Podcast
The Molten Truth
Hosted by Zoey Michaels · EN
The Molten Truth podcast is about people who have faced daunting, traumatic, and/or life changing episodes in their lives. They have figuratively gone through trial by fire and been broken down to their truest core to rebuild and come back stronger - often taking their life in a direction they never before imagined. Zoey Michaels is a writer and the host of The Molten Truth. For more information visit zoeymichaels.com RSSVERIFY
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Texas Ranch to Scottish Highlands: The Unexpected Journey of Ben Leman
5d ago00:48:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with first-time guest Ben Leman—an entrepreneur, former Texas county judge and state representative, rancher, and now debut novelist. Ben shares his remarkable path from building a successful manufacturing business from his mother’s garage to serving a decade in public office, all while raising a family and living the rugged ranch life in Central Texas.Now stepping into the literary world, Ben discusses his upcoming novel Between the Times, the first installment in his Forged in Blood trilogy. Set in 1640s Scotland, the story explores identity, loyalty, and transformation through the lens of a Highland clan facing a changing world. With rich historical themes and deeply human conflicts, Ben reveals how his own life experiences shaped the narrative.Despite some technical hiccups during the recording, this conversation offers an authentic and engaging introduction to a multifaceted guest whose life story is as compelling as the fiction he writes.
Transcribe →Joy in Simple Pleasures
2w ago00:03:32Tap to summarizeThe conversation covers topics related to joy, family, and the impact of art on personal growth.TakeawaysJoy can be found in spending time with loved ones and enjoying family moments.Engaging in art and creative expression can contribute to personal growth and development.Chapters00:00 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Transcribe →Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Safe Spaces for Exploration
2w ago00:04:48Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the freedom and safety of exploring themes in science fiction and fantasy genres, the flexibility of genre classification, and the importance of choosing the right genre as a vehicle for the story.TakeawaysFreedom and safety in exploring themes in science fiction and fantasyFlexibility and importance of genre classificationChapters00:00 Exploring Themes in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Transcribe →Art's Impact on Personal Growth
2w ago00:00:51Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the impact of artistic expression on personal growth and development, emphasizing the transformative power of art in shaping individuals.TakeawaysArt as a means of personal growthExpression through art and its impact on personal developmentChapters00:00 Artistic Expression and Personal Growth
Transcribe →Building Worlds, Breaking Rules: The Real Story Behind Writing and Publishing
2w ago00:46:31Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to write and publish a book today? Zoey Michaels chats with author Brad Anderson about everything from sci-fi storytelling and creative inspiration to the realities of indie vs. traditional publishing. They explore how writers use fictional worlds to tackle real-life issues, why genres don’t have to box you in, and the unexpected challenges of getting your work seen. Along the way, expect humor, honesty, and a few surprising insights into the writing life.
Transcribe →From Story Seeds to Published Pages: Creativity, Coaching & the Writing Journey
3w ago00:49:04Tap to summarizeAfter a lighthearted opening on names, pronunciation quirks, and the surprising histories behind them, Zoey Michaels reconnects with returning guest Liisa Kovala for a deeper conversation about the writing life.Liisa shares updates on her latest cozy mystery releases and offers an inside look at the fast-paced reality of publishing a series. The discussion expands into the often-overlooked side of being an author—book coaching, managing creative workloads, and navigating the complex path from manuscript to published book.Together, they unpack the realities of self-publishing versus traditional routes, the challenges of building visibility through reviews and algorithms, and the importance of understanding the full lifecycle of a book launch.The conversation also explores creativity more broadly—where ideas come from, how everyday experiences (like driving or walking in nature) spark inspiration, and why protecting personal time is essential for sustaining creative work.With practical insights and relatable experiences, this episode offers encouragement for writers at any stage, while highlighting a simple truth: creativity thrives when we make space for it—and when we’re willing to keep trying, even when the path isn’t clear.
Transcribe →From Frustration to Inspiration
3w ago00:01:03Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the idea of finding inspiration in frustration and the ubiquity of stories in everyday life.TakeawaysInspiration from frustrationStories are everywhereChapters00:00 Finding Inspiration in Frustration
Transcribe →Finding Stories in the Everyday with Zoey and Liisa
3w ago00:00:19Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the idea that inspiration can be found in anything, and stories are everywhere if we are open to noticing them.TakeawaysInspiration can come from anythingStories are everywhereChapters00:00 Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Transcribe →Join Coaches Canada in 2026
3w ago00:01:00Tap to summarizeLiisa Kovala shares information about the upcoming event 'Write On 2026' and its registration details. She provides the website name and encourages participation.TakeawaysWrite On 2026 event details sharedEncouragement to participate and registerChapters00:00 Right On 2026 Event Details
Transcribe →Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
3w ago00:00:48Tap to summarizeThe conversation delves into the importance of letting go of negative self-beliefs and challenging them, as well as the idea of exploring new experiences to create the best possible life experience.TakeawaysLetting go of negative self-beliefsExploring new experiencesChapters00:00 Letting Go of Self-Beliefs
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