In Conversation with Terry Shepherd

Terry Shepherd

In Conversation with Terry Shepherd, award-winning broadcaster and author of the Jessica Ramirez Thrillers. A deep dive into the people and support systems behind the stories we love.

  1. Peter Samuelson - Finding Happy

    1D AGO

    Peter Samuelson - Finding Happy

    “The purpose of your life is to be happy, but the way you become happy is counterintuitive. It turns out that where happiness comes from is pushing out help for other people.” What if the secret to a meaningful life isn’t about what you can grab, but what you can give?  In this truly life-altering episode, award-winning broadcaster Terry Shepherd sits down with Peter Samuelson—film producer, pro-social entrepreneur, and the visionary force behind world-class nonprofits like the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Starbright World (co-founded with Steven Spielberg), First Star, and EDAR. Peter dives deep into his highly anticipated book, Finding Happy: A User’s Guide for Your Life with Lessons from Mine. Written as a no-holds-barred compass for Gen Z, millennials, and anyone looking to cut through the digital noise, the book blends jaw-dropping, hilarious Hollywood misadventures with deeply practical life lessons on risk, resilience, and ultimate fulfillment. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Brain Chemistry of Risk: Why young adults operate on the amygdala (the reptilian fight-or-flight brain) and how to kickstart the prefrontal cortex to play the "chess game of life" safely.The "Envelope & Pencil" Strategy: A powerful metaphor for navigating failure, exploring career tangents, and pushing past the dark spaces of uncertainty.The 89% Miracle: How Peter’s organization, First Star, flips the script for foster youth, defying national statistics to send the vast majority of their scholars to higher education.The Science of Random Acts of Kindness: A look inside Peter’s counterintuitive 2-class course funded by a generous Dallas donor, proving how agency and altruism fight life's natural "entropy".Unconditional Love in Action: Heartwarming, real-world stories from the trenches of volunteering—including the moving UCLA talent show "scrum" and how Peter met his wife of 35 years inside a SeaWorld dolphin costume.Classroom Hacks for Success: Why raising your hand to ask just one question per class—even a bad one—will fundamentally reprogram your education.This isn’t just a podcast episode; it’s a masterclass in mitigation of suffering and finding absolute clarity, courage, and joy in an overwhelming world. Hit play, get off your derriere, and learn how to start your own journey toward a good life. Connect with Peter: Website: samuelson.la (Where you can read the first 20 pages of Finding Happy for free!) Buy the Book: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.Feedback: Peter actually wants to hear from you! Grab his direct email address right inside the book or via his website.About the Show: In Conversation with Terry Shepherd explores the writer’s craft, showcasing deep dives with the authors, narrators, and support systems who shape the stories we love. Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a young adult—or a parent/mentor—who needs a little extra guidance finding their happy today! We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    52 min
  2. Luke Preston and Alice Waddington - Anonymous Jane

    3D AGO

    Luke Preston and Alice Waddington - Anonymous Jane

    Breaking the Spy Movie Mold with "Anonymous Jane" There are stories that whisper, and stories that kick the door off its hinges. Anonymous Jane does the latter. In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with two incredible creators approaching the exact same explosive story from very different artistic worlds: hard-edged crime novelist Luke Preston (writing as Jack Quade) and visionary director Alice Waddington. Together, they are adapting Preston’s fast-moving novel into a visceral, cinematic experience. At the heart of the story is Jane—a non-traditional spy, weapon, and shadow fixer who suddenly faces the ultimate personal ticking clock: learning she is both pregnant and terminally ill. Suddenly, the mission isn't just about saving the world; it’s a desperate gamble for survival and redemption. What We Dive Into in This Episode: The Anti-Bond Blueprint: Luke discusses why he wanted to strip away the traditional, detached "James Bond" archetype to create a protagonist driven by deeply personal stakes.The Nice Guys Meets Hong Kong Cinema: Alice shares how she connected with the book's propulsion and her plans to inject dark humor, '70s action cinema vibes, and high-fashion aesthetics into a brutalist visual world.Action That Dictates Character: A look behind the curtain at collaborating with legendary action coordinator Phil Silvera (Deadpool, Daredevil) to ensure every punch, throw, and blade movement tells an emotional story.The Blue-Collar Creative Grind: Both Luke and Alice get incredibly candid about their paths from working-class backgrounds to Hollywood, offering powerhouse advice for indie authors and first-time filmmakers trying to break through the noise today.Whether you're a fan of gritty crime thrillers, high-octane filmmaking, or the raw mechanics of script adaptation, this conversation moves just as fast as the story on the page. Hit play and get a front-row seat to the collaboration! Connect with the Guests: Luke Preston: Learn more about his books at jackquaidbooks.com.Alice Waddington: Explore her visual portfolio at alicewaddington.com.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform! We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    26 min
  3. Tori Eldridge - Hawaii Rage

    5D AGO

    Tori Eldridge - Hawaii Rage

    Unburying Family Secrets in the Paniolo Country with Tori Eldridge There is a particular kind of suspense that settles into the land, into families, and into histories that refuse to stay buried. In this episode, award-winning broadcaster, narrator, and author Terry Shepherd takes a deep dive into the writer's craft with one of his favorite authors—and best friends—Tori Eldridge. Tori joins the show to discuss her gripping seventh novel, Hawaii Rage, a multi-layered mystery that trades the typical tourist backdrops for the lush, complicated, and dangerous terrain of the Big Island's North Kohala. The story follows Mekalani, a highly overqualified seasonal interpretive ranger who gets pulled into a seemingly tragic ranching accident involving a grieving family and a deadly bull. But as the breadcrumbs unravel, a single death begins to expose generations of hidden secrets. Terry and Tori explore: The Rich History of the Paniolo: Discover Hawaii’s deep, historic cowboy traditions that pre-date the United States.Writing Place as a Character: How Tori uses visceral details—from trade winds to the sound of horse hooves—to ground her complex plots.The High-Wire Act of Audio Narration: Tori shares her experience stepping back into the studio with Brilliance Audio to personally narrate her diverse cast of characters, dialects, and Olelo Hawaii.Stepping Into the Unknown: A sneak peek into Tori’s next project—a standalone, first-person, present-tense psychological domestic suspense novel.Whether you are a fan of classic thrillers, rich cultural history, or the fine mechanics of storytelling, this deeply personal conversation offers an invigorating look behind the curtain of a master novelist at the height of her craft. About the Guest Tori Eldridge is the author of the Ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery series and the Lily Wong series. A former actor, singer, dancer, and martial artist, she has expanded her repertoire to audio narration, bringing her own complex, multi-generational characters to life. She currently lives in Portland, where she balances her writing life with being a proud tutu (grandmother). Connect with Tori: Learn more about her books, background, and upcoming projects at ToriEldridge.com.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    32 min
  4. Martha Conway - We Meet Apart We Meet Apart

    6D AGO

    Martha Conway - We Meet Apart We Meet Apart

    Writing Across Realities with Martha Conway What happens when an unsettling, real-life moment completely reshapes a creative journey? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with acclaimed novelist Martha Conway to explore her deeply moving and speculative new novel, We Meet Apart. Set in 1990s Ireland, the book follows two grieving sisters, Gabby and Sabine, navigating a dual reality: one rooted in the world we know, and another shaped by an alternate history where Nazi Germany has invaded Ireland. Separated across these parallel timelines, they are able to meet for a limited time at twilight—a narrative mechanic beautifully inspired by 17th-century Irish folklore. It is a quietly devastating exploration of love, sisterhood, and how we handle loss. In this conversation, Terry and Martha dive deep into the writing process, discussing: The Flight That Changed Everything: How a terrifying emergency landing during a transatlantic flight served as the creative sign Martha needed to write a novel set in her ancestral homeland.Unlocking the Title: The Emily Dickinson poem that provided the perfect, bone-chilling title after endless lists of options fell short.Balancing the Tension: Martha's tactical approach to pacing a dual-timeline narrative, ensuring the emotional weight of grief matches the high stakes of a wartime occupation.The Power of Sisterhood: How growing up in a large family with six sisters shapes Martha's frequent exploration of complex sibling bonds.A Sneak Peek at What's Next: A look into her upcoming novel, which takes place in a dangerous 1820 New Hampshire factory town.Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, magical realism, or powerful family dramas, this episode offers a fascinating look inside a master storyteller's process. About the Guest: Martha Conway is an acclaimed author known for weaving richly detailed historical worlds with deeply human stories. Her work frequently centers on the unbreakable ties, loyalties, and losses that define us. Discover more about her books, research trips, and upcoming projects by visiting her official website at marthaconway.com. We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    18 min
  5. Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell - SHE WROTE, HE WROTE: A New York Love Story

    MAY 11

    Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell - SHE WROTE, HE WROTE: A New York Love Story

    In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with authors Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell to discuss their collaborative romantic comedy, She Wrote, He Wrote: A New York Love Story. Set against the "beautifully chaotic" backdrop of New York City, the novel offers a unique split narrative that explores a single romance from two very different perspectives. Inside the Story The book follows the parallel journeys of two aspiring New Yorkers: Joanna: An East Village writer navigating a cramped walk-up, eccentric roommates, and a questionable boss.Logan: A Wall Street professional attempting to make his own mark while escaping the heavy expectations of his wealthy Connecticut family.A Partnership Born of "Sparks and Laughter" Ashley and Jordan share the delightful—and often hilarious—true story of their own meeting, which involves years of "near misses" before finally connecting at a multi-day wedding extravaganza in St. Martin. From failed pickup lines on the beach to Jordan’s ill-fated "crush" on a wedding band leader, they reveal how their real-life friendship and "riffing" eventually evolved into a professional writing partnership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Art of Collaboration: How the duo balances Jordan’s focus on structure and outlines with Ashley’s emphasis on flow, humor, and "nurturing" the narrative.Literary Inspirations: The influence of New York staples like Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, and Wedding Crashers on their work.Writing for Everyone: Why this "chick-lit" inspired story actually skews heavily toward the male perspective, making it a relatable read for "the fellows" as much as the traditional romance audience.Dealing with Rejection: The authors discuss "thickening their skin" and treating rejection as a stepping stone to the finish line.A Sincere Dedication: Why the pair decided to dedicate the book to all of their ex-partners.Whether you are looking for the perfect "tequila-at-the-beach" summer read or an inside look at how two screenwriters tackle their first novel, this conversation is packed with humor, heart, and insight into the "dance" of storytelling. "We’re not trying to change the world, but we need more joy. It’s a joyful book." — Jordan Rockwell  We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    27 min
  6. James Grady - Shadows on Sidewalks

    MAY 4

    James Grady - Shadows on Sidewalks

    SOS: James Grady on Hometown Secrets, "Shadows on Sidewalks," and Reshaping the Thriller Episode Summary There are writers who define a genre, and then there are those who quietly reshape it from the inside out. In this episode, host Terry Shepherd is joined by legendary thriller author James Grady, whose breakout novel Six Days of the Condor originally introduced audiences to a world where paranoia, power, and survival collide. Grady discusses his latest novel, Shadows on Sidewalks—also known by its thematic abbreviation SOS—which is set in a small Montana town. The narrative follows protagonist James Trayvin, a man drawn back home by family obligations who quickly becomes entangled in a tightening web of deception, desire, and looming violence. Throughout the conversation, Grady shares his philosophies on storytelling, the profound influence of authors like Elmore Leonard on his relentless narrative pacing, and the absolute necessity of weaving real-world contemporary tensions into modern fiction. Topics Discussed: The Pull of Nostalgia: Grady explores how our hometowns shape us forever and why returning home can serve as both a fascinating refuge and a dangerous, ticking-clock trap.Real-World Horrors: The complex character of Lana LaBuff was crafted to spotlight the tragic reality of murders, disappearances, and discrimination faced by Indigenous women on reservations.Moral Ambiguity: A deep dive into how characters today are rarely inherently good or bad, but are simply humans navigating situations where making the "wrong" choice might be the only way to protect their loved ones.The Craft of Suspense: Grady explains his method for balancing psychological suspense with erotic tension, the importance of stripping away unnecessary adverbs, and why he allows his characters to organically hijack the dialogue and dictate the story's unconventional ending.An Author's Origin: Discover how growing up in a highly isolated Montana town with a movie theater manager father and a librarian mother provided the perfect cultural foundation for Grady’s global writing career.Words to Live By: Grady shares the heartfelt family motto that guides his personal life: "Do Good Walk True, and Be Happy".More about James Grady. We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    28 min
  7. Mario Cartaya - Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints

    APR 21

    Mario Cartaya - Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints

    Reclaiming a Faded Past: Mario Cartaya’s Journey Back to Cuba In this episode, host Terry Shepherd speaks with acclaimed architect and author Mario Cartaya about his memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints. Fleeing Cuba at age eight after his father’s life was threatened, Mario suppressed his childhood memories for 56 years. After returning to the island, which he describes as being like a clock that stopped in 1959, he experienced a profound psychological reunion with his past. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Escape: Why his family had to leave Cuba in September of 1960 and the psychological encapsulation that locked away his memories.The Return: The powerful moment on a Havana balcony where his Cuban and American lives finally reunited.Architecture & Identity: How childhood toys, like an erector set and a toy crane, shaped his successful career as an architect.A Message of Peace: The importance of finding inner peace and his hopes for a free, transparent, and democratic Cuba with a capitalist economy.About Our Guest:Mario Cartaya is an author and the founder of an acclaimed architectural firm in Fort Lauderdale. His work and life achievements have been entered into the United States Congressional Record. Connect with Mario Cartaya: Website: MarioCartaya.com We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    29 min
  8. Ralph DeFalco - The Counterfeit

    APR 11

    Ralph DeFalco - The Counterfeit

    What happens when history repeats itself and the global balance of power shifts overnight? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with Dr. Ralph DeFalco, the "Renaissance man" and author behind the chilling political thriller, The Counterfeit. Ralph discusses the historical patterns and current geopolitical trends that inspired his vision of a fractured, post-conflict America. We explore a world where the United States has been economically crippled and politically compromised, forcing its citizens to navigate a new reality of desperation and foreign influence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Intersection of History and Fiction: How Ralph uses historical cycles to project a plausible and terrifying future for the United States.A Nation Divided: Inside the setting of The Counterfeit, where privilege and desperation live side-by-side under the shadow of a foreign power.The "What If" of Geopolitics: Exploring the logical conclusions of current global trend lines.Character-Driven Stakes: A look at the intense, personal moments of conflict that drive the narrative—where survival often depends on a split-second decision.Writing the "Plausible Future": Ralph’s approach to creating a thriller that feels uncomfortably real to modern readers.About Our Guest: Dr. Ralph DeFalco is an author and scholar often described as a "Renaissance man" for his broad expertise and deep understanding of historical patterns. His work focuses on the intersection of political power, national identity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic collapse. Featured in this Episode: The Counterfeit: The gripping political thriller by Dr. Ralph DeFalco.Enjoyed the conversation? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more deep dives into the writer's craft with Terry Shepherd. We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo

    25 min
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In Conversation with Terry Shepherd, award-winning broadcaster and author of the Jessica Ramirez Thrillers. A deep dive into the people and support systems behind the stories we love.

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