In Conversation with Terry Shepherd

Terry Shepherd

In Conversation with Terry Shepherd, award-winning broadcaster and author of the Jessica Ramirez Thrillers. A deep dive into the people and support systems behind the stories we love.

  1. Steven L. Conley - False Flag

    3d ago

    Steven L. Conley - False Flag

    What happens when an FBI insider turns his real-world counterintelligence experience into gripping espionage fiction? In this episode of In Conversation, Terry Shepherd sits down with former attorney and investigator Steven L. Conley to explore his thrilling new novel, False Flag. Inspired by the actual twenty-year hunt for a Chinese mole inside the Bureau, this discussion pulls back the curtain on the grueling psychological and bureaucratic realities of national security work. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🕵️‍♂️ The Anatomy of a Mole Hunt: How a real-world double-agent operation inspired a fictional narrative about institutional trust fossilizing into catastrophic betrayal.⚖️ The Labyrinth of Process: The frustrating gap between what an investigator knows and what the law permits them to prove, including the legal hurdles of FISA warrants and the threat of "graymail".👀 The Cost of High Alertness: How counterintelligence training fundamentally alters an agent's perception, transforming everyday encounters into potential threats and making ordinary life feel staged.✍️ The Operative as Storyteller: The cathartic process of deconstructing plot and motive to write a book that examines the heavy toll of keeping secrets from spouses, children, and friends.About the Guest Steven L. Conley entered the FBI by way of law school, international law, and a formative internship handling ship registries in Malta. Having lived inside the deep bureaucracy of secrecy, he brings unmatched institutional memory to his writing. False Flag is his gripping debut in espionage fiction, balancing the mechanics of classic spy thrillers with profound psychological depth. About Terry Shepherd Terry Shepherd is an author and the host of the In Conversation podcast series. Through deep-dive interviews with leading creators, Terry explores the shared commonalities of craft, motive, and storytelling that connect authors with their readers. Links & Resources Buy the Book: [Insert Purchase Link for False Flag]Author Website: [Insert Steven L. Conley's Website Link]Connect with the Host: [Insert Terry Shepherd's Official Website Link]Listen & Subscribe: [Insert Podcast Platform/Buzzsprout Links]We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    35 min
  2. Margaret Mizushima - Dying Cry

    4d ago

    Margaret Mizushima - Dying Cry

    Join host Terry Shepherd for an engaging conversation with award-winning mystery author Margaret Mizushima. In this episode, they dive deep into Dying Cry, the thrilling 10th installment of the internationally published Timber Creek Canine Mysteries. Margaret shares her creative process, the real-world research behind her authentic K-9 characters, and what is next for Deputy Maddie Walker and her canine partner, Robo. What You'll Hear in This Episode The World of Dying Cry: Discover how a snowy family snowshoe outing for newlyweds Maddie and Cole Walker turns deadly. A scream cuts through the canyon, leading Maddie and Robo to witness a shadowy figure vanish beneath a deadly rockslide.Real-World Inspiration: Margaret explains how her retired veterinarian husband helps her brainstorm plotlines. Together, they developed a storyline centered around a veterinary drug known as "tranq," which is abused by addicts and drug experimenters.Building Robo: Learn how Margaret's lifelong observation of dogs and her shadowing of a retired K-9 handler helped bring her beloved German shepherd character to life. Robo was purchased by the Timber Creek community to detect drugs and serve as a well-socialized partner in local schools.Hands-On Research: Hear about Margaret's fascinating trip to a Las Vegas police dog trial to observe K-9 behaviors, such as how officers command their dogs to release a bite sleeve.Future Projects: Get a sneak peek into her upcoming fall release, Fighting Edge, which tackles the serious issue of teenage labor trafficking. Margaret also shares that she is currently writing book 12, which focuses on vulnerable elderly people.About the Guest Margaret Mizushima is a retired speech therapist who grew up on a Colorado cattle ranch. She spent 15 years working toward publication, writing five manuscripts before her debut novel, Killing Trail, was finally picked up by Crooked Lane Books. Today, her work has earned honors from the Colorado Authors League, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and Women Writing the West. Fans love her series because of the lovable K-9 Robo, the fairly clean language, and her depiction of a supportive, competent police department. Books Discussed Book Title | Release Info | Plot HighlightsDying Cry | Book 10, released October 2025 | A deadly rockslide, greed, and the abuse of a veterinary drug called "tranq" Fighting Edge | Upcoming fall release | Focuses on the domestic and international labor trafficking of vulnerable teenagers Killing Trail | Book 1, released 2015 | The debut novel that launched the Timber Creek series Connect with Margaret: Visit her official website at margaretmizushima.com to explore her work. We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    17 min

  3. Jul 3

    Dara Levan - Shaken to the Core

    When the stable foundation of your life suddenly shifts, what do you do with the time you have left? Join host Terry Shepherd on In Conversation as he sits down with Dara Levan, the award-winning author, podcaster, and speech-language pathologist, to discuss her beautifully poignant new novel, Shaken to the Core. Together, they dive into a deeply moving story about grief, transformation, and the profound ways love and "framily" can reshape our worldview when we least expect it. In This Episode, We Discuss: 📸 Finding a Voice Behind the Lens: How the protagonist, Joy, uses photography as a protective comfort zone until life’s sudden detours force her to step out from behind the camera and reclaim her voice.📖 The Legacy of a Camp Diary: The evocative role of a 1980s sleepaway camp journal as a portal to understanding a mother's youth, sparking an unexpected professional metamorphosis.🌈 Choosing Joy Through Grief: Dara shares her personal experiences with otherworldly "visits," symbols like rainbows and ladybugs, and the conscious decision to choose hope in the wake of profound loss.🎙️ The Art of Listening: How hosting her own podcast, Every Soul Has a Story, and her background in speech pathology have deepened her empathy and expanded her worldview.About the Guest Dara Levan is an author, speaker, speech-language pathologist, and the founder of Every Soul Has a Story, a global platform dedicated to sharing the experiences that shape us. She is the author of It Could Be Worse, a contributor to the USA Today best-selling anthology On Being Jewish Now, and her latest novel, Shaken to the Core, has been recognized as a Zibby’s Summer Read and recommended in People Magazine. About Terry Shepherd Terry Shepherd is the author of the Jessica Ramirez thriller series and the host of In Conversation, where he welcomes world-class authors, creatives, and cultural figures for deep, insightful discussions about their craft and life journeys. Links & Resources Visit the Author’s Website: DaraLevan.comBuy the Book: [Shaken to the Core on Amazon/Bookshop]Listen to Dara's Podcast: [Every Soul Has a Story]Connect with the Host: [TerryShepherd.com]We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    23 min
  4. Steven Rubin - The Unraveling of Michael Galler

    Jul 2

    Steven Rubin - The Unraveling of Michael Galler

    What happens when healthy self-discipline morphs into a consuming, unseen obsession? Today, host Terry Shepherd sits down with author Steven M. Rubin to explore his gripping new novel, The Unraveling of Michael Galler, a slow-build psychological family drama that walks the fragile line between protection and psychological unraveling. Together, they dive into how personal trauma can redefine our deepest fears, and how the grueling 26.2-mile journey of a marathon serves as the ultimate crucible for the human spirit. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🧠 The Mechanics of Obsession: How childhood loss can cause a young mind to completely redefine the concept of illness and malevolent forces.🏃‍♂️ The Marathon as a Crucible: Steven shares his harrowing real-life experience of surviving a heart attack during the Marine Corps Marathon—and why he chose to retrain and finish it five years later.🎭 Twist vs. Reveal: A look behind the curtain at the craft of writing a psychological drama, and why the book’s shocking ending is a natural resolution rather than a traditional thriller twist.✍️ The Writer’s Marathon: Creative advice for aspiring authors on finding your voice, entering short fiction contests, and committing to the long-haul journey of writing a book.About the Guest Steven M. Rubin is a former collegiate football player, marathon runner, and corporate employee benefits strategist who brings a uniquely analytical and deeply personal perspective to his fiction. Raised outside of Boston, his own experiences with family loss and endurance running heavily inspired the framework of his celebrated debut novel, which earned him a "Best in Show" award for short fiction at the Marblehead Festival of Arts. About Terry Shepherd Terry Shepherd is the host of the In Conversation podcast series, where he interviews leading and emerging authors, diving deep into the craft of writing, character development, and the human stories behind the pages. Links & Resources Visit the Author’s Website: Steven M. Rubin Official Website Get the Book: Buy The Unraveling of Michael Galler on Amazon (Placeholder)Connect with the Host: Terry Shepherd Official Website (Placeholder)Follow the Podcast: In Conversation on Buzzsprout (Placeholder)We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    26 min
  5. John Winn Miller - Miriam in the Shadows

    Jun 29

    John Winn Miller - Miriam in the Shadows

    Can you preserve your humanity while fighting inhuman evil? In this episode of In Conversation, host Terry Shepherd sits down with award-winning investigative reporter and Pulitzer finalist John Winn Miller to discuss his gripping new World War II thriller, Miriam in the Shadows. Together, they explore the high-stakes world of espionage, the moral dilemmas of the Allied resistance, and how a seasoned journalist's eye for detail shapes historical suspense. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🕵️‍♂️ The Weight of Espionage: How real-life historical figures like Ian Fleming and the controversial MI6 agent Claude Dansey inspired a web of tactical deception and betrayal.⚖️ The Ultimate Moral Dilemma: The internal struggle of a Jewish Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent forced to choose between completing a vital war mission and saving the man she loves.📝 From Fact-Chasing to Fiction: How forty years in journalism and a background in screenwriting taught Miller to write with all five senses, letting historical fiction uncover truths that nonfiction cannot reach.🐀 What’s Next in the Saga: A sneak peek into volume four of the series, The Wilderness of Rats, which dives into the dark post-war history of Nazi escape "ratlines".About the Guest John Winn Miller is a true Renaissance man whose career spans decades as an investigative reporter, foreign correspondent, editor, filmmaker, and screenwriter. After retired journalism stints and a venture into screenwriting, he turned his decades of storytelling expertise to historical fiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Miriam in the Shadows is the third installment in his acclaimed Peggy Seeg saga. About Terry Shepherd Terry Shepherd is the host of In Conversation, a podcast dedicated to deep-dive dialogues with prolific authors, creatives, and standard-bearers of exceptional storytelling. Links & Resources Visit the Author’s Website: johnwinnmiller.com Buy the Book: Available on Amazon and all major e-edition platforms (Hardcover releasing June 2nd).Connect with Host Terry Shepherd: TerryShepherd.comWe all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    23 min

  6. Jun 26

    Lena Fein - Shattering the Mirror

    For decades, UC Berkeley-trained engineer and high-tech executive Lena Fein lived as a master of survival disguised as success, using academic achievement and corporate ambition as armor to mask the deep trauma of a violent, controlling childhood. But at age fifty-one, standing at the deathbed of her abusive mother, a profound moment of connection sparked an unexpected journey toward reckoning, release, and midlife reclamation. In this episode, Terry Shepherd sits down with Lena to discuss her deeply moving and redemptive new memoir, Shattering the Mirror, exploring how healing doesn't follow anyone else's timetable—and why it is never too late to reclaim your true voice. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🪞 The Metaphor of the Distorted Mirror: How a childhood amusement park memory and a harrowing, glass-shattering window accident became symbols for living with a distorted self-image and a fear of "falling" into love.🚪 Ambition as Armor: How academic perfection and a corporate career in high-tech served as a refuge and a survival mechanism to bypass emotional pain.🌾 Generational Trauma & Cruelty: Understanding the hidden history of her parents' generation—marred by the Depression and the Holocaust—and how Lena and her sisters eventually compared notes in midlife to discover they were not alone in their abuse.💃 Reclaiming the Heart in Midlife: Lena’s evolution after quitting her high-tech job, from working as a hospice caregiver to embracing freeform dance, singing, and finding genuine presence with her grandchildren.About the Guest Lena Fein is a UC Berkeley-trained engineer, former high-tech executive, and past hospice worker. After decades of navigating life out of her head, the passing of her mother catalyzed a profound emotional awakening, leading her to trade corporate metrics for creative and somatic healing. She is the author of the redemptive new memoir, Shattering the Mirror. About Terry Shepherd Terry Shepherd is the host of In Conversation, a podcast dedicated to deep, insightful dialogues with authors, creators, and thinkers who share powerful personal narratives and life-changing truths. Links & Resources Visit Lena Fein’s Official Website: shatteringthemirror.com Buy the Book: Shattering the Mirror Connect with Host Terry Shepherd: [Terry Shepherd's Official Website]Listen to More Episodes: [In Conversation Podcast Archive]We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    27 min
  7. Katie Rose Pryal - Your Kid Belongs Here

    Jun 25

    Katie Rose Pryal - Your Kid Belongs Here

    Some books arrive as guides; others arrive as lifelines. In this episode of In Conversation, host Terry Shepherd sits down with author, educator, and keynote speaker Dr. Katie Rose Pryal to discuss her profoundly necessary new book, Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider's Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children. Together, they explore what it means to dismantle rigid social norms, unlearn internalized shame, and build a world where neurodivergent children can truly thrive as their authentic selves. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🧠 The Myth of "Normal" & Institutional Penalties: Why neurodiversity represents normal variations in human neurological function, and how society systematically penalizes and excludes these differences from public life.🎭 Masking vs. Social Acting: The deep cognitive toll of subconscious "masking" to survive neurotypical expectations, and how parents can teach "social acting" as a conscious, optional tool free from shame.🎒 The Canary in the Coal Mine: Why traditional school systems and rigid social rules often fail neurodivergent kids, and how Katie’s family embraced homeschooling to foster independent learners.🏡 Finding Your "Here": Practical strategies for parents to validate their children's emotional needs, accommodate asynchronous development, and find spaces where their children genuinely belong.About the Guest: Dr. Katie Rose Pryal is an AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) writer, keynote speaker, and educator holding both a JD and a PhD. She is one of today's clearest voices writing about mental health and neurodiversity, with a distinguished body of work featured in Psychology Today, Slate, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and NPR. She is the author of Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider's Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children. About Terry Shepherd: Terry Shepherd is the host of In Conversation, a premier interview series dedicated to deep, insightful dialogues with authors, creators, and thought leaders shaping our cultural landscape. Links & Resources: Buy the Book: [Insert Book Link Here]Visit the Author's Website: [Insert Author Website Here]Connect with Terry Shepherd: [Insert Terry Shepherd Link Here]We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    38 min

  8. Jun 24

    Heather J Fitt - Getting My Books Back

    Here is the optimized, high-conversion Buzzsprout episode description based on the interview transcript. What happens when a crime writer decides to take back total creative control of their work? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with Heather J. Fitt, an accomplished author, editor, and the General Coordinator for the Crime Writers’ Association, to explore her journey from the motor trade to the heart of the crime writing world. Together, they dive into the realities of traditional versus self-publishing, the deep research required to write unsettling thrillers, and why a sense of belonging is the quiet theme connecting all of her stories. In This Episode, We Discuss: 🗺️ The Power of Reinvention: How a passing teenage dream of journalism was crushed by a classmate, only for Heather to reclaim her voice and write her first novel at age 38.📈 Taking Books Back: The strategic decision to transition her three successful crime novels—Open Your Eyes, The Flight, and The Boat Trip—from traditional publishing to self-publishing on KDP to reclaim her royalties and control her marketing.🔍 The 10% Rule of Research: Why deep-diving into the dark corners of the internet, interviewing pilots, and learning Atlantic seafaring protocols makes her fiction undeniably accurate (even if she only uses a fraction of what she learns).🧛 Blending Crime with Horror: A sneak peek into her upcoming novel, Day Walker, a dark crime thriller with a sharp horror twist set in the historic streets of Edinburgh.About the Guest: Heather J. Fitt is an author, editor, and publishing professional who spent six years as a commissioning advisor for Bloodhound Books before taking on her current role as General Coordinator for the Crime Writers’ Association. She is the author of three gripping crime novels: Open Your Eyes, The Flight, and The Boat Trip. When she isn't managing prestigious literary events like the Dagger Awards, she can be found writing from the south coast of England or holidaying in Barbados. About Terry Shepherd: Terry Shepherd is the host of the In Conversation podcast series, where he interviews leading voices in the literary and creative spaces, exploring the triumphs, trials, and trade secrets of successful authors. Links & Resources: Visit the Author's Website: Heather J. Fitt Official Website Buy Heather's Books: Heather J. Fitt on Amazon Connect with the Host: Terry Shepherd Official WebsiteWe all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    21 min
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In Conversation with Terry Shepherd, award-winning broadcaster and author of the Jessica Ramirez Thrillers. A deep dive into the people and support systems behind the stories we love.

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