Ramblings From the Little Shed

Holly B.
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Where pets and creativity curl up together. Welcome to the coziest corner of the creative world, where art, literature, and our beloved animal companions come together in conversation. Join us in the little shed—a space where ideas flow freely and creativity thrives—as we explore the profound ways animals influence and inspire our creative lives. Whether you're a writer crafting your next novel, a painter finding inspiration in nature, or simply someone who believes their best work happens with a dog at their feet or a cat on their lap, this podcast is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    Dog Person: Grief, Growls & Good Boys with Camille Pagán

    Episode Summary Host Holly B. sits down with bestselling author Camille Pagán to talk about her new novel Dog Person, the real-life dog who inspired it, and how she found the voice of Harold — a dog who narrates the story of his grieving owner, Miguel. The conversation covers pet rescue history, writing process, balancing a dual career as novelist and career coach, and why dogs and cats are having a moment on book covers everywhere. Meet Our Guest Camille Pagán is the author of eleven novels including Dog Person (April 7 release), Good for You, and Forever Is the Worst Long Time. Also a certified career coach for novelists and host of The Career Novelist podcast. Connect With Camille Website: https://www.camillepagan.com/dogperson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillepagan Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lABdNnofmHV68vGicwNhV?si=11ff5b7277264bab&nd=1&dlsi=1e0097dde3554a6a

    Dog Person: Grief, Growls & Good Boys with Camille Pagán

  2. Sep 4

    Tails, Tales & Twenty-Year Promises: Sci-Fi Author Brad C. Anderson Stops by the Shed

    Episode Summary Hosts Holly B. and Rogan G. welcome science fiction and fantasy author Brad C. Anderson into the Little Shed for a warm, wandering chat about old dogs, older manuscripts, and the messy questions that make fiction worth writing. Meet Our Guest Brad is a business professor by day and a slow-but-steady sci-fi/fantasy author by night. He's both self-published (an original trilogy) and traditionally published through Shadowpaw Press, a Canadian small press focused on sci-fi and fantasy. His most recent novel, Ashmi Song, follows twins Ashmi and Shen as Ashmi wrestles with an impossible choice during a civil conflict. In This Episode Meet Mae, Brad's 15-year-old canine co-star, who makes a very reluctant on-camera debut (and inspires a debate about mini cows)Brad's origin story: a teenage promise to finish one novel first — a promise that took 20+ years to keepThe difference between "gardener" and "architect" writers, and why Brad lets stories rest during editingWhy sci-fi and fantasy let writers explore heavy real-world themes without the political baggage of contemporary fictionA shout-out to Brad's Canadian small press, Shadowpaw Press, and the story behind its nameThe real-world inspiration behind his novel Ashmi Song — drawn from coverage of the Syrian refugee crisis and the impossible choices people face in conflictA promise to fans: no dogs die in Brad's stories. Ever.A tease of Brad's next project — a story starring a dog who is not quite May (working title candidates include "June") Connect with Brad Website: https://bradanderson2000.com/

    Tails, Tales & Twenty-Year Promises: Sci-Fi Author Brad C. Anderson Stops by the Shed

  3. Sep 1

    Tail Wags & Team Plays: Melyssa Jaskiewicz on Max the Mystery Mutt and Leveling the Fields

    Episode Summary Holly B. sits down with Melyssa Jaskiewicz, founder of the nonprofit Leveling the Fields for a warm, funny conversation that starts with her scene-stealing rescue dog Max and turns into an inspiring look at how youth sports build the next generation of women leaders. Meet our Guest Melyssa Jaskiewicz is the Founder and Executive Director of Leveling the Fields, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing girls' participation in sports as a catalyst for leadership and confidence. After more than 20 years building a career in sports technology, sales, and business development, Melyssa left the corporate world in 2026 to lead the organization full-time. She lives in Charleston, SC, with her husband of 19 years, their two teenagers, and Max (the dog).  Meet Max (the "Maybe" Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier) Breed is a guess from an opinionated friend — no one's totally sure, but the internet agrees~50 lbs, thinks he's a 10-lb lapdog — total "personal space issues," leans on new guests immediatelyAdopted at ~4 months from a friend's rescue; walked in and collapsed into Melyssa's husband — instant matchSleeping rounds: checks on everyone in the house at night, but always ends up next to MomCarries a toy in his mouth to greet people but won't play fetch — "just wants to show you he has it"Knows "no toys outside" and drops his toy at the door every time before his leash walkNow 9 years old, walking distance has shrunk to about 1.7 miles before he calls it quitsWorks from home with Melyssa daily — lays under her desk, her built-in sounding board and stress reliever Bonus pet history: Melyssa grew up with an African grey parrot (Cecil) who knew ~200 words/phrases but never liked her, a ferret named Cookie (face looked like an Oreo when smooshed), and a Pomeranian named Piper who'd shopping-cart-walk beside her at Lowe's with no leash. Leveling the Fields — The Mission Melyssa's nonprofit gets more women into leadership roles by using youth sports as the catalyst. The data that started it all: Only ~24% of C-suite executives are women94% of them played sports growing upWhat sports teach that carries into careers: Grit, confidence, teamworkTrusting people you don't know (or even like)Working with people you're not "best friends" withRecognizing others' skill setsThe Program 9-week after-school program, on-site at elementary schools (3rd–5th grade)Fully funded for Title I (underserved) schoolsCoaches hired from the school — puts money back in teachers' pockets2-hour sessions, twice a week: 80 minutes sports + 30 minutes "empowerment journal"Kids rotate through three different sports each 9-week cycle so they can find "their thing"Everyone gets a water bottle and t-shirt Connect with Melyssa Leveling the Fields — nonprofit using sports to build the next generation of women leaders (elementary school programs, currently expanding city by city). Instagram: @melyjask @levelingthefields LinkedIn: Melyssa Jaskiewicz

    Tail Wags & Team Plays: Melyssa Jaskiewicz on Max the Mystery Mutt and Leveling the Fields

  4. Sep 1

    Scales, Tails & Fairy Tales: Life as a Professional Mermaid

    Episode Summary Holly B. sits down with Tasha Haight — PADI mermaid instructor, entrepreneur, children's book author, and star of Netflix's MerPeople for a deep dive (pun intended) into the surprisingly real world of professional mermaiding. From tail construction to conservation messaging to swimming between continents in Iceland, Tasha shares how a camp counselor gig in a mermaid costume turned into a full-blown career. Meet Our Guest Tasha Haight owns Mermaid Tasha LLC, performing at hundreds of events a year — hotels, birthday parties, festivals, and aquariums. She's a PADI mermaid instructor trainer (certifying others to teach safe mermaid swimming), the author of 10 published children's books blending wildlife, conservation, and mermaid adventure, and has traveled the world performing and teaching, from Egypt and Iceland to French Polynesia and Mexico. Topics Covered The Dogs (of course) Tasha's two French Mastiffs: Ace (calm, adventurous-but-not-really) and Taz (named for the Tasmanian Devil — and just as fast)Both around age 5, still act like puppiesTaz loves swimming and chasing frogs; sparked the idea for a future dog-themed picture book How She Became a Mermaid Former model; a friend running a circus company added mermaid performances and recruited herShe brought hotel bookings to the company, then eventually launched her ownFirst-ever "mermaid moment": dressed as one as a Girl Scout camp counselor in 2009First professional mermaid gig: 2017 Becoming a Certified Mermaid PADI-style certification available to ages 6+Prerequisites: float 5 minutes, swim 25 meters unassistedStudents range from hobbyists to future professionalsTails can be rented for beginnersPopular tail makers: FinFun and Mertailor (Tasha uses the Mertailor "Guppy" line for training, silicone tails for pro performances) The Books All 10 books are mermaid/ocean/conservation-themedOrigin story: competitors used glitter in performances, which washes into pool filters and ultimately the ocean — Tasha wrote a book explaining why "mermaids swim, they don't sparkle"Most recent work: a seahorse story for a charity anthology benefiting the Maryland SPCA/Humane SocietyFuture goal: write a longer YA novel (first attempt at a short story for the anthology was "the hardest thing" she's written) Netflix's MerPeople Featured through her former circus companyHighlight: flown to Las Vegas to film at the Silverton Casino aquarium, showing the process of welcoming a new mermaid into the "pod" and aquarium safety protocols Connect with Tasha Website: authortashaight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidtasha

    Scales, Tails & Fairy Tales: Life as a Professional Mermaid

  5. Aug 30

    Paws, Perseverance & Public Speaking: Spann Cordle’s Unstoppable Story

    Episode Summary Host Holly B. sits down with Spann Cordle — disability advocate, 19-year Walmart associate, and emerging keynote speaker — for a warm, funny, and deeply moving conversation. Spann shares the story of Finn, his mobility service dog and the first-ever service dog at Walmart, who could pull a wheelchair, open doors, do laundry, and even detect a medical issue before Spann knew he had one. Along the way, Spann opens up about growing up with cerebral palsy, the eye-watering cost of service dogs today, and his new mission: turning his story into a public speaking career that helps disabled and able-bodied people alike realize "whatever you want to do, you can do it." Meet Our Guest Spann Cordle is a Disability advocate, Walmart associate (going on 19 years), and keynote speaker in the making. Along with his service dog Finn, they formed Walmart's first-ever service dog team. He now shares his story through podcasts and public speaking to inspire others with disabilities. Topics Covered Meet Finn — the mobility service dog who could do laundry, work elevators, and open doorsThe uncanny personality match between Spann and Finn (a 0.1% difference!)Becoming Walmart's first-ever service dog team back in 2007The skyrocketing cost of service dogs — from $5,000 then to $40,000–$60,000+ nowThe tough tradeoffs of privately-owned vs. organization-provided service dogsSpann's pivot from years of unpaid media appearances to pursuing public speakingSaying goodbye to Finn in 2018 after 14 years togetherSpann's mission: showing people that determination and perseverance can accomplish anything Memorable Moments The trainer's personality assessment found Spann and Finn were essentially a perfect match — closer than she'd ever seen.Finn's day-to-day "superpowers": pulling a wheelchair, opening and closing doors, working light switches, doing laundry, and pushing elevator buttons.A candid, honest conversation about the emotional and financial barriers facing families who need service dogs today.Spann's quiet confidence about his growing speaking career, sparked by someone telling him it could become "bigger than Walmart."  Connect Follow Ramblings from the Little Shed for more inspiring conversationsLearn more about Spann at www.spannsworld.comHave a story like this or your own unique story? Holly wants to hear from you!

    Paws, Perseverance & Public Speaking: Spann Cordle’s Unstoppable Story

  6. Aug 26

    One Thousand Hours Deep in the Outer Wilds

    Episode Summary   A funny mother-son podcast episode covering gaming confessions, grizzly bear camping safety, a mood ring mystery, and a childhood clown photo that needs to be seen to be believed. Holly B. and Rogan catch up on indie game development, video game hours (Outer Wilds, Starfield, Fallout, Baldur's Gate 3), acupuncture, and why you should always be "bear-wise" before camping in grizzly country.

    One Thousand Hours Deep in the Outer Wilds

  7. Aug 25

    Onomatopoeia Got Vetoed (And We Go on a Walk-Cast) — with Author S.E. Tschritter

    Episode Summary Holly B. and Rogan welcome author S.E. Tschritter to the Little Shed for a warm, funny, and unexpectedly moving conversation about creativity, grief, and the animals who show up in the middle of it all. Sam shares how her Siberian husky Bandit (who nearly got named "Onomatopoeia") and her garden have become part of her writing process — and gives listeners a live, in-the-backyard introduction to Bandit himself. The conversation moves from lighthearted pet stories into the deeply personal story behind her memoir The Prodigal Son, and wraps with a look at her upcoming romantic suspense series, The Lakeshore Secret. About S.E. Tschritter   Multi-award-winning author Samantha Evans Tschritter specializes in articulating grief and loss, leading grievers toward hope and healing. Her 20-plus years of leadership experience and contributions to over 30 books enable her to serve others, speaking truth with transparency, humor, and love.   Connect with Sam https://www.loveunedited.com/long-bio  Purchase The Prodigal Son, and find links to Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.   Like what you heard? Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel or follow on one of your favourite podcatchers. Want to be a guest? Check out PodMatch, the ultimate podcast connection platform.   Rogan and I are searching for a great coffee roaster or coffee shop to highlight on our Bruce Trail adventure over the next year. If that’s you, please reach out, we’d love to collaborate!

    Onomatopoeia Got Vetoed (And We Go on a Walk-Cast) — with Author S.E. Tschritter

  8. Aug 20

    Paws, Pages & Peace: The Susan Hartzler Story

    Episode Summary In this episode, host Holly B. and Rogan sit down with author and therapy dog expert Susan Hartzler to talk all things dogs — from Hollywood to healing. Susan shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from her years training animal talent for TV and film. She also opens up about her writing journey, including her memoir I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog: Dating Tales from the Bark Side (which took 10 years to find a publisher) and The Peace Puppy, a memoir about caregiving for her father with the help of her dog. The conversation turns heartfelt as Susan discusses her therapy dog work, the science behind why dogs calm us down, and her exclusive announcement of a brand-new project: "Sit With Me," a Substack series pairing guided meditations with your dog. Meet Our Guest Susan Hartzler is an author, therapy dog handler, former Hollywood animal talent wrangler, and Substack writer.   The Dogs Susan's two Australian Shepherds: Seven (rescued off the show ring) and Paige Turner (named for her goddaughter + a drag queen — "Page Turner," get it?) Hollywood Tails Susan's late dog Bliss had an entire acting career: CSI, Scandal, commercials, music videosThe best story of the episode: getting Seven to stick his head out a moving car window for a commercial — Susan ran alongside yelling "STOP!" like a lunatic to nail the shotBliss got a farmer-dating-site commercial where the crew hired her a makeup artist... to make her look dirtySusan got Bliss to "talk" on camera by howling along with her in front of the whole crew — standing ovation earned The Books I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog: Dating Tales from the Bark Side — first memoir, published when Susan was 62, took 10 years to find a publisher (and only 5 days once she actually pitched it)The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace — about caring for her father through Parkinson's, with her dog by her sideAn upcoming book on therapy dogs, gathering stories from teams across the country Where to Find Susan Book: I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog (audiobook coming this summer)https://www.instagram.com/susanhartzlerauthor/https://susanhartzler.com/

    Paws, Pages & Peace: The Susan Hartzler Story
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Where pets and creativity curl up together. Welcome to the coziest corner of the creative world, where art, literature, and our beloved animal companions come together in conversation. Join us in the little shed—a space where ideas flow freely and creativity thrives—as we explore the profound ways animals influence and inspire our creative lives. Whether you're a writer crafting your next novel, a painter finding inspiration in nature, or simply someone who believes their best work happens with a dog at their feet or a cat on their lap, this podcast is for you.

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