Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?" Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone ...
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Are you intrigued by the fusion of technology and creativity? Does the potential of AI in reshaping the narrative of storytelling fascinate you? Then Brave New Bookshelf is just the podcast for you! Hosted by authors Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite, each episode takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of AI and literature. From the way AI is revolutionizing the creative process of writing and publishing, to its ethical use in augmenting the human touch in storytelling, our ...
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Hi redheads and everyone else tuning In! We are so excited to bring you the first redhead beauty podcast since 2018! We're Adrienne & Stephanie Vendetti, sisters and co-founders of the vibrant How to be a Redhead (known as H2BAR) lifestyle and beauty brand. You may have seen us on ABC's Shark Tank (Season 15, Episode 14) and with over a decade plus under our belts since the launch of HowtobeaRedhead.com, we are always excited to discuss topics with redhead celebs, experts ranging world-renow ...
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Welcome to VALDCAST, where health, performance and technology intersect. Join hosts Dylan Carmody and Ryan McLaughlin as they bring you exclusive insights from the world's most influential voices, exploring the data, technology and trends transforming the high-performance and health industries. Whether you're a coach, clinician, sports scientist or simply interested in health and performance technology, this is your go-to source for powerful insights and conversations you won’t find anywhere ...
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Get out of your own way with creative mindset tools. Create more success, more clarity, more fulfillment.
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42 - Innovative AI Storytelling with Russell Nohelty from Author Stack
44:12
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44:12In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty to explore the transformative role of AI in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Russell shares his journey from AI skeptic to advocate, highlighting how AI tools have become invaluable co-creators in his expans…
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Dr Roula Kotsifaki - Revolutionizing ACL recovery
28:36
28:36
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28:36"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes." In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the …
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Turning 40 and unlearning the American Dream
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40:19
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40:19What happens when you reach the top—and realize it’s not what you wanted? Angela Hwang had the résumé, the accolades, and the paycheck, but behind the scenes, her health was deteriorating and her happiness was nowhere to be found. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Angela shares how a health scare, motherhood, and burnout collided to spark a t…
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Jordan Clark: Dancing Through Life, Acting, and Embracing Redhead Power
42:08
42:08
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42:08From winning So You Think You Can Dance Canada to starring in The Next Step and Bunk’d, Jordan Clark has captivated audiences with her talent and versatility. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of her dance and acting career, shares what it was like going viral for her wedding dance, and gives us a glimpse into her directorial debut, S…
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41 - AI in Creative Writing and Translations with Olivia Rigal
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46:40In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in a compelling discussion with author Olivia Rigal, exploring her innovative use of AI in the publishing industry. Olivia shares her journey from law to literature, highlighting how she harnesses AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline translations, and expan…
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Stephanie Mock Grubbs - Insights from a Major League Strength Coach
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49:05Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros. Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh …
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Reflections: Creative awakenings at midlife
24:13
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24:13Among the many strange and funny things that can happen as you reach midlife is this: just when everything feels like it’s falling apart, something creative starts to stir. In this bonus episode, Stephanie explores the idea of a midlife creative awakening—inspired by past guests who picked up paint brushes, pens, instruments, and more in the messy …
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Agnes Artych: Red Hair, Runways & Life as a Multitalented Artist
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27:57Model, actor, and dancer Agnes Artych joins us to share her journey from European dance theaters to NYC runways and film sets. She dives into life as a redhead in the fashion industry, her favorite campaigns, and the surprising ways her hair color has influenced her career. We also chat about beauty secrets, skincare routines, and what it’s like ba…
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40 - Balancing Joy and Technology in Writing with Kevin McLaughlin
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45:43In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in an enlightening conversation with prolific sci-fi author and AI enthusiast, Kevin McLaughlin. With over 100 novels under his belt, Kevin shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry, highlighting how he integrates AI tools in…
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Dr Stacie Barber - The future of physical therapy
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26:33In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with …
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Turning 40 and making art out of the mess
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43:35When Jenn Kacmar and Rose Planer met at an engagement party, they had no idea their friendship would become the anchor that carried them through midlife chaos. With a decade between them, different careers, and wildly different life stages, their bond became a lifeline—especially during the isolating early days of the pandemic. In this heartfelt an…
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Geena Hunt: TikTok Star on Redhead Beauty, Vintage Glam & Iconic Hairstyles
31:38
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31:38Makeup artist and hair historian Geena Hunt joins us to chat about all things beauty, redhead confidence, and her viral recreations of iconic hairstyles. From Bridgerton waves to Old Hollywood glam, Geena shares the inspiration behind her stunning looks, her go-to beauty products, and the best curling methods for red hair. Plus, we dive into her fa…
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39 - Transforming Audiobook Narration and Discovery with Spoken
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47:52In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Phil Marshall and Andrew Wallner, co-founders of Spoken Press, to explore the transformative role of AI in the audiobook industry. Discover how Spoken Press is revolutionizing audiobook creation, distribution, and monetization with its innovative AI-driven…
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Nicol van Dyk - The Role of Normative Data in Injury Prevention
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34:29In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field. He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. Nicol emphasizes the need for context in d…
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Reflections: Breaking Old Patterns to Find Yourself
23:46
23:46
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23:46In this short bonus episode, Steph unpacks the deeper themes from her conversation with Elizabeth Makepeace—no listening homework required. Through Elizabeth’s story, Steph explores how unconscious patterns from childhood shape our adult relationships, often without us realizing it. She dives into what it means to break the caretaker cycle, how to …
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Meaghan Doyle: Unlocking the Secrets of Redhead Genetics & Reproductive Science
31:02
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31:02Genetic counselor Meaghan Doyle joins us for a fascinating deep dive into the science behind red hair and reproductive genetics. We explore how the rare redhead gene is inherited, whether genetic testing can predict if you’ll have red-haired children and some surprising facts about redhead DNA. Plus, Meaghan shares insights from her work in fertili…
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38 - Celebrating One Year of Brave New Bookshelf with Danica and Steph
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47:34In this special one-year anniversary episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite reflect on their journey exploring the intersection of AI and authorship. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI in the publishing industry and share personal insights into how these tools have transformed their writing workflows. With over …
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Turning 40 and resigning as the family fixer
33:22
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33:22When Elizabeth Makepeace fell for a younger, free-spirited musician, she thought she’d found the love foretold in a dream. But what began as a spiritual connection turned into a controlling, emotionally draining marriage that forced her to confront an old pattern she thought she’d outgrown: the compulsion to care for others at the cost of herself. …
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Shaun Owen - The science of recovery, from Rugby to Red Sox
32:20
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32:20In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes. Shaun…
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Andrew Dylan: Red Carpet Hair Secrets, Styling Trends, and the Art of Red Hair
49:13
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49:13Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Dylan joins us to spill the secrets behind red carpet glam, runway trends, and the art of styling red hair to perfection. From transforming Meredith Duxbury’s blonde locks to red to creating show-stopping looks for fashion weeks and film festivals, Andrew shares his expert tips, favorite products, and insights into the …
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ORKA Performance - Born from a love of training and performance
42:03
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42:03The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture. The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong cu…
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Jessica Enslow: Raising Redheads, Motherhood, Social Media, and Life
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55:18Jessica Enslow, mom of 7 (including 3 redheads!), joins us to chat about her unexpected journey into social media, parenting in the digital age, and what it’s like raising redheads when you’re not one yourself. From viral Reels to navigating online criticism, Jessica shares her insights on motherhood, content creation, and the hilarious personality…
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37 - Wide Strategies and Translations with Monica Leonelle from Writer MBA
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48:13In this episode of the Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by Monica Leonelle, co-founder of Writer MBA and a trailblazer in the publishing world, to explore how AI is revolutionizing wide strategies and translations for authors. Monica shares her journey from skepticism to fully embracing AI as a tool to expand creativity, save time, and break into …
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Turning 40 and turning pasta into a paycheck
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45:18
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45:18At age 39, Francesca Montillo had a thriving healthcare career at a prestigious Boston hospital—but her heart was in Italy, dreaming of pasta, wine, and sun-soaked adventures. In this episode, she shares how she slowly and strategically built a food and travel business on the side, eventually trading her secure 9-to-5 for a life she once thought wa…
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Derek Hansen - The evolution of technology & coaching methodologies
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33:19
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33:19Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sport…
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Elizabeth McLaughlin: The Power of Dyeing Your Hair Red & Making Her Mark in Hollywood
57:37
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57:37Our next guest is Elizabeth McLaughlin. She's making her mark on the entertainment industry. You may know her as a series regular on Amazon’s "Hand of God" and ABC’s "Betrayal", her recurring arcs on "Pretty Little Liars" and "Grand Hotel", or any number of guest star appearances on shows such as "Lethal Weapon" and "Dexter." Elizabeth initially br…
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36 - Story Bibles from Story Snap with Cameron Sutter from Plottr
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34:50In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back Cameron Sutter, creator of Plottr, to discuss his latest innovation, Story Snap — an AI-powered tool that creates detailed book bibles in minutes. Cameron dives into how Story Snap works, its game-changing potential for authors and developmental editors, an…
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Matt Jordan - Embracing science. From asymmetries and squats to strength & conditioning
48:02
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48:02Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning. He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, esp…
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Turning 40 and trading safety for soulful
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49:02What if your “successful” life started to feel like a slow, quiet heartbreak? In this episode, Steve Vincent shares how he went from burned-out high school vice principal to thriving freelance copywriter—by finally listening to the voice he’d been pushing down for years. He opens up about the emotional weight of staying in a life that looks good on…
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Tess Alexander: First Natural Redhead To Be Crowned Miss Australia
52:20
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52:20Our next guest is Tess Alexander. She's an Australian TV presenter, natural redhead, and former Miss World Australia and allied health professional who is on a mission to break down unrealistic beauty tropes. Landing her first international modeling contract at age 17, Tess has worked for brands such as Vogue, Valentino, and Fendi, working in every…
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35 - Exploring AI, Translations, and Zombies with Derek Slaton
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39:33In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Slaton, author of the massive Dead America zombie series. From creating weekly audio stories on YouTube and Spotify using AI narration tools like Play HT, to expanding his global reach through affordable translations with Scribe Shadow, Derek shares his insights on leveraging technology…
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In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years. He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes. Mic…
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Turning 40 and getting dismissed by doctors
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50:25When Amita Sharma hit her 40s, her body started betraying her—crippling fatigue, brain fog, and relentless hot flashes—but doctors told her she was "fine." Frustrated and desperate for answers, she turned to holistic medicine, unknowingly setting herself on a path to revolutionize women's health. Amita shares her eye-opening journey through perimen…
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Sylvia Flote: Behind The Scenes of "Tar", Redhead Beauty Secrets & Life in Fashion
49:20
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49:20Our next guest is Sylvia Flote, a London-based model and actress. Originally hailing from a small island off Norway’s Western fjords, she predictably loves hiking, knitting, and heavy metal. Although cast opposite Cate Blanchett in last year’s blockbuster Oscar-Nominated movie ‘Tar,’ Sylvia is best known for being the face of major Scandi brands fr…
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Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Na…
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Dr Duncan French, Senior VP at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down the complexities of training the worlds best MMA fighters. He discusses the unique demands of MMA compared to other sports, the critical components of a successful training camp and the need for seamless collaboration between performance staff and coaches. We dive into Duncan…
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Dr Ebonie Rio, renowned sports physiotherapist and leading tendon researcher, breaks down the complexities of tendon rehabilitation. She discusses the role of muscle activation, neuroplastic training and the central nervous system in recovery, as well as key considerations for load management, dynamic training readiness and tendon capacity. We dive…
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What is VALDCAST? Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices. 🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody 🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website…
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Rachel Stubington: Acting in 'Shrinking', Wearing Green & Embracing Her Red Curly Hair
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45:43It's St. Patrick's Day weekend, and if you're joining our Dallas Pop-Up tomorrow at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, we can't wait to see you! Our next guest is Rachel Stubington -- a fellow redhead that not only appeared in "A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story", "Abaddon", "Grassland", and "The First Taste" but also the Apple TV series "Shrink…
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Turning 40 and Breaking Free from Survival Mode
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52:20
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52:20Naomi Kreske thought she had built the perfect life—marriage, kids, and the white picket fence dream. But when her marriage crumbled, she found herself stuck in survival mode, barely holding it all together. For years, she unknowingly repeated the same patterns—ignoring her needs, attracting unhealthy relationships, and staying in a job that draine…
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34 - Dana Sacco and Bootstrapping Your Publishing Career with AI Tools
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42:33In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Dana Sacco, a businesswoman-turned-author who has mastered the art of bootstrapping her publishing career using AI tools. Dana shares how she transitioned from being an avid reader to a multi-genre author, all while leveraging affordable and innovative AI solutions like ChatGPT, Claude, and I…
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Casey Voss: Embracing Your Red Curls -- The Ultimate Guide for Redheads
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53:11Our next guest is Casey Voss. She's a curly-hair connoisseur, educator, and entrepreneur from Michigan. She is passionate about helping women embrace the beauty of their natural curls and is a firm believer that the more we learn to love our curls, the more we learn to love ourselves. As an expert in her field, Casey also opened an Etsy shop, TheCu…
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33 - The Rise of AI in Publishing with Jason Hamilton
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47:02In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Jason Hamilton, also known as The Nerdy Novelist, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of writing and publishing. Jason shares his journey from self-published author to YouTube sensation, offering insights into his favorite AI tools, his innovative 40 Chapter Plot Module, and practi…
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Reflections: Letting go of understanding what happened
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16:51In this bonus episode of the Big Four Oh Podcast, Steph delves deeper into themes discussed with Shā Sparks, focusing on the concepts of releasing the need for understanding to heal, and the importance of positive self-talk. Steph shares additional stories from previous guests, Julie Hutsell Starling (episode 99) and Jeff Glauser (episode 96), to i…
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Rebecca Norris: The Redhead's Guide to Bold Colors, Style and Beauty
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41:55If you want inspiration to rock bold colors, you'll love our next guest. Rebecca Norris is a full-time natural redhead freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for various publications, covering everything from beauty, wellness, and style to travel, home, and celebrity news. The Virginia native is head over heels for her rescue Jack…
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32 - Balancing Creativity, Systems, and Technology with Elana Johnson
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1:02:14In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by the prolific author Elana Johnson, who shares her incredible journey of integrating AI into her high-output writing career. From outlining and character development to social media content creation and gamifying her workflow, Elana reveals how she uses tools like Notebook LM, Plotdrive, and Op…
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Turning 40 and Finding Peace Without Answers
47:18
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47:18Shā Sparks’ midlife transformation was about breaking free—from toxic relationships, self-doubt, and the need for closure. After years in an abusive relationship, she realized she didn’t need answers or closure to heal—she just needed to walk away. Letting go of the “why” allowed her to move forward and build a life rooted in self-worth rather than…
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Kimberly Crandall: Acting, Teaching & Rocking Red Hair in Hollywood
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46:52Our next guest is Kimberly Crandall. She is a natural redhead, and an American actress most known for her roles opposite Oscar winner JK Simmons in the film "The Bachelors", and her six seasons on the hit ABC show "Fresh Off the Boat", as well as "Gossip Girl", "90210", "Criminal Minds" and more. Kimberly is also a successful acting coach and caree…
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31 - Creativity, AI, and Publishing with Derek Murphy
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58:09In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Murphy — author, artist, and expert in creativity and publishing. From the history of creativity to the ways AI is transforming accessibility for authors, Derek shares interesting insights on how writers can embrace these tools to enhance their work while navigating the fears surroundin…
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In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, includ…
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