In today’s episode, I am chatting with Keri Wilt. Keri is a speaker, writer, and heart cultivator with a soul full of sunshine who’s on a mission to help you flourish. That’s because not long ago, she looked down and discovered that my life had become an over-planted mess that was choking out her relationships, creativity, and purpose. That’s when some soul-searching journal time and a late-night re-reading of my great-great-grandmother’s classic book The Secret Garden unearthed this Well-Tended Life Truth: That EVERY locked-up, weed-filled, withering life can bloom and grow again with the help of a little magic. I am so excited to have her on the show today!

Today we have an episode from the kids for the kids. I am speaking today with Luella (age 9), Leva (age 7) and their Mom, Ana. Luella will be going into 4th grade and Leva into 2nd grade. This sister duo is always looking to be entertained and they brought a book flight of a few of their favorite books that do just that!

In today's episode, I am chatting with Erin Roese. Erin is a homeschooling mama to 3 littles ages 7,5 and almost 3 and 2 angel babies. A co-author of a #1 best seller with Kimberly Olson and podcast host /executive producer of the Dear Mama, You’re going to find your joy again podcast. After going through her first miscarriage, she began the journey back to the new version of herself to find joy again in her motherhood journey. I am excited to have Erin on the show today. Happy listening!

In today’s episode I chatting with Sonia Moore. She is a Gen Xer with a Dolly Parton wig personality. A former Elementary teacher, current Adult English Language teacher, Jill of all trades, creative, and best darn Auntie on the planet. Sonia shares all about the gift and art of teaching and tips for parents about modeling reading and the readability test for books (teach it to your kids!). Sonia shares all about book journaling. She recommends journal types and her favorite mediums to use when creating. I love her quote about how “anytime spent being creative is not wasted.”

In today's episode, I am chatting with Bound Sisters. Bound Sisters is a captivating book club podcast hosted by three dynamic sisters: Kellye, Jyl and Myranda. I loved getting to know these sisters in our conversation today and more about their podcast. Each sister chose a book today as part of the book flight. You can find a mix of romance and fantasy through each book of the flight. Happy listening!

Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and narrative nonfiction storyteller. She is the author of Blurred Fates and The Other Side of Nothing.

In this episode, Anastasia and I covered alot. We talked about the importance of reading to create empathy and understanding, mental health representation in books and reducing the stigma of mental health and the tough conversations. Anastasia calls herself an equal opportunity reader and I absolutely love it! Her book flight today focuses on books set in the publishing world and sound delightful. Happy listening!

In today's episode, I am chatting with Katherine Snow Smith. Katherine is a Raleigh native and has lived throughout the south as a newspaper reporter, editor, daughter, sister, mother, wife, divorcee and friend. Her memoir, Stepping on the Blender & Other Times Life Gets Messy was publishing in November 2023. Katherine shared all about the writing of her book, including how funny life can be, but also the experience of sharing the raw and honest essays. She talks about the differences in writing as a reporter versus for personal essay. We chatted about how we can feel connected through reading, library tips with young children, as well as a fabulous gift idea for your friends! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Happy listening!

Alexie gives us all the tips on reading with dyslexia, what to do and who to contact if you think your child may struggle with dyslexia. And most importantly, she gives us hope! That with the right tools and study strategies you or your child can fall in love with reading too. Her book flight today features decodable books for dyslexic readers and both books are published by Barrington Stoke.

Today we have an episode from the kids for the kids. I am speaking today with Colton and his Dad, Ryan Sawyer. Colton is 11 years old and a 5th grader. Colton teamed up with his Dad and wrote the book, We Can Do Hard Things, to inspire anyone who has felt the weight of struggling to fit in or battling self-doubt. He shares his journey of overcoming self-doubt and finding resilience. He is our youngest published author on the show to date and I am beyond excited to share our conversation with you.

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Sara E. Johnson. Sara lives in Durham, North Carolina. She worked as a middle school reading specialist and local newspaper contributor before her husband lured her to New Zealand for a year. Her first novel, Molten Mud Murder, is the result. The fifth book in the series, The Hungry Bones, comes out on June 11th, 2024. I had so much fun chatting with Sara. She talks about the connections she has made through the writing process to help her research and write her novels. Lastly, Sara totally understood the book flight! Tune in to hear the fun approach she took. Happy listening!