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Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read — Books
Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers – Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections

Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to “Living The Next Chapter,” the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling.

Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing.

This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

https://livingthenextchapter.com/

Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys

Latest Episodes:

E573 - Gabrýel Grimm-Goretez - Holy Water Hurts, A Vampire’s Guide to Vampire Hunting Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Episode 573 - Gabrýel Grimm-Goretez - Holy Water Hurts, A Vampire’s Guide to Vampire Hunting

I'm Gabrýel—a 22-year-old author, artist, and musician based in Portland, Oregon. My work lives somewhere between gothic allure and post-punk energy, often shifting between darkness and defiance. I was once a high school valedictorian and poetry prodigy, racking up nearly every academic accolade I could… but what truly defines my voice is my unflinching exploration of identity and the cultural intersections I was raised within.

Book: HOLY WATER HURTS: A Vampire Guide to Vampire Hunting

It's 2007, and in the rain-soaked streets of Seattle Washington, Parker is fighting for his life in more ways than one. Not only is he a starving artist running away from a past that, like him, refuses to stay dead. But after one bender too many, he now finds himself deep in the underworld of vampire hunting while also battling the same infection he's hell-bent on eradicating. Parker's grapple with his agonizing reality of turning into the very monsters he hunts proves to be the most terrifying creature he's faced...

https://www.gabryelgrimmgoretez.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E572 - David Galef - Where I Went Wrong - A must-read for anyone who has ever screwed up royally Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Episode 572 - David Galef - Where I Went Wrong - A must-read for anyone who has ever screwed up royally

David Galef is an American fiction writer, critic, poet, translator, and essayist because he can’t seem to make up his mind what to specialize in, though he’s been a writer for over 40 years. He’s published over fifteen books, from novels and short story collections and children’s books to poetry books, criticism, and translation. A few highlights: His third novel, How to Cope with Suburban Stress, made Kirkus’ “Best Books of the Year.” His second short story collection, My Date with Neanderthal Woman, won Dzanc Books’ inaugural short story collection prize, and the title story was performed at Selected Shorts at Symphony Space.

David received a B.A. in English from Princeton, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Columbia, with a specialty in British Modernism. From 1989 to 2008, he was a professor of English at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he administered the M.F.A. program in creative writing until 2007. In 2008, he received a Fulbright Fellowship to live in Tokyo for four months, after which he returned home, landed a job in New Jersey, and hopped back over the Mason-Dixon line. He is now a professor of English and the creative writing program director at Montclair State University.

David is married to the journalist and editor Beth Weinhouse. Their son, Daniel Galef, is a writer, too, God help him. David and his family live in Montclair, New Jersey, a cool, artsy community where you can’t throw a rock without hitting at least three writers.

Fun fact (at least some people find it fun): David has also been a humor columnist for Inside Higher Ed, where he wrote for years about a school called U of All People.

Book: Where I Went Wrong

Tony Mazza is having a bad day, which is what a lot of his days are like lately. He’s worked at a real estate agency, a bike shop, and a bar, among other places, and he’s currently managing as a hospital orderly. Or at least he was until, high on Percocet, he drove off with stolen property in an ambulance owned by the hospital and crashed into another ambulance. “Where did I go wrong?” he wonders aloud from his jail cell. Tony often wonders about this, whether it’s losing the affection of his kids (he’s twice divorced) or making a gaffe when selling a house to a prospective buyer. But he’s not hapless, he’s rather smart, and he’s even rather likeable. So where did he go wrong? This question keeps cropping up as each chapter takes Tony further back in time: issues with his first wife, disastrous investments, unfortunate family events in high school and earlier . . . all the way back to his birth, as recounted by his mother. Where I Went Wrong is Tony Mazza’s story, a novel that’s both comic and serious, exploring why some people fail while others get away with little short of murder.

https://davidgalef.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E571 - Marc Sapir - I'll Fly Away, 40 Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders by Marc Sapir Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 571 - Marc Sapir - I'll Fly Away, 40 Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders
Marc Sapir, a retired primary care, geriatric, and public health physician, is an essayist and political activist. He was the first Medical Director of the Center for Elders’ Independence for disabled elders for 9 years. He also previously worked for United Farm Workers and was a panel member of the Mad as Hell Doctors for Single Payer Health Care. A graduate of Brandeis University (BA) and Stanford Medical School (MD), he also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley.
He is the author of five plays and writes fiction, poetry, and music. He recently published a memoir, Deja Vu with Quixotic Delusions of Grandeur (May, 2024), and his writing has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, the Berkeley Daily Planet, the Palo Alto Times, the Stanford Daily, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), American Journal of Public Health, American Journal of Epidemiology, and more. He lives in Berkeley, CA.
I'll Fly Away
Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders by Marc Sapir
I’ll Fly Away invites readers to delve into the intimate narratives of 40 extraordinary elders, revealing their profound stories of resilience and the vibrant spirit that often persists in the twilight years. This collection not only highlights the challenges faced by aging individuals but also champions the beauty and dignity of every life story.
“A collection of wonderful real-life stories on aging. Dr. Sapir vividly portrays a complex series of human emotions, struggles, and relationships.”
—Thomas Irungu MD, MPH, medical director Sentara Health Plans, VA
“Could the lives of 40 disabled oldsters in a geriatric program make interesting reading? ‘Interesting’ is an understatement. These stories are fascinating.”
—Anthony Somkin MD, medical director RotaCare West Contra Costa
marcsapir.net

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E570 - C B Strul - Papillon IV - A Space Opera, Trash Talk and a Waste Filled Derelict Ark Spacecraft Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Episode 570 - C B Strul - Papillon IV - A Space Opera, Trash Talk and a Waste Filled Derelict Ark Spacecraft

c.b.strul is author of such novels as The Ancient Ones, CONNECTIVITY, and Papillon IV as well as the founder of Odom’s Library. Additionally, he has in print the short story The Last Trucker and three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, and What Grows from the Stump of a Tree? His short play Leading the Blind was produced in Los Angeles by the former artist organization ImageneseFree. And his three Minuet short films as well as the animated feature screenplay for Critter Crossing have received awards and recognition at multiple festivals in California and around the world

Papillon IV - A Space Opera unlike anything you've read before.

Ancient Earth calls for an initiative to clean up the planet. They send the majority of humanity's excess waste into space -- on the back of a recently derelict ark spacecraft.What the people of Earth don't realize is the effect this payload will have on the alien race of an unknown world.

https://odomslibrary.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E569 - Robin Nathaniel - Social Media SYNC - Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Episode 569 - Robin Nathaniel - Social Media SYNC - Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention

Robin Nathaniel

TEDx Speaker

Robin Nathaniel has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin’s artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emphasis on connection and storytelling, naturally paved the way for his transition into the professional world of social media. Living by the motto "Connect. Create. Contribute," he aims to inspire a wave of positive transformation.

Social Media SYNC

A Framework for Intentional Human Connection in the AI Era

Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention.

Social Media SYNC is not another “how to go viral” book.

It’s a bold framework for creators, professionals, and mission-driven leaders who want to build real human connections in a digital world obsessed with trends.

In the AI era, if you're not building authentic human connection...you’re getting left behind.

Grab your copy of Social Media SYNC and build a presence that outlasts any algorithm.

Recommended by Writers:
“Robin’s work is a comprehensive guide for those seeking authenticity, willing to do the work to carve out a unique and intentional path for themselves in an otherwise overcrowded market.” –Joél Leon: TED Speaker, Storyteller, Gotham Book Prize Nominated Author

“Digital media, AI, and other technologies are never going away, nor should they. "Social Media SYNC" helps today's connected professionals understand how to build better and more connected relationships with each other.” –Ramon Ray: Keynote Speaker, Author, Host - USA Today Host

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbinmarx/

https://robbinmarx.substack.com/

https://books.by/RobinNathaniel

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https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E568 - Bret Davis - Bretisms - Adopted, Borrowed and Modified Philosophies For a Life with LESS ANXIETY and MORE CONFIDENCE Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Episode 568 - Bret Davis - Bretisms - Adopted, Borrowed and Modified Philosophies For a Life with LESS ANXIETY and MORE CONFIDENCE

https://bretisms.com/

Support the show

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https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E567 - Mali Bain and Shayna Lee - Next Gen Story - Preserve your family stories for generations to come Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Episode 567 - Mali Bain and Shayna Lee - Next Gen Story - Preserve your family stories for generations to come

NextGen Story is about helping families capture the stories of their loved ones.

My name is Mali, the founder of NextGen Story. I am a former high school teacher with a background working in university, non-profit, and philanthropic settings. I'm a family historian, facilitator, and certified Guided Autobiography instructor. I hold a B.A. (UBC), B.Ed. (SFU), and an M.A. in Adult Learning and Education (UBC). I'm also the author of Our Homes on Indigenous Lands: Stories of My Ancestors Across Turtle Island.

This work began when I helped my grandmother publish her memoirs. She had typewritten stories and old albums of photos. I worked with her to type, scan, organize, edit, design, and eventually publish a family history book. She was so proud of her book, and it has meant so much to our family.

I've always dreamed that I could help other families publish their own family history books. Thanks to the team of talented writers, editors, and designers at NextGen Story, we have helped dozens of families complete their book for friends, family, and beyond. Check out our books to see some examples.

Without NextGen Story our family’s precious book would not have been made. Mali’s keen eye for detail and her sense of the overall picture brought our Grandmother’s memories together to form a beautiful, fascinating, and meaningful arc. Not only did this project create an absolute treasure of a book, but the process also allowed many of us grandchildren to spend time connecting with Grandma through photos, writings, and conversations as we helped curate and edit. Mali was organized and professional yet completely sensitive to our family’s feelings and priorities throughout.

Sam, NextGen Story Client

https://www.nextgenstory.com/

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https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E566 - Dheepa R. Maturi - An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the Future Jul 18, 2025

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Episode 566 - Dheepa R. Maturi - An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the Future

Dheepa R. Maturi is an Indian-American writer who explores ecology, culture, identity, and how they intersect. Her essays, poetry, and fiction have appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including Literary Hub, PANK, The Fourth River, Sequestrum, Tiferet, and How to Write a Form Poem. Her work has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize, and she is the author of 108: an Eco-Thriller, to be published by GFB in June of 2025.

In the past, Dheepa has worked as a lawyer, consultant, and education grant director. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago and now lives with her family in Indianapolis. To read some of her work, visit DheepaRMaturi.com.

Book - 108: an Eco-Thriller

Now available!

An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the Future

When journalist Bayla Jeevan experiences a mysterious vision deep in an Indian forest, she’s thrust into a battle against ZedChem, a powerful agrochemical corporation with a dangerous secret. As she unravels the truth, Bayla discovers her family’s hidden ties to an ancient force—one that may be the key to stopping a global catastrophe. 108 is a pulse-pounding eco-thriller that blends science, mysticism, and the urgency of environmental justice in an unforgettable race to save humanity.

https://www.dheeparmaturi.com/

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

Elizabeth Gilbert

https://a.co/d/exCk8y0

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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E565 - Lee Clark - Matthew Paine Mystery Series - Including the upcoming book Killer Convergence Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Episode 565 - Lee Clark - Matthew Paine Mystery Series - Including the upcoming book Killer Convergence

Lee Clark is the author of the Matthew Paine Mystery series of classic murder mystery novels, including Dead Spots, Prefer Death, MIA, Christmas Punch, Iced, Forbidden Relics, and the upcoming Killer Convergence to be released in the spring of 2025.

According to multiple reviews across the book series on goodreads and Amazon, Clark "writes like Agatha Christie," and is reminiscent of Margaret Maron and Louise Penny. A North Carolina native, Clark grew up in Raleigh with family roots in Virginia. An admitted chocoholic and coffeeholic, Lee Clark still resides in North Carolina with spouse, two mostly grown children who are in and out, and a dwindling petting zoo of geriatric dogs and cats.

Lee Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master’s in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. Following a twenty year career in the software development industry of corporate America at IBM, Clark turned to writing fiction in 2021 with the release of Dead Spots, the first in the Matthew Paine Mystery series.

The Matthew Paine character is a beloved character to the author. Though a fictional character, Matthew was inspired by two very important men in the author’s life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will catch glimpses of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew’s struggles.

https://cypressrivermedia.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
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E564 - Sally McQuillen - Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Episode 564 - Sally McQuillen - Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child

Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC
Certified Grief Educator

Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery.

She provides ongoing support for addiction recovery, as well as support for those recovering from the impact of a loved one’s addiction. She sees adults seeking relief from mood symptoms, helps them navigate their personal and professional relationships and lead more fulfilling lives. She works with clients to find peace and healing from trauma and loss. Her goal is to bring light into the lives of her clients intuitively pulling from different therapeutic models and resources to support their specific needs.

Book: Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child

A luminous story of how love triumphs over pain, love transcends fear, and love never dies; this debut memoir from a mother grieving her young-adult son’s death is a must-read for any parent who has lost a child, is raising a child from the edge of their seat, or whose family struggles with addiction.

When Sally’s twenty-one-year-old son died in a boat accident, her greatest fear is realized. Christopher was often drawn to risk and struggled with addiction. In this riveting memoir, Sally captures the wild ride of his jam-packed life and her deep love for him while reflecting on her own childhood and family’s legacy of alcoholism.

Sally shares insights about what it’s like to experience the emotional aftershocks of acute grief, filtered through the lens of her personal experience as a mother and her professional vantage point as a psychotherapist. Even if they have not been touched by loss in this way, readers may see themselves in Sally’s bittersweet illusion of trying to keep her son safe, in how she is challenged to let go of her fear, guilt, and regret in order to forgive herself, and in the ways grief teaches her about the power of love.

https://www.sallymcquillen.com/

Support the show

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/
Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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