Finish the Damn Book Podcast

Susie Schaefer
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ARTS

Finish the Damn Book is the podcast for aspiring authors who are done with procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt—and ready to finally write, publish, and share their story with the world.Hosted by Susie Schaefer, publishing expert, book doula, and founder of Finish the Book Publishing, this show is your no-fluff, heart-forward guide through the emotional, spiritual, and tactical journey of becoming an author.In each episode, you’ll hear from authors who’ve overcome real-life challenges—from PTSD and imposter syndrome to burnout and fear of being seen—and discover how they found the courage to finish their books. You’ll also learn insider tips from editors, designers, and publishing professionals on everything from writing routines to cover design, independent publishing, author branding, and the latest in publishing tech.Whether you’re writing a legacy memoir, building a business brand, or turning pain into purpose, this podcast will give you the support, tools, and inspiration you need to finish the damn book.Subscribe now—and every week, one lucky listener who leaves a review on Apple Podcasts will be entered to win a $25,000 VIP Publishing Day with Susie!

  1. 3D AGO

    Dr. Jodi Blinco | Inner Alchemy, Real Results

    We talk with Dr. Jodi Blinko about finishing her book, rebuilding Zen Leader, and how authenticity, intuition, and simple mantras can carry real weight in business and creative life. A live card reading frames the year’s energy and offers a clear path to build with focus. • turning Inner Alchemy from idea to finished book • relaunching Zen Leader to serve holistic and corporate needs • choosing values over ego and people pleasing • healing old beliefs and letting go of misaligned roles • intuition as a daily leadership and hiring tool • title choice, brand voice, and audience fit • card reading on receiving, purpose, and building by the book • programs, masterclass, and how to work with Jodi • mantras for imposter syndrome and creative stamina If you're serious about finishing the damn book and want to explore what that can look like for you, your next step is a conversation. You can book a consultation at FinishTheBookPublishing.com and find out what it would take to move your book forward Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    37 min

  2. JAN 29

    MeiMei Fox: How Story, Strategy, And AI Help You Finish Your Book

    A career doesn’t always start with a plan; sometimes it starts with a nudge you can’t ignore. We sit down with MeiMei Fox—two-time New York Times bestselling author, ghostwriter, and coach—to unpack the real mechanics of writing a book readers finish and share. From a surprise first deal to decades of editorial trenches, MeiMei shows why your brain trusts story more than stats, and how to turn lived experience into pages that move people to action. We get practical fast. MeiMei breaks down a five-day best-selling book blueprint that helps you shape a clear promise, map chapters with intent, and build momentum with an email list that actually converts. Then we get honest about AI: where it shines (outlines, titles, grammar, keyword strategy) and where it fails (soul, specificity, and voice). The takeaway is empowering—use AI as a collaborator to speed structure and polish, then rely on human nuance to make the work unforgettable. We also talk money, timelines, and expectations. Big advances are rare, promotion budgets aren’t a windfall, and yet the path to impact is clearer than ever: sharper positioning, tighter edits, and consistent audience building. Beyond tactics, MeiMei shares how memoir became medicine, why writing can rewire your brain, and how following intuition led to love, family, and a new chapter abroad. It’s part craft class, part reality check, and part permission slip to write the scene you’ve been avoiding. Ready to finish your book with courage and clarity? Follow, share with a writer friend, and leave a quick review to help more authors find the show. Visit MeiMei Fox online at writeyourbestsellingbook.com  Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    43 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Charlie Daly: Memoir, Intuition & Human Truth (Part 2) The Art of Going There

    In this episode, ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly reveals how to write stories that truly matter. He and host Susie Schafer dive into intuition, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and why the deepest truths—messy, imperfect, and human—create the most powerful books. From navigating tough interviews to breaking through a writer’s emotional blocks, Charlie shares how real storytelling happens when authors drop the mask, embrace authenticity, and dare to go deeper. Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    36 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Charlie Daly: From War Stories to Words (Part 1) A Ghostwriter’s Life in Memoir & Storytelling

    In this episode, Susie sits down with ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly to explore the emotional, creative, and deeply human side of ghostwriting. Charlie shares how he helps authors—especially veterans and trauma survivors—“go there” with difficult stories, the healing that happens through storytelling, and why collaboration is at the heart of every great book. From his cottage on the Irish coast to the pages of powerful memoirs, Charlie opens up about process, purpose, and preserving stories before they're lost forever.  Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    31 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Jennifer Reiser: Lessons From the Animal Kingdom on Reinventing Leadership

    In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer sits down with leadership expert, author, and TEDx speaker Jennifer Reiser—a visionary who blends human-centered leadership with unexpected lessons from the natural world. Jennifer opens up about the emotional challenges behind creating her two leadership coloring workbooks, including releasing perfectionism, navigating boundaries, and learning to embrace help. She reveals how tapping into creativity helped her rediscover forgotten parts of herself and how each animal in her books carries symbolic lessons that spark powerful self-reflection and team conversations. From using nature-based leadership traits in coaching, to seeing her work shape executive teams, conflict resolution, and personal development, Jennifer shares the unexpected doors her books have opened—including her TEDx talk Wildly Effective Leadership. This conversation goes deep on creativity, leadership, intuition, returning to nature, and the spiritual moments woven into Jennifer’s author journey. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a leader, or simply someone craving more authenticity and connection—this episode will leave you inspired to explore your own wild potential. Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    40 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Honoring Veterans Through Storytelling: Inside the Veterans Writing Group

    In this inspiring episode, host Susie Schaefer talks with members of the Veterans Writing Group of San Diego about their mission to help veterans and their families share and preserve their stories. President Gary Garrettson and board members Armand Kian, Brian Sanchez, and Derek Barraza discuss their latest anthology, the power of storytelling for healing, and why capturing military experiences matters now more than ever. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder of the impact writing can have—and why every story deserves to be told. Tune in and keep writing so you can finish the damn book. Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    28 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Susan Crossman: The Hidden Power of Professional Editing

    In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with award-winning author, editor, and book coach Susan Crossman to uncover the truth about writing a compelling nonfiction book. They dive deep into the real purpose of professional editing, why DIY editing and AI tools fail authors, and how intuition, storytelling, and human emotion shape powerful books that resonate. Susan breaks down developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and sensitivity reading—revealing why a polished manuscript can make or break your credibility, reviews, and impact. A must-listen for coaches, consultants, and mission-driven writers ready to elevate their message and create a book they’re truly proud of.  Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    31 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    Joel Mark Harris on Ghostwriting: Crafting Stories That Change Lives

    Award-winning author and ghostwriter Joel Mark Harris joins Susie Schaefer to reveal what really goes into writing powerful books for others. From navigating painful life stories with sensitivity, to using intuition to shape authentic narratives, Joel breaks down the myths of ghostwriting, the emotional depth behind memoir work, and the art of capturing someone’s true voice. He also shares his process, the importance of storytelling structure, and how writers can honor their past while creating a message that resonates with readers. Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share. Each episode offers a blend of: Practical writing and revision strategies Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter) Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work. Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

    30 min
See All (40)

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Finish the Damn Book is the podcast for aspiring authors who are done with procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt—and ready to finally write, publish, and share their story with the world.Hosted by Susie Schaefer, publishing expert, book doula, and founder of Finish the Book Publishing, this show is your no-fluff, heart-forward guide through the emotional, spiritual, and tactical journey of becoming an author.In each episode, you’ll hear from authors who’ve overcome real-life challenges—from PTSD and imposter syndrome to burnout and fear of being seen—and discover how they found the courage to finish their books. You’ll also learn insider tips from editors, designers, and publishing professionals on everything from writing routines to cover design, independent publishing, author branding, and the latest in publishing tech.Whether you’re writing a legacy memoir, building a business brand, or turning pain into purpose, this podcast will give you the support, tools, and inspiration you need to finish the damn book.Subscribe now—and every week, one lucky listener who leaves a review on Apple Podcasts will be entered to win a $25,000 VIP Publishing Day with Susie!

Information

  • Creator
    Susie Schaefer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finish the Damn Book Podcast
  • Show Website
    Finish the Damn Book Podcast

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