The Chris Voss Show

Children of Light by CB Anslie

https://www.amazon.com/Children-Light-CB-Anslie/dp/9697192685

Cbanslie.com

A rabbi with a secret will surrender his life in an incomprehensible battle against evil, while his friend, a priest with a dark past wrestles personal demons. The priest is called upon to prevent divorce and comfort grieving widows as he attempts to unravel the mystery of Masada with its deep connections to a unique vision heritage. The priest must confront the truth about his connections to an ancient race when the responsibility falls to him to take up the torch as the next keeper of the Light. “Children of Light” is a unique premise that uncovers the power of collective memories. Despite the premise having the potential to build a horror story, it was great to see the the author takes the story’s direction to an unexpected turn instead by focusing on relationships and the age-old debate of “Destiny vs. coincidence.

Superteams: The Science and Secrets of High-Performing Teams by Ron Friedman

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/198218633X

https://Superteamsquiz.com/superteams-masterclass

Ronfriedmanphd.com

The ultimate playbook for building high-performing teams, packed with counterintuitive insights, surprising science, and real-world lessons from the most comprehensive study of elite groups ever conducted.

What do the best teams do differently?

To find out, award-winning social psychologist Ron Friedman surveyed thousands of teams and pinpointed the precise habits that separate the best from the rest. The results upend everything we think we know about teamwork. It turns out that the most successful teams aren’t the ones that collaborate most, get along best, or put in the longest hours. What really sets them apart is the way they manage their energy and attention, bring out the best in one another, and keep improving over time.

Blending eye-opening discoveries with unforgettable stories, Superteams takes you inside the writers’ room of Succession and Bridgerton, the recording studio of ABBA and Fleetwood Mac, the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants, the laboratories of Nobel Prize–winning scientists, the locker rooms of NBA and NFL teams, and the boardrooms of the world’s most innovative companies.

You will learn: -A simple rule that instantly cuts meeting time in half -How the best teams make focus easier, not harder -The one question that makes team decisions up to 30% smarter -The only office perk that improves performance (spoiler: it’s not coffee) -How personal productivity hacks make teamwork harder -Why feeling like the smartest person in the room is a red flag -Why top performers care more about disappointing their peers than their boss -How the best teams avoid burnout without working fewer hours -The science of truly restorative breaks, evenings, and vacations -How to build a team that keeps getting better (even when you’re not in charge)

Smart, insightful, and relentlessly practical, this is your science-backed guide to turning your team into a Superteam.

About the author Ron Friedman, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist who helps leaders build high-performing teams.

He is the bestselling author of The Best Place to Work and Decoding Greatness, and the founder of Superteams, Inc., where he delivers keynotes, workshops, and executive advisory to senior leaders around the world.

An expert on human motivation, Friedman has served on the faculties of the University of Rochester, Nazareth College, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He contributes regularly to Harvard Business Review, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, Financial Times, Bloomberg, NPR, CBS, FOX, NBC, Fast Company, The Washington Post, Forbes, and Inc.

The Man That I Would Become by Victor L Bretting

Brettingtexanranch.com

https://www.amazon.com/Man-That-Would-Become/dp/B0GVPR4SC9

Raised by a hardworking single mother whose grit, sacrifice, and faith shaped his life, Victor Bretting learned early that perseverance, responsibility, and character are forged through adversity.

An eighth-generation Texan descended from Stephen F. Austin’s original Old 300 families, Victor began his career as a water boy on a nuclear power plant construction project at nineteen years old. Over the next fifty years, he worked his way through the ranks of the construction industry, eventually retiring as a vice president. Along the way, he became an internationally recognized outdoorsman, setting multiple world hunting records across six continents.

But The Man That I Would Become is not a book about success.

It is a book about becoming.

Through stories of faith, failure, leadership, family, hunting, adversity, and personal growth, Victor shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his life. From football fields and construction sites to hunting camps around the world, each chapter reveals the struggles, setbacks, victories, and moments of grace that helped form the man he would become.

This inspiring memoir explores what it means to take responsibility, persevere through hardship, lead with integrity, and trust God’s plan when the road ahead is uncertain. It is a story for anyone who has ever faced adversity, questioned their purpose, or wondered what truly matters in life.

Today, Victor and his family continue that mission through Bretting Texan Ranch (B-Tex Ranch) in North Texas, where wounded veterans, terminally ill children, and young men seeking purpose are welcomed to experience faith, fellowship, and the healing power of the outdoors.

The Man That I Would Become is more than a memoir. It is a reminder that life’s greatest achievement is not measured by titles, wealth, or accomplishments, but by becoming the person God created you to be.

This is Victor’s story and an invitation to visit the place where it all comes together: B-Tex Ranch.

About the author Victor Bretting is an 8th-generation Texan part of the original Old 300 families who settled this land under Stephen F. Austin. He started his career as a water boy at a nuclear power plant at nineteen is an executive nearly fifty years later. He holds multiple world hunting records across six continents. At his ranch in North Texas, he opens the gates to combat veterans, terminally ill children, and young men who need to meet God. This is his story. And it is an invitation to visit the place where it all comes together at The Bretting Texan Ranch (B-Tex Ranch).

With nearly five decades in the construction industry, he built his career from the ground up—earning every lesson through long days, hard work, and real responsibility. That same grit carried over into the outdoors, where he became a lifelong hunter and international sportsman, harvesting many species across five continents and earning multiple world records and top honors in the hunting community.

Victor is the owner of Bretting Texan Ranch (B-Tex Ranch) in North Texas, where he has created more than a hunting operation. He’s built a place where people come to reconnect with the land, with each other, and with something greater than themselves. His ranch stands as a reflection of his values: hard work, stewardship, faith, and treating people like family.

Victor is deeply committed to giving back through organizations like Hunting with Soldiers, which brings combat veterans into the outdoors to find healing from the weight of war, and Cross Trail Outfitters, a faith-based ministry dedicated to guiding young men and women through outdoor experiences rooted in Christ. At his ranch, these aren’t just events—they are moments of restoration, mentorship, and purpose. Whether it’s a veteran finding peace in the stillness of the land or a young hunter learning discipline and faith for the first time, Victor believes the outdoors is one of the last places where real transformation still happens.

From TaskRabbit to Trailblazing VC: Leah Solivan’s Unprecedented Path

Breakingprecedent.com

Leahsolivan.com

About the Guest(s): Leah Solivan is the trailblazing entrepreneur behind TaskRabbit, a platform that revolutionized the gig economy by allowing people to outsource small jobs and tasks. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s 100 most creative people in business, Leah is now making waves in venture capital as the founder of Precedent VC, a fund that focuses on AI-powered marketplaces. Beyond her pioneering efforts in business, she is an author and podcast host, with her upcoming book and podcast—both titled “Breaking Precedent”—aimed at highlighting leaders who are transforming their industries and societies.

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss converses with Leah Solivan, a visionary in the startup and venture capital domain. Leah delves into her influential journey from founding TaskRabbit to her bold foray into venture capital with Precedent VC, which centers on investing in pioneering AI-powered marketplaces. An equally accomplished author and podcaster, Leah explains how her podcast, “Breaking Precedent,” evolved into a book filled with narratives from various societal leaders. This podcast episode becomes a revelation of entrepreneurship, innovation, and paving new paths in unprecedented times.

Throughout the episode, Leah shares her insights on nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset, which she describes as being able to view common situations through a transformative lens—what she terms “vuja day.” Highlighting breakthroughs in AI technology as a modern-day inflection point reminiscent of the dawn of smartphones and social media, Leah discusses how the current technological landscape is redefining entrepreneurship, echoing the pivotal period of 2008. Leah’s inspiring anecdotes and motivational wisdom impart vital lessons in audacity, creativity, and adaptability for budding founders and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Key Takeaways: Leah illustrates the profound potential AI has in revolutionizing consumer behavior and entrepreneurship, positing that now is an inflection point for groundbreaking business ideas. The origins of TaskRabbit and its eventual acquisition by IKEA reveal the strategic partnerships and market evolution possible in the gig economy. The genesis of Lyft, boosted by TaskRabbit, underscores how collaborative ideas can spur new business models and successes. Leah shares her concept of “vuja day,” encouraging individuals to view everyday experiences with innovative eyes, ready to disrupt conventional norms. Leadership and mentorship have been critical factors in Leah’s journey, driving her commitment to supporting new founders through her venture capital endeavors.

Notable Quotes: “We live in a really exciting time if you look at it that way… everything right now is unprecedented.” “This concept of instead of deja vu… I talk about the opposite feeling, which is vuja day.” “In 2008 when all this was happening, I had just left a very cushy job at IBM. My parents thought I was insane.” “We are seeing habit formation happening. We are seeing the consumer mindset changing in real time.”

Revolution: How the Castros Lied, Cheated, and Murdered Their Way Into Power by Al Romero

https://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Castros-Cheated-Murdered-Their/dp/1642145521

REVOLUTION is a thrilling novel of intrigue, deception, betrayal, courage and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit under unbelievable circumstances. It illustrates how Fidel and his brother Raul lied to the Cuban people, cheated those who helped them fight against Batista and murdered their way into power, removing anyone and everyone they saw as a threat. Revolution is the story of the Quintanas, an ordinary middle class family thrown into the turbulence of a civil war during the Cuban Revolution, as they witness their normal everyday lives change dramatically for the worse and watch as family members turn against each other. Joaquin Quintana is one of the original 82 men who landed in Cuba with Fidel to fight against Batista and liberate their country from that dictatorship. He rises to a high level position among the rebels and becomes part of Castro’s inner circle. After consolidating power, Fidel aligns Cuba with the Soviet Union and many of the men and women who fought with him against Batista are rounded up, jailed or executed. Joaquin, disillusioned with how the new regime has bastardized the ideals that he and so many of the rebels fought for and believes Fidel and his brother Raul orchestrated the murder of his friend and great revolutionary leader Camilo Cienfuegos, makes the decision to work with the CIA to over throw the Castro regime. Joaquin’s bothers Diego and Cesar, join him in plotting against Fidel while Elena, Diego’s daughter, becomes a blind and fervent disciple of Castro. Revolution was inspired by the family of the author Al Romero

Memoirs of a Human Trafficker: My Journey a Travel Guide by Peter Storrer

https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Human-Trafficker-Journey-Travel/dp/B0FSXVP7T8

Memoirs of a Human Trafficker is a gripping true account of survival, danger, and choices with lasting consequences.

From war-torn Cambodia and Thailand to the courts of South America, Peter Storrer shares his extraordinary journey through political upheaval, prisons, and encounters with powerful figures. What begins as a search for adventure leads into the hidden world of trafficking, corruption, and betrayal.

Told with raw honesty and vivid detail, this memoir reveals the fragility of trust, the cost of survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Developing Your Sense Of Faith Kindle Edition by David Collum

https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Sense-Faith-David-Collum-ebook/dp/B0F4PVBR5T

Authordavidcollumsr.com

The book discusses how to develop a sense of faith that God gave to every human being. It consists of explaining what faith is and how to use it. It is a guide to using faith and connecting to God with faith. The book helps one to understand faith in its entirety. It explains how God intends one to use one’s faith to keep God close in all situations.

The Magic Button’s Fantasy Flight: A 250-Year Journey to Freedom by Swapna Gangopadhyay

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Buttons-Fantasy-Flight-250-Year/dp/B0H2LH242L/

Dreamywriter.com

The Magic Button’s Fantasy Flight: A 250-Year Journey to American Freedom by Swapna Gangopadhyay is a heartwarming and imaginative historical adventure that brings the story of the American Revolution to life for young readers.

When five curious children discover a mysterious glowing button hidden inside Grandpa’s attic, they are unexpectedly transported through time on an unforgettable journey across the most defining moments in American history. Guided by Barnaby, a wise and magical Library Owl, the children witness the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped the birth of the United States.

From the Proclamation of 1763 and the Boston Tea Party to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the victory at Yorktown, each chapter immerses readers in pivotal events of the American Revolution through exciting storytelling, vivid imagery, and child-friendly historical explanations. Along the way, the children also meet unsung heroes such as Sybil Ludington, James Armistead Lafayette, the Molly Pitchers, and the Marblehead Mariners – courageous individuals whose contributions helped shape America’s fight for freedom.

Blending fantasy, humor, adventure, and educational value, this inspiring middle-grade novel encourages children to appreciate the meaning of freedom, unity, courage, and historical understanding. Through memorable characters and emotionally engaging scenes, the book transforms history into a living experience that sparks curiosity and encourages young readers to ask questions about the past and their role in shaping the future.

Perfect for families, classrooms, homeschool programs, libraries, and young history enthusiasts, The Magic Button’s Fantasy Flight serves as both an entertaining adventure and an educational resource designed to make American history accessible, meaningful, and unforgettable for children ages 8-14.

Hollywood’s Next Revolution: The Multiverse Vision by Scott Hadley Morgan

Eventhorizon.studio

About the Guest(s): Scott Hadley Morgan is an award-winning writer, producer, and director with over 30 years of experience in Hollywood. Mentored by industry giants Freddy Fields and Barry London, Scott has penned screenplays for major studios including Silver Pictures, HBO, Paramount, TriStar, and Universal. His works include celebrated projects with influential figures like Don Simpson and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Scott has pioneered the use of next-generation technology in filmmaking, being the first director to use a high-definition camera from NASA. He is now focusing on writing, with his latest works including the book series “One Fish Says to Another Fish.”

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris Voss sits down with Hollywood veteran Scott Hadley Morgan to explore his innovative approach to transforming the entertainment industry. Through his 30-year career, Scott has contributed significantly to major studios and is now channeling his creativity into writing. His upcoming book series, “One Fish Says to Another Fish,” aims to fuse Eastern and Western philosophy in preparation for the AI age, offering insights that are both timeless and ahead of the current entertainment curve.

Scott discusses his groundbreaking work in reimagining Hollywood through his Event Horizon Studio, a new multiverse driven by interconnected apps he has developed, known as the “Sling Ring.” By integrating advanced AI and blockchain technologies, Scott seeks to create a new digital ecosystem that expands beyond traditional media. From enhancing audience engagement to providing a counterbalance to AI in Hollywood, Scott’s vision offers investors a pioneering opportunity in the emerging $1.3 trillion ‘Pioneer Cloud’ industry. He outlines how the narrative landscape and media consumption could fundamentally change, inviting investors to be part of this innovative journey.

Key Takeaways: Innovative Filmmaking Vision: Scott Morgan is creating a new paradigm in Hollywood with the Event Horizon Studio, integrating next-gen tech to reinvent the industry. The Sling Ring Concept: This innovative app network aims to revolutionize social media and digital presence by creating a “soul” for user profiles that can interact across multiverses. Counterbalance to AI: Scott’s expertise offers a balancing force to the current AI trends in Hollywood, ensuring the preservation of creativity and storytelling. Investor Opportunities: Targeting the $1.3 trillion Pioneer Cloud, Scott’s project invites investors seeking substantial financial and brand engagement returns. Rich Background: With foundational experience in high-definition technology and rich storytelling, Scott blends craft and tech-savvy insight in his new ventures.

Notable Quotes: “AI is useful in generating visuals in the background of a game, but there are reasons it will never write the hit screenplays.” “The Sling Ring is an interconnected network of 49 apps, a revolutionary presence for digital engagement reminiscent of Avatar’s soul-saving narrative.” “In Hollywood, nothing exists long if it’s out of balance. I’m bringing the counterbalance to an industry increasingly dominated by AI.” “Each investor is looking at a couple billion dollars a year, driven by innovation in digital ecosystems.” “Your new avatar and social media platform are part of a pioneering cloud, crafting a more enriched experience than any Instagram lifestyle.”

The Lev Effect by Sheldon Greene

https://www.amazon.com/Lev-Effect-Sheldon-Greene/dp/173518490X

Sheldongreene.com

“Dazzling” A Feel-good Read for Divisive Times A small town Jewish old-folks home is converted to a boarding school and the residents are recruited to mentor the young. The Russian school director, Lev Kyol, stirs up controversy when he celebrates Palestinian national aspirations and honors and feeds the homeless.

A victim of persecution for his beliefs, Lev seeks to shatter conventions and dissolve stereotypes. Word of his controversial work goes viral and the media suggests that he is the Messiah. Lev’s enemies seek to deport him. His message unifies the community.

The Lev Effect is light-hearted yet serious modern-day Passion. A sequel to the critically acclaimed Lost and Found, the novel is larded with warmth, humor, engaging characters, and is a celebration of goodness.

About the author Sheldon Greene is a San Francisco lawyer with a background in public interest high impact litigation. He is also President and Director of Oak Creek Energy a wind energy development company.

Education:

Graduated Magna Cum Lauda, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Delta Sigma Rho, Order of the Coif, Case Western Reserve University, undergraduate and law, fifth in Grand National Debate Tournament, Law Review Editor, Winner Dunmore Moot Court Competition, Contracts Prize.

A Night in Paris: Where Every Secret has a Heartbeat by Victor Sage

https://www.amazon.com/Night-Paris-Where-Secret-Heartbeat/dp/1965555667

In the glow of a Parisian night, chance meetings are never accidental. Tony arrives in Paris carrying more than jet lag he carries a past carefully buried beneath discipline, silence, and control. Alice Rose moves through the city with effortless elegance, her beauty masking a mind trained to see patterns others miss. When their paths cross in a quiet hotel bar, the attraction is immediate, magnetic, and unsettling. What begins as an intimate connection between two strangers slowly reveals something darker beneath the romance. Secrets surface. Histories collide. And the city of lights becomes a maze of mirrors, where nothing is quite what it seems and every choice carries a cost. As desire deepens and trust fractures, Tony and Alice must decide whether they are players in a dangerous game… or pieces already placed on the board. A Night in Paris is a seductive blend of romance and suspense a story about power, vulnerability, and what it truly takes to begin again when the past refuses to stay buried.

Heart of the Deal: The Insider’s Guide to Medical Device Sales Success by Dr. Joseph DeAngelis, Kevin Matthews

https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Heart-Deal-Insiders-Medical-Success/dp/B0FJB2R9KM

Getheartofthedeal.com

What if we told you there’s a sales career where rookies routinely earn more than seasoned lawyers and top performers make more than most doctors? You’d probably think we were selling you a get-rich-quick scheme. But we’re not. We’re talking about medical device sales.

Global business consultant Dr. Joseph DeAngelis and medical device marketer Kevin Matthews have teamed up to introduce you to a high-stakes, high-reward world where mastering “Clinical Currency”–the unique blend of medical knowledge, sales savvy, and relationship capital that top performers leverage–will lead to unparalleled success.

CV5Heart of the Deal offers the first-of-its-kind playbook for dominating the medical device sales landscape–whether you’re a newcomer looking to break in or a veteran aiming to join the seven-figure earners club.

My Life as a Doctor: Reflections on Burnout, Calling, and Retirement by Stan Eisele, M.D.

Authorstanmd.com

https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Doctor-Reflections-Retirement/dp/B0H22RBR21

A deeply honest physician memoir about burnout, calling, retirement, faith, and the human side of medicine.

After forty years in medicine, Dr. Stan Eisele thought he understood what it meant to serve others. He was wrong.

In My Life as a Doctor: Reflections on Burnout, Calling, and Retirement, Dr. Eisele shares a personal and thoughtful journey through the life of a physician. From the childhood loss that first drew him toward the healing professions, to the demands of medical school, residency, patient care, healthcare bureaucracy, career burnout, and the emotional transition into retirement, this memoir offers a clear and moving look at what it means to live a life of service.

Dr. Eisele begins with the story of Chippers, his beloved childhood dog, whose illness became the first moment that opened his heart to medicine. What began as a desire to help animals slowly became a calling to care for people. His path led him through medical school at USC, internal medicine training, and decades of practice as a primary care physician.

But the dream was not always easy.

As the healthcare system changed, Dr. Eisele faced the pressure of insurance restrictions, HMO systems, corporate medicine, overwhelming documentation, emotional exhaustion, depression, and physician burnout. At times, the work that once felt like a calling began to feel like a burden.

Then came a turning point.

A move from San Diego to Eagle, Idaho, restored his sense of purpose and helped him reconnect with the heart of medicine: compassionate patient care, faith, family, and service. Later, a sudden life-threatening heart attack placed him in the unfamiliar role of patient instead of doctor. That experience changed his understanding of care, vulnerability, gratitude, and healing. In retirement, Dr. Eisele discovers that calling does not end when a career ends. Through community, music, faith, and service, he finds new ways to give back and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with purpose. This book is ideal for readers interested in: Physician memoirs and doctor stories Medical memoirs about burnout and healing Faith-based reflections on calling and purpose Retirement, identity, and life transitions Patient care, compassion, and the human side of healthcare Inspirational nonfiction about perseverance and service My Life as a Doctor is more than a medical memoir. It is a story of purpose, resilience, gratitude, faith, and the quiet strength found in showing up for others with compassion, humility, and grace.

Brain Storms: Surviving Catastrophic Illness by Les Duncan

https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Storms-Surviving-Catastrophic-Illness/dp/1604622237

Leslieduncan.com

Can one person survive four brain hemorrhages and two brain surgeries, and still live a normal, joyful life? Join survivor Les Duncan for Brain Storms, a collection of twenty-seven tips for coping with and recovering from catastrophic illness. These easy-to-read chapters-free from confusing technical jargon-will inspire you to take back your life. Full of tips and practical information-like how to find an exceptional doctor, the trick to listening to your body, building a life of sheer determination, and becoming an occasional but likable nuisance when necessary-will enable you to make recovery your full-time job. Applicable both for survivors and caretakers, Brain Storms also deals with the importance of maintaining relationships throughout the difficult healing process. Be inspired to survive.

The Triggering Scent: A Medical Thriller (The Abbey Roberts Series Book 1) by Jenny White

https://www.amazon.com/Triggering-Scent-Medical-Thriller-Roberts-ebook/dp/B0GTX6ZT74

Beep….Beep…..Beep……. When the brilliant neurosurgeon, Dr. Mark Winston III operates on Abbey Roberts, he knows it will be a challenging procedure. But a drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms cause his hands to shake. Four hours into the operation, disaster occurs.

Almost a year after the botched brain surgery, Abbey returns to work, in her comfort zone the ICU. But all is not well. She struggles to differentiate right from wrong, realizes her personality is different and has gaps in her memory she can’t resolve. Living with her brain damage, she has to create her new world and at the same time hide her challenges. Then her worst nightmare walks through the ICU doors and she must work side by side with the man who almost killed her, twice. How can Abbey navigate the ethical minefield of treating patients while her tormentor operates just down the hall?

When past and present collide, Abbey must decide if vengeance is worth risking everything.

Eternal Nights: Arrival by Richard Spegal

Richardspegal.com

https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Nights-Arrival-Richard-Spegal/dp/1970703512

The Time Has Come.

In AD2019 they met their Progenitor and finally learned the truth about not only their origins, but the origins of all vampires. They also learned the horrible truth of the beginning of everything, and the scourge that was unleashed throughout the universe. A force that had gone unchecked for billions upon billions of years. They vowed to stop it… assuming it still existed.

In AD3325 the enemy was no longer hypothetical, and the human race was no longer alone.

The coming force is an enemy unlike anything the races of the galaxy had ever faced. A living hunger, capable of consuming entire galaxies. Sentient locusts with numbers that could blot out the stars. When they enter a galaxy, it is a sign that the End of Days has begun.

This is not an enemy that can be fought from the shadows.

Having lived for thousands of years, they have changed. Their entire family has changed. They will still stand in defense of the mortal races, but it will be on their terms. The mortal races will accept them, or they will disappear forever and let the galaxy burn.

The Shakeeth have arrived, and in order to face the coming darkness, Johnathon and Danielle will have to take their family into the light.

About the author I’ve been writing for years, but only started publishing about 3 1/2 years ago. I pride myself on adult oriented entertainment. The relationships, the language, the complicated plot threads, and a lot of the situations are geared toward an older audience. Honestly, I think anyone would get enjoyment from the reading, but the more life experience you have, the more you will be able to relate to what is happening. Regarding relationships, for example, my characters tend to be married or have a family. This isn’t the kind of romance that younger audience members can relate to.

I also pride myself on brutal realistic detail. The characters talk like real people, act like real people, think like real people, and make the decisions real people would make. No one goes “suddenly stupid” so that the plot can happen. No, my characters are the one driving the plot. That is how it should, but that’s been forgotten by creators over the last decade or so, which is why so much of everything fails now.

There are old editions on Amazon, because Amazon refuses to take listings down. I hate that because it can be confusing, but at least the old editions are marked as unavailable, or are otherwise obvious. The new stuff tends to be at the top. My 5th book should be out within a couple weeks of this posting, and number 6 is scheduled for Spring 2026. Beyond that, it’ll be my publisher’s decision as to how fast the books go live.

What Do You Call Your Grandparents by Eileen E J Walker

https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Call-Your-Grandparents/dp/1970749326

Lily has a day off from school. She will spend the day with her grandparents. Grandparents are always a lot of fun. Perhaps you have a favorite memory of your grandparents. Maybe your favorite memory as a child relates to food, eating or preparing it. Maybe your favorite memory is visiting a certain place, playing games or making crafts. Around the world, the name for ‘grandma’ and ‘grandpa’, varies. Enjoy reading this book to your grandchildren and may the memories you create bring joy to you all.

About the author Eileen Walker has launched into the world of writing children’s book, quickly, with her 3rd book in a series. This book was initially intended to be her first. Although writing has been in the recesses of her mind for many years, it wasn’t until she became a grandmother, that she was inspired to write children’s books. She hopes you and the children you read with, will enjoy learning what to call family members, in other languages.

The ‘i’ Problem Theory: Solve your problems by Anthony Robinski

https://authorreputationpress.com/bookstore/the-i-problem-theory-solve-your-problems/

Robinskibooks.com

The I Problem Theory starts from a simple claim: if you can precisely describe how you stand in relation to a problem, you can deliberately change that relationship. The book expresses this with a single equation, The I Problem Theory. Rather than offering vague motivation, the book shows how to increase certain factors by using better habits, better information, and better use of other people’s expertise-while recognizing things that cannot be changed but used to your advantage.

About the Author Author, Anthony James Robinski, is a Navy veteran from the Dallas, Texas, area. He joined the Navy at 19, serving 12 years in active services until transitioning to the Navy Reserve. During service, he worked with cutting-edge technology on submarines and taught dance around the world. The time spent in the service allowed him to live in the Imagination of his predecessors. The many stories he heard from his fellow sailors and their outlandish adventures inspired him to share his own using the same practical techniques. He sent out on his adventure to write and tell his own stories. No longer on active duty, Anthony lives his dream of working with technology and taking a plunge into his greatest passion, writing. His writing contains the same principles and lessons learned from his time visiting countries worldwide.

My New Home and Me by Holly Seaver

https://www.amazon.com/My-New-Home-Holly-Seaver/dp/1968640460

Five children go to homes that are very different from their own. Their worries and fears turn into surprise and joy when they meet friendly new people, try tasty new food, and learn that the thing that makes us friends is what we have inside.

About the author Holly Seaver is a Christian mother, grandmother, foster mom, nurse, cat mom, and grateful wife of Ralph Seaver, Christian father, grandfather, foster dad, and technical wizard. They live together on beautiful Cape Cod. She can be reached at: Holly.seaver@comcast.net. All profits from this book are donated to organizations who help foster kids.

FREDDY THE FALCON in Honor Your Father and Your Mother By: Reverend Leo

https://revleo.website3.me/

BOOK SYPNOSIS: Freddy the Falcon in Honor Your Father and Your Mother by Reverend Leo is a heartwarming children’s story that teaches the importance of obedience, respect, sharing, and honoring parents through biblical values. Freddy the Falcon enjoys a fun summer day playing in the sprinklers until he learns important life lessons about listening to his parents, completing responsibilities, and treating friends kindly. Guided by the Bible verse from Exodus 20:12, Freddy discovers that honoring his father and mother leads to love, wisdom, and personal growth. This inspiring story encourages young readers to embrace faith, family values, and good character in their everyday lives.

Promotion: Denied by Lt Col Joseph W. Hoffler USAF-Ret.

https://www.amazon.com/Promotion-Col-Joseph-Hoffler-USAF-Ret/dp/B0GGZ36KCG

Promotion: Denied is a powerful true account of institutional racism, betrayal, and moral courage within the United States Air Force Academy. In this deeply personal and meticulously documented narrative, Lt Col Joseph W. Hoffler, USAF (Ret.), exposes how a distinguished twenty-two-year military career was derailed by racial prejudice, unlawful investigations, and a deliberate cover-up by senior leadership.

Recruited to serve as a role model for minority cadets, Hoffler instead found himself targeted by a system meant to uphold honor, integrity, and justice. Through firsthand testimony, official records, and lived experience, this book reveals how misuse of authority, fabricated allegations, and bureaucratic silence led to the denial of promotion and forced early retirement.

More than a memoir, Promotion: Denied is a compelling civil rights narrative that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism in elite institutions. It serves as a warning to future service members and a call for accountability, transparency, and reform within the military and beyond.

Whispers on the Swing by Keith A Hartzler

Whispersontheswing.com

Explore the childlike wonder of faith with heartfelt reflections that invite you to express your thoughts freely, connecting with God as a loving Father. Discover the beauty of simplicity in spiritual conversations and embrace your inner child in faith.

In Whispers on the Swing, readers are invited to engage in a playful dialogue with God, reminiscent of the beloved television show Kids Say the Darndest Things. This book transforms the profound into the playful, allowing us to voice our innermost thoughts and questions as if we were children again. Each page offers a collection of candid reflections that encourage a more authentic relationship with the divine. The author shares snippets of musings that reveal a desire to understand God more deeply, presenting Him not as a distant figure but as a caring Father eager for connection.

These reflections serve as a gentle reminder that faith can be simple and accessible. By embracing our curiosity and vulnerability, we can explore our spiritual journey with the same openness and honesty that children exhibit. The book encourages readers to let go of adult pretenses and engage in a heartfelt conversation with God, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery.

As you read through these thoughts, you may find yourself inspired to express your own feelings and questions, allowing your spirit to soar in the freedom of childlike faith. Whispers on the Swing invites you to rediscover the joy of spiritual exploration, reminding us that it’s perfectly okay to say the darndest things in our quest for understanding and connection with the divine. Embrace this journey and see where your thoughts may lead you.

Loving Black Women by Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd

https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Black-Women-Larry-Johnson-Redd/dp/B0F7VMZFCW/

Larryukalijohnsonreddbooks.com

Synopsis: “Loving Black Women” is a two-fold book about realigning our awareness to improve the way brothers and sisters love each other, and about overcoming racial discrimination, political domination, and white supremacy.

It is Johnson-Redd’s strong opinion that African-Americans need to understand Africans in America, to experience nurturing and wholesome relationships despite how African-Americans have been discounted. He elaborates on what he calls the golden question…how much do these oppressive situations impact the _expression of love among people of African heritage in America? He believes that only if we face the future as a united people will we truly overcome and learn how to express pure love.

With five headers, Brothers and Sisters: Facing the Future Together, African Identity: African World, Sister Praise Poetry, Black Love: Spoken Word, and Loving Black Women, he covers a multitude of issues and assertions about life and love. After these indigenous words, Johnson-Redd takes readers on a poetic journey.

Fighting in the Street is a plea for people of color to stop killing each other. No Matter compares and relates the differences or similarities between Tribal war and civil war. Black Love Spoken Word and Loving You All Seasons, challenge brothers and sisters to ‘pull up’, and learn to embrace each other so as a people we will have a sequel.

LOVING BLACK WOMEN is a seed that will hopefully fertilize our dreams as our ancestors’ blood fertilized this land, to produce acute awareness and cogent love. This is a concise, thought-provoking read that enlightens, educates, and embraces us as a people. Reviewed by Ann of the Rawsistaz Reviewers (http: //www.rawsistaz.com/

Autobiography: Larry is a High School Diploma Teacher at Pittsburg Adult Education Center in Pittsburg, CA, who has written nine books in his lifetime, including an Autobiographical novel, poetry, and several books of different genres.

Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months–From Scratch by Robert Avsec

https://www.amazon.com/Successful-Transformational-Change-Department-Months/dp/1990717047

Change is hard. For any organization, successfully developing and implementing a transformational change can be an enormous challenge, one that’s fraught with ups and downs as members of the organization struggle to hold onto the past while the change agents struggle to inform, educate, and assuage the fears and apprehensions of their colleagues. But what about an organization that simultaneously tackled—and succeeded—at implementing TWO transformational changes?

Told from the perspective of a change agent who was there, did that, and saw their efforts come to fruition, Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department, will take you through the work done by a focused strategic project management team as they created a fee for emergency-ambulance transportation in a county Fire and EMS department and digitalized the department’s patient care reporting process in six months—from scratch.

About the author Battalion Chief (Ret.) Robert Avsec served with the men and women of the Chesterfield County (Va.) Fire and EMS Department for 26 years. He’s now using his acquired knowledge, skills, and experiences as a freelance writer for FireRescue1.com and as the “blogger-in-chief” for his blog, Talking “Shop” 4 Fire and EMS. Chief Avsec makes his home outside of Charleston, West Virginia where he enjoys playing golf and alpine skiing when not pursuing his second career as a freelance writer.

If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal by Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Hertling

https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime/dp/1966786727

“This journal was once a gift to our young sons. It is now a gift to anyone who cares to read it.”  

When Major Mark Hertling deployed to Iraq in 1990 as the operations officer of an armored cavalry squadron, his unit was told 50 percent of them would likely sustain casualties. To him, that meant he might not return home and may perhaps never see his family again. To prepare for that potential outcome, he began keeping a journal, hoping that one day, if he didn’t return, his stories and wisdom would be passed to his young sons. 

In an army-issued green notebook, Mark began recording his thoughts and hopes for his boys. He wrote of character, leadership, camaraderie, battles, cultural differences, religion, love, fear, and the things he wanted his boys to know about him and his experiences. In unfiltered, handwritten entries, Hertling captured the reality of combat in Operation Desert Storm: the waiting and missions, the chaos and courage, the brotherhood and grief, and the lessons of duty and humanity forged in war. What began as a father’s private messages became a rare chronicle of leadership and life in preparation for the crucible of battle.

But he survived, returned home, and was able to watch his boys grow into men. Decades later, after both his sons became combat veterans themselves, one of them typed those original pages as a gift to his dad—to preserve the legacy for the family’s next generation. In revisiting those original journal entries, Hertling—having been promoted, having served in various positions, and having returned to the battlefields of Iraq over the next two decades—added reflections drawn from his life. Reflecting on various military assignments, then his post-retirement jobs as a cable news analyst, health care executive, and professor of leadership, these journal entries now provide valuable lessons on character, leadership, and service. 

Part battlefield memoir, part father’s journal, part meditation on the challenges of leadership, If I Don’t Return is the story of a soldier who faced death, returned home, and continued to live a life of service. ‍

Giving Back: In Memory of Pete Way

Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah—an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities discover their strength, independence, and purpose.

Founded in 1985 as an adaptive ski program for disabled veterans, the NAC has grown into one of the nation’s leading centers for adaptive recreation. Today, it serves people of all ages and abilities, with service members, veterans, and their families making up nearly a third of all participants. Through sport, recreation, and education, the NAC empowers those it serves to build confidence, self-esteem, and lasting skills that restore not only mobility, but meaning.

These contributions are made in memory of U.S. Army veteran Pete Way, a friend who was grievously wounded in Afghanistan but found healing, hope, and renewed purpose through the programs of the NAC. Pete’s courage and resilience reflect the very spirit this book seeks to honor—the will to endure, to grow even through adversity, and to live fully.

If you would like to join in supporting this remarkable organization and the veterans and families it serves, please visit https://discovernac.org/support/

About the author Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling, DBA

Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling served 38 years in the United States Army as a tanker and cavalry officer, culminating as Commander of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army.

During his military career, Hertling spent 38 months in combat. He served as a major and operations officer of a cavalry squadron during Operation Desert Storm, as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad in 2003–2004, and later as Commander of the 1st Armored Division and Multinational Task Force Iron in northern Iraq during the 2007–2008 surge.

After retiring from the Army in 2012, Hertling transitioned to the private sector as a Senior Vice President at a major healthcare organization. He was asked to design and lead a healthcare leadership program, work that led to his first book, Growing Physician Leaders (2016). His second book, If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal, was published by Ballast Books in 2026.

From 2014 to 2024, he served as a senior analyst for CNN. He currently writes for The Bulwark and appears on MSNBC as a freelance national security analyst.

Mark is married to his wife Sue. They live in Orlando, Florida, and are the proud parents of two sons, grandparents to five grandsons, and step-grandparents to two granddaughters.

How to Say What You Mean Without Being Mean by Jan D Thomas

https://www.amazon.com/How-What-Mean-Without-Being/dp/1964362792

Jandthomasbooksandpaint.com

Your relationships are important and how you communicate with people will determine most aspects of your life. W hen your final word is spoken and your last breath is drawn, nothing will matter except God and those people whom you have loved. Only that love will last an eternity. You will see them again if they are in a right relationship with Christ, but all of those things that you thought were so important to you will be dust and ashes. Nothing more.

About the author Jan D. Thomas is a New Mexico native. Born at the Santa Rita copper mine near Silver City, he heard the blast of the first atomic bomb test at Trinity Site. Moving later to Los Alamos, the birthplace of the atomic age, he lived for a few years as a child in northern New Mexico, but returned to his birthplace, where he graduated from high school.

After four years in the United States Air Force, he returned from spending nearly three years in Spain to attend the University of New Mexico. He also has an MDiv degree and retired from a career in the New Mexico Corrections Department, where he was a warden. He has worked with prison ministry groups, helped found a faith-based program in New Mexico, and became the first National Director of Celebrate Recovery Inside, the prison application of the program. He was married to his late wife, Fern, for 54 years before she passed away in 2019. He has three children, six grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Having lived in the Mesilla Valley for over thirty years, he spends much of his time painting and writing. As an artist, he has painted over 200 paintings and has published a number of books, poems, and essays.

Dusten Hendrickson: The Passive Income Revolution: Investing in Real Estate Syndication

Mailboxmoneyre.com

About the Guest(s): Dusten Hendrickson is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in real estate development, design, and construction. He has managed projects totaling over $500 million, specializing in strategic land selection and wellness-focused apartment design. As the founder of Mailbox Money Real Estate, Dustin focuses on providing desirable, affordable housing solutions and strong investor outcomes. His expertise lies in delivering high-quality, strategic real estate options while addressing the affordable housing crisis in the Midwest USA.

Episode Summary: In this dynamic episode of The Chris Voss Show, real estate guru Dusten Hendrickson dives into his expertise in sustainable development and passive real estate investment. As an accomplished developer and CEO of Mailbox Money Real Estate, Dustin elaborates on how he and his company have revolutionized apartment living by catering to young professionals seeking affordable, wellness-focused apartments in the Midwest. Armed with insights from years of successful projects, Dustin discusses strategic land selection and the advantages of building in less saturated markets.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Dusten Hendrickson dissects why investing in real estate, specifically in the Midwest, is incredibly appealing for accredited investors looking for passive income. Listeners will gain insights into Mailbox Money Real Estate’s efficient building strategies, the benefits of being in the landlord’s seat without the typical responsibilities, and how their business model allows for potential investors to diversify their portfolios through collective ownership. Furthermore, the episode touches on how small-town values and a digital shift post-COVID contribute to the company’s sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways: Midwest Opportunities: There is significant growth potential in the Midwest real estate market due to less saturation, lower costs, and cultural understanding. Passionate about Passive Income: Investing through a firm like Mailbox Money Real Estate offers up to 20% returns without the hassles of direct property management or liabilities. Accredited Investors Only: Opportunities are available for accredited investors who can commit their funds without needing immediate liquidity. Long-term Strategy: Real estate investments through Mailbox Money Real Estate offer strategic tax advantages and are meant for long-term capital growth and income streams. Digital Transformation’s Impact: Post-pandemic, conducting business out of major urban centers is more feasible, supporting suburban and exurban residential growth.

Notable Quotes: “We simply, we build apartments very desirable, wellness-designed modern workforce housing apartments.” “The Midwest seems to be the best for me. I understand the culture of the best here.” “Efficiency. I’ve always had this knack for efficiency.” “Our returns that you’re gonna get are gonna be very similar to what you’re gonna get if you go and do the work yourself.” “All wealth flows to real estate. Eventually, if you build wealth, you have to put it in real estate.”

Beautiful Souls: The Ways of Wonder by Christopher Adam Rice

Beautifulsoulss.com

https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Souls-Christopher-Adam-Rice/dp/1970529148

This is an introduction to Beautiful Souls! A beautiful beginning to an inspired vision for all our futures. We at Beautiful Souls inc. believe that changing our lives for the better is held mostly in our perception of it. In this addition of beautiful souls we have taken simple photos of the daily world around us and found a way to perceive it as beautiful or inspiring. Proceeds of book sales will go to our charity Beautiful Souls inc. So we can more good in the world. Our motto ( We seek Beauty and Inspiration in the world so that we may find it within ourselves.)

The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times by Vincent J. Tomeo

https://www.amazon.com/Usefulness-Hippopotamus-Humorous-Chapbook-Trying/dp/1639886907

Vincentjosephtomeo.com

I am staring at a blank piece of paper, wondering what to write. Where do I begin? My mind begins to wander—pleasant thoughts of Disney’s Fantasia dance in my head. The dancing hippopotamus comes to mind, and this made me laugh. The result: I penned a poem on the hippopotamus from which a chapbook was born: The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times.

One cannot imagine a world without humor. Without humor, the world will be dark, cold, and a sad place, tragically lacking joy, cheerfulness, and laughter.

Humor is medicine. During rough times, humor will help lighten and lessen physical and mental anxiety.

In challenging times, I chose humor. During the Pandemic, I had to deal with my bladder cancer. In my struggle not to get depressed or dwell in negativity, to find solace, contentment, and peace, I chose to seek out beauty and laugh.

In search of happiness, the humor worked its charm, resulting in a treasure chest of joy. So, I wrote my chapbook, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times and discovered humor even among the hippopotami!

You can, too.

Peace & flowers. Love & light.

Vincent J. Tomeo, Author/Poet

About the author BRIEF BIO

VINCENT J. TOMEO IS A POET, AND WAS NOMINATED TWICE FOR PUSHCART PRIZE, ARCHIVIST, HISTORIAN, AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST.

VINCENT, IS PUBLISHED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES, EVENING STREET REVIEW, COMSTOCK REVIEW, MID-AMERICA POETRY REVIEW, EDGZ, SPIRES, TIGER’S EYE, By LINE, MUDFISH, THE BLIND MAN’S RAINBOW, THE NEO VICTORIAN/COCHLEA, THE LATIN STAFF REVIEW, AND GRANDMOTHER EARTH (VII THRU XI), ETC.

TO DATE, MR. TOMEO HAS 1,064 PUBLISHED POEMS/ESSAYS; THE WINNER OF 108 AWARDS; 149 PUBLIC READINGS. AUTHOR OF MY CEMETERY FRIENDS: A GARDEN OF ENCOUNTERS AT MOUNT SAINT MARY IN QUEENS, NEW YORK, AND THE USEFULNESS OF HIPPOPOTAMUS: A HUMOROUS CHAPBOOK FOR A TRYING TIMES.

Stay Faithfully Fit: Minister of Fitness by Linda M. Bolton

https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Faithfully-Fit-Minister-Fitness-ebook/dp/B0GPHFRZ29

https://stayfaithfullyfit.org/

Linda is a Minister of Fitness. Her enthusiasm radiates when she walks into a room. Her energy is contagious, authentic, genuine, and undeniable. Her dynamic messages are infused with grace, wisdom, compassion, and empathy. Her spontaneous, no-nonsense approach is complemented by an intriguing sense of humor that uplifts and inspires her listeners. The catchy phrases she uses, such as “I’m Just Saying” and “Praise Him, I Said,” ignite the moment and capture the audience’s attention as she passionately discusses the four “P’s”: Process, Preparation, Possession, and Promise.

The foundations of Stay Faithfully Fit and its teachings are rooted in her personal and professional experiences as a woman of faith and a Master Physique Champion. Her ability to integrate spiritual, mental, and physical fitness concepts is powerful, compelling, and encouraging. The book reveals a magnetic force that empowers and equips those who dare to pursue their potential, embracing total wholeness and becoming faithfully fit and focused!

Damaged: A First Responder’s Experiences Handling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by James Meuer

https://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Responders-Experiences-Handling-Post-Traumatic/dp/1449799558

One man’s journey as a first responder suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He takes you through real emergency calls; some are graphic and have scarred his heart forever and so has PTSD. He was a hero in the eyes of most, and yet PTSD tried to take that away from him. He’s haunted by what he has seen and by the dreams that follow. The dreams are wicked and prevent him from sleep. Daytime does not ward off the attacks; even small things like a door slam send him into hyper-vigilance. He will lose everything before he will find his way.

About the author James Meuer was born at Travis AFB California into a military family. He spent his early years in Texas before returning to California. He initially pursued an education to be a doctor becoming a paramedic and firefighter instead. After his sixteen-year career in California he moved to Texas and continued working as a Paramedic. He also served as a Paramedic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He returned to continue his career in Texas. Shortly after his return, the spinal fractures he suffered years earlier took its toll and being diagnosed with PTSD, he reluctantly retired. His story titled DAMAGED-a first responder’s experiences handling post traumatic stress disorder, is now available. James can be contacted at damagedthebook@outlook.com

“My faith simply wraps itself around everything I write and I consider it my mission to encourage First Responders’ with PTSD.”

Howie, The Unusual Bear by Laure Stack

Authorlaurestack.com

https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Unusual-Bear-Laure-Stack/dp/B0FRGGRGDT

Howie wasn’t your average bear. He looked different, acted differently, and did things unlike any other bear. Longing for companionship, Howie sets out on a journey to find a friend who will accept him for the unique bear he truly is. Will he succeed?

About the author With over 20 years as an educator, Laure Stack has spent her career supporting children through their struggles and dreams. Her deep understanding of young minds leads to her heartwarming stories.

Through Once Upon a Boy, Howie the Unusual Bear and more future books, Laure hopes to inspire children to dream big and never let doubt keep them from reaching their full potential.

Hearing The Voice of GOD: The Exciting life of a Poet by Ivery Savannah

Iveryswordsofpoetry.com

The purpose of this book is share with the world the story of a nine year old little girl who never felt like she fit anywhere in this world. She starts to write to express all that was being bottled up inside her with no one to share her inner most feelings and emotions. As she began writing for her grandmother, then she went on to writing in a diary like most young girls do. But as this young girl grew she started writing poetry. Poetry became her most talented gift of expression. It is truly exciting to be a poet, BUT it is more exciting to hear the voice of her Abba Father, creator, Lord and King. There are many conversations between the writer and God the Father and it is expressed in her poetry and in many of her testimonies. Put on your virtual glasses and take a ride in the Spirit as you read and experience “Hearing the Voice of God, The Exciting Life of a Poet”!!!!

Unseen Leadership: Interrupt the Instincts That Block Your Success by Amy J. Clark

https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Leadership-Interrupt-Instincts-Success/dp/B0GM67TYS7

We are often told to trust our instincts. But what if those instincts are quietly working against us?

Unseen Leadership: Interrupt the Instincts That Block Your Success challenges what leaders have long been rewarded for. Through decades advising and coaching senior executives, author Amy J. Clark has seen firsthand how instinctive habits that once drove achievement now create blind spots that block progress.

Through powerful stories, insight, and reflection, the book introduces the CARE Leadership Activator™—Curiosity, Adaptability, Resilience, and Empathy, a new measurement of leadership designed for an unpredictable future. These are not soft skills; they are the strategic edge leaders need to stay credible, trusted, and influential when conditions change faster than comfort allows.

This is the shift no one taught you to trust—how to move beyond instinct, interrupt old patterns, and lead with deeper awareness and impact.

Unseen Leadership invites you to redefine how you measure success and lead at the level you are built for.

About the author Amy J. Clark is an executive advisor, coach, and C-Suite executive who has spent more than two decades guiding senior executives and organizations through complex change. Amy helps leaders interrupt the instincts and patterns that limit their impact and activate the strategic capacity to lead inside uncertainty.

As the author of the best-selling book Growth Point and co-author of Talent Impact, Amy’s work has influenced leaders across Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven organizations, and emerging enterprises. Today, she partners with executives and teams to redefine relevance, build credibility that lasts, and develop leaders for the business they are becoming, not the one they have been.

Her proprietary framework, The CARE Leadership Activator™ (Curiosity, Adaptability, Resilience, and Empathy), helps leaders shift behavior, expand influence, and lead effectively in moments where instinct alone is no longer enough.

100 Paintings: An Artist’s Life in New York City by Rob Mango

https://www.robmango.com/100-paintings-an-artist-life-in-new-york

https://www.amazon.com/100-Paintings-Artists-Life-York/dp/0692263136

Equal parts monograph and memoir, 100 Paintings: An Artist’s Life in New York City is one man’s artistic journey from his native Chicago to a pioneering residency in Manhattan’s storied neighborhood of Tribeca. Rob Mango, as much an athlete as an artist, has explored New York City on foot since 1977–its architecture and its denizens, its streets and its harbors providing the former track star with the inspiration for much of his highly individualistic work. As noted in the foreword by art critic Robert Mahoney, ”Mango’s paintings can be seen as being produced by a man whose body was fed oxygen to a fantastical high while running through the city.” With more than 200 full-color artworks and photographs, this book documents Mango’s journey and the body of work he has created over the past four-plus decades. From the birth of Tribeca to the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath, Mango reveals the details as only such a singular artist can. Along the way, he rubs shoulders with Wall Street titans, the art world’s up-and-comers, punk rockers, and such celebrated downtowners as Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Andy Warhol, Larry Rivers and Bob Dylan. A central hub of Tribeca was the Neo Persona Gallery, which Mango founded in 1984 to represent and exhibit the work of the neighborhood’s burgeoning art scene.

Mango’s diverse body of work, depicted here, includes vividly imagined, surreal meditations on the artist in the city and abroad, animated by figures from his personal mythology. Drawings, assemblages, sculptures, paintings, and groundbreaking painted-sculptural hybrid works, from 1975 2014, represent Mango’s entire life as an artist, including stints in the Midwest, New Mexico, Paris, Prague, Venice, and Tuscany. Featured in this retrospective are a series of epic, large-scale paintings set in a fantastic New York, replete with the city’s iconic architectural landmarks, but populated by gods, warriors, shamans, and other figures drawn from many epochs and cultures. Also here are portraits of the famous and infamous, pastoral scenes from a rural Tuscan village, and Mango’s breathtaking series of nudes.

About the author Interview originally published in Du Jour, Oct 21, 2014.

What brought you to New York City in the ’70s, and how did the city influence you and your artwork?

I quickly became aware that the center of the art universe was New York City. The fantasy of coming to [the city] and becoming part of it was launched by painters I encountered while roaming the halls of the Art Institute of Chicago as a teen–Rivers, Johns, DeKooning and Rauschenberg. My obsession with New York became so highly evolved that it sustained me long after I arrived. In many ways, the fantasy of New York exceeded the actual experience initially, which was, in a word, cruel. My Midwestern fantasy of New York sustained the creation of numerous major works, which blend realistic detail and imaginative or surreal invention, particularly “Millennium” and “Return to the City.”

Mumba the Lion Who Forgot to Roar by Subomi Macaulay

https://www.amazon.com/Mumba-Lion-Who-Forgot-Roar/dp/B0GVYTPDBY

Subomimacaulay.com

Mumba the Lion Who Forgot to Roar is a powerful and heartwarming tale about identity, courage, and the importance of owning your story.

Deep within the lush forests of the Congo lives Mumba a strong, wise, and respected lion whose silence leads others to misunderstand who he truly is. When his story is twisted and doubt begins to grow, Mumba is faced with a life-changing realization: if he doesn’t speak his truth, someone else will define it for him.

Guided by resilience and self-discovery, Mumba embarks on a journey to reclaim his voice. With the courage to rise above fear, he learns that true strength is not just in power but in honesty, expression, and authenticity.

Written by The African Storyteller, Subomi Macaulay, this beautifully woven story draws from rich cultural traditions to inspire readers of all ages. It teaches timeless lessons about confidence, self-expression, and the power of storytelling.

Perfect for children, families, and classrooms, this book encourages every reader to find their voice and never forget to roar.

About the author Subomi Macaulay, affectionately known as The African Storyteller, is a Cultural Ambassador whose voice bridges generations and connects the richness of African heritage to modern-day narratives. Through her storytelling, Subomi imparts timeless lessons rooted in African culture, history, and personal experience.

Her journey as a storyteller began in the heart of West Africa, where she learned the craft at the feet of her maternal grandmother. Through these early lessons, Subomi discovered the power of stories to teach resilience, empathy, and cultural pride. Today, she continues to weave narratives that both honor and reinvent African traditions, creating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Subomi’s work spans across multiple formats: from live performances to written works, workshops, and cultural consulting. Her stories have touched the hearts of youth and elders alike, offering a powerful reminder that through storytelling, we can heal, connect, and transform.

Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online by Fortesa Latifi

`https://www.amazon.com/Like-Follow-Subscribe-Influencer-Childhood/dp/1668080508

A searing investigation into the child influencer industry and the perils of childhood internet fame, Like, Follow, Subscribe is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the costs of internet fame, and the ethics of online content.

What is it like to grow up with a camera in your face 24/7? To have your childhood moments sold as “content” to millions online? What happens when someone who works in a largely unregulated multi-billion-dollar industry sells away their childhood and has no financial safety net as an adult? What does it feel like to have your private moments—your medical diagnoses, your first period, your first break up, your tantrums, potty-training, and breastfeeding-weaning—broadcast to an audience of millions? Like, Follow, Subscribe shines a spotlight on the deeply troubling world of the child influencer industry.

Journalist Fortesa Latifi dives into the lives of children whose parents mine their everyday activities for monetizable content, exposing issues like privacy violations, financial abuse, and the absence of child labor protections. Through expert interviews with psychologists, labor scientists, and even former child influencers and family vloggers, she uncovers the pressures, trauma, and consequences for children thrust into the spotlight.

This timely and eye-opening book doesn’t just reveal the harm of toxic social media culture: it also provides a roadmap to better regulating influencer families, safeguarding children, and questioning the role of audiences in perpetuating these cycles of exploitation.

S.R. Longshore’s Muse-Dream Mysteries by S.R. Longshore

https://www.amazon.com/S-R-Longshores-Muse-Dream-Mysteries-Longshore-ebook/dp/B0FWRZ42H9

This book contains three very different short novels of mystery and determination.

The first story is about a little boy who is set on discovering the secret of a door. He feels somewhat like an outcast but believes that once he makes the discovery, he will be famous and well liked. However, he has no idea how much the door is looking for him.

The second story is about a man who loves a woman so much that he gives up everything to be with her. Together they flee only to end up back where they began. This takes place in a kingdom not of this world.

The third one is about how people go on with their lives, consumed with their own agenda without realizing the consequences of their actions. Later only to find out that their consequences turn out to be more than what they could have ever imagined.

Plus there are two bonus reads.

The first one is about a young girl who feels disconnected and unfulfilled. Unaware, she has a peculiarity which in turns puts everything in perspective and is often her saving grace.

The second one is about a woman on vacation with her husband. They initially decide to visit a remote area after leaving his family’s home. But later, she is not sure if she has had a bad dream about the place or a severe warning.

Smarter Business Exits: Strategies and Toolkits for Corporate Divorce, Succession Planning and Joint Exits by William B. Bierce

https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Business-Exits-Strategies-Succession/dp/1943386781

Looking to profitably exit your business? In other words, are you a business owner with partners seeking to achieve smarter growth while designing an exit strategy and succession planning? Smarter Business Exits helps you identify classic solutions to foreseeable scenarios, so you can plan, adapt, renew, transform and restructure for exit excellence at different stages of your business’s lifecycle. WARNING: Reading this book and implementing its strategies could lead to a significant increase in your liquidity, net worth, happiness and ambition to restart new projects and relationships.

Start reading now to: understand how to design your organization for a business exit lifecycle; learn how corporate governance for owners can protect all parties; discover how dispute resolution can be successfully achieved; know what to do when corporate divorce litigation is foreseeable; learn the tips to special succession planning for family businesses; find exit strategies for startups and other multi-owner companies; discover the five types of exit planning toolkits your business must have; and gain even more than that!

Smarter Business Exits answers the following question: How can I use governance tools to keep my fellow co-owners fulfilling their promises of service, loyalty, productivity and commitment during business exits? Scroll up and grab your copy now to discover how your exit path can be planned and executed to minimize ongoing pain and optimize your opportunities for exiting (or restructuring) your business!

About the author An award-winning international business and technology attorney, William B. Bierce assists companies, their owners, boards and investors throughout a company’s business lifecycles. As business lawyer, he advises on organizational design, business formation, capital raising, equity compensation, governance, risk management, crisis resolution, resiliency planning, compliance, roll-ups, corporate sales and divestitures. As a technology lawyer, he assists domestic and foreign clients on digital transformation, e-commerce, privacy, cybersecurity and strategic transactions.

Bill has extensive experience in domestic and cross-border transactions for leading global companies in investments, banking and finance, consumer products, managed business services, manufacturing, transportation and digital media. He concentrates on mid-market niche companies, specialty manufacturing, services industries, family businesses, international businesses and tech companies.

The Game Warden and His Friend, Otto by Gary Ralston

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Warden-His-Friend-Otto/dp/1662480946

The book is a collection of stories and situations a game warden will encounter in his work. The work can be difficult and very disheartening and at times very gratifying. Wardens do much more than enforcing fish and game law, and many of these activities are noted. I have offered a few tips about hunting and fishing, which I have learned during my seventy-five years of participation in these activities and observations gathered while spending countless hours in the great outdoors. The goal of this book is to inform the public about a warden’s life and the many things he is involved with in his work. I’m sure there will be some who will be critical of what I’ve put on paper, but I can assure you, what I’ve written ain’t fiction. I hope you purchase a copy of my book, read it with an open mind, enjoy a few laughs, learn some things you weren’t aware of, come away with a little more support, and hopefully respect for the work a game warden does for wildlife and benefits created for those who care about our great natural resources today and for generations to come.

The Politicization of the American Legal System by Dr. James M. Copas LLM, LLM

https://www.amazon.com/Politicization-American-Legal-System-ebook/dp/B0GHZY8PGT

The politicization of the American legal system has emerged as a critical concern, raising questions about the integrity, impartiality, and functionality of judicial institutions. This book examines how political ideologies influence the judiciary, the consequences of partisan appointments, and the broader implications of public perception regarding judicial neutrality. Using a combination of historical analysis and contemporary case studies, this commentary explores the systemic and institutional dynamics that have led to the politicization of legal processes in the United States. The paper further evaluates potential reforms to depoliticize the judiciary and restore public confidence in the rule of law. Academic footnotes are provided to support the analysis.

A Feast for Generations 1600–2024 by Rachel E. Ford

https://www.amazon.com/Feast-Generations-1600-2024-Rachel-Ford-ebook/dp/B0DF657932

This book is more than just a cookbook it’s a tribute to a rich family legacy passed down through generations. Spanning over four centuries, it preserves treasured family recipes, faith-filled traditions, and the stories that have shaped the family over time. The book invites readers into a warm, welcoming world of culinary traditions, where each dish carries meaning and history. With recipes that have nourished families and communities for generations, this collection is filled with memories, heartfelt stories, and food that ties the past to the present. The pages of this book open into a tapestry of flavor, heritage, and family history, giving readers a deep connection to every dish served. From the cherished traditions of Grandma Clara’s recipes to the memories built around the family table, A Feast for Generations provides a unique perspective on how food brings people together, celebrates milestones, and unites communities through time.

On The Road Again: A Truck Driver’s Highway to National Trial Law and Business Success by Albert Parnell

https://www.amazon.com/Road-Again-Albert-Parnell/dp/B0DBSGWQ35

Eighty-two years ago, in a small apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, a boy with big dreams was born. In this wild but true story of a street-smart kid looking for opportunities amid a WWII-torn America, On the Road Again shows what perseverance, risk, and ingenuity can accomplish even when the deck is stacked against you. It demonstrates a powerful theology that self-belief and determination can overcome incredible and defying obstacles.

Albert Parnell’s engaging memoir tells the incredible story of how a high school party boy rose to become a nationally recognized toxic tort, asbestos defense trial lawyer, having graduated last in his high school class, and how an odyssey of odd jobs and big breaks led to a maverick in the making–from tractor-trailer truck driver to pool shark to civil rights activist to Atlanta bookie to Las Vegas “high-stakes” poker player to restauranter to national lecturer to Tik Tok social media mentor. Travel back in time and see how this fun-loving, forever party boy from nowhere grew to own every bar and courtroom he entered, building an empire that existed everywhere.

A Journey Through Life and History: An Autobiographical Sketch by Radomysl Twardowski

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Through-Life-History-Autobiographical/dp/1964686091

https://www.linkedin.com/in/radomysl-twardowski-md-mba-793119213/

“…an evocative autobiographical exploration of personal growth, resilience, and cultural identity…a compelling read for those interested in autobiographical tales that blend historical context with personal reflection.” – Readers Favorite

Radomysl Twardowski’s moving story of growing up in post-war Poland begins with early memories of walks around Krakow with his beloved Grandfather Karol. As it becomes clear to the young Rado that Poland’s history is rooted in Christianity, the solemn grandeur and religious atmosphere of places like Wawel Cathedral and other churches begin to have a profound impact on him. He would later be drawn to SSPX and Latin Mass, a subject of debate in the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council. After the rise of Solidarity in 1980 and the declaration of martial law in 1981, Rado leaves Poland for the US, where he graduates from medical school and practices cardiology for several years, eventually becoming a proponent for fitness and wellness. Woven throughout this gripping memoir set against the backdrop of dramatic political, religious, and newsworthy developments are the author’s stories of hardship and triumph over adversity-from a skiing injury at age twelve that left him with physical limitations to the dissolution of his marriage and a difficult separation from his children. Throughout this memorable journey through history, Twardowski offers us a deeply personal life story of exploration, loss, redemption, and survival.

But MOMMY, I can SEE! by Dr Samantha Slotnick

https://www.amazon.com/But-MOMMY-I-can-SEE/dp/B0DN33WC76

Drslotnick.com

What does it mean to “see”? And what can reading glasses do for a child who can “see” without them?

Join Sylvia on her journey with her glasses. It’s love at first “sight,” but when the excitement of the accessory wears off, how is she supposed to remember to use her glasses? Especially when she notices she can “see” without them?

Embedded within this engaging story are important insights for parents about the visual skills needed for learning in a classroom setting, and the subtle signs of visual problems which can be treated with glasses. Parents and children, alike, come away understanding the difference between “needing” glasses and “benefitting” from them as a powerful tool for learning and sustaining attention in the classroom.

If your child loves to learn, but doesn’t love to read, chances are there is a visual problem which has not been addressed. “Find a Doctor” resources are provided to locate eye doctors who treat learning-related vision problems around the globe.

The Chef’s Recovery by Chuck Hayworth, Tanya Stockton

https://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Recovery-Chuck-Hayworth/dp/0989635945

Realmedicalmeals.com

In his early twenties, while pursuing a career as a chef, Chuck Hayworth was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Years of painful and slow recovery motivated Chuck to find a better way to fight his disease. Combining his knowledge of the culinary arts with a strong will to succeed, Chuck was able to fully heal his stomach. In sharing his triumphant and cancer-fighting recipes, Chef Chuck hopes to help many others win their fight against cancer.

One Life To Live: My Journey Through Health, Healing, And Faith -Surviving Stage 4 Cancer by Barton H Dunn

https://www.amazon.com/One-Life-Live-Journey-Surviving/dp/B0F1JYZV75

What would you do if you were told you had only months to live?

In One Life to Live, Barton H. Dunn shares his extraordinary true story of faith, resilience, and the power of miracles. What started as a simple doctor’s visit quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis – Stage 4 A.L.L. Leukemia. Facing impossible odds, Bart embarked on a grueling journey through chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his identical twin brother.

This inspiring memoir not only chronicles his battle with cancer but also highlights the profound spiritual encounters that shaped his healing process. Through each hardship – from the devastation of his diagnosis to the miraculous moments of divine intervention – Bart’s unwavering faith carried him forward.

Part personal reflection, part spiritual testimony, this book is a beacon of hope for anyone facing life’s toughest battles. Whether you’re fighting illness, walking alongside a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration in times of adversity, One Life to Live will uplift your spirit and remind you that miracles still happen.

Join Bart on his journey through health, healing, and faith – a testament to the incredible strength found in hope, prayer, and the unwavering belief that God is always listening.

The Daily Journal That Transforms Entrepreneurs: Q2 – Spring Edition by Randy Belham

Randybelham.com

https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Journal-That-Transforms-Entrepreneurs/dp/B0DPQSXKCC

Welcome to your entrepreneur’s playbook—a journal designed to help you align your business goals, sharpen your focus, and create lasting success. Whether you’re scaling your business, leading a team, or just striving to manage it all, this journal will guide you to build clarity, stay consistent, and achieve balance.

Here’s why it works: Repetition is a powerful tool. By answering these prompts daily, you’re not just reflecting—you’re training your subconscious mind to seek opportunities, solutions, and strategies that align with your vision. Over time, this daily practice rewires your thinking and programs your brain to work for you, even when you’re not actively trying.

Consistency is key. Each morning, you’ll set the tone for your day by focusing on your priorities and aligning with your values. You will reflect on your progress, wins, and lessons learned each evening. These daily practices build momentum, helping you become the leader, innovator, and decision-maker your business needs to thrive.

This journal is divided into seasons to reflect the unique rhythms of your entrepreneurial journey:

Winter: Reflect, plan, and set the foundation for growth. Spring: Focus on action, renewal, and building momentum. Summer: Find balance by reconnecting with joy, creativity, and rest. Fall: Celebrate your wins, reflect on lessons, and finish the year strong. Every prompt has been carefully designed to keep you motivated, accountable, and in tune with your purpose as a business owner. This isn’t just about business—it’s about creating a fulfilling life aligned with your values.

Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a sprint. This journal is your accountability partner, motivator, and space to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Commit to just a few minutes daily, and watch how this simple habit transforms your mindset, business, and life.

Your best year starts now. Let’s get to work.

—Randy Belham, Life Coach

Spring: Growth and Momentum (Q2)

Spring is the season of growth and opportunity. The seeds of action you planted in Q1 are now beginning to take root. As a business owner, this is your time to nurture those ideas, refine your approach, and take your work to the next level.

This journal will guide you through a season of creativity and innovation, helping you embrace challenges and build momentum. Each prompt is designed to encourage intentional reflection and action, keeping you aligned with your goals.

Kenny Stoddart, Unleashing the Iron Mind: Mastering Mental Resilience for High Achievers

Ironmindadvisors.com

About the Guest(s): Ken Stoddart is the founder of Iron Mind Advisors and the creator of the Iron Mind Mentality, a transformational framework aimed at mastering mental resilience, strategic clarity, and performance under pressure. With a rich background that spans decades in the cybersecurity space as an executive sales leader, Ken transitioned into the realm of executive coaching, studying to become a licensed mental health counselor at Liberty University. Known for his blend of neuroscience with actionable insights, Ken helps leaders turn chaos into clarity and stress into strategy, focusing on the development of mental fitness as the frontier of sustainable leadership.

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes Ken Stoddart, a distinguished expert in executive coaching and mental resilience, to discuss overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve sustainable success. Sto shares his transformative journey from a cybersecurity executive to a mental health advocate and executive coach, highlighting how he developed the Iron Mind Mentality to empower individuals in high-pressure environments.

Ken Stoddart and Voss delve into various aspects of managing stress and avoiding burnout, particularly among high achievers. Using his rich professional history, Sto discusses the importance of mental fitness and identity awareness, emphasizing the need for executives and athletes to maintain a healthy balance between striving for success and personal well-being. He outlines his approach of using discipline, self-awareness, and external guidance to help leaders forge clearer paths amidst life’s chaos and uncertainty.

Key Takeaways: Ken Stoddart emphasizes the critical role of mental resilience and strategic clarity in overcoming professional and personal challenges. Ken Stoddart advocates for balancing success-driven life with personal well-being, urging leaders to recognize and address their limits. The episode explores how identity and discipline impact professional performance and personal satisfaction. Ken Stoddart introduces the concept of ‘identity erosion,’ discussing how achieving professionals can lose sight of personal happiness amid career pressures. Mental fitness is underscored as the final frontier in sustainable leadership, a theme central to Sto’s Iron Mind Mentality framework.

Notable Quotes: “It can get a little rowdy, a little chaotic out there after years of doing it. And sometimes people lose their edge, lose their fire.” “I want leaders, the best of the best, to ask those questions, to find out if someone needs a little help behind the scenes.” “There’s a lot of lessons in that 27-year career… that I’m now using as a platform to give back to others.” “The moment you think that you actually might need some help or some coaching or some guidance or whatever, you should make an inquiry that day.”

From Brokenness to Atonement, Faith, Hope, and Love: A Vietnam War Sniper’s Journey and a Psychiatrist’s Bibliotherapy by Hani Raoul Khouzam Mph Fapa MD

https://www.amazon.com/Brokenness-Atonement-Faith-Hope-Love/dp/B0CC3X7Y6T

This is a story of Mr. L, an orphan who was raised and nurtured by a devoted Carmelite nun, then drafted to serve as a skilled sniper during the Vietnam War. A journey of learning and mastering of the French language, excelling in the Little League baseball, discovering the art of hunting, and of an uttermost devotion to assigned military missions. A tale of grief, depression, anxiety, intermixed with bitterness, rage, fear, and delayed onset posttraumatic stress disorder with its most devastating aftermath of survivor’s guilt.

Witnessing the emergence of innate talents, the gifts of left-handedness, and astounding suddenness of action in each and every providential and self-inflicted circumstances. Travelling through life in orphanages with boyish freedom, self-consciousness, and then an adulthood of giving of oneself and sacrificing of own needs to fulfill a patriotic mission, an acceptance of a higher calling to serve the poor and the disfranchised.

Biographies are woven in the tapestry of the therapeutic alliance of a patient-and-physician relationship.

As a reader, you will be invited to introspect and reflect on the wonder of the human brain, the bubbling joy of loving, and the gift of living.

Will Mr. L descend into the abyss of ending his God-given gift of a well-deserved and joyful life or will he survive his heartbreaking sorrows and insurmountable guilt? Can brokenness be restored through faith, hope, love, and forgiveness?

The answers could be revealed by reading this personal journey–a portrait of faith, grace, and the joy that rises from giving and loving.