Advertise on podcast: Award-Winning Authors Show

Dr. Ryan Parks, known to his young readers simply as Dr. Ryan, has created an inspiring children’s book series with a noble mission: to spark curiosity about our bodies and how they work. In this episode, award-winning author Lisa M. Umina sits down with Dr. Ryan to discuss his meaningful book series, his passion for children’s health, and his mission to make learning about the human body accessible and fun.

“Requiem of the Quantum Dawn” author R.T. Drizen-Murphy sits down with award-winning author and publisher Lisa M. Umina to explore speculative fiction in an age when the impossible increasingly becomes reality. Hear Drizen-Murphy discuss his research, the questions that drive his work, what he has learned along the way, and how readers’ questions can open new paths of inquiry. Because sometimes, exploring new horizons means being willing to leave some questions unanswered.

Writing is both a craft and a calling, and author Cindy Cortez Prieto has spent years honoring both. The character Margaret Anne was born in a classroom. After reading an early excerpt aloud to her classmates, Cindy discovered the power of storytelling and the impact a single character can have on readers. That moment sparked a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Margaret Anne and The Cemetery Kids series. In this episode, Lisa M. Umina sits down with Cindy to discuss the writing journey, the pursuit of creative dreams, and the enduring power of a great story.

Following your dreams will always involve risk, but with faith, God’s hand never lets go. Inspired by motherhood, faith, and purpose, author Amy C. Childs transformed her struggles and victories into her “A Mother’s Love” series, shaped by the dreams her sons dared to pursue. Join Amy C. Childs and award-winning author Lisa M. Umina for a heartfelt conversation about family, resilience, purpose, and trusting the path God places before us in this uplifting episode of the Award-Winning Authors Show.

“Our stories have not been written.” Journalist, writer, educator, and fierce champion for justice Rossana Rosado sits down with award-winning author Lisa M. Umina for a powerful conversation about urgency, culture, family, New York City, and America. Together, they explore how these themes come together in a book that was a lifetime in the making—and why its message matters now more than ever. Join us for a conversation rooted in pride, purpose, and awe as we celebrate Latina visibility, cultural legacy, and the stories we must continue to tell.

Children adore Kuddles, and they love author Josephine Peña too. Ever since she was young, Josephine dreamed up stories that would one day become her "Silly Bedtime Stories" series. But what inspired her journey? And what is it like to create characters that carry meaning, heart, and an important message? Join award-winning author Lisa M. Umina in conversation with children’s author Josephine Peña. Since taking the leap to publish her stories, Josephine’s life has changed in exciting ways. She is now embracing new opportunities to share her love of storytelling and build a community around children’s literature. Tune in to discover her inspiring journey.

Who knows exactly what grief is, how to go through it, or how it evolves as we evolve with it? Author Vernette V. Ayers has found her own answers through narrative, through writing and observing herself as she writes. Throughout the process, she has found a way to talk to her father while conversing with herself. She has become acquainted with the story grief has written inside her after losing him. Award-winning author Lisa M. Umina sits down with her to talk about the dialogue between presence and absence that she has portrayed in her book “Thirty Years Without You.”

It’s never too late to begin again or to forgive yourself for the shame you still carry from the past. Award-winning author Matilde Hernandez sits down with award-winning author Lisa M. Umina to discuss the prisons we carry within us. How do we begin to rewrite our own stories? And how did publishing “Beyond These Walls” help Matilde reset and move forward?

“You are not broken.” Join Lisa M. Umina, award-winning author and CEO of Halo Publishing International, in conversation with author Eugene Z. Bertrand. This episode will only grow more important with time, as we continue challenging the silence and stigma that surround domestic violence. Eugene is here to offer voice, strength, and hope to anyone who needs to know they’re not alone. Don’t miss this powerful dialogue—and be sure to check out Eugene’s new novel, "Resilience".

This year, authors and expats Lisa M. Umina and Kirsten Harty contributed to an anthology that brought together women from around the world who share one thing in common: they left their homes, their countries, and the security those offered to embark on a new life journey in Mexico City, where they found the courage to start over. Along the way, they found each other.Listen to these courageous women discuss life after the move and the powerful experience of capturing that transformation in a book that has earned praise, awards, and recognition.

Are you being seen? Are the efforts in your career being amplified to their fullest potential? Join authors Janet Wise and Lisa M. Umina for a conversation about opportunity, the evolving work landscape, and the possibilities that visibility can unlock once you understand the core principles captured in Janet’s new book, “The Visibility Effect”. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Publisher and award-winning author Lisa M. Umina sits down with Manuel Ruiz, CFP®, to discuss his powerful journey from Jersey City to Wall Street and the inspiration behind his book Why Not Me? Manuel shares the key insights that helped him transform his own financial future and guide hundreds of families toward building lasting generational wealth. Together, they explore the psychology behind money, the “Four Seasons of Wealth” approach, and the crucial questions that can change the way you think about your financial destiny. Inspiring, practical, and accessible—this conversation offers a fresh perspective on creating a legacy that lasts.

How does a love of music ignite the passion to create, not just melodies, but stories that encourage others to embrace their own creativity without shame or fear of judgment? Author and musician Adriana Bravo has pursued her art with courage, even while navigating the obstacles of growing up as a Filipino woman in a predominantly white neighborhood. In this episode, Lisa M. Umina sits down with Adriana to explore her inspirations, intentions, and the challenges that have shaped her fearless path from musician to children’s author.

Writing a story can seem effortless once it’s printed, bound in a beautiful cover, filled with sweetness, meaning, and purpose. But what is it really like to imagine a story from nothing—wrestling with it, nearly abandoning it at times, and then finding the strength to keep going? In this episode, author Elliot A. Herland opens up to Lisa about the honest truth behind his process of writing two beautiful children’s books alongside his daughters. He shares how he emerged from that struggle with stories that teach children how to love, how to live fully, and how to care for themselves with pride and joy. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—or Elliot A. Herland’s books: "The Tree of Seven Sisters" and "The Cloud Story."

What if the legacy isn’t left by the parents, but by the child? In this emotional and inspiring episode, publisher and award-winning author Lisa M. Umina speaks with Clarita Sierra about her late son, Alex. Alex’s fight to rebuild his life away from drugs became more than a struggle, it became a gift. His words, along with the voices of family and friends, tell a powerful story of resilience, love, and the realities of addiction. Clarita, a therapist with a background in psychology and family therapy, shares how writing her book after Alex’s passing became a path to healing, not just for herself, but for others who may be facing similar struggles. Together, she and Lisa explore how storytelling can transform grief into hope and open the door to understanding addiction in a deeper, more compassionate way.