
Hosted by Lucinda Sage-Midgorden · EN

David Gutierrez is the co-founder of Non-Fungible Book Club (NFBC), an independent audiobook platform focused on helping authors retain greater ownership, control, and revenue from their work. Built around a creator-first philosophy, NFBC was founded on the belief that writers deserve a more meaningful relationship with both their audience and the success of their art. David is also the author of Punkz Awaken: Disconnecting the Minted, a young adult science fiction novella that blends action, rebellion, and retro-futuristic themes inspired by 90s internet culture. Filled with callbacks to the era of 56k dial-up modems, underground digital culture, and analog nostalgia, the story follows a young protagonist who grows disillusioned with the pressures and inequities of the adult world and ultimately joins a rebellion searching for something more human, authentic, and free. David’s experience as an independent author helped inspire his passion for supporting creators and building better opportunities for writers within the audiobook industry. Today, through NFBC, David and his team work with independent authors and publishers to help bring audiobooks directly to audiences while allowing creators to keep significantly more of their earnings than traditional industry models typically allow. NFBC’s mission centers on empowering authors, preserving creative independence, and building deeper communities around books and storytelling. Instagram: @NFBCSocials (https://www.instagram.com/nfbcsocials/) YouTube: @NFBCSocials (https://www.youtube.com/@NFBCSocials) X: @NFBCSocials (https://x.com/NFBCSocials) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gutierrez-507340276/ Website: www.nfbclub.com Prolific Writers Life Punkz Awaken: Disconnecting the Minted, 4th ed., David Gutierrez Story-Power Guest Episode 80 8/2/23 Cheryl King, Sitting on Top of the World, and Under the Paw Paw Trees Edgar Allan PoeGreatest Works Shut Up and Write Global Community Story-Power Guest Episode 140 11/19/25 Guy Morris, Swarm, The Last Ark, The Image Story-Power Guest Episode 24, “Every Life is a Library” PodMatch for Podcasters Story-Power Guest Episode 41 2/2/22 Ali Khamseh Story-Power Guest Episode 42 2/16/22 Lola Drona Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters YouTube channel Films for Writers on Prolific Writers Life The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (1979) (1989) (2005), Book by C. S. Lewis Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link below. If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters <p...

Fran Hawthorne has been writing novels since she was four years old, although she was sidetracked for several decades by journalism. During that award-winning career, she wrote eight nonfiction books, mainly about consumer activism, the drug industry, and the financial world, and was also an editor or regular contributor for The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, and many other publications. But Fran never abandoned her true love: Her first two novels, The Heirs and I Meant to Tell You, were published in 2018 and 2022 and together won or were named a finalist for nine awards, including the Eric Hoffer Book Awards and the Sarton Award. HER DAUGHTER, Fran’s third novel, has just been published by Black Rose Writing. Website, Instagram Gaslight (1944) Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link below. If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over f...

Over the years, I’ve used comedy, music, and film as ways to process life and connect with people in a real, unpolished way. My latest project, The Loneliest Boy on Earth, came out of that impulse — it’s part experiment, part personal confession, and part attempt to make sense of love and identity in the modern world. What I’ve learned is that vulnerability, when shared honestly, can be both healing and entertaining (also provocative and dangerous) — and that’s the kind of conversation I want to bring to your audience. Across all mediums — whether film, music, or live conversation — my work is about pushing boundaries, experimenting with form, and ultimately creating something that is both meaningful and entertaining. My most recent project, The Loneliest Boy on Earth, is a hybrid of documentary and narrative filmmaking that examines relationships, identity, and self-transformation in a deeply personal way. Right now, I am most interested in discussing this project; but am open to discussing art, creativity, philosophy, and other related topics. YouTube Channel Instagram TikTok (X) PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Cameron Smith, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here. Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you. Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, and the kind of world we want to live in. Come join the conversation on YouTube and our Facebook group. <img loading="lazy" width="750" height="421" data-attachment-id="6390" data-permalink="https://sagewoman.life/2025/03/23/stories-the-oldest-teaching-tool/ccss-16-9-cover-image-2/" data-orig-file="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","...

Christine grew up in North Andover, MA with her parents Tony and Joyce and brothers Anthony and Eddie. She was very shy when she was young and spent a lot of time reading. Throughout her childhood Christine loved animals, especially elephants. People started to buy them for her as a collection. Her grandparents, Eddie and Ginger, as well as her parents would bring her back lucky elephants from their trips. Throughout her childhood Christine always enjoyed trips to the beach with her family and grandparents. In 2006 Christine graduated from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Elementary Education. In 2008 she received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Merrimack College. Christine would then go on to teach elementary school for the next 13 years. Her favorite part of the day was reading to her students. It was during reading time that she connected with her students through books. They learned, laughed and felt a range of emotions together. Christine decided that she wanted to write her own book for students to engage with, while learning and laughing. Since elephants have always been her favorite animal, she found it fitting to include them in her story. In 2017 Christine traveled to Africa with her mother and husband where she was able to see elephants living in the wild, which was always a lifelong dream. Many of the elephants were playing in the water and seemed to be having fun as they appear to in her book. Christine and her husband John have 3 children- Joey, Nick and Adeline and a dog named Sophie with whom she loves to read. They laugh at her stories and enjoy trips to the beach together as a family. Elephant Beach is her first published work. Instagram – stined13, Website- Elephant Beach | Christine Devane Additional Stories by Christine Lola & Sophie: ABC Adventures Pet Safety with Lola & Sophie Book an Author PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link. If you are a podcaster, or have a message or fantastic product you want to share with the world, I encourage you to check out PodMatch. I call them a dating service for podcasters. Use the affiliate link and tell them, Lucinda sent you. Then contact me so we can set up a Story-Power chat. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you. Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, and the kind of world we want to live in. Come join the conversation on YouTube and our Facebook group. <img loading="lazy" width="750" height="421" data-attachment-id="6390" data-permalink="https://sagewoman.life/2025/03/23/stories-the-oldest-teaching-tool/ccss-16-9-cover-image-2/" data-orig-file="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0",&quo...

I don’t remember much about the education policies at the time I was at school. I do remember the classes and teachers that got me excited about learning, and those that created an environment for me to grow, thrive and be me. This is so key. If this feeling could encompass a whole school you know great things would be possible for everyone involved. It is down to each of us to be that person – to show how and what is possible to those around us and to be a beacon for growth. This helps pupils, staff and parents believe anything is possible. The world is a wonderful place of opportunity so let’s make it our focus to ‘be the change we wish to see in the world’, to quote Gandhi. It is this bed of creativity that will give rise to the skills, understanding and knowledge that we will need in the future for a sustainable, happy and tolerant planet. Let’s show our pupils what has been achieved, what is known and how this came about. Then set them free to explore, enquire and grow so they can become the person they were born to be. In that gift the world has a bright, happy and exciting future of wondrous possibilities. Mark has been a professional percussionist for 25 years and has had the opportunity of performing with some the UK’s finest orchestras and theatre companies. With 3 children and his experience of delivering whole class music workshops around the UK, Mark wanted to share the creative and inspiring learning he was witnessing in schools. This was the start of the Education on Fire podcast in 2016. Today the show has released over 350 episodes and has been downloaded in 147 countries. Website, Facebook, (X), LinkedIn, Podcast, Education on Fire Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education, Ger Graus PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Mark Taylor, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here. Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you. Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, and the kind of world we want to live in. Come join the conversation on YouTube and our Facebook group. <img loading="lazy" width="750" height="421" data-attachment-id="6390" data-permalink="https://sagewoman.life/2025/03/23/stories-the-oldest-teaching-tool/ccss-16-9-cover-image-2/" data-orig-file="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","...

Neil Laird is an LGBTQ+, multiple Emmy and BAFTA nominated Executive Producer who has worked extensively on both the network and production side of non-fiction TV since 1997. I’ve developed, overseen and produced over 1,000 hours of factual programs and specials in nearly every genre, with a particular passion, expertise and professional contacts in history, mystery, science and adventure. As a showrunner/producer for several highly-respected production companies in the US and UK, I traveled to over 70 countries, with a specialty in history programming in often difficult terrains. My shows have aired on Discovery, Science Channel, Netflix, HBO Max, A&E, History, PBS, BBC, Channel 4, Animal Planet and National Geographic Channel, where I helped launch several successful series, including Brain Games and Border Wars. Over the years, I’ve built an extensive list of contacts across the globe in both the production world and with foreign organizations, including antiquities boards in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, I am a member of scientific institutions such as the Archeological Institute of America and the Explorers Club, and write book reviews for World History Encyclopedia. I published my first novel Prime Time Travelers in May 2024, with the follow-up, Prime Time Pompeii, following later in the year. Both are inspired by my years in the field making antiquity TV shows. Website , Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, IMDb Judith Starkston, Author, Story-Power Episode 114 aired 11/20/24 Gobeli Tepe, Turkey Pompeii, UNESCO World Heritage site preserved Ancient Roman City Troy, Ancient Ruins in Turkey (2004) Achilles, Briseis, and Patroclus Lilith: A Novel Niki Marmery Julia Felix (Praedia luliae Felicis), Wealthy businesswoman in Pompeii Luxor, Thebes, Diro Medina, Saqqara Egyptian cities Saqqara where King Tut’s Tomb was discovered is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) First Indiana Jones Movie Star Trek, Doctor Who The Space BetweenTime, author, Lucinda Sage-Midgorden Barry Maughan, Author, Story-Power Episode 146, 2/11/26 The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe, Matthew Gabriele Omm Sety (Dorothy Eady 1904 – 1981) Lived and worked in Abydos, Egypt Ethiopia Jewish Community claimed to be the home of The Ark of the Covenant The Odyssey, Homer The Song of Achilles: A Novel, Madeline Miller Circe, Madeline Miller Peter O’Toole, British Actor played Priam in (2004) version of Troy Disaster Movies of the 1970s, The Poseidon Adventure, Airport, Airplane (1980) PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Neil Laird and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here. Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessio...

“Some places stay with you, not because you lived there long, but because something in you recognized them. I’ve always felt that landscapes hold memory, something older, deeper. That’s the terrain I keep returning to.” I’ve moved across continents, carried languages, left and found homes again. Through all of it, I’ve learned that connection to place isn’t about PERMANENCE, it’s about RESONANCE. I’d love to share a conversation about what it means to feel rooted even when life moves you, how landscapes can reflect back who we are becoming, and how memory, belonging, and identity live in the spaces between. There’s this stretch of coastline in Parksville, not particularly grand or dramatic. It’s quiet, mostly. The tide comes and goes without fuss. Driftwood rests where it lands. The sand holds the marks of birds, dogs, children. I walked there often, never with a plan. Just walking. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I was new to the area, still feeling like a visitor in my own life. I didn’t speak the landscape’s language yet. But little by little, I started noticing things. A crooked branch that looked like it was waving. A stone that never moved. Light that changed the shape of everything. And then one day, I realized, without meaning to, that I had started to memorize the land. Like it was starting to memorize me back. I knew where the shadows would fall. I knew when the birds would come. I knew how the wind sounded just before it rained. That was the moment I realized I was building a kind of home with familiarity, with presence, with noticing. I wasn’t looking for roots. But they found me anyway. It made me think of all the places I’ve been, all the ways I’ve tried to belong. Sometimes it’s hard to say where “home” really is. But for me, it often begins with land, with walking, listening, paying attention. I didn’t know I was gathering home. But I was. Website, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram Federation of Canadian Artists Art Vancouver, Vancouver Art Foundation at the end of May 2026 PodMatch for Podcasters Affiliate Link. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Silvina Lanusse, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you. Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why...

Diane is a second-time guest on Story-Power. Her first appearance was on December 6, 2023. Since then she’s been busy creating new stories one of them is a mystery/thriller, a genre she’s never written before. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Diane Merrill Wigginton, born in Riverside, California in 1963, grew up in the vibrant community of Mira Mesa, San Diego. From a young age, Diane developed a deep passion for storytelling, inspired by the adventures of her childhood in the 1970s and early 1980s. Spending summers on her grandparents’ ranch in Idaho, Diane learned the value of animals, nature, and storytelling that would shape her future writing career. After marrying her husband, David, in 1998, Diane and her family lived in Encinitas before moving to Herald, California in 2001. They embraced a rural lifestyle on a 5 ½-acre ranch, raising six children. Diane’s love for writing never waned, but raising a family and working full-time kept her literary ambitions on hold. However, in her 50s, Diane decided to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. It was then that she created Angelina’s Secret, the first book in her critically acclaimed Jeweled Dagger Series. Since then, Diane has published five novels, including her first children’s book, The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, The Dreaded Pirate Captain. Diane’s work spans multiple genres, from historical romance and suspense to children’s fiction, and she has earned a prestigious collection of awards that reflect her remarkable storytelling ability. She has won accolades such as the Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Reader’s Favorite 1st Place Historical Fiction Award, and numerous awards for A Compromising Position. In 2017, after retiring from her “9 to 5” job, Diane and her husband moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they now enjoy a life filled with adventure, hiking, and exploration in the stunning wilderness around Glacier National Park. Diane continues to write full-time, bringing to life the rich characters and intricate stories that captivate her readers. Diane’s creative spirit is fueled by her deep appreciation for family and her love for storytelling. Now a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Diane is living her dream and continues to inspire readers with her heartfelt and adventurous tales. Diane’s social media: Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon Diane’s books published through her company: Jewel Dagger Publishing A Compromising Position Awards: The Global Book Award, Bookfest, Firebird Books Laura’s Story Angelina’s Secret Isabella’s Heart Olivia’s Promise The Secret of One Eyed Cogburn: The Dreaded Pirate Captain Compromising Position The Magician Killer The Duke’s Lady is a Spy (work in progress) The Space Between Time, Lucinda Sage-Midgorden Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. PodMatch Affiliate Link. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Diane Merrill Wiggington in 2023, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our second conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here: Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to sh...

Meet Bob Martin, a guest with a story that is as extraordinary as entertaining and fun. From a high-powered mob lawyer during Miami’s wild Cocaine Cowboy days to a Certified Meditation teacher with an MSW to go with his JD, he has helped hundreds redesign their thinking for the life they dream of. Bob’s journey is anything but ordinary. Now a two-time published author and Professor of Wellness at Elon University, Bob blends Taoist wisdom, brain science, psychology, and humor to tackle everything from breaking free of limiting beliefs to finding clarity and resilience in life’s chaos. With a knack for making big ideas relatable and plenty of stories to keep listeners hooked, Bob’s the kind of guest who inspires, challenges, and keeps the conversation lively. Want to hear more? Check out his over 50 five-star reviews. Facebook, LinkedIn, Website, Podcast (A Wise and Happy Life) Bob’s upcoming book, Martin’s Corner Bob’s current books, I am the Way, Children of Abraham Pratt Institute I Ching, a Taoist practice Tao of Pooh, Te of Piglet, Benjamin Hoff Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu PodMatch, a dating service for Podcasters A Course in Miracles, Helen Schucman PhD The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck Bob’s blog, The Wise and Happy Life, on Substack Affiliate link below. PodMatch a Dating Service for Podcasters This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Bob Martin, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here: Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least of which is how to understand ourselves and others better. The best stories can be told over and over from one generation to the next and still teach great lessons. Emotional Intelligence and critical thinking are two of those lessons. Celeste and I think there are many classic movies that show us the progression of where humanity is today and we want to share them with you. Shakespeare was right, “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” The stories we tell and consume are us trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here, and the kind of world we want to live in. Come join the conversation on YouTube and our Facebook group. <img loading="lazy" width="750" height="421" data-attachment-id="6390" data-permalink="https://sagewoman.life/2025/03/23/stories-the-oldest-teaching-tool/ccss-16-9-cover-image-2/" data-orig-file="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="CCSS 16-9 Cover Image" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg?w=750" src="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg?w=750" alt="" class="wp-image-6390" style="aspect-ratio:1.7815431164901665;width:545px;height:auto" srcset="https://sagewoman.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ccss-16-9-cover-image.jpg?w=750 750w, https://sa...

Joseph Bolton is a gifted storyteller and an intrepid explorer of the human experience. With a passion for uncovering the untold narratives that shape our world, Joseph brings a unique blend of insight, empathy, and wit to every conversation. As the author behind the widely acclaimed website OldGrandmothersTree.com, Joseph has garnered a loyal following of readers who are drawn to his ability to breathe life into the stories of everyday people, transforming them into captivating tales that resonate on a profound level. Joseph’s journey into the world of storytelling began with his commitment to sharing the experiences and wisdom of those often overlooked. His work has been celebrated for its depth and authenticity, earning him a reputation as a writer who not only informs but also inspires. Joseph’s keen eye for detail and his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth have made him a respected voice in the literary community. What sets Joseph apart as a podcast guest is his unparalleled ability to connect with audiences. His warm and engaging demeanor, coupled with his knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, makes every conversation with him an enlightening experience. Joseph has a talent for weaving together personal anecdotes, historical context, and cultural insights, creating a rich tapestry of dialogue that captivates listeners from all walks of life. Whether discussing the latest trends in storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process, or delving into the fascinating stories he has uncovered, Joseph’s presence on a podcast promises to be both thought-provoking and entertaining. His versatility as a speaker allows him to seamlessly navigate a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of human relationships to the broader social issues that impact our world. Beyond his professional achievements, Joseph is also deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and connection through his work. He believes in the power of stories to bridge divides and bring people together, and this ethos is evident in everything he does. As a podcast guest, Joseph brings a refreshing perspective and a genuine passion for storytelling, making him an invaluable addition to any podcast looking to engage and inspire its audience. Website Old Grandmother’s Tree, Vol. 1, 2, 3 Natasha Pelley-Smith, Illustrator Ancestry.com Affiliate Link below. PodMatch for Podcasters This episode is brought to you by PodMatch, the dating service for podcasters. They introduced me to Joseph Bolton, and I’m so glad they did. I hope you’ve enjoyed our conversation and remember that if you have a podcast or something to share with the world, check out PodMatch at my affiliate link at PodMatch and tell them Lucinda sent you. Want to be a guest on Story-Power? Send Lucinda Sage-Midgorden a message on PodMatch, click here: Prolific Writers Life My husband, Barry and I are members and experts at Prolific Writers Life, which offers members a variety of free online work sessions and discounts on coaching with industry experts. They offer opportunities to hone your writing skills, develop your author brand, and connect with a supportive community in live events. You can participate in group chats or send private messages to members through Prolific Writers Chat. If you’ve got a writing project, or are an expert who can help members finish their books, come join the community. They also offer fun events like Films for Writers, which is free for anyone who wants to attend. It’s like a film club. We watch the movies about writers often with tidbits about their writing life, and then come together on the last Friday evening of every month to discuss the movie. You can check out Prolific Writers Life with a free 14 day trial to see if this the community you have been looking for. Story-Power on Patreon I’m so passionate about stories that I created the Story-Power Patreon Community so I’d have an excuse to talk story with other story lovers. Patreon is $5 a month for content not found on the Story-Power podcast, or on my Sage Woman Blog. They have recently instituted a free tier so you can try it out before you buy. If you’re passionate about stories, and want to talk about what you’ve learned from your favorites, come join me at patreon.com/StoryPower. Let’s share what we’ve learned from the stories we love. Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters Stories are a huge part of the way humans communicate with each other. Celeste and I think all stories are allegories where we can learn all kinds of important things, not the least ...