Observeday

If you’ve ever wondered how music and storytelling weave together to create moments that really stick with us, this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Franky Corcoran, a multi-talented Canadian artist, to explore the creative spark found at the crossroads of theater, music, and everyday life. We dig into the lessons Franky learned from directing Tick, Tick... Boom! and how the journey of art...

Curious about how reading and creativity can open new doors at any age? In this episode, I talk with Nancy Napier about her journey from professor to fiction writer — and how it feels to start something brand new, even after decades in academia. If you’re a podcaster or creator, you’ll walk away with thoughtful ways to keep learning and stay curious, plus why trying something completely different...

Looking for ways to spark your love for reading or get inspired as a creator? This episode is for you. I sit down with Michael Strangeland, author of "Junk World: The Ballad of Leroy Brown," to chat about how reading and writing shape our worldview—especially during National Read a New Book Month. Michael opens up about the books that sparked his imagination growing up, and how a lifelon...

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on in the mind of a guide dog—or how we can tune in to what our animals are telling us—this episode is for you. I’m talking with Anne Angelo Webb, an animal communicator, about the deep, unseen connections between humans and dogs, especially service animals. You’ll hear about a unique perspective on animal communication beyond simple commands and learn how...

If you’ve ever wondered what draws us back to time-honored tales, you’ll love today’s episode. On this episode, I sit down with Joseph Bolton, author of Old Grandmother's Tree, as we celebrate National Read a New Book Month. Together, we talk about why picking up a folktale can be just as rewarding as reading the latest bestseller. You’ll hear how Joseph blends real family history and cultural mem...

If you’ve ever wondered why childhood obesity is more than just a diet or exercise issue, this episode is for you. I chat with Dr. Evan Nadler, a leading pediatric bariatric surgeon, to dig into what really drives childhood obesity and why it’s so often misunderstood. We talk about how genetics and even the environment before birth play a huge role, and why childhood obesity isn’t just “baby fat”...

If you’ve ever wondered how empathy could be the missing ingredient in your leadership toolkit, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller to explore why empathy isn’t just a “nice” trait, but a practical skill that can lead to better teams, more innovation, and even higher profits. You’ll learn straightforward, research-backed ways to use empathy in tough situations—...

Thinking about trying something new but feeling stuck? In this episode, I sit down with Debra Bowers, who shares what it really feels like to have a “Debra time” moment and start over—after raising five kids and navigating loss and big changes in her 50s. If you’re hesitant to “have a go,” you’ll hear tangible ways to get past fear, with grounding exercises and small mindset shifts. Debra and I al...

If you’ve ever wondered how to make eating healthy less stressful, this episode is for you. I sat down with nutritionist and health coach Sarah Pettitt to talk about Whole Grains Month, and she shared practical, doable ideas for adding whole grains to meals—without feeling overwhelmed or giving up your favorite foods. You’ll hear some small changes Sarah uses herself and recommends to clients (thi...

If you’ve ever wondered how your daily routines, environment, and even the light around you can shape your mental and physical health, you’ll want to catch this episode. I talk with Jason Yun, a former fitness and nutrition coach turned circadian biology guide, about real-life strategies for resilience, hope, and well-being—timed for National Suicide Prevention Month. Jason opens up about battling...

If you’ve ever wondered how reading can help you grow emotionally and connect with your family on a deeper level, this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, psychologist and author of Read, Reflect, Respond , to talk about the power of books in shaping how we understand ourselves and those around us. This episode touches on why boys actually start out with a wider range of em...

If you’ve ever wondered how a simple act like hugging strangers could lead to powerful lessons on self-acceptance and connection, this episode is for you. I sit down with Melinda Lee, author of Rebel Hugger , to talk about her year-long journey of offering hugs to strangers — and how it ended up changing her relationship with herself even more than with others. Listen in for surprising stories abo...

Curious about how music, books, and mindfulness come together? In this episode, I sit down with Clementine Moss—a drummer, author, and meditation teacher—to talk about the joy and self-discovery that comes from reading new stories. If you’re looking to spark creativity and bring more intention to your daily routine, there’s something here for you. Clementine shares how blending her rock music care...

If you’ve ever wondered why horror stories grab us—or how reading something scary might actually make us braver—this episode is for you. I’m joined by Ashe Woodward, a horror author, teacher, and all-around lover of the macabre, to explore what horror can really teach us about ourselves. We talk about the surprising hope that lives in dark stories, and Ashe explains how facing our fears on the pag...

If you’re looking for ways to find purpose in each day (and especially if you love books), you won’t want to miss this episode. I sit down with author and Christian meditation teacher Leah Crest to talk about how reading new books isn’t just a hobby for National Reading New Book Month — it can actually lead to healing and deeper connection with God. Leah shares her experiences reading over 500 nea...

If you're ready to make each day a little more meaningful—especially if you love books or are working on your own self-growth—this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a psychotherapist, author, and mindfulness teacher who believes that personal transformation starts with embracing the sticky, tough feelings we tend to avoid. We talk about why leaning into discomfort (i...

If you’re ready to rethink the way you approach reading, habits, and self-improvement, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Richard Trillion Mantey, an author who’s written over 150 books on health, mindset, and wealth, and he shares some personal stories about how reading and writing transformed his own life—starting with a tough wake-up call in a park and leading all the way to helping people...

If you’ve ever wondered how books can help us connect, heal, and discover more about ourselves, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Thomas Wilson, a storyteller and advocate who shares how stories supported him through tough times and inspired him to help others do the same. We talk about the real benefits of reading for mental health—whether you’re a fast reader, love comics and audiobooks, or...

On this episode, you’ll hear about how reading new books can do so much more than just fill your mind with information—they can spark real change in your life. I’m joined by David Richards, a former Marine Corps officer, executive coach, and bestselling author. We talk about what it really means to “embody” what you read, especially when it comes to spiritual or personal growth books, and why just...

If you’ve ever wondered how books can help us slow down and treasure the little moments with our kids, this episode is for you. I chat with Gabrielle Martin, author of Hold My Hand Mama , about how children’s books make it easier to capture love, memory, and healing in our busy lives. You’ll hear Gabrielle’s honest story about going from a bedtime moment with her daughter to publishing a book—with...

If you’ve ever thought about making a big change or starting a new creative chapter, this episode is just for you. I sat down with Dan Clouser, an author, blogger, podcaster, and former youth sports nonprofit leader who traded a long, successful career to travel full-time, write, and connect with people across the country. You’ll find inspiration in how Dan listens to his “inner voice” and lets re...

If you’re a creator, parent, or educator looking to help kids grow into thoughtful, resilient adults, you’ll find plenty to take away from this episode. I talk with Barbara Ann Mojica—a historian, retired educator, parent, and creator of the Little Miss History book series—about why teaching kids their own history matters so much, especially during tough times like National Suicide Prevention Mont...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused by the way health care benefits work—especially if you run a business or care about how your workplace covers employees—today’s episode is for you. I sit down with Donovan Pyle, someone who’s gone from being a health insurance insider to a whistleblower and author. Instead of just talking in complicated terms, Donovan breaks down how the system really wo...

If you’ve ever wondered how reading a new book can shift your outlook or what really happens behind the scenes in publishing, today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Laura Stanfill, publisher, novelist, and founder of Forest Avenue Press, as we celebrate National Reading New Book Month. Laura and I dive into why taking a chance on a new book—or a new author—can not only spark joy but also build...

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring real human emotion into your fantasy writing—or you’re looking for fresh ideas on how to connect with your readers—this episode is for you. I sit down with J.F. Monroe, author of the Legacy of the Four trilogy, to talk about flipping familiar fantasy tropes, why flawed heroes leave a lasting impression, and how a deep love for movies influences her storytelling...