The Enlightenment Podcasts

Welcome to The Enlightenment Podcasts, Caitlin! Congratulations on your new book, Geographies of the Heart. Your book is so powerful speaking to family, connection, and home. I loved it!

***What is Geographies of the Heart about? Thank you so much, Lauri! I am touched to know that you loved my book!

GEOGRAPHIES OF THE HEART is about Sarah Macmillan. Sarah is devoted to her multi-generational family, but her younger sister, Glennie, is dedicated to her career. As they age and face loss and other challenges, they’re forced to confront their differing priorities, sometimes with Sarah’s husband, Al, serving as mediator. This is a novel about the power of legacies, the importance of forgiveness, and the fertile but fragile ground that is family, the first geography to shape our hearts

***What first inspired you to explore this story idea? I don’t remember exactly because it took me decades to write this novel, but usually, I hear a line or a voice and write from there. I don’t outline; I write to find the story. It is one reason my books take so long to write!

***Tell us a few character traits that you love most about your three main characters Sarah, Al, and Glennie? I love how honest they all are. They are not perfect people, but they dig deep to be honest and from that honesty, they hope for reconciliation. I like that they are giving people, each in their own way and that they never give up. They aim for the hope life can offer, even Glennie.

***What’s something your grandma gave to you, that you’ve held on to and that’s been endearing for you? My sense of the importance of history. She taught me to see people as the individuals they are, not simply as people in relation to others. She was more than my Grandma, for instance. She had a name, and dreams, and opinions. She and my grandpa also shaped my view of family and home.

***What family rituals do you have that have been passed down from generation to generation? You know, the novel speaks a lot to what is passed down, but I’m struggling to answer this question because in my own family, we had a cartoonist we all loved and whose books we loved; we listened to certain music on Christmas. But unlike the family in the novel, I don’t think of specific heirlooms or traditions shaping my family, just that we are close, and we have so many happy memories and funny stories.

***What Geographies of the Heart do you personally hold? Be kind, work hard, do your best, let things go, forgive, love without conditions.

INNER CHILD SEGMENT

***What’s your favorite way to communicate? I suppose talking face to face is the way I prefer to communicate.

***What things fill you with wonder? Flowers, nature, animals, unexpected kindness.

***What are some of your favorite childhood memories? Traveling in Europe with my family when I was 11 and 12. Family dinners. My Grandpa putting the Christmas bows on his head when he unwrapped his presents. So many memories.

***What’s the oddest food combo that you’ve liked and tried, or just tried? Blueberries, whipped cream, and goldfish—a recipe from my daughter!

Thank you for joining us today, Caitlin. It’s been a pleasure reading your beautiful book and getting to know more about you!

The Enlightenment Podcasts are back!! I'm so excited to be here with each of you. I've missed you. For the next few months, I'll be highlighting amazing people and sharing their stories through written form, and in May, I'll be back hosting guests with LIVE interviews. You can catch the interviews on Monday at 3:00 pm EST, but they'll stay here so you don't miss a thing. Today, I'd like to share why I love hosting The Enlightenment Podcasts and where I've been.

--When did you start The Enlightenment Podcasts? My first show was in December 2019 with the fabulous Lisse Cherry.

--Why did you start The Enlightenment Podcasts? A few years back, I was asked to speak at a writer's group on the topic of embracing fear to succeed. It was the first time I spoke to a group about this topic. I was terrified but had some amazing people in my corner rooting for me. After the presentation and the fear wore off, I felt so excited that I stepped into this thing that scared me, but also felt encouraged and inspired by how many people came to share their stories with me after the presentation. I was humbled by the strength and vulnerability of what people shared. I wanted to create a space where people could have a spot to step into their fear of sharing their story, to help inspire and encourage others going through the same thing. That's where the idea for The Enlightenment Podcasts came to be.

--Why do you love being the host of The Enlightenment Podcasts? I learn so much from each guest that comes on to share their story. People are resilient, radiant, creative, inspiring, and fascinating. I love hearing and seeing each guest share their truth, light, and stories of their own hero's journey. We laugh a lot, talk deeply, and play on the show too!! I like to bring out the guest's inner child.

--Where have you been for nine months? I have a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux. A mass grew in my throat and has been sitting comfortably on my vocal cords. Because of this, I have had many days without a voice and some days with a small voice. I learned sign language during this time to communicate with others, and I've been in voice therapy to learn ways to strengthen my voice. I'm on the GERD diet, which is helping. I've been cutting out foods that create too much acid and cause inflammation in my body. I'm learning to enjoy food differently now.

--Is your voice better? Yes, it is. I still have some work to do and more voice therapy to go, but I can talk. I will still be on the GERD diet. I can also sing at times now, and that's been something I haven't been able to do for 13 months. I'm asked to give 15-minute breaks for every 45 minutes that I talk, but that I'm in no way damaging my throat by speaking.

--What have you learned during this time? I have learned to appreciate every moment that sound comes out of my mouth. I value and appreciate my voice much more, and I don't take it for granted. Each day is a gift. I also have learned to be more intentional about when I use my voice, how I use my voice, and what I say. And, I have learned that there are so many beautiful ways to communicate. Stillness has taught me to be present and listen more.

Find something this week that creates laughter, joy, creativity, and play!!

Much love to you,
Lauri

Nola Nash, host of Dead Folk's Tales with Nola Nash has a book release for her book THE TRAVELER. For 15% off on preorders from Black Rose Writing (the publisher) website use code PREORDER2021

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/thrillers/traveler

And there’s a GoodReads giveaway:

Book giveaway for Traveler by Nola Nash Feb 07-Feb 27, 2022 Enter to win one of 10 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Feb 07-Feb 27, 2022. Enter for a chance to win one of ten print copies of TRAVELER by N...

LITTLE OWL by Lauri Schoenfeld is a free download for the next 3 days.
Download now!
https://amzn.to/3CpeM9L

LITTLE OWL
By Lauri Schoenfeld
https://amzn.to/3CpeM9L
Psychological Thriller

I dare you to guess the identity of the villain. It could be any one of a number of people and heroine Adaline Rushner doesn’t trust anyone, including herself or her husband. At the opening of the novel, Adaline relives the disappearance of her two young daughters who were playing outside in the snow and were later declared dead, burned, just like her parents and, she later learns, her husband’s parents. And people around her begin dying. But she can’t believe her daughters are dead, contrary to all the evidence. Her husband doesn’t believe her and is losing patience.

Then through a variety of points of view, characters reveal threads of connection to Adaline that she has forgotten after her traumatic childhood. She is threatened by unknown people not to remember her past. When she and her husband move to Salt Lake City, Adaline’s life becomes more complicated. She seems to be connected to other missing children through an owl necklace. Adaline doesn’t know what is true and what is not; who is friend or who is enemy. And nothing is as it seems. She’s on her own to find out about her daughters and to save her marriage and the people she loves. A real page-turner that I highly recommend.

WE have our nominees/finalists for the 2021 Authors on the Air Book of the Year Awards.

FANTASY NOVEL - Cadwell Turnbull - No Gods No Monsters
PARANORMAL ROMANCE - Emma Scott - The Sinner
CRIME FICTION - Matt Coyle - Blind Vigil
HORROR - Richard Chizmar - Chasing the Boogeyman.

Who will win? Find out on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 9pm ET / 8pmCT / 7pmMT / 6pm PT on Authors on The Air or on youtube.com/authorsontheair.

Join hosts Pam and Terry Shepherd with guest appearances by Alexia Gordon and Jennifer Anne Gordon.

Join me on Thursday, December 16th at 8:30 pm EST/6:30 pm MST to celebrate the second anniversary of The Enlightenment Podcasts. We'll have a recap of all the fun we've had this year, and I'll be sharing some special announcements about what's to come in 2022!! I'm so excited 🙂

Thank you for sharing this journey with me so far. I have loved every conversation, every guest, and every comment. Thank you for each time you've watched, liked, shared, or supported this beautiful show and the amazing guests we've had each week. Time is valuable and important, and I'm beyond grateful for every second of love that you've given.

Thank you, Pam Stack for bringing me into the beautiful Authors on The Air family. So many wonderful things to come :)

I love people. I love having conversations and getting to know people. I'm passionate about this podcast and about hearing each journey and story.

See you on Thursday!

The Enlightenment Podcasts is LIVE this Monday at 3:00 pm EST with Nola Nash! I've been anticipating this conversation. She's an amazing author and podcaster. We'll be talking all about her Crescent City Series, and her podcast, Dead Folks' Tales.

www.nolanash.com

Bio:
Born and raised in south Louisiana, Nola Nash now resides in Brentwood, Tennessee and works as an online high school Instructional Coach. Her Crescent City series is a paranormal historical mystery set in the 1830s French Quarter and includes Crescent City Moon and Crescent City Sin with at least one more book to follow. Her next series will launch with Traveler in March, 2022. When she is not writing or working with teachers, she hosts Writer’s Showcase and Dead Folks’ Tales podcasts with Authors on the Air Global Radio Network. Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter , her Facebook group Nola’s Second Line, or her website nolanash.com.

Crescent City Moon Synopsis:
Things put underground in New Orleans don’t often stay there. Even things that should - like bodies, and secrets.

How do you fight an enemy you can’t see that can kill on a whim? In 1820s New Orleans, on the eve of her twenty-first birthday, Zéolie Cheval discovers the mangled body of her father murdered in his bed and a maniacal voice haunting the recesses of her mind. When the priest sent to comfort her is killed while the house is swarming with police, Zéolie becomes entangled in a web of mystery that takes her from the French Quarter, to the Ursuline Convent in the Ninth Ward, and deep into the Louisiana swamps.

Officer Louis Saucier, who is losing his heart to Zéolie and his grip on logical reality, helps her find the pieces to her puzzle. The mother superior of the Ursulines offers assistance from a mediumistic nun and a voodoo priestess, blurring the lines between the spiritual and the supernatural.

After opening the family crypt to find it uninhabited, Zéolie realizes that her father lied about her mother’s death – amongst other things. Now, Zéolie must come to terms with magic she inherited from her grandmother and the price that comes with it.

Step inside the magic and mystery of the 1820s French Quarter to see if an unlikely menagerie can help Zéolie take down a murderous maniac while she shields the officer she loves. Can she harness powers she didn’t know she had? Or, will she make the ultimate sacrifice?

The Enlightenment Podcasts are where wonder, curiosity, adventure, play, and creativity come together. We hear amazing stories about what people invent and stir up and the successes and failures that took place along the way!
Host: Lauri Schoenfeld
Website: https://www.laurischoenfeld.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurischoenfeld/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauriSchoenfeld
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lauri.schoenfeld/

to the Authors on Air Global Radio Network

The Enlightenment Podcasts is LIVE this Monday at 3:00 pm EST with David A Roberts. Join us here as we chat all about "Changing the World One Dream at a Time." He's a fantastic connector and has created many foundations to support individuals to thrive and succeed.

www.robertshp.com

Bio:
David's Unique Vision is to Change the World One Dream at a Time by helping individuals discover, clarify and accelerate realization of their Dream Vision. He's the author of the Vision Challenge and (soon to be Best Seller) Vision Warrior: Survive and Thrive in the Zombie Apocalypse. He's the co-founder of the Business Growth Network, a non-profit Network of Aspiring Leaders seeking business growth through Vision, Education, and Action. Vision Warrior for My Wellbeing Compass a unique, intuitive, and practical website that provides you with interactive tools, evidence-based knowledge, cutting-edge resources, and access to a network of top-notch Wellness professionals enabling individuals to fundamentally restore their optimal wellbeing, naturally!

Over his 35+ years of business transformation leadership, he's been the driving force behind the growth and transformation of numerous organizations. As Founder and CEO of MyVisionWarrior.com (previously Roberts High Performance), David has led a multi-faceted consulting, and marketing company focused on business vision, growth, and development. His Unique Value is "connecting the dots", delivering high performance and strategic transformation to leaders and organizations across all industries of all sizes (Fortune 50, to Churches, schools, small businesses, and individuals) ultimately becoming their Vision Warrior.

The Enlightenment Podcasts are where wonder, curiosity, adventure, play, and creativity come together. We hear amazing stories about what people invent and stir up and the successes and failures that took place along the way!

Host: Lauri Schoenfeld
Website: https://www.laurischoenfeld.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurischoenfeld/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauriSchoenfeld
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lauri.schoenfeld/

to the Authors on Air Global Radio Network

LITTLE OWL by Lauri Schoenfeld is n sale for 99c. Book Review Crew recommended it. Read what they said, pick up a copy and see how your thoughts compare.
https://bit.ly/3EVWkag

LITTLE OWL
By Lauri Schoenfeld
https://bit.ly/3EVWkag
Psychological Thriller

Adaline Rushner is a mess. Both her daughters have gone missing. Everyone is telling her they are dead; she is positive they are still alive but no one will believe her. As the book progresses Adaline‘s memories of her past start becoming clearer than ever before. Her husband Cache believes she is going crazy. Her best friend from childhood, Sam, comes to help her. Her new shop keeper Seth offers help even though he seems to be hiding secrets of his own. Officer Abbott whose daughter disappeared in much the same fashion as Adaline‘s daughters joins the investigation. As the search goes deeper, everything seems to be connected in some way.

Adaline, Sam, and Cache start to be attacked. What is the reason someone is trying to get rid of them? Is it to hide the truth about the children? With all of the plot twists and turns, signs are Schoenfeld has a hit with her breakout novel. I would highly recommend this book, with a box of tissues nearby.

Joining The Enlightenment Podcasts on Monday is D. P. Lyle!! We're going to be chatting all about his new book, The OC, book #5 in the Jake Longly series.

http://dplylemd.com/

Bio:
DP Lyle, MD is the Amazon #1 Bestselling; Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Silver Award winning; and Edgar (2), Shamus, Agatha, Anthony, Scribe, USA Today Best Book Award (2), and Foreward INDIES Book of the Year nominated author of 22 books, both non-fiction and fiction, including the SAMANTHA CODY, DUB WALKER, JAKE LONGLY, and CAIN/HARPER thriller series, and the ROYAL PAINS media tie-in novels. His essay on Jules Verne’s THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND appears in THRILLERS: 100 MUST READS and his short story “Even Steven” in ITW’s anthology THRILLER 3: LOVE IS MURDER. He served as Editor for the Southern California Writers Association’s short story anthology, IT’S ALL IN THE STORY as well as contributing the story “Splash.” His short stories “Bottom Line” appears in the Sherlock Holmes inspired anthology FOR THE SAKE OF THE GAME and “Tonic” can be found in the anthology NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT.

He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, Judging Amy, Peacemakers, Cold Case, House, Medium, Women’s Murder Club, 1-800-Missing, The Glades, and Pretty Little Liars.

He was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama where his childhood interests revolved around football, baseball, and building rockets in his backyard. The latter pursuit was common in Huntsville during the 1950’s and 60’s due to the nearby NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.

After leaving Huntsville, he attended college, medical school, and served an internship at the University of Alabama; followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas at Houston; then a Fellowship in Cardiology at The Texas Heart Institute, also in Houston. For the past 40 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California.

Host: Lauri Schoenfeld
Website: https://www.laurischoenfeld.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurischoenfeld/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauriSchoenfeld
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lauri.schoenfeld/
to the Authors on Air Global Radio Network