Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read

Dave Campbell,

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers - Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to "Living The Next Chapter," the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling. Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way. This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing. This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here!   https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://livingthenextchapter.com/ Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys

  1. 1d ago

    E761 - Andy Vargo - Uber Stories and Owning Your Awkward - Discovering Your True Self and Rewriting Your Story

    EPISODE 761 - Andy Vargo - Uber Stories and Owning Your Awkward - Discovering Your True Self and Rewriting Your Story In this engaging episode, Andy Vargo joins from Tacoma, Washington—home to surprises like Almond Roca, the origins of Mars bars, and inspiration for Frank Herbert's Dune from the local Asarco smelter plant. Andy shares his nonlinear path to authorship, sparked by childhood encouragement but paused for decades amid family life, until divorce and job loss reignited his passion. He pivoted from unfinished projects like The Awkward Interview to self-publishing personal stories that became his breakthrough. Andy demystifies writing, urging aspiring authors to publish without fear of rejection—someone will connect with your unique voice, even if it feels unoriginal. He rewrote his LinkedIn narrative to link grocery management coaching and sales experience to his current role as a motivational speaker and life coach, framing past jobs as foundational skills. His core books, Own Your Awkward: Thoughts (60 days of mindset shifts with reflection prompts, like reframing loneliness in a cafe) and Own Your Awkward: Life Changes (worksheets for navigating transitions), plus a series of five guided journals born from his rock-bottom days, emphasize activity over passive reading. He also entertains with OneDrive Stands, tales from 5,000 rideshare rides turned into a one-man improv show using audience names. At 40, Andy embraced his true self post-divorce, realizing faking normalcy depleted his energy and held him back from peak performance. His mission: lean into insecurities—be it body image, quirks like pineapple pizza, or deeper differences—as superpowers that foster authenticity and connection. This fuels his coaching for speakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, where he mirrors passions (e.g., skateboarding artistry into business) and breaks paths into manageable wins. Owning awkward builds trust; naming self-consciousness, like bedhead nerves, sparks rapport over polished perfection. Change is neutral, he stresses—not good or bad until hindsight reveals it—and fears often mislabel (e.g., "heights" is really "landing"). Key Takeaway: Own your awkward not despite it, but because of it—turn what holds you back into your greatest strength for authentic success and deeper relationships. Visit awkwardcareer.com for Andy's books, podcast, free worksheet, and more. https://awkwardcareer.com/ Motivational Speaker and Life Coach Who Ignites Change. You’re tired of the polished talk about “authenticity” that doesn’t get real results. I skip the fluff and dive into what makes us human: the awkward, relatable quirks that create real connection and drive real change. It’s bold. It’s different. It’s Awkward. And it works. Curious about how your unique traits can actually be your superpower? Start activating your voice today with a free worksheet designed to help you lean into your awkward and see the power you already have. Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  2. 3d ago

    E760 - Bill Haase - Our Mindset on Money - It’s Easy to Control, So Why, Impact over Income

    EPISODE 760 - Bill Haase - Our Mindset on Money - It’s Easy to Control, So Why, Impact over Income In this episode, Bill Haase shares a deeply personal and practical conversation about money, mindset, and the life experiences that shape how we handle both. Drawing from decades in finance and his own financial سقوط and recovery, Bill brings a grounded perspective to a topic many people avoid discussing. Bill explains how his work intersects with broader mindset principles, especially through partnerships that address both the emotional and financial sides of major life transitions like leaving the military. He highlights that money concerns and mental well-being are often tightly connected, and addressing both is key to long-term stability. A major theme in this conversation is the reality that writing a book or building credibility is just the beginning. Bill emphasizes that success comes from treating your work as a tool, not just a title, and being prepared to promote, refine, and build a team around your efforts. He opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when a series of financial setbacks led to losing his home. Rather than avoiding responsibility, Bill chose to face the consequences, learn from the experience, and rebuild. That journey now fuels his mission to teach financial literacy and help others avoid similar pitfalls. Throughout the episode, Bill challenges common financial habits. He breaks down the difference between good debt and bad debt, explains how everyday spending decisions quietly drain resources, and highlights how perception and status often drive poor financial choices. From car loans to daily coffee purchases, small decisions compound into long-term consequences. Bill also explores practical strategies for regaining control, including understanding your spending through budgeting and choosing a debt repayment method that works for you. More importantly, he emphasizes awareness, questioning purchases, and shifting from impulsive spending to intentional decision-making. At its core, this episode is about freedom. Bill makes a compelling case that when you take control of your finances, you reduce stress, improve relationships, and open yourself up to a fuller experience of life. Financial literacy is not just about money, it is about clarity, confidence, and creating space for what truly matters. Key takeaway: When you take control of your money with awareness and intention, you gain control of your life, your choices, and your future. https://billhaase.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  3. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    BONUS - Austin Kleon's Book Series - Why These Books Matter to Authors and Creative People

    BONUS - Austin Kleon's Book Series - Why These Books Matter to Authors and Creative People Austin Kleon’s four books work best when read as one creative roadmap. They move from making original work, to shaping your voice, to sharing your process, to protecting your creative life when things get messy. Steal, then make it yours Steal Like an Artist is the spark. Kleon argues that no idea arrives from nowhere, so creators should study what they love, remix it, and turn influence into something personal. The book’s appeal comes from how practical it feels. Readers often praise it for making creativity feel accessible instead of mysterious. Share the process Show Your Work! takes the next step. Kleon shifts the focus from finished product to public process, encouraging readers to share small pieces of their work, teach what they know, and build trust over time. The message is clear. People do not only connect with polished results, they connect with the story of how the work gets made. Keep the fire alive Keep Going brings the series into real life. It focuses on staying creative through distraction, pressure, and chaos. Rather than chasing inspiration, Kleon emphasizes routine, limits, and steady habits that protect the work. This is the book for people who have started, shared, and now need a way to keep showing up. (New!) Don’t Call It Art: 10 Ways to Create Like a Kid Again points readers back to play, curiosity, and freedom. It reminds creators to loosen perfectionism and return to the simple joy of making. That foundation matters because the rest of Kleon’s work builds on the idea that creativity starts with action, not permission. Why read all four Together, these books form a complete creative framework. Don’t Call It Art opens the door. Steal Like an Artist helps readers find their voice. Show Your Work! teaches them how to build an audience. Keep Going helps them sustain the practice long term. If you are recommending all four books to listeners, the strongest theme is this: creativity is a practice, not a moment. Play, borrow wisely, share generously, and keep going. That simple arc makes the set worth reading as a collection. https://austinkleon.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  4. 5d ago

    E489 - Author Darlene Campos Shares the Amazing Story of Holocaust Survivor Pete Philipps

    EPISODE 489 - Author Darlene Campos Shares the Amazing Story of Holocaust Survivor Pete Philipps Hello! Hola! I'm Darlene P. Campos, an Ecuadorian-American author who is also a proud Houstonian. I earned my BA in English-Creative Writing with a Medicine and Society Studies minor from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and my MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso (Go Miners!). I am the author of the young adult novels Behind Mount Rushmore, Summer Camp is Cancelled, and Heaven Isn't Me, traditionally published by Vital Narrative Press. Pete Philipps' Interview Pete grew up in Essen, a major industrial city on Germany’s Ruhr River. His father worked as a cattle hide dealer for an international trading company in nearby Mühlheim. His mother was a designer for a fashionable women’s dress shop. Pete, his younger twin brothers, and parents lived together in an apartment. 1933–39: Pete had barely passed his first birthday when the Nazis came to power. His father realized the danger that now faced Jews in Germany, and the family left for Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1936. Pete attended Jewish school there, but the times were unsettling. In fall 1938, the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia, was incorporated into the Nazi Reich, and the following March, German troops marched into Prague. Shortly thereafter, Pete’s family left for Italy, where they settled in the Genoa suburbs. There, they were attacked by local antisemitic fascists. Soon after Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, the Philippses immigrated to Ecuador. 1940–45: In Quito, the Philippses joined the growing colony of refugees from Germany. Pete attended a private boys’ school. His father set up business making margarine, while his mother did clothing alterations and knitting. In May 1941, just six months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Philippses arrived in the United States. Pete’s father returned to his former company. After the war, Pete learned that his paternal grandmother, who had fled earlier to the Netherlands, had been deported to Auschwitz, where she perished. He completed his education and, after a tour of military duty in Germany, became a journalist for the New York Times. https://www.ushmm.org/remember/holocaust-survivors/volunteers/pete-philipps https://www.ushmm.org/ https://www.darlenepcampos.com/ ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Published: Jan. 20, 2025 Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  5. 5d ago

    E237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism

    EPISODE 237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism About our Guest - I grew up in Exeter, Devon and lived with my parents and 2 older sisters. I didn't really have a troubled life but from a young age I discovered alcohol and my journey into addiction began. Drugs and alcohol consumed my life from that point on. It got so bad that I thought I would either end up in prison, a psychiatric unit or dead. Either by someone else killing me or succeeding in killing myself. I managed to find a way to recover and now live a clean sober life. You could say the complete opposite of how I lived before. I'm hoping now that if I share my experience through writing books I can help to inspire anyone that change is possible. The Book: Me and My Addiction tells the intense, but overall positive, account of one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism. This thought-provoking book gives the reader a no holds barred, insight into addictions, and their power to change people’s lives, often without the victim realizing until it’s too late. Stewart’s reflection of the problems around addiction, along with his real, raw and (brutally!) honest stories will open your mind to see life through the eyes of an addict. If you think you, or maybe someone you know, may have an issue with alcohol it provides answers to the questions that many are afraid to ask, a deeper understanding of how addiction works, along with hope that it’s possible to break the cycle of destruction and to turn your life around. https://www.stewartleeauthor.co.uk/ ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Published: Aug. 31, 2023 Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

  6. Aug 28

    E758 - C B Strul - Quantum Mable in the River of Time - Adding a Younger Audience to Your World

    EPISODE 758 - C B Strul - Quantum Mable in the River of Time - Adding a Younger Audience to Your World In this episode, science fiction author C B Strul joins the conversation to share the creative evolution behind his storytelling and the launch of a new chapter book series, Quantum Mabel in the River of Time. Broadcasting from Los Angeles and surrounded by a lively household that includes four rescue pugs, Strul brings both humor and depth as he reflects on his work, inspirations, and writing process. Strul explores the expansive nature of science fiction, emphasizing that the genre goes far beyond action-driven space adventures. His work blends thoughtful concepts with imaginative storytelling, drawing inspiration from authors like Isaac Asimov and Ursula K Le Guin. With Quantum Mabel, he shifts toward a younger audience while maintaining intellectual depth, վստահ that young readers are more than capable of engaging with complex ideas when presented in an accessible and engaging way. The story follows Mabel, a curious and adventurous ten year old from the future who can travel through time and space, accompanied by her protective robot companion, Dartmouth. Set in part within the Amazon rainforest, the book weaves together real scientific concepts, animal behavior, and quantum mechanics into a narrative designed to spark curiosity and discovery. Strul intentionally incorporates accurate research, even sourcing material from public libraries, with plans to include a bibliography to encourage further learning. A recurring theme in Strul’s work is consequence. He discusses how every action, whether small or significant, creates ripple effects that shape outcomes. This idea is embedded in both his adult novels and the Quantum Mabel series, offering readers a lens through which to better understand their own decisions and impact on the world. The conversation also highlights his creative process, from balancing multiple projects to navigating world building across interconnected stories. While he embraces spontaneity in writing, he acknowledges the complexity of maintaining continuity within his expanding universe. His collaboration with illustrator Maya Sher brings a fresh visual identity to the series, reinforcing his commitment to human creativity over automation. Ultimately, this episode offers an inside look at a creator who is continuously evolving, challenging himself, and inviting readers of all ages to explore science, imagination, and meaning through story. Key takeaway: Young audiences are capable of engaging with complex ideas, and when storytelling combines curiosity, accurate knowledge, and imagination, it can inspire both learning and a deeper understanding of the consequences of our actions. https://odomslibrary.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Living The Next Chapter: Inspiring Conversations with Amazing Authors and Writers - Better Questions, Better Conversations, Better Connections Are you an avid reader or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration to embark on your own literary journey? Look no further! Welcome to "Living The Next Chapter," the podcast that celebrates the world of books and writing. Join us as we connect you with captivating authors who have mastered the art of storytelling. Living The Next Chapter is more than just a podcast. It is a platform built for meaningful conversations, authentic storytelling, and real connection within the literary world. Each episode highlights inspiring authors who openly share their journeys, including the struggles they have overcome, the triumphs they have achieved, and the lessons they have learned along the way. This is a space where better questions lead to better conversations, and ultimately, stronger connections. Whether you are an experienced author or continuing to grow your voice, this platform offers a unique opportunity to expand your reach, elevate your message, and connect with a global audience that is passionate about books and writing. This show is always ad free, if you love what you hear, please refill our coffee cup here!   https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediacahttps://livingthenextchapter.com/ Author Podcast, Podcast for Authors, Book Podcast, Authors, Writing, Books, Literature, Storytelling, Creative Writing, Bestselling Authors, Interviews with Authors, Writing Tips, Publishing Insights, Book Recommendations, Author Experiences, Literary Discussions, Writing Process, Inspiring Conversations with Authors, How to Write a Book, Tips for Aspiring Writers, Behind the Scenes of Writing, Exploring Author Journeys