Moments with Marianne

What if the greatest power you’ll ever discover isn’t magic or super strength, but the belief in yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Sensei Sarhn shares how her award-winning YA novel Osu blends martial arts, meditation, and storytelling to empower teens to rise above self-doubt, embrace their individuality, and unlock the resilience already within them. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Sensei Sarhn on her new book Osu: A Coming of Age Novel – An Empowering Book of Self-Acceptance and Resilience. 

Renowned and highly trusted in the 1990s and 2000s for her striking and distinctive flair as a professional photographer, Sensei Sarhn photographed four Australian Prime Ministers, immortalized numerous celebrities, and vividly captured a plethora of sporting legends through her lens.  After retiring her camera, Sarhn followed her passion for martial arts into founding a karate dojo, channelling her desire into making a profound and positive impact on the lives of her students. Imparting invaluable life skills such as strength of character, compassion, respect, self-awareness, focus, courage, determination, discipline, and confidence. Her commitment to empowering the next generation is now vividly captured in her debut novel, ‘Osu,’ where she continues her mission to inspire healthy self-image and resilience in young adults and teenagers. https://sarhn.com.au

What drives everyday people to risk everything for justice, even when history may never remember their names? We Can Change the World is a gripping journey through decades of resistance and revolution, revealing how ordinary individuals became the soul of movements that reshaped nations. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Professor Douglas Murray on his Nautilus award-winning book We Can Change the World: Tales from a Generation’s Quest for Peace and Justice. 

Douglas L. Murray is Sociology Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University. He was a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research and Writing Fellow in the Program on Peace and International Cooperation, and a J. William Fulbright Senior Research Scholar. For over 4 decades he pursued both an academic career and a parallel role as a development adviser in Africa, Asia and Latin America for the World Bank, USAID, the Danish Agency for International Development, CARE International, and others.

What if the key to understanding your purpose, healing your past, and manifesting your future is hidden in your aura? Join us as we explore The Aura Color Wheel with author and spiritual teacher Helen Ye Plehn, who reveals how decoding your Soul Aura Color can unlock your deepest gifts, guide your healing journey, and help you align with the life you were always meant to live. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Helen Ye Plehn on her new book The Aura Color Wheel: What Your Souls Aura Reveals About Your Inner Gifts, Wounds, and Lessons. 

Helen Ye Plehn is the founder of Helen Creates Beauty and the Creator of the Aura Color Wheel: a system to identify your soul’s purpose through your Soul Aura Color. She is the author of Flowing with My Rainbow Chakra Affirmation Deck. Her signature Flowing with Your Rainbow Course based on the Aura Color Wheel system has named her a Visionary Educator on MSN.com. She is an aura reader, intuitive painter, certified crystal healer, angel channeler, third-generation Feng Shui master, certified Yoga and meditation instructor, and spiritual teacher. She is also an Ayurveda practitioner, Vedic astrologer, Theta healer, and passionate Flamenco dancer. Her mission is to help one million souls to find and live their souls’ purposes with joy and fulfillment. https://helencreatesbeauty.com https://www.auracolorwheel.com

Does your past define your destiny? Told through multiple perspectives, rich with emotion and immersive dual timelines, The Summer We Ran weaves together a story of lost love, devastating secrets, shocking sabotage, and the painstaking decisions. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Audrey Ingram on her new novel The Summer We Ran. 

Audrey Ingram is a native of Alabama and a graduate of Middlebury College and Georgetown University Law Center. She practiced law in Washington, DC for fifteen years. When not writing, she can be found digging in her garden or hiking the Blue Ridge mountains.  https://audreyingramwrites.com

What if you could live in a real-life Camelot, a restored ancient city, or even Santa’s North Pole, all without needing to escape into fantasy? This interview explores a visionary blueprint for turning our wildest, most meaningful dreams into tangible, thriving communities. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Valerie Ann Larson Haynes on her book Creative Provinces: A New World of Enchanting and Empowered Communities.

Valerie Ann Larson Haynes studied political science at the University of Connecticut and began her career as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, then as a professional staff member of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. She later became an independent writer, editor, and publisher in the sciences and arts. https://www.creativeprovinces.com

When old secrets surface and warning signs are everywhere, how do you know what’s real, and what’s a trap? Tune in for a discussion with Laura Burke on her new novel Red Flag Murder: A Jolene Mystery.

Laura Burke has always been and always will be a storyteller. Since childhood, she dreamed of becoming an author, and now, with her stories in print, that dream has become a reality. Her passion for mysteries, murder mysteries, began at the age of eight. This lifelong fascination eventually led her to a career as a Private Investigator after spending twenty years as a Nurse. In this role, she worked closely with police officers and detectives on several closed-case files, achieving remarkable results. Laura currently resides in North Carolina and is currently working on the next novel in the Jolene series. https:/lauraburkemysterywriter.com

What if the symptoms you’re treating, like fatigue, anxiety, or chronic pain, aren’t the real problem, but signals pointing to something deeper? Tune in for a transformative conversation with Dr. Monica Vermani on her book A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas. 

One of Canada’s highest-rated clinical psychologists, Dr. Monica Vermani provides a multi-faceted treatment approach in treating adolescents and adults suffering from trauma/abuse, mood, anxiety, substance addictions, and other related conditions and disorders, as well as family and couples therapy. Dr. Vermani’s latest book, A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas, and its companion online A Deeper Wellness Life Lessons mental health program provide the tools to create a deep, authentic sense of wellness and wellbeing.  https://www.drmonicavermani.com

What if the depth of connection you’re seeking isn’t found in doing more, but in learning how to be fully present with another person? This conversation with Jonathan Clark & Sara “Sigh” Goldsmith explores the art of presence, the power of authentic connection, and how simple shifts in attention can transform the way we relate, to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us as we discuss their top rated podcast The Container. 

Jonathan Clark is a writer, facilitator, and podcast host living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. His work spans both the relational and occult arts, working to bring a trembling love of God and other into a living practice.

Sara “Sigh” Goldsmith is a podcast host who draws on her background as a mindfulness facilitator, circling guide, and educator to bring a warm, grounded presence to conversations. She’s passionate about creating spaces where people feel truly seen and heard, and The Container is an extension of that vision. www.thecontainerpod.com

Are you looking for a way to take control of your finances but you’re not sure where to start?  Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Stephen Ural on his new book Monthly Bill Payment Checklist: The 4-Year Individual and Family Budget Guide, Payment and Expense Tracker, Emergency Fund Planner, Early Debt Payoff Scheduler, and Map to Financial Freedom!

Stephen Ural holds a B.S. in Ecology and an MBA in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. A military veteran with a diverse professional background, including roles in international business finance at Pfizer, real estate investing, and the automotive industry, Stephen recently stepped away from social media to refocus on his true passion: writing to help others. His work reflects deep interests in spirituality, financial responsibility, and the simple joy of being outdoors. He believes personal finance and practical wisdom should be accessible to everyone, especially the lessons schools often leave out.  https://a.co/d/5OUvMd7 

Why do so many businesses fail before they even begin? Tune in on for an inspiring discussion with David Memmoli on his new course and books Starting Your Own Business.

After 30 years in the healthcare industry, David Memmoli recognized that the system wasn’t going to change, and that government officials weren’t going to do anything about it. He realized it was up to the everyday citizen such as himself to introduce a new way to engage in business. After working to build his own practice, he had every possible horror story happened.  What he realized is, the current business industry doesn’t reward honesty, integrity, and decency.  Realizing there must be another way, David began writing all the things that happened to him and how someone could prepare and spare themselves the same mistakes he made. What grew from that endeavor is a two textbook series called Starting Your Own Business. Its purpose is to be not only a roadmap for starting your own business, but a new philosophy of cooperation and collaboration in business and industry. https://anotherwaybusiness.com

Are your childhood wounds shaping how you parent today, without you even realizing it? Dr. Robyn Koslowitz shares how trauma can silently influence parenting and how to break generational cycles with compassion, connection, and healing. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Robyn Koslowitz, PhD, on her new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be.

Robyn Koslowitz, PhD, has been a licensed child psychologist since 2017 and now houses her practice at The Center for Psychological Growth of New Jersey, which focuses on trauma-informed psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and families. She is the educational director of the Targeted ParentingTM Institute and host of the popular Post-Traumatic Parenting podcast and YouTube channel. Dr. K’s work is regularly published in Psychology Today, and she has appeared on Fox, NPR, CNN, NewsNation, and other national television outlets. She lives in New Jersey, where she practices post-traumatic parenting with her own children and family. https://posttraumaticparenting.com 

What does it mean to walk by faith when the odds are against you? Aster Bato Mohamed shares her journey from a small Ethiopian village to a life of purpose and faith in America. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Aster Bato Mohamed on her new book The Joy of Walking by Faith: A Brother’s Gift of Faith. A Sister’s Extraordinary Journey.

Aster Bato Mohamed has lived an extraordinary life.  Her strong faith, instilled in her by her brother Obo Deressa sustained her throughout her remarkable life’s journey that has taken her around the world. Born in the small Ethiopian village of Aira, Aster’s odyssey has taken her from Ethiopia to Germany, and finally, to America.  Dedicating her life to education, Aster has been honored with multiple prestigious awards for her many achievements inside and outside the classroom throughout her long career in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Now retired, Aster continues to live in Florida and is the proud mother of three successful children and a loving grandmother. 

As the nation prepares to celebrate July 4, it is fitting to acknowledge the service members, veterans, and first responders who keep our country and communities safe.  According to the U.S. Army, nearly 50% of military recruits come from rural areas, despite the fact that less than 20% of the U.S. population resides in these communities. This strong representation highlights the deep tradition of service rooted in rural America—a connection that one company is uniquely positioned to celebrate.

Tractor Supply is stepping up in a powerful way to say “thank you”—and to remind all of us of the power of community, service and patriotism. In celebration of its $1 million Hometown Heroes initiative, Tractor Supply is awarding $100,000 grants to nonprofits that uplift veterans and first responders—while shining a light on the power of service, community, and hope.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Marti Skold-Jordan, Executive Director of the Tractor Supply Foundation; U.S. Navy veteran Daniel Clavel, who now serves as Procurement and Training Director at K9s For Warriors—joined by Scarlett the Service Dog-in-training—and Jenn Stout, a proud Tractor Supply Team Member from Hendersonville, North Carolina, recently recognized as a true Hometown Hero. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/hometownheroes 

How does a lifetime in the High Desert shape the meaning of art, purpose, and presence? In Enter Space, Bill Witherspoon invites us into a world few dare to enter, a raw, reverent landscape where art, nature, and spirit converge. This is more than a memoir; it’s a timeless meditation on beauty, solitude, and the hidden wisdom of the earth. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Bill Witherspoon on his Nautilus Grand Prize award-winning book Enter Space: Stories from the High Desert.

Bill Witherspoon is a visual artist, author, and serial entrepreneur whose work spans six decades and includes 40 solo exhibitions of paintings, prints, and sculptures, as well as expansive public art projects in the High Steppe desert of southeastern Oregon. He is the founder of Sky Factory, a family-run studio that blends fine art and digital technology to create biophilic illusions of nature for restorative healthcare environments. A fellow at the Center for Conscious Design and contributor to the NeuroArts Blueprint, Bill explores the role of beauty and perception in human health and experience. His memoir, Enter Space: Stories from the High Desert, a five-volume collection of essays and photography, was named Grand Winner at the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards and is a finalist in the 2025 Foreword Indies for both Nature Writing and Fine Art Photography. His work has been featured in Fast Company, Inc. Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, and he was honored as Planetree’s Scholar of the Year in 2017 for his contributions to the patient experience.  https://www.enterspacenow.com

What would it take to reclaim your voice when every word is being scripted for you? This dystopian novel asks unsettling questions about love, loyalty, and the price of obedience in a world where no one lives past 50. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Arielle Emmett, PhD, on her Nautilus award-winning novel The Logoharp: A Cyborg Novel of China and America in the Year 2121.

Arielle Emmett, PhD, is a writer and science journalist specializing in East Asia, Africa, and cross- cultural interactions. She was a Contributing Editor to Smithsonian Air & Space magazine (2014-2021) and a Fulbright Scholar and Specialist in Kenya (2018-2019) and Indonesia (2015). A Mandarin and French speaker, Emmett has won prizes in magazine and journal competitions staged by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and the International Communications Association (ICA). She has reported and taught in China and Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, East Africa, Ireland, and Italy. Currently, she lives in North Carolina and travels frequently to see her three clever grandchildren. Emmett’s debut novel is the first in a planned series on dystopian paths to utopian justice. https://leapingtigerpress.com

Have you ever felt like there’s something more you’re meant to do, but you’re not sure how to break through the fear, doubt, or confusion holding you back? Katarina Hanssens Carlsson says the key lies in unlocking your brain’s true power. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Katarina Hanssens Carlsson on her new book Set To Win!: The NeuroScience of Your Entrepreneurial Success. 

Katarina Hanssens Carlsson is the founder of Destiny International 11, a transformational platform helping aspiring entrepreneurs fast-track success. A UN Global Speaker and Global TechStars Mentor with over 20 years of experience, she has guided more than 2,000 individuals in launching ventures with clarity and confidence. Her neuroscience-based Entrepreneurial Success Blueprint™ stands out in the startup world for its ability to validate any business idea in just four hours—earning her global recognition and a cover story in The Business Woman Today.  https://destinyinternational11.com/

How close are we to living in space, and what will it take to survive, both out there and here on Earth? Join us for an inspiring conversation with scientist and author Richard M. Anderson, as we explore the bold imagination, cutting-edge science, and urgent truths behind his two powerful books: The Evolution of Life: Big Bang to Space Colonies and Outbound: Islands in the Void. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at where we came from, where we’re headed, and what it means for the future of humanity.

Richard M. Anderson is an alumnus of San Jose State University, with a master of arts degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular biology. Throughout his career The Evolution of Life: Big Bang to Space Colonies has been a dream of his that finally came to fruition. It is backed by years of research to supplement and verify its content. Richard’s second book, Outbound: Islands in the Void is the first in a series of sci-fi fiction, the second of the series is due out in the spring of 2025, Outbound: Becoming Meta Mars. Richard and his wife live in the San Francisco Bay area, close to their three children and their families. https://richardandersonauthor.com

What does it take to find your power when everything, including your freedom and your children, are on the line? Tisha Marie Cain’s extraordinary journey through trauma, justice, and radical transformation will leave you inspired to reclaim your voice and rise, no matter the odds. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Tisha Marie Cain on her new books Radical Freedom: Let Go Of Who You Were and Set Your Creative Soul Free, and The Wisdom of the Trees: The “I AM” Series. 

Tisha Marie Cain is a Breakthrough Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and #1 bestselling international author and artist who helps people rewire their subconscious, release emotional weight, and transform their relationship with money, power, and self-worth. After surviving domestic abuse and overcoming false charges that nearly cost her 14 years of freedom, she now helps others reclaim theirs—through deep mindset work, subconscious healing, and unapologetic self-liberation. https://www.tishamariecain.com

Is it possible to lead with heart in a high-performance workplace, and still win? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Joe Davis on his Nautilus award-winning book The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain.

Joe Davis served as MD and Senior Partner at BCG. In The Generous Leader, Joe shares a performance review: He was told he was not the best at problem-solving solo; but with others, he could solve any challenge. His manager identified his key strength – a person who could connect. Joe spent 37 years with BCG, co-founded the Washington DC office, led office systems, started BCG’s NA Public Sector business, led BCG North America, founded and chaired BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity. Joe earned his BA from Whitman College, MBA from HBS. Joe is currently serving his second term as Whitman’s Board Chair.  https://www.joedavis.com

What happens when a young doctor, seeking purpose and healing, finds himself in a town where every relationship, and every choice, feels predestined? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Ashten Duncan on his Nautilus award-winning novel Journey of the Broken Vessels.

Ashten Duncan, MD, MPH, CPH, is a Native American writer, board-certified family physician, and researcher originally from Oklahoma. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Master of Public Health, and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Oklahoma. He completed his postgraduate medical training in the University of New Mexico – Santa Fe Family Medicine Residency Program. He has authored dozens of research articles, essays, op-eds, poems, short stories, monographs, and other pieces in publications like Scientific American. He has edited for medical humanities journals and online publications and has served as a peer reviewer for many academic journals. Residing in northern New Mexico with his wife, Dr. Duncan serves as core faculty for a rural family medicine residency program at a federally qualified health center. Journey of the Broken Vessels is his first novel. https://www.ashtenduncanwriting.com

What if the key to healing your body isn’t outside of you, but already within? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Nidhi Pandya Bhanshali on her new book Your Body Already Knows: Intuitive Ayurveda 21 Days to Reset your Gut, Sleep, Mood, and Health.

Nidhi Pandya Bhanshali is a NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) certified Ayurvedic doctor known for her accessible approach. Nidhi is a faculty member of the well-renowned Shakti school of Ayurveda and she provides online courses on Ayurvedic Nutrition at OneCommune. She has written articles for Ayurveda & Health Tourism magazine and MindBodyGreen, has given a TEDx talk, and speaks at major corporations such as Google. She has been featured in Vogue, Allure and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as English-language Indian newspapers Times of India, the Hindustan Times and Indian Express. https://www.nidhi.me

According to the FBI, individuals 60 and older experienced nearly $4.9 billion in losses to scams in 2024. Scams are becoming more common and more advanced. It’s important to know the signs of fraud and scams, and how to protect ourselves and loved ones from financial loss. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Darius Kingsley, Head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase Bank, on how older adults can avoid scams.

Darius Kingsley, Head of Consumer Banking Practices at Chase, helps protect customers from fraud and scams. He joins us now to explain the tactics scammers are using to target older adults and best practices to avoid them. www.chase.com/financial-abuse  

What if the key to understanding your life today was hidden in a past-life you’ve already lived? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Terri Harford on her Nautilus award-winning book New Body, Old Soul: A Modern Mystics Guide to Spiritual Empowerment in the Age of AI.

Terri Harford is an existential psychologist, soul coach, and author of the Nautilus award-winning book New Body, Old Soul, a powerful exploration of consciousness, karma, and spiritual transformation. With a BA in Fine Art from the University of Cape Town and a BA (Hons) in Psychology from UNISA, Terri blends her artistic insight with psychological depth to guide others on the path of self-realization. Drawing from over two decades of meditative practice, shadow work, and soul inquiry, she bridges the realms of physics and spirituality to illuminate the deeper purpose behind existence. Based along South Africa’s Garden Route, Terri lives in harmony with nature’s rhythms, nurturing a sacred bond with the land and a community of like-minded seekers devoted to spiritual awakening. https://terriharford.co.za 

Have you ever felt like nature was trying to tell you something? What if you learned how to listen? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Robin Rose Bennett on her Nautilus award-winning book The Young Green Witch’s Guide to Plant Magic: Rituals and Recipes from Nature.

Robin Rose Bennett is a story-teller, writer, and herbalist, offering classes in Herbal Medicine and EarthSpirit Teachings since 1986 – at herb conferences, festivals, medical schools, and most joyously, outside with the plants. Robin Rose shares herbal medicine with gratitude for the loving generosity of the plants and the magic, mystery, and beauty of the web of life. She is the author of: Healing Magic: A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living, The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life,  A Young Green Witch’s Guide to Plant Magic: Rituals and Recipes from Nature (2025 Nautilus Silver Award Winner), and A Green Witch’s Pocket Book of Wisdom: Big Little Life Tips.   https://www.robinrosebennett.com

Looking for a job that fuels more than your wallet? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Abby Bilbrey from Pilot Company.

Abby Bilbrey serves as a field recruiter for Pilot. She is responsible for sourcing, interviewing, and staffing our leadership teams across the northern part of the United States – from Wyoming all the way to Michigan. Abby has been with Pilot for two years, but has been in the talent acquisition industry for more than three years. https://jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring

Why is it so hard to make and keep close friendships in modern America, and what does that reveal about us? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dr. James F. Richardson on his new Nautilus award-winning book Our Worst Strength: American Individualism and its Hidden Discontents.

James F. Richardson is a PhD, cultural anthropologist who has studied American society for twenty years as a market research consultant. Recently, the author of a new, award-winning nonfiction book – Our Worst Strength: American Individualism and Its Hidden Discontents – questioning our approach to individualism as a way of life. He lives in Tucson, Arizona, where he writes a weekly Substack — Homo Imaginari — for a growing international readership. https://substack.com/@jamesrichardson

Can the spirit of Aloha hold the key to overcoming fear, loss, and even climate change? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with John Blossom on his Nautilus award-winning novel Mahina Rises.

John Blossom is an award-winning author and lifelong educator whose work explores the spiritual and environmental challenges of modern culture. With over 25 years of teaching experience in independent schools across the U.S. and Hawaii, John brings a deep understanding of human development and cultural storytelling to his books which span a variety of genres. He holds a BA in English (Magna Cum Laude) from Carleton College, a BFA in Ceramics (Highest Honors) from Sierra Nevada College, and an MAT (Honors in Writing) from Colorado College. Currently living on The Island of Hawaii, John continues to write novels that blend magical realism, ancestral wisdom, and ecological themes, as seen in his Nautilus Award-winning novel, Mahina Rises. https://www.jtblossom.com

Can an act of compassion survive in a world ruled by fear, prejudice, and violence? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Roger Newman on his Nautilus award-winning book Boys: A Novel. 

In addition to Boys, Roger Newman is the author of a series of medical thrillers: Occam’s Razor, Two Drifters, and What Becomes; and a Civil War historical fiction novel Will O’ the Wisp: Madness, War, and Recompense. He is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, specializing in the care of women with multiple gestations. He has authored two hundred scientific papers, a dozen book chapters, and the award-winning and bestselling When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads; Fourth Edition. He served as the national president for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and has been voted by his peers as one of the “Best Doctors in America” for thirty consecutive years. He and his wife, Diane, live on the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina.. https://rogerbnewman.com