Make Your Day Richer

I am so thrilled to welcome the fantastic writer Susan Dormady Eisenberg to the show today! I get the full story on why she uses that mouthful of a name —it's a lovely tribute to her supportive husband, Barry , and a clever way to stand out from other, more famous Susan Eisenbergs. We dive right into her new book, The Voice I Just Heard . Susan shares the stunning story of playing Guinevere on...

Ray Ray Star's life story could be a four-hour long Barbara Walters special. We dive into how he got his unique name from his very first band's bass player. Ray Ray shares the incredible moment he knew he had to be a musician—watching The Kinks on a TV with tin foil on the antenna. We also get into the "rock and roll stuff" that came with cutting his first album at 14. Ray Ray ge...

I sit down with the truly inspirational Dayna Corcoran to talk about the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault (SASA). Dayna shares the emotional story of how this organization started after a brave woman named Angie Jackson was subjected to an orchestrated, multi-layered sexual assault and financial scam while traveling in the Dominican Republic. Dayna shares how her past experience as a retired fede...

The incredible T.L. McCoy joins me to discuss her new inclusive middle-grade fantasy book, Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm . T.L. shares the powerful story of writing the book for her granddaughter, Delilah, who lives with Dravet Syndrome—a rare disorder that causes catastrophic seizures. She explains how Delilah's "powers are rooted in her disability" to empower children and shift...

Rod Berger joins me for a rich, reflective conversation about the power of story, the art of the interview, and the emotional tango of writing his new book, The Narrative Edge . With over 4,000 interviews under his belt, Rod shares how storytelling has shaped his life, deepened his relationships, and helped him find meaning in moments both ordinary and extraordinary. From Nickelodeon-meets-Carson...

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds shares his journey through two cancer diagnoses, Ironman races, and decades of nonprofit leadership. His new book, Every Mile Matters , is part memoir, part survival guide, and part love letter to life itself. From chemo workouts to heart emojis from old friends, this episode explores how adversity reshapes our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our capacity for joy.

Brent Lindstrom joins me to talk about storytelling, side hustles, and the 10-year journey from contractor to filmmaker. With a heart for family-friendly entertainment and a head for long-term strategy, Brent shares how he built Light-Minded Arts — a production company rooted in uplifting values and visual storytelling. From soul-swapping clones to YouTube tutorials, this episode is a celebration...

Julie Rowe joins me for a joyful, fast-paced conversation about folded book art, romance novels, and surviving wildfires with six cats and a dog. With 20 novels, 8 anthologies, and a thriving craft tutorial empire, Julie blends heart, humor, and handmade magic. From vampire autoimmune disorders to business cards that double as bookmarks, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and...

Guy Morris: author, songwriter, and former Disney collaborator is here for a deep dive into the power of words, the thrill of historical mysteries, and the real-world implications of runaway AI. From writing bedtime stories for his son to decoding NSA secrets, Guy’s journey is anything but ordinary. Tune in for tales of treasure, prophecy, and the creative spark that keeps him writing.

You know him from Star Search, NBC’s The Sing-Off , and his unforgettable run as Tom Collins in Rent on Broadway. But today, we go deeper with Troy Horne. Troy shares how his creative journey has always been fueled by purpose, from chasing childhood dreams to making career choices that kept him close to his kids. We talk about the realities of showbiz, the emotional weight of auditioning, and the...

I sit down with Emmy Laybourne: actor, screenwriter, and bestselling author of the Monument 14 series, for a fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and reinvention. We talk about her journey from Hollywood to publishing, the power of storytelling across mediums, and what it takes to build a career that spans genres and generations. Emmy shares behi...

I'm chatting with puzzle designer and introverted adventurer Katie Huang, the creative mind behind Veg Out Voyage. Katie’s books aren’t just games, they’re immersive armchair travel experiences that blend curiosity, culture, and calm. We talk about her journey from corporate burnout to creative freedom, how she found her voice through puzzle books, and why Iceland, Barcelona, and Berlin are mo...

I'm talking with Canadian playwright, podcaster, and arts advocate Franky Corcoran. From childhood reenactments of late-night legends to founding his own production company, Franky shares how passion, resilience, and a love for storytelling shaped his creative path. We'll talk shop about podcasting, community theater, and Franky’s upcoming play Fractured Festivities . Plus, a game segment that put...

Choreographer, educator, and author Alexandra Beller is here for a deep dive into the creative process. From shared memories at UW-Milwaukee to the philosophy behind her new book The Anatomy of Art , Alexandra opens up about her journey through dance, theater, teaching, and parenting. We'll explore what it means to live a life fueled by curiosity, community, and artistic integrity. Guest: Alex...

Peter Gunn is here to talk about his new album, Hazing Hades. Peter is a poet who writes rock songs by starting with the lyrics first, crafting each song as a poem. He's here to tell us how this incredible project came to be, how he works with his bandmates in Germany via Zoom, and why this album is "poetry on steroids."

Amanda Faulkerson is the owner of the candle company, Beauty from Ashes. We're going to dive into the wonderful world of crafting as she shows us how to make beautiful beeswax and essential oil candles. We'll learn about her business, the therapeutic process of making candles, and the powerful meaning behind the name of her company. Get ready to be inspired to get crafty and create something beaut...

Oliver Crooms, founder of the Carolina Film Festival , stops by for a heartfelt and high-energy conversation about creativity, community, and the power of independent film. From his musical roots and acting journey to suiting up as Spider-Man for hospital visits, Oliver shares how passion and purpose fuel his work—and how Charlotte’s film scene is rising to meet the moment. Whether you're a fi...

We have someone truly magical on the show today: the one and only Ms. Unicorn ! She's a second-grade teacher and literacy advocate whose students gave her that perfect name. She's here to tell us how she brings the fun back to reading by going live on Facebook and YouTube to help kids across the country and give those single parents a much-needed break! Plus, she'll share her powerful...

Kelly Orchard is a radio veteran, psychotherapist, author, and full-time RV traveler exploring the intersections of grief, creativity, and reinvention. From caring for aging parents to launching a podcast from a fifth-wheel trailer, Kelly’s journey is one of courage, curiosity, and connection. She shares the story behind her novel Dead Air: The Day the Music Died , her mental health advocacy, and...

Dennis Quinn has been a real-life big brother for over 40 years! He's here to tell us all about his incredible 13-year journey with his "little brother" Michael, which inspired his amazing new book, "Stick Figures, A Big Brother Remembers." He's going to share the emotional, honest story, including how he used stick figure drawings to help Michael navigate tough transit...

Scott Pacitti's journey from overflowing creativity to life-changing impact is anything but ordinary. We're exploring how improvisation—beyond the stage—can unlock resilience, imagination, and real-world skills in underserved communities. From middle school classrooms to nonprofit boardrooms, Scott shares how his nonprofit, Planet Improv, is planting seeds of possibility and helping studen...

Jennifer Sims, Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, is here to talk about mental health, community support, and the healing power of showing up. Jennifer shares her personal journey, her passion for advocacy, and the incredible work NAMI is doing across Lancaster, Chester, and York counties. From teen support groups to crisis intervention training for first responders, Jennifer’s sto...

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a dynamic educator, coach, and podcast host and she's here to explore the transformative power of small steps. From her TED Talk to her book Discover Your Superpower , Christiane shares how her Petite Practice Method helps people tackle big goals with bite-sized action. We're diving into legacy, personal branding, and the joy of celebrating progress. With laught...

I'm reconnecting with actor Dave Maldonado, whose career spans indie films, network TV, and blockbuster premieres. From his early days in community theater to working with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, Dave shares stories of persistence, humility, and the evolving landscape of film in the Southeast. We'll talk about red carpet awkwardness, the joy of live theater, and the importance...

What happens when your faith community becomes the source of your deepest wounds? I'm talking to Tiffani Bradley, author of Coming Out of the Cave , for a raw and revelatory conversation about church hurt, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming your connection to the divine. Tiffani shares her journey from disillusionment to empowerment, including the heartbreaking story of a beloved pastor who f...