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
31episodes
Episodes
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He Refused to Let Rejection Win: The Lawyer Who Built a Home for Writers
2w ago00:47:14Tap to summarizeHow many dreams have been abandoned because someone heard "no" one too many times?Michael Isaac Shokrian knows that feeling better than most. After years of rejection as a writer, building a successful career as an attorney, and balancing family life, he made an unexpected decision—not to give up on writing, but to create opportunities for writers everywhere.In this inspiring conversation, Michael shares his remarkable journey from immigrating to America as a young boy, to becoming a lawyer, novelist, editor, and founder of The Thieving Magpie literary magazine. Along the way, he reveals why rejection isn't the end of the story, how journaling transformed his life, why so many lawyers secretly long to create art, and what it really takes to build a creative life in today's world.This episode is a powerful reminder that dreams don't have expiration dates. Sometimes the path isn't straight, success rarely happens overnight, and the greatest opportunities come when we stop waiting for permission and build the door ourselves.Whether you're a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone wondering if it's too late to chase the life you imagined, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep going.Because the process isn't the obstacle...It's the reward.ThievingMagpie.orgmishokrian.com
Transcribe →From Wedding Island to Jekyll Island: Sandy Malone's Wildest Wedding Stories
3w ago00:52:14Tap to summarizeWhat do hurricane evacuations, reality television, destination weddings, alligators, and mystery novels have in common? Author Sandy Malone.In this entertaining episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels sits down with Sandy Malone, former star of TLC's Wedding Island, journalist, editor, and author of the Gem of the Golden Isles series. Drawing from more than 500 destination weddings she planned in the Caribbean, Sandy shares the real-life experiences that inspired her novels, proving that truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction.Listeners will hear unforgettable stories about demanding brides, unusual wedding requests, family drama, and the challenges of life behind the scenes as a wedding planner. Sandy also discusses her move to historic Jekyll Island, Georgia, the fascinating history of the island, her experiences as the wife of a law enforcement officer, and how all of these elements have found their way into her fiction.The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Sandy discusses her upcoming novel, Thicker Than Blood, inspired in part by her family's experiences with Alzheimer's disease and the complicated relationships that shape generations.Filled with laughter, storytelling, writing insights, and colorful island adventures, this episode is a must-listen for readers, writers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys hearing how real life becomes fiction.Learn more about Sandy Malone and her books at sandymalone.com.
Transcribe →The Book She Never Planned to Write
4w ago00:42:24Tap to summarizeWhen A-M Mawhiney retired after a 40-year career as a social worker and university professor, she never expected to become a novelist. During the COVID lockdown, what began as an attempt at journaling turned into a creative journey that produced three books and an entirely new chapter of life. In this episode, A-M Mawhiney shares how her characters often surprise her, why she chose to write hopeful science fiction and fantasy rather than dystopian futures, and how a pair of determined preteens inspired her second novel. She also reflects on growing up in Sudbury, Ontario, witnessing one of the world's most remarkable environmental recoveries, and why community collaboration remains one of her greatest sources of hope. It's a conversation about creativity, reinvention, resilience, and the transformative power of stories.
Transcribe →Walking Between Worlds: One Man’s Journey Through Culture, Crisis, and Connection
Jun 1301:02:15Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to truly find home—not just in a place, but in a culture, a calling, and within yourself?In this powerful episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey sits down with Scott Wooster, a South Dakota native whose life journey weaves together family legacy, personal struggle, and deep connection to Lakota culture. What begins as a conversation about his books quickly unfolds into something much deeper: a story of transformation.Scott shares how decades of working with Native youth, marrying into a Lakota family, and navigating profound personal challenges—including addiction, anxiety, grief, and raising children with chronic illness—led him down an unexpected path of healing. Through ceremonies, storytelling, and relationships that reshaped his worldview, he discovered meaning in places he never anticipated.This episode dives into:The generational loss—and revival—of Indigenous cultureThe emotional weight of identity, belonging, and inherited traumaHow storytelling can heal both individuals and communitiesThe unexpected lessons found in hardship, faith, and human connectionRaw, reflective, and deeply human, this conversation is a reminder that healing doesn’t come from a single moment—it’s a journey shaped by the people we meet, the stories we carry, and the courage to keep going.
Transcribe →The Power of Reinvention: Caramel Lucas on Creativity, Healing, and Hustle
Jun 600:44:32Tap to summarizeIn this deeply powerful episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with serial entrepreneur and creative force Caramel Lucas. From a childhood shaped by trauma to building a life fueled by purpose, Caramel shares her journey through writing, comedy, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. She opens up about the importance of therapy, breaking generational cycles, and transforming pain into power. With honesty and heart, this conversation explores what it means to heal, grow, and inspire others—proving that your past doesn’t define you, but your purpose can.CaramelLucas.net
Transcribe →From Texas Ranch to Scottish Highlands: The Unexpected Journey of Ben Leman
May 3000:48:23Tap 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 →Art's Impact on Personal Growth
May 2300:00:51Tap 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 →Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Safe Spaces for Exploration
May 2300:04:48Tap 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 →Joy in Simple Pleasures
May 2300:03:32Tap 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 →Building Worlds, Breaking Rules: The Real Story Behind Writing and Publishing
May 2300:46:31Tap 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.
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