Tag: #amwriting

Kay A. Oliver – Dynamic Storyteller and Champion of Women’s Voices

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast
Kay Oliver

Our guest this episode is Kay A. Oliver — a dynamic storyteller with decades of experience in Hollywood as a producer, writer, and director. With degrees in Radio/TV/Film and an MBA in Business, Kay built a successful career in entertainment before taking the leap into writing novels.

She’s known for creating strong, imperfect, and relatable women — often professionals like archaeologists and anthropologists — who face life’s challenges with humor and resilience. Her debut novel Disturbed Tombs kicked off the Dr. Kaili Worthy series, followed by Grave Disturbances and the upcoming Disturbing Remains. She’s also the author of Road to Elysium and the heartfelt Ice Cream Moments, which explores family dynamics in a deeply human way.

Recognized in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America 2024, Kay is passionate about telling stories that matter — stories that entertain, inspire, and highlight women’s voices in ways Hollywood too often overlooks.

You can find the Billy Dees Podcast on your favorite platform.

J.F. Monroe – Advocate for the Magic of Storytelling

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast
J.F. Monroe

When reality wasn’t enough, J.F. Monroe built her own universe. In her Legacy of the Four trilogy, ancient powers walk among us, destinies shift, and courage rewrites fate.

Drawing inspiration from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and even Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending plots, Monroe blends epic adventure with deeply personal journeys.

At the core of her stories is one truth: the greatest magic comes from human connection. 

Find J.F. Monroe:

Instagram

jfmonroebookshelf.com

TikTok

You can find her interview on the Billy Dees Podcast available on all major podcast platforms. For your convenience a Spotify player is below.

Zafra Lerman – Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast

Zafra Lerman has spent her life proving that science—infused with compassion and creativity—can bridge even the deepest divides. From her childhood in Israel to advising U.S. leaders at the White House, and from classrooms to conflict zones, she has brought together scientists from opposing nations, pioneered teaching chemistry through the arts, and championed science education as a basic human right. 

In her memoir, Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey, she shares the setbacks, triumphs, and inspiring moments that shaped her belief in science as a tool for peacebuilding—and offers lessons in courage, hope, and collaboration that the world urgently needs.

You can listen to our discussion on your favorite podcasting platform. For your convenience there is a Spotify player below.

Live with Rachel Thompson, Author, Survivor, & Biz Owner

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast

Do you ever wonder what resilience, advocacy, and entrepreneurship look like in the face of adversity?

Rachel Thompson – Bad Red Head Media

In this episode, we had the incredible Rachel Thompson, author, survivor, and business owner, sharing her inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Rachel’s story is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

One of the key takeaways from the episode was how Rachel highlighted the importance of finding coping mechanisms and healing strategies for survivors of trauma. Through her advocacy work, she sheds light on the realities and challenges faced by survivors and offers a message of hope and support to those in need.

Plus, Rachel dives into the role of writing as a form of therapy and self-expression, discussing how sharing her story has been a cathartic experience for her. Her insights into the power of storytelling and advocacy are truly inspiring!

Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply looking for some motivation and empowerment in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive deep into Rachel’s story and uncover the strength and resilience that lies within us all.

Follow @BillyDees on X to keep up on the exciting guests and thought-provoking conversations on the Billy Dees Podcast.

You can follow Rachel Thompson on X @RachelintheOC

The podcast as featured on Spotify and Rumble are below.

HOPress – Dan Rottenberg – “The Price We Paid”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast
Front and back cover of “The Price We Paid.”

Author Dan Rottenberg 

The Price We Paid: An Oral History of Penn’s Struggle to Join the Ivy League, 1950-55 (Shorehouse Books, 2024)

Are you aware of the largely untold stories behind the transition of the University of Pennsylvania’s football program into the Ivy League? In this week’s episode of the Billy Dees Podcast for HOPress, we dive into the fascinating history shared by author Dan Rottenberg in his book, “The Price We Paid.”

Join us as Dan takes us on a journey through the struggles, pain, and ultimate triumphs of Penn players, coaches, administrators, and fans during the turbulent years of the 1950s. Discover the personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that shed light on this pivotal period in both sports and academic history.

Dan Rottenberg

If you’re a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply love a good story, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now to gain a unique perspective on the intersection of academics and athletics, and explore the invaluable lessons learned from the past.

This episode was produced in partnership with HumorOutcasts.com HOPress Shorehouse Books.

You can find out more about Dan and his work on his website.

The Billy Dees Podcast is available on all major podcast networks. For your convenience, the full interview is below on Spotify.

The Webcam version is below on YouTube.

Jessica Guerrieri Talks Writing, Querying, and Maintaining Sobriety

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast
Jessica Guerrieri

Jessica Guerrieri is a true advocate for sobriety and the recovery community. It was a pleasure to have her on as a guest on the podcast.

Jessica is a mom to three fierce, young daughters and has spent the past decade as an advocate for addiction recovery.

Jessica enjoys competing in Spartan Races all over California and in May of 2023 she celebrated a decade of sobriety.

Follow Jessica on Twitter!

Jessica has a BA in English from UC Davis with an emphasis in creative writing. Her articles have been published on Scary Mommy, Yahoo Life, Mom.com, BluntMoms, Filter Free Parents, and Sonoma Family Life and Mendo Lake Family Life magazines.

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” is book (being queried now) about an alcoholic mother’s obsession with her mother-in-law’s perfectionism which ultimately forces her to reexamine the enemy in the mirror.

During the interview Jessica shares her personal journey of recovery into sobriety. She also shares the trials and tribulations of being an author going through the query process of getting published.

Jessica’s website is www.jessicaguerrieri.net

You can find her on Twitter and IG @witandspitup

The full podcast is available here:

Gigi Langer – “Love More Now”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode we are interviewing Gigi Langer, PhD.

As of February 2023, Gigi has completed her new book, “Love More Now: Facing Life’s Challenges with an Open Heart.” You may remember this author from her previous offering, “50 Ways to Worry Less Now.”

Both titles are very recovery-related in their approach to the subject matter.

The book covers how to dissolve the negative beliefs restricting love for yourself and others. With your true self liberated, you’ll be able to handle difficult relationships and other challenges with wisdom, strength, and serenity. Gigi Langer, author of award-winner, “50 Ways to Worry Less Now,” illustrates how she overcame alcoholism, codependency, and trauma to discover the love at her center.

Drawing on ideas from A Course in Miracles, the Twelve Steps, and positive psychology, Gigi shows you how to become a loving, open-hearted person (with firm boundaries).

Langer holds a PhD from Stanford University and has been sober for over 35 years.

You can find out more about Gigi at her website gigilanger.com.

Twitter @gigi_langer

For your convenience, the entire podcast interview is available below as well as the videocast.