Shows
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 AuthorWriting 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 DeDakisWhat 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...
2025-11-0525 min
Author's Edge: Smart strategies for book marketing, publishing, and visibility that actually workFrom 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
Miscellaneous320: 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 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 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 this episode, John D...
2025-09-2148 min
Poddin' My NogginJohn 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
Beyond Words: A Novel Idea #1Beyond Words: A Novel Idea The Journalism Cast: The Killer Nashville Special: The Role of Journalism in WritingPaul Sinor, along with other guest panelists, shared their perspectives on journalism—reflecting on its past, present, and their visions for its future. The panelists discussed the profound influence journalism has had, and continues to have, on their own writing. Whether crafting fiction or nonfiction, each speaker emphasized that journalism remains a significant force shaping their work.Check out Paul SInors Books here! Paul Sinor www.paulsinorbooks.netPaul's Books are also available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, BAM, Good Reads, Walmart, Target and other book retailersGuests included:Paul Sinor www.pa...
2025-09-0748 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: 25 Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes ~ From Trauma to Triumph!Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, founder of Gold Mind Thoughts Leadership Firm and RDB Speaks , has dedicated her career to transforming personal trauma into systemic triumph. Through groundbreaking methodologies and innovative solutions, Dr. Barnes is leading the charge in trauma-informed organizational transformation, community healing, and cultural competency training, achieving measurable impact in urban communities and corporate environments alike. With the feel of transformation surrounding this riveting conversation, it’s no wonder that Rick became inspired to perform a unique medley of Linking Park’s "Not Alone" along with his own “Jazz for Peace Poem”.To learn more about Rev. Dr. Barnes an...
2025-08-1938 min
Coffee with the DogWriting the Political Thriller and Evolution of our Collective Culture EP955hour 1John DeDakis 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/hour 2Alison Sher is a journalist, author, and cultural commentator whose work explores the fault lines of modern society — from generational identity to id...
2025-08-182h 38
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
Maryland State Library AgencyLBPD Live: Novel Writing 101This one-hour event honors National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which is held every November. The award-winning novelist John DeDakis will present Novel Writing 101, the basics of writing a novel. Mr. DeDakis (pronounced: deh-DAY-kiss) is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. Book 6, Enemies Domestic, a political thriller, will be released in the summer of 2024. DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is a writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing online and at literary centers and writers’ conferences around the country. He...
2023-11-301h 13
Welcome John DeDakisNovelist, writing coach and manuscript editor John DeDakis takes the spotlight. former editor on CNN's The Situaiton Room with Wolf Blizer, De Dakis is the author of five mystery novels. join me for this interview and learn more.
2023-11-2054 min
The Writing ForgeFrom Headlines to Novels: Switching GenresJoin Bonnie and Miranda for a thought-provoking episode on the art of switching genres in your writing career. Drawing from John Dedakis's experience pivoting from seasoned journalist to novelist, the conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of venturing into new creative territories. Learn how to leverage your strengths, adapt your skills, and incorporate your background into a fresh genre while staying true to your unique voice. Whether you're considering a leap or just curious, this episode offers guidance to navigate your genre transition.Anyone else out there make the switch from journalist to novelist? Or vice...
2023-08-2919 minThe Writing ForgeFrom Headlines to Novels: Switching GenresJoin Bonnie and Miranda for a thought-provoking episode on the art of switching genres in your writing career. Drawing from John Dedakis's experience pivoting from seasoned journalist to novelist, the conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of venturing into new creative territories. Learn how to leverage your strengths, adapt your skills, and incorporate your background into a fresh genre while staying true to your unique voice. Whether you're considering a leap or just curious, this episode offers guidance to navigate your genre transition.Anyone else out there make the switch from journalist to novelist? Or vice...
2023-08-2919 min
Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with MoralityJohn DeDakis-Award Winning Author & Former CNN Copy Editor Talks ShopAnother episod
Writing coach, and award-winning author John DeDakis is a former CNN Senior Copy Editor for the Emmy and Peabody-Award winning news program "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
DeDakis (pronounced deh-DAY-kiss) is the author of five mystery/suspense novels -- Fast Track, Bluff, Troubled Water, Bullet in the Chamber, and Fake. The novels provide a behind-the-scenes look at real-world journalism.
He is currently at work on book six in his Lark Chadwick series, plus a memoir (Working Title: Pivot Points: A Life of Plot Twists).
You're invited to follow John DeDakis on follow him on Instagram (dedakisjohn), Twitter...
2023-08-131h 01
Get Hooked On The Must-Listen Full Audiobook Experience!Troubled Water by John DedakisPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/156977to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Troubled Water
Series: Lark Chadwick, Book 3
Author: John Dedakis
Narrator: Candace Fitzgerald
Format: mp3
Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 07-25-23
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Serial Killers
Publisher's Summary:
Just as young journalist Lark Chadwick is about to begin her new job on the cops and courts beat, she discovers the body of a strangled girl - the first victim of a serial killer. Lark's got the inside track, but there are complications: jealous rivals in the newsroom, her job in danger, a hunky colleague who...
2023-07-2511h 05
Writer Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of WritingWriting from a Perspective that’s Different from your OwnEpisode 22
Who says you can't write from a woman's perspective if you're a man? Or from a man's perspective as a woman? Writing is about understanding people, and not just people who look and sound and live like you.
Today's conversation is about just this: writing from a perspective that is different from your own, whether that means gender, race, or ethnicity. Join me in conversation with John DeDakis, author of the Lark Chadwick mystery series. John is a former White House correspondent and former senior editor for "The Situation Room with Wolf Bl...
2023-04-0340 minWriter Spark: Business, Creativity, and the Craft of WritingWriting from a Perspective that’s Different from your OwnEpisode 22
Who says you can't write from a woman's perspective if you're a man? Or from a man's perspective as a woman? Writing is about understanding people, and not just people who look and sound and live like you.
Today's conversation is about just this: writing from a perspective that is different from your own, whether that means gender, race, or ethnicity. Join me in conversation with John DeDakis, author of the Lark Chadwick mystery series. John is a former White House correspondent and former senior editor for "The Situation Room with Wolf Bl...
2023-04-0340 min
Mysterious Goings On with Alex GreenwoodJournalistic Thrillers, Loss, and Doing Right by Women Characters with John DeDakisAlex is joined from Baltimore by novelist John DeDakis, author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." He is also a writing coach, manuscript editor, and writing workshop leader. They discuss broadcast journalism, as well as the difficulties women face in that male-dominated world. They also discuss Lark Chadwick, a character in his novels, an amateur sleuth trying to maintain her journalistic integrity.
Alex speaks about his own past behavior and believes that books like DeDakis's can help male readers understand their...
2023-03-3036 min
Capy's Cozy ChairAuthor Chat With John DeDakisWow, I'm not gonna lie it was a little intimidating talking with John DeDakis he's had quite the impressive writing journey. From being a former journalist to now being a bestselling author of thrillers. I had such a great time though and learned so much. Enjoy our episode and follow him at www.johndedakis.com
Be sure to support the show at Patreon.com/TheCozySleuth or at Ko-fi.com/thecozysleuth
2023-01-2530 min
Guns, Knives, & LipstickS2E7: Author Hot Seat with John DeDakisMally, Cindy & Liz chat with author John DeDakis about his latest novel Fake, fake news, talking to women & the state of journalism today.
https://www.johndedakis.com/
2022-12-2750 min
The Writing and Marketing ShowFrom Whitehouse Correspondent to Best Selling AuthorIf you re thinking of changing careers as a writer and want to know how to do it, then today's episode with Former Whitehouse Correspondent, John DeDakis, is jam packed with hints and advice.
2022-11-2337 min
Stop Winging ItStop Winging It--Ep. 16. Entrepreneur and journalist come together in John DeDakis. From college to correspondent to CNN, plus writing his own novels, John has 6 decades of stories and life to share.What does a lifetime in journalism produce? Without a doubt, it's someone whose life experience and opinion are worth listening to and learning from. John has been many things in his career including a white house correspondent, working at CNN with Wolf Blitzer and is currently 5 books into his own award-winning political series. He now writes, teaches, edits and provides counsel to many who are looking for their own Wingman to help them improve their craft or break into the industry. He shares great stories with us and his perspective on what's happened to journalism the past 4 decades alone is w...
2022-09-291h 11
True Fiction PodcastTrue Fiction Talk to Novelist John DedakisArtist/subject: John DedakisNot only is John a novelist, but he is also a writing coach and manuscript editor. He is the author of five mystery-suspense novels. His fourth novel, Bullet in the Chamber, is the winner of Reviewers Choice, Foreword INDIES, and Feathered Quill book awards. A former White House correspondent and editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," John now regularly teaches novel writing online and at literary centers, writers’ conferences, and bookstores around the country and abroad. You can find out more information about John and also where to get...
2022-09-1644 min![Story Discovery Podcast [Short Stories | Poetry | Flash Fiction | Audiobook]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog833817/Fake-DeDakis-Sq_7x9383.png){kind=logo}
Story Discovery Podcast [Short Stories | Poetry | Flash Fiction | Audiobook]An excerpt from the novel Fake written by John DeDakisToday’s show is a special edition where we hear an excerpt from Fake, a novel by John DeDakis. In the era of “fake news,” when facts are suspect and reporters are targets, White House Correspondent Lark Chadwick is thrust into the midst of a media-bashing frenzy. Fake is a real-life look behind the scenes at the ethical struggles of a female journalist in a #MeToo world walking the line between personal feelings and dispassionate objectivity – trying to discern the difference between what’s real . . . and what’s fake. After the reading, we talk with John about his background as a journali...
2022-06-1246 min
That's the #TruthJohn DeDakis | Bullet in the ChamberJohn DeDakis | Bullet in the Chamber That's the #Truth podcast Season 2 Episode 8 | Daniel & Jenny MuscatellFrom Journalist to Novelist & writing coach, today’s guest is John DeDakis. John, a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," and former White House correspondent, is the author of five novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. His fourth novel, "Bullet in the Chamber" contains a subplot that fictionalizes the accidental heroin overdose that killed his youngest son Stephen in 2011. John's novels are set with a journalism backdrop and are drawn from personal experience, including the sui...
2022-04-1950 min
Life Without LimitsJohn Dedakis/Author of FAKEWhat a treat it was to have nationally-renowned author and former editor of CNN’s “The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer” John Dedakis on my show. I decided to change it up a bit. For anyone interested in writing and publishing a book, this might help. www.johndedakis.comwww.lifewithoutlimitsshow.comLife Without Limits is broadcast live at 9pm ET Mondays on W4WN Radio – The Women 4 Women Network (www.w4wn.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). This podcast is also availabl...
2022-01-1851 min
The Bookshelf Odyssey PodcastJournalism: Finding Out the Facts with special guest John DeDakisSend us a textToday on the Bookshelf Odyssey, we explore the world of Journalism! I have on the show today a veteran of journalism - John DeDakis. We also talk about how he went from a career in journalism (writing about facts!) to a career as a novelist - and how different the two are from each other. (At least they SHOULD be...)John's written a fantastic mystery series about a journalist named Lark Chadwick, and in the beginning of the episode I give a quick review of his first novel Fast Track.
2021-12-1246 min
Unlock Your Ears To A Next-Level Full Audiobook.Fake by John DedakisPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/156229to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Fake
Series: Lark Chadwick, Book 5
Author: John Dedakis
Narrator: Candace Fitzgerald
Format: mp3
Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 09-24-21
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 10 ratings
Genres: Action & Adventure
Publisher's Summary:
In the era of “fake news”, when facts are suspect and reporters are targets, popular First Lady Rose Gannon dies suddenly during an interview with White House Correspondent Lark Chadwick. Still reeling from the death of her photographer boyfriend, Lark is thrust into the midst of a media-bashing frenzy while covering a grieving president trying to defuse a loom...
2021-09-248h 32
The Back fire podcast with Jeff Fuller of #JFullerInterviewsJohn DeDakiswww.johndedakis.com
IG@dedakisjohn
Twitter @johnDeDakis
* www.friendsofbus142.com *
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=128voL25jio
2020-12-1042 min
Time4Coffee661: Why to Work in Smaller Markets as a Young Journalist With John DeDakis, Fake [K-Cup DoubleShot]
2020-11-2204 min