Uncorking a Story

Michael Carlon
Uncorking a Story

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. 1 DAY AGO

    Ethnic Schizophrenia: Helen Charov on Navigating Identity and Uncovering Her Family’s WWII Story

    "I think one of the reasons that I wrote the book was I wanted her to be proud of me." — Helen Charov In this compelling episode of Uncorking a Story, we sit down with Helen Charov, author of Tatiana's War: Escape and Survival on the Eastern Front in World War II. Helen takes us on a deeply personal journey through her mother’s wartime memoirs, revealing the harrowing experiences of life in Stalin’s Soviet Union, survival during the Nazi invasion, and the challenges of building a new life in America. From her childhood in Brooklyn to her travels across the USSR, Helen shares how her family’s legacy and cultural duality shaped her writing. This episode is a tribute to resilience, history, and the transformative power of storytelling. Key Themes: Family Legacy and Memoirs. Helen Charov’s discovery of her mother’s WWII manuscript highlights the significance of family legacy stories. The deeply personal memoir preserves historical storytelling about life under Stalin’s Soviet Union and during the Nazi invasion. This reflection showcases how inherited memoirs can bridge generations and honor heritage. World War II Experiences. Through her mother’s firsthand account, Helen captures the harrowing realities of survival during World War II on the Eastern Front. The memoir vividly describes life under Stalin’s harsh regime and the Nazi occupation in Ukraine, offering rare insights into survival stories and the human cost of war in Soviet history. Cultural Identity and Duality. Growing up with a Russian heritage in the United States, Helen navigates the challenges of cultural identity and duality. She shares how balancing her American upbringing with a deep connection to Russian traditions shaped her perspective. Her story resonates with immigrant families and those with dual identities. The Writing Process. Helen discusses the memoir writing process, including the emotional and technical challenges of translating her mother’s manuscript. Blending her mother’s vivid storytelling with her own reflections, Helen crafted Tatiana’s War as a powerful piece of historical storytelling and personal journey. Female Resilience. The story of Helen’s mother demonstrates extraordinary female resilience during wartime. From surviving starvation to making difficult choices, including working for German occupiers to save her family, the memoir illustrates the perseverance required of women in the harshest circumstances. Historical Significance. Tatiana’s War provides a vital contribution to WWII history, preserving firsthand wartime stories from the Soviet Union. Helen’s work sheds light on life during the Nazi occupation and Stalin’s reign, emphasizing the importance of documenting historical storytelling from personal perspectives. Buy Tatyana's War: Escape and Survival on the Eastern Front in World War II Amazon:https://amzn.to/3Zeujqa Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781476693101 Connect with Helen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatyanaswar 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 like 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. #PodcastEpisode #StorytellingPodcast #HistoricalMemoirs #AuthorInterview #WWIIMemoirs #FamilyLegacy #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantStories #FemaleResilience #HistoricalStorytelling #TatianasWar #HelenCharov #EthnicSchizophrenia #EasternFrontWWII #SovietUnionHistory #WritersOfInstagram #MemoirWriting #InspiringStories #HistoryMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Writing Through the Fire: Barbara Nickless on Resilience and Craft

    “Life’s tragedies can light the way to our greatest stories.” — Barbara Nickless On this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike Carlon welcomes Barbara Nickless, a #1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose journey into writing was shaped by a lifetime of adventure and an unshakable resilience. From cave rescues to falconry, Barbara’s path to success is as captivating as her novels. She discusses how losing everything in the Waldo Canyon wildfire fueled her passion for storytelling and dives into her latest book, The Drowning Game, an espionage thriller set against the high-stakes world of superyachts and international intrigue. Key Topics: Resilience Through Tragedy: How the Waldo Canyon wildfire became a turning point in Barbara’s writing journey. Crafting Complex Characters: Exploring Barbara’s character-driven approach to thrillers and espionage stories. The Art of Research: From interviewing CIA experts to studying yacht culture, how Barbara brings authenticity to her work. The Journey to Publication: Barbara’s whirlwind experience at ThrillerFest and the serendipitous meeting with her agent. Meditation and Creativity: How Barbara uses mindfulness to combat the pressures of writing under tight deadlines. The World of Espionage: Insights into Barbara’s first foray into the spy genre with The Drowning Game. Life Lessons and Detours: Why taking time to live and learn has shaped Barbara’s storytelling. Buy The Drowning Game: Amazon: https://amzn.to/40XZDfy Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781662510014 Connect with Barbara Website: ​​https://barbaranickless.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbara.nickless/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbarannickless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-nickless-81674a50/ 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 like 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 #BarbaraNickless #TheDrowningGame #EspionageThriller #ThrillerBooks #WritingJourney #CreativeResilience #StorytellingCraft #BookLaunch #CharacterDrivenStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  3. 13 DEC

    Breaking Boundaries and Barriers: Ashleigh Renard’s Rebellious Reinvention

    "Choosing my own freedom felt like a radical act—like breaking every rule I’d ever known." – Ashleigh Renard In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon reconnects with Ashleigh Renard, bestselling author and social media sensation, for an inspiring and raw conversation about her latest memoir, Split: A Memoir in Pieces. Known for her humor and unfiltered advice on life, relationships, and personal growth, Ashleigh delves into her journey of family estrangement, reclaiming her identity, and challenging the social scripts she once followed. This episode is a deep dive into finding freedom and self-acceptance, as Ashleigh candidly shares her path from a perfectionist lifestyle to a liberated, authentic self. Key Takeaways Embracing True Freedom – Ashleigh reflects on the complexities of leaving behind traditional roles and redefining what happiness means for her, even when it means going against societal expectations. Finding Flow in Writing – Ashleigh shares her unique writing process, using an hourglass for focus and breaking her work into pieces, echoing the structure of her new memoir. Navigating Family Estrangement – In Split, Ashleigh opens up about the challenging decision to distance herself from her family, debunking the stigma around estrangement and finding peace on her own terms. The Value of Vulnerability – Ashleigh emphasizes how vulnerability has played a crucial role in her healing process, allowing her to connect with others in deeply meaningful ways. Redefining Success and Self-Worth – Ashleigh explores how shedding perfectionism and societal expectations allowed her to discover her true passions and redefine her idea of success. Challenging Publishing Conventions – With her innovative approach to publishing Split in eight digital parts, Ashleigh defies traditional publishing norms, proving that personal stories can resonate deeply with audiences in unique formats. Get on the Waitlist for Split: A Memoir in Pieces  Connect with Ashleigh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighrenard/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleighrenard?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleighrenardwriter Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleigh_renard 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 like 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. #FromPerfectToFree #AshleighRenard #SplitMemoir #UncorkingAStory #VulnerabilityAndStrength #LiberatedLiving #RedefineSuccess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m

  4. 10 DEC

    Behind the Scarlet Letter: History, Scandal, and the American Tragedy with Pat Suprenant

    "The crime wasn’t the abortion—it was the sex outside of marriage. Let that sit with you for a while." – Pat Suprenant On this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon welcomes Pat Suprenant, author of Behind the Scarlet Letter. Pat’s debut novel blends meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling to uncover the long-buried story that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Along the way, she delves into forgotten histories and reveals how they echo through the present. Discover the fascinating journey of uncovering truths, writing historical fiction, and navigating the challenges of publishing. Key Themes Uncovering Forgotten Histories: Pat’s passion for bringing hidden stories to light, including the real events behind The Scarlet Letter. The Intersection of History and Fiction: How Pat merges rigorous historical research with narrative storytelling. Themes of Power, Religion, and Morality: Exploring the enduring relevance of the historical events depicted in Behind the Scarlet Letter. The Writing Process: Pat’s method of creating a richly detailed world through multiple points of view. The Publishing Landscape: Challenges of breaking into the market as a historical fiction writer. Lessons from the Past: How historical tragedies provide insights into today’s cultural and political landscapes. The Joy of Writing: Balancing the art of storytelling with the business side of publishing. Buy Behind the Scarlet Letter Amazon:https://amzn.to/4hp8cWl Connect with Pat Website: https://patsuprenant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.suprenant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patsuprenant/ Twitter: https://x.com/patsuprenant1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-suprenant-94a37414a/ 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 like 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 #PatSuprenant #BehindTheScarletLetter #HistoricalFiction #AmericanHistory #WritingCommunity #StorytellingJourney #AuthorLife #BookLaunch #UncoveringTruths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  5. 6 DEC

    From Atheist to Apostle: Ganesh Venkataramanan’s Quest for a Greater Purpose

    "I realized that science alone couldn't answer my deepest questions—there had to be something more." – Ganesh Venkataramanan In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon uncorks the extraordinary journey of Ganesh Venkataramanan (AKA Geeves), a scientist and Amazon bestselling author of Let Me Into Heaven: Three Computer Scientists Find Their Way to Life. Ganesh shares his transformative journey from Hinduism to atheism, and eventually to Christianity, exploring deep spiritual and existential questions about heaven, science, and life’s purpose. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that touches on the intersections of faith, science, and storytelling. Key Takeaways The Intersection of Science and Faith – Ganesh shares how his analytical background initially led him to atheism but ultimately drove him to explore spiritual truths beyond scientific explanations. The Inspiration Behind the Book – COVID lockdowns gave Ganesh the time and motivation to dive into theological studies, which led to writing a book that became an Amazon bestseller. The Writing Process – Ganesh discusses the joys and challenges of writing his first book, including the importance of daily writing habits and constructive feedback from his editor. Family Reactions to his Faith Journey – Growing up in a Hindu family, Ganesh’s conversion to Christianity sparked unique reactions and dialogue within his family. The Role of Doubt in Faith – Ganesh reveals how doubt, once an obstacle, became a catalyst in his journey toward understanding God’s role in science and the universe. The Message of Hope and Truth – Ganesh’s story exemplifies the personal freedom he found in sharing his faith openly, and how his book has facilitated meaningful conversations about spirituality and science. Bridging Faith and Intellectual Curiosity – Ganesh believes that science and faith are not at odds but rather complementary, each providing unique insights into the mysteries of existence. Buy Let Me Into Heaven: Three Computer Scientists Find Their Way to Life Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UHQ9B4 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781950336395   Connect with Geeves Website: https://www.letmeintoheaven.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial? YouTube: https://youtube.com/@geevesofficial?si=InkdNbtbIkla00WQ X: https://x.com/cause_first 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 like 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. #FaithAndScience #JourneyToFaith #UncorkingAStory #SpiritualityAndScience #HeavenExplored #AmazonBestseller #ScienceAndFaith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min

  6. 3 DEC

    From the Draft to Bestsellers: Robin Cook on Writing and Medicine

    “I think that being a writer, in a certain sense, made me a better doctor, because being a writer, you have to constantly be thinking about characters and characterizations, et cetera. So I became even more kind of interested in my patients.” — Dr. Robin Cook In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon uncorks the extraordinary journey of Dr. Robin Cook, the bestselling author who defined and subsequently redefined the medical thriller genre. From being drafted into the Navy to penning his first novel aboard a nuclear submarine, Dr. Cook shares how his dual careers as a physician and writer have shaped his work and enriched his understanding of the human condition. As he launches his 41st novel, Bellevue, Dr. Cook discusses blending science with the supernatural and reflects on the enduring power of storytelling. Key Themes: The Draft that Started it all: How being drafted into the Navy provided Dr. Cook the unexpected time and opportunity to write his first book. Balancing Careers: The mutual influence of medicine and writing in shaping his storytelling and deepening his empathy as a doctor. Innovating within a Genre: Exploring the supernatural in Bellevue to highlight patients' contributions to medical history. Overcoming Doubts: Lessons learned about persistence and self-discovery through writing, even in the face of challenges. Adapting to Change: Insights into how the rise of technology has transformed reading habits and the publishing landscape. Crafting Compelling Thrillers: Dr. Cook’s approach to blending accurate medical details with suspense to keep readers engaged. A Legacy of Curiosity: The importance of staying curious and taking risks to evolve as a writer. Buy Bellevue Amazon:https://amzn.to/49yhhJf Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593718834 Connect with Robin Website: https://robincook.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobinCook 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 like 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. #RobinCook #FromDraftToBestseller #BellevueNovel #MedicalThriller #WritersLife #UncorkingAStory #Storytelling #AuthorsJourney #SupernaturalFiction #PublishingIndustry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  7. 1 DEC

    Whispering from the Grave, with K.K. Weakley

    "The darker it gets, the more I enjoy it." – K.K. Weakley K.K. Weakley returns to Uncorking a Story to discuss her latest novel, Whispers from the Grave, the fourth book in the Sekhet Saga. Born in Wexford, Ireland, K.K. shares her fascination with castles, demons, witches, and the paranormal, weaving vivid tales that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From her early days as a budding writer to crafting compelling characters and collaborating with her editor, this conversation uncorks the creative process behind her spine-chilling stories. Key Topics: The Origins of the Sekhet Saga: How a weekend getaway and a friend's encouragement sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. Exploring the Paranormal: K.K.'s inspiration from folklore, ruins, and the darker realms of imagination. Writing for Fear: Embracing the thrill of writing dark and twisted tales that even scare the author herself. The Creative Process: The value of writing in her favorite coffee shop and the rituals that fuel her creativity. The Role of an Editor: How a great editor like Barbara helps elevate a story and guide its success. Standalone Stories in a Shared Universe: Keeping the Sekhet Saga fresh and engaging for readers new and old. Upcoming Launch: Details about the release of Whispers from the Grave and its launch event at Weeds Café. Buy Whispers from the Grave Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CK2T4a Connect with K.K. Weakley Website: http://www.kweakley.com Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3PLpXlg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkweakley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkkweakley/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKKWeakley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-k-weakley-b7550928/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kkweakley 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 like 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 #KKWeakley #SekhetSaga #WhispersFromTheGrave #ParanormalFiction #DarkFantasy #StorytellingJourney #BookLaunch #IndieAuthors #CreativeProcess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min

  8. 28 NOV

    From Brooklyn to Bestsellers: Randy Susan Meyers on Writing, Life, and Lessons Learned

    "Books have always meant more to me than breath—writing them is my way of making sense of the world and connecting to others." — Randy Susan Meyers In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike sits down with international bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers. Known for her emotionally charged novels exploring domestic drama and societal issues, Randy shares her journey from a book-obsessed Brooklyn kid sneaking reads by lamplight to a published fiction author in her 50s. She delves into her experiences working in human services, bartending, and navigating life’s challenges, which have deeply informed her writing. Randy’s latest book, The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone, showcases her knack for weaving empathy, history, and storytelling into a narrative that spans generations. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of writing, resilience, and reinvention. Key Themes: The Power of Books: Randy reflects on how her early love of reading shaped her life and saved her from a chaotic upbringing. Late Blooming Success: She shares the challenges and triumphs of publishing her first novel in her 50s, emphasizing that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Writing Craft and Research: Learn how Randy developed her own “homemade MFA,” studying craft and synthesizing insights to elevate her storytelling. Personal Growth Through Writing: Randy discusses how her experiences—both good and bad—have informed her characters and stories, offering readers authentic glimpses into human nature. Empathy Through Fiction: She highlights how novels can deepen empathy and understanding by immersing readers in different perspectives and historical contexts. Work-Life Balance: Hear how Randy balanced a demanding career, single parenthood, and writing, offering practical advice for aspiring authors. The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone: Randy teases her latest novel, describing it as a blend of This Is Us and The Big Chill, exploring themes of social justice, family, and identity over decades. Buy The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hPkx6I Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798888245330 Connect with Randy Susan Meyers Website: https://randysusanmeyers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randysusanmeyersauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randysusanmeyersauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/randysusanmeyer Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory If you like 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. #WritingJourney #LateBloomerSuccess #AuthorInterview #HistoricalFiction #EmpathyThroughStories #WritingCraft #UncorkingAStory #DomesticDrama #StorytellingAdventure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Carlon
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2024
  • Episodes
    375
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Uncorking a Story, 2024
  • Show Website
    Uncorking a Story

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