In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schafer sits down with author, spiritual director, and dementia consultant Ralph Patrick. Ralph opens up about his 8-year journey of turning personal journals into his bestselling memoir Losing Faith, Leaving Ministry, Loving God. He shares the struggles of self-doubt, the healing power of writing, and the moment he realized his story could inspire others. Ralph also reflects on caregiving, faith, intuition, and why trusting the process—both in writing and in life—is essential to creating work that truly matters.
Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.
Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.
Each episode offers a blend of:
Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.
Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.
