Observeday

If you’ve ever wondered why picking up a fresh book can change more than just your reading list—or if you’ve been curious about writing one yourself—this episode is for you. I chat with Rodney Miles, known as “the Book Dude,” who has spent over 14 years helping authors publish their stories. We dig into how reading and writing new books keeps your mind healthy, and Rodney shares practical ways you...

September is National Reading New Book Month, and in this episode, I’m sitting down with Michele Defilipo, a publishing veteran who knows all about how new stories come to life. If you’ve ever wondered how to professionally publish a book—or avoid common missteps as a creator—this episode has some essentials you won’t want to miss. Michele unpacks the differences between self-publishing, hybrid, a...

If you’re a creator looking for a real, honest talk about mental health, this episode is for you. On today’s show, I sit down with Brandon Held, host of the Life is Crazy podcast, in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month. Brandon shares his personal journey through trauma, loss, and rock bottom — and how he chose not only to survive, but to build something positive from his darkest moments. W...

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling stuck, carrying shame, or wondering if true change is possible, you’ll want to join me for this honest and heartfelt conversation with Jessica Morris. In honor of National Recovery Month, Jessica shares her deeply personal journey with addiction, faith, and healing, offering real talk about how recovery really works and what keeps people going when it feels im...

This episode is all about why accessibility in books matters and how making your stories more inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do—it actually helps you reach more people. I sat down with Maxwell Ivey, the Blind Blogger, who shared what it’s really like to discover stories when you’re blind, and the clever ways he’s found to write, publish, and get his own books out into the world. If you cr...

Curious about how your food choices can shape your health, relationships, and even spark a little romance? In this episode of the Observeday podcast, I sit down with Amy Reiley, who knows all about the delicious intersection of organic food, health, and those “feel-good” connections at the table. You’ll get a fresh look at what aphrodisiac foods truly are (spoiler: it's not all chocolate and oyste...

If you’ve ever wondered how reading—and writing—new books can change your life, this episode is for you. As National Reading New Book Month rolls around, I sit down with author Teri M. Brown to chat about pushing past fears and making your creative dreams real (even if you think you aren’t ready). Teri shares her journey from nonfiction to historical fiction, what gave her the courage to finally h...

If you’ve ever wondered how classical music can influence creativity and provide healing, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Andrew Cloninger—artist, musician, producer, and author—who opens up about his lifelong connection to classical music, and how it shaped his path through recovery and creative rediscovery. Listen in to hear about the surprising ways classical music can help with focus, m...

If you’ve ever wondered why sleep is really so important — beyond just needing to “feel rested” — this episode is for you. I sat down with Anthony Guastella, a certified health coach who’s turned his own health journey into a mission to help others feel their best. In our conversation, we dig into what actually happens in our bodies when we sleep and how small, realistic changes to your bedtime ro...

Living with chronic pain isn’t always visible, and that’s something we really dig into in this episode with Dr. Robin Harwick. If you or someone you know deals with unseen pain, or you’re just looking for new ways to support people who do, you’ll find a lot of insight here. Robin shares how a life-changing car accident shifted her career from groundwater hydrology to building spaces that center he...

If you’ve ever struggled to get a good night’s sleep, this episode is for you. September is “Sleeptember,” and we’re exploring just how much quality sleep impacts everything—from your energy to your relationships and even your creativity. I sit down with transformational coach Raj Khedun, who shares the story behind his unique “3:3 Insomnia Hack”—a simple breath-based method that’s helping people...

If you’re curious about how bold creativity and a little courage can shape a more joyful, meaningful life, this episode is speaking your language. I sit down with Kirsten Rudberg, whose creative journey spans writing, podcasting, screenwriting, and adventures like walking the Camino. Kirsten shares what it’s really like to step far outside your comfort zone — from racing across Oregon to solo jour...

Looking for inspiration to keep your creative spark alive—no matter your age or background? In this episode, I talk with award-winning novelist Joni Marie Iraci about her journey from nurse and caregiver to published author, and how fiction can reveal powerful truths about history, resilience, and empowerment. You’ll hear why stories like Joni’s Vatican Daughter have the power to challenge big ins...

Listening to today's episode, you'll get a gentle nudge to step outside your comfort zone and rediscover what brings you joy—even after a major setback. My guest, Irina Shehovsov, joins me for a down-to-earth chat on what it really takes to “have a go” at life again, with a special focus on creativity, continuous learning, and making joy a daily habit. If you're a podcaster or creator,...

If you’ve ever wondered how nonprofits really fund their work or how you can make a difference—no matter your budget—this episode’s for you! I sit down with Katherine Lacefield, a fundraising consultant for animal nonprofits, to look behind the curtain at what keeps meaningful causes running. Katherine shares how donations and grants actually work, and why diversifying your fundraising strategy is...

If you want to know how real conversations can make a difference during tough times, this episode is for you. I sat down with Paul Skidmore, the author and filmmaker behind “The Darkness Rolled Over Her,” to talk about National Suicide Prevention Month and why support and connection matter so much — for ourselves and those around us. You’ll hear how a simple question like “What are you thankful fo...

If you want to make new and deeper connections as a creator, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ahmard Vital to unpack what real friendship and mentorship look like—not just on the surface, but in the moments that matter most. You’ll hear us dig into the role that accountability and service play in authentic relationships, and why stepping out of your “digital bubble” leads to more fulfillin...

If you want a fresh look at the aging journey—whether for yourself, your family, or your community—you’ll get a lot out of this episode. I sit down with Dr. Corinne Aumann, author, psychologist, and founder of Choice Care Navigators, to talk about why how we think and read about aging really shapes our experiences as we get older. Dr. Corinne shares how stories (and the language we use) can help u...

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn on your mental health journey, this episode is for you. We’re marking National Suicide Prevention Month with Jayne Reynolds, a board certified holistic nutritionist who knows firsthand what it’s like to feel hopeless — and how small, intentional changes can start to restore hope. You’ll hear what actually shifted things for Jayne when t...

If you’ve ever wondered what NICU Awareness Month is really about, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Angelo Valenti, an experienced psychologist and author, to gently explore how families cope with the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You’ll hear honest reflections on the stress, isolation, and helplessness parents often feel, and why sharing...

If you want to understand how high performers use reading to shape their thinking — and how you can actually apply what you learn from books instead of just collecting advice — this episode is definitely for you. Today, I chat with Larry G. Dix, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and creator of the "Do What's Right" framework. We dig into why reading new books can help you reframe fai...

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly move forward after pain, this episode is for you. I sit down with Avonley Lightstone, whose story is proof that even the deepest wounds can become a source of strength. We don’t just talk about “pain awareness month”—we make sense of what pain really means, and how you can find purpose in your hardest moments. Avonley shares why seeing your inner scars can open...

If you’ve ever wondered how books shape who you are—not just what you know—today’s episode is for you. I sit down with David Ask, an entrepreneur, coach, and soon-to-be author, to explore why reading matters for anyone who wants to grow, create, or simply feel more grounded. We talk about how the right books can help you discover your true identity, and David shares why starting with “who” you are...

If you’ve ever wondered how a book can take your work as a coach, creator, or leader to the next level, you’ll want to listen to this conversation. In honor of National Reading Book Month, I chat with Steve McKinney, who’s spent decades guiding people toward stronger, healthier lives—and even wrote a book about it. Steve opens up about why he decided to write The Gospel of Fitness , how that book...

If you’re looking for fresh ways to think about reading, leadership, and how books shape business culture, this episode is for you. I had a great conversation with Tom Fox, known as the Compliance Evangelist, who has written over 30 books—including best-selling children’s books on ethics. Tom shares why staying curious and reading new books isn’t just for personal growth, but is essential for anyo...