"Kind of a Big Book Deal" is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs eager to dive into the world of traditional publishing. Hosted by Meghan Stevenson, a seasoned editor with deep roots in the publishing industry, this podcast is perfect for anyone dreaming of topping the bestseller lists. Meghan shares her wealth of experience, including securing over $5 million in book deals for her clients from giants like Penguin and Harper Collins. Each episode is packed with insider tips on snagging a boo ...
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Your Brew of Business Wisdom - Coffee N5 is your ultimate guide to running, growing, and scaling a successful business in today’s competitive landscape. Hosted by award-winning marketing strategist Lara Schmoisman—a Forbes Next 1000 honoree and LA Times Inspirational Women finalist—this Podcast is your secret weapon for actionable strategies, insider tips, and real-world success stories. Every episode dives into the tools, tricks, and tactics that help businesses thrive, featuring insights f ...
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How can you change the world? Join Krishnan Guru-Murthy and his guest of the week as they explore the big ideas influencing how we think, act and live.
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Beauty, Strategy, and AI with Sampo Parkkinen
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37:31Send us a text In the 200th episode of Coffee N° 5, Sampo Parkkinen, CEO of Revieve, joins Lara Schmoisman to talk AI in beauty, brand positioning, and the power of solving real problems—not chasing trends. Learn why clarity beats gimmicks, how to build consumer trust with smart beauty tech, and what it really takes to grow a modern beauty brand. P…
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Episode 12: How To Understand Your Author Platform Right Now
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17:48
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17:48What shows up when someone Googles your name? If you’re dreaming of landing a traditional book deal, that search result matters more than you think. In this punchy and insightful episode, publishing expert Meghan Stevenson breaks down why your author platform is just as important as your book idea, and how a quick Google search is the first litmus …
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Own the Role, Lead the Way with Kevin Eikenberry
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29:19Send us a text Leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to unpack what real leadership looks like: responsibility, adaptability, and learning as you go. If you’re building a team—or building yourself as a leader—this one’s for you. We'll talk about: Why leadership is not the same as being the boss The hardest shift: f…
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Words That Work: Strategic Writing with Carmine Montalto
27:34
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27:34Send us a text Copywriter Carmine Montalto joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk about the power of words, the importance of brand voice, and why good writing is non-negotiable across every touchpoint, from packaging to email. If your copy isn’t converting, this episode’s your wake-up call. We'll talk about: Why your consumer, not your brand…
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Episode 11: How To Get The Best Advice For Your Book
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24:17Ever wonder why some writers’ retreats and book conferences leave you feeling inspired but stuck? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson gets real about why so much advice out there won’t actually help you land a traditional publishing deal—and what will. Megan shares three crucial lessons for getting the right help for your b…
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Comedian Stewart Lee on why he won't tour Trump's America
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40:32Once described as the 'comedian's comedian' Stewart Lee has been performing stand up since 1988. He is known for pushing boundaries with his intelligent, self-referential and often provocative style of comedy but in his new show 'Stewart Lee vs the Man Wulf' he questions his place on the comedy circuit in an era of increasing populism rhetoric and …
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Leading with Clarity: Andrea Moore on Omnichannel Strategy
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26:59Send us a text Andrea Moore joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk real leadership, smart hiring, and the strategy behind a truly connected omnichannel brand. If you're tired of chaos and ready to lead with clarity, this episode delivers. We'll talk about: Boss vs. leader: Why the title means nothing without vision How Andrea scaled omnichann…
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Meet the most important person in British theatre - Indhu Rubasingham
23:38
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23:38Newly appointed National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham becomes the first woman and person of colour to lead the theatre in it's 60 year history. She sat down with Krishnan Guru-Murthy to discuss art, diversity and censorship and taking on her 'dream job.' Produced by Holly Snelling and Vik Patel.…
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Writing the Right Way: Book Publishing Wisdom with Meghan Stevenson
35:34
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35:34Send us a text Publishing a book? Learn the truth behind self-publishing, hybrid models, and traditional book deals with expert Meghan Stevenson. From securing an agent to building your platform, get industry-level insight in this episode of Coffee N° 5. We'll talk about: Meghan’s journey from Big Five publishing to independent author advocacy The …
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From Idea to Deal: Elaine Lin Hering's Publishing Journey
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49:39In this inspiring episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson talks with author and leadership expert Elaine Lin Hering about her nine-year journey to publishing her debut book Unlearning Silence with Penguin Random House. Elaine shares how the idea sparked from her work at the Harvard Negotiation Project, what held her back, and how she f…
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Leading with Grit & Gloss, with Marina Kirschner
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42:46Send us a text From Argentina to the C-suite: Global Head of Marketing Marina Kirschner joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk about brand growth, beauty industry shifts, the power of resilience, and building legacy with innovation. Don’t miss this global marketing masterclass! We'll talk about: Marina’s journey from Argentina to Moroccanoil …
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‘Antidepressants are like alcohol or cannabis’ | Joanna Moncrieff
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32:15Joanna Moncrieff is a British psychiatrist, author and researcher who is a prominent and controversial voice in the research of depression. Her 2002 study ‘The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Evidence’ concluded that there was no link between serotonin and depression, debunking the mainstream medical belief in an…
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From Vision to Impact: Turning Big Ideas into Reality with Christian Muche
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27:30Send us a text Join Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 as she chats with global event strategist Christian Muche, co-founder of POSSIBLE. Discover how this Miami-based event is redefining the future of marketing conferences through real connections, AI integration, and powerful brand collaboration. Tune in for insight into event innovation, the creator…
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The Basics: What Bestseller Lists Don't Tell You: NYT, USA Today
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20:42In this episode, publishing pro Meghan Stevenson breaks down the truth behind bestseller lists—and it’s not as straightforward as you might think. From the mysterious and curated New York Times list to the purely data-driven USA Today list and the sometimes-misleading Amazon categories, Meghan pulls back the curtain on what these rankings actually …
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Why our prisons are broken - and how to fix them | expert explains
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35:35Pia Sinha worked in prisons for 24 years before being appointed CEO of the charity Prison Reform Trust and she describes herself as a "ridiculously optimistic" person, who believes the prisons can be made to work properly. Sinha started her career in prison as a psychologist and went on to work in female, male prisons and institutions for young off…
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Mike Berners-Lee: Why dishonesty is destroying the planet
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45:07Sustainability expert and professor Mike Berners-Lee argues that dishonesty in politics, business, and the media is one of the biggest barriers to tackling global crises like climate change, social inequality, and environmental destruction. In this episode of Ways to Change the World, he talks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy about the need for a cultural s…
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Branding That Speaks: Insights with Patrick Porter
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34:00Send us a text Discover the intersection of creativity and business in this episode of Coffee N° 5 with designer and entrepreneur Patrick. Learn about brand-building, storytelling in fashion, and the keys to long-term success in the industry. Tune in for a stylishly insightful conversation! We'll talk about: Patrick’s journey from designer to entre…
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The Basics: Choosing Your Publishing Path: Self, Hybrid, Traditional
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25:26Thinking about publishing your book? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to find the best fit for your goals. In this episode, we break down the three main options: self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Each path has its pros and cons, so knowing what to expect is key. Tune in for real-world insights t…
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Dragons' Den star Sara Davies on the mindset of success
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29:43Entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies has spent 20 years building businesses and helping others do the same. She started her company, Crafter’s Companion, while still at university and turned it into a global brand. But as she tells Krishnan Guru-Murthy, success isn’t just about strategy - it’s about mindset. It’s a theme…
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Christo Grozev: the Russian spy catcher Putin wants dead
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39:04Christo Grozev is a Bulgarian investigative journalist who has spent years tracking down Russian spies and is on Vladimir Putin’s wanted list. Grozev’s open-source journalism exposed spies linked to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in 2018 and Alexei Navalny in 2020. Now he is at the centre of his own sinister Kremlin plot, as a Bulgarian …
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Misan Harriman on Meghan Markle, Gaza and shooting for Vogue
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48:55
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48:55Misan Harriman went from picking up a camera for the first time aged 40, to becoming one of the most influential photographers of his generation. In 2020, his images of the Black Lives Matter protests went viral, capturing a historic moment of resistance and solidarity. He was also commissioned by Meghan Markle to take her second pregnancy announce…
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Retail Reinvented: How E-Commerce is Evolving with Lena Moriarty
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26:15Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, host Lara Schmoisman sits down with Lena Moriarty, Head of Marketing at eTail, to uncover the latest trends in retail, e-commerce, and technology. From AI-driven personalization to video content dominance, Lena shares key insights on how brands can stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Tune…
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Writing a book proposal can be overwhelming, especially for experts and entrepreneurs who want to publish a nonfiction book. In this episode, we break down why book proposals matter and why most authors shouldn’t write them alone. Our guest, an experienced proposal writer and publishing insider, shares how a strong proposal can make or break your c…
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Jude Kelly: what feminism looks like in the age of 'strong men' politics
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37:09
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37:09Krishnan Guru-Murthy sits down with Jude Kelly, founder of the Women of the World (WOW) Foundation, to talk about the rise of traditional values in global politics, equitable education and the arts and whether the divine really is 'a bloke'. Kelly, a theatre director and former artistic director of the Southbank centre in London, reflects on her ex…
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Decoding Scientific Skincare with Ewelina Aiossa
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27:58Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, host Lara Schmoisman sits down with Ewelina Aiossa, an expert in scientific and clinical beauty with over 15 years in the industry. From working with leading dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to navigating clinical research and product development, Ewelina shares invaluable insights on how skincare …
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Gary Stevenson on taxing the rich and why you're getting poorer
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49:35Why are the rich getting even wealthier while the middle and working classes continue to struggle? Former top trader Gary Stevenson - the star behind popular YouTube channel Gary’s Economics - breaks down how wealth inequality is driving down living standards for the middle and working classes on this episode of Ways to Change the World. He tells K…
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Building the Future of Inclusive Beauty with Nyakio Grieco
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28:37
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28:37Send us a text On this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Nyakio Grieco, founder of Thirteen Lune and Relevant, about reshaping beauty retail. Learn how inclusivity, storytelling, and innovation are redefining the industry. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of beauty! We'll talk about: How Nyakio Grieco went from beauty founder to reta…
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The Basics: Why Publishers Want Author Platforms
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27:55
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27:55In this episode, we break down what it really takes to land a book deal—hint: it’s not just about having a great idea. With over 850 people taking our book quiz in 2024, we found that 64% were working on books outside of what we focus on: self-help and how-to books. If you’re an entrepreneur or expert aiming for a book deal, this episode is for you…
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Brian Cox on Donald Trump, Keir Starmer and greed in politics
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39:01Actor Brian Cox, famed for his role as the media magnate Logan Roy in the HBO series Succession, speaks about his fears for America with Donald Trump as president again, how greed has infected politics, and whether he thinks Keir Starmer could be a great leader. In this latest episode of Ways to Change the World, Cox also tells Krishnan Guru-Murthy…
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The Future of Beauty Tech: AI, Innovation & Smart Solutions with Wayne Liu
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26:01Send us a text On this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Wayne Liu, CEO of Perfect Corp, about how AI is revolutionizing the beauty industry. Learn how virtual try-ons, AI-powered skin analysis, and digital fashion are shaping the future of beauty and retail. Don’t miss this deep dive into beauty tech innovation! We'll talk about: How AI is t…
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Scaling Smart: The Business of Growth with David Aquino
27:49
27:49
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27:49Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara Schmoisman and David Aquino discuss smart strategies for scaling a business, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring sustainable growth. Lara and David explore the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, from wasting money on the wrong service providers to struggling with desperation-driven decisi…
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Omar El Akkad: Gaza war made me 'deeply cynical' about the West
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58:10It appears the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has been brought back from the brink as Hamas now says they will now release Israeli hostages as planned on Saturday after Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump threatened the militant group. But for award-winning author Omar El Akkad, the war in Gaza has already been a turning point for his rela…
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The Basics: Is Your Book Idea Ready for Traditional Publishing?
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21:29In this episode of Kind Of A Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson breaks down the first key element of landing a traditional book deal: Potential. She explains how to determine if your idea is truly book-worthy, why having a built-in audience is crucial, and how to assess whether similar books have been successful. Meghan shares real-world examples…
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The Art of Brewing & Selling Experiences with Kate Fannin
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45:30Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with Kate Fannin, a retail and marketing expert, about how to build a brand that connects with consumers through meaningful experiences, the importance of storytelling, and why traditional marketing strategies don’t work anymore. We'll talk about: How marketing has developed from a one-way t…
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Send us a text In this episode of Coffee N° 5, Lara chats with David Silbergleit, CEO of PIMS, a leader in logistics solutions for the beauty and wellness industries. Discover his journey, leadership philosophy, and how giving back plays a crucial role in his business approach. We'll talk about: How rising through the ranks teaches valuable leaders…
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The Basics: Three Ps Every Author Needs to Get a Book Deal
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17:41Welcome to Kind of a Big Book Deal with host Meghan Stevenson! If you’ve ever dreamed of landing a book deal but felt lost in the process, this episode is for you. Meghan, a former editor at top publishing houses, shares her hard-earned insights on what it takes to turn your book idea into a reality. In this episode, Meghan introduces her Three P’s…
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The Basics: The Essential (and Secret) Strategy to Land a Book Deal
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22:40In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the most overlooked but essential parts of publishing—understanding your book’s category. If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to land a traditional book deal, knowing where your book fits is key to getting the right publisher, agent, and audience. Meghan starts by deb…
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The Basics: How Entrepreneurs and Experts Get a Book Deal
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16:49In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, host Meghan Stevenson walks entrepreneurs through the key stages and roles in traditional publishing. She breaks down the six main steps to getting a book deal, from writing a book proposal and securing an agent to landing a deal, writing the manuscript, preparing for publication, and, finally…
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