The Molten Truth

How many dreams have been abandoned because someone heard "no" one too many times? Michael Isaac Shokrian knows that feeling better than most. After years of rejection as a writer, building a successful career as an attorney, and balancing family life, he made an unexpected decision—not to give up on writing, but to create opportunities for writers everywhere. In this inspiring conversation, Micha...

What do hurricane evacuations, reality television, destination weddings, alligators, and mystery novels have in common? Author Sandy Malone. In this entertaining episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels sits down with Sandy Malone, former star of TLC's Wedding Island, journalist, editor, and author of the Gem of the Golden Isles series. Drawing from more than 500 destination weddings she planned...

When A-M Mawhiney retired after a 40-year career as a social worker and university professor, she never expected to become a novelist. During the COVID lockdown, what began as an attempt at journaling turned into a creative journey that produced three books and an entirely new chapter of life. In this episode, A-M Mawhiney shares how her characters often surprise her, why she chose to write hopefu...

What does it mean to truly find home—not just in a place, but in a culture, a calling, and within yourself? In this powerful episode of The Molten Truth , Zoey sits down with Scott Wooster, a South Dakota native whose life journey weaves together family legacy, personal struggle, and deep connection to Lakota culture. What begins as a conversation about his books quickly unfolds into something muc...

In this deeply powerful episode of The Molten Truth , host Zoey Michaels sits down with serial entrepreneur and creative force Caramel Lucas. From a childhood shaped by trauma to building a life fueled by purpose, Caramel shares her journey through writing, comedy, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about the importance of therapy, breaking generational cycles, and transforming pain in...

In this episode of The Molten Truth , host Zoey Michaels sits down with first-time guest Ben Leman—an entrepreneur, former Texas county judge and state representative, rancher, and now debut novelist. Ben shares his remarkable path from building a successful manufacturing business from his mother’s garage to serving a decade in public office, all while raising a family and living the rugged ranch...

What does it really take to write and publish a book today? Zoey Michaels chats with author Brad Anderson about everything from sci-fi storytelling and creative inspiration to the realities of indie vs. traditional publishing. They explore how writers use fictional worlds to tackle real-life issues, why genres don’t have to box you in, and the unexpected challenges of getting your work seen. Along...

After a lighthearted opening on names, pronunciation quirks, and the surprising histories behind them, Zoey Michaels reconnects with returning guest Liisa Kovala for a deeper conversation about the writing life. Liisa shares updates on her latest cozy mystery releases and offers an inside look at the fast-paced reality of publishing a series. The discussion expands into the often-overlooked side o...

What do you get when you mix a talking cat, a reluctant “cat lady,” small-town Texas, and a million free books? A wildly entertaining conversation with author D.C. Gomez. In this episode, Zoey Michaels chats with D.C. about her quirky characters, urban fantasy worlds, and the hilarious inspiration behind her Cat Lady series. They swap stories about moving around, finding your voice, and how real l...

In this heartfelt episode, Zoey Michaels sits down with debut novelist Kristine Jensen to explore the journey of writing her first book later in life—and the courage it takes to finally put your story into the world. Inspired by real-life women’s clubs from the 1960s, Wednesday Club celebrates friendship, resilience, and the power of community. From navigating self-publishing and avoiding scams to...

Lance Robinson describes the strong and supportive writing community in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where local writers regularly share ideas and feedback. In addition to this local network, he maintains connections with fellow writers from the Writers of the Future program. These relationships provide valuable critique, encouragement, and collaboration, helping him refine his work and stay motivated as...

Lance reflects on storytelling as a way to explore complex social and moral issues without directly confronting readers. Through science fiction, he can present themes like climate change, justice, and human behavior in a metaphorical context, allowing readers to engage with difficult ideas more openly. He sees writing as a tool to encourage reflection and dialogue in a world marked by division an...

In discussing his story Five Days Until Sunset , Lance explains the central twist: a planet believed to be tidally locked is actually rotating extremely slowly, with a single day lasting fifteen years. This revelation forces human colonists to adapt to a nomadic lifestyle to survive extreme temperature shifts. The concept highlights both scientific imagination and deeper themes about human adaptab...

Lance credits the Writers of the Future program with providing not only recognition but also a lasting creative community. The week-long workshop in Los Angeles connects winning writers and illustrators with top industry professionals, fostering mentorship and collaboration. The alumni network continues to support each other long after the event, offering critique, encouragement, and a sense of be...

Award-winning sci-fi writer Lance Robinson joins the show to talk about the uncomfortable truth at the heart of his stories: humans often know what to do—but don’t do it. Through fascinating concepts like nomadic planets and environmental collapse, this episode blends storytelling, psychology, and creativity into a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Molten Truth , Zoey Michaels sits down with author and radio host Alan R. Warren to explore the deeper layers behind history’s most misunderstood eras. Best known for his book Peace, Love, and Murder , Warren reframes the narrative around the 1960s—moving beyond sensational crime to examine the cultural, social, and psychological landscape that made events...

What does it really take to find your voice—and trust it? In this powerful conversation, host Zoey Michaels sits down with musician Jennifer Alvarado to unpack the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons behind her artistic journey. From battling perfectionism and self-doubt to stepping fully into her authenticity, Jennifer shares what it means to grow—not just as an artist, but as a person. This epi...

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, returning guest and fellow podcaster Randi-Lee Bowlaugh opens up about her journey as a writer, advocate, and storyteller. From the excitement of an upcoming book release to the emotional weight behind revisiting stories of addiction and loss, Randi-Lee shares how writing has become both her outlet and her path to healing. Together, we dive into the rea...

In this compelling conversation, Humphrey Hawksley shares his transformative experiences—from the remote reaches of Alaska to the intricate world of global geopolitics. Blending personal anecdotes with sharp insights, Hawksley discusses the deep effects of trauma, both personal and national, and its lasting impact on leadership and international relations. He explores the power of storytelling to...

Kim Lengling, Author, shares the origin of 'Let fear bounce' and how it emerged during the pandemic when she lost her job. She refused to accept the fear being fed to her and chose to let it bounce off. Takeaways Resilience in the face of fear Choosing not to accept fear Chapters 00:00 Let Fear Bounce - Origin Story

Pets have enriched, changed, and saved lives, bringing patience, grace, and unconditional love. The anthology allowed pet owners to share their stories, some of which were written from the pet's point of view. Takeaways Pets bring patience, grace, and unconditional love Anthology provided pet owners with the opportunity to share their stories Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Pets on Lives

The conversation delves into the responsibility of pet ownership, emphasizing the need for careful planning and a strong financial and physical commitment. It also highlights the importance of preparing for the unexpected, as life is uncertain. Takeaways Responsible pet ownership requires careful planning and a strong financial commitment. Preparing for the unexpected is crucial when it comes to p...

What if the animals in our lives are doing far more than keeping us company? In this heartfelt and often hilarious conversation, author and Let Fear Bounce Podcast host Kim Lengling joins us to talk about the incredible impact pets have on our lives—from the joy and laughter they bring to the unexpected ways they help us heal, grow, and keep going through difficult times. The episode starts with a...

In this episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels engages in a deep conversation with author Mark Morton, exploring his journey from non-fiction to fiction writing, the challenges and joys of adopting four children, and the importance of resilience and community support in family dynamics. They discuss the role of pets in healing, the complexities of modern parenting, and the impact of techn...

What happens when a science fiction author, a pilot, and a podcaster start questioning reality, storytelling, and survival? In this episode of The Molten Truth , host Zoey Michaels welcomes sci-fi author and aviator Pat Daily for a conversation that moves effortlessly between the cockpit, the writer’s room, and imagined futures. Pat dives into his writing and publishing journey, unpacking what fue...