Going North Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 1124 – The Untold Emotional Journey of Breast Cancer with Allison Sweet Grant Oct 31, 2026

Show notes

“We don't know when we start down these paths whether we're going to come out on the other side of them or not.” – Allison Sweet Grant

Today’s featured bestselling author is a wife, mom, former psychiatric nurse practitioner, and breast cancer conqueror, Allison Sweet Grant. Allison and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Lump: A Memoir in Ineloquent Reflections”, what a stack of pancakes can teach you about the power of little, keeping life’s challenges in perspective, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What inspired Allison to write her latest book in verse

How facing mortality permanently re-anchored her perspective and freed up her creative flow

Why the term "survivor" can feel complicated

Her writing rituals for staying creative

Allison’s Site: https://www.allisonsweetgrant.com/

Allison’s Books: https://www.allisonsweetgrant.com/books

The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

453 – The Psychic Yellow Brick Road with Corbie Mitleid (@CorbieMitleid): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-453-the-psychic-yellow-brick-road-with-corbie-mitleid-corbiemitleid/

977 – How One Woman's Story Can Help Others Facing Cancer with Erica Neubert Campbell (@EricaNCampbell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-977-how-one-womans-story-can-help-others-facing-cancer-with-erica-neubert-campbell-ericanca/

788 – Love with a Twist of Cancer with Jennifer Greenhut (@jennandlarry): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-788-love-with-a-twist-of-cancer-with-jennifer-greenhut-jennandlarry/

1001 – From Cancer Survivor to Master Neuroplasticity Expert with Elizabeth Gould: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1001-from-cancer-survivor-to-master-neuroplasticity-expert-with-elizabeth-gould/

201 - Fortitude Wins the Battle with Connie Bramer (@ConstanceBramer): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/201-fortitude-wins-the-battle-with-connie-bramer-constancebramer-chaostoclarity/

125 - Set Apart & Chosen with Gladys "Peaches" Kenney (@Faithsteps8): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/125-set-apart-chosen-with-gladys-peaches-kenney-faithsteps8/

425 – An Imperfect Pilgrim with Suzanne Ludlum (@SuzanneLudlum): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-425-an-imperfect-pilgrim-with-suzanne-ludlum-suzanneludlum/

208.5 (Holiday Bonus Episode) – Dreams That Can Save Your Life with Kat Kanavos (@KathleenKanavos): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/2085-holiday-bonus-episode-dreams-that-can-save-your-life-with-kat-kavanos-kathleenkanavos/

252 – Live Calm with Cancer… and Beyond with David Dachinger and Tamara Green, LCSW (@LovingMeditator): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/252-live-calm-with-cancer-and-beyond-with-david-dachinger-and-tamara-green-lcsw-lovingmeditator/

Ep. 1123 – From Corporate Success to Living Her Authentic Truth with Lynda Leonce Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

“I saw the power basically in being real and being authentic. And it benefits not only me, but everyone around me. So why not continue that with every area of my life?” – Lynda Leonce

Today’s featured author is a mom, Zumba fanatic, and a certified Conscious Life & Parenting Coach, Lynda Leonce. Lynda and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Inside Out Creation: Lifestyle Alignment to Living From Your Truth”, her journey from IT to coaching, never allowing fear to make your decisions, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What inspired Lynda to become an author

What helped her make the leap into full-time coaching

How her corporate career and life experiences prepared her to be a better coach

How noticing your inner reactions and focusing on self-awareness can help you become more authentic

Lynda’s Site: https://www.livefromyourtruth.com/

Lynda‘s Book: https://a.co/d/01xmBW2s

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

850 – How to Discover Your Untapped Magic with Chloe Panta (@chloepanta): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-850-how-to-discover-your-untapped-magic-with-chloe-panta-chloepanta/

1082 – Reclaim What Lights You Up & Dominate Your Next Chapter with Sheekha Singh (@ssheekha): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1082-reclaim-what-lights-you-up-dominate-your-next-chapter-with-sheekha-singh-ssheekha/

350 – Stay on Track Tips with Dr. Ro (@everythingro): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-350-stay-on-track-tips-with-dr-ro-everythingro/

522 – Peanut the Penguin with Aruna Lepore (@ArunaMLepore): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-522-peanut-the-penguin-with-aruna-lepore-arunamlepore/

1002 – Why Living With Intention Is The Key to Mastering Life with Bianca D'Alessio: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1002-why-living-with-intention-is-the-key-to-mastering-life-with-bianca-dalessio/

1038 – From Bulgaria to Publishing Success by Finding Your Unique Voice with Katerina Stoykova (@Katya_Stoykova): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1038-from-bulgaria-to-publishing-success-by-finding-your-unique-voice-with-katerina-stoykova/

#M2M Bonus Ep. – Mary Queen with Lori J. Walker: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-ep-mary-queen-with-lori-j-walker/

691 – How to Spark Your Heart and Ignite Your Life with Hilary DeCesare (@HilaryDeCesare): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-691-how-to-spark-your-heart-and-ignite-your-life-with-hilary-decesare-hilarydecesare/

898 – From Tech to Tales with Dr. Afarin Bellisario (@afarin_afarina): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-898-from-tech-to-tales-with-dr-afarin-bellisario-afarin_afarina/

339.5 – From Limited to Limitless with Adri Kyser (@AdriKyserYoga): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3395-from-limited-to-limitless-with-adri-kyser-adrikyseryoga/

Ep. 1122 – From Hollywood Sound Editor to Ground Zero Recovery Hero with Solange Schwalbe (@SchwalbeSolange) Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

“We did it one chapter at a time. It was very difficult, but I needed to do it.” – Solange Schwalbe

Today’s featured bestselling author is an Emmy-winning sound editor, educator, studio owner, and one of the only four female Ground Zero Cleanup Workers, Solange Schwalbe. Solange and I had a chat about her book, “I'm Not Supposed to Know This: An Unlikely Account of Ground Zero After the 9/11 Attacks”, why it took more than 20 years to write it, finding a path forward after intense trauma, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

Solange’s background in film and how volunteering after 9/11 led to a cleanup job

What really happened inside the Ground Zero cleanup pit that the public and media never witnessed

Some of the dangerous realities of the 9/11 cleanup operation

How she eventually got to finish her book

Her advice for being an effective communicator

Solange’s Site: https://imnotsupposedtoknowthis.com/

Solange‘s Book: https://a.co/d/090rtd5s

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

1112 – From Ground Zero to Financial and Spiritual Hero with Rev. Dr. Nicole B. Simpson (@nicolebsimpson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/from-ground-zero-to-financial-and-spiritual-hero-with-rev-dr-nicole-b-simpson-nicolebsimpson/

965 – From Hollywood Writing Rooms to Writing Her Own Rules with Amy Suto (@Sutoscience): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-965-from-hollywood-writing-rooms-to-writing-her-own-rules-with-amy-suto-sutoscience/

Ep. 1121 – Why You Must Design Your Book Cover First with Frank McKinney (@FrankMcKinney) Oct 24, 2026

Show notes

“We don't change. We either redirect or reignite. In my case, I redirected self-destructive tendencies into constructive tendencies. And one of those constructive tendencies was writing books.” – Frank McKinney

Today’s featured award-winning and international bestselling author is a father, husband, real estate artist, philanthro-capitalist, ultra-marathoner, aspirational speaker, and modern-day Renaissance man, Frank McKinney. Frank and I had a high-energy chat about his latest book, “Hell's Heaven: Is It Really Forever?”, how hope is the main theme that connects his books, going from a homeless teen to having a successful real estate career, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How Frank overcame a troubled adolescence, homelessness, and a 1.8 GPA to become a successful real estate entrepreneur

How he developed a nine-step approach to navigating life's challenges after facing a serious blood disease

Why he doesn’t believe in writer's block

Why your book's greatest success may be the lives it changes rather than the copies it sells

Why exercising your risk-taking muscle is essential for continued growth

Frank’s Site: https://frank-mckinney.com/

Frank’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCVBEY/allbooks

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

1096 – Beating Resistance and Turning Setbacks Into Literary Breakthroughs with Steven Pressfield (@SPressfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/beating-resistance-and-turning-setbacks-into-literary-breakthroughs-with-steven-pressfield-spressf/

1091 – From Reluctant Realtor to Real Estate Royalty with Debbi DiMaggio (@DebbiDiMaggio): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/from-reluctant-realtor-to-generational-real-estate-success-with-debbi-dimaggio-debbidimaggio/

309 – Home Worthy with Sandra Rinomato (@SandraRinomato): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-309-home-worthy-with-sandra-rinomato-sandrarinomato/

1040 – Wake Up the Lion & Rewrite Your Rock Bottom with Rory Paquette (@rorypaquette): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1040-wake-up-the-lion-rewrite-your-rock-bottom-with-rory-paquette-rorypaquette/

1063 – How Embracing Discomfort Can Lead to Amazing Adventures with Alex Boylan (@alexboylan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1063-how-embracing-discomfort-can-lead-to-amazing-adventures-with-alex-boylan-alexboylan/

786 – Claim Your Inner Warrior Badass with Kate McKay: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-786-claim-your-inner-warrior-badass-with-kate-mckay-katemckay18/

242 – The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (@James_Redfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/242-the-celestine-prophecy-by-james-redfield-james_redfield/

1048 – Steward Your Stories and Create a Lasting Legacy Forged From Fire with Dr. Charles Thomas Jr.: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1048-steward-your-stories-and-create-a-lasting-legacy-forged-from-fire-with-dr-charles-thomas/

751 – Do Something Hard & Be Happier with Joe De Sena (@realJoeDeSena): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-751-do-something-hard-like-a-spartan-and-be-happier-with-joe-de-sena-realjoedesena/

327 – The Go-Giver Way of Elite Performance with Bob Burg (@BobBurg): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-327-the-go-giver-way-of-elite-performance-with-bob-burg-bobburg/

Ep. 1120 – From Surviving a Missile Strike to Meeting Saddam Hussein with Amjad Tadros (@amtadros) Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

“Our job is not to make the audience believe in one thing or another. In fact, the worst kind of story you do as a journalist is a story that you make to prove a point. And that's not a good idea. Our job is just to report the truth.” – Amjad Tadros

Today’s featured author is a former CBS News/60 Minutes producer, four-time Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist, and media entrepreneur, Amjad M. Tadros. Amjad and I had a chat about his book, “The Fixer: A Journalist’s Accidental Journey Through the Middle East”, the risks journalists face covering conflict, why he interviewed Osama bin Laden’s former bodyguard, becoming a date farmer, and more!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How an unexpected opportunity led to a 33-year career in investigative journalism

How history helps others to understand today’s conflicts in the Middle East

What investigative journalists can teach us about courage, curiosity, and persistence

The importance of listening to different perspectives without compromising the truth

Why authentic human storytelling remains valuable in the age of AI

Amjad’s Site: https://www.amjadtadros.com/

Amjad’s Book: https://a.co/d/01zTlFpc

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

433 – Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes with Ira Rosen: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-433-ticking-clock-behind-the-scenes-at-60-minutes-with-ira-rosen/

825 – One Woman's Story of Survival & Courageous Leadership in Syria with Dr. Amani Ballour (@AmaniBallour): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-825-one-womans-story-of-survival-courageous-leadership-in-syria-with-dr-amani-ballour-am/

807 – Inside The Mind of The Author Activist with Dawn Bates (@msdawnbates33): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-807-inside-the-mind-of-the-author-activist-with-dawn-bates-msdawnbates33/

455 – Andean Adventures with Allan J. “Alonzo” Wind (@galacticemp): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-455-andean-adventures-with-allan-j-alonzo-wind-galacticemp/

628 – Inside the Secret World of Corporate Spying with Robert Kerbeck (@robertkerbeck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-628-inside-the-secret-world-of-corporate-spying-with-robert-kerbeck-robertkerbeck/

Ep. 1119 – From Chasing Success to Healing the Wounds of Ambition with Mandy Tang Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

“I had overridden my own intuition and inner guidance for so long in favor of achievement and looking good to the outside I honestly didn’t even know which way was up.” – Mandy Tang

Today’s featured fellow bestselling bookcaster is a wife, mom, career coach, holistic healer, and content creator, Mandy Tang. Mandy and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Heal Your Career Wounds: Navigating the Trauma of Today’s Workplace”, the 200 early-morning writing sessions behind her first book, embracing your good weird, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What led Mandy to become an entrepreneur

How spiritual training helped her address the deeper emotional challenges behind career struggles

Her candid advice to aspiring authors and what she learned after publishing her 1^st book

Her two major lessons learned from starting, growing, and running her podcast

Mandy’s Site: https://www.mandytang.co/

Mandy’s Book: https://a.co/d/026XvHWq

The Career Coach Mandy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-career-coach-mandy-podcast/id1765208369

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

You May Also Like…

579 – The Power to Speak Naked with Tyler Foley: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-579-the-power-to-speak-naked-with-tyler-foley-dropthemicstf/

817 – How Can Awkwardness Lead to Personal Growth and Self-Awareness with Henna Pryor: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-817-how-can-awkwardness-lead-to-personal-growth-and-self-awareness-with-henna-pryor/

1110 – You're Allowed To Quit and Create Something Better with Kate Kayaian: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/youre-allowed-to-quit-and-create-something-better-with-kate-kayaian-kate_kayaian/

535 – The Phoenix Career Principles with Tony Pisanelli: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-535-the-phoenix-career-principles-with-tony-pisanelli/

336.5 – Own Your Career Own Your Life with Andy Storch (@AndyStorch): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3365-h2h-special-own-your-career-own-your-life-with-andy-storch-andystorch/

632 – The Career Toolkit with Mark Herschberg: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-632-the-career-toolkit-with-mark-herschberg-careertoolkitbk/

962 – How Confusion Can Lead To Peace, Personal Growth, and Self-discovery with Giovanna Silvestre (@ConfusedGirlLA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-962-how-confusion-can-lead-to-peace-personal-growth-and-self-discovery-with-giovanna-silvest/

850 – How to Discover Your Untapped Magic with Chloe Panta: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-850-how-to-discover-your-untapped-magic-with-chloe-panta-chloepanta/

1053 – From Chick-fil-A to Full-Time Business Coach with Jacob Karnes: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1053-from-chick-fil-a-to-full-time-business-coach-with-jacob-karnes-jacobkarnes/

496 – So Empowered with Lillian So (@SOfitSF): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-496-so-empowered-with-lillian-so-sofitsf/

1097 – Finding Satori Through Energy Intelligence with Janell Rae: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/finding-satori-through-energy-intelligence-with-janell-rae-janellwarkentin/

613 – Radical Intuition with Kim Chestney: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-613-radical-intuition-with-kim-chestney-kimchestney/

928 – The Little Book of Big Dreams with Isa Adney (@IsaAdney): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-928-the-little-book-of-big-dreams-with-isa-adney-isaadney/

1115 – From Burned-Out Educational Leader to Boundless Creative Mompreneur with Nataliya Falevich: https://shorturl.at/uHRez

Ep. 1118 – From Facing Death to Becoming a Hay House Author with Laurie Smith (@ls_lauriesmith) Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

“We have this capacity for deep peace, deep calm, deep knowing of who we are, deep connection with our callings and our gifts. And that's all within us, just waiting to be accessed.” – Laurie Smith

Today’s featured bookcaster is a wife, mom, speaker, workshop facilitator, multi-certified Life Coach, Certified NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, and the founder of DreamCatching™, Laurie Smith. Laurie and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “The Flow Habit: Creating Peace, Passion, Purpose, and Everyday Miracles”, dealing with a 20,000+ feet near-death experience, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What flow is and how it can arise in everyday activities

How a daily writing challenge helped Laurie reconnect with her creativity

What led to her securing a book deal with Hay House

What coaching client experience she had that upped her game as a coach

Three major lessons she learned from starting, growing, and running her podcast

Laurie’s Site: https://www.lauriesmith.com/

Laurie’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BBYSGZXV/allbooks

Laurie’s Podcast, “The Flow Habit”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flow-habit-podcast-flow-state-creativity-get/id1798335678

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

820 – How to Sculpt Your Future Through Flowdreaming with Summer McStravick (@flowdreaming): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-820-how-to-sculpt-your-future-through-flowdreaming-with-summer-mcstravick-flowdreaming/

613 – Radical Intuition with Kim Chestney: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-613-radical-intuition-with-kim-chestney-kimchestney/

983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell (@saracconnell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/

975 – Awaken The Authentic & Connected Author Within with Inna Segal: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-975-awaken-the-authentic-connected-author-within-with-inna-segal-innasegalauthor/

328 – The Greatest Secret with Hale Dwoskin (@sedonamethod): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-328-the-greatest-secret-with-hale-dwoskin-sedonamethod/

875 – How To Unlock Your True Potential Through Empowerment with Laura Brennan Ballet: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-875-how-to-you-unlock-your-true-potential-through-empowerment-with-laura-brennan-ballet/

777 – Attract & Manifest Good Luck with Victoria Marie Gallagher: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-777-attract-manifest-good-luck-with-victoria-marie-gallagher-loahypnotist/

1093 – From Mexican Jumping Beans to Bestselling Guidebooks with Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/from-mexican-jumping-beans-to-bestselling-guidebooks-with-elizabeth-hamilton-guarino-besteveryou/

984 – Art for Your Sanity with Susan Hensley: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-984-art-for-your-sanity-with-susan-hensley/

938 – How to Create a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life with Debbie R. Weiss: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-938-how-to-create-a-more-colorful-and-fulfilling-life-with-debbie-r-weiss/

978 – The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are with Lenore Kantor: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-978-the-authentic-alchemy-path-to-find-who-you-are-with-lenore-kantor-lkantor/

475 – Divine Genius with Adam Hall: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-475-divine-genius-with-adam-hall/

1095 – From Tap Dancing World Records to Healing Ancestral Trauma with Heather Ann Ferri: https://shorturl.at/fqtzS

Ep. 1117 – From Writing Alone to Building a Thriving Author Community with Dianna Gunn (@DiannaLGunn) Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

“We think of writing as something that happens in isolation, but writing really is best when it's done in community, when you have someone to bounce ideas off of, when you can have that back and forth that gets out of your own head and gives you fresh perspectives you probably wouldn't have thought of.” – Dianna Gunn

Today’s featured author is a freelance writer, and the CEO and founder of Weeknight Writers, Dianna Gunn. Dianna and I had a fun on a bun chat about her books, how a friend’s suggestion reshaped her story, the risks of book bans, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How a Christmas gift inspired Dianna’s gothic horror novel, “Woman of Sorrow and Blood”

Why authors need to be part of a creative community

How she built Weeknight Writers into an inclusive virtual home for writers

Her advice for aspiring writers

Dianna’s Site: https://authordiannagunn.com/

Dianna’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06Y5WHB7C/allbooks

Weeknight Writers: https://weeknightwriters.com/

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

392 – Chasing the Captain with Terry Shepherd (@TheTShepherd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-392-chasing-the-captain-with/

999 – How Storytelling, Unicorns & Coffee Brew More Life Magic with Gwen Tolios (@GwenTolios): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-999-how-storytelling-unicorns-coffee-brew-more-life-magic-with-gwen-tolios-gwentolios/

375 – Aces High, Jokers Wild with O. E. Tearmann (@ETearmann): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-375-aces-high-jokers-wild-with-o-e-tearmann-etearmann/

1045 – Transforming Disney Dreams Into Dark Romance Novels with Bria Rose: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1045-transforming-disney-dreams-into-dark-romance-novels-with-bria-rose/

1009 – From Open-Heart Surgery to Creating Unique Reading Experiences with Megan Michelle PhD.: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1009-from-open-heart-surgery-to-creating-unique-reading-experiences-with-megan-michelle-phd/

750 – Surviving Human Trafficking & Finding Purpose with Amanda Blackwood (@DetailedPieces): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-750-surviving-human-trafficking-finding-purpose-with-amanda-blackwood-detailedpieces/

873 – From Broken Places to Booming Business with Rachel Thompson (@RachelintheOC): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-873-from-broken-places-to-booming-business-with-rachel-thompson-rachelintheoc/

312 – Reader to Dark Fantasy Writer with Liz Butcher (@lunaloveliz): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-312-reader-to-dark-fantasy-writer-with-liz-butcher-lunaloveliz/

969 – Music, Memoirs, and Making a Difference As a Disability Advocate with Jenna Udenberg: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-969-music-memoirs-and-making-a-difference-as-a-disability-advocate-with-jenna-udenberg/

694 – Every Body Holds a Story with Marsha Vanwynsberghe (@Marsha_vanw): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-694-every-body-holds-a-story-with-marsha-vanwynsberghe-marsha_vanw/

869 – Author vs. AI with Alison McBain (@AlisonMcBain): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-869-author-vs-ai-with-alison-mcbain-alisonmcbain/

947 – Edgy Empathy with Tuula Costelloe: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-947-edgy-empathy-with-tuula-costelloe/

946 – How Stories Drive Impact and Inspire Action with Autumn Karen (@autumncarrying): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-946-how-stories-drive-impact-and-inspire-action-with-autumn-karen-autumncarrying/

Ep. 1116 – Make Your Story Matter with Abbie Emmons (@abbieemmonsx) Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

“Tap into your own inner creativity. It's there. It's always has been there, and your story matters.” – Abbie Emmons

Today’s featured bestselling bookcaster is a writing coach, storyteller, and creator of YouTube's most-watched creative writing channel, Abbie Emmons. Abbie and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love”, her journey from teen blogger to published novelist, morning writing habits, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How growing up in a creative and entrepreneurial family led Abbie to become an author

What helped her to generate a large number of initial reviews for her 1^st book that now has over 2.2K reviews

The key to creating relatable characters that resonate with readers

How writing nonfiction taught her the importance of simplifying complex topics and deciding what information to exclude

Three major lessons she learned from starting, growing, and running her podcast

Abbie’s Site: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matter

Abbie’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07RS9LBPF/allbooks

Abbie’s Podcast, “The Kate and Abbie Show”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kate-and-abbie-show/id1501883200

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

242 – The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (@James_Redfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/242-the-celestine-prophecy-by-james-redfield-james_redfield/

1096 – Beating Resistance and Turning Setbacks Into Literary Breakthroughs with Steven Pressfield: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/beating-resistance-and-turning-setbacks-into-literary-breakthroughs-with-steven-pressfield-spressf/

880 – Success Insights from a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author with Christopher Greyson (@Chris_Greyson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-880-success-insights-from-a-wall-street-journal-bestselling-author-with-christopher-greyson/

477 – P.S. You're a Genius with Kelly Trach (@kellytrach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-477-ps-youre-a-genius-with-kelly-trach-kellytrach/

928 – The Little Book of Big Dreams with Isa Adney (@IsaAdney): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-928-the-little-book-of-big-dreams-with-isa-adney-isaadney/

983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/

1100 – The Burning Ground and the Courage to Live Your Greatest Story with Celinne Da Costa (@CelinneDaCosta): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/the-burning-ground-and-the-courage-to-live-your-greatest-story-with-celinne-da-costa-celinnedacost/

1029 – Unlock Your Creativity & Make Life Your Biggest Art Project with Pia Mailhot-Leichter (@pialeichter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1029-unlock-your-creativity-make-life-your-biggest-art-project-with-pia-mailhot-leichter-p/

#Bonus Ep. – From Idea to Finished Manuscript with Chandler Bolt (@self_pub_school): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-from-idea-to-finished-manuscript-with-chandler-bolt-self_pub_school/

670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/

Ep. 1115 – From Burned-Out Educational Leader to Boundless Creative Mompreneur with Nataliya Falevich Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

"Don't wait for your life to become less busy before you honor your creativity." – Nataliya Falevich

Today’s featured author is a mompreneur, speech-language pathologist, artist, and speaker, Nataliya Falevich. Nataliya and I had a fun on a bun chat about her 1^st book, “Velvet Blade: Requiem for Captivity”, her journey from immigrating from Moscow at 22 to earning three master's degrees while raising three children, why burnout can be a signal that transformation is overdue, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How a single, honest moment of self-reflection can become the catalyst for a complete life reinvention

What Nataliya learned about herself while writing her book

Why writing a book can be a tool for your personal growth

Some insights on how to honor your creativity as a busy parent

Nataliya’s Site: https://nataliyafalevich.com/

Nataliya’s Books: https://a.co/d/0aUERYPW

Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming!

CashApp: $DomBrightmon

Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon

Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon

The Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awot

You May Also Like…

913 – How a Master's Thesis Became a Published Novel with Kristina Smeriglio (@kristysmeriglio): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-913-how-a-masters-thesis-became-a-published-novel-with-kristina-smeriglio-kristysmeriglio/

1110 – You're Allowed To Quit and Create Something Better with Kate Kayaian (@kate_kayaian): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/youre-allowed-to-quit-and-create-something-better-with-kate-kayaian-kate_kayaian/

884 – How to Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with Murielle Marie Ungricht: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-884-how-to-go-from-stuck-to-unstoppable-with-murielle-marie-ungricht/

727 – Personal Growth Through Intentional Living & Interior Design with Shana Francesca: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-727-personal-growth-through-intentional-living-interior-design-with-shana-francesca/

1008 – From Art Critic to Celebrity Insider with Nadja Sayej (@nadjasayej): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1008-from-art-critic-to-celebrity-insider-with-nadja-sayej-nadjasayej/

1045 – Transforming Disney Dreams Into Dark Romance Novels with Bria Rose: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1045-transforming-disney-dreams-into-dark-romance-novels-with-bria-rose/

963 – Navigating Creative Doubt to Reach the Publishing Promised Land with J.F. Monroe: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-963-navigating-creative-doubt-to-reach-the-publishing-promised-land-with-jf-monroe/

1068 – Blending Entrepreneurial Drive with High-Octane Romantic Suspense with Lori Zoss: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1068-blending-entrepreneurial-drive-with-high-octane-romantic-suspense-with-lori-zoss/

780 – She is You with Felicity Nicole: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-780-she-is-you-with-felicity-nicole/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected