We’re talking about Books That Make You Visit Other Times and Places—With a Touch of Magic There are great books offering touches of the mystical and spiritual with their adventure(s), as well as glimpses into other times and places. Laurel Anne Hill, our guest today, is a seasoned author of such books. In her latest, “Plague of Flies,” she transports us to the western section of Mexican Alta California in 1846, where, among other magical oddities, we encounter a black Andalusian stallion can fly (without wings!) through the sky. Laurel Anne is the author of the multi-award-winning “The Engine Woman’s Light”, and “Heroes Arise”. She brings authenticity to her mystical writing that readers young and old can fall easily and deeply in love with. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Podcast

S:04 E:04 Historical fiction with Laurel Anne Hill, author of Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits

We’re talking about Books That Make You Go From Being Barefoot to a Benefactor Tales of people who go above and beyond to make sacrifices for others are among the most compelling. Particularly when the person helping is facing their own adversity…such as anti-immigrant sentiments, or lack of cultural understanding. Despite the odds, Dr. Lenny Peters, our guest today, went from being barefoot to benefactor, and his new memoir delivers his gripping story. Today, Dr. Peters is renowned in North Carolina as the founder of a revolutionary medical network, an innovative research facility, a bank for the under-served, and a world-class charity foundation, and his practice as an accomplished physician. Most would be surprised to discover his humble roots in the small village of Kerala, India, and his tumultuous journey to achieve his ambitions, and to gain acceptance here as an immigrant of color. His memoir is called Barefoot to Benefactor: My Life Story of Faith and Courage Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:04 E:03 Becoming a Benefactor with Dr Lenny Peters, author of Barefoot to Benefactor

We’re talking about Books That Make You See the Process to Become Rich It’s a common dream. Becoming rich, being able to live life on our terms. We usually think of programs of books that promise riches as just pie in the sky. But what if there was a book, written by someone who’s done it firsthand, that could actually help you become wealthy? Michael Bash is the author of “Million Dollar Miracle”, a book that discusses, in straightforward prose, how to make enough money so you might never have to work again. Michael made his first million in real estate. Since then, he has been involved with major planning and zoning projects, building and developing several shopping centers, hundreds of homes, office buildings, water and sewer systems, and nearly three-thousand apartment units and condos throughout the state of New York. He was also a participant in the building of Israel’s Laniado Hospital in Netanya, and is one of the founders and contributors to the Jerusalem Great Synagogue. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:04 E:02 Become A Millionaire with Michael E. Bash, author of Million Dollar Miracle

We’re talking about Books That Make You Stand Up for What’s Right Isn’t it great when find books and stories that deliver powerful – and empowering -- themes and messages? “Gear Heart” is such a book: a retro-futuristic espionage trilogy where heroes are chased by portal-traveling enemies, twisted up by secret passages, derailed by romance, and stunned by chilling discoveries. It is a Batman-meets-Steampunk thriller that readers won’t soon forget. Author Michelle R Young is a professional artist, writer and social media specialist. When she isn't writing, she can be found painting, socializing with her friends, or marveling at nature. Born and raised in Texas born, she has grown up adapting with her two learning disabilities, dysgraphia, and ADHD, so she might become a better storyteller. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:04 E:01 Stand Up for What’s Right with Michelle R Young, author of Gear Heart a futuristic novel

We’re talking about Books That Make You Understand We Are All African Is the human species doom to be at war with itself? What do our ancestral African roots reveal about all of us? Author and thinker Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum urges people to come together in his new release, Our African Unconscious: The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology. The book charts the currents of evolution, religion and science to illustrate we’re all sharing in the same direction. A licensed psychologist, Dr. Bynum is also nationally certified in biofeedback, and a senior fellow in the National Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. His concentration is psychosomatic medicine, hypnosis and individual psychotherapy. He operates a private practice in Hadley, Massachusetts, and is the author of several books in psychology and poetry, including: The First Bird, The Luminous Heretic, and Gospel of the Dark Orisha. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:38 We Are all African, with Dr. Edward Bruce Bynum, author of Our African Unconscious

We’re talking about Books That Make You Realize There Are Two Americas – And What We Can Do To (Possibly) Bring Them Together We skirt around politics, since it informs so much of the literature we read. The goal of our show is to bring people together, not to divide them. There is enough of that happening now. But then along comes a book, and an author, who aligns with our vision of doing what we can to heal our nation, rather than further separate and fragment it. Seth David Radwell is the author of American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing Our Nation. Our democracy is in crisis, he says, and analyzes our history and present ongoing tensions through the lens of the Radical Enlightenment versus the Moderate Enlightenment, and the way they interact with Counter-Enlightenment attitudes that have festered over the last few hundred years. Despite the dire pronouncements from various pundits, Seth knows from his research that our political divisions are hardly unprecedented…nor are they irreconcilable. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:37 Ways to Bridge the Divide in America with Seth David Radwell, author of American Schism

We’re talking about Books That Make You Get Transported to Past Ages Historical fiction can be some of the most immersive, particularly when researched well. Such tales can give us insights into different eras and areas of the world. When fiction and history come together, it can be an alchemical mix. Since 1997, David L. Robbins has published fifteen novels, been featured on the New York Times bestsellers list, and has several film options and stage plays under his belt. He’s also taught advanced creative writing at the university level for fifteen years. His latest book, “Isaac’s Beacon”, follows the lives of three memorable characters—an Irgun fighter, a young woman farmer, and an American journalist—as they collide to shape an epic narrative of love, loss, violence, and courage. David has been called “the Homer of World War II.” Now, he turns his mastery to another defining moment of the twentieth century: the birth of the state of Israel. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:36 Get Whisked away to historical places with David L Robbins, author of Isaac’s Beacon

We’re talking about Books That Make You Deal with Negative Emotions We’ve all felt them: the toxic emotions that gnaw at us, that drag us down. Maybe it’s the sense our career is going nowhere, or that no one could ever love us. Or we get anxious, stressed, or addicted to substances and melodramatic emotions that eat into our very being. They are, in essence, toxic emotions. But author and spiritual teacher Leah Guy is here with a solution. Leah Guy is the author of Overcoming Toxic Emotions, A Practical Guide to Building Better Relationships with Yourself and Others. She is a television talk show host, new-thought leader, motivational speaker and spiritual teacher. She has aided thousands of people over the past twenty years to get their lives together, helping them replace feelings of anxiety, isolation, and defeat with success, love, and happiness. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:35 Dealing with Negative Emotions with Leah Guy, author of The Fearless Path

We’re talking about Books That Make You Rethink the Private Lives of Historical Figures Gay people have done extraordinary things across history, in science, art, sports, literature, social justice, military conquest and more. Very often, though, the nature of their orientation was not included in history books, or revealed or discussed at all. Oftentimes, those writing history were biased against, didn’t see, or couldn’t imagine anyone leading lives different from themselves. Lee Wind is the author of “No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives and Secret Loves.” which launches readers on an edifying journey through primary sources—poetry, memoir, news clippings, and images of ancient artwork—to explore the hidden Queer lives and loves of two dozen historical figures. He is also the author of the crowd-funded YA novel “Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill,” featured as a Publishers Weekly Indie Success Story. In October 2021, he will also publish his upcoming picture book “Red and Green and Blue and White”. During the day, he works for the Independent Book Publishers Association as their director of marketing and programming, and as the main blogger for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:34 Amazing people in history that were gay with Lee Wind, author of No Way, They Were Gay?

We’re talking about Books That Make You Help Aspiring Authors Become Professional, Ones—Even Bestsellers Every author likely has a similar dream: signing with a big publisher, of sitting atop the bestseller list, of captivating legions of fans, of living as a prolific, full-time writer. Such a dream is elusive. Rarer still are those who achieve that dream, and return to help others do so, as well. Our guest today is William Bernhardt, and that is exactly his wheelhouse. William Bernhardt is the author of over 50 books, including the “Daniel Pike” legal thriller series, kicked off with the #1 best-selling “The Last Chance Lawyer”. His prior books include the popular “Ben Kincaid” series, the historical novels “Nemesis” and “Challengers of the Dust”, two books of poetry: “The White Bird” and “The Ocean’s Edge”, and the “Red Sneaker” books on writing fiction. Bernhardt also founded the Red Sneaker Writers Center to mentor aspiring writers. The Center hosts WriterCon, an annual writers conference, small writing retreats, and produces a bi-weekly e-newsletter and podcast. More than three dozen of Bernhardt’s students have since published with major publishers. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:33 Do you want to become a professional author? Join William Bernhardt to learn more

We’re talking about Books That Make You Reconsider the Meaning of Masculinity Just what does it mean to be a man? Why is masculinity so specifically defined, whereas femininity is multi-layered and nuanced? Can and should men be bold in their transparency? Justin Baldoni is the author of, “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity.” Baldoni is an actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and changemaker who seeks to create impactful media. He is the creator of CW’s “My Last Days,” a documentary series chronicling courageous people living with a terminal illness, as well as the creator of “Man Enough,” the dinner conversation series which discusses traditional masculinity. Baldoni established Wayfarer Studios to further create purpose-driven content. The studio’s first film project, “CLOUDS”, directed and produced by Baldoni, is now streaming on Disney+. He is currently set to direct “Hold Back the Stars” for Lionsgate. In addition, Baldoni also serves as founder and chairman of The Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to altering the way communities approach the needs of those experiencing homelessness. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:32 Are you man enough to undefine your masculinity, with director, producer Justin Baldoni

We’re talking about Books That Make You Fall in Love with New Historical Romance The evolution of romance novels has been a long one since your mother’s paperbacks. Today’s reader enjoys so many different subgenres that offer so many varied ways of exploring love, relationships and sex. Through it all, though, one message often echoes strong with present-day romance fans: real love takes courage. Clyve Rose is a renowned romance author, and one of those now innovating the genre. While she believes love exists, and that it’s a adventure, she cautions that the adventure can often be hellish – but that’s exactly where the courage comes in. Clyve has been writing historical romance for the better part of twenty years. One of her novels was longlisted for a 2010 Hachette Award for Fiction, and her paranormal short story, “The One Below”, is a Sexy Scribbles award-winning piece. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:31 Real love takes, with Regency romance author Clyve Rose, Always A Princess

We’re talking about Books That Make You Learn the Ropes of an Ambassadorship. What’s life like for an ambassador? What does it mean exactly to be in the Foreign Service mean? Is it something anyone could get into? How lifechanging is it? With many years spent as a seasoned diplomat, Thomas Armbruster served from 2012-2016 as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands under President Barack Obama. His book draws from an active career with the State Department, one that has taken him to Russia, Tajikistan, Finland, Cuba, Colombia, , Denmark, Bangladesh, and elsewhere all over the globe. In addition, he is the only American diplomat to arrive in the Soviet Union by kayak. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:30 How to Become an Ambassador with Thomas Armbruster, former member of the State Department

We’re talking about Books That Make You Ponder The Complexities of Our Mental Evolution As we continue to evolve as humans, are we on an accelerated path of expanding cognition? According to our guest today, the process of evolution has given way to directed cognitive evolution, compelling our politics, technology, economy, sciences and arts. According to the American-Israeli author and scholar Bar-Giora Goldberg, the world has more and more come to reflect our ideas. Not just what we make of it, but what we think of it. Indeed, our cosmos, individual and collective, is now mostly virtual. After a long tenure in Nature, we now find ourselves at the dawn of a new era that requires less physicality, one brought about by our cognition: The Age of Ideas. Goldberg’s new book is called “The Mind Is Mightier.” In it, he charts our intellectual history through the evolution of our growing cognitive processes. Many disciplines -- Science, the Arts, Technology, Law, Language, Politics and Economy -- are all gaining in complexity. Though complexity is fraught with challenges, we are ultimately better for it, and growing alongside any such problems is also our problem-solving capacity. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:29 Complexities of Mental Evolution with Bar-Giora Goldberg, author of The Mind is Mightier

We’re talking about Books That Make You Learn About Hidden Heroes, While Also Teaching Children to Read As division assails our nation, New York Times bestselling author Mark K. Shriver is here to offer parents and teachers a handbook for unity, gratitude, unity and healing with his first book for children: 10 HIDDEN HEROES: A Counting Book with a Message. A former Maryland legislator, Mark Kennedy Shriver is the president of Save the Children Action Network in Washington, D.C., and creator of the Choice Program. He is also the author of Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis and the New York Times bestselling memoir, A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver, which received a 2013 Christopher Award. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

S:03 E:28 Mark K Shriver, 10 Hidden Heroes, a handbook for unity, gratitude, and unity

Books That Make You brings you conversations with both authors and literary folks on the business side of things. We discuss new books, old books, indie books, and all the wonderful themes found within books. Whether you're an author or an avid book reader, this is the show for you.

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Books That Make You Podcast

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