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Trauma therapist Darls Centola has written a unique, never-before-told story of young Michael Jackson and the relationship that changed both their lives, in FINDING TRUTH WITH MICHAEL: A Memoir of Friendship, Faith, and First Love, coming out on April 7th. Darls recounts her and Michael’s close, tender friendship forged during their time spent in a small, private high school in Los Angeles, where they held private Bible study sessions as teenage Jehovah’s Witnesses. Part memoir chronicling Darls’ and Michael’s secret friendship and spiritual bond as they both struggled under the weight of high-control religion, and part cultural lens, this book traces Centola’s path into—and eventually out of—an environment of high-control faith and spiritual abuse that shaped their lives. The memoir arrives amid a cultural shift toward understanding spiritual abuse, purity culture, and religious deconstruction. As a therapist, Centola has spent decades working with the complex impacts of adverse religious experiences and the restoration of personal sovereignty from authoritarian belief systems. As an author, she offers clarity, compassion, and an insider’s perspective on a rarely explored chapter in pop history. Centola would also love to discuss the intersection of celebrity, religious drama, and the clinical path to reclaiming one’s voice. About the author:Darls Centola is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and EMDR consultant whose professional path has been shaped by the lived experiences explored in this memoir. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii and is based in Los Angeles, where she works as a trauma-informed therapist. Much of her work explores the impact of high-control belief systems and the process of reconnecting with self and self-trust.Learn more at www.findingtruthwithmichael.com

What was it like to survive one of the earliest acts of international aviation terrorism?On September 6, 1970, twenty-year-old Mimi Nichter was aboard Trans World Airlines Flight 741 when it was hijacked and diverted to the Jordanian desert. Passengers were held for six days in extreme conditions, and Mimi—falsely accused of being an Israeli soldier—was among those taken hostage as war broke out around them.In this powerful interview, Mimi discusses her memoir, Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience, sharing what it was like to endure captivity, confront trauma, and ultimately find resilience.Mimi Nichter is a cultural and medical anthropologist, public speaker, and professor emerita at the University of Arizona. She is the recipient of the Margaret Mead Award and the George Foster Practicing Medical Anthropology Award, and her essays have appeared in HuffPost, Newsweek, and Brevity.🔔 Subscribe for more author interviews and powerful conversations.💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126978/hostage/

Learn more about the Poetry Collection:https://www.prolificpulse.com/chyreljjackson to order your copy of Unsung Canaan BalladsABOUT Grace Wisher:https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/grace-wisher.htm

https://www.prolificpulse.com/rebeccaherz We held a book launch to celebrate the release of Locus of Control by Rebecca Herz. Come, share in this experience of poetry and the support of family and friends.

https://michaelpoage.com/Michael Poage is no stranger to our podcast. We played catch up as we updated life events, read poetry, and shared an imaginary cup of tea. It's always a pleasure and bonus vibes for great poetry.

Rebecca Herz and I sat down and talked about so much of everything. From babies to therapy to social work to the Handsome Pod... You name it...Let's talk about "Locus of Control - Therapy Poems" From the Author: Locus of Control is a poetry collection written to make sense of a rapidly shifting world. In these poems, I trace the contours of neurodivergence, new motherhood, queer identity, and my work as a middle-school crisis counselor, weaving together the clinical language of therapy with the raw emotional undercurrent that rarely makes it into the office.Across themes like countertransference, imposter syndrome, burnout, co-regulation, radical acceptance, and the intimate bewilderment of pregnancy through IVF, these poems explore what it means to hold hope for others while learning to hold it for myself.In writingLocus of Control, poetry became the place where I could confess my uncertainty, and acknowledge the spiritual questions that trail my work: What does it mean to witness another person’s pain? What is the cost of caretaking? Where is the line between healing and harm? What remains of the self when we spend our days giving ourselves away?At the same time, the personal and political never stay separate—fertility treatments alongside news alerts of disaster, Jewish identity intersecting with queer family-making, motherhood emerging through statistics, ultrasound screens, and wishful thinking.Above all, Locus of Control is an invitation to find resonance within the ambiguity. These poems don’t attempt to fix or advise. They sit with uncertainty and trust the reader to find themselves within the space that remains.All proceeds support Jewish Queer Youth https://jqy.org/ honoring the young people who inspire my work and my belief that healing is possible, even when the path is nonlinear.Get Your Copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/rebeccaherzBook Launch Sign Up: https://prolificpulse.blog/2026/01/15/book-launch-to-celebrate-locus-of-control-with-rebecca-herz/https://linktr.ee/rebeccaherz?

About the Book: Riptides: Book 2 of the Caines Island StoriesCallie has become successful: her marriage remains vibrant, her business is flourishing, her daughter is doing well, she still has her lifelong friends, and the island hasn't undergone any major changes. But life isn't static. She begins to experience losses and subtle changes in her relationship with her daughter, Kim.Kim has landed her dream job as a nurse practitioner, working with individuals with mental illness. She marries and starts a family. But she too, faces challenges. Herr husband isn't who she thought he was. Professionally. Kim becomes frustrated with the corporate influence in healthcare which seems to ignore the needs of her marginalized patients.Intertwined with Callie's and Kim's individual stories are episodes in US history that alternately offer hope or despair at the world order. Riptides brings to light many of the challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups. But there is always hope as the small island community bands together.https://sherrycomstock.com/About the AuthorSherry and her husband live in the Triad region of North Carolina. Recently retired from nursing, she is pursuing her second career as an author. Her creative nonfiction piece “A Bend in the Road” appeared in the Burlington Writers Club Anthology Still Writing in 2021. Sherry published her memoir, A Crazy Quilt Life in 2022. Another creative nonfiction piece, “Journey to Living” appeared in the LIGHT journal in July 2023. When not writing, Sherry is working in her flower beds or visiting her children and grandchildren. She is currently working on the second book in the Caines Island Stories which follows Callie into the late 1990s.

I had a lovely interview with Peter Mladinic, a Poet, Writer, Book Reviewer, Animal Advocate and so much more. About Peter MladinicAccess Peter's books:Peter Mladinic was born and raised in New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas in 1985. Professor emeritus at New Mexico Junior College, where he was a member of the English faculty for thirty years. During that time, he was a board member of the Lea County Museum and president of the Lea County Humane Society. He is the author of seven books of poems; his most recent book, The Whitestone Bridge, is available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/094MkMw An animal rights advocate, he lives in Hobbs, New Mexico, USA.

Let's meet Bill Waldorf, Poet from New Jersey. We celebrated Bill's latest release "101 Stories of Love" as Bill read some of the poems from ths collection and more. About the Author:Bill has been writing poetry for many years. He feels poetry can get to the subject's heart faster than prose. The ability to add several turns in a story can be exciting to the author as well as the shocked reader. He loves form and the chance to innovate.About the Book:A resonating and richly crafted collection of poemsReady?Then brace yourself for the symphonic rollercoaster through the landscapes of affection, loss, desire, and redemption with William Waldorf's 101 Stories of Love. In his collection, Waldorf invites his readers to explore myriad forms of love- from whispered intimacy to the poignant ache of absence, from shared laughter in a café to the serene desolation of widowhood. The poet has juggled with varied poetic forms like sonnets, villanelles, and free verse transforming the ordinary experiences into luminous reflections, crafting verses that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. This collection is a celebration of life, memory, and enduring connections, serving as a testament to the indelible impact of love in our souls.https://www.prolificpulse.com/williamwaldorf

Award Winning Children's Book Author & Illustrator Kaelen Felix talks about "Wings & Whispers-Tales of Friendship, Volume 1" and more.You'll never meet any other artist and writer like Kaelen Felix. Despite life's challenges, she moved forward to complete her debut #childrensbook And talks about her art, writing, and future plans. To view more of her works, visit: https://www.kaelenfelix.com/aboutTo view her Prolific Pulse Press Feature Page go to: https://www.prolificpulse.com/kaelenfelix

A Celebration of "Prolific Poets of 2025" #poetrylovers #poetryWe gathered together to celebrate many of the poetry books published in 2025 by Prolific Pulse Press LLCIf you see a book or books you would like, the links follow each presenter below or go to https://www.prolificpulse.com/Be sure to sign up for our mailing list! https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1262629/142795590456050886/shareRoberta Batorsky is a Biology teacher and freelance science writer. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, their lived experiences and science. She lives in NJ with her husband and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. she writes with empathy, knowledge and humor and has been published in Heron Clan, Fine Lines, NJ Bards, Delaware Valley Poets and other collections. This is her first book. https://www.prolificpulse.com/robertabatorsky#poetrycollection #poetsofnewjersey #perihelion ***Loralee Clark is a writer who grew up learning a love for nature and her place in it, in Maine. She resides in Virginia now as a writer and artist, with two awesome kids and a loving husband. She writes poetry and non-fiction. Myth is her love language. https://www.prolificpulse.com/loraleeclark#myth #poetsofvirginia #solemnity #rites ***Zaneta V. Johns is a world-class author of three poetry collections and What Matters Journal. She has co-authored five international bestselling collaborative books and co-edited three poetry anthologies. Johns is an editor of Fine Lines Journal and Women Speakers Association Poet Laureate. Johns resides in Colorado, USA. https://www.prolificpulse.com/zan-johns#poetlaureate #coloradopoets #colorado #awardwinningpoet #poetryeditor ***Melissa Lemay lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with her children and cats. She writes about God, addiction, trauma, healing, motherhood, and many other things. She enjoys spending time with family, drinking good coffee, and being outdoors. She loves animals. Her poem, "Ephemeral," was chosen as Poetic Publication of the Year for 2023 at Spillwords Press; she was Author of the Month for July 2024 and Author of the Year for 2024. Find her at melissalemay.wordpress, collaborature.blogspot, and at dVerse Poets Pub.https://www.prolificpulse.com/melissalemay#rengay #pennsylvaniapoets #poetrycollection #collaboration #humor ***LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a dramatist, writer, and poet.A native New Yorker, LoSchiavo has received nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Rhysling Award, Best of the Net, the IPPY Award, CLMP's Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of Science Fiction Poetry Assoc., The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild. She has won Two Awards for Cancer Courts My Mother. https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo#cancer #grief #caregiving #parentchildrelationship #newyorkpoets #awardwinningpoet ***Never until recently did he consider writing poetry. Not when he slid from the womb. Not when he felt the first tingle of teen hormones. Not after he got married, divorced, moved to another city, lost a couple jobs, moved back. It just sort of happened. Ken Tomaro, self-proclaimed poet laureate of the Cleveland sewer system, has been writing poetry for a few short years. He's not famous, rich, recognized or read in schools across America. He has been published in several literary journals, done a couple podcasts, started the YouTube channel, Screaming Down the Poetic Highway, and that's pretty damn impressive. Ken Tomaro.com https://www.prolificpulse.com/kentomaro#poetry #lifesterms #contemporary #ohiopoets

Juntu Ahjee and I caught up from four years ago. He has a book contract for "Two Peas in A Pod" and we talk about that news and more. Juntu Ahjee, originally born in the Midwestern Bible-Belt, the youngest son of six children, his father was a decolorated soldier, and his mother was a nurse and an author. As a child, Juntu showed tremendous interest in writing stories. In the late 70s, he became a huge horror fan and began creating his own horror stories, which got him in trouble in school. As a teen, he developed an art of storytelling to keep himself out of the penal system. During the 80s, he was an honor student and received many accolades and scholar awards. In the 90s, he indulged in social mentorship for African American youths. He also became a father during this time. Juntu’s writing endeavors would end at a standstill for several years due to life’s un-expectancies. In 2000, he relocated to Seattle, WA, after connecting with family, he became a ghost writer in the Hip-Hop scene. He soon formed a group with some friends named Society’s Child. The group recorded songs reflecting racial injustice and political corruption. In 2010, Juntu took a strong interest in poetry. This led to him pursuing a career as an author and ascreenwriter. In 2019, he published his first novel, the action crime drama, The Legend of Sister Hattie Harris. In 2020, he published the follow up The Return of Sister Hattie Harris and in 2022, he published the conclusion of the series The Testimony of Hattie Harris. He also has two poetry books, Ebonology and Ebonology Book Two, the family comedy-drama, Papa’s Boys, and the coming-of-age mystery thriller Two Peas in a Pod. As of 2025, Juntu has three completed screenplays, a podcast, a YouTube channel geared to help African American entrepreneurs, authors and finding missing children. He also has more upcoming books in various genres. As Juntu would say, “you are the author of your own story, embrace every chapter!”https://juntu70.wixsite.com/websitehttps://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Store-Juntu-Ahjee/s?rh=n%3A133140011%2Cp_27%3AJuntu%2BAhjee#poetry #newreleases #fiction #publishing #lasVegas

What a fun time we had with our discussion about the latest #Chilren's Book by Ellen Kolman. Have a listen and learn about how Crabby Abby came to life in this adorable children's book that teaches and makes you giggle all at once. Bonus fact: There's also a Coloring Book!#newrelease #valuestories #childrensstories #childrensbooks #coloringbook #bullies #lessonslearned #EllenKolman #KaelenFelix #coloringbook #values #Christian Pick up Your Copies at https://www.prolificpulse.com/EllenKolman

What a fun time with LindaAnn LoSchiavo as we chatted about her upcoming chapbook "Cancer Courts My Mother" to be released in November. We discussed #poetry #writing #journaling #marketing and some fun facts about #teleporting LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a fascinating #NewYorkPoet who takes her craft seriously. Get to know about this #prolific poet, right here! Be sure to pick up your copy today: https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo Watch on YouTube

https://www.prolificpulse.com/robertabatorskyAbout Roberta Batorsky: Roberta Batorsky is a Biology teacher and freelance science writer. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, their lived experiences and science. She lives in NJ with her husband and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. she writes with empathy, knowledge and humor and has been published in Heron Clan, Fine Lines, NJ Bards, Delaware Valley Poets and other collections. This is her first book. Her Instagram account is [email protected] Perihelion: This book uses powerful, colorful imagery and often humor, applied to everyday life situations, to delve deep into the realms of love, loss, childhood, memory, aging, relationships, partnership and friendship. The writer's command of language, including colorful and strong vocabulary, will appeal to poetry readers of all stripes in its accuracy, insight and universality. Her critical insight and unsparing explorations of feelings will bring readers into her circle with recognition of the beauty of her words and the similarities with their own experiences. Her love for nature and ability to describe people's lived experiences, mental problems, societal upheaval, relationship struggles, love for family and deep love for, and familiarity with, literature will inspire all who pick up her book. Her style is a giving and loving one which will be meaningful to all readers.#poetrybook #newrelease #newjerseypoets