Shows
Every Soul Has A StoryReclaiming Your Identity in Menopause, with Lauren TetenbaumWhat if menopause could be an opportunity for empowerment and reclaiming your identity? In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan speaks with Lauren Tetenbaum, a licensed social worker and author of Millennial Menopause. They dive into the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause that can start as early as one's late thirties, the critical importance of setting loving but firm boundaries, and how to shift your mindset to navigate this life transition with confidence. Listen in for expert insights on women's mental health, practical advice for advocating for your well-being, and how to build a supportive network. Di...
2025-11-1926 minEvery Soul Has A StoryPerfectionism, Parenting, and the Pressure to Recover with Mallary Tenore TarpleyWhat if "full recovery" from an eating disorder is an unrealistic ideal? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan has an unfiltered conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of the reported memoir "Slip." Mallory bravely shares her journey from the traumatic loss of her mother at age 11 to a decades-long struggle with anorexia, binge-restrict cycles, and the often-overlooked "middle place" of recovery. Discover three key takeaways: why we need to redefine recovery as "better, not all better," how grief and perfectionism can manifest as disordered eating, and the surprising warning signs of eating disorders...
2025-11-0744 minEvery Soul Has A StoryOvercoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill SantopoloWhat if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in...
2025-10-2238 minEvery Soul Has A StoryOn Healing and Legacy Through Fiction: Rachel Caplin’s Soul-Stirring StoryWhat happens when a tech executive discovers writing as therapy for processing her grandmother's dementia? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan converses with Rachel Caplin—VP of Business Development, mother of three, and author of "The Spoon and the Sea." Rachel shares her incredible journey from Australia to Israel, how she met her husband in a destined encounter, and why writing fiction became her unexpected path to healing. Discover how writing helped Rachel process grief, why she initially never intended to publish her book, and how current events in Israel inspired her se...
2025-10-1545 minEvery Soul Has A StoryWriting Your Way Home: Julie Fingersh on Her "Accidental" Memoir 'Stay'Discover the memoir writing journey of Julie Fingersh, an award-winning journalist turned "accidental author" of Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas. Named a People Magazine Best Memoir, Julie reveals how midlife crisis, empty nesting, and buried family secrets ignited her bestselling book. Learn why she stopped writing for 30 years—and how radical truth-telling healed her. What happens when publishing success isn’t enough? Unlock universal lessons on creativity, resilience, and finding your voice. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 0:22 - Julie’s accidental author origin 1:17...
2025-10-0632 minEvery Soul Has A StoryAuthor Lynne Golodner on Writing, Judaism & Self-DiscoveryWhat does it take to live a life of purpose and radiance? Author and entrepreneur Lynne Golodner joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on finding meaning through human connection. Lynne shares her transformative journey from seeking external validation to embracing self-empowerment, the pivotal role of her solo travels after divorce, and how she weaves her Jewish identity into her novels for a wide audience. Discover the power of listening to your inner voice, why it's never too late to pursue your passion, and how our deepest wounds can become sources of wisdom. This episode is packed with insights on...
2025-09-2929 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Cari FundHow do you break generational patterns when you had no healthy models to follow? In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes Cari Fund, an advocate for women's empowerment and healing from generational trauma. Cari doesn't hold back. From recognizing toxic patterns at just 14 years old to her current work with her Surviving Roots podcast, she shares her journey with narcissistic parents and the difficult decision to establish boundaries. "I took back the f@#$ing pen," she declares, perfectly capturing her determination to rewrite her narrative despite family pressure and societal judgment. What...
2025-04-1541 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Gila PfefferWhat happens when the preventative surgery you chose to avoid cancer reveals you already have it? In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara Levan welcomes author Gila Pfeffer, whose memoir "Nearly Departed" chronicles her journey through losing both parents to cancer at a young age and her own battle with breast cancer. With refreshing candor and signature wit, Gila shares how her Orthodox Jewish identity shaped her experiences and how becoming a mother to four children galvanized her commitment to preventative healthcare - ultimately saving her life when a preventative mastectomy revealed aggressive cancer.
2025-04-0839 minEvery Soul Has A StoryThe Unexpected Teachers: Daphne Gregory-Thomas on Learning Life's Hardest LessonsWhat if your greatest challenges were actually your most profound teachers? In this soul-stirring conversation, educator and writer Daphne Gregory-Thomas weaves together the threads of loss, resilience, and transformation through her journey as an innovative educator, cancer survivor, and storyteller. Her narrative illuminates how life's greatest challenges often become our most profound teachers, from early maternal loss to creating groundbreaking educational programs for students with learning differences, and ultimately facing her own mortality through cancer diagnosis and recovery. Through her raw authenticity and deep wisdom, Daphne reveals how staying open to life's lessons - whether they come...
2025-02-1227 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Sheila AthensIn what ways did author Sheila Athens transform her personal grief into a powerful source of resilience and creativity, leading to the release of her third novel?In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes novelist Sheila Athens to share her inspiring journey from a corporate HR executive to a successful author. Sheila recounts her early passion for writing, which was reignited in her 40s after a serendipitous NPR ad and the support of her husband. Sheila's HR background had quite an impact on her storytelling, offering a unique perspective on human behavior...
2025-01-1626 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Emily BleekerWhy is the fight against book banning so crucial for maintaining diverse viewpoints, and how can literature empower us to embrace empathy and understanding? In this episode of "Every Soul Has a Story," host Dara Levan welcomes bestselling author Emily Bleeker. This episode is a must-listen for writers and book enthusiasts as it delves into the art of weaving historical truths into fiction, a technique brilliantly showcased in Bleeker's latest novel, "Once We Were Enemies," inspired by her grandmother's wartime experiences. You’ll hear Bleker and Levan offer a critical examination of media bias, and advocate for open acce...
2024-12-1726 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Sarahlyn BruckHow did author and writing teacher Sarahlyn Bruck’s journey through unexpected twists and turns in the publishing world lead to her ultimate success as an author? Today host Dara Levan welcomes Sarahlyn Bruck to discuss the intricate paths of the publishing world. Sarahlyn’s setbacks, and ultimate success, reveal her belief in the power of perseverance and the crucial role of timing in the industry. Sarahlyn candidly shares her experiences with various publishing houses and the significance of persistence. You’ll hear her views on feedback and encouragement as a writer, the intersection of writing and past careers...
2024-12-0929 min
Surviving Roots: A Crash Course in Turning Pain into PotentialHealing From Toxic Family Cycles: Breaking Generational Patterns Through FictionDara Levan is an author and storyteller who explores resilience, healing, and the power of connection in her work. Known for her podcast "Every Soul Has a Story," Dara uses her writing and podcast to foster genuine conversations on topics like breaking cycles, family dynamics and self discovery. In her debut novel, It Could Be Worse, she delves into themes of toxic parenting, healing, and redefining personal narratives. Dara lives in South Florida, where she draws inspiration from her family, community work, and a love of transformative storytelling.
2024-11-1347 min
A Certain AgeReflections On Being Jewish Now with Authors Zibby Owens, Dara Levan and Joanna RakoffAfter the attacks of October 7, 2023, Zibby Owens, the bestselling author, podcaster, publisher, and book influencer reached out to Jewish writers and advocates and asked them to contribute essays to an anthology, “On Being Jewish Now.” In the essay collection, 75 writers share heartfelt reflections that reveal the Jewish experience across a range of snapshots—faith, family, food, and a shared history of both joy and trauma stretching across millennia. In this powerful and moving episode, host Katie Fogarty is joined by Zibby Owens and two essay contributors, authors Dara Levan (It Could be Worse) and Joanna Rakoff (My Salinger Year). Each s...
2024-11-0445 min
Every Soul Has A StoryGuest Andra WatkinsWe all live with the possibility that we won’t wake up one day, but not everyone is consciously aware of that fact. Today’s guest lives with a daily reminder of her mortality. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Andra Watkins, a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating writing and soul-stirring speeches. Andra, who has navigated the waves of adversity with unwavering resilience and turned her life into an adventurous journey, offered us an enlightening conversation about life, growth, and self-discovery. Andra discusses her challenging circumstances and the path she’s forged. She was diagn...
2024-10-1629 min
Record Scratch with KaraIT COULD BE WORSE with Author Dara LevanFormer journalist and speech therapist, Dara Levan adds "author" to her growing list of creative outlets. She is a journalist, blogger, author, and podcaster — among other things — including wife and mother, and loves the summers she spent during her youth at Interlochen. A graduate of Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), writing a novel is the last thing Dara ever thought she'd do. IT COULD BE WORSE is her first, and certainly not her last. IT COULD BE WORSE is a fictional tale of identifying and coping with narcissism (this is an oversimplification of this book — I highly...
2024-10-0320 minEvery Soul Has A StoryWhat I’ve Learned About Life and More Since My Book Launch!Bringing my first book to life felt like an emotional adventure akin to childbirth—filled with excitement, challenges, and profound self-discovery. In this heartfelt solo episode of "Every Soul Has a Story", I share about the intense journey of editing, revising, and ultimately letting go of my "book baby". With poignant advice from a dear friend guiding me, I reflect on the incredible personal and professional growth I’ve experienced over the past six months. A highlight I cherish deeply is the warmth and acceptance I felt at my initial big book event in Miami, where my friend, Brad Meltzer, intr...
2024-09-2511 minEvery Soul Has A StoryGuest Katie Rose PryalWhat does it mean to receive an autism diagnosis in your 40s? Today’s guest, Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D., shares her unique journey of navigating life with a late autism diagnosis—an experience surprisingly common, particularly among women. Katie is an accomplished author, mental health advocate, professor, and mother who brings a rich blend of personal and professional expertise to the conversation. Diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and autism, she has become a powerful voice in the mental health and neurodiversity communities. Katie has authored several influential books, including A Light in the Tower: A New Reck...
2024-09-1138 minEvery Soul Has A StoryEvery Soul Has a Story_ Revival TrailerThe journey of “Every Soul Has a Story” began with an unexpected Instagram Live session during the early COVID-19 lockdown. These impromptu conversations, born out of a need for connection, have grown into a sanctuary for authentic dialogues. This season opener is a heartfelt recounting of my personal challenges, including an unexpected surgery and the profound loss of loved ones. It’s a testament to the power of embracing life's raw and imperfect moments, which have become the cornerstone of this podcast. We're kicking off this season with stories that embody resilience and authenticity. Joining us are Katie Rose Prya...
2024-09-0310 min
Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship#100 - The Magic of Camp Friends with Dara LevanThey say camp friends are the best friends. Why? At camp there are no screens, you take risks, parents aren't breathing down your back, and the magic ingredients of endless hours + constant proximity make it possible to create intense, close bonds with kids your age.In this special episode of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, I have voicemails from campers and former campers ages 15-50, and I have a fantastic in-depth discussion about the highs (and lows) of camp friendships with author, Dara Levan, whose new novel, It Could Be Worse, features an important...
2024-06-1340 min
Ocean House Author Series05-18-24 New York Times bestselling authors Susannah Marren, Laura Zigman, and Dara Levan - Ocean House Author SeriesJoin Ocean House owner, actor, and bestselling author Deborah Goodrich Royce for a conversation with New York Times bestselling authors Susannah Marren, Laura Zigman, and Dara Levan, who will be discussing their novels, new in paperback.
About the Authors:
Susannah Marren is the author of Between the Tides, A Palm Beach Wife, A Palm Beach Scandal, and Maribelle’s Shadow. Susannah has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Elle, and Marie Claire and has appeared on national television, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN...
2024-05-2258 min
Enjoy Amazing Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Coming of AgeIt Could Be Worse by Dara LevanPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/751981to listen full audiobooks.
Title: It Could Be Worse
Author: Dara Levan
Narrator: Shaina Summerville
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hours 10 minutes
Release date: March 19, 2024
Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 2
Ratings of Narrator: 2 of Total 1
Genres: Coming of Age
Publisher's Summary:
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she...
2024-03-2011h 10Feel Into A Ground-Breaking Full Audiobook While Traveling.It Could Be Worse by Dara LevanPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/751981to listen full audiobooks.
Title: It Could Be Worse
Author: Dara Levan
Narrator: Shaina Summerville
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hours 10 minutes
Release date: March 19, 2024
Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 2
Ratings of Narrator: 2 of Total 1
Genres: Religious Fiction
Publisher's Summary:
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew...
2024-03-1911h 10Listen To The Immersive Full Audiobook Now, Curious Minds!It Could Be Worse by Dara LevanPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/751981to listen full audiobooks.
Title: It Could Be Worse
Author: Dara Levan
Narrator: Shaina Summerville
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hours 10 minutes
Release date: March 19, 2024
Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 2
Ratings of Narrator: 2 of Total 1
Genres: Coming of Age
Publisher's Summary:
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she...
2024-03-1911h 10
Download High-Quality Full Audiobooks in Fiction, DramaIt Could Be Worse by Dara LevanPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/751981 to listen full audiobooks. Title: It Could Be Worse Author: Dara Levan Narrator: Shaina Summerville Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 11 hours 10 minutes Release date: March 19, 2024 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 2 Ratings of Narrator: 2 of Total 1 Genres: Drama Publisher's Summary: Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew...
2024-03-1930 minExplore the Latest Full Audiobooks in Religion & Spirituality, Religious FictionIt Could Be Worse by Dara LevanPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/751981to listen full audiobooks.
Title: It Could Be Worse
Author: Dara Levan
Narrator: Shaina Summerville
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hours 10 minutes
Release date: March 19, 2024
Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 2
Ratings of Narrator: 2 of Total 1
Genres: Religious Fiction
Publisher's Summary:
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew...
2024-03-1911h 10
Read The Damn BookIt Could Be Worse with Dara Levan In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Dara Levan to discuss her debut novel, It Could Be Worse. The two delve deep into the themes of resilience and authenticity throughout Dara’s work and her unique journey from a speech therapist to a published author. They also touch on the importance of maintaining long-lasting friendships and the value of self-discovery. What we’re talking about The Power of Resilience The Importance of Authenticity The Value of Long-Lasting Friendships The Power...
2024-03-1232 min
Totally Booked with ZibbyDara Levan, IT COULD BE WORSEPurchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4ccIP7SShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books.
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2024-03-1229 min
Author Provocateur with Josie BrownDara Levan - IT COULD BE WORSEIT COULD BE WORSE, Dara Levan's heartbreaking debut novel, is a tour de force chronicling a woman's journey through the anxieties, trials, and tribulations with pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood—all the while addressing one parent's toxic narcissism and the other's enabling of it. Despite the dark circumstances that propel her protagonist Allegra's anxieties and fear, Levan provides the necessary crises that provoke several insightful reckonings and allows her to open up to her husband and friends. But it is Allegra's own unique parenting skills that provide needed proof that clarity comes at all ages and...
2024-03-1129 minEvery Soul Has A Story64. Guest Michelle Cameron 10-23-23Today’s guest is author, poet, editor, and writing teacher Michelle Cameron. Michelle is also a director of The Writers Circle, which offers creative writing instruction to adults and kids. She recently published her fourth novel, Babylon: a novel of Jewish Captivity, which is published by Wicked Son Books. In this episode, Michelle joins the conversation to share how she learned that we can't always predict our paths for ourselves or our children. She talks about her experiences with four different publishing houses, adapting to unexpected changes, and why both patience and persistence are important. Michelle also delves in...
2023-10-2323 minEvery Soul Has A Story63. Guest Elizabeth Sumner Wafler 9-18-23Today’s guest is author Elizabeth Sumner Wafler. She recently published her fourth novel, A Cleft in the World. In this episode, Elizabeth shares how she learned that her grandfather was Jewish when she was 50 years old. Elizabeth talks about her childhood, sharing she grew up in “an insular world and provincial community” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She talked about how her family in the ‘60s swept controversial or topics perceived as embarrassing under the rug. We laughed as we bantered about our mutual love of Yiddish, an endearing language, and that she and her cousins enjoy exchanging Rosh Hashanah cards.
2023-09-1823 min
Every Soul Has A Story63. Guest Elizabeth Sumner Wafler 9-18-23Today’s guest is author Elizabeth Sumner Wafler. She recently published her fourth novel, A Cleft in the World. In this episode, Elizabeth shares how she learned that her grandfather was Jewish when she was 50 years old. Elizabeth talks about her childhood, sharing she grew up in “an insular world and provincial community” in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She talked about how her family in the ‘60s swept controversial or topics perceived as embarrassing under the rug. We laughed as we bantered about our mutual love of Yiddish, an endearing language, and that she and her cousins enjoy exchanging Rosh Hashanah cards.
2023-09-1823 minEvery Soul Has A Story62. Guest Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg 9-12-23It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has experienced life in two vastly different environments. Today’s guest is @jennifer.anglade.dahlberg, who recently published her fourth novel, A Norn In Bloom. A New York native and former executive recruiter, Jennifer experienced a significant turning point after falling in love and moving to Sweden. Learn how Jennifer adjusted to a new country, language, and culture. Jennifer talks about her career shift, her publishing journey, and being true to yourself.We chatted about authenticity on and off the page, what inspires Jennifer, and how she...
2023-09-1241 minEvery Soul Has A Story62. Guest Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg 9-12-23It’s not every day you get to chat with someone who has experienced life in two vastly different environments. Today’s guest is Jennifer Anglade Dahlberg, who recently published her fourth novel, A Norn In Bloom. A New York native and former executive recruiter, Jennifer experienced a significant turning point after falling in love and moving to Sweden. Learn how Jennifer adjusted to a new country, language, and culture. Jennifer talks about her career shift, her publishing journey, and being true to yourself. We chatted about authenticity on and off the page, what inspires Jennifer, and how she...
2023-09-1241 minEvery Soul Has A Story61. Guest Jennifer Vido 7-20-23Jennifer Vido is the author of the Piper O'Donnell Social Lite Mystery series, a mystery and romance author with a love for all things cozy. When a twist of fate landed Jennifer at the "Reading with Ripa” roundtable discussion with Kelly Ripa and Meg Cabot, her entrée into the publishing world officially began. As an avid book lover, she blogs about bestselling book releases and writes the Jen’s Jewels author interview column for FreshFiction.com. She also is a certified copy editor. A longtime Romance Writers of America member, she recently began penning the Gull Island Series with The W...
2023-07-2021 minEvery Soul Has A Story60. Guest May Cobb 7-13-23What an honest, heartfelt, and profound conversation. Loved chatting with @May Cobb May is the author of MY SUMMER DARLINGS, THE HUNTING WIVES and BIG WOODS. Originally from East Texas, May moved to San Francisco where she studied Victorian Literature; then she lived in Los Angeles for a few years working for filmmaker/writer Ron Shelton and his wife, the actress Lolita Davidovich. She resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and son where she says, “I enjoy napping, staring into space, making to-do lists for my to-do lists, shoveling cookies down my throat when I'm writing a pa...
2023-07-1327 minEvery Soul Has A Story59. Guest Rob Schwartz 6-17-23What a lively, heartwarming conversation with Rob Schwartz! We chatted about Rob’s late father, Morrie, his childhood memories, and the indelible impact of Morrie’s wisdom on his family and the world. The book Tuesdays With Morrie touched my heart in the 1990s and has stayed there ever since. Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others. He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan and has been an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine since 2008. In 2005 he f...
2023-06-1740 minEvery Soul Has A Story58. Guest Corie Adjmi 6-8-23Corie Adjmi is the author of the short story collection Life and Other Shortcomings, which won an International Book Award, an IBPA Benjamin Franklin award, and an American Fiction Award. Her prize-winning essays and short stories have appeared in dozens of journals and magazines, including HuffPost, North American Review, Indiana Review, Medium, Motherwell and Kveller. She’s been featured in Travel and Leisure, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Times, Parade and BuzzFeed. Her novel, The Marriage Box, was named a Must-Read New Book of 2022 on Katie Couric Media. When she is not writing, Corie does volunteer work, cooks, draws, bikes an...
2023-06-0835 minEvery Soul Has A Story57. Guest Jennifer Rosner 6-1-23Loved chatting with Jennifer Rosner is the author of the novels ONCE WE WERE HOME and THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS, a National Jewish Book Award finalist in debut fiction and book club and a Massachusetts Fiction Honors Book. She is also author of the memoir IF A TREE FALLS: A FAMILY'S QUEST TO HEAR AND BE HEARD, and the children's book, THE MITTEN STRING, a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable.Jennifer's books have been translated into a dozen languages. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Times of Israel, The Massachusetts Review, The Forward, and...
2023-06-0126 minEvery Soul Has A Story56. Guest Julie Chavez 5-18-23Many mothers can relate to juggling kids and careers, and Julie Chavez is no exception. An elementary school librarian, mother, and writer, Julie experienced her first panic attack at the age of thirty-eight. She had a happy life, a solid marriage, and a fulfilling job. What could possibly be the matter? Julie’s upcoming memoir, Everyone But Myself, explores this difficult time period and her journey back to a healthier, balanced life. Julie “writes to explore the joys and impossibilities of mothering and modern womanhood.” Her writing has been featured in Zibby Owens’s “Moms Don’t Have Time to Writ...
2023-05-1831 minEvery Soul Has A Story55. Guest Joanna Rakoff 5-12-2023I loved connecting with guest Joanna Rakoff on today's Every Soul Has a Story episode. Joanna is the author of the international bestselling memoir My Salinger Year and the bestselling novel A Fortunate Age, winner of the Goldberg Prize for Fiction and the Elle Readers’ Prize. Rakoff’s books have been translated into twenty languages, and the film adaptation of My Salinger Year opened in theaters worldwide in 2021 and is now streaming. She has been the recipient of fellowships and residencies from MacDowell, Sewanee, Authors’ Guild, PEN, Ragdale Foundation, Art, and Saltonstall; and has taught at Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and As...
2023-05-1257 minEvery Soul Has A Story54. Live with Allison Hong Merrill 3-23-2023Allison Hong Merrill is a self-professed loveaholic. We discussed living, loving, and letting go. And how the choices we make to find joy come from within. A Taiwanese immigrant, she is an award-winning & bestselling author who shares her Chinese culture with strong storytelling skills to create empowering memoirs, to build understanding and love. Allison has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and writes in both Chinese and English, both fiction and nonfiction. Her work appears in The New York Times and has won both national and international literary awards. Her debut memoir, Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops, launched...
2023-03-2340 minEvery Soul Has A Story53. Live with Jessica Fein on 3-15-2023We will chat about how we find joy even in grief and loss. Jessica is a fellow writer and podcaster. Her daughter Dalia was diagnosed with an ultra-rare disease, MERRF Syndrome. At 9, Dalia lost her ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe without the assistance of a ventilator. Jessica had to figure out how to navigate day-to-day life with a severely ill child while attempting to retain some sense of normalcy for her three children, a happy marriage, and job as vice president of a billion-dollar global company. Along the way, Jessica became a fierce advocate, a nurse...
2023-03-1849 minEvery Soul Has A Story52. Live with Sariah Wilson on 3-15-2023USA Today Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance.What an insightful, honest conversation. Sariah shared about her incredible publishing journey, parenting four kids, and much more.
2023-03-1836 minEvery Soul Has A Story51. Live with Jen Salk on 2-7-2023Tune in for our conversation about self love, mental health, and the healing power of vulnerability.We talked about thriving after childhood trauma, living authentically, self love, feeling all the feels, finding the right therapist, and not giving up.
2023-03-1726 minEvery Soul Has A Story50. Live with Lauri Schoenfeld on 1-26-2023A Utah-based author, Lauri is an inspiring speaker and frequent guest with writing groups, podcasts, and business, talking about art, embracing fears, and learning to love yourself after abuse.She’s the owner of Inner Enlightenment and is a child abuse advocate. Her business helps people connect with their inner light and child within. We talked about thriving after childhood abuse, living authentically, breaking the cycle, finding and using your voice, self love, and much more!
2023-03-1744 minEvery Soul Has A Story49. Live with Alexander Star on 1-19-2023An Emmy-nominated songwriter, performer, and impact artist, Alexander merges music with social impact. Based in South Florida, he’s done Super Bowl campaigns and United Nations collaborations to primetime TV and international features!Through strategic partnerships with other impactors, Star has performed in 10+ countries and has even helped 500+ teens in foster care write & record original music via his proprietary “Impact Songwriting” workshops.
2023-03-1743 minEvery Soul Has A Story48. Live with Sweta Vikram on 12-21-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with guest @swetavikram.Sweta is an international speaker, bestselling author, and Ayurveda-based Health & Mindset Coach in New York City who is committed to helping people thrive on their own terms. She has a background in eastern and western nutrition/wellness is an award-winning wellness changemaker who graduated from Columbia University and studied with Dr. Vasant Lad (the man credited for bringing Ayurveda to the US).Voted “One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times” and winner of the “Voices of the Year” award (past recipients include Chelsea Clinton), Sweta has dedicated...
2022-12-2340 minEvery Soul Has A Story47. Live with Tina Guiler on 12-14-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with guest Lieutenant Tina Guiler. What began as a Facebook group, Triple F has grown to 7,000 members in 56 countries.Triple F stands for Fierce Female First Responders, The Triple F Foundation was founded in 2020 by its president, Miami-Dade Lieutenant Tina Guiler.In 2018, while serving as a firefighter/paramedic, Tina learned the devastating effects of occupational cancer first hand. Determined to lighten the load of others in similar circumstances she decided to form a foundation to help.Tina’s mission and her organization support front line first responders dealing with the...
2022-12-1729 minEvery Soul Has A Story46. Live with Barri Leiner Grant on 12-13-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE with guest Barri Grant @thememorycircle. Barri, chief grief officer ®, has combined her background as a yoga and meditation teacher with a personal mission to heal and help the bereaved.We had an honest, evocative conversation about all types of grief, showing up for loved ones, and we shared our own personal experiences.Barri offered suggestions for coping with loss, the spectrum of emotions that arise, especially during the holiday season, and much more.Barri founded The Memory Circle to make the grief cycle a shared experience. Learning to li...
2022-12-1740 minEvery Soul Has A Story45. Live with Lisa Steinke and Liz Fenton on 12-8-2022What a fun, lively, and connective conversation! In case you missed today’s Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE, watch it HERE! (We missed you @lizfenton1 ) but Lisa @lisaandliz shared your publishing and friendship journey.💜 Liz and Lisa have been best friends for over three decades and survived high school and college together. They’ve co-authored seven novels, including the Amazon Charts bestseller, The Good Widow. Their forthcoming book, Forever Hold Your Peace, will be published on July 11, 2023. 💜 In addition to writing books, they created a podcast, We Fight So You Don’t Have to: Lessons from a thirty...
2022-12-1744 minEvery Soul Has A Story44. LIVE with Barbara Linn Probst on 12-1-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with Barbara Linn Probst.Barbara has been a teacher, therapist, qualitative researcher, educational advocate, "serious amateur" pianist, and full-time mom. She’s also run a not-for-profit organization, mentored PhD students, counseled families, done webinars and radio interviews on how to nurture out-of-the-box children.Her eclectic careers had something important in common—they were always about storytelling and creating a story of who one is (or who one’s child is). And the power of creating new narratives.We also chatted about writing! And what it was like to write her lat...
2022-12-0541 minEvery Soul Has A Story43. LIVE with Leigh Shulman on 11-29-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with Leigh Shulman. Leigh is a writing mentor and she currently teaches at The Workshop, her online writing community. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, New York Times, and Vox among others, and her book The Writer's Roadmap: Paving the Way To Your Ideal Writing Life has helped hundreds of writers find their way in the writing world. She currently lives in Argentina with her family.We talked about narcissism, family dynamics, and the holidays. Leigh recommended her favorite books about setting boundaries.We also chatted about w...
2022-12-0541 minEvery Soul Has A Story42. LIVE with Cindy Muchnick on 10-10-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVEwith guest @parentcompass Cindy Muchnick.Cindy is an author, speaker, and educational consultant. She discussed her journey family building. And the many paths that have led to her life today. We talked about how geography and family loyalties are impacted.We also chatted about enjoying our older kids as young adults and how parenting shifts during these years. Cindy delved into fascinating areas of parenting. And we spoke from the heart about our own personal growth moments as parents, partners, and human beings.
2022-11-1134 minEvery Soul Has A Story41. LIVE with Julianna Miner on 10-13-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with Julianna Miner.Julianna Miner is the author of a book about raising kids in the tech age called Raising a Screen Smart Kid. She’s a mom of three and also a blogger formerly known as Rants from Mommyland.We discussed parenting, ADHD, anxiety, and Julianna’s love/hate relationship with social media. We chatted about self regulation and boundaries regarding when to engage or take a break. Not just on social, but also in group chats as well. What a meaningful, insightful conversation!
2022-11-0344 minEvery Soul Has A Story40. LIVE with Rea Frey on 9-29-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE hosted by Dara Levan with guest Rea Frey!What an insightful chat! Thank you, Rea, for sharing your inspiring story. I loved our conversation. Listen here.We discussed social media, turning off to tune into ourselves, healing modalities, creating, publishing paths, podcasting, boundaries, parenthood, and so much more.
2022-09-2943 minEvery Soul Has A Story39. LIVE with Meredith Schorr on 9-21-2022Every Soul Has A Story® Podcast hosted by Dara Levan with guest Meredith Schorr! We chatted about romance, writing inspiration, authenticity on and off the page—and lots of laughter in between! A born and bred New Yorker and “lifelong daydreamer,” Meredith fueled her passion for writing everything from restaurant reviews, original birthday cards, and even work-related emails into a career penning romantic comedies. When she’s not writing books filled with grand gestures and hard-earned happily-ever-afters or working as a trademark paralegal, she’s most often reading, running, or watching TV…for research, of course. Meredith’s trade paperback...
2022-09-2938 min
Moms Don't Have Time to Move and ShakeHow Childhood Trauma Affects Body Image and Self-Worth as an AdultDara Levan — writer, podcaster, and founder of Every Soul Has a Story — chats with guest and fellow mom, Stephanie Justine. A Pilates master trainer, dancer, and owner of Studio 108 in Vermont, Stephanie shares her journey with eating disorders, self-worth, coming out, and loving ourselves at all ages. In our candid conversation, we chatted about not only accepting, but also celebrating, who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2022-09-1530 minEvery Soul Has A Story38. LIVE with Jean Melzter on 8-4-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE With guest Jean Meltzer. Grateful for our honest, heartwarming conversation! We discussed Jean’s journey with chronic illness, anxiety, truths in fiction, Judaism, and much more. Jean’s authenticity and joy is a gift she shares with such a generous spirit. In her novels, THE MATZAH BALL and the upcoming MR. PERFECT ON PAPER, are rom-coms filled with heartwarming, hilarious characters.
2022-08-1226 minEvery Soul Has A Story37. Maggie Giles (LIVE) on 7-26-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE With guest Maggie Giles 💜 What a connective, fascinating conversation! Thank you @maggiegiles_ for sharing your journey, discovery about , being , social media, and your zest for life! 💜 Maggie is a Canadian author who enjoys creating new connections and experiencing new opportunities. Her writing interests span across various genres, but focus women’s fiction with thriller elements. 💜 Her debut novel, The Things We Lost, was released by Rising Action Publishing Collective in April 2022. Her sophomore novel Twisted will be released by Rising Action Publishing Collective Fall 2023.
2022-08-0131 minEvery Soul Has A Story36. Nina Badzin (LIVE) on 7-21-2022Every Soul Has A Story® Podcast hosted by Dara Levan with guest, Nina Badzin. Nina and I discussed one of my favorite topics — FRIENDSHIP. We talked about boundaries, navigating social media, parenting, and how relationships evolve.Unfiltered conversation. Real talk in real time.
2022-07-2234 minEvery Soul Has A Story35. Darcey Gohring (LIVE) on 6-29-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE Guest @darcey_gohring_writer 💜 Thank you, Darcey, for a raw, unfiltered conversation. We discussed why it’s healthy, and sometimes necessary, to cut ties with abusive family members. We also chatted about navigating false narratives and pressure from others. And also that we always have a choice—to stay or leave. 💜 Darcey’s candor and courage inspired me to share a bit of my own journey today. (It is the first time I’ve ever done so.). 💜 Darcey is a writer, essayist, and host of the Moms Don’t Have Time To online writing community. She is a...
2022-07-0122 minEvery Soul Has A StoryDarcey Gohring (LIVE) on 6-29-2022Every Soul Has a Story LIVE Guest @darcey_gohring_writer 💜 Thank you, Darcey, for a raw, unfiltered conversation. We discussed why it’s healthy, and sometimes necessary, to cut ties with abusive family members. We also chatted about navigating false narratives and pressure from others. And also that we always have a choice—to stay or leave. 💜 Darcey’s candor and courage inspired me to share a bit of my own journey today. (It is the first time I’ve ever done so.). 💜 Darcey is a writer, essayist, and host of the Moms Don’t Have Time To online writing community. She is a...
2022-07-0126 minEvery Soul Has A Story34. C. D'Angelo (LIVE) on 6-14-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE With guest @c.dangelo.author What a fun, insightful conversation! Thank you to C D’Angelo for tonight’s discussion about self-care, self publishing, working as full-time mental health counselor and so much more. And if you’re wondering why I am wearing a hat, listen to our hilarious conversation!
2022-06-2026 minEvery Soul Has A Story33. Meghan Riordan Jarvis, LCSW (LIVE) on 5-25-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVEWith guest @meghan.riordan.jarvis @griefismysidehustleLast night I texted Meghan at 9:30. I sensed like many of us she was wide awake. Processing. Grieving. Feeling. And providing support not only to her own family but her clients as well.I wrote, “Are you feeling spontaneous?”“What do you mean by that?” she replied.I asked her if she’d jump on my Every Soul Has a Story LIVE podcast today. She said she wished she could but she’s booked solid. Then, a rainbow in this horrific...
2022-05-2725 minEvery Soul Has A Story32. Natalie Silverstein (LIVE) on 5-14-2022REAL TALK IN REAL TIME. Every Soul Has A Story® with guest Natalie Silverstein @simpleactsguide We chatted about mothers, mothering, grief, and being honest about the person we’ve lost even if it’s a complicated relationship. We also talked about service, kindness, and showing up for others. What an honest, lively conversation. Thank you, Natalie.
2022-05-1730 minEvery Soul Has A Story31. Robert Gwaltney Jr (LIVE) on 4-9-2022Every Soul Has A Story® with Robert Gwaltney. Dara Levan chats with Robert Gwaltney Jr. Author an advocate for early childhood literacy. Robert shared about his publishing journey, losing his sister at a young age, growing up as one of “four feral boys” in a small Georgia town, and balancing his writing life with a full-time job at Easter Seals of Atlanta. And we chatted about Robert’s stunning debut novel, “The Cicada Tree.”This is our second conversation in three days. And the first ever Saturday morning EVERY SOUL HAS A STORY LIVE. We didn’t plan to chat twice...
2022-04-1243 minEvery Soul Has A Story30. Steven Rowley (LIVE) on 3-24-2022Dara Levan chats with Steven Rowley on Every Soul Has A Story® Podcast. They talk about grieving (humans and pets), overcoming challenges, rejection in publishing, and Steven’s passion for telling poignant, witty, and heartwarming stories.Steven is the author of bestselling book LILY AND THE OCTOPUS, THE EDITOR, and his latest novel, THE GUNCLE. His writing has been published in twenty languages. His works are in development stages of being made into feature films.Steven has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson Col...
2022-03-2740 minEvery Soul Has A Story29. Alison Hammer (LIVE) on 3-22-2022Every Soul Has A Story®. Dara Levan chats with author and blogger, Alison Hammer!If you missed our conversation, you can watch it here! Alison and I chatted about balancing a full-time job and author life. We also discussed #jewishcommunity #jewishbooks and the power of stories that empower, educate, and lift up others. And “protecting the flame,” which is Alison’s mantra for 2022.Alison is co-writing an upcoming book with @bradeighgodfrey, which will release in June! Check out their process and journey at @alibradybooks.
2022-03-2330 minEvery Soul Has A Story28. Maggie Smith (LIVE) on 3-3-2022Every Soul Has A Story® LIVE episode with guest @maggiesmithwrites.Maggie is a former psychologist and CEO/founder of a national art consulting company. In 2017 she pursued her dream to become a full-time writer. Maggie is also the host of “Hear Us Roar," a podcast for the Women's Fiction Writers Association. Her debut novel, TRUTH AND OTHER LIES, will be released next week. The novel is at its heart about how, at a formative age, young women often pattern themselves after someone older and seemingly wiser and how that choice can affect the trajectory of their lives.
2022-03-0540 min