Podcast
Record Scratch with Kara Kavensky
Hosted by Kara Kavensky · EN
When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.
A record scratch.
These big, disruptive moments require resiliency to move forward with our lives, for we are never the same.
It’s how we decide to respond to these events that shapes us. In these interviews, there’s no competition and no judgment as we speak about varying topics including generational trauma, grief, PTSD, and what we can do to heal our wounds and be better humans.
Please visit KaraKavensky.com and sign up for updates.
Thank you!
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cathy Haynes – Author of THE FULLNESS OF TIME
Today00:20:55Tap to summarizeArtist, curator, and author Cathy Haynes shares her exploration of the forgotten ways humans once experienced time long before digital clocks and endless notifications. In her beautiful new book, THE FULLNESS OF TIME: MARKING THE DAY BY BIRDSONG, BLOOMS, SHADOWS, AND STARS, Cathy shares how nature offers a richer, more meaningful rhythm for daily life.What if the best way to tell time isn't by looking at a clock but by listening to birds, watching flowers bloom, or noticing the changing shape of your cat's pupils?CATHY HAYNESWebsite: https://cathyhaynes.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathy.haynes.uk/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Introduction - Cathy Haynes[02:40] Curator, artist, timekeeper[04:50] Mapping time[06:08] Reestablishing connections with the rhythms of nature[09:14] The evening primrose[11:23] Telling time without clocks[14:05] Medieval sundials and landmarks[17:43] Using animals' eyes for timekeeping[18:57] Mindfulness and intention
Transcribe →Presenting: Kara Kavensky and Katharine Sands on Hungry Authors
1w ago00:49:26Tap to summarizeThe Record Scratch team is taking a break this week, and we are excited to share a conversation that Kara and her agent, Katharine Sands, with the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency, had with Ariel Curry and Liz Morrow, co-hosts of HUNGRY AUTHORS.Through the Hungry Authors podcast (and Substack), Ariel & Liz share insights and tools to plan and write your book, navigate the publishing industry, and bring your ideas to life.Kara’s memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY, is on Zibby’s Fall 2026 Most Anticipated Books list!HUNGRY AUTHORSSubstack: https://hungryauthors.substack.com@ArielKCurry@Liz_MorrowKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. Gibson
Transcribe →Sarah L. Kaufman – Author of VERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
2w ago00:26:19Tap to summarizePulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and former Washington Post dance critic Sarah L. Kaufman joins Kara Kavensky for a fascinating conversation about the hidden power of language and why the verbs we choose shape not only our writing, but the way readers experience our stories.Sarah's latest book, VERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF THE VERB AND TRANSFORM YOUR WRITING, isn't a grammar book. It's an invitation to think differently about storytelling.SARAH L. KAUFMANWebsite: https://sarahlkaufman.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlkaufmanwriterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlkaufman/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Intro - Sarah Kaufman[02:54] Verbs in great writing[04:38] Overused verbs[06:31] VERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM origin story[07:47] Transformative writing techniques [08:22] Teaching and writing[10:36] Workshops and writing groups[11:43] The expressive potential in verbs[15:59] Becoming and developing a writer[18:24] The typewriter as assistive technology [19:49] Learning from parents[21:01] Learning from authors[23:06] A message for writers
Transcribe →Jessica Doyle-Mekkes - Author of I'M SPEAKING
3w ago00:14:34Tap to summarizeJessica Doyle-Mekkes is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author, educator, and communication expert whose work focuses on confidence, vocal presence, storytelling, and helping people communicate with greater clarity, authority, and impact.Her bestselling book, "I’M SPEAKING: EVERY WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR VOICE & USING IT FEARLESSLY," is now available in paperback and as an audiobook.Listen to Kara’s first discussion with Jessica from Season 2 of Record Scratch.JESSICA DOYLE-MEKKESWebsite: https://www.jessicadoylemekkes.com/Instagram: @jessicadoylemekkes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadoyle-mekkes/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Intro: Jessica Doyle-Mekkes [02:53] Radio frequencies advantage men[05:20] The inspiration for I'M SPEAKING[08:47] Recording the audiobook[10:27] When voices go underground[11:52] Coaching and speaking engagements
Transcribe →Andrew Neiderman - V.C. Andrews Ghostwriter
4w ago00:20:00Tap to summarizeFor nearly four decades, Andrew Neiderman has been one of the most widely read authors you've probably never seen on a book cover.As the writer who continued the legendary V.C. Andrews franchise after Andrews' death, Neiderman has written 100 novels under one of publishing's most recognizable names, helping grow the series into an international phenomenon with more than 30 million copies of FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC sold worldwide.But that's only one chapter of his remarkable career.Neiderman is also the bestselling author of THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, the novel that became the hit film starring Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves, along with dozens of psychological thrillers adapted for film and television.In this episode, Andrew is joined by his daughter, Melissa Neiderman, for a candid conversation about storytelling, teaching, family, ghostwriting, Hollywood, and why—after spending decades telling other people's stories—he's finally telling a bit of his own and how he became V.C. Andrews.ANDREW NEIDERMANV.C. Andrews: Fan Page on FacebookAndrew Neiderman: WebsiteKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Andrew Neiderman and daughter, Melissa Neiderman[03:21] Taking over for V.C. Andrews[04:55] Retiring from teaching[06:28] V.C. Andrews’ family[08:01] Neiderman's memoir[09:57] One man, two authors[12:15] Growing up with a writer[13:51] Looking to the news for stories[15:35] The V.C. Andrews' biography and fans[18:24] New work ahead
Transcribe →Dara Levan - Author of SHAKEN TO THE CORE
Jul 200:18:08Tap to summarizeWhat happens when grief arrives without warning—and how do we find our way back to hope? Without giving too much away, Dara Levan shares the themes in her new novel.Author of the acclaimed novels, IT COULD BE WORSE and SHAKEN TO THE CORE, Dara explores the extraordinary strength found in ordinary people facing life's most difficult moments.DARA LEVANWebsite: https://daralevan.com/Instagram: @dara.levan KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Intro - Dara Levan and SHAKEN TO THE CORE[03:11] Joy's letters to her mom[05:45] Cadence, structure & challenging oneself as a writer[07:26] Chosen family and the complexity of grief[09:06] Kristy Woodson Harvey recommends SHAKEN TO THE CORE[10:46] Indiana University football & QB Fernando Mendoza[12:10] Representation of speech and language challenges[14:16] The origin of themes[15:48] The reader's takeaway
Transcribe →Will Calhoun - Musician and Author of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS
Jun 2500:26:57Tap to summarizeMusician Will Calhoun, the drummer from Living Colour, is now an author with his upcoming memoir, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEATS, due out this fall.From Harry Belafonte to Living Colour, Will’s music career is one of diversity, curiosity, and exploration. His artistry spans more than three decades as one of the world’s best drummers — and he credits his mom’s heartbeat (his earliest memory) for introducing him to life’s cadence.WILL CALHOUNWebsite: https://willcalhoun.com/Instagram: willcalhoundrumKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:09] Introduction: Will Calhoun[02:47] Why write a book now?[04:31] Pulling the pieces together[05:36] The New York experience[07:25] Discovering music[09:03] Will's brother and musical neighbors[10:58] Joining Living Colour[12:06] Getting fired by Harry Belafonte[14:59] Belafonte's influence and lessons[18:22] Jazz great, Wayne Shorter[20:37] The power of curiosity and discovery[23:00] Geeking out[24:44] Thinking about legacy
Transcribe →Stephanie Weaver - Advocate and Author of BITTER, SWEET
Jun 1800:21:02Tap to summarizeNearly one in four American adults experiences family estrangement, and countless others carry invisible wounds from childhood trauma. Stephanie Weaver's story offers something rare: an honest look at pain without sensationalism, paired with a hopeful reminder that healing is possible even when reconciliation isn't.Stephanie’s memoir, BITTER, SWEET: HOW TO HEAL YOURSELF WHEN YOUR FAMILY IS BROKEN, intertwines family recipes with a deeply personal story of trauma, resilience, estrangement, and forgiveness.Stephanie was a guest for the RECORD SCRATCH Mother’s Day exploration of mother loss.STEPHANIE WEAVER, MPHWebsite: https://stephanieweaver.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieweavermph/KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] **Content warning**[02:10] Becoming a writer[04:02] BITTER, SWEET[05:10] Resurfacing memories[06:25] Mom's recipe box[07:44] Healing therapies[10:42] Making a trauma memoir approachable[13:34] Estrangement and writing for others[15:20] Response to book[16:38] Forgiveness is for *us*
Transcribe →Cynthia Occelli — Author, Life Coach & Mentor
Jun 1100:31:58Tap to summarizeKara and Cynthia Occelli, author of RESURRECTING VENUS, discuss growth and transformation.Cynthia is part of the 2026 Mother’s Day weekend special series.Topics:The origin of Cynthia's famous "seed" quoteCynthia’s journey from ninth-grade dropout and welfare mom to law school graduate and successful entrepreneurHer coaching philosophy: bespoke, intuition-led, and focused on connecting clients to their own inner wisdomNavigating today's political climate while protecting your mental and emotional healthThe foundational role of physical habits in personal transformationCYNTHIA OCCELLIWebsite: CynthiaOccelli.comKARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara KavenskyVisit Kara’s website to receive updates and pre-order her new memoir, TELL ME ABOUT JOY.Record Scratch with Kara is sponsored by Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclassProduced by Marilou MaroszOriginal music written and performed by Adam W. GibsonTIMESTAMPS[01:10] Introduction: Cynthia Occelli[02:03] The "seed" quote[06:18] The impetus for change[07:36] Saying "I choose me"[08:59] Role models[11:18] Unexpected Google search results[12:29] Helping clients focus their energy[16:23] Resurrecting Venus and what's next?[18:03] Cynthia’s coaching process[20:46] Biggest challenges[24:03] How to optimize a coach[28:24] Moja Tu - Kenyan children
Transcribe →PRESENTING: Kara on Divorce Curious
May 2800:31:56Tap to summarizeAs the Record Scratch team preps Season 4, we are excited to share a conversation Kara had with her friend Lisa Mitchell, the host of Divorce Curious.Divorce Curious is a podcast for people wondering if their marriage still fits. No lawyers, no yelling, no friends taking sides — just real talk about the questions keeping you up at night.Learn more about Divorce Curious here. Follow Lisa @divorcecurioushelp on Instagram.KARA KAVENSKYWebsite: Kara Kavensky@karakavensky at Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn, ThreadsReceive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY here.
Transcribe →