Every Soul Has A Story

Dara Levan
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Monthly

Every Soul Has A Story Hosted By Dara Levan

  1. May 18

    Matchmaker Secrets: Finding Love When You Least Expect It | Jaydi Samuels Kuba

    What happens when a Hollywood matchmaker’s own love story begins with her client? In this episode, host Dara Levan sits down with Jaydi Samuels Kuba, a matchmaker, dating coach, and author of Your Last First Date. Jaydi shares the surprising story of how she met her husband—after setting him up with other women—and why throwing away the superficial checklist was key to their success. She pulls back the curtain on the high-end matchmaking industry, revealing why expensive guarantees often come with hidden risks. Jaydi also opens up about her personal journey through IVF, the vital statistics that changed her course, and how that experience deepened her empathy as a coach. If you’re tired of swiping and ready for a real connection, this conversation about wants versus needs is for you. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - Meeting her husband (a former client) 5:40 - Deal breakers vs. preferences 9:10 - Starting the business & early days 17:45 - Affordable matchmaking & industry ethics 22:25 - Vetting clients & confidentiality 25:44 - Men, women & superficial wants 29:42 - Connecting matchmaking with infertility 32:38 - The CDC data that changed her IVF journey 38:32 - How IVF informed her matchmaking 40:09 - Age ranges & diverse client demographics 43:14 - The link between writing and matchmaking 46:30 - Where to find Jaydi 47:07 - Outro RESOURCES: Website: ljmatchmaking.com Book: Your Last First Date: Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker Podcast: Match Made in Hollywood (with her husband) Social Media: @MatchMadeInHollywood Fertility Resource: SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) – Website to check clinic success rates. Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

    48 min

  2. Apr 24

    From True Crime Family Murder to Fiction Writing with Debbie Levison

    What happens when you discover a wooden crate containing human remains under your family's lake house—and your brother becomes the primary murder suspect? In this powerful episode, author Debbie Levison shares her shocking true crime story "The Crate," which intertwines her Holocaust survivor parents' history with a present-day murder investigation. Debbie opens up about why she pivoted to fiction with her latest novel "A Novel Crime," how she copes with trauma through dark humor, and why writing fiction gives her control over chaos that real life doesn't offer. Key takeaways: the vulnerability of nonfiction writing, how Holocaust survivors reclaimed their sanctuary after violence, and why comparing yourself to other authors is universal. Perfect for true crime lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone navigating family trauma.  0:00 - Intro 14:47 - Discovering the crate under lake house 19:02 - Family trauma & Holocaust survivor parents 24:23 - Why fiction beats nonfiction 24:49 - Writing process & failed plotting 25:06 - Statistics & speech pathology detour 29:08 - Rascal House nostalgia 29:40 - Concert pianist past 29:42 - Debbie's concert pianist background 31:13 - Outro RESOURCES: Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com •    https://debbielevison.com/

    31 min

  3. Apr 10

    Using Humor to Tackle Race, Religion, and Privilege | Asha Youmans & Alli Frank

    What happens when a white Jewish woman asks a black Christian woman to “get together and talk about race”? For authors Asha Youmans and Alli Frank, it was the beginning of a bestselling writing partnership. In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan sits down with this dynamic duo to discuss their fifth book, Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman, and their mission to tackle hard topics—like race, religion, and privilege—through humor and joy. They reveal the surprising pushback they’ve faced from publishers who feared their partnership was “exploitative,” the hilarious rejection of a controversial book title, and how their decades in education gave them the thick skin needed to navigate the publishing industry. Listeners will learn about their unique writing process, how they navigate disagreements, and why they believe everyone is just trying to do their best. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - How they decide what’s funny 2:30 - David Sedaris quote: “Everything is funny eventually” 4:09 - How Asha and Alli first met 6:43 - The coffee date to “talk about race” 8:45 - The mission: using humor and joy 13:45 - Learning through laughter 15:50 - The one-star review about veganism 17:30 - Dealing with feedback from cultural readers 20:14 - How they handle disagreements 21:26 - Parsing out personal reactions from the scene 24:08 - The common thread: everyone is doing their best 28:59 - Who gets to write which characters? 34:55 - The truth about trigger warnings in publishing 39:40 - Publishers’ concerns about exploitation 44:08 - Their tight editing process 52:09 - Their creative process: Ally Lane and the green light RESOURCES: https://alliandasha.com/ Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story: •    https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/ •    Website: daralevan.com

    1h 8m

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dara Levan
  • Show Website
    Every Soul Has A Story