Uncorking a Story Michael Carlon

"It's interesting to compare the process of creating an image with writing. In photography, I find myself editing the scene to highlight what draws my interest, focusing on the essence and minimizing distractions. This approach is similar to writing, where the goal is to strip away the superfluous to communicate the core message clearly. Both processes involve a pathway to clarity, whether it's through the lens or on the page." — G.B. Smith

Tune into this episode of "Uncorking a Story" for a deep dive into the soul-stirring world of Gary Smith's photography, where every image is a pathway to a story waiting to be told.
Meet G.B. Smith
G.B. Smith is an international award winning fine art photographer. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his career and book Pathways, which was awarded First Prize at the prestigious International Photography Awards in the Book Category. The book features select photos from many of Smith’s current collections, including several of his recent multi-award winning images. 
Key Topics:


Early Beginnings: Gary's love for photography ignited in the industrial heartland of England, sparked by his first camera as a teenager and his fascination with the technical aspects of photography.


The Art and Science of Photography: Exploring the magic of darkroom photography, Gary discusses the meticulous process of film development and how it instills a deep appreciation for each image captured.


Transition from Career to Passion: Gary shares his journey from seeing photography as a potential career to embracing it as a passionate hobby, highlighting the challenges of commercial photography and the liberation found in creating art for oneself.


The Making of "Pathways": The creation of his book "Pathways" emerged from a collaboration with talented individuals and became a tribute to his journey as a photographer, as well as a charitable endeavor supporting breast cancer research.


A Vision in Black and White: Delving into his preference for black and white imagery, Gary reveals how color blindness influences his focus on form and texture, leading to a unique and captivating aesthetic.


The Beauty in Decluttering: Gary emphasizes the importance of removing clutter from scenes to focus on the essence of the image, drawing parallels to the necessity of clarity and focus in life and art.


Discoveries and Reflections: Reflecting on his experiences and the places photography has taken him, Gary shares insights into how photography has been a force of discovery, meditation, and connection with the world.




Buy Pathways: A Journey Through the Innovative Images of Acclaimed Photographer G.B. Smith
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4auQjkZ
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798989711116

Connect with G.B. Smith
Website: https://www.gbsmith.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.b.smith.photography/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
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"I have my wife as my ultimate support system. But as a man, it feels like you shouldn’t show weakness or talk about things that might make you vulnerable because you worry about what others will think. That’s why I decided to just go for it, to muster the courage to openly share my story. I committed to laying everything out there, telling my story in all its truth." — Reggie Reed
Tune in to this emotionally charged episode to explore author Reggie Reed's incredible journey of resilience, the role of storytelling in healing, and the indomitable spirit of facing life's darkest moments with courage.
Meet Reggie Reed
Reginald L. Reed Jr. is an author and an accomplished professional in the Pharmaceutical industry. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss his memoir, The Day My Mother Never Came Home, in which he recalls the events surrounding the unsolved murder of his mother and the subsequent indictment and trial of his father 32 years later. 

Key Topics:


The Beginning of a Story: Reggie's journey as an author began with the cold case of his mother's murder and his father's unexpected indictment years later, pushing him to combat his trauma through writing.


Childhood Amidst Chaos: Growing up, Reggie experienced confusion and a sense of loss after his mother's unsolved murder, grappling with the absence of a parental figure and the rumors surrounding his father's involvement.


Shocking News as an Adult: The revival of his mother's murder case and his father's indictment turned Reggie's world upside down, challenging him to face old traumas and engage with a complex legal battle.


The Trial's Emotional Toll: Reggie describes the trial and his father's sentencing as one of the worst experiences of his life, highlighting the emotional turmoil of seeing a loved one being taken away.


Finding Healing Through Writing: Reggie embarked on writing his memoir as a means to process his trauma, share his story, and encourage others facing their struggles, emphasizing the therapeutic power of storytelling.


The Impact of Family and Upbringing: Despite the adversity, Reggie speaks to the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma, striving for success, and the support system that helped him navigate his life's challenges.


A Message of Resilience and Hope: Reggie's story is a compelling reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the importance of telling one's truth, and the unyielding power of love and forgiveness.



Buy The Day My Mother Never Came Home
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a5M67h
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798989711116


Connect with Reggie
Website: https://www.rlreed.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RLREEDII/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlreed0


Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The day my dance instructor had her jaw wired shut to lose weight was the day I realized how deep the rabbit hole of body image issues really went. It wasn't just about being thin; it was about battling your body at war with societal expectations." - Lori Brand
Welcome to a compelling episode that dives deep into the heart of how societal pressures shape our self-perception and the lengths to which people go to meet those expectations. Today, we're honored to have Lori Brand share her journey from the world of competitive bodybuilding to becoming a voice for strength and empowerment. Lori's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental strength, and the need to redefine what it means to be fit and healthy in a society obsessed with physical appearance. Join us as Lori Brand uncovers the raw and real side of the fitness world, the beauty of finding strength in what truly matters, and how she's using her voice to challenge and change the narrative around health, fitness, and beauty.
Meet Lori Brand
Lori Brand is a lifting enthusiast, group fitness instructor, yoga teacher, and software quality engineer. In past lives, she’s been a gymnast, dancer, Playboy model, and bodybuilder. Her time in the body wars trenches led to her realization that getting strong, rather than shrinking, is the way out. In an effort to spread the word, she’s had articles published in STRONG Fitness Magazine, T-Nation, Inside Fitness Magazine, D’FYNE Fitness Magazine, and more. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to discuss her career and debut novel, Bodies to Die For.
Key Topics:


Journey to Writing: Lori shares her transition from writing for fitness magazines to penning her debut novel, "Bodies to Die For," inspired by real-life events and her desire to explore the complex dialogue surrounding body positivity.


Fitness Industry Realities: Insights into the pressures and unrealistic standards within the fitness and bodybuilding industries, including Lori's personal experiences and observations.


The Power of Strength: Lori emphasizes the shift from striving for societal approval through physical appearance to finding empowerment in strength, both mental and physical.


Social Media's Role: A discussion on how Instagram and other social platforms amplify body image issues, and the double-edged sword of body positivity movements online.


Thriller Writing: A behind-the-scenes look into Lori's process of weaving her experiences and societal critiques into a gripping thriller narrative.


Mental Health and Body Image: Exploring the deep-seated psychological effects of body image struggles and the importance of mental health in the fitness conversation.


Future Projects: Lori hints at her upcoming works and how she plans to continue addressing critical issues through her writing.



Buy Bodies to Die For
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VjL0R1
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798212191234


Connect with Lori
Website: https://www.loribrandwrites.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loribrandwritesandlifts
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loribrandwritesandlifts


Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
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"I kind of almost became an author by accident. It was a case of rediscovering a love of fiction, and then, on idle weekends, working on things purely to entertain myself. It grew from there." — Richard Roper

In this episode, author Richard Roper shares insights into his unique path to becoming an author, starting from a childhood filled with a love for books but no clear ambition to write. His journey took a turn when he began working in publishing, eventually leading to the realization that he could indeed craft compelling stories of his own. Richard's candid recount of his writing journey, including the trials of rejected manuscripts and the breakthrough that led to his published works, provides an inspiring look at perseverance and the creative process.

Meet Richard Roper
Richard Roper is a writer and freelance book editor. He is the author of Something to Live For and When We Were Young and joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his career and latest book, This Disaster Loves You.

Key Topics



The Path to Authorship: Richard's unique journey from a love of reading and a career in publishing to becoming an established author.


Overcoming Rejection: Insights into how Richard dealt with rejection from publishers and used it as motivation to improve and eventually succeed.


Inspiration Behind Writing: How real-life observations and personal experiences serve as the foundation for Richard's storytelling.


The Craft of Writing: The importance of structure, character development, and the blend of drama and comedy in writing compelling stories.


"This Disaster Loves You": A deep dive into the inspiration, plot, and themes of Richard's latest book, focusing on love, loss, and the humorous yet poignant journey of its protagonist.


Advice for Aspiring Writers: Richard shares his advice on writing with authenticity, following one's passion, and the value of persistence in the face of challenges.


The Role of Music and Pop Culture: Reflections on how punk music, sitcoms, and other elements of pop culture have influenced Richard's writing style and themes.


Buy This Disaster Loves You
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3x3zeQm
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593540701

Connect with Richard
Website: https://richardroperauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richardroper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardroper/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
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Join us in this intriguing episode as we dive into the creative world of Peter Malone Elliott, an award-nominated screenwriter and author of the captivating novel "Blue Ridge." From the mysterious allure of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the complex dynamics of identical twins, Peter shares the inspiration behind his debut novel and his seamless transition from screenwriting to novel writing.
About Peter Malone Elliott
Peter Malone Elliott is an author, screenwriter, and developmental editor who has earned a Leo Award nomination for Best Screenwriting, motion picture. Born and raised in Virginia, he now lives in Brooklyn, but still holds the magic of the mountains and Southern living near and dear to his heart. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to chat about his career and about his debut novel, BLUE RIDGE.
Key Highlights:


The Inspiration Behind "Blue Ridge": Discover how long hikes in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and the idea of identical twins' unique relationship led to the creation of his psychological thriller.


Screenwriting vs. Novel Writing: Peter discusses the challenges and liberations of moving from screenwriting to novel writing, highlighting the differences in creative expression and storytelling depth.


Family Influence: Growing up with a New York Times bestselling novelist mother, writing was always in Peter's blood. He shares how this familial background shaped his path.


Advice for Aspiring Authors: Peter gives practical advice on navigating the publishing world, stressing the importance of perseverance and exploring various avenues beyond traditional publishing.


A Personal Touch: Reflecting on his work, Peter talks about how writing has become a therapeutic outlet for exploring themes of familial trauma and secrets.



Buy Blue Ridge
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TwYVSv
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781685124731


Connect with Peter
Website: https://www.pmelliott.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmewriter/


Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of Julee Balko, an author renowned for her intricate portrayal of complex female characters and her bold exploration of themes like grief, personal growth, and the transformative power of storytelling. Julee shares the journey behind her latest novel, "The Me List," a story rich with snark, heart, and an unlikely friendship that challenges societal judgments and celebrates the power of self-discovery.
Meet Julee Balko
Julee Balko is an author who loves writing novels with complicated women characters. She joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her second novel, The Me List, which is full of snark and heart as it brings to life an unlikely friendship between neighbors. 
Key Highlights


The Genesis of a Writer: Julee traces her writing origins back to childhood, highlighting her innate passion for storytelling and the pivotal role of her early English teachers and educational choices in shaping her authorial voice.


Grief as a Creative Catalyst: The profound impact of personal loss on Julee's writing, particularly how the passing of her mother inspired her first novel. This segment explores the intricate balance of weaving grief with humor to offer solace and understanding to readers navigating their own losses.


The Making of "The Me List": Insights into Julee's second novel, which contrasts significantly with her first in tone but similarly engages deeply with themes of personal identity and transformation. Julee discusses the inspiration behind the book, focusing on the journey of self-improvement and empowerment against a backdrop of judgment and societal expectations.


A Shift from Advertising to Authorship: Julee's transition from a career in advertising to full-time writing and how the experiences in the corporate world have influenced her storytelling and creative process.


Advice to Aspiring Authors: Practical tips and motivational advice for new writers, including the importance of perseverance through rejection, the value of feedback, and the potential of social media and small publishers in getting noticed.



Buy The Me List
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c4MbtB
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781685133610


Connect with Julee
Website: https://www.juleebalko.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/misplacedcomma2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juleebalko/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21513422.Julee_Balko


Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices