Read And Write With Natasha podcast

1:01:07

When Patricia Bonis lost her children to international abduction, she was thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare—fourteen years of silence. In her memoir Jeddah Bride , Patricia recounts the unimaginable journey from Florida courtrooms to the heart of Saudi Arabia, where a judge’s decision to allow unsupervised visitation led to more than a decade of separation. With raw honesty and emotional clarity, Patricia exposes the human toll of international custody battles. Her story reveals the alarming gaps in protection for children and parents caught between conflicting legal systems. "Within one hour of his unsupervised visitation, they were on a plane to Saudi Arabia—and I didn’t see my children for fourteen years," she says, still stunned by how swiftly her world changed. Now a passionate advocate through the organization Find My Parent, Patricia channels her pain into purpose, offering hope and support to others navigating similar tragedies. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly ordinary lives can be upended—and how resilience can restore what once seemed irretrievably lost. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
The No-Show Book Reading That Went Viral 38:29

4 weeks fa38:29

38:29

When Karen De Bonis arrived at her library book reading to find zero attendees, she didn't crumble—she took a photo. That single photo of empty chairs would go viral on Twitter , reaching over a million views and revealing something profound about vulnerability in our success-obsessed world. Behind this viral moment lies a much deeper story. De Bonis spent seven years crafting her memoir "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," which chronicles not just her son's medical journey but her own battle with people-pleasing behaviors that delayed crucial medical intervention. As she explains, "It's really not a story about the brain tumor as much as it's a story about my shattered expectations of motherhood." The conversation explores the fascinating collision between medical gaslighting and people-pleasing tendencies that left her son undiagnosed for three years. With remarkable candor, De Bonis reveals her publishing journey—from writing in fits and starts over many years to querying 85 agents without success before finding a home with a university press. Her honest assessment of book marketing realities (that viral million-view post translated to exactly 44 book sales) provides crucial perspective for aspiring authors. Perhaps most compelling is De Bonis' DIY approach to audiobook creation, complete with a closet recording studio lined with egg crate foam and free Audacity software. For writers and readers alike, this conversation offers a masterclass in persistence, authenticity, and the courage to share our imperfect experiences. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
The Old-School Secret to Selling Books With Jean Alfieri 38:15

5 weeks fa38:15

38:15

What if the secret to publishing success isn't TikTok or Instagram but good old-fashioned hustle and real-world connections? In this episode, I chat with Jean Alfieri , author of the beloved Zuggy the Rescue Pug series and an advocate for shelter pets everywhere. Jean’s journey into authorship began with one determined rescue pug and has blossomed into an impressive 11-book series (and counting!). Jean's practical approach is a breath of fresh air, flipping conventional wisdom on its head. While many authors chase algorithms and digital ads, Jean packs auditoriums at school visits, often selling hundreds of books at once. "Beer-drinking dog lovers are my people," she jokes, proving that knowing your audience—and meeting them face-to-face—can beat digital marketing every time. Beyond book sales, Jean shares how her side hustle as a positivity coach helps fuel her creative career, offering listeners a realistic path toward sustainable, full-time creative work. Her secret weapon? A clear intention pinned to her fridge: "100,000 books sold, 100,000 pet parents inspired." She reminds us all of the power of intentionality and the magic that happens when you leave space for your dreams. Come hang out with us for this uplifting chat, where Jean Alfieri shares her down-to-earth tips for making the leap into full-time creative work, the surprising magic of connecting with readers in person, and why good old-fashioned hustle still beats algorithms every time. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

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The Power of Community for Writers with Hussein Al-Baiaty 31:16

6 weeks fa31:16

31:16

In this episode, I sit down with the marketing strategist and author of The Art of Resilience: The Refugee State of Mind — Hussein Al-Baiaty, to explore the power of writing communities and the evolving world of indie publishing . We discuss how building connections, honing communication, and embracing community can shape an author’s journey—whether you're considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or growing your presence as a writer . What We Cover in This Episode: The impact of writing communities and why they matter The shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing and what it means for authors today Understanding your deeper purpose as a writer beyond just publishing a book How platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube can help authors build visibility The role of community engagement in opening doors and creating opportunities Effective marketing strategies for indie authors looking to stand out If you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to leave a review, subscribe, and share it with fellow book lovers and aspiring authors. Your support helps more writers discover these conversations. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Executive Coach Antonia Bowring on Writing and Overcoming ADHD 35:39

7 weeks fa35:39

35:39

Renowned executive coach Antonia Bowrin g joins us to reveal how coaching has evolved in the digital age, especially amidst the challenges brought on by COVID-19. This shift has increased the acceptance and accessibility of coaching across regions like Africa and the Middle East. Through her book " Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive," Antonia empowers listeners to harness their own potential with the right mindset and resilience. We address skepticism in the coaching industry, underscoring the importance of certifications like those from the International Coaching Federation to maintain quality standards. Our conversation takes a turn as we explore the intricacies of ADHD, particularly in adults. Antonia shares her experiences of managing ADHD while writing her book and actively discussing the condition on platforms like TikTok. Antonia also reflected on her journey and weighed the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing. Her candid insights are vital for aspiring authors and those navigating the challenges of ADHD. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
From Journal to a Book to a Healing Journey 35:05

8 weeks fa35:05

35:05

What if the items gathering dust in your attic held the keys to unlocking your deepest healing? In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child , to explore the transformative power of confronting childhood memories through seemingly mundane objects. Anne shares her personal journey of healing old wounds, where items like her grandfather's pipe became touchstones for reframing her past and releasing feelings of unworthiness. Through journaling, self-reflection, and forgiveness, Anne turned her own healing process into a powerful book—one that encourages readers to confront buried trauma and rewrite their personal narratives. We also explore: 🔹 The impact of childhood memories on adult self-perception 🔹 The significance of forgiveness in releasing past pain 🔹 Journaling as a tool for emotional healing and self-discovery 🔹 The art of manifestation and aligning heart and mind for future goals Beyond her book, Anne takes us behind the scenes of her entrepreneurial journey and the birth of Amarantic Publishing , where creative control and passion converge. She shares her approach to marketing through networking, public speaking, and community-building , offering insights for aspiring authors. We also get a sneak peek into her exciting future projects , including a novel where love transcends time. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on self-discovery, personal transformation, and the power of storytelling. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Mastering Solopreneurship With Ayodeji Awosika 48:52

9 weeks fa48:52

48:52

In this episode, we focus on actionable strategies for aspiring writers and solopreneurs to thrive in the creator economy. Author and solopreneur Ayodeji Awosika shares his insights on leveraging personal strengths, mastering marketing skills, and the significance of building an audience to achieve financial independence. We discussed the following: • Importance of aligning work with natural strengths • The myth of the starving artist and the necessity of marketing • Building a robust email list for direct audience engagement • Discussing the realities of the creator economy and persistence • Aiming for manageable financial goals like 20K a month • Daily habits and practices that support long-term success If today's episode inspired you in any way, please take the time to review the podcast. Remember to subscribe and share this podcast with fellow book lovers. Until next time, happy reading, and happy writing. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Three widows, one book: Facing life’s big changes 46:00

10 weeks fa46:00

46:00

In this episode, three authors come together to share their journeys through widowhood, highlighting the strength found in friendship and community. Karen Smith Racicot, Karen Justice, and Rebecca LaChance discuss their collaborative writing process in their book Widows Among Us, and the essential lessons learned about preparing for an unforeseen loss. Among the topics we discussed: • How unique bonding experiences led to a friendship • Writing a book from shared stories and experiences • Practical advice for navigating widowhood • The Publishing journey and strategies for outreach If this episode inspired you in any way , please take the time to review the podcast. Remember to subscribe and share this podcast with fellow book lovers. Until next time, happy reading, happy writing. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Dr. Daisy Khan wants to narrate untold stories of Muslim women 54:37

10 weeks fa54:37

54:37

🎥 You can watch the episode on YouTube here. Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a pioneering advocate for Muslim women's rights. From her early days in architectural design to becoming a powerful voice for gender equality, Dr. Khan shares her inspiring journey detailed in her memoir , Born with Wings. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11, driving her leadership in officiating marriages, tackling community issues, and challenging stereotypes about Islam. We discuss the persistent hurdles of Islamophobia, focusing on its impact on young Muslims in education and their careers, and examine the resurgence of social justice movements aiding the establishment of a Muslim community center in the U.S. Dr. Khan also talks about her ongoing efforts in gender rights, the power of storytelling to combat adversity, and her latest book, which champions the legacies of Muslim women like Hagar and Fatima of Fez through modern media. Tune in to discover how Dr. Khan's work is reshaping perceptions and empowering Muslim women Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Doctor-Turned-Author on Suicide and Gen Z's Mental Health Crisis 34:16

11 weeks fa34:16

34:16

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Josh McConkey, best-selling author, emergency physician, and military leader. Hear how his dual roles have shaped his views on addressing Gen Z's mental health challenges, exacerbated by social media pressures. Dr. McConkey shares insights from his military and medical career on preparing Gen Z for success, emphasizing community involvement and volunteerism to foster resilient leaders. We also explore his transition from emergency medicine to authorship with his book Be The Weight Behind The Spear, tackling topics like children’s social media use, parental controls, and the nuances of hybrid publishing. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the digital age's influence on leadership, mental health, and publishing. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
How to succeed as an 'authorpreneur' with Veronica Kirin 45:23

11 weeks fa45:23

45:23

Join us as award-winning entrepreneur and author Veronica Kirin discusses the transformative power of paradigm shifts, drawing on her anthropology background. We talked about how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can catalyze personal growth or pose significant challenges, sharing insights from her acclaimed projects, Stories of Elders and Stories of COVID. In this episode, we also covered the distinct paths of fiction and nonfiction publishing, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted proposal and strategic decision-making. We also challenged the relentless hustle culture in entrepreneurship, exploring how to build a balanced, sustainable business. Discover strategies for scaling, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing techniques, including TikTok and book club engagements. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Documenting the life of the first Arab woman author 44:32

14 weeks fa44:32

44:32

Andrea Emily Stumpf shares the extraordinary story of documenting the life of her great-great-grandmother, Sayyida Salma, the first Arab woman to publish memoirs. We delve into her groundbreaking life, from defying cultural norms in the 19th century to her marriage to a German man, and her lasting impact on Arab and women's studies. Andrea also discusses her collaborative translation effort with her German-born mother, bridging cultural gaps to preserve Sayyida Salma's authentic voice. From the challenges of self-publishing to the creative freedom it offers, this episode explores the historical and personal motivations behind bringing her books Memoirs of an Arabian Princess and Letters to the Homeland to a wider audience. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Revisiting the past through fiction with Rhonda Zimlich 41:47

21 weeks fa41:47

41:47

What happens when childhood memories collide with historical events? In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Zimlich —author, writing teacher at American University, and storyteller. Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her novel, Raising Panic , a story rooted in her own experiences and the tragic PSA 182 crash in San Diego. Set in 1978 in rural Southern California, Raising Panic captures the resilience of two young girls navigating chaos and loss. Rhonda opens up about weaving personal history into fiction, exploring the nuances of memory, trauma, and creativity. Does technology threaten creativity—or enhance it? We explore this question, discussing how Gen Z’s innovative use of technology is reshaping literature and storytelling. Tune in for an episode that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of stories to Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

1
Mastering the art of independent publishing with Bradley Charbonneau 54:47

22 weeks fa54:47

54:47

Imagine spending nearly a decade dreaming about writing your first book, only to finally break through with a 30-day writing challenge. That’s exactly what happened with our guest, Bradley Charbonneau, an author who has now penned 35 books. He opens up about his battle with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing how he transformed his creative process to produce work consistently for over seven years. In this podcast, we explore the trials and triumphs of leaving traditional publishing behind, and how aligning life with true passions can lead to a balanced, fulfilling career. We also discuss the importance of leveraging a personal brand and exploring additional revenue streams like courses or coaching. We also highlight the value of authentic conversations, such as podcast interviews, in building a supportive community that sustains both creativity and financial stability. Have a comment? Text me! Support the show **************************************************************************** ➡️ P.S.: ☕ Love the show? Support it with a coffee! If you enjoy the podcast and want to help keep it going, you can fuel it (and me!) with a cup of coffee at Buy Me a Coffee. Every sip counts—thank you! 💛…

Read and Write with Natasha

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Writing at 89: James Flaherty on purpose and aging with vitality 36:43

24 weeks fa36:43