Authors Who Lead - Learn to write a book from bestselling authors and leaders

Azul Terronez - Author, TEDx Speaker, Coach
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If you want to know how bestselling authors find the time to write their books, the methods they use to be productive and how they find their ideas you will love this podcast. Writing coach Azul Terronez shares interviews with clients such as Pat Flynn, of the Smart Passive Income, Jon Vroman, of the Front Row Factor, and Dana Malstaff of Boss-Mom, Jadah Sellner of Simple Green Smoothies. Learn from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling authors. Want to get behind-the-scenes insights about how first-time authors overcame their fears and found the courage to write? Are you curious about how successful bestselling authors write or learn how to publish and market a book? Have you thought, "I'd like to write a book," but I don't know where to start? I explore authors' journeys, how they craft their stories, become published, and share their art of writing books with the world. You are meant to write the book now and be inspired by those who have done it. 

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How to Build TEDx Talks That Actually Move People, with Alexia Vernon and Kaia Vernon-Oliveira

    Send us a text What does it really take to deliver a TEDx talk that resonates? In this episode of Authors Who Lead, communication expert Alexia Vernon and TEDx speaker Kaia Vernon-Oliveira share what authors need to know about developing a powerful big idea, connecting with an audience, and building speaking confidence that opens doors. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Alexia Vernon and Kaia Vernon-Oliveira 01:11 What has changed in the TEDx landscape 03:45 Why authors should build speaking experience before TEDx 05:13 What event organizers really look for in speakers 06:40 Kaia’s TEDx journey and choosing her topic 08:46 Why passion matters more than fear 10:28 Structuring a talk for impact 15:22 Common mistakes speakers make 18:12 How to connect with an audience on stage 23:40 Practical techniques for presence and eye contact 25:27 Soul Stirring event overview 30:51 Final advice for aspiring speakers Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    35 min

  2. 4 DEC

    Loving Life & Living Your Genius Zone with Dr. Gay Hendricks

    Send us a text After eight years of hosting Authors Who Lead, Azul finally sits down again with the man who inspired the show from the very beginning: Dr. Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap, Conscious Loving, and his new memoir, Loving Life. In this intimate, spiritually rich conversation, Gay shares the stories behind his memoir, the pivotal moment on the ice that changed everything, the quiet teachers in his family (including his Aunt Kat), and how suffering can open the doorway to your genius. This is more than an interview—it’s an invitation to remember who you really are. Timestamp: 00:00 – Welcome & intro 00:32 – Why the podcast began 01:07 – Introducing Dr. Gay Hendricks 02:33 – Why he wrote a memoir 05:06 – Spiritual moments that shaped him 09:27 – Seeking answers at a young age 14:43 – Understanding your zone of genius 19:10 – Aunt Kat’s influence 26:29 – Life stages & growth 30:17 – The moment that changed everything 35:26 – Why Loving Life is transformative Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    37 min

  3. 27 NOV

    Why Your Book Isn’t a Side Project — And Why You’re Still Stuck | Azul Terronez

    Send us a text You’re a coach, entrepreneur, or leader with a powerful message. You know a book would expand your influence, elevate your authority, and open doors. So why does it still feel impossible to start? In this solo episode, Azul breaks down why brilliant, experienced leaders get stuck — and why your book is not a side project. You’ll learn the exact mindset shift needed to overcome overwhelm, silence self-doubt, and take the first real step toward becoming a published authority. If you've been “waiting for the right time” to start, this is the episode that will move you into action. Timestamp: 00:00 — Why your book idea matters more than you think 01:40 — The real reason coaches and creatives feel stuck 03:25 — Introducing the private podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start 05:00 — How writing your book builds authority and impact 06:52 — A gift to help you take the first step 08:16 — Final encouragement + holiday wishes Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    9 min

  4. 22 NOV

    Hollywood Legacy Meets Real Writer’s Work | Carla Malden

    Send us a text Novelist Carla Malden joins Azul to discuss her latest book, Playback—a nostalgic, time-traveling story about reconciling past ideals with present reality. They explore the character of Mari Caldwell, Carla’s cinematic writing style, and the emotional process of co-authoring a memoir with her father, Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden. Timestamp: 0:00 — Introducing Carla Malden and Playback 3:10 — The nostalgia and time travel behind Mari Caldwell’s story 8:00 — Writing a novel that stands alone but continues a character’s arc 10:33 — The influence of Carla’s screenwriting background 15:00 — Co-writing a memoir with her father, Karl Malden 20:26 — Writing process and lessons from crafting multiple genres 24:14 — Plotter vs. pantser: How Carla approaches storytelling 27:44 — Shifting trends in Hollywood and timeless storytelling 30:04 — Advice for authors struggling with doubt or imposter syndrome 34:00 — What’s next for Carla Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    35 min

  5. 14 NOV

    Why Books Still Matter in a World Full of Noise | Rob Walling

    Send us a text In a world where everything online disappears in 24 hours, why are books still the thing we remember? I recently sat down with Rob Walling — a serial entrepreneur who has started six companies, bootstrapped five of them, and written multiple bestselling books, including Start Small, Stay Small and The SaaS Playbook. What struck me most in our conversation wasn’t just his track record. It was how deeply he believes in books as a creative act and a lasting force in a noisy world. Timestamp: 00:00 – Why Rob felt familiar before we even met 01:26 – Why books still matter in a world of social media 02:57 – How Start Small, Stay Small quietly became a classic 04:06 – Being “first to the niche” and serving developers-turned-founders 05:06 – Validating a book idea with a landing page and real emails 07:29 – Is SaaS creative? How Rob channels his creativity into business and books 11:13 – Why I started my podcast to interview Gay Hendricks 17:45 – Modeling creativity and entrepreneurship for our kids 20:11 – Rob’s take on AI, startups, and the future of content 34:22 – The lasting power of books vs. content 40:07 – The books that changed Rob’s life 47:11 – What his next book will cover and why it matters Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    54 min

  6. 8 NOV

    How to Work with an Editor (and Why It’s a Creative Partnership) | Azul Terronez

    Send us a text Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page — it’s about letting others help you shape your message into its most powerful form. Azul Terronez explains the stages of editing, how to find the right editor, and how collaboration turns a manuscript into a masterpiece. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction and editing insights 04:02 Editing voice, tone, and flow 07:46 Choosing editors: curated platforms 09:48 Writing with an editor Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    13 min

  7. 18 OCT

    How Neuropsychology Can Accelerate Your Results | Dr. Shannon Irvine

    Send us a text In this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I welcome Dr. Shannon Irvine, an accomplished neuropsychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the SINC Neurocoach Models.  This riveting conversation peels back the curtain on Dr. Shannon’s journey from idea gestation to book launch, giving us an inside look at the neuroscience-driven method she shares in her new book, The 67-Day Year. Her work blends scientific rigor with practical wisdom and timeless principles, helping anyone—from new moms to high-powered CEOs—unlock levels of achievement they once thought impossible. Timestamp: 00:00 Sharing life-changing tools broadly 04:48 Breaking through entrepreneurial barriers 07:00 Neuroscience boosts results effectively 10:37 Mastering change in 67 days 15:25 Aligning your brain for goals 18:29 Overcoming fear to create 21:44 Azul’s vision and goal evolution 25:40 Embracing your writing style 30:02 The call to share wisdom 31:20 Flip fear, share wisdom Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    34 min

  8. 4 OCT

    How to Write a Book | Azul Terronez

    Send us a text Writing a book is a dream for many, but not every idea deserves 200 pages. In this solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I unpack one of the most common questions I hear from aspiring authors: How do I know if my idea is big enough for a book—or if it’s better off as a blog post, podcast, or talk? This question matters more than people realize. Books take time, energy, and long-term commitment. So before you dive in, let’s figure out what really makes a book-worthy idea—and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep writers stuck or stalled. Timestamp: 00:00 Determining if your idea’s a book 05:49 Books: tools for transformation 07:26 Blog posts aren’t books 10:32 Beyond tips: broadening book appeal 16:01 Evaluating your book’s purpose 16:57 Five-day writing challenge Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

    19 min
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About

If you want to know how bestselling authors find the time to write their books, the methods they use to be productive and how they find their ideas you will love this podcast. Writing coach Azul Terronez shares interviews with clients such as Pat Flynn, of the Smart Passive Income, Jon Vroman, of the Front Row Factor, and Dana Malstaff of Boss-Mom, Jadah Sellner of Simple Green Smoothies. Learn from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling authors. Want to get behind-the-scenes insights about how first-time authors overcame their fears and found the courage to write? Are you curious about how successful bestselling authors write or learn how to publish and market a book? Have you thought, "I'd like to write a book," but I don't know where to start? I explore authors' journeys, how they craft their stories, become published, and share their art of writing books with the world. You are meant to write the book now and be inspired by those who have done it. 

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