Podcast Summary: The Determined Society with Shawn French
Episode: Is This Andrea Bartz's Most Twisted Thriller Yet?
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Guest: Andrea Bartz, Acclaimed Author
Host: Shawn French
I. Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Determined Society Podcast, host Shawn French engages in an in-depth conversation with bestselling author Andrea Bartz. Known for her gripping personal development discussions and featuring accomplished entrepreneurs and influencers, Shawn delves into Andrea's latest work, exploring the intricate blend of personal struggles and creative expression that defines her storytelling.
II. Exploring "The Last Ferry Out"
Andrea Bartz introduces her newest thriller, The Last Ferry Out, which has garnered attention as part of Reese’s Book Club and achieved New York Times bestseller status.
Plot Overview: The novel centers on a grieving young woman who journeys to an island off the coast of Mexico to cope with the tragic loss of her fiancé in what appears to be an accident. Upon her arrival, she encounters a group of charismatic expats who knew her fiancé. As she integrates into their close-knit community, she begins to suspect that the accident was no accident. The suspense escalates when a text message hints at the truth behind her fiancé’s death, leading her to question if a killer is stalking the island.
Andrea describes the book as a "puzzle box mystery" with multiple timelines and narrators, aiming to create a narrative that is both twisty and engaging.
Notable Quote:
"The Last Ferry Out is a twisty, puzzle box mystery with different timelines and narrators. I had so much fun writing it, and I hope it's really fun to read too."
— Andrea Bartz [01:04]
III. Andrea Bartz’s Creative Process: Turning Anxiety into Art
Andrea shares how her naturally anxious and "dark" mind fuels her creative process. She explains that her tendency to dwell on worst-case scenarios allows her to construct intricate and suspenseful narratives, transforming personal fears into captivating storylines.
Key Insights:
- Channeling Fear: Andrea discusses how she uses her anxious thoughts as a catalyst for creating thrilling plots, ensuring her stories resonate with readers’ emotions.
- Mindset Shift: By viewing paranoid thoughts as creative fuel, she shifts her focus from fear to storytelling, enabling her to develop compelling characters and mysteries.
Notable Quotes:
"If I think about it, if I learn about it, then it can't happen. I've already thought through how my main character will escape a terrible situation."
— Andrea Bartz [08:21]
"If I can turning something scary into a narrative, that's empowering."
— Andrea Bartz [09:00]
IV. Embracing and Processing Emotions Through Writing
Andrea emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable emotions rather than numbing them. Her writing serves as a form of catharsis, allowing her to explore aspects of herself that society often overlooks, such as female rage, shame, and insecurities.
Key Points:
- Vulnerability in Storytelling: By embedding her personal struggles into her characters, Andrea creates authentic and relatable narratives that evoke strong emotional responses from readers.
- Handling Feedback: She acknowledges that not all feedback will be positive, but views negative reactions as indicators that her work is impactful and thought-provoking.
Notable Quotes:
"The way that you defang shame is by taking it out into the light."
— Andrea Bartz [19:35]
"If someone hated the book, it means I triggered something in them. That's a sign that the writing is powerful."
— Shawn French [22:53]
V. Determination vs. Hustle Culture
The conversation shifts to the theme of determination, contrasting it with the prevalent hustle culture. Andrea defines determination as finding a balance between striving for future goals and being compassionate towards oneself in the present moment.
Key Insights:
- Healthy Determination: Encouraging a mindset that values self-care and acknowledges when to push forward and when to pause.
- Critique of Hustle Culture: Andrea and Shawn discuss how relentless pursuit of goals without regard for personal well-being can be detrimental, advocating instead for a more sustainable approach to personal development.
Notable Quotes:
"Determination means finding the right balance between moving forward and being kind to yourself."
— Andrea Bartz [40:00]
"Determination isn't just a gritty, sexy thing. It's about being kind to yourself even when you want to give up."
— Shawn French [42:09]
VI. The Role of Connection and Empathy in Creativity
Andrea and Shawn explore how creative outlets like writing and podcasting foster empathy and connection among people. They highlight the universal nature of human experiences and the power of storytelling in bridging differences.
Key Points:
- Universal Themes: By delving into personal and relatable emotions, Andrea's stories connect with a wide audience, transcending individual backgrounds.
- Creative Empathy: Engaging in creative pursuits allows both creators and consumers to step into different lives, enhancing understanding and compassion.
Notable Quotes:
"Art and fiction are just so important for connecting us."
— Andrea Bartz [31:23]
"We're all trying to do our best, and the commonality of adversity is so similar."
— Shawn French [30:39]
VII. Andrea’s Journey as an Author
Andrea reflects on her growth as a writer, discussing her experience in writing six books since 2014. She shares insights into her writing process, including drafting timelines and revisions, emphasizing continual improvement and mastery of her craft.
Key Points:
- Writing Process: Andrea takes approximately four to six months to complete a first draft, followed by extensive revisions to refine her narratives.
- Continuous Learning: She believes that each book builds upon the skills developed from previous works, contributing to her evolving storytelling prowess.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm working on my sixth book now, and each one builds on the skills from the ones before."
— Andrea Bartz [37:58]
"Writing is hard every time, but I'm leveling up with each book."
— Andrea Bartz [38:05]
VIII. Conclusion: Embracing Determination
As the conversation wraps up, Andrea and Shawn encapsulate their views on determination. Andrea underscores the importance of recognizing one’s inherent worth and the value of balancing ambition with self-compassion. They advocate for fostering a society where determination is fueled by love and empathy rather than external validation and relentless hustle.
Final Thoughts:
- Sustainable Success: True determination involves honoring one’s worth and pursuing goals in a way that uplifts oneself and others.
- Positive Impact: By focusing on serving others and contributing positively, individuals can create meaningful change and personal fulfillment.
Notable Quotes:
"Determination is about honoring your worthiness and keeping your vision on being the best you can be."
— Andrea Bartz [40:54]
"One is fueled out of comparison, and one is fueled out of love. I'm going to choose the latter."
— Shawn French [42:50]
Final Remarks
Shawn encourages listeners to support Andrea by exploring her latest book, The Last Ferry Out, available since summer 2025. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reminder for the audience to "stay determined," encapsulating the episode's central theme of balanced ambition and self-kindness.
Key Takeaways:
- Andrea Bartz transforms personal anxieties into captivating thriller narratives.
- Embracing and expressing uncomfortable emotions can lead to authentic and impactful storytelling.
- True determination balances forward momentum with self-compassion, opposing the unsustainable demands of hustle culture.
- Creative endeavors foster empathy, connection, and a deeper understanding of universal human experiences.
Recommended Actions for Listeners:
- Dive into Andrea Bartz’s The Last Ferry Out to experience her latest thriller.
- Reflect on personal definitions of determination and seek a balanced approach to personal and professional goals.
- Embrace creative outlets as tools for emotional expression and personal growth.