Record Scratch with Kara Kavensky

Kara Kavensky
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl. A record scratch. These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same. It’s how we decide to respond to these events that shapes us. In these interviews, there’s no competition and no judgment as we speak about varying topics including generational trauma, grief, PTSD, and what we can do to heal our wounds and be better humans. Please visit KaraKavensky.com and sign up for updates. Thank you!

  1. 5d ago

    Andrew Neiderman - V.C. Andrews Ghostwriter

    For nearly four decades, Andrew Neiderman has been one of the most widely read authors you've probably never seen on a book cover. As the writer who continued the legendary V.C. Andrews franchise after Andrews' death, Neiderman has written 100 novels under one of publishing's most recognizable names, helping grow the series into an international phenomenon with more than 30 million copies of FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC sold worldwide. But that's only one chapter of his remarkable career. Neiderman is also the bestselling author of THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, the novel that became the hit film starring Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves, along with dozens of psychological thrillers adapted for film and television. In this episode, Andrew is joined by his daughter, Melissa Neiderman, for a candid conversation about storytelling, teaching, family, ghostwriting, Hollywood, and why—after spending decades telling other people's stories—he's finally telling a bit of his own and how he became V.C. Andrews. ANDREW NEIDERMAN V.C. Andrews: Fan Page on Facebook Andrew Neiderman: Website KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:10] Andrew Neiderman and daughter, Melissa Neiderman [03:21] Taking over for V.C. Andrews [04:55] Retiring from teaching [06:28] V.C. Andrews’ family [08:01] Neiderman's memoir [09:57] One man, two authors [12:15] Growing up with a writer [13:51] Looking to the news for stories [15:35] The V.C. Andrews' biography and fans [18:24] New work ahead

  2. Jul 2

    Dara Levan - Author of SHAKEN TO THE CORE

    What happens when grief arrives without warning—and how do we find our way back to hope? Without giving too much away, Dara Levan shares the themes in her new novel. Author of the acclaimed novels, IT COULD BE WORSE and SHAKEN TO THE CORE, Dara explores the extraordinary strength found in ordinary people facing life's most difficult moments. DARA LEVAN Website: https://daralevan.com/ Instagram: @dara.levan KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:09] Intro - Dara Levan and SHAKEN TO THE CORE [03:11] Joy's letters to her mom [05:45] Cadence, structure & challenging oneself as a writer [07:26] Chosen family and the complexity of grief [09:06] Kristy Woodson Harvey recommends SHAKEN TO THE CORE [10:46] Indiana University football & QB Fernando Mendoza [12:10] Representation of speech and language challenges [14:16] The origin of themes [15:48] The reader's takeaway

  3. Jun 25

    Will Calhoun - Musician and Author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS

    Musician Will Calhoun, the drummer from Living Colour, is now an author with his upcoming memoir, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS, due out this fall. From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. His artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers — and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence. WILL CALHOUN Website: https://willcalhoun.com/ Instagram: willcalhoundrum KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:09] Introduction: Will Calhoun [02:47] Why write a book now? [04:31] Pulling the pieces together [05:36] The New York experience [07:25] Discovering music [09:03] Will's brother and musical neighbors [10:58] Joining Living Colour [12:06] Getting fired by Harry Belafonte [14:59] Belafonte's influence and lessons [18:22] Jazz great, Wayne Shorter [20:37] The power of curiosity and discovery [23:00] Geeking out [24:44] Thinking about legacy

  4. Jun 18

    Stephanie Weaver - Advocate and Author of BITTER, SWEET

    Nearly one in four American adults experiences family estrangement, and countless others carry invisible wounds from childhood trauma. Stephanie Weaver's story offers something rare: an honest look at pain without sensationalism, paired with a hopeful reminder that healing is possible even when reconciliation isn't. Stephanie’s memoir, BITTER, SWEET: HOW TO HEAL YOURSELF WHEN YOUR FAMILY IS BROKEN, intertwines family recipes with a deeply personal story of trauma, resilience, estrangement, and forgiveness. Stephanie was a guest for the RECORD SCRATCH Mother’s Day exploration of mother loss. STEPHANIE WEAVER, MPH Website: https://stephanieweaver.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieweavermph/ KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:10] **Content warning** [02:10] Becoming a writer [04:02] BITTER, SWEET [05:10] Resurfacing memories [06:25] Mom's recipe box [07:44] Healing therapies [10:42] Making a trauma memoir approachable [13:34] Estrangement and writing for others [15:20] Response to book [16:38] Forgiveness is for *us*

  5. Jun 11

    Cynthia Occelli — Author, Life Coach & Mentor

    Kara and Cynthia Occelli, author of RESURRECTING VENUS, discuss growth and transformation. Cynthia is part of the 2026 Mother’s Day weekend special series. Topics: The origin of Cynthia's famous "seed" quoteCynthia’s journey from ninth-grade dropout and welfare mom to law school graduate and successful entrepreneurHer coaching philosophy: bespoke, intuition-led, and focused on connecting clients to their own inner wisdomNavigating today's political climate while protecting your mental and emotional healthThe foundational role of physical habits in personal transformation CYNTHIA OCCELLI Website: CynthiaOccelli.com KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:10] Introduction: Cynthia Occelli [02:03] The "seed" quote [06:18] The impetus for change [07:36] Saying "I choose me" [08:59] Role models [11:18] Unexpected Google search results [12:29] Helping clients focus their energy [16:23] Resurrecting Venus and what's next? [18:03] Cynthia’s coaching process [20:46] Biggest challenges [24:03] How to optimize a coach [28:24] Moja Tu - Kenyan children

  6. May 28 ·  Bonus

    PRESENTING: Kara on Divorce Curious

    As the Record Scratch team preps Season 4, we are excited to share a conversation Kara had with her friend Lisa Mitchell, the host of Divorce Curious. Divorce Curious is a podcast for people wondering if their marriage still fits. No lawyers, no yelling, no friends taking sides — just real talk about the questions keeping you up at night. Learn more about Divorce Curious here. Follow Lisa @divorcecurioushelp on Instagram. KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky @karakavensky at Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn, Threads Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY here.

  7. May 8 ·  Bonus

    Mother Loss & Mother’s Day - Ep. 1 with Kathryn Bertine

    Mother Loss, Memory, and Meaning with Kathryn Bertine Kathryn shares the complexity of grief—from the unexpected moments of humor to the profound sense of peace that can accompany loss. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not linear, not uniform—and never something to navigate alone. Kathryn Bertine is an author of several books, a former professional athlete, an activist, and a documentary filmmaker. Kathryn played an instrumental role in getting women into the Tour de France. Today’s eight-day Tour de France Femmes stems from her activism and you can read or listen to the wild, true story of what really happens when we fight for change in her book, STAND. KATHRYN BERTINE Website: https://www.kathrynbertine.com Instagram: @kathryn_bertine KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:10] Introduction: Kathryn Bertine [03:27] Tell me her name [04:57] Shared athleticism [06:23] Smoking and a benevolent white lie [12:05] Caring for aging parents [14:15] Coping with loss [18:15] A very special keepsake [19:49] Kathryn's advice

  8. May 8 ·  Bonus

    Mother Loss & Mother’s Day – Ep. 2 with Will Calhoun

    Now an author, the Living Colour drummer speaks about his mother, Annie Mae Baker Calhoun Will Calhoun’s artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers—and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence. From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. A full interview with Will is part of Season 4 of “Record Scratch with Kara” and will air later this summer. WILL CALHOUN Website - WillCalhoun.com Instagram - @willcalhoundrum Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willcalhounmusic/# KARA KAVENSKY Website: Kara Kavensky Visit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY. Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass Produced by Marilou Marosz Original music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson TIMESTAMPS [01:10] Introduction: Will Calhoun [02:28] Education, self-reliance, and spirituality [04:44] Helping others [06:08] An open and honest relationship [08:25] Annie Mae Calhoun Way [10:08] The center of the neighborhood [12:19] It's not your time [14:11] Harry Belafonte and The Grammy Awards [15:48] Honoring Mom

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When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl. A record scratch. These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same. It’s how we decide to respond to these events that shapes us. In these interviews, there’s no competition and no judgment as we speak about varying topics including generational trauma, grief, PTSD, and what we can do to heal our wounds and be better humans. Please visit KaraKavensky.com and sign up for updates. Thank you!

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