David Watson

watsondavid1974
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The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

  1. 5D AGO

    The David Watson Podcast #253 Trisha Gardella: The Author Turning National Parks Into Kids’ Adventures

    In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Trisha Gardella, a children’s author with 30 published books and the creator of a beloved picture-book series featuring Mouse, a tiny character with a big message: never give up. Trisha shares how her passion for America’s national parks became the heart of her stories, why kids’ books must be fun first (with deeper lessons quietly woven in), and how creativity often comes from “listening” to the characters that show up in your imagination. We also talk about resilience, adapting when life changes direction, and her calm, grounded outlook on mortality after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at 33. If you love writing, creativity, children’s books, national parks, or conversations that leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful, you’ll enjoy this one. Guest and links Trisha’s website: https://triciagardella.com/ Topics we cover Writing picture books that children actually want to read How Mouse became a 12+ book national parks series   Protecting national parks and helping kids care about nature Creativity, ideas, and “letting the story lead” Resilience, detours, and finding joy in each phase of life HCM, mortality, and a surprisingly peaceful mindset Illustration, collaboration, and how Trisha finds artists

    49 min

  2. 5D AGO

    The David Watson Podcast #252 The Elephant in the Family Room: Why Family Businesses Really Break

    Family businesses don’t usually fail because of bad numbers. They fail because of broken trust, unspoken resentment, and the conversations nobody wants to have. In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Rene Sonneveld, a Dutch executive coach based in Uruguay and author of The Elephant in the Family Room. Rene works at the intersection of leadership, governance and human psychology, helping family enterprises tackle the real problem underneath the “business problem”: the invisible capital of trust, identity, communication, role clarity and belonging. We also explore a powerful parallel from my work in head injury rehabilitation: when life changes in an instant, families often grieve the person who was, struggle with who someone is becoming, and collide over expectations, fear and control. Rene shares a deeply personal story about his first wife’s brain cancer and the question that haunts families in crisis: if they wake up, who will they be? If you’re navigating family conflict, succession planning, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, or tension inside a family-owned business, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening, why it’s so hard to fix alone, and how honest communication becomes the load-bearing wall that holds everything up. Key topics in this episode The “elephant in the family room” and why families walk around it for generations Why family businesses fail relationally, not financially The hidden drivers beneath conflict: relevance, respect, safety, fairness, belonging Why governance structures can look perfect but still collapse How sibling rivalry and old emotional patterns show up as “strategy debates” Listening vs hearing: what people are telling you vs what they’re trying to tell you Why bringing in a neutral facilitator can unlock stuck family systems How Rene went from governance and banking to coaching families worldwide Writing as a tool for self-awareness, perspective and better leadership Find Rene and his book Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/ Book: The Elephant in the Family Room (available on major retailers including Amazon) If this episode helped you, please consider: Subscribe for more long-form conversations with authors, coaches, entrepreneurs and creatives Like and share to help the podcast reach more people Comment below: what’s the “elephant” people avoid in families, workplaces, or relationships?

    1h 1m

  3. FEB 26

    The David Watson Podcast #251 How a Death Metal Legend Writes a Novel: The Jeremy Wagner Story

    Jeremy Wagner on Wretch, Broken Hope, and the Magic of Letting Stories Write Themselves Join David Watson for a captivating conversation with author, musician, and master storyteller Jeremy Wagner. In this episode, Jeremy delves into the creation of his new dark crime novel, "Wretch," shares the fascinating origins of his death metal band Broken Hope, and discusses the profound joy of the creative process. From the nostalgic magic of vinyl and paperback books to the raw energy of channelling characters, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about art, music, and writing. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible conversations! // TIMESTAMPS // 00:00 - Introduction to Jeremy Wagner and the new novel, "Wretch" 00:41 - The magic of physical media: A love for Bucket of Blood Books and Records 02:14 - Why younger generations are rediscovering vinyl, books, and tangible art 06:17 - The lost art of album covers and the experience of dropping the needle 08:43 - Jeremy's Chicago roots and the formation of Broken Hope in high school 14:57 - The nostalgia of youth: Chasing adventures before the internet and smartphones 19:05 - The creative spark: How Jeremy's love for writing began in grade school 26:52 - The priceless artifact: Jeremy's first storybook from his grandmother 30:11 - Writing lyrics for Broken Hope as "micro horror fiction" 33:23 - The different creative processes for writing songs vs. novels 37:13 - The magic of channelling characters and letting them tell the story 42:40 - The story behind "Wretch": Three converging storylines in a brutal Chicago summer 45:18 - Creating authentic characters with the help of a real Chicago police detective 48:52 - The inspiration for the antagonist, Derek Hoffman, and the horrors of big pharma 52:04 - Crafting the mob boss, Tico Tortellio, and the clash of three storylines 57:07 - The long road to publication: How ideas can haunt you for decades 1:01:07 - Where to find Jeremy Wagner and his work 1:02:39 - Time Machine Question: Mad Max's V8 Interceptor and Slayer's "Reign in Blood" This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of Jeremy Wagner. He discusses the launch of his new novel, "Wretch," a gritty dark crime story set in Chicago, and explains how the book's three interconnected storylines were inspired by real people and "what if" scenarios. Jeremy traces his passion for storytelling back to his childhood, sharing the touching story of his first storybook. He also details his parallel career as a lyricist for the death metal band Broken Hope, comparing the condensed, punchy nature of writing "micro horror fiction" for songs to the expansive process of novel-writing. The conversation is a celebration of the creative process, the importance of passion, and the magic that happens when you get out of the way and let the story tell itself. // KEY TAKEAWAYS // • Jeremy Wagner's new novel, "Wretch," follows a Chicago detective, a chemically-fueled monster, and a mob boss whose stories violently collide. • He believes physical media like vinyl and paperbacks offer a tangible, artistic experience that digital formats can't replicate. • The creative process for Jeremy involves "channelling" his characters, allowing them to surprise him and guide the narrative. • He wrote lyrics for his band Broken Hope for over 30 years, treating them as intense, short-form horror stories. • A great story idea can haunt an author for years, waiting for the right moment to be fully brought to life. // RESOURCES & LINKS // • Book: "Wretch" by Jeremy Wagner Available through Dead Sky Publishing and major retailers. • Author's Website: jeremyxwagner.com (Find all his books, music from Broken Hope and Earth Burner, and more.) • Social Media: @JeremyXWagner (on all platforms) • Publisher: deadskypublishing.com

    1h 8m

  4. FEB 26

    The David Watson Podcast #250 The Spanish Silver that Won the American Revolution: The Story of Francisco de Saavedra

    In this episode of the David Watson Podcast, we dive deep into the forgotten history of the American Revolutionary War with author James Giesler. Discover the crucial, often overlooked, role Spain played in securing America's final victory at Yorktown. Learn about Francisco de Saavedra, the Spanish diplomat and strategist whose logistical genius and access to Spanish silver were the deciding factors that turned the tide of war. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, European empires, and the financial realities of warfare. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into history! 00:00 - Introduction to James Kegeler and his book on the American Revolutionary War 00:55 - James's background and what drew him to this history 02:30 - The historical context: The Bourbon Family Compacts and European rivalries 04:27 - The Seven Years' War and its impact on the American Revolution 07:14 - The financial trigger: Britain's taxes and the Boston Tea Party 09:21 - France's strategic goal: Weakening Britain, not just aiding America 11:59 - The military stalemate in North America before 1781 12:07 - The entrance of Spain and the power of the combined Franco-Spanish fleet 16:07 - Spain's strategic advantage: The silver mines of Mexico and the Havana base 18:32 - The importance of the Spanish silver dollar (the piece of eight) 21:03 - The difference between commodity-based money and fiat currency 22:02 - Who was Francisco de Saavedra? Theologian, soldier, and diplomat 26:04 - The critical year of 1781: Saavedra arrives in Havana 27:32 - The De Grasse-Saavedra Convention: A plan to win the war 28:37 - Securing the funds: Saavedra gets 500,000 silver pesos for the French fleet 29:44 - The Siege of Yorktown: How naval supremacy and money sealed Cornwallis's fate 31:57 - The aftermath of Yorktown and the shift in British strategy 40:00 - The Battle of the Saints: A massive naval clash and the failed invasion of Jamaica 45:14 - The Treaty of Paris and the end of the war 46:35 - Saavedra's later career: From Venezuela to the Spanish Court 50:55 - Saavedra's final stand: Leading the defense against Napoleon at the Battle of Bailén 54:19 - Where to find the book "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War" 55:26 - James's time machine question This episode reveals the hidden side of the American Revolution, highlighting the indispensable contributions of Spain and its agent, Francisco de Saavedra. We explore how the Bourbon Family Compacts allied France and Spain against Britain, setting the stage for their intervention. The discussion covers the financial motivations behind the war, from Britain's taxation of colonists to Spain's unique advantage of vast silver reserves in Mexico. The core of the interview focuses on Saavedra's remarkable logistical and diplomatic efforts in 1781, where he unified Spanish and French commanders, secured the vital funds from Havana that financed the French fleet's campaign, and directly enabled the decisive victory at Yorktown. We also cover Saavedra's fascinating life story, from his unlikely entry into the army to his later role as a national hero in Spain's fight against Napoleon. • The American victory at Yorktown was made possible by a massive loan of 500,000 silver pesos from Spain, secured by Francisco de Saavedra. • The combined French and Spanish navies (around 120 ships) challenged British dominance at sea, a key factor in the war's outcome. • The Spanish silver dollar (piece of eight) was a trusted global currency, unlike the rapidly devaluing American continental paper money. • Francisco de Saavedra was a master diplomat and logistician who resolved rivalries between Spanish and French commanders to create a unified war effort. • The war was as much about finance and draining an opponent's resources as it was about battlefield victories. • Book: "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War" by James Giesler Available on Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .es, etc.) Available in bookshops via Barnes & Noble and Ingram Spark Available as an ebook on major platforms. • Author's Website: The Book — James Giesler

    57 min

  5. FEB 19

    The David Watson Podcast #249 The Culling of Souls: Can You Cut Away Your Past to Grow?

    Join host David Watson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with his returning guest, author Martin R. Nelson. In this episode, they tackle everything from the universal comfort of cookies and milkshakes to the heavy burdens of self-doubt and financial struggle. Martin opens up about his hectic life juggling a full-time teaching job, a move, and a second child on the way, all while promoting his latest high-fantasy novel, The Culling of Souls, the sequel to Children of the Dying Hearth. He shares the profound themes of his Annals of Tessian series, exploring how characters must leave their comfort zones and "cull their souls" to grow. The discussion then pivots to the harsh realities of the creative world. Martin and David have a raw and honest talk about the challenges of indie publishing, the feeling of creating for an empty stadium, and the constant battle with the question: "What will people think?" They also dive into broader societal issues, touching on the housing market, the paradox of tolerance, and the state of free speech and politics in the UK and beyond. This is a must-watch for aspiring authors, fantasy fans, and anyone who has ever questioned their own worth or path in life. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Martin's Busy Life 1:45 - The Power of Cookies & Milkshakes 7:00 - The Gift That Gets You Out of Trouble 10:16 - The Male Struggle with Self-Worth & Spending 12:36 - David's Story: Bankruptcy and Homelessness 17:08 - Then vs. Now: The Housing Market Crisis 19:00 - The Frugal Path to Home Ownership 24:04 - The Man Who Chose Status Over Freedom 29:58 - The Problem with Class and Status Systems 34:02 - The Japanese Mindset of Service 45:00 - Airport Horror Stories 51:19 - Focusing on the Books! 52:10 - Introducing the Annals of Tessian Series 58:45 - The Theme of Children of the Dying Hearth 1:00:12 - The Theme of The Culling of Souls 1:03:00 - Trauma, Growth, and Using Emotions as a Window 1:09:15 - The Creator's Dilemma: Self-Doubt & The Empty Stadium 1:18:03 - The Gatekeepers of Publishing & The Noise of Indie Authorship 1:25:15 - The Power of a "Body of Work" 1:31:00 - The Humanizing Power of a Conversation 1:49:00 - Tolkien, Politics, and the Real-World Scouring of the Shire 1:55:00 - The State of Free Speech in the UK 2:06:00 - The Epstein Files, Legal Realities, and Systemic Corruption 2:19:50 - A Ruler's True Role: To Serve 2:22:59 - Outro Find Martin's Books: https://martinraynelson.com/

    2h 23m

  6. FEB 19

    The David Watson Podcast #248 Can You "Cull Your Soul" to Find Success?

    Fantasy author Martin R. Nelson joins David Watson for a candid conversation about the brutal reality of the creative life, the deep themes in his high fantasy series "The Annals of Tessian," and the relentless struggle to get noticed in a saturated world. We dive into his new book, "The Culling of Souls," and its predecessor, "Children of the Dying Hearth," exploring the powerful ideas that fuel them. Martin breaks down how the first book is about the courage to leave your comfort zone—a theme embodied by a teenage boy who might be the heir to a lost empire, a 600-year-old elf who’s still just a kid, and a noble ruler forced to get his hands dirty. The sequel, "The Culling of Souls," tackles a more internal battle: the painful but necessary act of cutting away the parts of yourself that hold you back, like a traumatic memory that no longer has to define your tomorrow. This isn't just a book talk; it's a raw look into the heart of an indie author. Martin opens up about the crushing self-doubt that comes with asking people to buy your work, the frustration of hitting a wall with gatekeepers and expensive (and sometimes useless) editorial reviews, and the overwhelming noise of 4,000+ books published every single day. He shares the "empty stadium" feeling of creating incredible work with no crowd watching, and the crucial difference between an athlete's measurable "personal best" and a creator's invisible race. But the conversation is also filled with hope and hard-won wisdom. They discuss the power of building a "body of work" and waiting for that one brick to be knocked out of the wall, as described by podcaster Dan Carlin, so the people on the other side can finally see you. Martin shares stories from the band Stereophonics about how their biggest hit was a song they almost threw away, proving that sometimes you just have to keep showing up. They also touch on the practical side of book promotion, debating the merits of targeted Amazon ads versus scattergun PR and the hilarious potential (and pitfalls) of using AI to create promotional videos. If you're a writer, artist, or anyone trying to create something meaningful, this episode is a must-watch. It's a testament to the idea that even if the stadium is empty, you have to lace up your boots and run the race anyway—because the only thing you can control is showing up for tomorrow. Timestamps: 0:00 - The Indie Author's Dilemma 1:09 - Introducing Martin R. Nelson & "The Annals of Tessian" 2:18 - The Theme of "Children of the Dying Hearth": Leaving Your Comfort Zone 4:45 - The 600-Year-Old Elf: A Fun Fantasy Trope 6:00 - The Honorable Ruler Who Needs to Get His Hands Dirty 8:14 - The Bilbo Baggins Principle: No Hero's Journey from an Armchair 9:07 - "The Culling of Souls": Cutting Away What Holds You Back 11:13 - The Trauma That Defines You vs. The Trauma You Learn From 14:34 - Emotions Are a Window to the Soul 16:11 - The Truman Show: How Trauma Traps You 17:02 - The Universal Struggle: Jesus, Buddha, and Marcus Aurelius 18:36 - The Crushing Self-Doubt of Selling Your Own Work 20:11 - The Joe Rogan Comparison & The Empty Stadium 22:50 - The Athlete's "Personal Best" vs. The Creator's Invisible Race 24:02 - Van Gogh, Bob Ross & Finding Success After You're Gone 26:25 - The Power of a Good Conversation (and Respecting Boundaries) 29:01 - The Stereophonics Story: "Just Some Shit" Becomes a Hit 32:13 - Dan Carlin's "Wall" Theory & the Body of Work 34:39 - The Gatekeepers: Agents, Publishers, and 4,000 Daily Books 38:10 - The $700 Kirkus Review That Was Total Garbage 40:06 - AI Video Promotion: Hilarious Failures & Huge Potential 43:56 - Amazon Ads: Targeting the Right Niche 45:05 - The Power of the "Everyman" Podcast 48:06 - Turning Up the Volume for the RIGHT People 51:00 - The Fascination with the "Everyman" in History 52:28 - How You Can Support Indie Authors Martin https://martinraynelson.com/

    54 min

  7. FEB 19

    The David Watson Podcast #247 Why The Vietnam War Still Haunts Us Today

    In this profound episode of the David Watson Podcast, I sit down with Peter, author of the debut literary fiction novel Passages: The Voids from War to Peace. Our conversation spans from the majestic coastlines and whale migrations to the deep, often painful corridors of the human mind. We begin by discussing the simple, awe-inspiring power of nature—watching grey whales migrate off the coast and the profound connection to the wild. This leads us into a much deeper exploration of trauma, healing, and the moral injury that shapes lives. Peter, drawing on his extensive career in medicine and military service during the Vietnam era, shares the inspiration behind his novel. We tackle the complex legacy of the Vietnam War, contrasting its cultural portrayal with the grim reality of combat and the unique challenges veterans faced upon returning home. The discussion expands to a critical look at modern society, technology, and generational divides. We explore how the rise of smartphones has stripped away the boredom that fuels curiosity, the dehumanizing effects of constant connectivity, and the challenge of finding hope in a world saturated with negativity. This is a conversation about resilience, courage, and the quiet acts of kindness that provide a lifeline to those at their lowest point. We discuss the importance of human connection, the foundations of Western democracy, and the hope that is essential for us to achieve amazing things. In this episode, we explore: The inspiration and themes behind Peter's novel, Passages: The Voids from War to Peace. The cultural and psychological impact of the Vietnam War on a generation. How technology has changed our capacity for boredom, curiosity, and deep thought. The generational shifts in perspective on patriotism, society, and trauma. The profound power of human connection and hope in the face of adversity. The courage and resilience found in everyday people confronting extraordinary challenges. Peter https://www.pkedgewater.com/ You can find Peter's book, Passages: The Voids from War to Peace, on Amazon and through Ingram Spark. David Watson Podcast

    51 min

  8. FEB 12

    The David Watson Podcast #246 The Mindfulness Hack That UNLOCKS Your Writing (Even if you have "writer's block")

    Are you struggling to finish your book? Does "writer's block" feel like an unbeatable wall? In this revealing conversation, author and writing coach April Dávila sits down with David Watson to share the transformative practice that helped her go from struggling writer to published author. April discovered that the key wasn't more discipline, but mindfulness. By training her brain to focus, silence the inner critic, and treat writing with the respect it deserves, she unlocked a new level of productivity and joy in her craft. This isn't about writing more; it's about suffering less while you do it. In this episode, we dive deep into: The #1 Myth of Writer's Block: What's really stopping you from putting words on the page (and it's not a lack of ideas). The Power of a Scheduled Appointment: Why treating your writing time like a non-negotiable meeting is the ultimate productivity hack. How to Silence Your Inner Critic: A simple mindfulness technique to recognize that critical voice as just another thought and keep writing anyway. The Surprising Role of Meditation: How a short pre-writing ritual can get you into a deep flow state faster and more consistently. Why "Bad" First Drafts are Essential: The truth about rewriting and why you must embrace imperfection to create something great. Building Unbreakable Writing Habits: How to stop practicing the art of procrastination and start practicing the art of showing up. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting to think about writing a book, this interview is packed with actionable advice that will change the way you approach your work. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction & April's Family History in California (09:31) - The Real Reason We Write: April's Writing Manifesto (14:18) - Why Writing to "Teach a Lesson" Fails (16:06) - David's Personal Story: Writing from the Heart (18:57) - Overcoming "Writer's Block": It's Not What You Think (23:28) - April's Journey: From Science to Writing (24:35) - The Mindfulness Breakthrough That Changed Everything (29:26) - The Ritual: How to Get Your Brain Ready to Write (31:49) - The Science of Setting an Intention (33:17) - Your Habits are a Restaurant: Are You Ordering the Right Thing? (35:21) - April's Upcoming Book: "sit. right. here." (36:23) - Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (Even for Bestselling Authors) (39:25) - Turning Family History into Compelling Fiction (41:11) - The Art of the Romance Story (44:42) - Why Not Everyone Will Love Your Book (And That's OK) (45:43) - The Surprising Dark Side of Roald Dahl (48:01) - The Lost Art of Making a Living from Short Stories (51:39) - Where to Find April Dávila (51:51) - The Time Machine Question Guest: April Davila Book and resources: SitRightHere.com April online: Aprila.com and @AprilDavila

    54 min
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About

The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.

Information

  • Creator
    watsondavid1974
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    David Watson