Shows
New and EverlastingS1E9 - Joyfully Receive the Unexpected MessiahWhat do we do when life doesn't go the way we hoped? In this heartfelt conversation, Amy sits down with her daughter Alayna and her daughter’s roommate Brynn to discuss Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s BYU devotional “Joyfully Receive the Unexpected Messiah.”Together they reflect on why joy doesn’t require perfect circumstances, how covenant relationships deepen trust in Christ, and why God’s “unexpected” answers are often exactly what we need.From college challenges and broken relationships to tender moments of perspective in the temple, this episode explores what it means to co-author your life with t...2025-07-2343 min
BackStory PodcastGet Back Up: InterviewIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Brodi Ashton, a New York Times bestselling author known for her works like the Everneath series and My Lady Jane. They discuss Brodi's upbringing influenced by Greek mythology, her experiences in school, the challenges of procrastination, and the impact of COVID-19 on her creativity. Brodi shares her journey from education to writing, the importance of accepting limitations, and the collaborative process of co-writing. The conversation highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional challenges, ultimately emphasizing the importance of storytelling. 2025-07-0444 minBackStory PodcastCrossing that Bridge: InterviewIn this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray. They discuss Ayana's childhood creativity, her journey to becoming an author, and the influential books that shaped her. Ayana shares her experiences with writing, the challenges of pursuing a writing career, and the balance between confidence and humility in the literary world. 2025-06-1341 minBackStory PodcastOh My Gosh: InterviewIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Marc J. Gregson, a New York Times bestselling author and middle school English teacher. They discuss Marc's journey to becoming an author, the impact of teaching on his writing, and the themes explored in his debut novel, 'Sky's End.' Marc shares his experiences with rejection, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and his aspirations for the future, including a film adaptation of his work. The conversation highlights the significance of lifelong learning and the role of books in fostering understanding and connection among readers.2025-05-1042 minBackStory PodcastAn Unlikely Story: InterviewIn this engaging conversation, Jeff Kinney, the author of the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights into his creative journey, the impact of his work on young readers, and the importance of humor in storytelling. He discusses his innovative writing techniques, the challenges of maintaining a relatable character, and his commitment to engaging with fans. Kinney reflects on his legacy and the future of his work, emphasizing the significance of creating a literary space for children. 2025-04-2530 minBackStory PodcastThe Fear of Public Speaking: InterviewSummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews author Lisa Moore-Ramee, discussing her journey as a writer, the impact of childhood reading, and the importance of diverse narratives in literature. Lisa shares her experiences with race and identity, the influence of teachers, and the challenges of being a left-handed person. The conversation also delves into the role of fear in writing, overcoming rejection, and the significance of creating relatable characters. Lisa concludes by sharing insights about her upcoming works and the themes they explore.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lisa...2025-04-1138 min
New and EverlastingS1E2 - Hope of IsraelAlayna joins me again as we discuss two messages from 2018, Hope of Israel and Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel. It may be helpful to revisit these before listening, but it's not necessary. (There's no quiz later!)Note: In "Hope of Israel," the address begins at 14:30.Hope of Israel - In a landmark address, President Russell M Nelson and Sister Wendy W Nelson invite the youth of the Church to join "the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth."Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel - Presi...2025-03-0927 minBackStory PodcastTwo Christmas Miracles: InterviewSummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews bestselling author Marissa Meyer. They discuss Marissa's childhood, her journey to becoming a writer, her experiences in publishing, and the impact of success on her career. Marissa shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, her writing process, and the importance of inspiration. The conversation also touches on her podcast, The Happy Writer, and her new graphic novel, We Could Be Magic, which promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.TakeawaysMarissa's childhood imagination played a crucial role in her writing.She started...2025-01-2541 minBackStory PodcastIdentity Crisis: InterviewsummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews acclaimed author Neal Shusterman, exploring his journey from a hyperactive child with ADHD to a celebrated writer. They discuss the influence of teachers, cultural experiences, and the importance of identity and fiction in shaping one's narrative. Neal shares insights on his academic path, the challenges of his debut novel, and the support he received along the way. He reflects on the purpose of his writing, the thrill of exploring different genres, and the impact of his stories on readers' lives...2025-01-1038 minBackStory PodcastFrom Boredom to Books: InterviewSummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Christopher Paolini, the renowned author of the Aragon series. They discuss Paolini's upbringing, the impact of homeschooling on his writing, and the importance of family support in his journey as an author. Paolini shares insights into his creative process, including the art of naming characters, the value of boredom in fostering creativity, and the challenges of executing ideas. He reflects on the power of fantasy literature and the techniques he employs in world-building. The conversation also touches on the significance...2024-12-2740 minBackStory PodcastUnfinished business: InterviewSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Margaret Peterson Haddix shares her journey as a celebrated author, discussing her early influences, the challenges of getting published, and the evolution of her writing process. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the impact of growing up on a farm, and the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. Haddix emphasizes the value of writing for personal fulfillment, the thrill of discovering new ideas, and the joy of connecting with young readers. She also offers insights into overcoming writer's block and the significance of storytelling in shaping lives.Takeaways2024-12-1339 minBackStory PodcastYou Are a Good Writer: InterviewSummaryIn this episode of Backstory, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Jennifer Jenkins, an accomplished author and the Executive Director of Operation Literacy. They discuss Jenkins's journey through literacy challenges, the impact of supportive teachers, and the importance of validation in writing. Jenkins shares her experiences with dyslexia, her spontaneous adventures, and her passion for inspiring young writers through programs like Teen Author Boot Camp and the upcoming StoryCon. The conversation emphasizes the need for storytellers and the belief that anyone can create if they choose to pursue their passion.NotesThe teen...2024-11-2942 min
Top of Mind with Julie RoseWhy We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this PodcastMeet the teams behind Top of Mind and Uncomfy in this special crossover episode, where we share stories of sticking with a challenging perspective while working on the shows. We are exposed to a lot of nuanced viewpoints as we put podcast episodes together, which gives us the perfect opportunity to practice what we preach: choosing to lean into discomfort instead of lashing out or shying away. We’ve found clarity about our own beliefs, empathy for the people around us, and also developed the skills to tackle tough conversations. Tune in to Top of Mind to practice engaging with im...2024-10-2837 min
Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge UsBONUS: Why We Choose to Lean into the Discomfort of Making this Podcast.Meet the teams behind Top of Mind and Uncomfy in this special crossover episode, where we share stories of sticking with a challenging perspective while working on the shows.
We are exposed to a lot of nuanced viewpoints as we put podcast episodes together, which gives us the perfect opportunity to practice what we preach: choosing to lean into discomfort instead of lashing out or shying away. We’ve found clarity about our own beliefs, empathy for the people around us, and also developed the skills to tackle tough conversations.
Tune in to Top of Mind to practice engaging with im...2024-10-2835 min
Top of Mind with Julie RoseMoments that Challenged the Top of Mind Team to Stay CuriousIn this podcast episode, Julie and the other members of the Top of Mind team reflect on moments from previous episodes that challenged them to stay curious and stick with uncomfortable perspectives instead of dismissing them or putting up defenses. As we put podcast episodes together, we have these “Stick With It” moments all the time – and we hope you do, too, because they’ve led us to new empathy, deeper relationships, and clarity about our own views. One of our producers grapples with the grading system she grew up with. Another reconsiders her thinking on the impact of social media us...2024-04-2941 min
Kaboom: An Audio Adventure PodcastS3 E6: The Last Doll (A Quinceañera Adventure)Alicia didn't even want a quinceañera party, but her best friend Sarah forced her into it. Worst of all, the big present from her aunt is a creepy doll. But what her aunt failed to mention is that it is a magical doll that is determined to create the quinceañera of Alicia's dreams, even if it destroys both the party and her friendship with Sarah.
After this episode we will take a few weeks off and return with a hilarious new series that will run all summer long called Quentin Manning: Detective for Justice. It's about the loveable un...2024-04-2622 min
Top of Mind with Julie RoseAn Inside Look at Perspectives that Challenged the Top of Mind Team this SeasonWe’ve spent the last several months on Top of Mind assessing the assumptions that drive our decisions. And we hope you’ve had a few “Stick With It Moments” as you’ve heard a perspective that challenged you, but you chose to stay open and curious – and keep listening! And hopefully that’s been good practice for “sticking with it” when you encounter challenging perspectives in your daily life. Because leaning into that discomfort leads to new empathy, more clarity on complicated issues, and a better ability to advocate for the things you really care about. While we’re producing the podcas...2023-12-1146 min
The Next Best-SellerEp. 12: Anthology Authors- The Spark Of New IdeasFor the next few podcast episodes, will we be interviewing winners from TABC’s 2022 Teen Anthology Competition themed Level Up, that was edited by Hannah Smith and Shelly X. Leon and a foreword by Dustin Hansen, published with Owl Hollow Press. This weeks teen authors are Elijah Lewis (Author of Anthology Story, Rebirth), Alayna Beck (Morgan The Gorgon), Alivia Parker (One Quest After Anther), and Alefiya Presswala (The House of High Ladies).
This week of our anthology podcast interview we will be talking about their experiences with our TABC Anthology publishing opportunity and their adv...2022-05-1626 min
1 big thingElectric vehicles front and centerFord Motor Company is making a big bet on electric vehicles in Kentucky and Tennessee, through a new assembly plant and new battery factories. This comes as debate continues over President Biden's ambitious spending plan, which could transform the transportation sector when it comes to electric cars.
Plus, why it took decades to convict R. Kelly.
And, the debt ceiling, explained.
Guests: Axios' Joann Muller and Alayna Treene; Jim DeRogatis, journalist and author of Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly; Koa Beck, journalist and author of White Feminism.Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership...2021-09-2811 min
HeatherLovesHorrorAuthor Charles Campbell & Special fx Makeup Artist Alayna Morales Share Their Love for HorrorHey, Horror Lovers,
Here you are introduced to two amazing talents. Introducing Alayna Morales, Special fx makeup artist and haunt actor at Nightmare's Gate Haunted House. Alayna is also known as @jukeboxbaby78 on Instagram, Horror enthusiast and a Stephen King nerd. Also introducing small town Horror novelist Charles Campbell who love scary movies and Stephen King. Be sure and check out his publishing company Horror 421 Valleyboy Publications with his plethora of written works and find him on Instagram @charles_campbell_author. As always, thank you for tuning into the podcast!
xoxo,
Heather
...2021-01-2239 min