Going North Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 1108 – Why Modern Authors and Leaders Must Embrace AI to Win with Alinka Rutkowska (@AlinkaRutkowska | @LeadersPress) Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

“You're going to have either a book or an excuse of why you don't have a book.” – Alinka Rutkowska

Today’s featured USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author is a mom, wife, speaker, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Leaders Brands, Alinka Rutkowska. Alinka and I had a fun on a bun chat about her books, her transition from an unfulfilling corporate career to entrepreneurship, how she uses AI for her daily business operations, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What inspired Alinka to become a writer

Why her company embraces AI and prefers clients who are also forward-thinking and adaptable to new technology

What major setback led her to create more success

Her writing routine for putting out good content

How AI is not just a tool but should be native to business operations for maximum efficiency

Alinka’s Site: https://www.leadersbrands.ae/

Alinka’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0040KKTUC/allbooks

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

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835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/

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/

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

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

1071 – Self-Publishing Tips for A Successful Author Career with Wiebke Tasch: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1071-self-publishing-tips-for-a-successful-author-career-with-wiebke-tasch-wiebke_tasch/

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/

#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/

712 – When Your Heart Says to Leave a Legacy with Bridget Cook-Burch: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-712-when-your-heart-says-to-leave-a-legacy-with-bridget-cook-burch-inspiritwriter/

837 – Make Your Author emPact with Stephanie Feger (@stephaniefeger): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-837-make-your-author-empact-with-stephanie-feger-stephaniefeger/

216 – The Write Way with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/

637 – The Rough Guide to Awesome Leadership with Elena Agaragimova): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-637-the-rough-guide-to-awesome-leadership-with-elena-agaragimova-elenaagaragi/

1089 – Why You Need to Outsource Everything But Your Passion with Kelly Lorenzen, PMP: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/why-you-need-to-outsource-everything-but-your-passion-with-kelly-lorenzen-pmp/

Ep. 1107 – The Superman Wars and the Superpower of Protecting Your Work with William Bernhardt (@wbernhardt) Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

“I got my first rejection letter when I was 11… But I kept with it, and eventually it paid off.” – William Bernhardt

Today’s featured award-winning, #1 bestselling bookcaster is a husband, father, publisher, former trial attorney, and the founder of WriterCon, Oklahoma’s Renaissance Man, William “Bill” Bernhardt. Bill and I had a fun on a bun chat about his latest book, “The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon”, the importance of intellectual property protection for creators, WriterCon, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What inspired Bill to write a comprehensive book about Superman's creators

Why aspiring authors should learn the business of publishing in addition to mastering the craft of writing

Why you should never sign a contract without a professional second opinion

The difference between a legitimate publisher and a vanity press scam

Why it’s important to make time for adventure and meaningful experiences before life gets in the way

Bill’s Site: https://williambernhardt.com/

Bill’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000APOS7G/allbooks

Bill’s Podcast, “WriterCon Podcast”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writercon/id1435816061

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

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#BaltimoreAuthor Bonus Ep. - Navigating Contracts, Marketing, and Creative Growth with Jean Burgess, PhD: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/baltimoreauthor-bonus-ep-navigating-contracts-marketing-and-creative-growth-with-jean-burgess/

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/

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/

835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA (@AuroraWinterMBA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/

216 – The Write Way with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/

1081 – From Doubleday Editor to Captivating 1970s Fiction Podcast Host with Laura Van Wormer (@LauraVanWormer): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1081-from-doubleday-editor-to-captivating-1970s-fiction-podcast-host-with-laura-van-wormer-l/

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/

1012 – How Happy People Think & Rebound From Disappointment with Andrew Byrnes Matthews: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1012-how-happy-people-think-rebound-from-disappointment-with-andrew-byrnes-matthews/

752 – The Speaker's Edge with Ken Lizotte (@kenlizotte): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-752-the-speakers-edge-with-ken-lizotte-kenlizotte/

332 – Her Perfect Life with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/

Ep. 1106 – Accessing Divine Guidance and the Courage to Follow Your Calling with Dr. Alisha Das (@AlishaKDas) Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

“I thought I would write this book 20 years ago, and it's a very different book than I would have written 20 years ago. So, for y'all who are thinking, oh, I should write the book, I should write the book, maybe your timing is perfect.” – Dr. Alisha Das

Today’s featured bestselling bookcaster is a mom, spiritual counselor, intuitive, poet, and angel expert, Dr. Alisha Das. Dr. Alisha and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Your Angelic Ancestry: Discover Your Archangelic Name, Heritage, and Higher Purpose”, common myths about angels, her hope for humanity’s future, and more!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How to connect with angels

What inspired Dr. Alisha to write “Your Angelic Ancestry” and what she learned through the whole book publishing process

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

What setback Dr. Alisha had that became a setup for her to have more success

Dr. Alisha’s Site: https://alishadas.com/

Dr. Alisha’s Book: https://a.co/d/038t1W5R

Dr. Alisha’s Podcast, “Live Your Love”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-your-love-the-alisha-das-show/id1674440417

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

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921 – From WWE Superstar to Spiritual Mentor with Joy Giovanni: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-921-from-wwe-diva-to-spiritual-mentor-with-joy-giovanni-joygiovanni/

#M2M Bonus Ep. – From Disco Queen to Divine Angel with Sister Dr. Jenna (@americameditate): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-from-disco-queen-to-divine-angel-with-sister-dr-jenna-americameditate/

800 – The Power of Eight with Lynne McTaggart (@LynneMcTaggart): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-800-the-power-of-eight-with-lynne-mctaggart-lynnemctaggart/

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

103 - Angels of New York with Sylvia Moss (@AngelsofNYbook): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/103-angels-of-new-york-with-sylvia-moss-angelsofnybook/

598 – An Awakening with Shiva Kumar: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-598-an-awakening-with-shiva-kumar-shivaarc1242/

686 – Humanity's Cry for Change with Kate Heartsong (@KateHeartsong): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-686-humanitys-cry-for-change-with-kate-heartsong-kateheartsong/

1095 – From Tap Dancing World Records to Healing Ancestral Trauma with Heather Ann Ferri: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/from-tap-dancing-world-records-to-healing-ancestral-trauma-with-heather-ann-ferri/

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/

#GNPYear2 Episode 2 - Lead An Uncompromised Life with Lori Spagna (@LoriSpagna): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/gnpyear2-episode-2-lead-an-uncompromised-life-with-lori-spagna-lorispagna/

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/

960 – The Power of the Actor with Ivana Chubbuck (@ivanachubbuck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-960-the-power-of-the-actor-with-ivana-chubbuck-ivanachubbuck/

169 - The Second Wave with Kerri Hummingbird (@KerriHummingbrd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/169-the-second-wave-with-kerri-hummingbird-kerrihummingbrd/

Ep. 1105 – The Onion Founder’s Secrets to Hatching Ideas Like Clockwork with Scott Dikkers (@ScottDikkers) Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

“Work tirelessly on the things that you love. Don't worry about ‘failing.’ Don't worry about producing work that you don't think is any good, because that's an essential crucible that you have to get through.” – Scott Dikkers

Today’s featured #1 New York Times bestselling author is a keynote speaker, Peabody Award Winner, Thurber Prize winner for American Humor, and the founder of TheOnion.com, Scott Dikkers. Scott and I had a fun on a bun chat about his latest book, “Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command”, his unconventional midnight writing schedule, mentoring talent, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

What inspired Scott’s new book, “Creativity Machine”

Some of the common myths about creativity

How experience has improved his ability to connect with an audience

What setback led to Scott creating more success

Scott’s Site: https://www.scottdikkers.com/

Scott’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGFMTE/allbooks

Scott’s Substack: https://scottdikkers.substack.com/

Scott’s App: https://comedymastermind.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

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944 – From Comedy Central to Crafting Thrillers in "What She's Hiding" with Art Bell (@ArtBellwriter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-944-from-comedy-central-to-crafting-thrillers-in-what-shes-hiding-with-art-bell-artbellwr/

763 – The Improv Mindset with Keith Saltojanes (@keithsaltojanes): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-763-the-improv-mindset-with-keith-saltojanes-keithsaltojanes/

721 – Rediscovering Permission to Play as an Adult with Mike Montague (@PlayfulHumans): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-721-rediscovering-permission-to-play-as-an-adult-with-mike-montague-playfulhumans/

273 – Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success with Bob Doyle: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/

1046 – Unlock Artistic Insight & Innovation Through CreativitRy with Dr. Stan Lai: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1046-unlock-artistic-insight-innovation-through-creativitry-with-dr-stan-lai/

301 – Transformative Creativity with Firdaus Kharas (@Culture_Shift): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-301-transformative-creativity-with-firdaus-kharas-culture_shift/

1069 – Keeping the Dream Alive with Greig Watts: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1069-keeping-the-dream-alive-with-greig-watts/

1103 – AI and the Race to Save Democracy with Dr. Beth Simone Noveck (@bethnoveck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ai-and-the-race-to-save-democracy-with-dr-beth-simone-noveck-bethnoveck/

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/

378 – Writing Adventures with The Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-378-writing-adventures-with-the-dialogue-doctor-with-jeff-elkins-jffelkins/

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/

1 - Burn the Box with Shawn Purvis @shawnepurvis: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/1-burn-the-box-with-shawn-purvis-shawnepurvis/

Ep. 1104 – AI, Animals, and Giving Away 1,000 Smiles with Bret Ridgway (@bridgway) Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

“You got to come first from a giving standpoint rather than from a taking standpoint.” – Bret Ridgway

Today’s featured bestselling bookcaster is a 25-year veteran of the speaking industry, marketer for small businesses, and entrepreneur, Bret Ridgway. Bret and I had a fun chat about his new kids’ book, “Games Animals Play (When We're Not Looking)”, transitioning from writing business books to children's books, and his mission to donate 1,000 copies to schools and communities in 2026, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How Bret’s grandchildren and the phrase "crickets playing croquet" inspired his new children's book series

What’s the difference between writing for children and adults

The fastest way to feel better about yourself

What one skill has he learned and sharpened since his last appearance on the show

Bret’s Site: https://laughandlearnlibrary.com/

Bret’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004WEH2Z6/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

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645 – How to Build a #Profitable Speaking Business with Bret Ridgway (@bridgway): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-645-how-to-build-a-profitable-speaking-business-with-bret-ridgway-bridgway/

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/

979 – From Anthills to Authorship with Ron Kinscherf (@Papatellmeabook): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-979-from-anthills-to-authorship-with-ron-kinscherf-papatellmeabook/

586 – Flipping Bad Situations into Joyful Children’s Books with Violet Lemay (@violetlemay): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-586-flipping-bad-situations-into-joyful-childrens-books-with-violet-lemay-violetlemay/

793 – How to Bounce Back as a Children's Book Author with Rella B. (@RellaBBooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-793-how-to-bounce-back-as-a-childrens-book-author-with-rella-b-rellabbooks/

559 - Picky Patrick With Eleni Fuiaxis (@EleniFuiaxis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-559-picky-patrick-with-eleni-fuiaxis-elenifuiaxis/

1032 – A Grandmother's Fight for Disability Representation in Books with T. L. McCoy (@BlueRoundBG): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1032-a-grandmothers-fight-for-disability-representation-in-books-with-t-l-mccoy-blueround/

1075 – From Classroom Bells to Children's Books with Kirsten Telan (@ktelan1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1075-from-classroom-bells-to-childrens-books-with-kirsten-telan-ktelan1/

1087 – Becoming a Multi-Genre Author and Creative Force After 50 with Teri Brown (@TeriMBrown1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/becoming-a-multi-genre-author-and-creative-force-after-50-with-teri-brown-terimbrown1/

835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA (@AuroraWinterMBA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/

Ep. 1103 – AI and the Race to Save Democracy with Dr. Beth Simone Noveck (@bethnoveck) Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

“We were not really talking about sort of that messy middle, perhaps the much less exciting, much less headline grabbing set of stories about what ordinary people are doing here and now to use these tools to solve problems in their communities.” – Dr. Beth Simone Noveck

Today’s featured author is a professor, former U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer, director of The Governance Lab, and director of the Burnes Center for Social Change, Dr. Beth Simone Noveck. Dr. Beth and I had a fun on bun chat about her new book, “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy”, common misconceptions surrounding AI, and more!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How Dr. Beth’s mother's use of early technology for business sparked her interest in tech for social good

How AI can strengthen democratic institutions and empower communities

Some positive uses of AI beyond the common apocalypse or hype narratives

What AI tools does she use in her daily life

Dr. Beth’s Site: https://rebootdemocracy.ai/

Dr. Beth’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JS8BOY/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

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1027 – How Viral Beliefs Sparked a Nationwide Culture Clash with Alison Lea Sher: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1027-how-viral-beliefs-sparked-a-nationwide-culture-clash-with-alison-lea-sher/

356 – The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness with Thomas R. Williams (@MrTRWilliams): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-356-the-relentless-pursuit-of-greatness-with-thomas-r-williams-mrtrwilliams/

792 – Growing Up in Haiti, Promoting Health Equity, and Navigating Entrepreneurship with Venchele Saint Dic (@VencheleD): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-792-growing-up-in-haiti-promoting-health-equity-and-navigating-entrepreneurship-with-venchel/

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/

671 – The Last Ark with Guy Morris (@guymorrisbooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-671-the-last-ark-with-guy-morris-guymorrisbooks/

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. 1102 – From Rodeo Cowgirl to Backcountry Bestselling Author with Lisa Michelle Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

“Being out in nature and in the wilderness has always, always provided me with something, whether it be the answer I needed or something that I didn't even know I needed.” – Lisa Michelle

Today’s featured bestselling and award-winning author is a grandma, former rodeo cowgirl, award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, and lover of snowstorms, Lisa Michelle. Lisa and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra —An Adventure Memoir”, candid advice on building writing confidence, handling negative reviews, and more!!!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

Lisa’s journey from rodeo cowgirl to screenwriter and how that visual writing style influenced her transition to novels

Why it’s important to use accurate research in fiction writing to maintain credibility as a writer

What inspired Lisa to write her memoir despite her love for psychological thrillers and not wanting to publish nonfiction books

The encounter that solidified her resolve to write her memoir

Lisa’s Site: https://www.lisamichellestories.com/

Lisa’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0847SPYKD/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

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330 – A Long Way from Ordinary with Ann Charles: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/

551 – Rewilding with Dr. Kristy Vanacore: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-551-rewilding-with-dr-kristy-vanacore/

654 – Inside the Mind of a Horror Western Writer with KC Grifant: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-654-inside-the-mind-of-a-horror-western-writer-with-kc-grifant-kcgrifant/

319 – The Hunter with Jim Christina: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-319-the-hunter-with-jim-christina/

340 – A Single Light with Tosca Lee: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-340-a-single-light-with-tosca-lee-toscalee/

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

349.5 – Signs in the Rearview Mirror with Kelly Smith (@kellys_author): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3495-signs-in-the-rearview-mirror-with-kelly-smith-kellys_author/

452 – Writing a Penetrating Tell-All Memoir with Karin Freeland: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-452-writing-a-tell-all-penetrating-memoir-with-karin-freeland-karinfreeland/

1035 – From Composition Notebooks to Bestselling Books with Kelli Kassoff: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1035-from-composition-notebooks-to-bestselling-books-with-kelli-kassoff-kellikassoff/

1010 – How Writing Together Can Transform Lives with Gregory Copploe & Dani Forrest: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1010-how-writing-together-can-transform-lives-with-gregory-copploe-dani-forrest/

990 – How To Rise Above Self-Doubt In The Creative Arts with Dr. Albert Bramante: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-990-how-to-rise-above-self-doubt-in-the-creative-arts-with-dr-albert-bramante/

953 – How to Find Sweetness in Adversity with Amy Olmedo: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-953-how-to-find-sweetness-in-adversity-with-amy-olmedo/

537 – If Trees Could Talk with Holly Worton: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-537-if-trees-could-talk-with-holly-worton-hollyworton/

698 – From Scrubs to Award-Winning Stories with Debra Blaine (@debrablainemd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-698-from-scrubs-to-award-winning-stories-with-debra-blaine-debrablainemd/

Ep. 1101 – But Where’s Home? Writing & Promoting a Multi-Voiced Family Saga with Toni Ann Johnson (@toniannjohnson) Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

“You have to feel valuable within yourself.” – Toni Ann Johnson

Today’s featured award-winning author is an actor, award-winning screenwriter, audiobook narrator, college professor, and the 2021 Flannery O'Connor Award winner, Toni Ann Johnson. Toni Ann and I have a fun chat about her latest book, “But Where's Home?: A Novella and Stories”, dealing with the emotional weight of the book's final story, leveraging unused material for future work, and more!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

How Toni Ann’s large manuscript evolved into three separate, published award-winning books

How she uses her acting skills to bring characters to life

What she’s done differently with marketing her latest book compared to her last book

Why self-care is a must for creatives. Especially introverts.

Why it pays to know your worth and not to chase validation

Toni Ann’s Site: https://www.toniannjohnson.com/

Toni Ann’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005IISXNK/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

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Ep. 1100 – The Burning Ground and the Courage to Live Your Greatest Story with Celinne Da Costa (@CelinneDaCosta) Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

“Writing a book to me is not just sharing information or telling a story. It's how do I metabolize the story and take it in enough that when I write or speak, it's a transmission, it's a message, it's a lesson, it's something ancient.” – Celinne Da Costa

Today’s featured USA Today Bestselling bookcaster is a TEDx Speaker, certified NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist, world traveler, and master coach, Celinne Da Costa. Celinne and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “The Burning Ground: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Soul and Ignite Her Inner Fire”, circumnavigating the globe through human connection alone, shifting from fear to love when facing life's crossroads, and more!

Key Things You’ll Learn:

Celinne’s ten-year journey of writing her book and what she learned while creating it

Why embracing uncertainty in your own path can lead to growth

Her advice for aspiring authors on overcoming obstacles in the writing process

The difference between sharing information, telling a story, and creating a "transmission"

The mindset shift question to ask when you’re feeling lost or stuck in life

Celinne‘s Site: https://celinnedacosta.com/

Celinne‘s Books: https://theburningground.com/

Celinne‘s TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/DyACYE-FXeM?si=ojHFhqx9D9P_46GQ

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

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Ep. 1099 – A Charge to Keep with Rev. Kevin T. Taylor Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

"I'm a better pastor because of the high-quality professional development and the work that I've done on the job, and I'm a much better employee and leader because of the compassion and the experiences that I've seen in the church." – Rev. Kevin T. Taylor

Today's featured award-winning author is a father, husband, leadership advisor, coach, consultant, and keynote speaker, Rev. Kevin T. Taylor. Pastor Kevin and I had a fun on a bun chat about his book, "A Charge to Keep: Immutable Leadership Lessons from the C-Suite to the Pulpit", leveraging AI in leadership, the value of a bi-vocational perspective, and more!!

Key Things You'll Learn:

What inspired Rev. Kevin to write his 1^st book

His decision-making framework and how he uses AI to pressure-test leadership choices

His top 3 leadership lessons from being a pastor

Why it's ok that we're all human behind our titles

Rev. Kevin's Site: https://revkttaylor.com/

Rev. Kevin's Book: https://a.co/d/098Tz9sI

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

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