Uncorking a Story

Michael Carlon
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ספרים
  • עדכון שבועי

Listen in to Uncorking a Story, where we pop the cork on hidden narratives and delve deep into the brilliant minds of your favorite authors. Get ready to unlock the magic behind your favorite books, one unforgettable story at a time. Hit that subscribe button and never miss a sip of inspiration!

  1. לפני 6 ימים

    On Craft and Character, with Jackie Thomas-Kennedy

    “When it goes well, writing feels the way it did when I was eight years old—immersed in the story, not thinking about outcome, just the pure joy of language.” – Jackie Thomas Kennedy Jackie Thomas Kennedy, author of The Other Wife, joins Uncorking a Story to explore the craft of fiction, the role of memory, and the tension between who we are and who we imagine we could be. A Stegner Fellow and widely published short story writer, Jackie shares insights into writing without fixation on outcome, the importance of character-driven storytelling, and how nostalgia can shift from comfort to affliction. Key Takeaways: Writing for joy before outcome—rediscovering the childlike immersion in storytelling. Time as a central theme: how our perception of it shifts across stages of life. Nostalgia as both comfort and affliction in The Other Wife. Allowing characters to make mistakes and create the story’s mess. The surprising creative power of text messages in fiction. Reading beyond your comfort zone to enrich voice and style. Collaboration with agents and editors in shaping a final manuscript. Buy The Other Wife Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fV6M5W Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593851609   Connect with Jackie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiethomaskennedy/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #JackieThomasKennedy #TheOtherWife #UncorkingAStory #FictionWriting #AuthorInterview #LiteraryFiction #WritingLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 דק׳

  2. 2 בספט׳

    Sci-Fi, Superheroes, and the Unknown, with Caitlyn Grabenstein

    “I wanted to write a character who was a relatable superhero—someone a woman today might connect with, not a god or an alien, but a real person with real struggles.” — Caitlyn Grabenstein In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with author and artist Caitlin Grabenstein, the creative force behind the surreal collage brand Cult Class whose work has been commissioned by Netflix, Adobe, Glamour, and Porsche. Caitlin joins me to talk about her debut novel One Red Arrow, Part One—a sci-fi thriller that blends creature-feature suspense, relatable superheroes, and a deeply human exploration of anxiety, transformation, and resilience. We dive into her artistic journey from folk music to visual art to fiction, her fascination with aliens, and what it takes to self-publish a story that pushes beyond the tired tropes of modern superhero films. Key Takeaways: Creative Evolution – From writing folk songs to creating surreal visual art to publishing a sci-fi novel, Caitlin shares how creativity takes many forms. A Relatable Superhero – Why she wanted to write a multidimensional female protagonist who reflects the real struggles of modern women. The Fascination with Aliens & the Unknown – How childhood nights watching obscure TV shows with her dad fueled her art and writing. The Challenges of Writing a Novel – Three years of work taught Caitlin just how difficult—and cathartic—it is to build a compelling plot. Indie Publishing & Vulnerability – Why she turned to Kickstarter, the role of reviews, and the vulnerability of putting a book into the world. The Role of Art in Storytelling – From maps of fictional towns to chapter illustrations, Caitlin integrates art into her narrative universe. Depth Over Tropes – Her frustration with formulaic superhero stories and her mission to bring more psychological and emotional complexity into the genre. Buy One Read Arrow Part 1: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Uqdbfn Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798999128713   Connect with Caitlyn Website: https://www.clgdesignco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cult.class/?hl=en Facebook:  Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #CaitlinGrabenstein #OneRedArrow #IndieAuthor #WomenInSciFi #SuperheroFiction #CreativeJourney #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #SciFiThriller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 דק׳

  3. 26 באוג׳

    Vanishing Act: Jerry Jamison on True Crime, Fake Deaths, and the Art of Reinvention

    “From the very outset, people thought, ‘This can’t possibly be true.’ But it was—and the deeper we dug, the stranger it became.” — Jerry Jamison  In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with award-winning advertising copywriter turned novelist Jerry Jamison, whose latest book Vanishing Act unearths one of history’s most shocking forgotten stories: a career con man, a faked death, and a doomed airliner. With decades of experience shaping national ad campaigns and over 30 published novels, Jerry brings both craft and tenacity to his storytelling. Together we explore the bizarre true life of Dr. Robert Spears—a fraudster who lived under 26 aliases, posed as a doctor, ran an abortion empire in 1950s Texas, and ultimately attempted to vanish in the most chilling way imaginable. Key Takeaways: From Copywriting to Crime Writing – How Jerry’s advertising career sharpened his discipline and storytelling drive. Unearthing Forgotten History – The shocking Life Magazine headline that sparked Vanishing Act. The Master Con Man – Dr. Robert Spears’ web of scams, aliases, and manipulations across decades. The Abortion Underground – A candid look at how hidden medical practices shaped mid-20th century America. Murder in the Skies – How a plot to fake a death led to the destruction of an entire airliner. The Business of Being an Author – Why perseverance, rejection, and belief in your work matter more than luck. Cultural Memory and Forgetting – What Spears’ story teaches us about today’s news cycles. Buy Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kUsR5i Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781734757255 Connect with Jerry Website: https://jerryjamison.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerryjamisonauthor Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #JerryJamison #VanishingAct #TrueCrimeBooks #AuthorInterview #HistoricalTrueCrime #WritingCommunity #BookPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 דק׳

  4. 19 באוג׳

    The Gift of Goodbye: Edward Di Gangi on Love, Loss, and Adoption’s Untold Stories

    “This is not about rejection—it’s about sacrifice.” – Edward Di Gangi Adopted at birth and raised as an only child, Edward Di Gangi never sought the details of his adoption—until a quiet moment in a New Jersey cemetery at age 69 set him on a journey of discovery. That path led to his acclaimed memoir The Gift Best Given, and now to his latest work, Gliding Through Goodbye. In this deeply empathetic conversation, Ed shares how he stepped into his birth mother’s shoes to imagine her emotional world, drawing on interviews with women who placed children for adoption during the pre-Roe “baby scoop” era. The result is a moving tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the healing power of telling the truth. Key Takeaways: A moment that changed everything: How a quiet reflection at his adoptive family’s gravesite inspired Ed to finally uncover the truth about his origins. The remarkable life behind the secret: Discovering that his birth mother was a celebrated ice skater touring the world in the 1940s and 1950s, and how that shaped the story. The emotional weight of silence: First-hand accounts from women of the “baby scoop” era reveal the lasting shame, secrecy, and grief of placing a child for adoption. Empathy as a writing tool: How Ed immersed himself in interviews and his mother’s sparse notes to authentically recreate her diary and inner world. The craft challenge of authenticity: Why writing in his birth mother’s imagined voice demanded restraint, historical accuracy, and deep emotional honesty. Reframing the adoption narrative: Moving away from a perception of rejection toward understanding adoption as an act of profound sacrifice. The healing power of storytelling: How sharing personal histories—no matter how painful—can lift the burden of secrecy and build compassion between adoptees, birth parents, and the public. Buy Gliding Through Goodbye Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UsozY2 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781734757255 Connect with Edward Website: https://www.digangiauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digangiauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100052046681375 Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #adoptionstories #memoir #authorinterview #babyscooperas #writingcommunity #familysecrets #podcastinterview #GlidingThroughGoodbye #EdwardDiGangi #UncorkingaStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 דק׳

  5. 12 באוג׳

    The Mother of All Decisions: Betsy Armstrong on Grief, Growth, and Midlife Motherhood

    “It took me 12 years to write it and get it to a publisher… writing a book was a lot harder than an Ironman.” In this heartfelt episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with Betsy Armstrong—writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist—to explore the winding path that led her to authorship. From losing her mother at 23, to navigating midlife, infertility, and ultimately adopting two children from Russia, Betsy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical love. Her memoir, The Mother of All Decisions, dives into the legacy of mother loss and the power of choosing motherhood in her late 40s. Whether you’re grieving, writing your way through pain, or redefining your life at midlife, this conversation will move and motivate you. Key Takeaways: Grief can be a catalyst for personal transformation—if we’re brave enough to face it. Writing is not just creative expression; it’s a powerful tool for healing. Adopting at midlife brought unexpected challenges—and immeasurable joy. It’s never too late to become the person you’re meant to be. Even careers that don’t seem “creative” (like nonprofit work or sales) can build skills for storytelling. Memoir writing takes time, support, and revision—it really does take a village. You don’t need to have all the answers to begin writing—just a willingness to be honest. Buy The Mother of All Decisions: A Memoir of Mother Loss, Legacy, and Adopting Kids in Midlife. Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UtmElV Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647428938 Connect with Betsy Website: https://www.betsyarmstrong.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsbybetsy/ Facebook:  Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #BetsyArmstrong #MotherLoss #MemoirWriting #MidlifeMotherhood #GriefToGrowth #WritersOfInstagram #AdoptionStory #CreativeHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 דק׳

  6. 5 באוג׳

    The Wake-Up Call: How a Near-Death Experience Repurposed Lisa Labozzo’s Life

    “I flipped twice… my seatbelt wrapped around my neck, so my airway was cut off and I was blue… Doctors called my family in for my last rites that evening.” — Lisa Labozzo In this moving episode of Uncorking a Story, Reiki Master and intuitive healer Lisa Labozzo shares how a life-altering car accident became the catalyst for a spiritual awakening. Once a high-powered fashion executive, Lisa now devotes her life to healing others through energy work and divine intuition. We talk about trauma, loss, transformation, and the invisible hands that guide us when we’re ready to listen. Key Takeaways: The Wake-Up Call: A devastating car crash halted Lisa’s fast-paced corporate life and opened the door to her spiritual path. Healing Through Energy: Her introduction to Reiki during recovery ignited her intuition and transformed how she helps others heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Messages from Beyond: Lisa shares profound stories of clients who’ve found comfort and closure through intuitive messages from loved ones on the other side. Loss and Grace: After losing her brother, father, and mother in close succession, Lisa turned grief into purpose, guided by a deeper knowing. Listening to the Signs: Lisa reflects on how she once ignored signs from the universe—and what happens when you finally tune in. Writing as a Path to Healing: We discuss the therapeutic power of writing your story and the resistance many feel when trauma remains unresolved. Living in Alignment: Lisa now follows a path of spiritual service, helping others discover their own gifts, release what no longer serves them, and embrace healing. Connect with Lisa Website: https://www.healinghandandheart.com/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #ReikiHealing #SpiritualAwakening #IntuitiveHealer #EnergyHealing #UncorkingAStory #TraumaToTransformation #NearDeathExperience #HealingJourney #LisaLaBozzo #GriefAndHealing #MemoirInTheMaking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 דק׳

  7. 29 ביולי

    From Real Estate to Real Suspense: How Kaira Rouda Found Her Voice

    “I realized I couldn’t write sex scenes, so I went darker. Turns out, murder is more my thing.” — Kaira Rouda Bestselling author Kaira Rouda returns to Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest psychological thriller Jill Is Not Happy—a twisted, funny, and disturbing journey through a seemingly normal marriage gone off the rails. Kaira shares her journey from marketing executive to novelist, her struggles with writing romance (spoiler: no sex scenes), and how she found her true voice writing deeply flawed characters with secrets they’d kill to protect. Key Takeaways: From Biz to Books: Kaira’s writing journey began in childhood but was reignited after years in marketing, real estate, and publishing a business book for women entrepreneurs. Finding Her Genre: After an awkward foray into romance, she found her true voice writing domestic thrillers—starting with Best Day Ever. Jill’s Not Happy… and It Shows: Her latest book, Jill Is Not Happy, follows a couple on a National Parks road trip where shared secrets—and suppressed rage—drive the tension. Why We Love Marriage Thrillers: Rouda believes dark fiction lets us laugh at the dysfunction and say, “At least we’re not that bad.” Behind the Scenes in D.C.: She offers insight into congressional life from her time as a lawmaker’s spouse—and how that inspired The Widow. Cheddar Cheese Cravings and Cracker Barrel Confusion: Yes, there’s a cheese tangent. Yes, it’s delightful. Family of Creatives: Her son is a music producer and her daughter a screenwriter—both of whom keep her on her toes when adapting her own work for screen. Buy Jill is Not Happy Amazon: https://amzn.to/447n1s8 Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798885281249 Connect with KAira Website: https://kairarouda.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KairaRoudaBooks/ X: https://x.com/KairaRouda Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairarouda/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kairaroudabooks Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #KairaRouda #JillIsNotHappy #DomesticThriller #MarriageThrillers #AuthorLife #WritersOfInstagram #SuspenseFiction #WomenWriters #PsychologicalThriller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 דק׳

  8. 22 ביולי

    Behind the Music: A Survivor’s Story of Healing and Hope, with Rob Tonkin

    “The pain of carrying the weight of this secret for so long was more damaging than the reveal.” – Rob Tonkin At age 14, Rob Tonkin entered the world of radio and climbed his way to the top of the entertainment marketing industry, producing iconic events like the Honda Civic Tour. But behind the success was a lifetime of buried trauma, self-sabotage, and a quest for healing. In this revealing conversation, Rob discusses his bold new memoir Asshole: A Memoir, and how writing helped him unearth his truth, make peace with his past, and live more authentically. Key Takeaways: Early Start, Big Stage: Rob began in radio at 14 and eventually led the marketing powerhouse behind the Honda Civic Tour. Power of the Pen: What began as therapeutic journaling evolved into a deeply cathartic and revealing memoir. A Memoir of Many Meanings: The title A*****e is more than attention-grabbing—it’s a metaphor for generational trauma, industry toxicity, and self-reflection. Breaking the Silence: Rob bravely discusses being a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse and the long-term impact of secrecy. Healing Through Honesty: Taking accountability, sharing his truth, and letting go of anger proved to be the most liberating acts of his life. Behind the Velvet Curtain: Rob debunks the glamour of backstage life, revealing a world of burnout, trauma, and false personas. Why He Wrote the Book: If it helps even one person put down their metaphorical “trash bag” of trauma, it’s worth it. Buy Asshole: A Memoir - Wild Stories of Trauma, Truths, and Transformation Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TBIVh2 Connect with Rob Website: https://www.robtonkin.com/ X: https://x.com/robtonkin_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robtonkin_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fb.rob.tonkin Threads: https://www.threads.com/@robtonkin_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robtonkin_ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #RobTonkin #AssholeMemoir #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #EntertainmentIndustry #MaleSurvivors #Memoir #Authenticity #PodcastInterview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 דק׳
הצגת הכול (426)

דירוגים וביקורות

אודות

Listen in to Uncorking a Story, where we pop the cork on hidden narratives and delve deep into the brilliant minds of your favorite authors. Get ready to unlock the magic behind your favorite books, one unforgettable story at a time. Hit that subscribe button and never miss a sip of inspiration!

מידע

  • יוצרים
    Michael Carlon
  • שנות פעילות
    2012 - 2025
  • פרקים
    426
  • סיווג
    תוכן בוטה
  • זכויות יוצרים
    © Copyright Uncorking a Story, 2024
  • אתר התכנית
    Uncorking a Story