Hidden Secrets in Books

Dominic
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Hidden Secrets in Books is a compelling show that uncovers the deeper meanings, symbols, and hidden narratives within both classic and modern literature. Each episode explores how authors embed powerful ideas beneath the surface through metaphor, context, and storytelling techniques. Designed for curious readers, the show offers thoughtful insights that enrich understanding, spark critical thinking, and reveal the untold layers that make great books truly timeless.

  1. Sep 23

    Roy Osing: BE DiFFERENT or be dead—The Audacious Moves That Took a Startup to a Billion in Sales

    What if the only way to survive in business today isn't to compete harder—but to become the ONLY one who does what you do? Roy Osing—former president, CMO, entrepreneur, and author of the no-nonsense book series BE DiFFERENT or be dead—joins us for a conversation about audacious leadership, radical differentiation, and the unheard-of moves that took a startup to $1 billion in annual sales. Roy Osing is the ONLY author, entrepreneur, and executive leader who delivers practical and proven "Audacious Unheard-of Ways" to produce high-performing businesses and successful careers. With over 40 years of executive leadership experience in every aspect of business, he served as President of a major data and internet company, where his leadership and audacious approach took the company from its early stage to $1 billion in annual sales. He is a blogger, content marketer, and mentor to young professionals and startup CEOs. His seventh book, The Audacious Unheard-of Ways I took a Startup to A BILLION IN SALES, is the latest in his BE DiFFERENT or be dead series. In this episode, Roy Osing shares the idea behind BE DIFFERENT or be dead, what his latest book is all about, and the four main elements of Audacious Leadership. He also discusses the audacious moves he made to reach a billion in sales, how organizations can do a better job of differentiating themselves, and how an individual can build a rewarding and amazing career. He explains why differentiation is the most critical challenge in business today, what simple things can improve the customer experience, and how sales has to change to become a key strategic force. Plus, he reveals his secrets to scaling a business and the tools you can use to be different. If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional who wants to stand out instead of competing on price, this conversation with Roy Osing will give you the audacious strategies to become the ONLY one who does what you do. In this episode, we explore: · The idea behind BE DIFFERENT or be dead · What The Audacious Unheard-of Ways I took a Startup to A BILLION IN SALES is all about · The four main elements of Audacious Leadership · Simple things that can improve the customer experience · The audacious moves Roy made to get to a billion in sales · How organizations can do a better job of differentiating themselves · How an individual can build a rewarding and amazing career · What tools you can use to be different · How sales has to change to become a key strategic force · Roy's secrets to scaling a business · Why it's critical to be the ONLY one who does what you do · Why differentiation is the most critical challenge in business today · How to build an audacious brand · How to grow a business to a remarkable level Connect with Roy Osing: · Website: https://www.bedifferentorbedead.com/ · LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/royosing · Instagram: https://instagram.com/unheardofways · Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/royosing · Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/roy.osing Get His Books & Join the Conversation: Visit his website and blog to learn more about his work and join the BE DIFFERENT or be dead conversation. https://www.bedifferentorbedead.com/

  2. Sep 22

    Tom Cladis: Life Is the Greatest Adventure—From Alligator Wrestling to Award-Winning Fantasy

    What do handstands atop mountains, alligator wrestling, and epic fantasy have in common? Tom Cladis. Tom Cladis—award-winning fantasy author, financial planner, adventurer, and former flight attendant—joins us for a conversation about living boldly, embracing curiosity, and why life is meant to be experienced, not merely managed. Tom Cladis is the kind of guest audiences remember long after the interview ends. He has wrestled alligators, performed handstands at the Eiffel Tower and atop mountain summits, and traveled the world collecting experiences that shape both his life and his storytelling. As a Simon & Schuster author, his engaging style and unique perspective have led to appearances on Great Day Colorado, Good Day Sacramento, and in print and digital media outlets across the country. But more than promoting a novel, Tom inspires conversations about living boldly, embracing curiosity, finding purpose, overcoming fear, and creating a life worth remembering. In this episode, Tom Cladis shares how his paths as a financial planner, adventurer, and fantasy author came together to shape who he is. He discusses whether there was a defining moment that changed the way he looks at life, the wildest experience he's ever had and what it taught him, and why epic fantasy continues to resonate across generations—and what truths a fictional world can reveal that real life sometimes can't. He also offers advice for anyone who feels stuck in routine or afraid to take the next step, shares what's still on his adventure bucket list, and reveals what he hopes readers and listeners take away from his story and his philosophy about living. If you're feeling stuck in routine, afraid to take the next step, or simply ready to think bigger and live more intentionally, this conversation with Tom Cladis will inspire you to embrace new adventures and become the hero of your own story. In this episode, we explore: · How Tom's paths as a financial planner, adventurer, and fantasy author came together · Whether there was a defining moment that changed the way he looks at life · The wildest experience he's ever had—and what it taught him · Why epic fantasy continues to resonate across generations · What truths a fictional world can reveal that real life sometimes can't · The first piece of advice he'd give someone who feels stuck in routine or afraid to take the next step · What's still on his adventure bucket list—and why · Why comfort is the enemy of growth · How to balance career, creativity, and adventure to build a life without limits · What epic fantasy can teach us about courage, purpose, and real life · Why the hero's journey isn't fiction—it's your life · What he hopes readers and listeners take away from his story and his philosophy about living Connect with Tom Cladis: · Website: https://www.tomcladiswrites.com · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomcladiswrites/ · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomcladiswrites/ Explore His Books & Adventures: Visit TomCladisWrites.com—your headquarters for all things Tom. You'll find his award-winning books, upcoming events, blog, media appearances, and learn more about the adventures that inspire his storytelling. https://www.tomcladiswrites.com

  3. Sep 22

    Daniel Sterling: Hungry From the Wilderness of Disillusion to the Examined Life an Raising Whole Men

    What happens when the success you've been chasing your entire life doesn't fill the void—and you finally cross paths with the one person who can help you see why? Daniel Sterling—author of Hungry, a Memoir of Self-Discovery, Furthering of the Soul, and Evolution of the Spirit—joins us for a candid, insightful, and sometimes humorous conversation about risk, reinvention, and the journey from self-destruction to self-direction. Daniel Sterling grew up in the early years and the wild west of Aspen, Colorado, where risk became his go-to. A range of jobs some hard labor, others downright dangerous supported his early pursuit of alpine ski racing success. While he skied fast enough to land in the top ten in the US, he recalls the fallout and disillusionment of coming up short of being great. A stint in television news and a bit of public visibility added little substance to his life. Nor did a determined campaign to write and direct feature films. The sort of personal growth and fulfillment he sought seemed undefinable and out of reach until he emotionally cratered mid-life and crossed paths with a remarkable and singular mentor. In this episode, Daniel Sterling shares what he means when he says he found "a chemical surrogate for affection" at eight years old, who "Glad" was, and what "self-study" really means. He also discusses why not achieving the highest version of success he envisioned was actually a gift, why he believes there is so much more we can do in raising boys into good men, and what actually changed in how he shows up for the people he loves. He explains how he became a better communicator, why he frames his upbringing as "the best example being a bad example," and how he views the benefits of risk-taking in life. Plus, he talks about the hardship of male isolation, the distance from head to heart—so close in proximity, and yet one of the longest distances he's ever traveled—the pitfalls of defiance and an unhealthy ego, the far-reaching benefits of personal accountability, and the importance of personal vulnerability. His book is written as testimony, not self-help—a candid account from which readers may just take away a bit of encouragement and good will. If you've ever chased success only to find it hollow, struggled with isolation or destructive patterns, or you're interested in what it really takes to raise boys into whole men, this conversation with Daniel Sterling will meet you exactly where you are and remind you that the examined life is worth the journey. In this episode, we explore: · What "a chemical surrogate for affection" at eight years old meant · Who Glad was—and what "self-study" is · Why not achieving the highest version of "success" was actually a gift · Why there's so much more we can do in raising boys into good men · What actually changed in how Daniel shows up for the people he loves · How he became a better communicator · Why he frames his upbringing as "the best example being a bad example" · How he views the benefits of risk-taking in life · Why he wrote his books as testimony—and not "self-help" · The hardship of male isolation · The distance from head to heart—so close in proximity, and yet one of the longest distances he's ever traveled · The pitfalls of defiance and an unhealthy ego · The far-reaching benefits of personal accountability · The importance of personal vulnerability · The vital balance of the masculine and the feminine Connect with Daniel Sterling: · Website: https://www.danielsterlingwriter.com/ · Substack: https://danielsterlingwriter.substack.com · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielsterlingwriter/ Subscribe to His Free Newsletter: Shared Space—a free monthly newsletter where Daniel shares passages from Hungry, excerpts from his current book on raising boys into good men, and reflections from his examined life. https://danielsterlingwriter.substack.com Get His Book: Hungry, a Memoir of Self-Discovery, Furthering of the Soul, and Evolution of the Spirit

  4. Sep 22

    Tiffany Auvil: The No BS Guide to Caregiving—What Twenty Years in Healthcare Didn't Prepare Her For

    What happens when you've spent more than twenty years inside the healthcare system and then your own husband gets cancer, and you find out how little that protected you? Tiffany Auvil registered nurse, functional medicine health coach, caregiver coach, and author of The No BS Guide to Caregiving joins us for a conversation about the healthcare maze, caregiver burnout, and what most providers won't or can't say out loud. Tiffany Auvil spent more than twenty years inside the U.S. healthcare system—volunteer firefighter, then EMT, then LPN, then registered nurse, and eventually System Director of Outpatient Clinics for a three-hospital health system across four counties. She knew this system from the inside out. Then her husband Dave got cancer, and she found out how little that protected them. The night before his first immunotherapy infusion, the clinic called to say insurance had denied it. Tiffany knew immediately the denial wasn't real—after several calls back and forth between the insurance company and the clinic, she found the problem: the hospital's prior-authorization specialist had entered a diagnosis code where a procedure code belonged. A clerical error, nothing more. In this episode, Tiffany Auvil shares what being on the other side of the bed taught her that two decades of nursing never did, what the "BS" is that caregivers are constantly told and should stop believing, and how a misdiagnosis like Dave's happens—and what she wishes she or his doctors had caught sooner. She also discusses the first few things she'd tell someone whose loved one was just diagnosed, why the self-care and stay-positive approach doesn't work, where families should start when medical costs are piling up, and what she wishes someone had told her about being with Dave when he died at home—and about the year that follows. She works with family caregivers who are burned out, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of a healthcare system that wasn't designed to help them. In this episode, we explore: · What being on the other side of the bed taught Tiffany that two decades of nursing never did · What the "BS" is—the thing caregivers are constantly told that they most need to stop believing · The night before Dave's first immunotherapy infusion and the clerical error that almost cost him treatment · What every caregiver should double-check before accepting a "no" from the system · How Dave was treated for the wrong cancer for over a year—and what she wishes had been caught sooner · The first few things she'd tell someone whose loved one was just diagnosed · Why "just stay positive" and self-care advice fails caregivers—and what actually helps instead · Where families should start when medical costs are already piling up · What she wishes someone had told her about being with Dave when he died at home · What the first year of widowhood really looks like · When you quietly become "the one"—how to organize the chaos, get real answers from medical teams, and not disappear inside the role · Real scripts for hard conversations and checklists for the chaos Connect with Tiffany Auvil: · Website: https://tiffanyauvil.com · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyauvil/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanyauvil/ · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiffanyauvil Get Your Free Resource & Learn About Caregiver Coaching: Visit her website to grab a free resource and learn about working with Tiffany through her caregiver coaching practice. She works with family caregivers who are burned out, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of a healthcare system that wasn't designed to help them. The opt-in leads to a discovery call where she helps caregivers figure out exactly what they need. https://tiffanyauvil.com Get Her Book: The No BS Guide for Caregivers: How to Survive the Healthcare Maze — releasing June 2026 (Please provide the pre-order link if available.)

  5. Sep 22

    Dror Ben Ami: Carpenter vs. Plowman—Unlocking the Hebrew Metaphors Hidden in the Bible

    What if everything you thought you knew about the Bible was built on a mistranslation—and the real meaning has been hiding in plain sight all along? Dror Ben Ami—author of The Vineyard and The Final Jubilee, and a scholar who studied Comparative Literature in both the USA and Israel—joins us for a conversation that challenges centuries of accepted interpretation in both the Christian and Jewish communities. Dror Ben Ami brings an entirely new perspective to Biblical analysis. Influenced by the work of scholar and mystic Maurice Nicoll, he argues that many beliefs people take for granted are simply incorrect. For example: Jesus was NOT a carpenter—he was a plowman. Moses was NOT stopped from entering the Promised Land because he hit a rock with his staff; both Moses and Aaron were reprimanded because they did not maintain the purity of God's word (and Aaron never hit the rock with his staff, not even once). Professor Joel Baden of Yale Divinity School says Moses didn't even hit the rock once; the rabbis insist Moses hit it twice. Understanding the language of both the Old and New Testament is crucial—and that language is Hebrew. In this episode, Dror Ben Ami shares where he was born, how long he's been living in Israel, what he studied in college, and what his religion is. He also discusses the difference between carpenter and plowman, whether the Haggadah is "kosher" for Passover, who the Samaritans really were, and why Paul of Tarsus being a Pharisee matters. He challenges listeners to reconsider what they think they know and to start from Hebrew—the key to unlocking the deeper meaning of what God said. If you're a student of the Bible, a seeker of deeper truth, or simply someone who loves having your assumptions challenged, this conversation with Dror Ben Ami will open your eyes to a perspective you've never heard before. In this episode, we explore: · Where Dror was born and how long he's been living in Israel · Whether he's married and what his religion is · What he studied in college—Comparative Literature in the USA and Israel · The difference between "carpenter" and "plowman"—and why it matters · Why "a Pharisee" is "a carpenter," not Jesus · How the Torah is the Tree of Life—and what it means to cut it into smaller pieces · Why the New Testament is an etymological dictionary for the Old Testament · What language the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob spoke with "The Son of David" · The real reason Moses and Aaron were stopped from entering the Promised Land · Whether the Haggadah is "kosher" for Passover · Who the Samaritans really were · Why Paul of Tarsus being a Pharisee matters · The influence of Maurice Nicoll on Dror's work · Why Hebrew is the key—and why you must start from there Connect with Dror Ben Ami: · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HA3f56zqb/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dror-ben-ami/ · Substack: https://substack.com/@drorbenami Get His Books: The Vineyard — available now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HH1GXZB1 The Final Jubilee — also available (Please provide the link if available.) Read His Articles: Visit his Facebook page for articles dealing with subjects on the Old Testament and the Gospels in several different languages. https://www.facebook.com/share/1HA3f56zqb/

  6. Sep 22

    Kirsten Telan: Spreading Kindness Like Confetti—Teaching Big Lessons Through Small Stories

    What if the biggest lessons we can teach our children—kindness, courage, and celebrating our differences—could be shared through the simplest stories? Kirsten Telan—children's author, kindness advocate, and creator of The Confetti Effect—joins us for a heartwarming conversation about shaping young hearts through powerful stories, raising kids rooted in compassion, and the beauty of our differences. Kirsten Telan is the author of A Tale of Two Dogs, a heartwarming children's book that uses storytelling to explore big ideas like friendship, kindness, and how our differences make us stronger and better together. The book and her message align beautifully with the fruit of the Spirit—teaching children about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. She's also the voice behind The Confetti Effect, a blog and movement dedicated to spreading kindness like confetti and helping children grow in character, faith, and confidence. Through her children's book, blog, and creative tools like finger puppets and interactive reading, Kirsten encourages children (and their loved ones) to embrace who they are, treat others with empathy, and get outside their comfort zones to make a difference. In this episode, Kirsten Telan shares what inspired her to write A Tale of Two Dogs and how the characters reflect the lessons she wants to teach children. She also discusses why kindness matters so much to her, how her stories help children celebrate their differences rather than fear them, and why getting out of your comfort zone is an important lesson for children and adults alike. Plus, she shares one fear she had to overcome in her journey as a writer, what "spelling Dog backwards is a Godwink" means to her, and how parents and teachers can use her book and finger puppets to reinforce positive behaviors at home or in the classroom. She also offers advice for anyone who wants to write a children's book but feels like they're not qualified, and reveals the one lesson she hopes every child takes away from her story. If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone who wants to raise kids rooted in compassion and character—or you're looking for your next great children's book—this conversation with Kirsten Telan will encourage, educate, entertain, and inspire you. In this episode, we explore: · What inspired Kirsten to write A Tale of Two Dogs—and how the characters reflect the lessons she wants to teach · Why kindness matters so much to her—and what The Confetti Effect is all about · How her stories and messages help children celebrate their differences rather than fear them · Why getting out of your comfort zone is an important lesson for children and adults alike · One fear Kirsten had to overcome in her journey as a writer · What "spelling Dog backwards is a Godwink" means to her · How parents and teachers can use her book and finger puppets to reinforce positive behaviors · Advice for someone who wants to write a children's book but feels like they're not qualified · The one lesson she hopes every child takes away from her book · How she uses storytelling to build character, not just to entertain · Teaching the fruit of the Spirit to little hearts · Bringing books to life through the magic of finger puppets and play Connect with Kirsten Telan: · Website: https://www.kirstentelan.com/ · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstentelan/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstentelan/ · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirstentelan · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstentelan/ Stay Connected & Sign Up for Her Newsletter: Find everything in one place—sign up for her newsletter for updates and encouragement, check out The Confetti Effect blog, and learn more about her story as an author. https://linktr.ee/kirstennelsontelan Get Her Book: A Tale of Two Dogs — available now (Please provide the purchase link if available.)

  7. Sep 22

    Robert A. Walker: The Legends of Baelon—World-Building, Character, and the Gray Areas of Fantasy

    What does it take to build a fantasy world that feels as real as our own—and characters who live in the gray areas between good and evil? Robert A. Walker—author of the award-winning fantasy series The Legends of Baelon—joins us for a conversation about the creative process, world-building, and what it really takes to craft an epic fantasy that resonates with readers. Robert A. Walker is a good fit for hosts wanting to explore the creative process of writing novels—particularly the construction of characters, plot, and world-building in the fantasy genre—and for audiences intrigued by that process or looking for their next great fantasy read. His series, The Legends of Baelon, has won multiple awards and drawn praise for its rich world-building and emotionally resonant storytelling. In this episode, Robert A. Walker shares what inspired him to become an author, what The Legends of Baelon is all about, and how he would describe his writing style. He also discusses which authors and books have influenced or shaped his own writing, how he balances action and emotional depth to create high-stakes moments that resonate with readers, and why he believes few things in life are strictly black or white—there's a lot of gray out there. Plus, he explains why he chose to write his stories in third person, what he finds challenging and rewarding about writing in the fantasy genre, and the process he goes through to craft an engaging world. He also reflects on what his multiple awards mean to him personally and how that recognition influences his approach to writing. If you're a fantasy fan looking for your next great read, or a writer curious about the craft of world-building and character creation, this conversation with Robert A. Walker will give you insight into the creative process and a new series to explore. In this episode, we explore: · What inspired Robert to become an author · What The Legends of Baelon is about—and why it's an award-winning fantasy trilogy · How Robert would describe his writing style · Which authors and books have influenced or shaped his writing · How he balances action and emotional depth in fantasy writing · Why few things in life are strictly black or white—and how that shows up in his books · Why he chose to write his stories in third person · What he finds challenging and rewarding about writing in the fantasy genre · The process he goes through to craft an engaging world · What his multiple awards mean to him personally—and how that recognition influences his writing · World-building with an award-winning fantasy author · Creating authentic characters in the fantasy genre Connect with Robert A. Walker: · Website: https://www.robertawalker.com/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawalkerauthor/ · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertawalkerauthor/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawalker/ Get His Books: The Legends of Baelon series — available now on Amazon https://a.co/d/09b9I09a

  8. Sep 22

    Dr. Katie McIntyre: Joyful Leadership—Why Joy Might Be the Missing Ingredient in Leadership Today

    What if the most powerful thing you could bring to your leadership isn't strategy, authority, or even vision—but joy? Dr. Katie McIntyre—founder and CEO of Joyful Leadership Academy, speaker, author, coach, and leadership researcher—joins us for a conversation about rethinking leadership and creating workplaces where people truly thrive. Dr. Katie McIntyre spent years in leadership roles across education and the nonprofit sector. When she moved into a principal role, she saw clearly that leaders have an enormous impact on the people around them—the way they lead shapes workplace culture, influences wellbeing and engagement, and ultimately affects whether people thrive at work or struggle. A colleague once sent her a Harvard Business Review article with a note: "This looks like your thing." The article talked about how people were increasingly looking for joy in their work. That idea resonated immediately. When she went looking for research on Joyful Leadership, she discovered the research simply hadn't been done. So she began researching it herself—work that eventually led to the development of Joyful Leadership, a leadership approach focused on creating purpose, connection, and positive workplace cultures where people can truly thrive. In this episode, Dr. Katie McIntyre shares why joy is such an important but overlooked factor in leadership and workplace culture, what Joyful Leadership is and how it differs from traditional leadership approaches, and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel purpose, connection, and motivation to do their best work. She also discusses the impact of leadership style on employee wellbeing, engagement, and organizational performance, why so many people are disengaged at work and what leaders can do to change that, and what the research tells us about the role of joy in leadership and work. Plus, she offers practical steps leaders can take to create a more positive and energising workplace culture—and one leadership shift that could transform the way people experience work. If you're a leader navigating challenging times, or someone who wants to build a workplace where people feel engaged, valued, and motivated, this conversation with Dr. Katie McIntyre will give you a positive and practical approach to leadership that creates meaningful impact for the people you lead. In this episode, we explore: · Why joy is such an important but overlooked factor in leadership and workplace culture · What Joyful Leadership is and how it differs from traditional leadership approaches · How leaders can create workplaces where people feel purpose, connection, and motivation · The impact of leadership style on employee wellbeing, engagement, and organizational performance · Why so many people are disengaged at work—and what leaders can do to change that · Practical steps leaders can take to create a more positive and energising workplace culture · How leaders can lead effectively during challenging and uncertain times · What the research tells us about the role of joy in leadership and work · How leaders can balance performance and results with supporting team wellbeing · One leadership shift that could transform the way people experience work · From burnout to thriving: how leaders can create meaningful and energising workplaces Connect with Dr. Katie McIntyre: · Website: http://www.joyfulleadershipacademy.com.au · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-katie-mcintyre/ Learn More About Joyful Leadership: Visit Joyful Leadership Academy to learn more about joyful leadership and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel purpose, connection, and motivation to do their best work. http://www.joyfulleadershipacademy.com.au

See All (383)

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Hidden Secrets in Books is a compelling show that uncovers the deeper meanings, symbols, and hidden narratives within both classic and modern literature. Each episode explores how authors embed powerful ideas beneath the surface through metaphor, context, and storytelling techniques. Designed for curious readers, the show offers thoughtful insights that enrich understanding, spark critical thinking, and reveal the untold layers that make great books truly timeless.

Information