Hello, Protagonists!

Welcome to another episode of the Creative, Inspired, ALIVE podcast—where we go behind the scenes with the storytellers shaping our culture.

Our next guest, Donna Jackson Nakazawa, is an award-winning science journalist and an internationally-recognized speaker whose work explores the intersection of neurobiology and human emotion. Her book, Girls on the Brink: Helping Our Daughters Thrive in an Era of Increased Anxiety, Depression, and Social Media, was named a best book of 2022 by The Washington Post. Her latest book, Mind Drama: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist, is out now.

Today, we talk about:

* rumination - what to do about the negative looping stories in our heads,

* protecting space in our brain for creative insights,

* the creative process of non-fiction writing,

* among other delights!

xo, Joanna

🎥 Watch the Conversation

You can watch the full video on:→ Our Website | Youtube | Substack app

Captions and full transcripts are always available on the website version (just click the “CC” button or the transcript tab below the video).

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Stream the episode wherever you get your podcasts:→ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | or your favorite platform

🎙️ Browse all past episodes HERE

📝 Want to Ask a Future Guest a Question?

We invite the community to submit questions via our community chat—available in your browser or in the Substack app. We love including your curiosities in the conversation!

Connect with Donna Jackson Nakazawa:

You can find Donna on Instagram. Her newest book, MIND DRAMA: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist, is available in bookstores everywhere!

Hello, Protagonists!

Welcome to another episode of the Creative, Inspired, ALIVE podcast—where we go behind the scenes with the storytellers shaping our culture.

Our next guest, Laurie Frankel, is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author known for emotional, character-driven fiction exploring modern family dynamics, including This Is How It Always Is, One Two Three, and Family Family. Her latest book, Enormous Wings, is out now.

Today, we talk about:

* writing about issues on the edge of society’s comfort zones,

* the courage and freedom to throw out your writing,

* how teaching helps you learn,

* the advice she would give to an English major, among other delights!

xo, Joanna & Evelyn

🎥 Watch the Conversation

You can watch the full video on:→ Our Website | Youtube | Substack app

Captions and full transcripts are always available on the website version (just click the “CC” button or the transcript tab below the video).

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Stream the episode wherever you get your podcasts:→ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | or your favorite platform

🎙️ Browse all past episodes HERE

📝 Want to Ask a Future Guest a Question?

We invite the community to submit questions via our community chat—available in your browser or in the Substack app. We love including your curiosities in the conversation!

Connect with Laurie Frankel:

You can find Laurie on Instagram. Her newest novel, Enormous Wings, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!

Hello, Protagonists!

Welcome to another episode of the Creative, Inspired, ALIVE podcast—where we go behind the scenes with the storytellers shaping our culture.

Our next guests are three amazing book publicists from Lavender PR–Carla Bruce, Brittani Hilles, and Amelia Possanza. This team has over three decades of combined experience at publishers like HarperCollins, Little, Brown, Riverhead Press, Flatiron Books, St. Martin’s Press, Algonquin Books, and more. They craft high-impact campaigns for diverse genres, from literary fiction and memoirs to propulsive thrillers. And, as published authors and established freelance writers themselves, the team offers an insider’s perspective on the publishing landscape.

Today, we talk about:

* what book publicists do for authors,

* how to find and hire a book publicist,

* differences between publicity in indie and traditional publishing,

* how book publicists decide who in media to pitch,

* the role of social media influencers in book publicity,

* and so much more!

xo, Joanna & Evelyn

🎥 Watch the Conversation

You can watch the full video on:→ Our Website | Youtube | Substack app

Captions and full transcripts are always available on the website version (just click the “CC” button or the transcript tab below the video).

🎧 Prefer to Listen?

Stream the episode wherever you get your podcasts:→ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | or your favorite platform

🎙️ Browse all past episodes HERE

📝 Want to Ask a Future Guest a Question?

We invite the community to submit questions via our community chat—available in your browser or in the Substack app. We love including your curiosities in the conversation!

Connect with Lavender PR:

Check out their latest publicity campaigns on their website, Lavender Public Relations. You can find Brittani, Carla, and Amelia on Instagram, too!