Roundy's Rants, Raves and Reviews

Tanya Harris Roundy
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As an English, Theatre, and Speech and Debate Teacher, I've got issues and thoughts on issues. My students call them my "rants". Everyone has their soapboxes, their certainties/beliefs, and each voice is important and should be heard! So, let's Rant together!  I also firmly believe that literature of all forms makes up a part of who we are, our beliefs/thoughts, and what we do with them to create.   In this podcast we discuss:  1) Rants: What's your certainty/soapbox? Let's have a respectful discussion about it.  2) Raves: The Literature/authors who have inspired you, your life, and your work.  3) Reviews: A discussion and review of your work (whatever you do), or what you believe others should be reading/watching/listening to and why. 

  1. Purpose Me: Turning Weakness, Grief, and Calling into Purpose with Seth Andre Robinson

    2D AGO

    Purpose Me: Turning Weakness, Grief, and Calling into Purpose with Seth Andre Robinson

    This is a video about Purpose Me: urning Weakness, Grief, and Calling into Purpose with Seth Andre Robinson purposeme365.com On Roundy Rants, Raves and Reviews, the host interviews author Seth Andre Robinson about his Purpose Me book series and the personal experiences that inspired it, including living with a speech impediment, shyness, and learning to move beyond self-pity by embracing who he is and letting God work through his weaknesses. Seth explains how his main character, Karina, faces similar struggles, discovers God’s hand on her life, and uses setbacks to help others. He outlines the three books—Destiny Awaits (Volume 1), The Origins of Karina (Volume 2), and Karina’s Choice (Volume 3)—including Volume 3’s use of the stages of grief after he lost his mother. Seth shares his hope to adapt the books into plays, movies, or a TV series, encourages daily purpose, and directs viewers to PurposeMe365.com. 00:00 Meet Seth Andre Robinson 01:03 Karina and Stuttering 02:44 Turning Weakness to Strength 04:43 Writing as Healing 06:43 From Books to Stage 08:26 Building the Purpose Me Series 11:54 Grief Behind Volume Three 14:05 Encouragement and Purpose 15:30 Purpose Me 365 and Daily Purpose 18:13 Dont Give Up Message 19:40 Support the Project 21:41 Final Thanks and Sign Off Support the show

    23 min
  2. Shamanic Earth Wisdom and the Medicine Wheel with Author Diana Kessler

    MAR 16

    Shamanic Earth Wisdom and the Medicine Wheel with Author Diana Kessler

    This is a video about Shamanic Earth Wisdom and The Medicine Wheel with Author Dianna Cuatto Kessler www.shamancestors.com. Diana Cuatto Kessler on Shamanism, Earth Wisdom & Her Sacred Circle Spirit Animal Oracle Deck Host Tanya Roundy interviews counselor, writer, and retired ballet director Diana Kessler about her post-retirement focus on shamanism and Earth wisdom and her mission to bring Indigenous wisdom from North and South America into modern life. Kessler describes creating the “Sacred Circle Spirit Animal Oracle” deck and detailed guidebook based on the North American medicine wheel, inspired by a 2002 near-death appendix experience and developed through a six-month journey around Sedona and the Verde Valley. She explains the deck’s structure (creator cards for lower/middle/upper worlds, lunar cycles, spirit pathways, stones, and cardinal directions), shares example cards and haiku, and discusses oracle work as guidance rather than prediction. The conversation emphasizes healing, integrating light and shadow, gratitude, joy, grounding in nature, and practical elemental practices like simple candle-based fire ceremonies. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:46 Diana’s Shamanic Mission 01:44 Medicine Wheel Oracle Deck 03:10 Near Death Vision Origin 03:48 Ballet Career and Retirement 05:01 Sedona Vortex Creation Journey 06:33 Oracle Work and Ancestral Gifts 09:36 Deck Design and Guidebook 10:46 Medicine Wheel Explained 13:13 Tree of Life Realms 15:43 Earth Mother Card Spotlight 17:26 Firebird and Transformation 19:34 Elemental Wisdom and Fire 21:36 Ancestral Gifts Healing 23:26 Grounded Joyful Service 25:12 Indigenous Simplicity Tools 26:24 Many Paths One Light 28:04 Dance as Spirit Path 33:15 Nature Gratitude Practice 36:30 Fire Ceremony Intentions 39:29 North Haiku Blessing 40:28 Where to Find Diana 42:36 Final Takeaways Farewell In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life! Support the show

    46 min
  3. Sleeping Wizards: Author Rusty Marcum on Grief and Genre mashups

    MAR 13

    Sleeping Wizards: Author Rusty Marcum on Grief and Genre mashups

    Sleeping Wizards: Author Rusty Marcum on Grief and Genre Mashups Host Tanya Roundy interviews writer Rusty Marcum who shares his background, love of mixed genres, and how grief shapes much of his work. He describes his award-winning pilot/spec script “Jasper,” about a family grieving a son’s suicide who move to a haunted Colorado town where once-friendly ghosts turn dangerous, and notes early Netflix interest faded. Rusty discusses inspirations from short stories and classic films, plus a sci-fi/fantasy concept sparked by a hiking experience and a dream. He explains how “Sleeping Wizards” evolved into a graphic novel after industry feedback, finding artist Joanna Taylor, and selling the pitch to publisher Iron Circus; a Kickstarter (Feb 16–Mar 18) seeks $18,000 with digital, print, and D&D one-shot options. He closes with advice to writers to be easy on themselves. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ironspike/sleeping-wizards?ref=3q00iz https://www.facebook.com/johannamation https://ironcircus.com/ 00:00 Show Intro and Guest 00:29 Rusty Background and Writing 01:39 Grief Themes and Projects 02:48 Godzilla Genre Talk 05:25 Jasper Series Breakdown 08:03 Volcano Dream Story Idea 11:04 Reading and Writing Influences 13:54 Sleeping Wizards Origins 16:49 From Screenplay to Comic 18:24 Finding the Right Artist 19:51 Pitch Pages and Publisher Deal 20:59 How to Read Graphic Novels 23:18 Artist Details and Visual Language 25:10 Kickstarter Rewards and Trailer 27:42 Other Publications and Community 29:10 Short Stories and Open Endings 30:23 Be Easy on Yourself 32:05 Final Thanks and Wrap Up In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? Support the show

    34 min
  4. Stepping out of Fear: Venting with Nervous System Whisperer Jennifer Grove

    MAR 9

    Stepping out of Fear: Venting with Nervous System Whisperer Jennifer Grove

    This is a video about Stepping out of Fear: Venting with Nervous System Whisperer Jennifer Grove Host Tanya Roundy interviews her friend Jennifer Grove, a venting coach and “nervous system whisperer” who helps high-functioning, stressed-out women relax, release emotions, and feel healthier. They discuss how people bottle feelings, confuse validation with staying mad, and ignore nervous-system signals like tension and discomfort until problems escalate. Jennifer explains fear as often rooted in the unknown and past experiences, and they emphasize practicing presence, stillness, and boundaries—especially around technology and constant notifications. Jennifer shares experiments like a silent retreat and keeping her phone on Do Not Disturb, arguing that phones should be tools, not dictators. They explore rebuilding real community starting with neighbors, seeking help and accountability, and Jennifer’s approach combining talk with body-based release methods like breathwork, tapping, and NLP. Jennifer’s key takeaway is intentional breathing to “thrive,” not just survive. 00:00 Meet the Host and Guest 00:44 Why We Need to Vent 02:25 Nervous System Whispering 04:58 Stress Breath and Stage Fright 06:12 Fear of the Unknown 08:39 Living in the Present 10:48 Silent Retreat Reality Check 12:27 Stillness Lost in Modern Life 13:24 Phones Tech and Attention 15:56 Boredom Imagination and Coping 17:40 Boundaries Guilt and Work 18:14 Accidental Do Not Disturb 18:57 Do Not Disturb Boundaries 20:14 Fear and Freeze Response 20:40 Ask for Help and Accountability 22:15 Lonely First Step 23:48 Boundaries and Self Reflection 25:56 Learning Through Experience 29:20 Presence and Phone Free Community 30:34 Rebuilding Neighborhood Community 32:39 Supporting High Functioning Women 36:01 Where to Find Jennifer 36:39 Breathe to Thrive Closing Website https://jgrovewellness.com Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/jgrovewellness TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jgrovewellmess Threads: https://threads.net/@jgrovewellness Facebook: https://facebook.com/jennjgrove Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/jgrovewellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjgrove/ Additional Links Podcast – Gettin’ in the Grove on all platforms available Anger Archetype Quiz: https://jgrovewellness.com/ The Pressure Release Toolkit: https://jgrovewellness.com/retreatsandworkshops/p/pressure-release-toolkit In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life! Support the show

    41 min
  5. Broken Souls and Hope with the Dreadlocked Doc

    MAR 4

    Broken Souls and Hope with the Dreadlocked Doc

    Broken Souls and Hope with the Dreadlocked Doc https://linktr.ee/Dreadlocked_Doc Host Tanya Roundy interviews Nairobi-based Dr. Dave (“The Dreadlock Doc”), a medical doctor, international humanitarian, author, mental health advocate, actor, stand-up comedian, and polyglot. He explains how his dreadlocks challenged stereotypes about doctors, how he was pushed into medicine by his father, and how threats over refusing corruption led him into NGO and charity work focused on reducing newborn mortality. After depression and suicidal thoughts, he found humanitarian work by applying for Ebola response roles and has served since 2014 in crises including Liberia, South Sudan, Ukraine, and the Gaza response. He discusses the lack of mental health systems for responders before, during, and after deployment, shares efforts to set up psychologist support for teams, and explains how his book "Broken Souls" and his comedy help process trauma. He also shares how missions affect his family and where to find his book and channels. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:39 Meet Dr Dave 01:34 Why Dreadlock Doc 04:03 Becoming a Doctor 05:42 Humanitarian Work Origins 08:58 Darkest Moment and Breakthrough 10:59 Writing Broken Souls 14:30 Mental Health in Aid Work 16:16 Building Support Systems 18:07 Why Support Is Slow 18:40 Military Parallels 20:34 Building a Care Model 21:40 Full Spectrum Support 22:55 Comedy as Therapy 25:08 Family Life on Mission 28:58 We All Bleed Red 30:46 Gaza Trauma Reality 33:50 Where to Find the Book 36:06 Final Call to Get Help In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life! Support the show

    40 min
  6. Faith, Civics, and the ‘Supreme Republican Principle’: Andrew Langford on Faith and Politics

    MAR 2

    Faith, Civics, and the ‘Supreme Republican Principle’: Andrew Langford on Faith and Politics

    Faith, Civics, and the ‘Supreme Republican Principle’: Andrew Langford on Faith and Politics https://www.facebook.com/andrew.langford.378/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlangford2/ https://www.amazon.com/Latter-Day-Saint-Republican-Andrew-Langford-ebook/dp/B0FJVKDJSL Host Tanya Roundy interviews author Andrew Langford about his book compiled from his “Latter-day Saint Republican” essay series (written Dec 15, 2024–May 25, 2025; published June 2025) and his follow-up, “Latter-day Republicanism.” Langford describes his political background (American government class, Tea Party involvement, political science studies) and why he writes about the intersection of religion, politics, and government amid growing division, especially after the 2024 election and Donald Trump’s second-term victory. He argues the U.S. is a republic rather than a pure democracy, emphasizing protections against majority tyranny, and cites influences including scripture, LDS teachings, and a book on Reconstruction and Article IV, Section 4. A key essay focuses on Imago Dei as a “supreme Republican principle,” urging love of God and neighbor, common-ground ethics across faiths, and choosing divine nature over self-interest; he mentions Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Reagan and shares where to find his work online. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:36 Andrew Background and Book 01:26 Politics Faith and Division 05:49 Republic vs Democracy 08:04 Why He Started Writing 09:38 Church State and Inner Change 12:45 Imago Dei and Core Essay 15:44 Why Loving Others Is Hard 17:44 Overall Message Divine Purpose 19:25 Favorite Leaders and Founders 22:17 New Projects and Common Ground 25:42 Where to Find the Book 27:24 Final Takeaway and Goodbye In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? Support the show

    30 min
  7. "Nobody is a Throwaway Person" Mary Gauden Hughes' journey from Mom to author, to psychotherapist to author again.

    FEB 23

    "Nobody is a Throwaway Person" Mary Gauden Hughes' journey from Mom to author, to psychotherapist to author again.

    This is a video about "Nobody is a throwaway person": Mary Gauden Hughes' journey to author. https://marygaudenhughesauthor and https://henributlerbooks.com Host Tanya Roundy interviews author and retired psychotherapist Mary Hughes about her journey from overwhelmed stay-at-home mom and volunteer to writing her first novel after feeling prompted to “go to the computer and write,” which helped her learn to value herself. Mary shares how her writing led her to pursue therapy work for 17 years to help people believe in themselves, and how faith guided her through meeting and receiving encouragement from Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, as well as unexpected industry connections that briefly put her work in front of agents and producers. She discusses self-publishing her novel The Last Slow Dance, selling 400 copies by word of mouth before receiving her author copies, and hosting a successful Barnes & Noble signing. Mary explains the messages in her books—especially that “nobody is a throwaway person,” that God has a purpose for everyone, and that perceived weaknesses can be gifts—summarizes The Last Slow Dance (a father-daughter story connected to a band leader), and previews a new manuscript about a couple who honor their vows despite years apart. Mary also notes her books The Gift of the Music Maker and The Last Slow Dance are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and that she started a publishing company, Andre Butler Books, which published a Georgia Author/Book of the Year winner. Tanya shares where to find the podcast (YouTube, Spotify, and major platforms) and that this is her nearly 40th interview. 00:00 Welcome to Roundy’s Rants: Meet Author Mary Hughes 00:25 From Psychotherapist to Full-Time Writer (and 5 Books at Once) 01:19 Burnout as a Stay-at-Home Mom: When Volunteering Became Too Much 02:13 “Go to the Computer and Write”: The Story That Sparked Healing 03:06 Outback Adventure Plot & Finding Your True Gift 04:18 Unexpected Mentors: Meeting Nicholas Sparks (For Real) 06:11 Cover Art, Agents & Hollywood Detours: The Wild Chain of Connections 08:10 Richard Paul Evans & the Message Behind the Books: Weaknesses into Strengths 09:38 DIY Publishing Before Self-Pub Was a Thing (and Selling 400 Copies) 12:06 Called to Counseling: Going Back to School to Help Others Believe in Themselves 13:48 “Nobody Is a Throwaway Person”: Sharing the Message Through Books & Talks 16:00 The Story Behind “The Last Slow Dance” (Father–Daughter Bonds) 16:48 The Dance Night Twist: A Missing Dad & the Band Leader Steps In 17:46 Years Later: Reuniting, Healing, and Building a New Family 18:31 Next Book Tease: The Wedding Rings Mystery (Harry & Tess) 20:17 Why Musicians? How Music Shaped Her Life and Writing 20:43 Childhood Faith Story: Walking to Church Alone & Finding Her Voice 22:50 Core Message: Identity, Purpose, and Tuning Out the World’s Noise 24:11 Obedience, Perseverance, and New Starts at Any Age 26:16 Where to Buy the Books + Starting a Publishing Company to Help Others 28:09 Podcast Talk, Gratitude, and Final Blessing In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? Support the show

    32 min
  8. The Not So Paranormal World of Author Debbie Ihler Rassmussen

    FEB 2

    The Not So Paranormal World of Author Debbie Ihler Rassmussen

    This is a video about The Not so Paranormal World of Author, Debbie Ihler Rassmussen https://www.authordebbieihlerrasmussen.com/books Join Tanya from Roundy's Rants, Raves, and Reviews as she chats with her good friend and editor, Debbie Ihler Rasmussen. Debbie, an accomplished author and seasoned editor, opens up about her journey in writing, ghostwriting, and self-publishing. She shares experiences from her beginnings in 2014, the challenges of publishing her first book, and how her role as an editor for Richard Paul Evans' author group led her to help others with the self-publishing process. They discuss the heartfelt stories behind Debbie's books, including her paranormal series and her work in ghostwriting memoirs. Dive into this insightful conversation about the writing process, the importance of editing, and the joys and struggles of bringing stories to life. Don't miss Tanya's reflections on how Debbie made her own publishing journey feel so manageable and enjoyable. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:33 Debbie's Writing Journey 01:29 Self-Publishing Insights 08:55 Early Writing Experiences 15:29 Inspiration and Reading Habits 18:27 The Legend of the Crow Series 29:13 The Challenges of Beta Reading 29:43 Editing Experiences and Insights 31:43 The Importance of POV in Writing 32:42 Common Writing Mistakes 33:47 The Joy of Writing and Editing 34:27 Word Count and Writing Length 35:38 Character Development and Realism 43:13 Ghostwriting: A Different Beast 45:52 Children's Books and Creative Challenges 47:40 Themes and Motivations in Writing 52:16 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty? momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life! Support the show

    1 hr
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About

As an English, Theatre, and Speech and Debate Teacher, I've got issues and thoughts on issues. My students call them my "rants". Everyone has their soapboxes, their certainties/beliefs, and each voice is important and should be heard! So, let's Rant together!  I also firmly believe that literature of all forms makes up a part of who we are, our beliefs/thoughts, and what we do with them to create.   In this podcast we discuss:  1) Rants: What's your certainty/soapbox? Let's have a respectful discussion about it.  2) Raves: The Literature/authors who have inspired you, your life, and your work.  3) Reviews: A discussion and review of your work (whatever you do), or what you believe others should be reading/watching/listening to and why. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tanya Harris Roundy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Roundy's Rants, Raves and Reviews
  • Show Website
    Roundy's Rants, Raves and Reviews