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What if the red flags in your life were literally invisible? Award-winning author, speaker, and travel host Lisa Niver joins Dara Levan to share her incredible story of reinvention after a traumatic divorce and a late-in-life diagnosis of a lazy eye that reshaped her understanding of her past. Discover how Lisa’s journey through vision therapy, extensive world travel, and writing her memoir "Brave-ish" helped her piece together a pattern of abuse she once mistook for a "parade." In this raw conversation, you'll learn the power of post-traumatic growth, the importance of asking "what now?" instead of "what if?", and practical tips for reclaiming your life and joy. If you've ever felt stuck, unseen, or are seeking inspiration to break free, this episode is for you. 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - Lisa Niver’s Book and Award 3:37 - Jewish Summer Camp Inspiration 5:26 - What is an Ulpan? 7:48 - Adult Lazy Eye Diagnosis 11:53 - The End of a Marriage 15:29 - Connecting Vision and Relationship Patterns 18:54 - The Vulnerability of Writing 22:06 - The Book’s Unexpected Audience 25:14 - Replacing Self-Judgment with Compassion 27:58 - The Forward-Looking Question 31:35 - The Challenge of Outlining 37:40 - A Somatic Writing Ritual 39:19 - What Brings Lisa Joy 42:52 - Outro RESOURCES: https://www.lisaniver.com/ https://wesaidgotravel.com/

What happens when a breast radiologist decides to write gripping medical novels? Join host Dara Levan for a conversation with physician and author Heather Frimmer, whose third book, Always Hope, explores the devastating impact of a malpractice lawsuit from all sides. Discover how Heather’s medical career fuels her writing, why empathy is her superpower in both radiology and fiction, and how she crafts authentic yet dramatic page-turners. In this episode, you’ll learn the surprising inspiration behind her novels, her top tips for aspiring authors, and her unique perspective on balancing a demanding career with a creative life. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on storytelling, resilience, and finding hope. 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Heather’s Life as a Radiologist and Author 2:57 - The Shift to Breast Imaging 5:50 - The Inspiration for Better to Trust 7:24 - How Writing Impacts Medical Empathy 9:26 - The Empathetic Side of Radiology 11:22 - On Identifying as a Writer 13:10 - Heather’s Publishing Journey 15:53 - How Each Book Changed Heather 18:10 - Writing Through Personal Challenges 20:04 - The Next Writing Project 22:49 - The Importance of Research and Readers 28:47 - Where to Find Heather Frimmer 29:07 - Outro RESOURCES: https://www.heatherfrimmer.com/ @heatherfrimmer   

How does an optimist write about her husband's suicide and find purpose in the pain? Author, developmental editor, and former dance critic Kathryn Craft joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on transforming personal tragedy into powerful fiction. Discover how Kathryn's journey through loss led to her novels The Art of Falling and The Far End of Happy, learn why she waited eight years to tell her most difficult story, and explore her unique concept of "story as energy" from her new craft book. This episode offers key takeaways on resilience, the subjectivity of artistic reception, and setting healthy family boundaries. If you're interested in writing craft, mental health narratives, or finding the silver lining in life's darkest moments, this story is for you. 0:00 - Intro 1:36 - Writing about a husband's suicide 3:41 - The call from a literary agent 7:35 - Why her first novel came first 10:44 - Titling The Far End of Happy 15:39 - Changing agents and integrity 18:31 - Remaining an optimist through tragedy 22:46 - The subjectivity of rejection 27:06 - Writing from three points of view 31:36 - New craft book: Story as Energy 35:33 - Finding voice through dance 44:12 - The power of unanswered questions 47:55 - Where to find Kathryn Craft 49:05 - Outro RESOURCES: Kathryn Craft: •    Instagram: @kathryncraft •    Website: kathryncraft.com Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

What if menopause could be an opportunity for empowerment and reclaiming your identity? In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan speaks with Lauren Tetenbaum, a licensed social worker and author of Millennial Menopause. They dive into the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause that can start as early as one's late thirties, the critical importance of setting loving but firm boundaries, and how to shift your mindset to navigate this life transition with confidence. Listen in for expert insights on women's mental health, practical advice for advocating for your well-being, and how to build a supportive network. Discover why knowing more about menopause is essential for every millennial woman and those who care about them. 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Lauren's Miami and Cuban Roots 2:18 - The Origin of Millennial Menopause 3:41 - The Pivotal Book Idea 4:56 - Collaborating with Health Experts 6:21 - Menopause as a Liberating Phase 7:50 - Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 9:09 - Body Image and Eating Issues 11:36 - Lauren's Self-Care Practices 13:39 - Setting Boundaries at Work 16:43 - How to Set Loving Boundaries 19:52 - Handling Boundary Pushback 22:22 - Lessons for Your Younger Self 25:23 - Where to Find Lauren's Book 26:03 - Outro RESOURCES Millennial Menopause BookLauren's WebsiteDara Levan's WebsiteDara Levan's Instagram (Handled mentioned as "Follow me on Instagram at Dara Levan")

What if "full recovery" from an eating disorder is an unrealistic ideal? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan has an unfiltered conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of the reported memoir "Slip." Mallory bravely shares her journey from the traumatic loss of her mother at age 11 to a decades-long struggle with anorexia, binge-restrict cycles, and the often-overlooked "middle place" of recovery. Discover three key takeaways: why we need to redefine recovery as "better, not all better," how grief and perfectionism can manifest as disordered eating, and the surprising warning signs of eating disorders in both women and men. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by eating disorders, body image issues, grief, or the quest for self-acceptance. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:25 - Welcoming Mallary Tenore Tarpley 2:02 - Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder 3:09 - Mallory's Mother's Cancer Battle 4:12 - Writing Her Mother's Eulogy 4:33 - The Harmful Health Class 7:18 - The Pressure of Perfect Recovery 8:22 - Defining the "Middle Place" 11:31 - Involving Her Father in the Memoir 16:00 - Realistic Expectations for Recovery 25:12 - Postpartum OCD and Pumping 27:04 - Eating Disorders in Men 32:51 - How to Approach a Loved One 39:11 - Parenting and Body Image 44:26 - Outro RESOURCES: Mallary's Book: Slip by Mallary Tenore Tarpley (Available wherever books are sold) Mallary's Newsletter: Mallary's Substack Mallary's Instagram: @mallarytenoretarpley Host Dara Levan's Website: daralevan.com Host Dara Levan's Instagram: @daralevan

What if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in fiction, learn to silence your inner critic, and find out why you should never journal if it feels like a chore. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and living a life without regrets. 0:00 - Intro 0:22 - Welcoming author Jill Santopolo 0:57 - The emotional resonance of Jill's novels 2:06 - How Jill compartmentalizes her many roles 3:09 - Writing as a zen-like meditation practice 5:02 - Using fiction to escape and cope 7:48 - The struggle with journaling 9:18 - Letting go of parenting "shoulds" 11:19 - Baking and running for joy 12:19 - Jill's background in music and theater 14:20 - The "road trip" method of writing 20:05 - Why the first draft is messy 24:51 - The truth behind the fiction 31:30 - Jill's biggest fear revealed 32:12 - Going skydiving and taking risks 39:12 - Outro RESOURCES: Jill Santopolo's Website: https://www.jillsantopolo.com Jill on Instagram: @jillsantopolo Jill on Facebook: Jill Santopolo Author The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo The Sparkle Spa Series by Jill Santopolo

What happens when a tech executive discovers writing as therapy for processing her grandmother's dementia? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan converses with Rachel Caplin—VP of Business Development, mother of three, and author of "The Spoon and the Sea." Rachel shares her incredible journey from Australia to Israel, how she met her husband in a destined encounter, and why writing fiction became her unexpected path to healing. Discover how writing helped Rachel process grief, why she initially never intended to publish her book, and how current events in Israel inspired her second manuscript. Listeners will learn about the therapeutic power of writing, balancing multiple passions, and finding joy during dark times. This conversation explores writing as legacy, cultural identity, and how our greatest challenges often birth our most meaningful creative work. 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Rachel's background and family 1:58 - Rachel's career in technology 2:27 - Childhood love of writing 5:26 - Speech therapy and stuttering journey 7:51 - Moving from Australia to Israel 10:32 - Explanation of Aliyah 11:51 - The Spoon and the Sea inspiration 15:02 - Writing to process grief 22:36 - The freedom of writing fiction 25:13 - Second book and October 7th 28:12 - Letting go through fiction 32:57 - The power of story 35:55 - Writing as legacy 44:37 - Outro RESOURCES: IG: @rachelhcaplin_https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239379199-the-spoon-and-the-sea

Discover the memoir writing journey of Julie Fingersh, an award-winning journalist turned "accidental author" of Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas. Named a People Magazine Best Memoir, Julie reveals how midlife crisis, empty nesting, and buried family secrets ignited her bestselling book. Learn why she stopped writing for 30 years—and how radical truth-telling healed her. What happens when publishing success isn’t enough? Unlock universal lessons on creativity, resilience, and finding your voice.     TIMESTAMPS:   0:00 - Intro  0:22 - Julie’s accidental author origin  1:17 - Why she stopped writing  2:45 - Midlife crisis awakening  3:45 - Montana writer’s retreat  4:24 - Crafting memoir for readers  7:44 - Memoir cover symbolism  8:48 - People Magazine accolade  11:00 - Universal reader resonance  19:48 - Platform-building struggles  22:00 - Arrival fallacy revelation  26:13 - Family permission to publish  31:32 - Julie’s gratitude to Dara  32:24 - Outro      RESOURCES:   https://juliefingersh.com/ https://juliefingersh.com/stay

               What does it take to live a life of purpose and radiance? Author and entrepreneur Lynne Golodner joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on finding meaning through human connection. Lynne shares her transformative journey from seeking external validation to embracing self-empowerment, the pivotal role of her solo travels after divorce, and how she weaves her Jewish identity into her novels for a wide audience. Discover the power of listening to your inner voice, why it's never too late to pursue your passion, and how our deepest wounds can become sources of wisdom. This episode is packed with insights on writing, personal growth, and building a life filled with intention and joy. - 0:00 - Intro - 0:22 - Welcoming author Lynne Golodner - 1:07 - What brings the most joy? - 2:20 - Why every moment matters - 3:19 - The project that changed everything - 3:58 - Who was Lynne before 40? - 4:47 - The courage to choose yourself - 5:23 - A life-changing solo birthday trip - 7:00 - How she met her second husband - 9:01 - Her new novel on processing trauma - 10:09 - Drawing inspiration from Michigan - 11:41 - Weaving Judaism into her fiction - 16:06 - Defining her author brand - 17:30 - Her journey through Orthodox Judaism - 19:36 - How her kids practice Judaism - 23:27 - Gen Z's shakeup of traditions - 26:50 - Advice to her younger self - 29:03 - Outro  Lynne Golodner's Website: lynnegolodner.comLynne's New Novel: I Love You, Charlie TannerLynne's Other Novels: Woman of Valor, Cave of SecretsHost Dara Levan's Instagram: @daralevanHost Dara Levan's Website: daralevan.com

How do you break generational patterns when you had no healthy models to follow?    In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes Cari Fund, an advocate for women's empowerment and healing from generational trauma. Cari doesn't hold back. From recognizing toxic patterns at just 14 years old to her current work with her Surviving Roots podcast, she shares her journey with narcissistic parents and the difficult decision to establish boundaries. "I took back the f@#$ing pen," she declares, perfectly capturing her determination to rewrite her narrative despite family pressure and societal judgment.    What happens when motherhood becomes the catalyst for breaking cycles? Cari reveals how parenting her own children forced her to confront and heal childhood wounds. She offers practical insights about setting boundaries, navigating estrangement, and creating healthier family dynamics. This conversation isn't about perfect parenting—it's about making hard choices to end toxic patterns. Through personal examples and unflinching honesty, Cari demonstrates how confronting your past can transform your future and protect the next generation from repeating painful histories.    Cari Fund is a fearless advocate for breaking toxic generational patterns and women's empowerment. After spending over a decade in the New York City beauty industry and eight years in corporate social media management, she's now channeling her experiences into her memoir and the "Surviving Roots" podcast. Born in West Virginia and raised on a horse ranch, Cari brings authentic grit to her work helping others heal from toxic parenting. With her trademark honesty, she guides women to become the people they were born to be and the parents they never had.    In This Episode:   (00:00) Welcome and introduction to Cari Fund  (03:48) The pivotal decision at age 14  (06:08) Recognizing covert narcissism as a teenager  (11:07) Dealing with judgment around family estrangement  (15:18) Past relationship patterns and control mechanisms  (17:53) The turning point: choosing herself  (22:07) Finding purpose through healing your own story  (26:41) Motherhood as a pathway to healing  (31:08) Siblings' different responses to toxic upbringing  (34:38) Standing firm after reconnection attempts  (40:21) Closing thoughts    Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!    Resources:  Cari Fund  Surviving Roots Podcast  Sign up for Dara's Newsletter  Listen to other podcast episodes Here  Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook  Visit DaraLevan.com   

  What happens when the preventative surgery you chose to avoid cancer reveals you already have it?    In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes author Gila Pfeffer, whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through losing both parents to cancer at a young age and her own battle with breast cancer. With refreshing candor and signature wit, Gila shares how her Orthodox Jewish identity shaped her experiences and how becoming a mother to four children galvanized her commitment to preventative healthcare - ultimately saving her life when a preventative mastectomy revealed aggressive cancer.    Weaving together themes of resilience, authentic storytelling, and finding humor in life's darkest moments, Gila reflects on the profound significance of reaching age 50 - making her the first woman in four generations of her family to achieve this milestone. Her powerful metaphor of a broken mug still worth saving resonates deeply as she discusses her advocacy work and how sharing her story has inspired countless women to prioritize breast health. Like the cracked vessel on her book cover - weathered yet still holding precious contents - Gila's narrative embodies the beauty of imperfect survival.    Gila Pfeffer is a Jewish American humor writer whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through loss, cancer, and survival with unflinching candor and unexpected hilarity. A fifteen-year breast cancer previvor and survivor, Gila's "Feel It on the First" campaign has directly led to earlier diagnoses for countless women through its tongue-in-cheek reminders about breast health. As an Orthodox Jewish mother of four who underwent preventative mastectomy at 34 only to discover early-stage cancer, Gila's writing - featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and McSweeney's - transforms tragedy into empowerment through her signature wit. She splits her time between London, New York City, and Instagram.    In This Episode:   (00:00) Meet Gila Pfeffer: Author of "Nearly Departed"  (05:26) "Making fun of something is taking your power back"  (08:12) What does authentic branding really mean?  (13:07) Breaking the cycle: First to reach 50  (19:11) The delicate balance of telling your truth in memoir  (23:51) How four children saved their mother's life  (29:16) Beyond the pink ribbon: Rethinking breast cancer awareness  (34:42) One person at a time: The impact of sharing your story  (38:45) The metaphor of the broken mug   (39:55) Closing thoughts    Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!    Resources:  https://www.gilapfeffer.com/  @GilaPfeffer on Instagram  Nearly Departed  Sign up for Dara's Newsletter  Listen to other podcast episodes Here  Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook  Visit DaraLevan.com 

What if your greatest challenges were actually your most profound teachers?    In this soul-stirring conversation, educator and writer Daphne Gregory-Thomas weaves together the threads of loss, resilience, and transformation through her journey as an innovative educator, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Her narrative illuminates how life's greatest challenges often become our most profound teachers, from early maternal loss to creating groundbreaking educational programs for students with learning differences, and ultimately facing her own mortality through cancer diagnosis and recovery.    Through her raw authenticity and deep wisdom, Daphne reveals how staying open to life's lessons - whether they come from students, strangers on New York City streets, or her own healing journey - has shaped her understanding of purpose and meaning. Her story reminds us that every moment holds the potential for transformation if we remain receptive to the teachers who appear in unexpected forms, from classroom students to cancer diagnoses, each offering their unique wisdom for those willing to listen.    Daphne Gregory-Thomas is an essayist and educational innovator who spent 45 years as a high school educator in the New York/New Jersey area, specializing in programs for students with learning differences. After retiring and overcoming two cancer diagnoses, she became a patient-to-patient volunteer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and discovered her voice as a writer through their Visible Ink program. A passionate advocate for authentic living and self-advocacy, Daphne's work focuses on finding wisdom in life's challenges and staying open to unexpected teachers. Her essays explore resilience, transformation, and the power of sharing our stories.    In This Episode:     (00:00) Introduction to Daphne Gregory-Thomas and her background in education  (02:16) Early life experiences and learning from her children as teachers  (07:38) Creating an innovative program for students with learning differences  (09:29) Impact of student's death and continued advocacy  (10:41) The inspiring story of student advocacy and transformation  (13:05) Impact of the program over 40 years and breaking educational barriers  (15:01) Journey through second cancer diagnosis and life-changing decisions  (17:37) Finding strength and wisdom from strangers on New York City streets  (19:11) Discovering writing through Visible Ink and service as patient volunteer  (21:11) Learning from grandchildren and everyday moments, developing intuition and believing in meaningful connections  (24:26) Finding balance and gradual transformation  Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!    Resources:  Daphne Gregory-Thomas LinkedIn   Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Instagram  Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Medium  Memorial Sloan Kettering Visible Ink writing program    Sign up for Dara's Newsletter  Listen to other podcast episodes Here  Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook  Visit DaraLevan.com 

In what ways did author Sheila Athens transform her personal grief into a powerful source of resilience and creativity, leading to the release of her third novel? In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes novelist Sheila Athens to share her inspiring journey from a corporate HR executive to a successful author. Sheila recounts her early passion for writing, which was reignited in her 40s after a serendipitous NPR ad and the support of her husband. Sheila's HR background had quite an impact on her storytelling, offering a unique perspective on human behavior that now enriches her narratives. Sheila opens up about navigating the grief of losing her husband and soulmate to cancer, finding resilience through writing and the support of a vibrant women’s writing (and hiking!) community. Her experiences highlight the importance of maintaining work-life balance and remaining open to life's serendipitous messages. With her third novel on the horizon, Sheila's story is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the courage to follow one's creative calling. Sheila Athens writes smart fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine State. Her stories are about women navigating internal and external battles to find peace. Her stories resonate with readers who believe in everyday heroes making a difference. After growing up in the Ozarks, Sheila relocated to Northeast Florida, where she now enjoys life living near her two grown sons. From a career in corporate HR, she gained deep insights into human nature, which fuels her writing. A feminist, nature lover, and audiobook enthusiast, Sheila is also discovering the joys of cooking while embracing a quiet life of writing and reflection. In This Episode:  (00:00) Sheila’s path from an HR career in corporate America to novelist(03:15) Career shift from journalism to business, HR career and human behavior insights, a supportive spouse and NPR ad inspiring a writing career, moving to Florida(11:51) Grieving her husband’s death and finding resilience, writing and community support during personal grief, creativity and planning life after loss(19:00) A family of men and boys, value of female friendships and writing community(23:30) Neena Lee is Seeing Things: the novel's unique premise, Cumberland Island, the Carnegies and Kennedys(28:15) Signs, synchronicities and messages, closing thoughtsLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes!Resources: www.SheilaAthens.com  We Should All Be Millionaires Jennie NashSign up for Dara's Newsletter Listen to other podcast episodes Here Connect with Dara on Instagram and FacebookVisit DaraLevan.com Visit DaraLevan.com

Why is the fight against book banning so crucial for maintaining diverse viewpoints, and how can literature empower us to embrace empathy and understanding?    In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes bestselling author Emily Bleeker. This episode is a must-listen for writers and book enthusiasts as it delves into the art of weaving historical truths into fiction, a technique brilliantly showcased in Bleeker's latest novel, "Once We Were Enemies," inspired by her grandmother's wartime experiences. You’ll hear Bleker and Levan offer a critical examination of media bias, and advocate for open access to diverse perspectives, especially amid book-banning controversies in places like Florida. Emily shares her own journey from a conservative upbringing to embracing diversity, largely influenced by her children's identities. Through heartfelt exchanges, this episode emphasizes the value of perseverance and the profound impact of empathy and connection in personal and collective transformation. It's a rich narrative tapestry that resonates deeply with those passionate about the written word and its power to change lives.    Emily Bleeker is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of seven novels. Combined, her books have reached over two million readers and counting. When she’s not writing or mom-ing, Emily performs on the house team of a local improv group in suburban Chicago where she lives with her husband, kids and kitten muse, Hazel.    In This Episode:   (00:00) Emily’s fiction has been inspired at times by mysterious and exciting family anecdotes, blending fact and emotion, discussing today’s parallels to WWII, and the power of firsthand experience (08:09) Exploring bias and truth in media, fiction vs. nonfiction story, media literacy and book banning, humanitarian implications (12:20) Changing perspectives through empathy, being a parent of non-binary and LGBTQ+ children, book banning and religious programming (17:23) Emily’s journey to embracing diversity and personal growth, divorce, conservative beliefs and family history, grace and openness (25:00) Challenges and rewards of pursuing difficult but meaningful paths, perseverance and personal growth Like and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources:  https://emilybleeker.com/  Sign up for Dara's Newsletter  Listen to other podcast episodes Here  Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook  Visit DaraLevan.com 

How did author and writing teacher Sarahlyn Bruck’s journey through unexpected twists and turns in the publishing world lead to her ultimate success as an author?    Today host Dara Levan welcomes Sarahlyn Bruck to discuss the intricate paths of the publishing world. Sarahlyn’s setbacks, and ultimate success, reveal her belief in the power of perseverance and the crucial role of timing in the industry. Sarahlyn candidly shares her experiences with various publishing houses and the significance of persistence. You’ll hear her views on feedback and encouragement as a writer, the intersection of writing and past careers, and the mental health benefits of running. With an emphasis on authenticity and positive reinforcement, Sarahlyn and Dara explore the transformative nature of writing and the vital support needed in creative endeavors. With heartfelt anecdotes and insights, this episode is a celebration of creative evolution and the enduring belief in oneself.    Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction—slice-of-life stories with heart and humor centered on friendships and family. She is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). Sarahlyn lives in Philadelphia with her family and is a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college.    In This Episode:   (00:00) Intro to author Sarahlyn Bruck - perseverance, timing, and the lessons learned from agent feedback, challenges of finding an agent (09:34) Receiving feedback, balancing criticism with positive reinforcement, the crossover between storytelling and math(14:00) Running and walking for mental and physical health, exercise myths(18:00) “No bad kids” and enjoying your children’s vibes and evolution(20:40) The evolution of the Every Soul podcast, (celebrating four years!)(22:35) Transforming personally before, during, and after writing a book, the Pitch Wars experience(27:05) Artists and the encouragement from loved ones, the importance of someone believing in your talents(31:00) Closing thoughts, how to get in touch with SarahlynLike and subscribe to hear all of our inspirational episodes! Resources:  Sarahlyn Bruck  Sarahlyn Bruck Links  Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @sarahlynbruck  Pitch Wars Comes to an End  Sign up for Dara's Newsletter  Listen to other podcast episodes Here  Connect with Dara on Instagram and Facebook  Visit DaraLevan.com