Episode 463 - Public Policy Analyst, Journalist, and Author Sreya Sarkar - Beneath the Veneer
Sreya Sarkar is a freelance writer based out of Massachusetts, with her fingers dipped in multiple writing projects. A public policy professional by training, she writes socio-political columns for Indian news magazines. She has published her debut novel and continues to pen more full-length fictions and short stories for literary magazines.
Book: Beneath the Veneer

The newly sprouted town of Rangvihar has lured people with the promise of a safe haven, away from Delhi’s maddening din. But beneath its swanky veneer lurks a hidden evil that is devouring the town’s safety.

Six women with troubled pasts – Falguni, Kesri, Gunjan, Asha, Farzeen, and Rani, drawn to the town with the hope of starting their lives afresh, befriend one another to form a safety net. They discover the sinister side of Rangvihar as Falguni’s teenage daughter goes missing. It soon becomes evident that the disappearance is connected to a nefarious human trafficking racket in the town. The plot further thickens with more disappearances and the eventual death of suspects. As the layers of mystery peel off, all six find themselves embroiled in the crisis in unexpected ways.

Pushed to seek a way out of it, what secrets will they unearth about the town as well as each other? Will they be able to re-establish the golden equilibrium of peace and safety they had once come in search of?
How heavy a price do they have to pay to protect themselves?

https://sreyasarkar.wixsite.com/sreyasworld

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EPISODE 485 - Wendy Dale - Memoir Writing for Geniuses, Peru and Grandma's Pies
About Wendy Dale
"Wendy is the best instructor I've had, bar none. She continually pushes you and never lets you settle for good enough. She is knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and has an excellent sense of humor! I would take a class again with her anytime." -- Sandra Carpenter
"Wendy is phenomenal! I've taken dozens of writing courses and completed an MFA in creative writing. Never have I received such useful instruction. I'm happy that I'll be starting her advanced course next week." -- Mary Rowland
"Wendy exceeded my expectations. I was stunned by how much practical information I learned and by how much I grew as a writer. The class was, in a word, invaluable!" -- Carly Van Thomme
"Wendy encourages her students to dig deeper -- and the results show. I highly recommend her. She is insightful, conscientious, and supportive. I couldn't ask for more." -- Michele Meek
"Wendy is that tough critic who can be the best thing that happens to your manuscript." -- Lucey Bowen
Acclaim for Wendy's memoir
"Deeply funny."
– Vogue Magazine
"Wry, funny."
– Outside Magazine
"Mix David Sedaris, Lucille Ball, and a fifth of tequila in a blender [and] you get Wendy Dale, who is quite possibly the funniest travel writer since Homer. But strain off the foamy giggles and you’re left with a raw, smart, and passionate woman in search of herself and awestruck at the beauty of even the ugliest corners of the earth."
– Deborah C. Kogan, author of Shutterbabe"
"Dale has an amazing ability not only to find intrigue and drama and hardship but to meet them all with an undampened sense of humor and a roving eye for the absurd. And by getting entangled in other people’s lives, as opposed to hiking through rain forests, she enjoys glimpses into worlds forever closed to the average tourist. A few years ago, Janet Malcolm, writing in the New Yorker, complained that she ‘always found travel writing a little boring’ because ‘travel itself is a low-key emotional experience, a pallid affair in comparison with ordinary life’ ... which is absolutely true, unless you travel like Wendy Dale."
– Thomas Swick, travel editor of the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
"This is a wonderful book – not a subversive treatise on rule-breaking as the title might suggest, but a witty, insightful memoir of a young woman from an offbeat, though well-traveled family."
– Bookpage
"With grace, charm and abundant humor, Dale narrates her meandering story of a childhood regained, ‘a chance to make rash decisions, to take wild risks, to lose everything knowing I’d still have plenty of time to earn it all back.’"
– Time Out New York
"Funny, impulsive, and alluringly naïve, Wendy Dale is repeatedly swept into adventure and trouble and love, mostly when she’s looking the other way. I had a great time going along on her wacky journey. I read the book in one sitting, reluctantly getting up midway to make a sandwich, placing the open book on the counter so I didn’t have to stop reading."
– Rita Golden Gelman, author of Tales of a Female Nomad
https://www.geniusmemoirwriting.com/

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BONUS - Book Suggestion For January 2025 - Mel Robbins - The Let Them Theory
Mel Robbins' latest book, "The Let Them Theory," offers a refreshingly simple yet powerful approach to personal growth and empowerment. At its core, the book revolves around two words: "Let Them," which Robbins presents as a transformative tool for reclaiming control over one's life
Key Concepts

The central premise of "The Let Them Theory" is that by relinquishing the need to control others' perceptions, actions, and feelings, individuals can significantly enhance their own well-being and relationships. Robbins argues that many of our frustrations and limitations stem from giving too much power to external factors and other people's opinions
Structure and Content

Robbins breaks down her theory into eight key areas of life where it can be applied for maximum impact

Throughout the book, she employs a blend of:

• Relatable personal anecdotes
• Practical advice
• Scientific research
• Insights from experts in psychology, neuroscience, and relationships

This multi-faceted approach helps readers understand and implement the "Let Them" philosophy in various aspects of their lives.
Writing Style

Written in Robbins' characteristic no-nonsense style, the book is designed to be easily digestible and actionable

Her straightforward approach may seem overly simplistic to some, but Robbins embraces this simplicity, arguing that complicated solutions are often less effective
Impact and Application

"The Let Them Theory" aims to help readers:

• Stop wasting energy on uncontrollable factors
• Break free from self-doubt and fear
• Build stronger relationships
• Pursue personal goals with confidence
• Develop resilience against everyday stressors

"The Let Them Theory" is a valuable addition to the self-help genre, offering a simple yet potentially life-changing tool for personal empowerment. Robbins' engaging writing style, combined with her practical approach and scientific backing, makes this book accessible and potentially transformative for a wide audience. Whether you're looking to improve relationships, advance your career, or simply find more happiness in life, "The Let Them Theory" provides a fresh perspective on achieving personal freedom and success
https://www.melrobbins.com/

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Episode 450 - Gillian Stapleton - Marathons, Menopause, Running in Circles and the Boston Marathon

Gillian Stapleton is a renowned leader and has led multinational global organisations and Australian-based not-for-profits. An entrepreneur at heart, Gillian has run her own business, served on Boards and is passionate about empowering others, particularly women, to be the best they can be by finding their true passion and thriving.

Gillian has an infectious personality both on stage and in the boardroom. Goal-driven, Gillian has taken many risks in life, not least that of running her first marathon at the age of 49. Since then, she has completed 12 marathons (to date) and is a holder of the World Majors Marathon medal. The ripple effect of running on her life, how she overcame many challenges as a result, and the amazing friendships she has made are what Gill is most proud of.

When Gillian is not running, she now spends her time working with businesses, inspiring women to be the best version of themselves.

Running in Circles: A Memoir of 12 Marathons and the Journey to Empowerment - an inspiring story of one woman's journey to overcome the challenges of life and menopause through the transformative power of running. Gillian Stapleton shares her personal journey of taking up running at the age of 47 and training for and completing 12 marathons, to date. Along the way, she shares the struggles and triumphs that she encountered as she pushed herself to achieve her goals, both on the road and in life. Through her candid and heart-warming storytelling, Gillian encourages women of all ages to take up running as a way to improve their physical and mental well-being, and to find strength and purpose in the face of the challenges of life and menopause.
Whether you are an experienced runner or a complete beginner, Running in Circles will inspire you to lace up your running shoes and hit the road. Discover the joy and fulfilment that running can bring. Let Running in Circles be your inspiration as you take your first steps towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125461960-running-in-circles

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Episode 382 - Kelly Snider - The Gift of Your Story - Podcasting and Authors, how they connect
Kelly Snider is a bestselling author and story curator who thoughtfully collects and preserves stories through creating events, writing books, interviewing guests on her podcast and facilitating life-changing story workshops. She is an expert at extracting stories and identifying value and strength within the narrative. As an acclaimed event producer, she highlights her clients' individual stories, needs and goals. Since the 1996, Kelly's story-focused events have raised over twelve million dollars net for charities around the world.

Kelly brings her mission of supporting and inspiring others to life through sharing the stories that connect us all, and her generosity in sharing her own stories of overcoming adversity and challenge has emboldened thousands to find the freedom and strength to share their own. Through her platforms The Power of Story Conference 2017, the Epic Exchanges Podcast, and the Epic Exchanges collaborative anthologies, she helps people find the true gifts within their stories and share them in order to inspire others and transform lives. She thrives in finding ways to connect people and may be slightly obsessed with hummingbirds, the ocean and deep and meaningful conversations.
Book: Your Story Your Strength: Discover Healing From Tragedy, Reveal Resilience and Leave a Lasting Legacy
Smoke rose from the home in the pre-dawn light. A kind stranger stopped his car and ran to the house, sending his daughter to wake the neighbours and call the fire department. Inside, he could hear the screams of a child.
This day began Kelly Snider's journey towards discovering the incredible power of story. Power to not only understand the events of her life, but also to see patterns, find healing, foster better relationships and to discover her strengths and even her purpose. And this undeniable, awe-inspiring, life-changing power lies within EVERY story. Including yours.
No matter who you are or what you've been through, there's a lesson, a gift, in your story. In these pages you can find that healing, that lesson or gift, and then discover your own way to share that story with the world to encourage healing in others. Take this journey and free yourself to embrace your true self and purpose.
That is the power of your story.

https://www.kellysniderauthor.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca