John Masiulionis, "Walking Each Other Home – Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children" (Trolley Stop Publishing, 2026)

Summary

---

Podcast Summary:

New Books Network – Interview with John Masiulionis, "Walking Each Other Home – Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children" (Trolley Stop Publishing, 2026)
Host: Mel Rosenberg
Guest: John Masiulionis
Date: April 10, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of the New Books Network features an in-depth conversation with John Masiulionis, discussing his new children’s book, "Walking Each Other Home – Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children." The conversation explores the inspiration behind the book, John’s personal life journey, his mission to serve children facing terminal illness, and his broader work in children’s literature as an author, publicist, and podcast host. The episode delves into themes of grief, unconditional love, faith, and the transformative power of storytelling.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Hats John Wears (02:05–03:36)

• John describes his multiple roles: award-winning children’s author, publicist (PR From the Heart), video cast host, and, most importantly, "John the human being."
• His dedication to children’s literature is mission-driven, seeking to make a real-world impact, especially for families confronting terminal illness.

Inspirations for the Book (03:36–06:43)

• The book is inspired by two major figures:
  • His late grandmother ("Babcha") Jane Szeki, "my rock and my guiding light" (03:52).
  • Fred Rogers, whose message of unconditional love and kindness is woven through John’s work and his video cast.
• John shares that sharing his own story became a calling he could no longer ignore:

  "The more that you put something off, the more it can speak to you and speak volumes saying that you need to do this, you need to share this." (05:08)

The Story of "Walking Each Other Home" (06:43–10:50)

• Plot summary: Zachary, a child with a terminal illness, is visited by God in a dream and tasked with building a children’s hospice in San Diego. He’s aided by four "Earth Angels," each based on real people who have helped John in his life.
• The characters teach Zachary (and readers) about different facets of unconditional love:
  • Jane (grandmother): Spending time with loved ones.
  • Dennis (restaurateur): Sharing food as an act of care.
  • Georgianne (animal storyteller): Compassion for all creatures.
  • Patrick (Reiki master): Healing through support and presence.
• "Love never dies, it only changes form." (09:30)
• John reveals that proceeds from the book help realize his vision to create a real hospice for children in San Diego.

The Real-World Mission (10:50–13:41)

• John’s mission is to establish an actual children’s hospice—mirroring Zachary’s story.
• He’s begun immersing himself in the hospice community, attending conventions, and visiting notable pediatric hospices across North America (e.g., Crescent Cove in Minneapolis, Emily’s House in Toronto).
• He emphasizes the importance of service:

  "When someone has a story to share, a lot of healing happens, a lot of magic happens." (11:58)

• Noted the interview was recorded on International Children’s Book Day.

John’s Personal Journey & Motivation (15:26–23:49; 26:03–30:06)

• John candidly discusses his childhood:
  • Struggles with self-worth, creativity being "squashed" in grade school.
  • Deep desire, even as a child, "to lift someone's spirit and help them" (16:29).
  • Found solace in professional wrestling, eventually founding a successful wrestling radio show.
  • Early partnerships with children’s hospitals (arranging wrestler visits for young patients) sparked his commitment to supporting ill children.
• Challenges:
  • Health crises (weight loss journey, testicular cancer diagnosis).
  • Death of his beloved grandmother in 2013.
  • Work in a collections agency, which taught "the importance of kindness and empathy and compassion."
• Moved to San Diego in 2020, guided by a growing sense that his mission was to create a children’s hospice there.

The Ministry of Children’s Books & Conversation (30:06–37:10)

• John hosts the Children's Book Spotlight Series, with over 260 episodes, featuring both major and emerging children’s authors.
• Seeks to "create an even playing field where everyone can share their stories" (34:49), with a focus on origin stories and the heart of each guest.
• Also co-hosts the Neighborly Reviews Bookcast with David Newell (Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood), reviewing children’s books monthly.

The Book in Detail: Illustrations & Read-Aloud (37:10–40:30)

• John thanks his illustrator Roxanna Barwinska, highlighting their Polish heritage.
• Reads excerpts from the book, showcasing how God assigns Zachary his helpers, blending warmth, spirituality, and practical acts of love.

  "God smiles at Zachary. You won’t be alone. You’ll have plenty of support." (38:00)

• Reframes God as approachable and even playful:

  "What if God kind of cracked a joke…like the Fonz from Happy Days…’super cool indeed.’" (39:30)

Teaching Kids About Grief & Loss (40:30–43:23)

• John references Mr. Rogers’ work on grief (most notably, the death of Rogers’ goldfish)—a rare resource for parents.
• His book aims to be a gentle conversation starter for tough topics:

  "Children know they’re not alone, especially when moving through illness, sickness, or maybe even a shortened life." (41:59) "If we can just remind each of the children that are in our lives in some way…that you’re loving, you’re special just the way that you are…but that you’re whole, you’re healthy, you’re complete." (42:37)

Final Reflections: The Meaning of the Title (44:14–46:03)

• The title "Walking Each Other Home" underscores the idea that everyone we meet helps us on our spiritual journey.

  "Whenever someone is in our life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, in many respects, we are all just walking each other home." (44:29)

• John expresses gratitude for being able to share his story:

  "Nothing in life is guaranteed…anytime that someone gives me the opportunity to share my journey, I express my gratitude and appreciation…" (45:15)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On mission:
  "You are different than most people I interview…you're mission driven. You are driven by a mission." — Mel Rosenberg (13:41)
• On faith and service:
  "I trust in God…I trust in the world around me…when you take the time to trust yourself and trust your journey…the best memories and moments in your life haven't even happened yet." — John Masiulionis (27:28)
• On book’s purpose:
  "Teaching kids about grief and loss is one of the most challenging subjects that educators have. My book is meant to create a conversation starter." — John Masiulionis (40:34)
• On unconditional love:
  "Fred Rogers…really talked about maybe the most important language in religion of all, which is the language and religion of unconditional love and kindness, beginning with ourselves." — John Masiulionis (26:13)
• On community:
  "We are all just walking each other home." — John Masiulionis (44:29)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:05 Introduction to John and his four “hats”
• 03:36 Inspirations: Grandmother and Fred Rogers
• 06:43 Summary of Zachary’s Mission and the Earth Angels
• 10:50 Real world mission: Creating a children’s hospice
• 13:41 The power of being mission-driven
• 15:26 John’s childhood and how it shaped him
• 16:29 Early evidence of a mission to help
• 21:20 Wrestling radio show and helping children through WWE partnerships
• 23:49 Working through health and vocational challenges
• 26:03 John as a "minister" of children’s books and love
• 30:06 The origin and ethos of the Children’s Book Spotlight Series
• 37:10 Shout out to Roxanna Barwinska; book reading excerpt
• 40:30 Fred Rogers’ lessons on teaching about loss; the book’s impact
• 44:14 The meaning behind the title, gratitude, closing thoughts

---

Tone & Language

• The tone is warm, reflective, spiritual, and deeply compassionate, with John frequently expressing gratitude and humility.
• Both Mel and John demonstrate mutual respect, open-mindedness, and a shared belief in the transformative power of storytelling for children and adults alike.

---

Conclusion

This episode is a moving exploration of how personal loss, faith, and a desire to serve can be channeled into both creative and practical forms—culminating in a children’s book with real-world ambition behind it. John Masiulionis stands out not only as an author and advocate but as a ‘minister’ of hope, empathy, and unconditional love—walking children, families, and fellow authors "home," one story at a time.

---

Transcript

[Mel Rosenberg]

K Pop demon hunters, Saja Boy's breakfast

[John MacElonis]

meal and Hunt Trick's meal have just dropped at McDonald's. They're calling this a battle for the fans. What do you say to that Rumi? It's not a battle.

[Mel Rosenberg]

So glad the Saja Boys could take breakfast and give our meal the rest of the day.

[Commercial Announcer]

It is an honor to share.

[Mel Rosenberg]

No, it's our honor.

[John MacElonis]

It is our larger honor. No, really stop. You can really feel the respect in this battle. Pick a meal to pick a side. Ba da ba ba ba and participate

[Medical Advertiser]

in McDonald's while supplies last.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Chronic migraine is 15 or more headache days a month each lasting four hours or more. Botox Onobotulinum Toxin a prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine before they start. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It Prevents on average 8 to 9 headache days a month versus 6 to 7 for placebo.

[Medical Advertiser]

Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Pain patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambord Eaton Syndrome and medications including Botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Why wait? Ask your doctor, visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844botox to learn more.

[Commercial Announcer]

Deck day's at Lowe's and the savings are stacked right now. Pros get 15% off all in stock composite decking from top brands like Trex, timbertech and Deckorators. Plus get a free DeWalt 20 volt max 5amp hour battery. When you buy a select DeWalt tool, the Deck's stacked in your favor with brands pros trust. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's valid through 422 while supplies last selection varies by location. Welcome to the New Books Network.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Hello to my dear new friend John MacElonis. It's so great of you to wake up at 7am on the west coast for this interview. I really appreciate that. So John, you know I'm so excited to interview you back. You know we had an interview last week and I was the interviewee, which I'm not really accustomed to be. And you're also an interviewer of a very popular video cast. And we're going to compare notes today. Actually, you're going to have three hats today. First of all, as the author of your recent children's book, Walking each Other Home, and yes, we'll talk about that in a moment. And your hat is John the Human Being. And you have a very interesting life to talk about and also your experiences as a videocaster. I think that you are number 210 and I was number 267. So I have to defer to your. I have to defer to your experience. And I know from last week that I have a lot to learn from you and it'll be interesting. So one of the things I learned from you is that I have to talk about my book for a second. So. Hi, I'm Mel Rosenberg and I am the author of Emily Saw a Door, which was just published by Random House Studio. And you're welcome to purchase it from wherever you like. If you do, please leave a comment. And John, now's the time to brag about your new book.

[John MacElonis]

First things first, Mel, thank you for spending some time with me here today. And yes, it takes a very special soul for me to be out of bed and up and atom, as the expression goes, at seven o' clock here on the West Coast. But I did spend a good portion of my life out in the Buffalo western New York area. So for those who are watching east coast time, it's this plus three hours in the process. I'm very fortunate to play a small role in the world of children's literature, not only as the award winning author of my new children's book, Walking each Other Home, Zachary's Mission, a hospice for children, but also being of service to children's authors across the country and around the world as a publicist in my work at PR from the Heart. So technically it's four hats. It's not to say that I'm counting on my end of things, but what I will say this to start things off, and this is a beautiful thing to be able to share. A lot of my work in many respects was inspired by two people, one of which was my late grandmother, Jane Szeki. Being part Polish, we refer to our grandmothers as Babcha. And she very much was my rock and my guiding light, reminding me that I was loved and special just the way that I was and that I will forever Be and also the life and the legacy of the late Fred Rogers, who is the host of the long running popular children's television program Fred

[Mel Rosenberg]

is all over your video cast.

[John MacElonis]

Very much so.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Go there, tell us about it. I mean, I grew up on Howdy Doody,

[John MacElonis]

so Mr. Rogers, of course, for those who are unaware, he was the host of the long running children's television program Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. And all of both of those beautiful beings intersected at different points in time in my life. But starting off first with what you had mentioned previously, which is my children's book, Walking each Other Home, Zachary's mission, a hospice for children. In being of service to children's authors for a long period of time, I always knew that I had a story to share. But just like you, Mel, in many respects, you love helping to support and serve others. And sometimes when we have something to share, we'll say we'll get around to it when we get around to it. And I kind of put it off on the back burner for quite a long period of time. But I feel that it's long since it's been said that the more that you put something off, the more it can speak to you and speak volumes saying that you need to do this, you need to share this. And that little voice can become louder and louder and louder. And so the story in many respects is inspired by real life experiences, but real life people more so than real life experiences. So the story itself is about a brave little boy named Zachary who's battling a life limiting illness. He has a dream. And inside of the dream, God comes to him because Zachary is moving through something very challenging. And Zachary and his family are worried, wondering what is next. God comes.

[Mel Rosenberg]

This is for adults. He's dying of cancer.

[John MacElonis]

That is correct, yes. And God comes to him in a dream and says that. I know that you're feeling troubled, I know that you're feeling challenged, but I have an important mission for you that you and your family are to help create a children's hospice for terminally ill children in San Diego, California. But you're not alone. I will send you four Earth angels along the way to help you. Now, all of the Earth angels are inspired by real life people in my life. The reason why I use the term Earth angels is because in many respects we do have people that come into our lives maybe when we least expect it, maybe they're the answer to our prayers. But there are people that help to bring us into a better version of ourselves. There are people that if anything, that come into our life just to lift our spirits, whether it be for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. So there is Jane, the loving grandmother. There is Dennis, the beloved Italian restaurateur. There is Georgian, the animal loving storyteller. And there is Patrick, the Reiki master. So Jane, quite obvious, inspired by my grandmother. Dennis is inspired by my dear friend Dennis DePaolo, who is the owner of one of the largest Italian restaurants in the northeast in western New York called Elio De Paulo's. And Georgane is inspired by my dear friend Georgeanne Irvine, who is the director of corporate publishing for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She's one of the zoo's longest tenured employees, being at the zoo for nearly 50 years. She's the award winning creator of the zoo's Hope and Inspiration collection, which chronicles many of the journeys of the animals at the zoo that have overcome challenging circumstances and move through to the other side. And then there is Patrick, the Reiki Master, who's inspired by one of my former practitioners, Patrick, the Reiki Master. So the Earth Angels travel from across the country and around the world to San Diego. Not only do they help Zachary and his family to raise the necessary funds for the hospice, but they teach them about the different meanings of unconditional loves along the way. So for example, Jane teaches Zachary that unconditional love can look like, sound like, and feel like spending quality time with the ones that you love. Dennis reminds Zachary how unconditional love can look like cooking a meal for someone who's hungry, someone in need. So the Earth Angels not only help Zachary to raise the necessary funds for the hospice along with his family, and they teach him about the different meanings of unconditional love. But the the hospice does get built. So Zachary's mission is fulfilled, his life's mission. And at the same point in time, now that he knows that that has happened, that he has made this profound difference not only in just the San Diego cuny, but the world as a whole. He knows that he can peacefully transition and go home to heaven to be with God. So the whole premise of the story is that love never dies, that it only changes form. I moved out to San Diego in many respects part of my life long term vision is to actually follow Zachary and create a children's hospice for terminally ill children here in San Diego. And that is work that I am beginning to work on as of right now. You know, you have to start to learn a little bit more about hospice and immerse yourself more in the hospice community. Just a few short Weeks ago, one of the largest national hospice conventions in the country was actually here in my backyard in San Diego. So starting to meet more of the people in the hospice community. I've been very fortunate when I've traveled across the country for my national book tour over this past year. I've been able to meet some of the most amazing people in that hospice community, whether it be the team at Crescent Cove, which runs the children's hospice and palliative care center in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the Twin Cities, traveling to Toronto, your Canada, being your former stomping grounds on your end of things, and having a chance to spend some quality time with the team at Emily's house, which runs the children's hospice and palliative care center in Toronto.

[Mel Rosenberg]

So we have to get her one of my Emily books.

[John MacElonis]

You know, I was just going to say that I kind of realized and put, and put two and two together. We'll definitely make that happen. So noting the fact that in many respects this journey is very early and it's literally just beginning, even though I've been walking this earthly plane for close to 45 years, I do want to mention that a portion of all proceeds from Zachary's mission, a hospice for children, helps to bring my vision and my mission long term to form and to shape. So I always believe that whenever, whenever a children's book is meant to do something of the highest and greatest good, that it has the opportunity to reach that, that many more people in the process. So again, after, you know, many years of helping and supporting children's authors ranging from celebrities like the iconic Sharon Lewis and Bram, of course, the co creators of the beloved children's anthem Skinamarinky Dinky Dink Skinnamarinky do we love you? To Carrie Hitchcock, who is the wife of the lead singer of the angelic voice of Air Supply, Russell Hitchcock. She's the creator of the Adventures of Baby Brown, their series to John Para, to Catherine Roy, to those authors whose journeys are just taking flight. When someone has a story to share, a lot of healing happens, a lot of magic happens. And it's really interesting by the way too, I want to mention this, Mel, that today happens to be International Children's Book Day when we're doing this interview live. And that's when we celebrate the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, who of course many people know as a staple in the world of children's literature and fairy tales and beyond for many years. But before talking about the children's book spotlight series, I want to take the time to recognize you and the work that you're doing. Because having the chance to interview you. And our episode officially just premiered this past Monday evening. It's now available. You can head on over to PR from the Hearts official website and YouTube channel and you can join the more than 32,000 subscribers to our YouTube channel and share what we refer to as our special trolley stop together. That's that Mr. Rogers language a little bit in the process. The reason why I call things a trolley stop is because it's not just a little tip of the cap to Mr. Rogers, but when you get off the trolley, you get the time to kind of collect your bearings back under you. It's a time to. To decompress a little bit and just to relax. Right. So that's the reason why I refer to children's book spotlight, series episodes, or any conversation that I have with someone as a trolley stop. And I really enjoyed our conversation. And you really do have such a fascinating story.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Thank you, John. But this interview is about you, not me, and what I really want to know. So what I really like about what you do is you are mission driven. And I think that's one of the reasons I wanted to connect with you, because you are different than most of the people that I interview whose interest is writing good books for children. But you are driven by a mission. And that's so different from the other people that I've spoken to. And you're way outside my comfort zone. You're, you know, a believing Christian person and God appears in the book and Jesus takes his hand at the end and. And I felt that, that I had to interview you because you represent a different, different take on this, on this genre and what we both have in common is that if I were religious, I would say that for me, children, books, writing children's books, reading them, it's the house of worship for me. This is my religion, children's books. But what I want to do, and I want to make life a little difficult for you is I want to know why you are on this mission to build a hospice. And I want you to go back and tell us about your life, which you don't really often do. You talk about other people. I want you to talk about John. Okay. What were you like as a kid? What did you read as a kid? Kid. What brought you into this particular mission driven mission to write this book, to have your trolley stops, to interview authors and to create your own book with the hope of creating a hospice in San Diego. What is behind all this? Tell us about John I go back

[John MacElonis]

to my early childhood, and in many respects, there were some beautiful moments that I experienced and beautiful moments that I encountered. Even though I could look back on the collective whole, on my childhood, and because I've had a lot of refraining to do, and I have been able to reconnect with my inner child and heal that part of me over the years that had experienced everything from lack of self, love, not fully believing in myself and my skills, my gifts, my talents. I felt at a. At a young age that my creativity was squashed in many respects, around, like, third grade, fourth grade. I was always the person that wanted to lift someone's spirit and help them at a very early age. I'll give you just a little brief story to kind of encapsulate that I remember. I think my. My sister might have been in Girl Scouts at the time. I might have been in Cub Scouts at the time. And during the holidays.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Cub Scouts. Ah, Kayla. We'll do our best.

[John MacElonis]

I believe that we were at a nursing home. It was during the holiday season. It was a, you know, a celebration. We were singing Christmas carols, having Christmas cookies. The time came to wheel the residents back to their rooms, right? And I remember there were no more residents to wheel back to their rooms. And I remember starting to cry. So at a very young age like that, that memory just really sticks out at me. Like my desire to help and support other people, I was. One of the things that I really gravitated to growing up was the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment. So, of course, we're. We're on the heels of WrestleMania season. So when you think of wrestling, you think of the wwe, which is the most popular wrestling company in the world. And I was. I became a fan in 1989, and that was my rock in many respects, because wrestling was always that constant. In. In. In a world in which there was a lot of perceived instability, wrestling was always there for me. It provided a cathartic effect, so to speak. So I remember again, we fast forward a little bit of time. We go into grammar school, we go into high school, and then we go into college. And I was very fortunate at that point to become the founder and the host of one of the longest running, most successful wrestling radio shows in history, called Monday Night Mayhap. And I did the show for over 10 years. But one of the biggest experiences that I have, one of the most blessed experiences, it was in traveling across the country for five WrestleManias and interviewing my childhood heroes and seeing my name across the Internet and The wrestling and the Internet wrestling community. I was fortunate to create a relationship with the Child Life department of Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Now, of course, Children's Hospital in Buffalo is referred to as Golisano Children's Hospital. That's the newer Children's Hospital in Buffalo. But when I collaborated with them, it was known as Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. And through Dennis DePaolo, the aforementioned owner of Elio DePaolo's restaurant, I forged this relationship with Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Whenever the wrestlers would come to town, I would be the one to bridge the visits. And the wrestlers would come with their muscle shirts and their big shiny gold belts and they would go room to room to visit the kids. So that was the earliest memory to a certain extent, even though at that point in time I wasn't doing PR publicity work for children's authors at that point I hadn't written my children's book yet. But there was something about that experience of helping children who are moving through cancer dialysis, who are recovering from surgeries. A child life department for those who are unfamiliar of what that is and what that staff does is they provide emotional, emotional and spiritual support for children who are moving through those challenges. It could just simply be a small hospital stay or they're there getting cancer treatment or you know, any sort of iteration of that, so to speak. And so again, you know, with the connection that I also had with my grandmother as well when I was moving through those challenging moments, because I could have easily, you know, now is almost being a 45 year old man, I could look back on my life and say, you know, on the surface maybe it looked like, it sounded like, it felt like that more of my life wasn't necessarily how I would have hoped, that there was more stress and chaos and different experiences around me, so to speak. But I choose to look back on things now and the fact that those experiences, that time in my life really shaped me into the man that ultimately I wanted to become in many respects. So you ask about the hospice and like, why the hospice? I remember after my grandmother had passed away, August 13th of 2013, it was five days before my birthday. And I remember in many respects before him because I, I began to start moving through some health challenges a few years prior to that was probably around like 2011 ish, or so 2011 into 2012. I also worked in the collections industry at that point for well over 13 years. So I was the guy that would call someone if they were past due on a credit card. But I would also be the nice guy and take, you know, the, the series of post data checks. I wasn't the kind of person that liked to try to push people around or threaten people in any way, shape or form. But even during those experiences in my life, I learned about the importance of kindness and empathy and compassion. But I landed up moving through some health challenges. I was on short term disability for a little over six months. I was experiencing a lot physically and also on the emotional level. But I made the decision on mind of things to really have health be my primary focus. At one point in time, I was well over 300 pounds. I landed up losing over 100 pounds, went gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, soy free, all the freeze. Began doing yoga and meditation and really connecting to that inner part of me that I had pushed down and pushed away for a long period of time. My grandmother, we fast forward a couple of years. My grandmother passes away, summer of 2013. And then we fast forward a few years after that, and I'm given a diagnosis of testicular cancer. And I remember even when I, when I was given the diagnosis, across the street from where the urologist's office is, is where my grandmother and grandfather are buried. And I remember I went straight across the street. I went to my grandmother's tombstone. I literally clutched it in my hands and I said, I surrender. I had no idea in many respects what was going on, but maybe in certain respects I had some sort of an idea that I could get through this, that I could get to the other side. About a year or so after that, I started getting some feelings of moving to California. I didn't know if it was Los Angeles. I didn't know if it was San Diego, but it was starting to, because at that point in time, after my grandmother had passed away, I released the wrestling radio show back into the universe. That let go of Monday night mayhem. Things were starting to feel and look and sound different in many respects. And then we fast forward a little bit to the fall of 2020, and that's when I made the move from western New York to San Diego. But around 2016, 2017 or so, it started becoming clear that it was meant to be San Diego and that there was a children's hospice that I was meant to create, be a part of. And there's the part of me like, I still ask myself, like, you know, I'm not a priest, I'm not a rabbi, I'm not a clergyman, I'm not a nurse, I'm not a nurse practitioner. I'm not a doctor. I'm not a grief counselor.

[Mel Rosenberg]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You know those friends who support your preference for podcasts over music on road trips. That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs so you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go [e-mail] like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[New Books Network Announcer]

Hey, NBN listeners. We're running our 2026 New Books Network Audience Survey, and we'd love just a few minutes of your time. NBN has been bringing you in depth conversation with authors and scholars for over 15 years. We haven't done a comprehensive audience survey since 2022, and a lot has changed since then. It's time to hear from you again. Here's why we're asking. We want to understand who's listening, what subjects and podcasts you love most, and where you'd like to see us grow. Your responses help us tell NBN's story to the publishers, libraries, institutions we partner with, when we can show that our listeners are serious readers, lifelong learners, and heavy library users. It opens doors to new partnerships, better resources, and ultimately, stronger NBN for everyone. And one more thing. If you leave your email address at the end of the survey, you'll be entered to win a $100 gift card to bookshop.org, a chance to stock up on books while supporting independent bookstores at the same time. The survey takes just five minutes. Your answers are confidential and your email will never be shared. Head to newbooksnetwork.com to take the survey today. We really appreciate your support. Now go take the survey.

[Mel Rosenberg]

John, I gotta step in here. One of the things that impressed me about you is that you are kind of a minister. You've taken a journey and you are trying to help people and through children's books and through promoting children's books and through helping others. And that, for me, is a kind of a religious pursuit. So in my ministry of the children's books, you are a rabbi and the priest. I just have to say that, you see, no, and.

[John MacElonis]

And I. And I. And I. I thank you for recognizing that because there is a ministerial component to the work that I do. It's interesting because Fred Rogers, you know, when he did what he did for children and parents and families and through the world of television, he was a Presbyterian minister in real life. But you wouldn't notice that when you watch Mr. Rogers Neighborhood because at one point in time or another, not one point in time or other during the show did he mention God or Jesus. But he really talked about maybe the most important language in religion of all, which is the language and religion of unconditional love and kindness beginning with ourselves and how that radiates out into the world. And it's interesting because I remember there was, I think it was the summer of 20, it might have been 2014 or it might have been 2016 or even 2017. For one summer I was a, I worked part time as a, as an after. I worked in an after school facility for kids and it was attached to a church. And I remember there was a grandmother who came in to pick up her granddaughter and I was sharing a little bit about my journey with her. We were having kind of like a soul to soul conversation. And she had asked me, she says, are you a priest or rabbi or a clergyman? And I remember it's probably, probably been almost 10 years since, you know, the first time really someone asked me that kind of question. But even at that point I'm like, I'm just a man who wants to help kids and kids in need and families in need as well too. And I very much resonate with the story. Even though he was a well known celebrity at the time, Danny Thomas, who many people know, famous Hollywood actor, and he was also the creator of St. Jude Children's Hospital. He wasn't a priest, a rabbi, a clergyman, a minister, a nurse, a doctor, a grief counselor, etc. He was just a man who wanted to help kids. He had a lot of rich celebrity friends, don't get me wrong, that that helped him to kind of initiate his mission, so to speak. So I trust in God, I trust in God's timing, I trust in myself. And I think that if there is one of the things that I want to leave with your viewers when they watch this episode, now we're into the future is whether you are in the process of becoming a children's author or if you feel you're meant to do something else, you're meant to be a father, a mother, open up your own business, you're meant to open up a non for profit or a charity, to trust yourself and to trust the decisions that you're making right now. Because when you really trust in yourself, you're trusting in God, you're trusting in the world around you. Because in many respects it can seem like a very dense place right now. Right? The world's a very interesting place at this point in time and society may want you to necessarily believe about the importance of giving your power away to other people. But when you take the time to trust yourself and trust your journey and just embrace how far that you've come to know the fact that the best memories and moments in your life haven't even happened yet, that's one of the reasons why I did not give up now. I knew that the best was yet to come. Now I had to move through different peaks and valleys in my life, but I knew that if I would not give up, you know, one of the things that I know that I was that I'm meant to be at some point in time in this life is to become a father. And I know that I'm going to be a darn tootin good one when the time comes. But God has given me the opportunity to get my ducks in a row and to really learn to love myself on the deepest of levels. And then whenever that time comes, I've got a whole library of children's books, including Emily's, including Emily Sador, now available from Random House Studio. And I'll be able to share those stories with him and with my partner at that point in time as well, too. So I'm very blessed. I'm very blessed.

[Mel Rosenberg]

So, John, let's talk now about your ministry, which is your video cast. 267. I know how I got on your show by begging. How do people generally get on your show? And give me like a kind of a overview of who they are, how many of them are traditionally published, how many are self published. Give us some idea of your ministry.

[John MacElonis]

Sure. So I'm very fortunate to host the children's Book Spotlight series. And it's interesting because we go back, in many respects, the origin story of the children's book Spotlight series. We go back to Monday Night Mayhem. We go back to that wrestling radio show. And I did that for, for, for 10 years. And in fact, Monday Night Mayhem, even though it started off as a college radio show, it morphed into one of the first ever wrestling podcasts. There was a point in time, you're probably familiar with this, Mel, when podcasts, people referred to podcasts as Internet radio, like early, early, early podcasts, it was called Internet radio.

[Mel Rosenberg]

That's how I started, John.

[John MacElonis]

Yep.

[Mel Rosenberg]

With a college Internet radio show.

[John MacElonis]

And many people would ask at that point in time, quote unquote, why aren't you on regular radio? And now it's interesting how podcasts are very much becoming the acceptable norm. So there was Monday Night Mayhem. And then before the Children's Book Spotlight series, there was Soul Luminous Radio. And that's when I had the opportunity to interview some of the most transformative and magical beings who were in the inspirational and spiritual and world of consciousness. So we're talking the daughters of the late beloved Dr. Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, of course, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Many people along the lines of that. So again, different sort of, you know, genres. We go from wrestling to inspirational and spiritual authors. And then I remember there was a point in time in my life because when I, when I at first was doing PR publicity work, it was primarily for inspirational and spiritual authors. And then I remember talking to my grandmother in prayer meditation. I said, babcha, I says, I want to bring more fun and lightness into my life. And to paraphrase her words, she says, why don't you start interviewing children's authors? So for me, it ultimately began nearly eight years ago, just with the desire to help people share their stories. And over the years, I've been very fortunate to become dear friends and colleagues with some amazing, amazing people. I mean, some of my first guests on the program were Dan Yaccarino, who is the creative force behind the success of such a Nickelodeon programs as the Backyardigans and Oswald. And he's been in the industry, my heavens, for probably 30 years or so. John Parra as well, too. Julie Gribble and her team at kidlit tv, the gold standard in the world of children's literature, which reaches nearly 1 million schools across the country and around the world. One of the reasons why I do love the children's Book Spotlight series, I have many friends, colleagues and clients who are traditionally published. But I also knew at the same point in time that there were many self published and even hybrid published authors that wanted to get on a platform and to have it be an even playing field. Because I've gone to different book fairs and book festivals across the country where you can have your celebrity children's authors with your New York Times bestselling children's authors with your traditionally published authors. And then way over there you have your self published and your hybrid published authors to the point where they can almost feel like a redheaded stepchild, so to speak. So I asked myself, I said, what can I do to create an even playing field where everyone can share their stories? And so each and every Monday there are new episodes of the Children's Book Spotlight series episode that Children's Book Spotlight series episodes that drop. And I'm very big on connecting with origin stories just like you in many respects. So being able to take the time to have a deeper dive, so to speak. Each episode ranges anywhere from 40 to 45 minutes on the short side of things, little over an hour for the long side of things. And I also want to give some love as well to the sister program of the Children's Book Spotlight series, because there's not only one, but there's two video podcasts. And the sister program of the children's Book Spotlight series is the Neighborly Reviews Bookcast. We remember him and we love him as the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mr. Rogers neighborhood speedy Delivery. But I know him and the world also loves him as David Newell. So together for the last five years, we have been delivering heartfelt reviews of the newest and best children's books from the shining stars in the Kidlid community. Once per month, David and I, we have trolley stops together on the Neighborly Reviews Bookcast, and we review children's books together. And again, having that same feel and platform will take the time to interview or we'll take the time to review books. Traditionally published books like Natalie Alonso and John Parra's new book Vive Valenzuela, which shares the exciting year of 1981, and the, and the, and the trailblazing Fernando Valenzuela that came into the world of Major League Baseball and the role of the Los Angeles Dodgers to those authors whose journeys are just taking flight. Like Dr. Bob Archuleta, who is the founder of Noah's Children's Hospice in Palliated Care in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of the new children's book Christine's Magical Smile, which is published by Miriam Laundrie. He's a well known hybrid publisher and that story was written in honor of his daughter Christine, who passed away several years ago. And it teaches kids about the importance of smiling, the benefits of smiling, and how just one smile can brighten someone's day or even transform their life in the process. David and I, we're going to be celebrating the five year anniversary of the program this month. I'm actually going to be traveling to Pittsburgh next week and we're going to be recording three bookcast episodes as part of our five year anniversary celebration. So again, ultimately, Mel, if you told me growing up, like let's say if we met, you know, 35 years ago, and if you said, john, when you grow up, you're going to be interviewing children's authors and helping people share their stories while also sharing your own, while also reviewing children's books with Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers neighborhood. I'd say sign me up. I'd be totally on board for that.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Listen, this is. My interviews are about 40 minutes long and I'd like you to wave your book around again and perhaps read a few sentences, show it's double spread, mention the illustrator. I'm giving you the spotlight now, John.

[John MacElonis]

I appreciate that, Mel. Yeah, I do want to send some love and kindness to Roxanna Barwinska, who's one of the top illustrators in the world of children's literature. She works with both traditionally published authors and self published authors.

[Mel Rosenberg]

And also Polish.

[John MacElonis]

And also Polish as well too.

[Mel Rosenberg]

This is my Polish program. You know, I. Send me more authors from Poland.

[John MacElonis]

I will, I will. I will definitely make it a point to. That I will share with you.

[Mel Rosenberg]

Just.

[John MacElonis]

Just a few brief passages. When Zachary lands up, meeting God in a dream. In a flash, Zachary finds himself in a room unlike any he has ever seen before. God smiles at Zachary. You won't be alone. You'll have plenty of support. This is when God is telling Zachary with his mission. Here are the four Earth angels to help you with your mission. Meet Jane, Dennis, Georgianne and Patrick. I chose each one specifically to help you bring love and happiness into the lives of the children that will stay in the hospice and to their families. This is Jane. She shows her love by taking care of and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Zachary stares intently at Jane, surrounded by her grandchildren. I can show love to others by spending time with them. God smiles and says, absolutely. You can think of it this way. You could be doing something else, but you set aside time for the ones you love instead. That creates treasured memories and moments to cherish for a lifetime. Next is Dennis, the owner of a popular Italian restaurant. Dennis shows his love by feeding those who are hungry. Zachary nods. His way of showing love is making people a nice warm meal. Exactly, Zachary. Food tastes better when it's shared. Which is very true. God points to the next screen. This is your third angel. This is your third Earth angel, Georgianne. She shows her devotion to her animal friends by sharing their stories with children. You picked her because she shows compassion and kindness to all creatures, right? Zachary grins. God answers, that is correct. We need more people like that in the world. We certainly do. And lastly, here's Patrick, a Reiki master. Patrick is showing his love by helping people to feel better. How does he do that? Zachary asks. He uses Reiki, a spiritual healing technique that helps people relax. It also reduces stress and anxiety. Wow, that is super cool. Zachary Says super cool indeed, replies God. I've never seen a children's book or really just, you know, when we think of God in many respects, you know, God means different things to different people. But, you know, traditionally people might think of, you know, man with beard, wearing white robe. But I mean, I kind of envision, like, what if God kind of cracked a joke, like the Fonz from Happy Days, like, you know, super cool indeed. And he's got the double thumbs up kind of thing. So you know the story.

[Mel Rosenberg]

It also was also a children's book writer.

[John MacElonis]

And Seattle World comes full circle. There is Teaching kids about grief and loss is something that's one of the most sensitive, one of the most challenging subjects that parents and caregivers and educators really have. And I go back to. I did research on Fred Rogers, the team shout out to the team at the Fred Rogers Institute in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, right outside of Pittsburgh. They allowed me into Fred's personal archives where they literally I says, give me anything and everything about Fred and how he talked to children and parents and families and just the world at large, large about grief and loss. Still, one of the most downloaded videos to date is the episode of fred Ro of Mr. Rogers neighborhood when Fred Lost his Goldfish. And when you have that conversation with your little one, you might not know where to start, where to begin. You might not even want to have the conversation. So being able to have this book out there that can at least create a conversation and that it is a conversation starter where if you're introducing your little one to grief and to loss and talking about death for the first point in time, ultimately, one of the reasons why I wrote this story and why I continue to share this story one year later, and we'll continue to share it, is it's important that children know that they're not alone, especially when they're moving through illness or sickness or maybe even a shortened life, maybe something cards that they felt they weren't going to be dealt to them in the process. But noting the fact that we're not alone when, whenever we're moving through the most difficult times in our life, that we're not alone. And just knowing the fact that even if there is a child that's moving through something challenging, it might not be an illness, it might not be death, that they might just be moving through a challenging season of their life. There's so many children out there that either they don't believe in themselves, they feel that no one loves them. And if we can just remind each of the children that are in our lives in some way, shape or form similar to what Mr. Rogers said, that you're. This is what I end every children's book spotlight series with. Not only that you're loving your special just the way that you are, but that you're whole, you're healthy, you're complete. That you have inherent worth, inherent gifts, skills and talents that are meant to be shared with the world, and that you can enjoy being you. That you're a super cool, amazing person. That I like you just the way that you are. So it's a combination of what Fred had shared and then also the words and the energy that emanate from those words, from my heart, and I combine those two together in the process.

[Mel Rosenberg]

John, this has been. This has been incredible. I mean, for my. For me, it's been quite a reach. I was so attracted to interview you because you have tackled such a difficult. I mean, who writes books about cancer and death of a young. A young child? It's very rare. I congratulate you on your. On your courage and on your beliefs. And even though I don't share them, somehow I imagine connect with you on a deep level. And I wish you great success with your ministry, which is promoting your book and promoting other people's books and looking for a world in which children's books help just a little bit to push us in the right direction.

[John MacElonis]

I want to just leave you with one brief thing, if I can, Mel. And there's a reason that people have asked me the title of the story. Like, how did the title of the story come to fruition? Whenever we meet someone, whenever someone is in our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime, in many respects, we are all just walking each other home. I use that example because when I. When I hear that expression, I feel that when someone comes into our life, they help to open up our heart. I envision this spiritual staircase that every single person that we encounter in the spirit in the spiritual staircase of life. It's literally like that spiritual staircase to heaven in many respects. So I want to thank you for you being you and for your time and for your graciousness as well, and allowing me to share my story. Because nothing in life is guaranteed. And the long. And one of the things that I still communicate with my grandmother on every day is just, you know, anytime that someone gives me the opportunity to share my journey and my story, I express my gratitude and appreciation because you are helping many people in different ways, shapes and forms, and you are helping to walk those people back home as well, too. So I want to thank you for such a lovely conversation. Remember episode number 267 of the Children's book Spotlight series. You learn more about Mel and his journey. Emily Saw Door, now available from Penguin Random House Studio. Of course, that is the publicist side of me as well, too. And your episode, your episode is actually now trending to receive because I'm taking a look at some early numbers from the episode right now. Just because things are now starting to be boosted up. Your episode is actually going to be reaching over 10,000 parents and families and educators and librarians. That's our, that's our built in on John.

[Mel Rosenberg]

This is, this is what I have to learn from you, along with many other things. These two interviews have been incredible. I mean, I said it's going to be great to be interviewed by the interviewer and then to try and somehow tie you down to be interviewed by me. And you did splendidly on both accounts. Thank you. So now I'm just going to sign out and say that I'm Mel Rosenberg and I am the host of the Children's Literature Channel, the new Books Network. And I've been having incredible fun and going through a learning journey of my own, interviewing John Masalones, who is also the recent author of Walking each Other Home, a book which you can acquire through Amazon and many other outlets. And John, I'm wishing you all the best and good luck with your projects. And I'm hoping and pray, praying. I'm not much of a prayer, but I am praying in my own way that we will remain friends for many, many years to come. And it's been great having you. And we are going to send everybody back home to buy our books, to buy everybody else's books. And thank you everybody for being with us today. And John, thank you especially for waking up at seven in the morning on the west coast and I'm here in Greece, dying to get back home and not able to do so. Everybody take care and join us in hoping for a world that's just a little bit better. John, thanks a million.

[John MacElonis]

Thanks again, Mel.