Tag: Books

A Busy Week for the Podcast Studio

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast

We have had a busy week.

We had two studio prerecorded interviews and one live episode.

Sweet Inspiration – A True Story of Finding Your Voice

First up was Kristy Mickelsen. Kristy is the author of A Short Read Memoir – “Sweet Inspiration”

Kristy Mickelsen

This is from her book description:

“But later, when my high from the dope I had snorted early that morning wore off, I cried again for most of the night but not out of anger. This time it was out of fear. Fear of what was happening to me. Fear of what I had become. Fear of what was going to happen to my marriage, and the fear of losing my family – all to my addiction of the street drug, crystal meth.”

In this episode, Kristy Mickelsen shares the inspiration behind her memoir and the personal journey that shaped her path as an advocate, author, and podcast host. From overcoming challenges to finding her voice, Kristy offers a powerful and uplifting story that’s sure to resonate with listeners.

You can find Kristy on X @KristyBooks and more Kristy Mickelsen links are Here

Bill Thompson – Bridging Classic Radio and Modern Tech

Then we had radio veteran and TikTok influencer Bill Thompson on the program to talk about his new venture creating content for people over the age of 40 about how to use AI.

Bill Thompson

If you’re a fan of old-school radio, you’ll find Bill Thompson’s story especially compelling. A true veteran of the airwaves, Bill spent over 30 years behind the mic, interviewing some of the most fascinating figures of our time—leaders, inventors, entertainers, athletes, astronauts, and more. By the time he retired from radio in 2018, he’d recorded an astonishing archive of over 10,000 interviews.

Today, Bill brings those unforgettable moments back to life through his podcast, Now I’ve Heard Everything—a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, humor, and history.

But that’s not all.

Bill is also embracing the future by diving into the world of artificial intelligence. Through a new YouTube series, he’s helping adults over 40—especially those less tech-savvy—learn how to use AI in everyday, practical ways. He’s gathering real stories and questions from his audience to guide the series: What have you tried? What confused you? What do you want to learn?

Whether you’re reminiscing about radio’s golden era or curious about AI’s modern magic, Bill Thompson is here to share, teach, and inspire.

You can find Bill Thompson Here

On TikTok @heardeverything

Trump, Epstein, Colbert, and NPR – Commentary with Billy Dees LIVE!

Billy Dees

We finished out the week on Friday night with political and news commentary. Our previous live last week had a technical issue. The podcast itself was fine and was posted like always but this week we had no issues. The live-stream did well on X.

Hot Takes and Heated Topics!

In this lively episode, we dive into some of the most buzz-worthy stories in the media world. First up: a mysterious birthday letter allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaces—just in time to stir up controversy. Is it coincidence, or calculated distraction?

Next, we react to the surprise cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. What happened to the golden age of late-night laughs? We explore how these shows have shifted from light-hearted comedy to full-on political theater.

And finally, we take a hard look at NPR—once a trusted voice for public service journalism, now seen by many as another outlet for partisan commentary. What changed?

Don’t miss this fast-paced episode packed with insight, humor, and sharp commentary.

Note:

Thank you for listening. All these episodes are available on your favorite podcasting platform. For your convenience, they are listed below.

C’mon Jake, Give Me a Break – Also My Personal Connection to Memorial Day

by Billy Dees, posted in Media, Podcast, Social Media, Uncategorized

As we reflect on Memorial Day Weekend, join me for a deeply personal episode of the Billy Dees Podcast titled “C’mon Jake, Give Me a Break – Also My Personal Connection to Memorial Day.” This episode goes beyond the holiday; it delves into the heart of media accountability and the poignant memories of my father, a proud veteran.

In this episode, I’ll unpack Jake Tapper’s new book, “Original Sin,” and expose the troubling truths behind President Biden’s declining public perception. It’s not just a commentary on politics; it’s about the media’s complicity in shaping narratives that affect real lives. Why did it take so long for many to recognize those warning signs about Biden’s capabilities? Spoiler alert: curiosity and in-depth understanding come from more than just headlines.

You’ll also hear compelling personal stories that bring Memorial Day to life, especially my father’s lasting message about honor and remembrance. His life, marked by sacrifice and strength, has shaped my views on the importance of our military and the everyday heroes among us.

What’s in it for you? Expect thoughts that challenge the status quo, emotional reflections on personal loss, and insights that remind us of the values that Memorial Day embodies. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to engage critically with current events while honoring the spirit of those who served.

Listen to the episode and don’t forget to share your thoughts! Comment below or follow us on social media. Links Here

00:02 – Kickoff to summer reflections
08:04 – Media’s role in Biden’s decline
15:56 – Accountability and medical privacy
23:21 – Personal memories of Memorial Day
36:44 – Honoring my father’s legacy

Times reflect the final podcast version. The live version below on YouTube may be slightly different.

J Herman Kleiger Author – “Tears Are Only Water”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

On this episode, I speak with Jim Kleiger, an author and mental health professional with extensive experience in psychology and psychoanalysis.

We discuss Jim’s new book, “Tears Are Only Water,” and how his professional interests influenced his creative writing. Jim shares his background growing up in Denver and his journey into psychology. We also talk about the stigma surrounding mental health, noting that it has improved but still persists.

Jim delves into his foray into creative writing, which began in 2019 and gained momentum during the pandemic. Jim’s novels explore themes of trauma, madness, psychological intrigue, healing, and transformation. “Tears Are Only Water” is described as a psychologically textured suspense and mystery with a hopeful ending.

J. Herman Kleiger

Jim shares a fair amount of light on his background, writing process, and the themes he explores in his books.

J Herman Kleiger, the author’s name otherwise going by Jim, discusses the plot of the book “Tears Are Only Water,” during the episode. The story revolves around characters coping with trauma and a crime investigation. Jim distinguishes his book as a psychological mystery and suspense rather than a typical thriller.

Jim mentions where readers can find his book and his upcoming audiobook release, which will feature multiple narrators and different character perspectives.

You can find the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

-Billy Dees

Chloe Klaus Author “The Treasure of the Reef”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast, Social Media

On this episode of the Billy Dees Podcast, we have Chloe Klaus, a first-time children’s book author and illustrator. Chloe discusses her book, “The Treasure of the Reef,” which she began writing in 2017 while in Australia. The book is inspired by Chloe’s love for mermaids and her passion for environmental education.

Chloe talks about her background in mental health and environmental studies, as well as her involvement with the nonprofit organization Green Allies. She explains how her book combines her passions for writing, art, mermaids, and environmental issues, using a simple story as a metaphor for her beliefs and values.

Chloe Klaus

The story revolves around a mermaid and a pirate who must find common ground to save the coral reef and their own survival. Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding good in others and overcoming polarization in today’s world.

The book is targeted towards children aged 8 to 9 but can be enjoyed by all ages. Chloe hopes that children who read her book will take away the message of finding common ground and seeing the good in others.

The podcast also discusses Chloe’s writing process, her use of social media platforms to market her book. The conversation provides insights into the writing process and the role of social media for authors.

You can find Chloe on X (Twitter) @ChloeLynnKlaus

Below is a sample of the conversation.

Peter King Author – “Gold Among the Trees”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Media, Podcast

In this podcast episode, author Peter King joins hosts Billy Dees and Kristy Mickelsen to discuss his career, travels, and writing.

Peter has written several books including, “Gold Among The Trees” and “Life’s but a Poem,” and has traveled extensively due to his career and involvement in sports. He shares that his writing process involves postulating a problem and solving it, often with unpredictable endings. Peter draws inspiration from current events and historical occurrences. He also mentions his publisher, Lizzy Campbell from Elite Lizard Publishing Company, and expresses his satisfaction with her assistance.

Peter King

The conversation delves into Peter’s experience of self-publishing his books after facing rejections from agents and publishers. The hosts and Peter discuss his reluctance to do in-person events like book signings and his self-doubt as an author. They touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, the importance of discipline in writing, and the impact of feedback from beta readers.

The podcast was recorded December 6th 2023 and they mention celebrating Christmas in Holland. The conversation is light-hearted and entertaining, showcasing Peter’s wit and humor. This podcast is important as it provides insights into the challenges and experiences of a self-published author, exploring themes of self-doubt and the creative process.

You can find the video version on X (Twitter) Billy Dees Podcast and on Billy Dees Podcasts on Facebook.

Thanks to Elite Lizard Publishing.

HumorOutcasts Interview with Daniela V. Gitlin, MD Author of “Practice, Practice, Practice: This Psychiatrist’s Life”

by Billy Dees, posted in Podcast, Uncategorized

PracticeCoverthumbnailThis HumorOutcasts interview is with Daniela V. Gitlin, MD who is the author of, “Practice, Practice, Practice: This Psychiatrist’s Life.”

Daniela’s book gives you a view of therapy sessions from her side of the couch along with transcripts of what’s going through her mind as she’s working. Along with stories from her growing up and training years, the majority of the book spans 25 years of rural psychiatric practice. Written with candor and a light touch, these clinical and personal tales reveal a way of thinking that is essential for living actively, fully, and doing good work with a sense of wonder.

DanielaGthumbnail
Daniela V. Gitlin, MD

The interview is lighthearted, informative, and entertaining. Even if mental health fields are not of a particular interest to you, her career journey and life experiences are worth a listen. Much of the same can be said about the book. If you are in the field of mental health I’m sure you will find the material that much more stimulating but even as a novice or just someone who is just curious about human behavior, the book might very well be worth your time.

The interview was set up by the publisher, Corner Office Books and HumorOutcasts.com.  You can find out more about Daniela at DanielaGitlin.com.

For your convenience the interview is available below at the bottom of this post. Just hit play. The podcast episode is also available on most of the major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and many others under the Billy Dees Podcast.

The episode is titled on these services as:

HumorOutcasts Interview with Daniela Gitlin Author of “Practice Practice Practice …”

HumorOutcasts Interview with Concha Alborg – Author of “My Mother, That Stranger, Letters from the Spanish Civil War”

by Billy Dees, posted in Books, Podcast

Concha Alborg CoverThis episode is an interview with Concha Alborg who is the author of “My Mother, That Stranger, Letters from the Spanish Civil War.”

This interview was done with our partners at HumorOutcasts.com.

Concha Resize1This book is a memoir about Concha’s mother based on the letters her mother wrote to her fiancé who was fighting against Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).

During this fascinating interview Concha talks about the scope of the Spanish Civil War, the plight of immigrants, and how she rediscovered her mother by researching and writing this book. We also discuss how certain historical elements and past political ideologies have relevance in today’s world.

You can find out more about Concha Alborg at ConchaAlborg.com.

Concha Resize2For your convenience the interview is available below at the bottom of this post. Just hit play. The podcast episode is also available on most of the major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and many others under the “Billy Dees Podcast.”

The episode is titled on these services as:

HumorOutcasts Interview with Concha Alborg Author of “My Mother, That Stranger, Letters from the Spanish Civil War”