life's ever-changing nature.
Hold onto your hearts as we dive into stories of adventures and compassion—from managing rival dog gangs in the streets of New Delhi to the life lessons learned under the prestigious roof of Google. Discover how intentionality is not just a buzzword but a lifestyle that has led our guests to financial independence, meaningful relationships, and nourishing plant-based living for their family.
We also unravel the tender threads connecting parenting and partnership, pondering if being a parent truly is the enriching experience it’s made out to be or if it's viewed by some as a sacrifice. Our guests' personal stories illuminate the sheer joy and intention they have brought into their roles as parents, partners, and creators.
Plus, don’t miss out on the exciting discussion about their new book "What the F is Next," where you can get your hands on it, and the intentions that power our host family.
So, listeners, as we invite you to lean in and listen to today’s episode, we ask you: What are your intentions for your life and loved ones, and how are you turning them into action? It's time to dial in with your heart and mind open—let's call up some wisdom with Better Call Daddy.

David and Colton Chorpenning are a remarkable duo of father-son authors whose literary works have captivated readers with their unique blend of storytelling, wisdom, and heartfelt emotion.

David Chorpenning, a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience, has been honing his craft for several decades. He was captivated by the power of intention with simple skills that can give you a truly fulfilled, positive life. With an insatiable curiosity, he embarked on a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery, channeling his experiences into his writing. David's works reflect his diverse interests and extensive knowledge.

Colton Chorpenning, following in his father's footsteps, emerged as a talented writer in his own right. Inspired by his father's passion, he began penning his own stories early, honing his skills and finding his unique voice. As a result, Colton's writing exhibits a fresh perspective and youthful energy. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for capturing authentic human experiences, he infuses his narratives with a sense of immediacy and relatability.

David and Colton's collaborative efforts have resulted in their book, What The F*ck Is Next?, seamlessly blending their distinct styles and perspectives. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of shared creativity and the strength of their bond as father and son. Their book explores many themes, from love and loss to resilience and the search for meaning. Each page is infused with their passion for storytelling, leaving readers eagerly turning to the next page.

Beyond their literary pursuits, David and Colton Chorpenning advocate for the outdoors and a life of adventure. They actively seek time in the mountains, channeling some of their favorite hobbies in mother nature. Their commitment to fostering a love for experience in yourself is a testament to their belief in the power of exploring.

The end of the year is a great time to check-in on one's life over this past year and think about how they would like their life to be different regarding things like: health, relationships, work, travel, finances or other things. Our book, What the F is next has a simple and straightforward process that walks people through the steps to do that. Thru 1/15/24, your listeners can purchase our book What the F is next and sign up for our 30-day What's Next course, that costs $225, for no additional cost. The first step for your listeners is to go to our website: TheFisnext.com and leave their email address. We'll contact them about how to start the course. On our website is a link to buy a paperback copy of, What the F is Next on Amazon. The book is required to be able to do What's Next Course.

Links:

https://www.thefisnext.com/

https://kitcaster.com/colton-chorpenning/