Every Soul Has A Story

Dara Levan
  • 4.8 (17)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Every Soul Has A Story Hosted By Dara Levan

  1. JAN 28

    Reinventing Yourself After Divorce | Lisa Niver

    What if the red flags in your life were literally invisible? Award-winning author, speaker, and travel host Lisa Niver joins Dara Levan to share her incredible story of reinvention after a traumatic divorce and a late-in-life diagnosis of a lazy eye that reshaped her understanding of her past. Discover how Lisa’s journey through vision therapy, extensive world travel, and writing her memoir "Brave-ish" helped her piece together a pattern of abuse she once mistook for a "parade." In this raw conversation, you'll learn the power of post-traumatic growth, the importance of asking "what now?" instead of "what if?", and practical tips for reclaiming your life and joy. If you've ever felt stuck, unseen, or are seeking inspiration to break free, this episode is for you. 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - Lisa Niver’s Book and Award 3:37 - Jewish Summer Camp Inspiration 5:26 - What is an Ulpan? 7:48 - Adult Lazy Eye Diagnosis 11:53 - The End of a Marriage 15:29 - Connecting Vision and Relationship Patterns 18:54 - The Vulnerability of Writing 22:06 - The Book’s Unexpected Audience 25:14 - Replacing Self-Judgment with Compassion 27:58 - The Forward-Looking Question 31:35 - The Challenge of Outlining 37:40 - A Somatic Writing Ritual 39:19 - What Brings Lisa Joy 42:52 - Outro RESOURCES: https://www.lisaniver.com/ https://wesaidgotravel.com/

    43 min

  2. JAN 21

    From Reading X-Rays to Writing Novels | Heather Frimmer

    What happens when a breast radiologist decides to write gripping medical novels? Join host Dara Levan for a conversation with physician and author Heather Frimmer, whose third book, Always Hope, explores the devastating impact of a malpractice lawsuit from all sides. Discover how Heather’s medical career fuels her writing, why empathy is her superpower in both radiology and fiction, and how she crafts authentic yet dramatic page-turners. In this episode, you’ll learn the surprising inspiration behind her novels, her top tips for aspiring authors, and her unique perspective on balancing a demanding career with a creative life. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on storytelling, resilience, and finding hope. 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Heather’s Life as a Radiologist and Author 2:57 - The Shift to Breast Imaging 5:50 - The Inspiration for Better to Trust 7:24 - How Writing Impacts Medical Empathy 9:26 - The Empathetic Side of Radiology 11:22 - On Identifying as a Writer 13:10 - Heather’s Publishing Journey 15:53 - How Each Book Changed Heather 18:10 - Writing Through Personal Challenges 20:04 - The Next Writing Project 22:49 - The Importance of Research and Readers 28:47 - Where to Find Heather Frimmer 29:07 - Outro RESOURCES: https://www.heatherfrimmer.com/ @heatherfrimmer

    30 min

  3. JAN 14

    From Dance Critic to Bestselling Author | Kathryn Craft

    How does an optimist write about her husband's suicide and find purpose in the pain? Author, developmental editor, and former dance critic Kathryn Craft joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on transforming personal tragedy into powerful fiction. Discover how Kathryn's journey through loss led to her novels The Art of Falling and The Far End of Happy, learn why she waited eight years to tell her most difficult story, and explore her unique concept of "story as energy" from her new craft book. This episode offers key takeaways on resilience, the subjectivity of artistic reception, and setting healthy family boundaries. If you're interested in writing craft, mental health narratives, or finding the silver lining in life's darkest moments, this story is for you. 0:00 - Intro 1:36 - Writing about a husband's suicide 3:41 - The call from a literary agent 7:35 - Why her first novel came first 10:44 - Titling The Far End of Happy 15:39 - Changing agents and integrity 18:31 - Remaining an optimist through tragedy 22:46 - The subjectivity of rejection 27:06 - Writing from three points of view 31:36 - New craft book: Story as Energy 35:33 - Finding voice through dance 44:12 - The power of unanswered questions 47:55 - Where to find Kathryn Craft 49:05 - Outro RESOURCES: Kathryn Craft: •    Instagram: @kathryncraft •    Website: kathryncraft.com Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

    50 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Reclaiming Your Identity in Menopause, with Lauren Tetenbaum

    What if menopause could be an opportunity for empowerment and reclaiming your identity? In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan speaks with Lauren Tetenbaum, a licensed social worker and author of Millennial Menopause. They dive into the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause that can start as early as one's late thirties, the critical importance of setting loving but firm boundaries, and how to shift your mindset to navigate this life transition with confidence. Listen in for expert insights on women's mental health, practical advice for advocating for your well-being, and how to build a supportive network. Discover why knowing more about menopause is essential for every millennial woman and those who care about them. 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Lauren's Miami and Cuban Roots 2:18 - The Origin of Millennial Menopause 3:41 - The Pivotal Book Idea 4:56 - Collaborating with Health Experts 6:21 - Menopause as a Liberating Phase 7:50 - Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 9:09 - Body Image and Eating Issues 11:36 - Lauren's Self-Care Practices 13:39 - Setting Boundaries at Work 16:43 - How to Set Loving Boundaries 19:52 - Handling Boundary Pushback 22:22 - Lessons for Your Younger Self 25:23 - Where to Find Lauren's Book 26:03 - Outro RESOURCES Millennial Menopause BookLauren's WebsiteDara Levan's WebsiteDara Levan's Instagram (Handled mentioned as "Follow me on Instagram at Dara Levan")

    26 min

  5. 11/07/2025

    Perfectionism, Parenting, and the Pressure to Recover with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

    What if "full recovery" from an eating disorder is an unrealistic ideal? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan has an unfiltered conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of the reported memoir "Slip." Mallory bravely shares her journey from the traumatic loss of her mother at age 11 to a decades-long struggle with anorexia, binge-restrict cycles, and the often-overlooked "middle place" of recovery. Discover three key takeaways: why we need to redefine recovery as "better, not all better," how grief and perfectionism can manifest as disordered eating, and the surprising warning signs of eating disorders in both women and men. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by eating disorders, body image issues, grief, or the quest for self-acceptance. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:25 - Welcoming Mallary Tenore Tarpley 2:02 - Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder 3:09 - Mallory's Mother's Cancer Battle 4:12 - Writing Her Mother's Eulogy 4:33 - The Harmful Health Class 7:18 - The Pressure of Perfect Recovery 8:22 - Defining the "Middle Place" 11:31 - Involving Her Father in the Memoir 16:00 - Realistic Expectations for Recovery 25:12 - Postpartum OCD and Pumping 27:04 - Eating Disorders in Men 32:51 - How to Approach a Loved One 39:11 - Parenting and Body Image 44:26 - Outro RESOURCES: Mallary's Book: Slip by Mallary Tenore Tarpley (Available wherever books are sold) Mallary's Newsletter: Mallary's Substack Mallary's Instagram: @mallarytenoretarpley Host Dara Levan's Website: daralevan.com Host Dara Levan's Instagram: @daralevan

    45 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Overcoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill Santopolo

    What if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in fiction, learn to silence your inner critic, and find out why you should never journal if it feels like a chore. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and living a life without regrets. 0:00 - Intro 0:22 - Welcoming author Jill Santopolo 0:57 - The emotional resonance of Jill's novels 2:06 - How Jill compartmentalizes her many roles 3:09 - Writing as a zen-like meditation practice 5:02 - Using fiction to escape and cope 7:48 - The struggle with journaling 9:18 - Letting go of parenting "shoulds" 11:19 - Baking and running for joy 12:19 - Jill's background in music and theater 14:20 - The "road trip" method of writing 20:05 - Why the first draft is messy 24:51 - The truth behind the fiction 31:30 - Jill's biggest fear revealed 32:12 - Going skydiving and taking risks 39:12 - Outro RESOURCES: Jill Santopolo's Website: https://www.jillsantopolo.com Jill on Instagram: @jillsantopolo Jill on Facebook: Jill Santopolo Author The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo The Sparkle Spa Series by Jill Santopolo

    39 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    On Healing and Legacy Through Fiction: Rachel Caplin’s Soul-Stirring Story

    What happens when a tech executive discovers writing as therapy for processing her grandmother's dementia? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan converses with Rachel Caplin—VP of Business Development, mother of three, and author of "The Spoon and the Sea." Rachel shares her incredible journey from Australia to Israel, how she met her husband in a destined encounter, and why writing fiction became her unexpected path to healing. Discover how writing helped Rachel process grief, why she initially never intended to publish her book, and how current events in Israel inspired her second manuscript. Listeners will learn about the therapeutic power of writing, balancing multiple passions, and finding joy during dark times. This conversation explores writing as legacy, cultural identity, and how our greatest challenges often birth our most meaningful creative work. 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Rachel's background and family 1:58 - Rachel's career in technology 2:27 - Childhood love of writing 5:26 - Speech therapy and stuttering journey 7:51 - Moving from Australia to Israel 10:32 - Explanation of Aliyah 11:51 - The Spoon and the Sea inspiration 15:02 - Writing to process grief 22:36 - The freedom of writing fiction 25:13 - Second book and October 7th 28:12 - Letting go through fiction 32:57 - The power of story 35:55 - Writing as legacy 44:37 - Outro RESOURCES: IG: @rachelhcaplin_https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239379199-the-spoon-and-the-sea

    45 min

  8. 10/06/2025

    Writing Your Way Home: Julie Fingersh on Her "Accidental" Memoir 'Stay'

    Discover the memoir writing journey of Julie Fingersh, an award-winning journalist turned "accidental author" of Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas. Named a People Magazine Best Memoir, Julie reveals how midlife crisis, empty nesting, and buried family secrets ignited her bestselling book. Learn why she stopped writing for 30 years—and how radical truth-telling healed her. What happens when publishing success isn’t enough? Unlock universal lessons on creativity, resilience, and finding your voice.     TIMESTAMPS:   0:00 - Intro  0:22 - Julie’s accidental author origin  1:17 - Why she stopped writing  2:45 - Midlife crisis awakening  3:45 - Montana writer’s retreat  4:24 - Crafting memoir for readers  7:44 - Memoir cover symbolism  8:48 - People Magazine accolade  11:00 - Universal reader resonance  19:48 - Platform-building struggles  22:00 - Arrival fallacy revelation  26:13 - Family permission to publish  31:32 - Julie’s gratitude to Dara  32:24 - Outro      RESOURCES:   https://juliefingersh.com/ https://juliefingersh.com/stay

    33 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Every Soul Has A Story Hosted By Dara Levan

Information

  • Creator
    Dara Levan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dara Levan
  • Show Website
    Every Soul Has A Story