H.E.R. Amplified: Formerly Project Seed Money

Sharissa Bradley
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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

  1. 4d ago

    The 29th Degree of Transformation: Kelly Watt on Astrological Healing, Hybrid Publishing, and Conquering Creative Panic

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley welcomes author, playwright, and healer Kelly Watt. Kelly shares her lifetime journey with story—from writing her first crayon book at age six to studying playwriting, being mentored by renowned Canadian author Timothy Findley on her debut Gothic novel Mad Dog, and navigating the turbulent release of her first book two days after 9/11. She dives deep into her award-winning collection of poetry and flash prose, The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide, explaining the astrological significance of the 29th degree and how a pandemic pivot led her to Wild Rising Press. Kelly also reveals her practical tools for overcoming author anxiety, including EFT tapping and her step-by-step Fear Inventory System for when her mind starts going crazy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:56 – Early Storytelling & Seeing Books as Gateways 02:39 – Dual Callings: The Intersection of Healing and Writing 04:20 – Mentorship with Timothy Findley & Writing Mad Dog 05:25 – Pandemic Pivot: The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide 08:35 – Understanding the 29th Astrological Degree & Collective Healing 11:30 – Comparing Traditional vs. Indie Hybrid Publishing 15:00 – Award Validation & Marketing with Social Media Intention 18:09 – Overcoming Self-Doubt: EFT Tapping & The Fear Inventory System 22:27 – Courage is Action: Why Confidence Comes After You Take the Leap 24:58 – Remembering "You Are Not Your Book" & Where to Find Kelly Connect with Kelly Watt: Website https://www.kellywatt.ca Instagram @kellywattauthor Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellywattauthor LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-watt-0b987958/   HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  2. Sep 22

    Reinventing Your Story: BJ Magnani on Medical Mysteries, Sidewalk Sales, and Landing a TV Deal

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with BJ Magnani, former pathologist, research scientist, teacher, and author of the Dr. Lily Robinson series. BJ shares her remarkable path through four distinct careers, explaining how a request to write a fictional column for a major medical journal launched her novel-writing career. She discusses her debut novel, The Queen of All Poisons, which follows a Boston pathologist recruited as a covert government assassin. BJ also opens up about battling self-doubt, relying on community over technical tools, and the incredible moment a bookstore sidewalk sale led to a potential streaming series contract a year later. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:46 – Four Careers: From Teacher to Scientist to Pathologist 01:55 – The Clinical Chemistry Column: Turning Toxins into Fiction 04:55 – The Queen of All Poisons & Dr. Lily Robinson 06:45 – Overcoming Writer's Self-Doubt & Launching a Pen Name 08:34 – Why Community is an Author's #1 Tool 09:10 – Publishing with Encircle Publications 10:04 – The Sidewalk Sale that Led to a TV Streaming Deal 13:23 – Where to Find BJ's Books & Poison Blog 14:51 – Final Inspiration: Lifelong Learning & Never Giving Up   Connect with BJ Magnani: Website https://www.bjmagnani.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@bj_magnani Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bjmagnaniauthor LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/barbarajean-magnani-phd-md-26659778 BLUSKY https://bsky.app/profile/bjmagnani.bsky.social HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world. Formerly Project Seed Money. Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley. If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  3. Sep 15

    Unstoppable Storytelling: Sandy Malone on Journalism, TLC's Wedding Island, and Writing Bold Fiction

    What does it take to pivot from political journalism to running a destination wedding empire, starring in a reality TV show, and becoming a bestselling fiction author? In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley chats with the multitalented Sandy Malone. Sandy takes us through her colorful life story, from reporting on police beats and writing for The Wall Street Journal to coordinating disaster relief after Hurricane Maria and leading the Police Tribune. She opens up about the vulnerability of publishing fiction, her Jekyll Island book series, her upcoming novel Thicker Than Blood, and her essential advice for aspiring female writers. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified 00:43 – Early Writing Dreams & High School Newspaper Controversy 02:50 – Journalism at Ohio State, Georgetown & The Wall Street Journal 04:45 – Switching to DC Public Affairs & Discovering Vieques Island 06:20 – Running 19 Weddings a Month & TLC's Wedding Island 08:50 – Hurricane Maria, Emergency Evacuations, and Moving On 12:00 – Writing for Brides, HuffPost, and Becoming Editor-in-Chief of Police Tribune 18:00 – Transitioning to Fiction: Escape to Jekyll Island & Thicker Than Blood 23:15 – Advice for Female Authors: Knowing Your Ending & Ignoring Doubters Connect with Sandy Malone: Website: https://sandymalone.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandynmalone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyMaloneWIV TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sandy.malone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-malone-author/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SandyMaloneAuthor/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SandyMaloneBooks X; https://x.com/SandyMalone_    Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/QH72ogV9AgA

  4. Sep 8

    Climbing the Spiral Staircase: Elizabeth Wilson on Divorce, Drastic Rewrites, and Reclaiming Joy

    What happens when writing your memoir changes your entire life? Today on H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Elizabeth Wilson to celebrate the launch of her debut book, Lonely Girl: An Unexpected Love Story. Elizabeth gets raw about the emotional and logistical marathon of her publishing journey. She details why she threw out 95% of her original draft, how her writing process forced her to confront her marriage, and what happened when her publication date coincided with moving and her fiancé's major shoulder surgery. If you've ever faced creative burnout or felt like you're starting over, Elizabeth's inspiring "spiral staircase" analogy will give you the perspective shift you need.   Connect with Elizabeth: Website: whisperedwisdompress.com Instagram: @ewilsonwrites Podcast: Inspired Writer Collective Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow H.E.R. Amplified on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jaJ7pTpPTlE

  5. Aug 31

    No Regrets: Lindsey Goldstein on Finding Your Writing Rhythm and Small Press Success

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with author Lindsey Goldstein to discuss her inspiring journey to becoming a published novelist later in life. Lindsey shares how getting a personal essay published in The New York Times finally gave her the confidence to write her first book. She opens up about the long, arduous reality of the querying trenches, the game-changing community she found through Pitch to Publish, and why parting ways with her literary agent was ultimately the best decision for her career. Whether you are looking to submit directly to small presses, balance a busy life with writing sprints, or overcome the fear of rejection, Lindsey's practical wisdom is the ultimate guide to charting your own path. In this video, you'll learn: How an external validation spark can build your confidence to write. The realities of query letters, beta readers, and page-one rewrites. How to find open, un-agented submission windows with small presses. Balancing 1-hour writing sprints with a busy career, family, and a demanding dog. Why setting concrete, external deadlines is the key to finishing your manuscript. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Lindsey Goldstein. 00:27 – The Confidence Spark: Getting published in The New York Times. 02:17 – The Query Trenches: Learning the hard way and the power of Pitch to Publish. 04:10 – The Page-One Rewrite: Tossing a draft to save the premise. 05:40 – Parting with an Agent & Landing Egret Lake Books. 07:56 – Hidden Resources: Finding free, un-agented publishing guides. 11:07 – Fitting Writing In: 1-hour slots vs. 4-hour refrigerator trips. 12:21 – Deadlines as Tools: Setting agent pitches to finish the book. 16:56 – Final Encouragement: Why it is never too late to start. Connect with Lindsey: Website: lindseygoldsteinauthor.com Instagram/Threads: @GoldsteinLindsey Substack: lindseygoldstein.substack.com

  6. Aug 24

    Building Your Own Stage: Jennifer Lieberman on Creative Agency, Handling Harsh Feedback, and Fighting the Bots

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Jennifer Lieberman, the creative powerhouse behind the award-winning solo show and hit novel Year of the What? (originally titled Year of the Slut). Jennifer pulls back the curtain on her multi-hyphenate career as an actor, producer, and author. She gets incredibly raw about the devastating "amateur mistakes" of her early publishing journey, why she shelved her manuscript for an entire year after a brutal editing critique, and how an encounter at a coffee shop completely changed her path. Learn how she navigated online censorship by internet algorithms, built her business Make Your Own Break, and why she believes self-doubt is actually a secret weapon that drives artists to excel. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Jennifer Lieberman. 00:31 – The Actor-Writer Shift: Creating your own opportunities. 01:08 – Erotic Poetry and the Fifty Shades catalyst. 01:54 – Bringing Year of the Slut from a 10-character solo show to a chick lit novel. 03:59 – The Crushing Critique: The unvetted editor who made her cry for a week. 05:52 – The Pivoting Trap: Bouncing between screenplays, web series, and books. 06:48 – Reclaiming Her Power: The boyfriend who pushed her to self-publish. 07:22 – Serendipitous Connections: Burning Man nails and The Nanny Diaries editor. 07:55 – Censored by the Bots: Rebranding to Year of the What?. 10:37 – Overcoming the "Icky" feeling of self-promotion. 12:11 – Writing First-Person: The "Carrie Bradshaw" fantasy vs. reality. 13:20 – The Artist's Rollercoaster: Why vulnerability makes us better creatives. 15:43 – Make Your Own Break & where to find Jennifer's books. 16:50 – Final Inspiration: Facing the "big matzah ball" of fear. Connect more with Jennifer:  Website www.MakeYourOwnBreak.com Instagram @iamjenlieberman Facebook @iamjenlieberman LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjenlieberman/ www.YearOfTheWhat.com   Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fplzSNjrynw

  7. Aug 17

    Curiosity as a Catalyst: Karolina Wudniak on the Art of Nonfiction Book Design

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Karolina Wudniak, the creative force behind Paper Wing Studio. Karolina shares her fascinating "full circle" journey—from a journalist and blogger in Poland to a professional book designer in Canada. She explains how her background in writing and photography prepared her to turn manuscripts into "visual language." We dive deep into her collaborative design process, why she specializes in nonfiction and memoirs, and the critical technical questions authors must ask before hiring a designer. In this video, you'll learn: How a background in journalism and travel photography fuels professional book design.   Why the "onboarding call" is like a first date—and why it's essential for a successful book.   The difference between designing for fiction and the factual, spiritual space of nonfiction.   How to protect yourself from copyright infringement and "AI-generated" surprises.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction.   01:06 – From Journalist to Designer: Karolina's journey from Poland to Canada.   03:00 – The First Gig: How an audiobook cover led to a seven-year career.   05:00 – Using Curiosity as a Catalyst for visual storytelling.   06:02 – Genre Specialties: Why Karolina chooses nonfiction and memoirs over fantasy.   08:00 – The Onboarding Process: The "first date" check and the detailed questionnaire.   10:40 – Collaborative Design: How revisions help authors market their books.   12:50 – Timing and Planning: When to get on a designer's calendar.   16:05 – Questions for the Interview: Sourcing artwork, fonts, and AI policies.   19:00 – Red Flags: Copyright infringement and the necessity of contracts.   21:51 – Final Advice: Working through creative blocks in nature.   Connect with Karolina: Website https://paperwingstudio.ca/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paperwing.studio/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/anglartkarolina/ Scheduling Link https://client.paperwingstudio.ca/public/discovery-call

  8. Aug 10

    Developing Rhino Skin: Edwina Perkins on Faith, Voice, and Industry Integrity

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Edwina Perkins, a seasoned publishing veteran, developmental editor, and author of The Colors of Home. Edwina shares her remarkable "full circle" journey—from learning the industry as an acquisition editor and conference director to finally hearing the "whisper" that it was time to publish her own story. We dive deep into the themes of her novel, including navigating racial identity in a small town, parenting children in "rainbow shades of brown," and the beauty of characters with special needs. Whether you are an aspiring author struggling with self-doubt or a writer looking to ensure your work is culturally authentic through sensitivity reading, Edwina's wisdom and industry expertise offer a masterclass in professional resilience. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Edwina Perkins. 00:35 – Stepping back to learn the industry: The journey from writer to editor. 02:29 – The Need for Representation: Why stories from the margins must be told. 04:06 – The Colors of Home: Navigating prejudice and diverse family identities. 07:29 – Overcoming industry doubt and protecting your unique voice. 09:44 – The Full Circle Moment: How a divine connection led to a contract in 48 hours. 13:09 – Expert Services: Coaching, ghostwriting, and sensitivity reading. 19:14 – Final Advice: Why writers need "rhino skin". Connect with Edwina: Website: edwinaperkins.com Instagram instagram.com/edwinaperkins/ Facebook Personal -  https://www.facebook.com/edwina.perkins.3/   Professional - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581949774839 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@edwina_perkins LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwina-perkins-78197138/ Book: The Colors of Home (Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble) Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8WfvSZ7AYR4

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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

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