Be Your Own Hero

This episode of the Be Your Own Hero Podcast features a local writers group /wine enthusiasts, including host Brittany Ranew, as they explore the art of writing relatable characters, the importance of vulnerability, and how fiction serves as a bridge between cultures and human experiences. Affectionately calling themselves the Winey Writers, this episode featuring diverse authors sharing insights...

In this episode of the Be Your Own Hero podcast, I interview Fantasy author and Air Force veteran, D.L. Jennings. Jennings is the author of the epic fantasy series, the Highglade Series. It features three award winning books: The Gift of the Shaper, Awaken the Three, Days of the Dark. In this conversation, we discuss Jennings' unique journey of writing during his deployment in Africa, the chal...

In this episode of  Be Your Own Hero , I sit down with the talented Anastasia Lindsey to explore her journey of embracing her voice and creativity. From poetry to music, Anastasia shares how she transformed insecurities into confidence and became a published author. We talk about how she uses her art to inspire and heal, the role meditation and journaling have played in overcoming self-doubt, and...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with GiGi Meier, a former C-Suite executive who boldly transitioned from a 30-year corporate career to become a bestselling author of spicy, reverse age-gap romance novels. GiGi shares her journey from the boardroom to the world of indie publishing, offering valuable insights into her writing process, the allure of her chosen genre, and the organizational str...

What does it really take to stick with a big creative goal—especially when motivation fades and real life gets in the way? In this episode, I’m joined by author J. Gabriel Gates, who shares what it’s like to bring a fantasy world to life while balancing the everyday challenges of writing, publishing, and staying consistent in the creative process. J is the author of Luck Gods Series and several ot...

After my conversation with Kasey Brennan, I found myself reflecting on so many aspects of creativity, personal growth, and how understanding ourselves can shape the way we move through life and business. In this episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from our chat, how they relate to my own journey, and why the Enneagram has sparked some new thoughts about the way I work and interact with other...

On this episode of  Be Your Own Hero , I’m joined by Kasey Brennan, a multifaceted creator whose career spans documentary filmmaking, media production, public speaking, and podcasting. As a certified Enneagram coach, Kasey helps individuals uncover their true potential by understanding themselves on a deeper level. We explore her journey through the entertainment industry, the lessons she’s learne...

In this enlightening episode of Be Your Own Hero, I sit down with Michael Tennant, Founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose-driven venture studio and consultancy. Michael is the visionary creator of the empathy card game, Actually Curious, and the author of The Power of Empathy, praised by Inc. for its perfect blend of self-help wisdom and practical guidance. Michael shares the journey that led...

It's easy to get caught up in the world's definition of success, but it's so important to define what success means for YOU. ⁠I had an incredible chat with Kelly Moser on the Be Your Own Hero Podcast and couldn’t resist taking a few minutes to reflect on my favorite takeaways and how they personally resonated with me. I hope by sharing more of my journey, you'll be able to find ways to unlock YOUR...

In this powerful episode of the  Be Your Own Hero Podcast , we’re joined by Kelly Moser, the founder of  Move Your But , who is on a mission to help people shift from excuses to action. Kelly dives deep into the mindset needed to push past excuses, those “buts” that often keep us from achieving what we truly want. Throughout this episode, Kelly unpacks his journey, sharing how he went from feeling...

It took me a long time to realize that I had the power to change my thoughts - that I actually had some control over my emotional well-being. For years, I struggled with crippling anxiety and it took some really hard work to get on the other side of that (not to mention several therapy sessions later!), but I’m so proud of the woman that I’ve become in the process. For anyone out there that strugg...

This episode is sponsored by GRATITUDE! I discovered the power of gratitude about five years ago, and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that it works! When I heard that my friend Kristine Newell wrote a book about it, well, I had to get my hands on that too. Kristine is a master storyteller, weaving her personal stories and learning through the practical tips on how to make gratitude an e...

Entrepreneur Life as a Writer with Author Jasmin De Anda Running a business is challenging. Writing a book is challenging. Doing both at the same time - and maybe throw in all your other familial and social obligations - yeah, it can be hard to manage it all sometimes. Balancing everything, while staying true to yourself is an art, in and of itself. In my conversation with “Archaic” Fantasy Series...

There are so many emotions that we go through as writers. Am I good enough? Am I doing enough? Will anyone care what I have to say? I sat down with Jes Smyth, Amazon bestselling author of "Time for Once" to talk about her journey to self-publishing and the roller coaster ride of emotions that she had to overcome to share her story with the world. Now she is working on a new release, &quo...

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome? Do you struggle with being vulnerable, putting your most authentic self out there? In this podcast episode with author and podcaster, Kristina Carmela, we explore topics like this - these things that are so easy for us to all fall into - doubting ourselves, letting fear keep us from pursuing our dreams; the list goes on and on! Kristina uses her popular indi...

In my conversation with Author Tem Blessed and Artist Mike LaRiccia, we dive into the world that is Planeta Blu and learn the very real parallels between Tem’s fantasy world and our precious planet. Planeta Blu: Rise of Agoo just released in November with Dark Horse Comics and follows the journey of a group of inner city youths that suddenly gain the ability to speak with animals and learn that it...

Since releasing my fantasy novel into the world in October of this year, I feel like I’ve been on the fast track to learning some of life’s biggest lessons. Isn’t that funny how that works? When we put ourselves out there, we are signaling to the universe that we are ready for bigger things, and that means we must grow in the process. One of the key takeaways from this book launch experience so fa...

When you have a cool idea for a business or for a story to write, most people won't understand, and might even call you crazy. When the co-founders, Ilana & Kelly got the idea for FairyTail Pet Care, they were met with resistance. But they believed in their dream and knew people needed what they had to offer because they had seen the gap in the market. They knew couples would pay for weddi...

It wasn't until much later that I figured out that Riley & I go on the same journey of self-discovery as you see in my book, Lion of Fire. As writers, we often weave themes into fiction books, sometimes without even realizing it, and I think I might have done that in some ways. In this episode, I share more behind one of the main coming of age themes in this book which is finding your true...

Last month, I did a "Babe Talk" with the Babe Crafted community on how to live a multi-passionate life as an entrepreneur. We got into the nitty-gritty and I wanted to share this conversation with you! As you know, my debut fiction novel, Lion of Fire, Book 1 in my new adult fantasy series, Riley Jordan & The Fire Prophecies, is out now! But if you didn't already know, I have bee...

Being in the middle of a book launch is stressful and there are bound to be things that go wrong! Anytime in life you are launching something or working on something special I think we easily get our hopes up that everything will go perfectly. Well, guess what? It never does! I wanted to share some learning that I have been taking away from this book launch. I have had some hiccups along the way a...

Be Your Own Hero Podcast is about discovering your inner hero and being brave in the face of fear, on the path to become your best self. As an author, I have been on my own journey of self-discovery while creating my fantasy series, Riley Jordan & The Fire Prophecies. As Riley went on his hero's journey, I found myself going through my very own hero's journey. During the process of bri...