Inside Scoop Live!

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🎧 Inside Scoop Live! — THE OFFICIAL PODCAST OF READER VIEWS — Thought-provoking conversations with indie and small press authors. Go beyond the book and meet the people behind the pages—what drives them, what inspires them, and how their stories came to life.

  1. 1D AGO

    EMPOWERED WEIGHT LOSS by Sarah Gibson and Abbey Walsh

    EMPOWERED WEIGHT LOSS Are You Gaining Weight Despite Doing Everything Right? The Truth About Perimenopause Weight Loss That Your Doctor Isn't Telling You If you're a woman over 40 struggling with unexplained weight gain, crushing fatigue, sleepless nights, and mood swings—despite eating well and exercising regularly—this book reveals why traditional weight loss advice fails women in perimenopause and menopause, and what actually works. The Hidden Truth: It's Not Your Willpower. It's Your Hormones. This is the exact strategy we've used to help over 1,800 women achieve remarkable results: not only with weight loss, but also with reversing their most debilitating symptoms and feeling like themselves again. We've discovered that 5 specific hormone imbalances sabotage weight loss efforts during perimenopause and menopause. Most women have 2-4 of these imbalances simultaneously—which explains why "eat less, exercise more" stopped working after age 40. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION The book's origin and audience — How their own hormone struggles led them to co-found Vitality Health Matrix and write Empowered Weight Loss, aimed at women 35+ navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. The five hormone metabolizer types — Insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, vitamin D deficiency, sex hormone imbalance, and thyroid dysfunction, and why all five must be addressed together rather than in isolation. Normal vs. optimal lab values — Why standard lab ranges include people who are sick or symptomatic, and why "normal" results don't mean a woman is actually feeling or functioning well. Women's biology vs. men's — How women lose muscle mass, have cyclical hormone patterns, and have fundamentally different metabolic demands — making male-designed diet and fitness plans ineffective for most women. Medications, supplements, and self-advocacy — Why needing prescription support isn't failure, how integrative medicine addresses root causes, and how women can educate themselves to advocate for better care. ABOUT THE AUTHORS SARAH GIBSON is a Physician Associate, author, speaker, and fierce advocate for women's health. Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in using food and nutrition to reverse chronic disease, she is the founder of Vitality Health Matrix and the medical architect behind The Matrix Method — a comprehensive hormone optimization protocol that has helped over 1,800 women lose an average of 22.7 pounds in 90 days. Sarah is an associate producer and featured medical expert in Balance: A Perimenopause Journey, now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, and co-author of Empowered Weight Loss. She delivers the results women have been told are impossible. Credentials: MPAS (Master of Physician Associate Studies) | PA-C (National Board Certified Physician Associate) | Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine | HWC (Health & Wellness Coach) ABBEY WALSH is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, author, speaker, and nationally recognized expert in personalized nutrition, advanced supplementation, and hormone optimization for women in midlife. As co-founder of Vitality Health Matrix and co-creator of The Matrix Method, Abbey brings 15+ years of expertise in fitness and functional nutrition — including proprietary women. She is the co-author of Empowered Weight Loss and a nationally recognized speaker on the intersection of nutrition, supplementation, and hormone health. Abbey's work goes far beyond standard nutritional counseling — she delivers results that diet and exercise alone simply can't achieve. Credentials: MS (Master of Science in Nutrition) | CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist®) | LDN (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist) | Fitness Expert (CPT, CGFI, & RTY200) You can learn more about Sarah and Abbey and their work at Company website: https://vitalityhealthmatrix.com/ Book website: https://empoweredweightlossbook.com/ CONNECT WITH THE SARAH GIBSON AND ABBEY WALSH! Sarah Gibson @sarahgibsoncoaching   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgibsoncoaching/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahgibsoncoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahGibsonCoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.o.gibson Abbey Walsh @Abbeyswholelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Abbeyswholelife/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Abbeyswholelife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbeyswholelife/ Vitality Health Matrix Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalityhealthmatrix/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalityhealthmatrix YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VitalityHealthMatrix Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalityhealthmatrix

    36 min

  2. 4D AGO

    THE DIVINE FEMININE by James Crompton

    THE DIVINE FEMININE What if the Divine Feminine was not an idea, a symbol, or a distant archetype — but a living presence you could feel, speak with, and walk beside every day? In The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union, James Crompton shares his raw, unfiltered journey from a restless, ego-driven life into a direct and intimate relationship with the Sacred Feminine. Written from a man’s perspective after an accidental and traumatic Kundalini awakening, this is more than a memoir, it is atransmission of Her presence, Her words flow through the pages. Through visions, energy awakenings, and everyday encounters, She transforms from a whisper in meditation into a constant companion. Each chapter reveals not only the wonder of mystical union, but also the practical steps of integration — how to let Her dissolve old wounds, embody new wholeness, and walk with you in daily life. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION: The Book and Its Inspiration — James shares how The Divine Feminine: From Awakening to Walking in Union grew out of a deeply personal Kundalini awakening experience he kept a diary of for six months. Unable to find honest, relatable accounts written from a Western man's perspective, he wrote the book he couldn't find — one that might offer comfort and clarity to others going through the same disorienting experience alone. What a Kundalini Awakening Actually Is — James breaks down what this energetic awakening involves: the dismantling of the ego, the rising of energy through the body, and the experience of accessing levels of consciousness that feel autonomous and separate from everyday thinking. He draws parallels between Shakti in Hinduism, Sophia in Gnostic texts, Layla in Sufism, and the Virgin Mary in Catholicism. The Dark Night of the Soul — James opens up about the darkest moments of his process — feeling mentally unraveled, considering he might be having a breakdown, and at one point being suicidal — and how surrender ultimately became the turning point. Spiritual Awakening and Emotional Healing — How the awakening process physically released years of stored pain and suppressed emotion, broke longstanding patterns of self-sabotage, and led to James giving up alcohol entirely. Hidden Awakening Stories in Myth and Culture — James and Sheri explore how stories like The Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty, and Pinocchio carry deeper awakening themes, and why these meanings often go unexplored in Western culture. The Second Book: Integration — James discusses his follow-up work in progress, focused on what life looks like after the initial awakening — the long-term path of integrating presence, devotion, and inner stillness into everyday life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR James Crompton is a spiritual writer exploring awakening through lived experience, embodiment, and direct relationship with the Divine Feminine. His work emerges not from doctrine or tradition, but from an intimate inner journey, one that moved from restlessness and striving into surrender, healing, and mystical union. During meditation, James experienced a profound kundalini awakening through consciously taking in prana through the solar plexus. What began as an inner energetic opening became a living, ongoing process of embodiment, reshaping how presence is felt, wounds are met, and the sacred is lived in everyday life. Writing from a man’s perspective, James bridges grounded human experience with subtle spiritual realities. His work speaks to those who feel called beyond external success toward inner wholeness, conscious embodiment, and a deeper listening to the intelligence moving through the body and heart. Through his writing, James invites readers into a felt experience of awakening, where transformation is integrated, the body becomes a doorway, and the Divine Feminine is encountered not as an idea, but as a living presence. Learn more and connect with James Crompton at: https://jamescromptonauthor.com/

    34 min

  3. MAR 31

    FOR CAUSE by Mark Shaiken

    FOR CAUSE (3J Legal Thriller Series Book 5) When Kansas City attorney 3J takes on an energy company's bankruptcy case, a video surfaces showing her client confessing to years of financial fraud and her case collapses in seconds. Her client swears it's a fake, but with twenty days to prove it, she's pulled from downtown courtrooms to Oklahoma oil fields and into the orbit of Kansas City's Irish mob boss, a man whose illegitimate empire now includes the power to manufacture reality itself. For Cause is a smart, fast-paced legal thriller where corporate greed, organized crime, and deepfake technology collide. Truth never stood a chance. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION For Cause is the fifth book in Mark Shaiken's 3J Legal Thriller Series The story centers on bankruptcy attorney 3J, whose client's reputation is suddenly destroyed by a deepfake video Her client, Remy Paxton, is an oil and gas businessman who finds himself unable to get a loan from the bank group that has backed his family for decades The book digs into how deepfake technology is creating real challenges in courtrooms today — and whether the legal system is equipped to handle it 3J's determination to win at all costs puts her relationships and her career on the line With fraud running deeper than it first appears, nothing — and no one — is quite what they seem Real Kansas City history, landmarks, and local restaurants make their way into the story, giving For Cause an authentic sense of place The ending leaves 3J in uncharted territory, setting the stage for the next book in the series ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Shaiken lives with his wife Loren and their dog Emily in Denver Colorado. He schooled at Haverford College and Washburn University, and practiced commercial bankruptcy law for almost 4 decades before moving on to writing, board service, and his photography and music. CONNECT WITH MARK SHAIKEN! Website: https://markshaikenauthor.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markshaikenauthor/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshaikenauthor8374  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markshaikenauthor/

    26 min

  4. MAR 26

    LAUGHING THROUGH THE STORM by Jane Rogers

    LAUGHING THROUGH THE STORM Diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, Jane's life took a wild turn full of seizures, specialists, and some seriously strange hospital adventures. But instead of letting it break her, she learned to laugh-at the chaos, the cringe, and even the curveballs. Laughing Through the Storm is a hilariously honest memoir about finding resilience, ridiculousness, and unexpected joy in the middle of life's messiest moments. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION: Living with epilepsy for 30+ years — Jane shares what it's really like to have grand mal seizures every two days, including the physical toll, the brain fog, and the invisible nature of the struggle that others simply can't see. Being diagnosed at 13 and the social impact — Jane opens up about how her childhood diagnosis led to being labeled as "different" by peers, how she learned to stay quiet to protect herself, and how finding her voice became central to writing the book. The hidden side of seizures — what happens after — Jane explains that the seizure itself is only part of the story; the exhaustion, disorientation, and constant unpredictability are what shape daily life in ways most people don't understand. Humor and resilience as survival tools — Jane discusses how humor became a coping mechanism, with a candid and funny story about the most awkward place a seizure has ever hit, and how her husband and the Hoffman Process helped her find her true self.  Donating proceeds to Epilepsy Ottawa — Jane shares why this book is a purpose-driven project, how Epilepsy Ottawa supported her family after her diagnosis, and her broader mission to give hope to anyone living with a chronic condition. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jane Rogers is an accidental expert in epilepsy, diagnosed at 13 and living with it ever since. She’s spent over three decades navigating seizures, side effects, and hospital adventures with grit, sarcasm, and a solid sense of humor. Laughing Through the Storm is her first book—a tribute to resilience, ridiculous moments, and finding light in the darkest places. She lives in Ottawa with her supportive husband, Pascal, and their two mischievous chihuahuas, Junior and Bailey. Learn More and Connect with Jane Rogers: Website: https://laughingthroughthestorm.com/  Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/jane.rogers.339999 Instagram- @laughingthroughthestorm Linkedin- linkedin.com- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-rogers-46684842

    20 min

  5. MAR 10

    MATTHEW'S JOURNEY by William J. Birrell

    MATTHEW'S JOURNEY: The Return Home Caroline and Matthew have been nearly inseparable for as long as they both can remember. That is, until the untimely call of war summons Matthew far away to the battlefields of Vlaysar. With grand designs on an epic adventure, he promises to safely return to Caroline and Meadowshire a hero. But, seriously wounded on the battlefield and left for dead, those delusions of grandeur quickly fade as he, unbeknownst to Caroline, slowly and painfully makes his way home. Matthew's return becomes a desperate struggle against both time and circumstance. Losing hope at every turn, Caroline grows more desperate with each passing day, not knowing Matthew's true fate, nor certain if they will ever truly be reunited. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION: About the book and the inspiration behind the story Bringing history, love, and war together on the page Why the story begins with the ones left behind A soldier’s journey through fear, duty, and survival The emotional toll of war on families and relationships What it really means to make it home after war What's next for William J. Birrell ABOUT THE AUTHOR William J. Birrell is a longtime educator, teaching at a well-known Canadian university for over twenty years. In addition to holding several university degrees, including a graduate degree in Education (M.Ed.), William has also developed a passion for writing and telling stories. He is the proud father of three adult children and seven young grandchildren. He currently lives in the Niagara Region, with his loving partner Sue, nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario. LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH WILLIAM J. BIRRELL Website: https://williamjbirrellauthor.com/ Facebook – William Birrell or William J. Birrell – Author  Instagram – william.birrell.5 Linked in - William Birrell  Get your copy of Matthew's Journey

    26 min

  6. FEB 24

    DEBRIS by Josie L. Smith

    DEBRIS: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, GRIEF AND COURAGE Debris is a hauntingly poignant memoir of true love scorched by the flames of Australia's Black Summer Bushfires. What began as a casual online connection blossomed into a beautiful family, ultimately torn apart by tragedy, leaving behind physical wreckage and emotional ruin. Josie's mental health was deeply affected by the traumatic loss of her husband, yet her love for her daughter became an anchor, a reason to live and the quiet force that guides her through grief's darkest corners. As she learns to live with the loss, she begins to uncover what is best for her and her daughter. She embraces change, rebuilds with courage and discovers ways to heal. Written with fierce tenderness, Debris speaks to anyone who has loved deeply, lost profoundly, and found themselves gathering the fragments of a life altered by tragedy. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION Debris: Josie’s love story, the Black Summer loss, and the moment she knew she had to write this book The “before” and “after”: what life looked like with John, then how everything changed overnight Inside the firestorm: what happened during the bushfires and the emotional whiplash that followed Grief in real life: parenting through heartbreak, mental health, asking for help, and the stuff people don’t say out loud Finding solid ground again: what healing actually looked like for her, and what she hopes readers carry with them after Debris ABOUT THE AUTHOR Josie L. Smith is an author, visual artist, mother, and a public servant whose work spans memoir, community service, and creative expression. Her debut memoir, DEBRIS: A Memoir of Love, Grief and Courage, traces her powerful journey through love, devastating loss, and the long, courageous work of rebuilding after Australia’s Black Summer bushfires. In her book, Josie narrated her life with her husband John and their daughter Ems, the tragic loss of her husband, and the emotional aftermath of navigating grief while raising their daughter alone. With honesty, courage, and deep vulnerability, she explores what it truly means to survive, heal, and find strength in the ruins. Alongside her writing, Josie is an exhibiting artist whose work centres on cathartic process, resilience, and the emotional landscapes left behind by trauma. Her exhibition CATHARSIS, Embers of Resilience brought her paintings and John’s sculptures together as an artistic extension of the themes that shape her life and her memoir. Beyond her creative practice, Josie works in the Department of Communities and Justice in NSW Australia, supporting children and families through trauma-informed, community-centred practice. Josie uses her voice—in writing, in her art, and in her community work—to inspire others to face their own storms with courage and resilience. CONNECT WITH JOSIE L. SMITH Instagram Facebook Josie Smith | LinkedIn

    21 min

  7. FEB 16

    The Humility You Want and the World Needs, Schalee Sanchez

    THE HUMILITY YOU WANT AND THE WORLD NEEDS Learn the life-changing secret great leaders know, and lead with love, live with purpose, and influence with humility. Are you driven to leave a lasting impact but find yourself struggling to balance humility with self-confidence? Do you long to grow as a leader, deepen your relationships, and cultivate inner peace, but feel unsure how humility fits into it all? If these questions resonate with you, don’t worry. Many people seeking growth and legacy feel this same tension. But transformation is possible, with the right tools and a fresh perspective. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION About The Humility You Want and The World Needs and the Inspiration Behind the Book Why Humility Matters Right Now Humility as a Practice, Not a Concept Ambition and Humility Can Work Together Humble Leadership in Practice What’s Next for Schalee Sanchez ABOUT THE AUTHOR Schalee Sanchez is a global leader, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams across cultures and causes. Having lived and worked in five countries, she brings a rich global perspective to her work. Fierce in her belief that every person is worthy and wildly capable of impact, she equips readers to lead with humility, live with purpose, and rise into their fullest potential with courage, clarity, and compassion. CONNECT WITH SCHALEE SANCHEZ! WEBSITE: https://schaleesanchez.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/schalee.m.sanchez/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/schalee.sanchez/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@schaleesanchez LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schalee-sanchez-7207a7181/

    32 min

  8. JAN 20

    "Jules Moves the Rug" by Sherry Whitaker Budziak

    Jules Moves the Rug: A Story About Courage, Hope and New Adventures  What if the things we trip over are the things we need to face? In the middle of a small, busy house lies a big, bright, bumpy rug. Everyone steps around it: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Big Brother, and Little Sister. No one likes it, but no one dares to move it. Until one day, Jules, curious, brave, and tired of stumbling, finally says, "That's it. It's time to move the rug." As Jules leads her family to lift the rug for the very first time, they uncover more than anyone imagined-reminders of moments lost, lessons forgotten, and something quietly waiting to be found. Jules Moves the Rug is a tender, thought-provoking story about courage, curiosity, and the power of facing what has been hidden. Inspired by the leadership book RUG: Move What You Are Tripping Over and Lead with H.E.A.R.T., this beautifully illustrated picture book invites children and families to talk about: The feelings we hide and the healing that comes from sharing them The importance of asking questions and being brave enough to listen How love grows when we stop stepping around what's uncomfortable TOPICS OF CONVERSATION About the book: Jules Moves the Rug uses a simple household problem to show how avoiding issues doesn’t make them disappear The central metaphor: A rug in the middle of the home represents problems people keep stepping around instead of fixing Why problems linger: Familiar discomfort often feels safer than change, even when it causes repeated frustration The power of small voices: Jules, the youngest in the family, speaks up and shows that clarity doesn’t depend on age or authority What’s under the rug: Hidden messes symbolize unresolved feelings like missed apologies, forgotten dreams, and tension The core message: Facing problems together turns overwhelm into connection and healing What’s next for the author: The “move the rug” idea continues through leadership work and future stories focused on honest conversations and growth ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sherry Whitaker Budziak is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur who encourages leaders and families to find the courage to move the rugs that hold them back. Her children's book Jules Moves the Rug grew out of her own journey of resilience and personal transformation. Through this story she hopes to spark meaningful conversations that help children and the adults in their lives talk openly about change and emotional growth. Sherry is also known for her long career guiding organizations through moments of transition. After serving in executive roles within the medical association community she founded .orgSource in 2005. Since then, she has advised hundreds of organizations as they work to strengthen strategy embrace innovation and build cultures where people can thrive. At the heart of her work is a belief that growth begins with honest reflection and the willingness to imagine new possibilities. She is the co-author of two books on leadership and entrepreneurship and is currently writing her third. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys traveling trying new recipes and spending time with her family. CONNECT WITH SHERRY WHITAKER BUDZIAK https://rugthebook.com/ https://orgsource.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sherry.budziak https://www.instagram.com/orgsherry/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryb

    21 min
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About

🎧 Inside Scoop Live! — THE OFFICIAL PODCAST OF READER VIEWS — Thought-provoking conversations with indie and small press authors. Go beyond the book and meet the people behind the pages—what drives them, what inspires them, and how their stories came to life.

Information

  • Creator
    insidescooplive
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    234
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inside Scoop Live!