Shows
Handson Coaching: Inspiring ConversationsJohn DeDakis - When Life Writes the Story, and Why Writing What Hurts HelpsWhen Life Writes the Story for You, and Why Writing What Hurts HelpsThinking about how often we talk about resilience as something we build deliberately. Skills we develop. Mindsets we choose.But life does not always wait for us to be ready. Sometimes it writes chapters we never planned to include.Loss, disruption, grief, moments that change the direction of the story without asking for permission. And yet, for some people, those moments do not become the end of the story. They become the place where meaning starts to form.That question has been...
2026-02-051h 06
Pete Vs Anxiety!!!!!From Journalism to Novels: A Story of GriefSummaryIn this episode, journalist and author John DeDakis shares his journey from journalism to writing novels, discussing the impact of personal loss and the importance of mental health conversations. He reflects on his experiences covering significant events, the evolution of journalism, and how writing has served as a therapeutic outlet for his grief. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of understanding addiction and its consequences.TakeawaysJohn DeDakis transitioned from a potential career in law to journalism due to his desire to...
2026-02-0248 min
Qonversations: Powered by Quantuvos153: GriefIn this episode of Qonversations, John DeDakis, former Senior Copy Editor for CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," novelist, and writing coach, joins host Brian Gorman to explore grief. While John shares his personal experiences of loss, the conversation widens to a larger truth: grief is universal. Everyone carries it at some point through loss of people, pets, roles, health, or identity. Because of that, grief inevitably enters the workplace. Brian and John explore how unacknowledged grief affects energy, focus, morale, and engagement, and why leaders can no longer afford to treat grief as something that happens outs...
2026-01-2932 min
Created in the Image of GodTruth, Fiction & the Newsroom with John DeDakis | Created In The Image of God 216Every day, headlines claim to tell “the truth,” while fiction invites readers into stories that never happened. John DeDakis has spent a lifetime moving between those worlds. As a former White House correspondent and CNN editor, he covered real events in real time during the Reagan years. As an award‑winning mystery‑thriller author, he now transforms that experience into stories that let readers feel the pressure, danger, and moral tension of life behind the scenes.In this episode, John unpacks the relationship between facts, narrative, and the search for truth. He describes daily journalism as a mosaic of “small t” t...
2026-01-281h 24
BruCast#130 - Healing through Writing, Alfred Hitchcock & the USA Political state - John DedakisJohn Dedakis is a journalist-turned-novelist and writing coach who draws on 45 years of reporting, personal grief, and loss to craft political thrillers and guide others in using writing as a tool for healing and self-expression.https://johndedakis.com/🚀 FunTastic+ is a safe and ad-free educational App for kids. 🚀🚀 Download now on the App Store! 🚀🚀 https://apple.co/45FbiSo 🚀⚡️ BUY BRUCAST MERCH ⚡️ ⚡️ https://bru-cast.com/store ⚡️💬 CHAT WITH US ON DISCORD 💬 💬 https://discord.gg/XnCDf8g3gn 💬 📱 GET THE BRUCAST...
2026-01-281h 04
EPIC Begins With 1 Step ForwardFrom CNN To Healing Words: John DeDakis On Grief, Writing, And ResilienceIn this moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague is joined by John DeDakis, former CNN editor for Wolf Blitzer, longtime journalist, novelist, writing coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they talk about grief, purpose, and healing. John shares the heartbreaking losses of his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose, and reflects on how those experiences shaped him as a man, a father, and a storyteller. They also explore the often-overlooked reality of sibling grief, the truth that pain does not disappear when you ignore it, and how writing can be a t...
2026-01-2624 min
EPIC Begins With 1 Step ForwardFrom CNN To Healing Words: John DeDakis On Grief, Writing, And ResilienceIn this moving episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, Zander Sprague is joined by John DeDakis, former CNN editor for Wolf Blitzer, longtime journalist, novelist, writing coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they talk about grief, purpose, and healing. John shares the heartbreaking losses of his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose, and reflects on how those experiences shaped him as a man, a father, and a storyteller. They also explore the often-overlooked reality of sibling grief, the truth that pain does not disappear when you ignore it, and how writing can be a tool f...
2026-01-2624 min
Bringing Life To CharactersBringing Life To Characters: Episode 59 John DeDakisMy next guest is author John DeDakis. John is an award-winning novelist, writing coach, and manuscript editor and a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels. In his most recent novel, ENEMIES DOMESTIC, protagonist Lark Chadwick is a pregnant White House press secretary at a time in the not-too-distant future when abortion is a crime and the president is a dictator. DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John...
2026-01-201h 06
Finding Your FierceThe Shift Toward Acceptance: Healing Through Grief with John DeDakisWhat if healing doesn’t come from fighting your way through grief but from accepting what is, one honest step at a time?In this powerful episode of Finding Your Fierce, host Carolyn Colleen sits down with John DeDakis: award-winning novelist, writing coach, and former Senior Copy Editor for CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer to explore the quiet, courageous work of healing through loss.John shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life: facing an existential crisis as a young man during the Vietnam War draft, choosing acceptance over resistance, and discovering only...
2026-01-1713 min
GIVE A HECK🎙️ Turning Grief Into Story: How Journalist John DeDakis Writes Through Devastating LossHave you ever wondered how life's most devastating losses can become the foundation for your greatest purpose? In this profound episode, I sit down with John DeDakis, an awardwinning novelist, journalist, and writing coach whose 45year career in journalism includes serving as a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan's presidency and working as an editor on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.John shares his remarkable journey from witnessing a cartrain collision at age nine to channeling decades of grief into six traditionally published novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery series. His raw honesty about losing...
2026-01-131h 30
Professor of Perseverance PodcastEp 296 Writing As a Way to Heal: How John DeDakis Persevere After Loss of His Sister and SonJohn DeDakis inspires people who are struggling with grief to use writing as a way to heal. Grief and loss undergird all 6 of his novels, which are derived from his sister's suicide and his son's fatal heroin overdose.
Website: https://johndedakis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.dedakis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dedakisjohn/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dedakis-4b09a34/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnDeDakis
You may also contact him through email, Jamesperduespeaks@comcast.net
2026-01-0642 min
Awaken Your Soul's JourneyHealing Grief Through Writing: A Conversation with John DedakisIn this inspiring episode of our podcast, host Angela talks with John dedakis, a novelist, writing coach, and former CNN editor. With a rich career in journalism, including a period as a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan's presidency, John shares his journey from witnessing a traumatic event in his childhood to becoming an award-winning author. They discuss how John has used writing as a therapeutic tool to cope with personal grief. The conversation delves into the power of journaling, the creative writing process, and the impact of AI on writing. John also offers insightful advice for those looking...
2025-12-2933 min
Paul Begley PodcastJohn DeDakis|PBP|48: Behind the Scenes at CNNJohn DeDakis, a former senior copy editor for CNN, shares his insights on the media landscape, the importance of accuracy in journalism, and the evolving role of AI in news reporting. He discusses the challenges of maintaining trust and credibility in an age of misinformation, the therapeutic nature of writing, and his personal experiences with grief. DeDakis emphasizes the need for skepticism in journalism and the importance of diverse sources for a well-rounded understanding of news. The discussion also touches on the impact of teleprompters on news delivery and the complexities surrounding UAP disclosure....
2025-12-171h 05
Was It Chance?John DeDakis: Interviewing Hitchcock, Writing Thrillers, and Facing FailureWe sit down with award-winning novelist and former CNN senior copy editor John DeDakis—a storyteller whose life and career have been shaped by remarkable twists of fate. From navigating the Vietnam War draft and interviewing Alfred Hitchcock as a 20-something Army broadcaster, to decades in journalism at the White House and inside CNN’s The Situation Room, John’s journey reflects both serendipity and relentless creative drive.
John shares how grief, politics, and lived experience have informed his Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense series, why he chose a young female protagonist, and how real-world events inevitably find their way in...
2025-12-1057 min
A Joyful RebellionTear Gas, Thrillers, and Truth- The Life Lessons of Journalist John DeDakisEpisode Summary
Award-winning journalist and novelist John DeDakis joins A Joyful Rebellion to talk about the craft—and catharsis—of writing. From getting tear-gassed in the middle of an anti-war riot during his college days to serving two decades as a White House correspondent and CNN senior editor, John’s 45-year journalism career shaped both his worldview and his fiction. Now, as the author of six political thrillers and a writing coach, he channels those experiences into stories that explore grief, truth, and the resilience of the human spirit.
In this conversation, host James Walters and John dive i...
2025-12-0455 min
LightMinded Arts PodcastInterview With John DeDakis: Journalist, Author, Writing Coach, and Motivational Speaker
Meet John DeDakis—veteran journalist, former CNN writer, and White House correspondent turned author and writing coach. With a six-book mystery series and decades of newsroom experience, John now helps aspiring writers transform personal stories into powerful fiction. In this episode, he shares how authenticity, grief, and life’s challenges can fuel creativity and deepen connection. Whether you're just starting out or refining your craft, John's insights will inspire you to write with purpose and passion. Explore more at johndedakis.com.
2025-11-2854 min
The MisFitNationJohn DeDakis: Journalism, Grief, and the Power of WritingIn this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with John DeDakis, former CNN journalist turned award-winning novelist, editor, writing coach, and keynote speaker.
With 45 years in journalism, including 25 years at CNN, John covered presidents, riots, and history in the making—while also facing unimaginable personal losses: his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose.
John shares how these experiences shaped his acclaimed Lark Chadwick thriller series, and how writing can become a powerful tool for healing from grief and trauma. He also pulls back the curtain on publishing—shar...
2025-11-2758 min
Where to Find Bread with Teri MurrisonNow, John DeDakis Is Really Doing It!, Season 1, Ep. 5, Part 2In Season 1, Teri focuses on extraordinary people who have followed their passions to feed their souls and accomplish things that benefit others.UPDATE: By the time this aired, he was months away from his 6th murder mystery, a book that’s since been sweeping all kinds of awards, and now he’s working on his memoir. The Energizer Bunny’s got nothing on John. Learn more here: https://johndedakis.com/May 7, 2024 John had another dream. He had a story to tell. So while working as a journalist he started writing the first of five mystery novels...
2025-11-231h 01
Where to Find Bread with Teri MurrisonJohn DeDakis Was Doing It!, Season 1, Ep. 5, Part 1In Season 1, Teri focuses on extraordinary people who have followed their passions to feed their souls and accomplish things that benefit others.UPDATE: By the time this aired, he was months away from his 6th murder mystery, a book that’s since been sweeping all kinds of awards, and now he’s working on his memoir. The Energizer Bunny’s got nothing on John. Learn more here: https://johndedakis.com/.May 7, 2024 John DeDakis had a dream. Well, he had a lot of them, but since he couldn’t be President of the United States he set his...
2025-11-2338 min
The Resilient Author with Kary YoumanWriting Through Grief: John DeDakis on Resilience, Loss, and the Power of StorytellingIf you’ve been carrying a story but don’t know where to start, I’d love to invite you to my free 5-Day Speak Your Book Challenge. Join us at https://www.voicetobook.co/challenge and let’s get your story moving.
Author and former CNN journalist John DeDakis shares his inspiring journey of turning pain into purpose through writing.
With 45 years in journalism — including interviews with Presidents Reagan and Carter — John brings depth, authenticity, and compassion to his six-book Lark Chadwick Mystery/Suspense Series.
In this conversation, John opens up about losing his sister to su...
2025-11-2035 min
Unparented: A Dead Parents Club PodcastWhat Happens When You Lose the People Who Made You?This week, I’m sitting down with journalist, author, and former CNN Senior Copy Editor John DeDakis to talk about the kind of loss that rearranges everything you think you know about yourself. John lost his mother first. Years later, he watched his father take his final breath right in front of him. He describes the aftermath as feeling “orphaned at 45,” and it became the moment that forced him to confront grief in a way he had avoided for years.
John walks through what it felt like to lose the last parent, how childhood memories hit differently once t...
2025-11-191h 03
For GoodGrief, Truth & Becoming a Better Man: John DeDakis Opens UpWhat happens when a lifetime journalist turns the camera inward? Award-winning CNN editor and author John DeDakis joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about truth, grief, mental health, and the painful losses that shaped him as a man, husband, and writer. He opens up about losing his sister and son, why men need to cry more, and how storytelling became his path toward healing. John DeDakis spent decades shaping the news at CNN — but the stories that shaped him were the ones rooted in personal loss, truth, and resilience. The award-winning journalist, no...
2025-11-1841 min
The Resilient Author with Kary YoumanWriting Through Grief with John DeDakisSend us a textIn this episode, I sit down with John DeDakis — award-winning novelist, writing coach, and former CNN Senior Copy Editor — to talk about resilience, writing through grief, and how storytelling can heal.John shares his journey from covering presidents to confronting personal loss, and how those experiences became the foundation for his Lark Chadwick Mystery/Suspense Series. We discuss the lessons he learned through rejection and perseverance, the courage it takes to face grief head-on, and how writing became both therapy and purpose.Whether you’re a writer, creati...
2025-11-1332 min
Excelsior Journeys: The Road to CreativityAuthor, Editor, Teacher, Journalist John Dedakis Introduces Us to the Spooky Power of the SubconsciousOn this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author, editor, teacher, and journalist John Dedakis. After several years behind the scenes of CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, John moved into writing his own works of fiction, and has also branched out into helping his mutual creatives through editing, speaking, and - tapping into his past - news reporting. He has also started his own podcast: "One-to-One with John Dedakis." Learn more about John by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists...
2025-11-1235 min
Step Up to the Mic!Step Up to the Mic! #007 - Journalist/ Novelist/ Writing Coach, John DedakisJoining us now is journalist, novelist, and writing coach John DeDakis [deh-DAY-kiss]. John is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." During John's 45-year career in journalism, he was a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan's presidency. John is the author of six award-winning mystery-suspense-thriller novels, plus he's a manuscript editor and motivational speaker. John's specialty is helping wannabe writers become published authors. He also inspires people struggling with grief to use writing as a way to find healing.https://johndedakis.com/Welcome to Step Up the Mic! The podcast for...
2025-11-0531 min
Late BoomersRewriting Life After 50: From Newsroom to Best-Selling Novelist with John DeDakis
What does it take to transition from a high-pressure newsroom to the world of mystery novels? And how can personal tragedy shape a writer's voice? Join us as Merry and Cathy dive into these questions with the remarkable John DeDakis, a former CNN senior copy editor turned novelist and writing coach. 🎧John shares his journey of reinvention, shedding light on how his journalism background influences his gripping Lark Chadwick series. We explore the power of writing from a different gender perspective and the therapeutic magic of turning personal pain into creative fuel. John offers invaluable advice for asp...
2025-11-0531 min
Living the Dream with CurveballFrom Newsroom to Novels: John De Dedakis on Writing, Healing, and Finding PurposeSend us a textIn this engaging episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we welcome John DeDakis, a seasoned journalist, novelist, and writing coach with an impressive 45-year career in journalism, including a notable tenure as a White House correspondent. John shares his unique journey from aspiring lawyer to accomplished writer, detailing how his experiences in the military and journalism shaped his creative voice. He discusses the evolution of journalism in the digital age, the challenges of transitioning from reporting to fiction writing, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Listeners will gain insights into his...
2025-11-0526 min
Author’s Edge: Smart visibility, marketing, and publishing strategies for experts and authorsFrom Newsroom to Novel: How Your Career Experience Makes Your Book Stand Out with John DeDakisAward-winning journalist and novelist John DeDakis joins host Allison Lane to show how your career, no matter the field, can power your book. From CNN’s breaking news desk to gripping thrillers, John shares how professional expertise makes stories believable, urgent, and unforgettable. Allison and John break down writing techniques for pacing, building suspense, tackling difficult truths, and navigating today’s publishing world.With honesty and wit, they tackle harnessing personal stories, even life’s hardest moments, and blending hard-earned skills into bestselling pages. Allison shares her own real-life experiences to prove that every background can bring someth...
2025-11-0430 min
Healthy Mind, Healthy LifeJournaling, Grief, and the Craft of Storytelling — with John DeDakisOn this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with journalist-turned-novelist and writing coach John DeDakis about how writing can support emotional healing. From journaling through grief to shaping lived experience into fiction, John shares practical ways to face fear, access the subconscious, and build momentum one sentence at a time. We cover: using daily journals to process emotion, the discipline journalism teaches storytellers, moving toward pain rather than numbing it, and a simple ten-minute “I feel…” prompt to safely begin. If you’re coping with loss or struggling to start your book, this conversation is a direct...
2025-11-0320 minHealthy Mind, Healthy LifeJournaling, Grief, and the Craft of Storytelling — with John DeDakisOn this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with journalist-turned-novelist and writing coach John DeDakis about how writing can support emotional healing. From journaling through grief to shaping lived experience into fiction, John shares practical ways to face fear, access the subconscious, and build momentum one sentence at a time. We cover: using daily journals to process emotion, the discipline journalism teaches storytellers, moving toward pain rather than numbing it, and a simple ten-minute “I feel…” prompt to safely begin. If you’re coping with loss or struggling to start your book, this conversation is a direct...
2025-11-0320 min
The Minute MasteryFrom CNN to Novelist: John DeDakis on Healing Through Writing & Finding Your VoiceAfter 45 years in journalism, including seven years editing for Wolf Blitzer at CNN, John DeDakis made a remarkable pivot from reporting facts to crafting fiction. In this powerful conversation, he joins host Ngozi Edema to discuss the evolution of journalism, the healing power of writing, and how personal loss shaped his storytelling. John also shares practical advice for aspiring authors on starting their first book, avoiding common writing mistakes, and using writing as a tool for self-discovery.If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book but don’t know where to start, this...
2025-11-0324 min
Write or Die ShowWrite or Die Show- John DeDakis - depression and addictionAboutAward-winning novelist John DeDakis (Pronounced: dee-DAY-kiss) is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. In his most recent book, Enemies Domestic, Lark is a White House press secretary forced to make her extremely personal abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl—all while dealing with an attack on the presidency. DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is a writing coach, manuscript editor, podcaster, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and writers’ conferences nationwide.
2025-11-031h 02
The Enlightened Life PodcastFrom CNN Editor to Healing Author: Writing Through GriefCan writing truly heal a broken heart?In this profoundly moving episode of The Enlightened Life Podcast, Scott Allan sits down with John DeDakis—former CNN journalist, acclaimed author, and grief survivor—to explore how writing for healing became his lifeline through unimaginable tragedy. After coping with loss of a loved one—both his sister and son—John discovered that therapeutic writing techniques weren't just cathartic—they were essential for survival. This honest conversation about grief and loss recovery reveals the transformative power of putting pain into words.What You'll Discover ✍️ How to process...
2025-11-0131 min
Playing InjuredFrom CNN Editor on How Writing Can Be a Way to Heal & Build Self-Awareness | John Dedakis (EP 144)What if a pen could make fear honest, grief bearable, and confidence repeatable? That’s the thread we pull with John Dedakis—former White House correspondent, longtime CNN editor, award-winning novelist, and daily journaler—who maps a clear route from anxiety to agency through the written word. We dig into his “fear continuum” and why courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to move with it. The payoff, he argues, is confidence built through small reps, whether you’re asking a stranger a hard question or facing a blank page at dawn.We talk about writing...
2025-10-3149 min
Reignite ResilienceMindfulness, Mentorship, Storytelling + Resiliency with John DeDakis (part 2)Send us a textBurnout is loud. Recovery is quiet and intentional. In this episode, author, coach, and veteran journalist John DeDakis shares how real resilience takes shape in workplaces and in life. We focus on practical ways leaders and teams build human-centered cultures that perform without exhaustion.John outlines a simple vision for change: make space for life so attention returns to the present. Pair experienced employees with newer talent to exchange wisdom and skills. We discuss psychological safety, how ideas get lost in meetings, and what it means to credit voices in real...
2025-10-3029 min
Grieving Parents Sharing Hope320: Can Writing Really Help with My Grief? (with John DeDakis)In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal […]
2025-10-2844 minGuest Interviews320: Can Writing Really Help with My Grief? (with John DeDakis)In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal […]
2025-10-2844 minAll Episodes320: Can Writing Really Help with My Grief? (with John DeDakis)In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen.
Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal way. John and Laura talk about the soul-searching journey of faith after loss, the spiritual unmooring that many bereaved parents experience, and how putting words to your pain can bring clarity, peace, and even glimpses of joy again.
John sh...
2025-10-2844 minReignite ResilienceFrom Grief To Purpose + Resiliency with John DeDakis (part 1)Send us a textWhat if your hardest seasons became the fuel for your most meaningful work? In this episode, journalist and novelist John DeDakis shares how loss, discipline, and truth shaped his purpose.John’s path started at American Forces Network in Germany, where he interviewed Alfred Hitchcock. From there, he moved through local news and on to CNN, where the nonstop pace demanded a creative outlet. Fiction became that outlet. His first novel took ten years, fourteen rewrites, and thirty-nine agent queries. The lesson: cut weak subplots, find your genre through subtraction, and tr...
2025-10-2726 min
The Soul Mirror PodcastWriting Through Grief: Turning Loss into Honest Storytelling and Craft | John DeDakis
On The Soul Mirror with host Shreya, award-winning novelist, former White House correspondent, and longtime CNN editor John DeDakis explains how to write through grief with clarity and courage. We cover first-draft flow, using the subconscious, reframing personal pain through fictional characters, the value of journaling, and why sharing work with beta readers reduces isolation. This is a practical, no-fluff guide for writers, creators, and anyone navigating loss who wants tools that work.
About the guest:
John DeDakis is an award-winning novelist, former White House correspondent, and longtime CNN editor turned writing coach. Across six novels, he...
2025-10-2319 min
The Indy Author PodcastWriting to Heal with John DeDakis - #310 Matty Dalrymple talks with John DeDakis about WRITING TO HEAL, including how writing can help us process grief and loss, why moving toward pain rather than away from it can lead to emotional growth, and how journaling, memoir, and fiction each offer unique ways to heal through storytelling. John DeDakis shares how facing difficult experiences on the page builds authenticity, courage, and connection—insights every writer can use to turn pain into powerful, meaningful stories. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes, including extensive summary, at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all...
2025-10-2141 min
Father's RefugeWriting as a Way to Heal with John DedakisSend us a textIn this episode of Father's Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with author and journalist John DeDakis about the profound impact of grief on fathers. They explore John's personal journey through the loss of his son, the therapeutic power of writing, and the importance of grief counseling. The conversation delves into societal expectations of masculinity, the emotional struggles men face, and the significance of empathy in healing. John shares insights on navigating grief, the role of faith, and offers words of encouragement for fathers dealing with loss.Want to be a guest?
2025-10-1749 min
The Journeying Soul with Helena StraussThe Sixth Stage of Grief: Finding Meaning in Unimaginable LossJohn DeDakis had a life built on facts, working as a White House correspondent and journalist at CNN. But soon discovered the "Sixth Stage of Grief," finding meaning after experiencing two profound, life-altering losses: his sister's suicide in 1980 and his youngest son's accidental heroin overdose in 2011. He became a different kind of correspondent: one who explores dealing with loss through fiction.In this powerful conversation, John shares his deeply personal story of being on the scene of his sister's death and later discovering his son's secret struggle with addiction.This interview is a must-listen for any...
2025-10-1451 min
Radiant Moments - Caregiver Oasis PodcastThe Power of Storytelling in Grief: John DeDakis’ Journey from Journalism to HealingEpisode 4 | From Journalism to Fiction: A Healing Journey with John DeDakisStorytelling, grief processing, and resilience through writing come alive in this thoughtful episode of Radiant Moments – Caregiver Oasis. Host Michelle interviews John DeDakis, an award-winning novelist and former CNN editor, who shares his unique journey from the fast-paced world of journalism to crafting political thrillers rooted in personal healing.John reflects candidly on how profound personal losses shaped his storytelling, revealing writing as a powerful therapeutic outlet in navigating grief. He offers insights into the evolution of journalism, the challenges wrought by to...
2025-10-0949 min
The Cameron Journal PodcastTalking About the News with Enemies Domestic Author John DeDakisToday on The Cameron Journal Podcast, we're talking with John DeDakis. He was a editor for Wolf Blitzer on CNN and sat in the press room during the Reagan years. We talk about the old days, the new days, and his new fiction book about a White House press secretary gets pregnant and turns abortion from a national debate into a personal one.
2025-09-2747 min
Ruined By The Internet?Journalism & News: has the internet made everyone an expert journalist? – John DeDakisIt promised unlimited reach, direct engagement, and a more informed world. But has the internet instead devalued expertise, creating a ‘clicks and outrage’ economy where speed reigns over accuracy?To help us get the full story, we’re joined by John DeDakis, an award-winning novelist, writing coach, public speaker, and former CNN Senior Copy Editor.https://johndedakis.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002BM6WM0 https://www.instagram.com/dedakisjohn/https://www.facebook.com/john.dedakishttps://bsky.app/profile/johndedakis.bsky.socialIn thi...
2025-09-2148 min
The C.K. Simms ShowJohn DeDakis | CNN Veteran and Author of Enemies Domestic on Journalism, Politics & Democracy.Guest Name: John DeDakishttps://johndedakis.com/Instagram: dedakisjohnSummary:In this powerful episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, host C.K. Simms welcomes award-winning novelist, former CNN editor, and White House correspondent John DeDakis. Together, they dive into his latest political thriller Enemies Domestic, part of the Lark Chadwick mystery series. DeDakis shares the inspiration behind writing from a female perspective, weaving real-world issues like abortion rights, media integrity, and threats to democracy into compelling fiction. They explore the balance between fact and storytelling, the importance of journalistic et...
2025-09-2057 min
The Lean to the Left PodcastWhen the President Shakes Down the MediaWhat are the implications for our divided country when a bullying president shakes down the news media to get his way?In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, John DeDakis, veteran journalist, former CNN editor, White House correspondent, novelist, and writing coach, explores the challenges of journalism in today’s fractured media landscape and the implications of Donald Trump's attempts to bully the media to his own ends.👉 Topics include:• The crisis of trust in mainstream media• How Trump and bullying politicians have influenced journalism• The rise of digital media and the internet’s double-edged sword• Artificial Intelligence an...
2025-09-1731 min
I Am Refocused RadioFrom CNN to Novelist: John Dedakis on Journalism, Grief, and the Power of StorytellingJohn Dedakis spent 45 years in journalism—including 25 years at CNN, where he interviewed presidents, covered the White House, and even got tear-gassed during a riot. But behind the headlines is a personal journey marked by profound loss—losing a sister to suicide and a son to a heroin overdose.Out of those experiences, Dedakis has written six acclaimed political thrillers featuring his strong-willed protagonist, Lark Chadwick. His novels weave together the grit of journalism and the raw reality of grief, offering stories that are as powerful as they are personal.In this conversation, John opens up abou...
2025-09-1326 min
The Lean to the Left PodcastWhen the President Shakes Down the MediaWhat are the implications for our divided country when a bullying president shakes down the news media to get his way?In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, John DeDakis, veteran journalist, former CNN editor, White House correspondent, novelist, and writing coach, explores the challenges of journalism in today’s fractured media landscape and the implications of Donald Trump's attempts to bully the media to his own ends.👉 Topics include:• The crisis of trust in mainstream media• How Trump and bullying politicians have influenced journalism• The rise of dig...
2025-09-1231 min
Were You Still Talking?#99 John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits Episode #99 – John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits In this episode, I talk with John DeDakis — former White House correspondent, longtime journalist, editor at CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, now novelist, writing coach, and editor. We unpack what it means to tell stories in news versus fiction, the hard lessons behind writing & rewriting, and how editing makes (or breaks) everything. We cover: · What it was like being a White House correspondent (including covering presidents, handling fast-breaking political stories) · Working in newsrooms, particularly editing for CNN's The Situat...
2025-09-1253 min
The Mindful JourneyWriting Through Grief: Journalism, Spirituality, and Resilience with John DeDakisOn The Mindful Journey with host Sana, veteran journalist and novelist John DeDakis unpacks a life lived at the intersection of hard news, personal loss, and mindful creativity. From covering the White House to processing the deaths of close family members, John explains how writing became a disciplined, therapeutic pathway—not just to publish fiction, but to make sense of life. We explore spiritual evolution beyond dogma, the craft lessons behind six political thrillers, and the decade-long grit it took to publish a first novel (10 years, 14 revisions, 39 rejections). If you’re navigating grief, rebuilding purpose, or sharpening your storytelling, this...
2025-09-1026 min
A Writer's Day297: John DeDakis InterviewLet me know what you think of this episode!In this episode, I chat with best-selling author, John DeDakis about his political-thriller series!Music:"Inspiring Emotions - Epic Dramatic Trailer" by Rafael Krux (https://www.orchestralis.net/)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)A Journey For Successful Winners by MusicLFilesLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/8105-a-journey-for-successful-winnersLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseMusic from https://filmmusic.iocinema-blockbuster-trailer-17-by-sascha-ende-from-filmmusic-io License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
2025-09-0631 min
The Mindful LivingMindful Writing for Grief: Turning Pain into Clarity and Craft with John DeDakisJournalist-turned-novelist John DeDakis joins The Mindful Living Podcast with host Sana to explore how mindful writing can help us face grief without numbing it. Drawing from 45 years in journalism (including 25 at CNN) and six novels where loss is a recurring thread, John explains practical ways to start writing when you “don’t feel like a writer,” why moving toward difficult feelings creates relief, and how journaling builds inner clarity. This conversation is direct, grounded, and actionable—designed for listeners who want a simple, sustainable practice to process loss and find meaning. SEO: mindful writing, grief journaling, healing through writing, resilien...
2025-09-0321 min
Famous Interviews with Joe DiminoAcclaimed Journalist, Writing Coach, Speaker & Award-Winning Novelist John DeDakisWelcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Acclaimed Journalist, Writing Coach & Novelist John DeDakis. He is a former editor on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.Over a 45-year career in journalism, John served as a White House correspondent during Ronald Reagan's presidency. He is the author of six award-winning mystery-suspense-thriller novels and now works as a manuscript editor, motivational speaker, and writing coach helping aspiring writers become published authors.Beyond writing, John also inspires those navigating grief to use writing as a path to h...
2025-08-2936 min
Broken Beautiful Me - Stories of Hope, Gratitude & ResilienceHow Writing Can Heal Grief | John DeDakis on Loss, Resilience & HopeHow do you survive unimaginable loss — and even find healing through it? In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Broken Beautiful Me Podcast, host Kelly Buckley talks with John DeDakis — award-winning novelist, writing coach, and former CNN journalist — about turning pain into purpose. John opens up about losing his sister and his son, and how writing became his lifeline. Together, Kelly and John dive deep into: ✨ Writing as a path to healing and self-discovery ✨ How men and women grieve differently in relationships ✨ Why gratitude and resilience matter in grief
2025-08-2557 min
The Jazz for Peace™ Podcast featuring Rick DellaRattaS:2 E:42 John DeDakis: From Journalist to NovelistAfter 45 years in journalism (25 at CNN), interviewing presidents (Reagan and Carter) and famous people, John DeDakis has channeled his personal Journey with grief and loss into six political thrillers which has him also in demand as a speaker. Combine this with his love of the arts and the art form of jazz in particular and you've got yourself a powerhouse episode which inspired this musical performance of Ricks own composition Altered Impressions which he wrote as an extension to John's personal request of the classic by Miles Davis "So What".Find out more about John and his...
2025-08-171h 03
Abstract EssayAbstract Essay in its Fifth season, featuring John Dedakis award-winning author as my guest.John DedakisFrom Journalist to Novelist (Or How I Learned to Start Making it UP)Personal experience is the grist of fiction. Budding novelists are taught to "write what you know." In my case, I know journalism, and I know grief and loss. During my 45 years in journalism (25 at CNN), I've interviewed presidents (Reagan and Carter), famous people (Alfred Hitchcock), covered the White House, and have been tear-gassed covering a riot. In my personal life, I've lost my sister to suicide and my youngest son to a heroin overdose.
2025-08-1525 min
Story-PowerStart By Writing What You Know But Keep Learning
John DeDakis (pronounced dee-DAY-kiss) is a former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” DeDakis is the author of six novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. In his most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, Lark is a pregnant White House press secretary forced to make an abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized fishbowl while dealing with an attack on the presidency. DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is also a writing coach, manuscript editor, and podcaster.
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2025-08-1300 min
Authors Talking BookishEditing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know, Episode 51In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor. Whether you're prepping your manuscript for submission or self-publishing, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what editors really look for. You'll hear their biggest pet peeves, hard-won lessons, and the advice every writer needs before hitting "send." Plus, a peek into a typical day in the life of an editor—and how they balance editing with their own creative work. Writers, this on...
2025-07-2929 min
Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers hosted by Mark Stevens2021 Colorado Gold Keynote Speaker John DeDakis Jul 16, 2021Novelist and writing coach John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
DeDakis is the author of five mystery-suspense novels. His fourth novel, Bullet in the Chamber, was the winner of Reviewers Choice, Foreword INDIES, and Feathered Quill book awards.
In his most recent novel, Fake, protagonist Lark Chadwick is a White House correspondent trying to walk the line between personal feelings and dispassionate objectivity in the era of “fake news” and #MeToo. Fake earned Honorable Mention for the Reviewers Choice Award and was a Finalist for Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion Award.
DeDakis, a form...
2025-07-2744 min
A Book Finds You!John DeDakisIntrigue, mystery, suspense, that's what you'll find in John DeDakis's novel but the story of how it came to be is even more interesting. Using real life events to inform his writing, John wrote his most recently released fiction novel, Enemies Domestic, by taking the shocking news stories that were happening and putting his main character, Lark Chadwick right in the thick of it all. John discusses how his 8 am daily coffee routine with his wife, helps inform his storytelling and keeps him turning the pages for his readers. You don't want to miss this informational episode with John...
2025-06-1337 min
The Merry Writer PodcastWho Is John DeDakis? | Ep. 271 | The Merry Writer Podcast
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
Today, we are joined by author, writing coach and manuscript editor, John DeDakis on the podcast. He shares his thoughts, insights and experiences in this author interview.
In this episode, we cover:
His writing processes and writing style
Common mistakes authors make
Social media
and more!
As always, thanks for listening. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, give the podcast a follow, and share our content!
ABOUT JOHN
Award-winning novelist, writing coach, and...
2025-06-0451 min
Mysterious Goings On with Alex GreenwoodEnemies Domestic: John DeDakis on Politics and TraumaJoining us today on Mysterious Goings On is a returning guest. He’s award-winning novelist, writing coach, and manuscript editor John DeDakis. John is a former editor on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and the author of five
mystery-suspense novels.
John is also a former White House correspondent and regularly leads writing workshops at retreats, literary centers, and writers' conferences. He hosts the video podcast One-to-One.
In this engaging conversation, Alex Greenwood welcomes John back to discuss his latest political thriller, Enemies Domestic. The discussion dives deep into the book’s themes of trau...
2024-12-0728 min
Public Figure Society#76－From CNN Journalism to Fiction Writing: A ConversationThe Become Famous podcast is now Public Figure Society PodcastIn this episode, host Torund Bryhn sits down with the multi-talented John DeDakis. John, a former CNN journalist and current novelist, is celebrated for his gripping Lark Chadwick mystery thriller series, with his latest release being "Enemies Domestic."Throughout this episode, listeners will be captivated by John’s seamless transition from journalism to fiction writing, his unique take on the ever-changing media landscape, and his cautious approach to the use of AI in writing. John shares his decade-long journey to secure a lit...
2024-11-1341 min
Your Creative MindThe Journalist’s Edge: How John DeDakis Crafts Page-TurnersCrafting Realistic Tension From a Journalist's Perspective
Are you feeling frustrated or uncertain about your career? Maybe it’s time for a change, but you’re not sure what direction to go in. Take the quiz that might just point you towards your dream career. By understanding your unique creative strengths, you’ll gain clarity and confidence in making a career shift that aligns with your passions and talents.
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podc...
2024-10-241h 41
Carter Wilson's Making It UpMaking It Up with John DeDakis, author of Enemies DomesticAward-winning novelist, writing coach, and manuscript editor John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels. John is a former White House correspondent and regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John DeDakis”. Among other things, John and Carter discuss John’s career in politics and journalism, how former journalists struggle with letting themselves “make things up” when writing fiction, and knowing when to get feedback from others. At th...
2024-09-0653 min
Midwest Writers RoomSeason 2, Ep. 14 - John DeDakis, August 2024In this episode we touch on:Fear as a core component to writer's blockInterviewing characters to appear in your bookJohn DeDakis (de-DAY-kiss) is a novelist, writing coach, manuscript editor, and former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six mystery-suspense novels. In his most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, protagonist Lark Chadwick is a pregnant White House press secretary forced to make her extremely personal abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl—all while dealing with an attack on the presidency itself. A native of La Cro...
2024-08-2641 min
House of Mystery Radio on NBCJohn DeDakis - Enemies DomesticEnemies Domestic, Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series: On her first day as White House Press Secretary, Lark Chadwick is confronted on live television by a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” His question puts Lark in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the highly fraught abortion issue. Ambivalent about becoming a single mother in the post-Roe era, and grieving the death of her boyfriend, Lark is now forced to make her abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic, politicized, and polarized fishbowl. At stake: her sanity...
2024-08-2543 min
Undercover: Action, Adventure, Spy & Thriller WritingJohn DeDakis - Enimies DomesticEnemies Domestic, Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series: On her first day as White House Press Secretary, Lark Chadwick is confronted on live television by a reporter with an agenda: “Are you, or are you not, planning to abort your unborn child?” His question puts Lark in the crosshairs of extremists on both sides of the highly fraught abortion issue. Ambivalent about becoming a single mother in the post-Roe era, and grieving the death of her boyfriend, Lark is now forced to make her abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic, politicized, and polarized fishbowl. At stake: her sanity...
2024-08-2543 min
Write Now with Broadleaf WritersWrite Now: Facing Your Fears with author John DeDakisOn this episode, we're joined by John DeDakis, award-winning novelist and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”, for a discussion on Facing Your Fears … a struggle every author knows all too well.To learn more about John, visit his website at johndedakis.com.
2024-07-0931 min
Teri's Doing It! PodcastMystery Novelist John DeDakis on His Even Better Second Life, Part 2John DeDakis says, "Success is not fame, it's not money, it's just being in sync with who you really are." He is definitely in sync with himself. It hasn’t been easy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s a talented mystery novelist who kept at it through at least 10 rewrites of his first novel and despite being turned down by 39 agents before finding the right one. He says he kept at it because he thought that he had a good story (he does). He’s now in the final stages before publishing his 6th...
2024-05-021h 01
Teri's Doing It! PodcastMystery Novelist John DeDakis on His Successful First Life, Part 1John DeDakis had a dream. Well, he had a lot of them, but since he couldn't be President of the United States he set his sights on journalism and eventually, on being a White House Correspondent. A talented journalist, he worked for 45 years for media outlets CBN and CNN. He was a White House Correspondent and worked as a senior editor on Wolf Blitzer's Situation Room helping cover important stories. It was an exciting, successful, and rewarding first life. Part 1 of our conversation covers that first life. But John had another dream. He had a...
2024-05-0238 minThe Indy Author PodcastThe Productive Power of Organization and Procrastination - #219 Did you find the information in this video useful? Please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Matty Dalrymple talks with John DeDakis about The Productive Power of Organization and Procrastination, including organizing content and research material and the value of compartmentalizing; organizational approaches with Excel, MS Word, and Scrivener (and alternatives to each), including pairing a draft document with a journal document; creating a synopsis as you write; tapping into AI for synopses and sales descriptions (a nice follow-on to last week's discussion with...
2024-01-0247 min