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What if repetition isn't boring—but the secret to being remembered? In this episode, Dara Levan sits down with award-winning marketer, two-time author, and personal branding expert Aliza Licht, who is publishing her novel Off the Record: Secrets of a 90s Fashion Insider in New York as a live, unfinished manuscript on Substack—one chapter a week.     Licht shares why "repetition is reputation," how to build brand equity in your own name instead of relying on your employer, and why authors must build an email database before launching a book. She also reveals the mindset shift that separates those who get noticed from those who stay invisible.     Whether you're an author, creative, or entrepreneur, this conversation will change how you think about visibility, authenticity, and owning your narrative. Learn why personal branding isn't bragging—it's positioning. TIMESTAMPS:   0:00 - Intro   0:22 - Aliza Licht's background and Substack   0:55 - Repetition is reputation   3:16 - Gut and intuition in branding  4:05 - Off the Record manuscript origins   6:05 - Taking risks and copyrighting work   8:03 - Visibility vs. being seen   9:10 - What do people come to you for?   10:31 - What people say when you're not there   12:23 - Packaging truth for different audiences   15:44 - Branding is not bragging   18:54 - Build your email database   23:05 - Content creation and consistency   27:39 - Off the Record chapter update   38:02 - What brings joy   39:55 - Outro      Aliza Licht: Substack: Off the RecordInstagram: @alizalichtxoWebsite: alizalicht.comBook: On Brand: Shape Your Narrative, Share Your Vision, Shift Their PerspectiveBook: Leave Your MarkSubstack: Off the Record: Secrets of a 90s Fashion Insider in New York  Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: ●  https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ ●  Website: daralevan.com

What if the most iconic death in Hollywood history was a lie? In this captivating episode, Dara Levan talks with journalist, novelist, and founder of the Palm Beach and Cape Cod Book Festivals, Lois Cahall. Cahall reveals the incredible 26-year journey of her new novel, Maybe Marilyn, a story born from a screenplay and resurrected with a push from literary giant James Patterson.        This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers and avid readers, offering a raw and honest look at the modern publishing industry. Hear firsthand the challenges of self-promotion, the struggle to balance art with business, and the shocking, real-life autopsy details that fuel Cahall's fascinating "happy conspiracy." Discover why real readers will always find real writers and how to keep your creative spark alive.  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:26 - Why Marilyn and why now? 5:11 - James Patterson's pivotal role 7:42 - The path to Simon & Schuster 9:03 - The myth of "just writing a book" 13:33 - The all-consuming reality of promotion 16:27 - How she feels when not writing 17:41 - The unspoken truth among authors 19:42 - What writing Marilyn taught her 20:30 - The suspicious details of Marilyn's death 23:40 - The people who saw her dead 26:29 - Where to find Lois online 27:26 - Outro RESOURCES:https://loiscahall.com/@lois.cahall Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/Website: daralevan.com

What happens when a 90-year-old World War II veteran confesses his deepest regret and sends you on a journey to find the love of his life? In this powerful episode, host Dara Levan sits down with communication consultant and author Kara Kavensky to discuss her transformative memoir, Tell Me About Joy. Kara shares how interviewing veteran Bob Albright led her on an unexpected path to healing from her own narcissistic marriage, discovering the power of energy healing, and ultimately finding her own joy. This conversation explores how trauma can be transformed through storytelling, the importance of accessible healing modalities like tapping and meditation, and what it means to truly heal. If you've ever wondered how to break free from toxic patterns or find hope after heartbreak, Kara's journey will inspire you. Keywords: memoir, healing journey, narcissistic abuse recovery, WWII veteran love story, energy healing, tapping EFT, trauma recovery, storytelling, finding joy, divorce recovery, emotional healing, book memoir, Tell Me About Joy, Kara Kavensky, Dara Levan, Every Soul Has a Story podcast TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:29 - Kara's gratitude for the conversation 2:14 - Kara's IU athlete children & hats 2:29 - Kara's childhood & grandmother the librarian 6:08 - Meeting Bob & the journey begins 7:04 - Transformative power of Bob's story 10:15 - Grandma's dementia & family humor 12:16 - Quote on narcissism 13:16 - Energy healing & trauma recovery 22:39 - How Kara met Bob Albright 24:44 - When the book idea formed 25:42 - Relief & terror of publishing 31:27 - What healed most in writing 36:52 - Hope for readers 40:29 - Outro RESOURCES: karakavensky.com @karakavensky Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ Website: daralevan.com

In this raw and radiant episode, host Dara Levan sits down with yoga teacher, author, and Strala Yoga founder Tara Stiles. Tara opens up about being sexually assaulted at her dance school, how she never reported it, and how yoga became her blueprint for healing. She shares why she stopped dancing professionally at 22, the pushback she received for not using Sanskrit and for putting yoga on YouTube, and the Harvard Business School case study that compared her approach to Bikram. You’ll learn three key takeaways: why “softness is not weakness” and how mobilization builds real strength, how to avoid burnout by not taking credit for others’ transformations, and the simple practice of “never suffer a bad position.” Tara also reveals the somatic symptoms Dara experienced while writing her first novel, the back-to-back exercise that changes everything, and why her upcoming book Living Softly took six years to complete. This is a conversation about presence, protection, and the power of being movable. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 11:28 - Sexual assault disclosure at dance school 15:24 - Drawn to yoga for healing 18:33 - Don’t take credit for transformations 22:42 - Be movable so you can be moved 27:15 - Somatic symptoms while writing 29:45 - Never suffer a bad position 33:39 - Good enough vs perfectionism 40:50 - Pushback from traditional yoga 48:56 - Softness connects diverse people 52:07 - Softness is not weakness 54:57 - Outro RESOURCES: •    Tara Stiles Website: tarastiles.com •    Tara Stiles on Instagram: @tarastiles •    Tara Stiles on Substack: Tara Stiles Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

Why do we save our favorite things for “someday” that never comes? In this episode, host Dara Levan sits down with author and former magazine editor Susan Kleinman to explore how we can stop playing it safe and start building a life filled with everyday joy. From the decision to paint her home office purple to the deeper lesson learned from her mother-in-law’s unworn sweaters, Susan shares her philosophy on choosing color, authenticity, and presence over the dull safety of “beige.”Susan also discusses her debut novel, All Afternoon, and its themes of self-deception and the price of staying stagnant. Together, they tackle the messy realities of midlife, finding gratitude during times of war, and why being honest with yourself is the key to a truly authentic life. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, this conversation is the wake-up call you need to start wearing the good jewelry today. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Painting walls purple for joy 3:44 - Dara’s red bathroom story 4:40 - Susan’s collection of 35 glasses 6:18 - The lesson of saved sweaters 9:40 - The story of MJ Rose & jewelry 12:07 - Susan’s father’s Parkinson’s gratitude 17:22 - Life is all the things at once 25:24 - The origin of “All Afternoon” 29:18 - The price of growth vs. stagnation 33:53 - Being honest with yourself 40:35 - The truth about motherhood 45:42 - Where to find Susan Kleinman 46:09 - Outro RESOURCES: Susan's Website: SusanKleinman.comSusan on Instagram: @susan_kleinmanSusan on Facebook: Susan Kleinman (look for the banner with her book) Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

What if physical symptoms and gut feelings can guide you on your life's path? In this episode, host Dara Levan sits down with multi-published author Annie Cathryn to discuss her upcoming novel Now Eat the Cake, why she started her own indie press Moon Ray Books at 50, and how eczema disappeared the moment she made an aligned decision. Annie shares her marketing secrets for authors who hate self-promotion, why a cat is called a "familiar," and how writing grief helped her heal. You’ll learn three key takeaways: how to differentiate growth-oriented obstacles from energetic blocks, why turning 50 is a privilege to be celebrated, and mindset shifts. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about midlife breakthroughs, intuition, and eating the cake. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:52 - Annie’s excitement for the episode 1:03 - Early read of *Now Eat the Cake* 2:30 - Husbands who don’t read fiction 3:45 - Letting go of book babies 4:19 - Turning 50 and starting an imprint 5:22 - Eczema disappears after aligned decision 7:19 - Obstacles vs. energetic blocks 9:28 - Why turning 50 is a privilege 11:38 - Writing grief from real loss 13:51 - Healing through writing friendship breakup 14:21 - Dogs as healers in fiction 16:11 - Cats as “familiars” 18:06 - Indie publishing vs. traditional 19:18 - Marketing background and social media tips 23:51 - Promoting without feeling gross 25:24 - Impact of publishing on parenting 28:26 - Focusing on one book at a time 31:25 - Listening when it “doesn’t feel right” 32:33 - Where to find Annie Cathryn 32:54 - Outro RESOURCES: https://www.instagram.com/msanniecathryn https://anniecathryn.com/ Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

What happens when a Hollywood matchmaker’s own love story begins with her client? In this episode, host Dara Levan sits down with Jaydi Samuels Kuba, a matchmaker, dating coach, and author of Your Last First Date. Jaydi shares the surprising story of how she met her husband—after setting him up with other women—and why throwing away the superficial checklist was key to their success. She pulls back the curtain on the high-end matchmaking industry, revealing why expensive guarantees often come with hidden risks. Jaydi also opens up about her personal journey through IVF, the vital statistics that changed her course, and how that experience deepened her empathy as a coach. If you’re tired of swiping and ready for a real connection, this conversation about wants versus needs is for you. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Meeting her husband (a former client) 5:40 - Deal breakers vs. preferences 9:10 - Starting the business & early days 17:45 - Affordable matchmaking & industry ethics 22:25 - Vetting clients & confidentiality 25:44 - Men, women & superficial wants 29:42 - Connecting matchmaking with infertility 32:38 - The CDC data that changed her IVF journey 38:32 - How IVF informed her matchmaking 40:09 - Age ranges & diverse client demographics 43:14 - The link between writing and matchmaking 46:30 - Where to find Jaydi 47:07 - Outro RESOURCES: Website: ljmatchmaking.com Book: Your Last First Date: Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker Podcast: Match Made in Hollywood (with her husband) Social Media: @MatchMadeInHollywood Fertility Resource: SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) – Website to check clinic success rates. Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

What happens when you discover a wooden crate containing human remains under your family's lake house—and your brother becomes the primary murder suspect? In this powerful episode, author Debbie Levison shares her shocking true crime story "The Crate," which intertwines her Holocaust survivor parents' history with a present-day murder investigation. Debbie opens up about why she pivoted to fiction with her latest novel "A Novel Crime," how she copes with trauma through dark humor, and why writing fiction gives her control over chaos that real life doesn't offer. Key takeaways: the vulnerability of nonfiction writing, how Holocaust survivors reclaimed their sanctuary after violence, and why comparing yourself to other authors is universal. Perfect for true crime lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone navigating family trauma.  0:00 - Intro 14:47 - Discovering the crate under lake house 19:02 - Family trauma & Holocaust survivor parents 24:23 - Why fiction beats nonfiction 24:49 - Writing process & failed plotting 25:06 - Statistics & speech pathology detour 29:08 - Rascal House nostalgia 29:40 - Concert pianist past 29:42 - Debbie's concert pianist background 31:13 - Outro RESOURCES: Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com •    https://debbielevison.com/

What happens when a white Jewish woman asks a black Christian woman to “get together and talk about race”? For authors Asha Youmans and Alli Frank, it was the beginning of a bestselling writing partnership. In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan sits down with this dynamic duo to discuss their fifth book, Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman, and their mission to tackle hard topics—like race, religion, and privilege—through humor and joy. They reveal the surprising pushback they’ve faced from publishers who feared their partnership was “exploitative,” the hilarious rejection of a controversial book title, and how their decades in education gave them the thick skin needed to navigate the publishing industry. Listeners will learn about their unique writing process, how they navigate disagreements, and why they believe everyone is just trying to do their best. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - How they decide what’s funny 2:30 - David Sedaris quote: “Everything is funny eventually” 4:09 - How Asha and Alli first met 6:43 - The coffee date to “talk about race” 8:45 - The mission: using humor and joy 13:45 - Learning through laughter 15:50 - The one-star review about veganism 17:30 - Dealing with feedback from cultural readers 20:14 - How they handle disagreements 21:26 - Parsing out personal reactions from the scene 24:08 - The common thread: everyone is doing their best 28:59 - Who gets to write which characters? 34:55 - The truth about trigger warnings in publishing 39:40 - Publishers’ concerns about exploitation 44:08 - Their tight editing process 52:09 - Their creative process: Ally Lane and the green light RESOURCES: https://alliandasha.com/ Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

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