David Watson

watsondavid1974

The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The David Watson Podcast #258 Veteran Turns PTSD Into Hit Songs: Music Saved My Life

    Join Sean Martin, executive producer and guitarist for The Quarantined, as he shares his incredible journey of using music as therapy for PTSD and mental health recovery. In this powerful conversation, Sean opens up about his combat experiences, temporary psychotic breakdown in 2012, and how he discovered that vocal breathing exercises from music school were identical to the anxiety management techniques taught in veteran clinics. Learn about Sean's unique approach to song writing through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), where he transforms "hot thoughts" - the core issues identified during therapy - into powerful lyrics. Discover how his red Fender Show master guitar, which accompanied him to Iraq, plays a distinct role in creating layered rhythms versus lead tones in his music. Sean dives deep into the science behind music's healing properties, explaining how managing brain chemicals like adrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol through creative expression helped him overcome trauma. He shares practical CBT techniques for identifying and processing traumatic thoughts, turning them into songs like "Aversion to Normality" and "Nemesis Friend of Mind." The discussion covers the challenges of the music industry, dealing with rejection, and maintaining mental health as an artist. Sean offers valuable insights on: Using music to process the five stages of grief The therapeutic value of long-form storytelling in songs Protecting your mental health from online criticism Finding gratitude and perspective during difficult times Creating boundaries while pursuing artistic passion Whether you're a musician, veteran, or someone interested in mental health and creative expression, this interview offers profound insights into the transformative power of music and the practical applications of therapy techniques in everyday life. Find The Quarantined at thequarantine.com and on all streaming platforms. This episode contains discussions of PTSD, therapy, and mental health recovery that may be helpful for anyone navigating their own healing journey.

    54 min

  2. 29 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast #257 108 Ways to Be Happier: Author Ivonne Shares Simple Life-Changing Habits

    📚 "108 Ways to Be Happier" - Life's Gems by Ivonne 🌟 Join David Watson as he sits down with Ivonne, author of the transformative book "108 Ways to Be Happier," in this inspiring conversation about finding joy in life's simple moments. 🎧 Key Highlights: • How a personal collection of "life's gems" evolved into a powerful happiness guide • The profound impact of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" on unlocking creativity • Why 108 isn't just a number—it's a meaningful structure for life-changing habits • Simple daily practices that can transform your mental health: gratitude, meditation, and "me time" • The power of saying YES to new experiences and NO to what drains you • How small, consistent changes create compound happiness • Why eliminating the word "can't" can revolutionize your mindset 💫 Golden Nuggets: "Success is achieving anything you set out to do—even making a cup of tea" "If you're having a grey day, look back on challenges you've overcome for strength" "We're on this planet once. It's not a rehearsal. You might as well enjoy it" "The good stuff looks for you when you look for the good stuff"

    58 min

  3. 19 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast 256 This Disaster Was Preventable… But 125 People Died Anyway

    In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I speak with author Isabelle Ready about her debut historical fiction novel, That You Remember, a powerful story inspired by the real Buffalo Creek disaster. We explore the human cost of coal mining disasters, the forgotten history of mining communities, and the years of research Isabelle carried out to bring this tragic event to life through fiction. Isabelle shares how her father’s connection to the coal industry helped spark the book, why the Buffalo Creek disaster still matters today, and how survivor testimony shaped her writing. We also discuss the Aberfan disaster in Wales, the culture of coal mining in America and the UK, the bond within mining communities, and the emotional legacy left behind after preventable industrial tragedies. This is a moving conversation about history, memory, community, trauma, resilience, and the role of storytelling in preserving voices that might otherwise be lost. Topics covered in this episode: Isabelle Ready and her novel That You Remember The Buffalo Creek disaster Historical fiction based on true events Coal mining history in America and the UK The Aberfan disaster Survivor stories and generational trauma Appalachian communities and coal heritage Researching real-life tragedy for fiction Memory, grief, and resilience If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about books, history, forgotten tragedies, human resilience, and the stories that shape communities, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe. Find Isabelle Ready here: Website: thatyouremember.com Listen to more episodes of The David Watson Podcast for conversations with authors, thinkers, and fascinating guests from around the world.   Hashtags: #IsabelleReady #ThatYouRemember #BuffaloCreekDisaster #HistoricalFiction #CoalMiningHistory #Aberfan #Appalachia #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #DavidWatsonPodcast

    46 min

  4. 12 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast #255 Stonehenge SECRETS Revealed: The Astonishing Truth Behind the Ancient Stones

    Join host David Watson as he sits down with journalist and author Alun Rees for a mind-blowing discussion about Stonehenge's astonishing secrets that mainstream archaeology has overlooked. In this revealing interview, Alan shares ground breaking discoveries from his investigative book "Stonehenge Deciphered" that will change how you see this ancient wonder forever. Discover the revolutionary findings that answer Stonehenge's biggest mysteries: Why the bluestones were transported 150 miles from Wales (it's not what you think!) The incredible audio properties of these "ringing stones" that chimed like bells How ancient builders used golden protractors to create precise celestial alignments The visual magic of polished stones that looked like the Milky Way Mathematical genius revealed through 5,000-year-old golden artifacts Alun Rees, a veteran journalist with unprecedented access to Stonehenge research, presents evidence-based conclusions that challenge conventional theories. Learn about the Bush Barrow Lozenge, the Upton Lovell Button, and the Clandon Barrow Lozenge - three golden artifacts that prove Stonehenge's builders possessed advanced mathematical knowledge far beyond what we previously believed. This interview reveals: The Bristol Channel tide theory that could explain stone transportation Connections between Stonehenge and the Nebra Sky Disc Evidence of ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange across Europe Why archaeologists resist these ground breaking discoveries The ceremonial and sensory purposes of Stonehenge that go beyond simple calendar functions Whether you're a history enthusiast, archaeology lover, or simply fascinated by ancient mysteries, this conversation presents compelling evidence that Stonehenge's builders were far more sophisticated than we've ever imagined. Key Topics Covered: ✓ Stonehenge's true purpose revealed ✓ Lithophonic stones and ancient acoustics ✓ Neolithic mathematics and engineering ✓ Golden protractors older than Egyptian tools ✓ Bristol Channel transportation theory ✓ Nebra Sky Disc connections ✓ Bush Barrow archaeological discoveries ✓ Ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange Find Alun Rees book "Stonehenge Deciphered": Available on Amazon and other major retailers Hardback version coming soon in the UK Currently available in hardback in the US Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and local Stonehenge connections 1:51 - Why Avebury might be better than Stonehenge for visitors 3:14 - Alan's personal journey covering Stonehenge since 1985 4:25 - The famous Stonehenge free festival battles 6:11 - Local stone sites and the Sarsen stones 7:42 - How Alan began investigating Stonehenge mysteries 8:36 - The Bush Barrow treasure and Wiltshire Museum 10:04 - Understanding burial mounds around Stonehenge 12:57 - The misty, mystical atmosphere of Stonehenge 14:23 - The Bristol Channel stone transportation theory 17:00 - Revolutionary tide-powered transport method 18:25 - Why Stonehenge was built at this specific location 19:40 - The glacial stripes pointing to winter solstice 21:04 - The bluestones' incredible properties 22:31 - Lithophonic stones that ring like bells 25:09 - The religious significance of chiming stones 27:46 - Stonehenge as a sensory banquet for ancient worship 29:09 - The Bush Barrow Lozenge's mathematical significance 30:02 - Ancient protractors discovered in golden artifacts 32:25 - Ivy Yang's mathematical breakthrough with Stonehenge's geometry 33:04 - Independent confirmation by British mathematician David Gregg 34:54 - The 360-degree connection and Sumerian influence 36:01 - DNA evidence of Anatolian migration to Britain 37:14 - The Nebra Sky Disc connection 39:19 - Why archaeologists ignore these mathematical discoveries 41:13 - The missing discussion of ancient engineering tools 42:27 - Evidence of ancient European trade networks 45:06 - What readers will discover in "Stonehenge Deciphered" 46:49 - Alan's time machine question: Stonehenge in a 4x4 with "Riders on the Storm" Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more fascinating archaeological discoveries and ancient mystery investigations!

    48 min

  5. 12 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast #254 Writing Historical Fiction: Michelle Torrey on Capturing Complex Characters & Point of View

    Join host David Watson as he sits down with Michelle Tori, author of the powerful historical novel "Fox Creek," for an intimate conversation about writing complex characters, understanding historical perspectives, and mastering the art of point of view in fiction. In this revealing interview, Michelle shares her unique journey from growing up across Europe to becoming a published author, discussing: Her unconventional path to becoming a writer through deconstructing acclaimed novels. The 3 years of intensive research into plantation life and slave narratives How she approached writing from both slaveholder and enslaved perspectives The shocking discovery that changed her understanding of historical "good people" Why understanding point of view is crucial for creating authentic characters Her method of breaking down scenes like a film director to master storytelling Michelle also shares invaluable writing advice, including her recommendation of Orson Scott Card's "Characters and Viewpoint" and explains how she learned to write marketable fiction by studying the techniques of successful authors. Whether you're an aspiring writer, history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the complexities of human nature, this conversation offers profound insights into how we understand the past and bring it to life through storytelling. Key Topics Covered: ✓ Historical fiction writing techniques ✓ Point of view mastery for authors ✓ Research methods for historical accuracy ✓ Character development and complexity ✓ The challenge of representing diverse perspectives ✓ Writing lessons from acclaimed authors ✓ Understanding cultural context in history Find Michelle Tori's work: Website: www.metorrey.com Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more author interviews and writing insights! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Michelle's international upbringing 3:34 - The joy of authentic travel experiences 7:47 - Michelle's early life and return to America 10:50 - Discovering her passion for writing in 5th grade 13:27 - Learning to write through deconstructing novels 15:22 - The critical importance of point of view 17:58 - Christoph Waltz and understanding character perspectives 20:04 - The complexity of writing about slaveholding characters 22:12 - Understanding historical context vs modern judgments 27:17 - What inspired Michelle to write about the Antebellum South 29:01 - The whitewashed plantation tours that sparked her mission 30:16 - The vast spectrum of slave experiences 32:41 - The shocking diary entry that changed everything 38:45 - The degradation of character through ownership 52:01 - Why we can't judge historical figures by today's standards 55:42 - Michelle's advice for aspiring writers on point of view 1:00:46 - Time machine question: Jaguar, Stairway to Heaven, and the future

    1hr 2min

  6. 5 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast #253 Trisha Gardella: The Author Turning National Parks Into Kids’ Adventures

    In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Trisha Gardella, a children’s author with 30 published books and the creator of a beloved picture-book series featuring Mouse, a tiny character with a big message: never give up. Trisha shares how her passion for America’s national parks became the heart of her stories, why kids’ books must be fun first (with deeper lessons quietly woven in), and how creativity often comes from “listening” to the characters that show up in your imagination. We also talk about resilience, adapting when life changes direction, and her calm, grounded outlook on mortality after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at 33. If you love writing, creativity, children’s books, national parks, or conversations that leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful, you’ll enjoy this one. Guest and links Trisha’s website: https://triciagardella.com/ Topics we cover Writing picture books that children actually want to read How Mouse became a 12+ book national parks series   Protecting national parks and helping kids care about nature Creativity, ideas, and “letting the story lead” Resilience, detours, and finding joy in each phase of life HCM, mortality, and a surprisingly peaceful mindset Illustration, collaboration, and how Trisha finds artists

    49 min

  7. 5 MAR

    The David Watson Podcast #252 The Elephant in the Family Room: Why Family Businesses Really Break

    Family businesses don’t usually fail because of bad numbers. They fail because of broken trust, unspoken resentment, and the conversations nobody wants to have. In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Rene Sonneveld, a Dutch executive coach based in Uruguay and author of The Elephant in the Family Room. Rene works at the intersection of leadership, governance and human psychology, helping family enterprises tackle the real problem underneath the “business problem”: the invisible capital of trust, identity, communication, role clarity and belonging. We also explore a powerful parallel from my work in head injury rehabilitation: when life changes in an instant, families often grieve the person who was, struggle with who someone is becoming, and collide over expectations, fear and control. Rene shares a deeply personal story about his first wife’s brain cancer and the question that haunts families in crisis: if they wake up, who will they be? If you’re navigating family conflict, succession planning, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, or tension inside a family-owned business, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening, why it’s so hard to fix alone, and how honest communication becomes the load-bearing wall that holds everything up. Key topics in this episode The “elephant in the family room” and why families walk around it for generations Why family businesses fail relationally, not financially The hidden drivers beneath conflict: relevance, respect, safety, fairness, belonging Why governance structures can look perfect but still collapse How sibling rivalry and old emotional patterns show up as “strategy debates” Listening vs hearing: what people are telling you vs what they’re trying to tell you Why bringing in a neutral facilitator can unlock stuck family systems How Rene went from governance and banking to coaching families worldwide Writing as a tool for self-awareness, perspective and better leadership Find Rene and his book Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/ Book: The Elephant in the Family Room (available on major retailers including Amazon) If this episode helped you, please consider: Subscribe for more long-form conversations with authors, coaches, entrepreneurs and creatives Like and share to help the podcast reach more people Comment below: what’s the “elephant” people avoid in families, workplaces, or relationships?

    1hr 1min

  8. 26 FEB

    The David Watson Podcast #251 How a Death Metal Legend Writes a Novel: The Jeremy Wagner Story

    Jeremy Wagner on Wretch, Broken Hope, and the Magic of Letting Stories Write Themselves Join David Watson for a captivating conversation with author, musician, and master storyteller Jeremy Wagner. In this episode, Jeremy delves into the creation of his new dark crime novel, "Wretch," shares the fascinating origins of his death metal band Broken Hope, and discusses the profound joy of the creative process. From the nostalgic magic of vinyl and paperback books to the raw energy of channelling characters, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about art, music, and writing. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible conversations! // TIMESTAMPS // 00:00 - Introduction to Jeremy Wagner and the new novel, "Wretch" 00:41 - The magic of physical media: A love for Bucket of Blood Books and Records 02:14 - Why younger generations are rediscovering vinyl, books, and tangible art 06:17 - The lost art of album covers and the experience of dropping the needle 08:43 - Jeremy's Chicago roots and the formation of Broken Hope in high school 14:57 - The nostalgia of youth: Chasing adventures before the internet and smartphones 19:05 - The creative spark: How Jeremy's love for writing began in grade school 26:52 - The priceless artifact: Jeremy's first storybook from his grandmother 30:11 - Writing lyrics for Broken Hope as "micro horror fiction" 33:23 - The different creative processes for writing songs vs. novels 37:13 - The magic of channelling characters and letting them tell the story 42:40 - The story behind "Wretch": Three converging storylines in a brutal Chicago summer 45:18 - Creating authentic characters with the help of a real Chicago police detective 48:52 - The inspiration for the antagonist, Derek Hoffman, and the horrors of big pharma 52:04 - Crafting the mob boss, Tico Tortellio, and the clash of three storylines 57:07 - The long road to publication: How ideas can haunt you for decades 1:01:07 - Where to find Jeremy Wagner and his work 1:02:39 - Time Machine Question: Mad Max's V8 Interceptor and Slayer's "Reign in Blood" This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of Jeremy Wagner. He discusses the launch of his new novel, "Wretch," a gritty dark crime story set in Chicago, and explains how the book's three interconnected storylines were inspired by real people and "what if" scenarios. Jeremy traces his passion for storytelling back to his childhood, sharing the touching story of his first storybook. He also details his parallel career as a lyricist for the death metal band Broken Hope, comparing the condensed, punchy nature of writing "micro horror fiction" for songs to the expansive process of novel-writing. The conversation is a celebration of the creative process, the importance of passion, and the magic that happens when you get out of the way and let the story tell itself. // KEY TAKEAWAYS // • Jeremy Wagner's new novel, "Wretch," follows a Chicago detective, a chemically-fueled monster, and a mob boss whose stories violently collide. • He believes physical media like vinyl and paperbacks offer a tangible, artistic experience that digital formats can't replicate. • The creative process for Jeremy involves "channelling" his characters, allowing them to surprise him and guide the narrative. • He wrote lyrics for his band Broken Hope for over 30 years, treating them as intense, short-form horror stories. • A great story idea can haunt an author for years, waiting for the right moment to be fully brought to life. // RESOURCES & LINKS // • Book: "Wretch" by Jeremy Wagner Available through Dead Sky Publishing and major retailers. • Author's Website: jeremyxwagner.com (Find all his books, music from Broken Hope and Earth Burner, and more.) • Social Media: @JeremyXWagner (on all platforms) • Publisher: deadskypublishing.com

    1hr 8min
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About

The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

Information

  • Creator
    watsondavid1974
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    David Watson