Author and teacher Verde Arzu discusses her novels Rainbow and Promise Keeper, her work as a middle school special education and English teacher, and her commitment to centering Black queer lives and HBCU culture in her storytelling.

She also shares insights on indie publishing and placing books in independent bookstores, using AI as a creative tool, and how listeners can follow her work at VerdeArzu.com and on social media.

Host Nadia Gilkes revisits her 2020 Virtual Festival interview with June Dillinger, author of The Benefit of the Ex: Making Love Visible When Everything Changes. June shares her divorce-to-purpose journey, practical invitations for healing, and how she transformed pain into service as a speaker and Hawaii-based wedding officiant.

This hopeful episode covers accountability, reflective exercises from the book, tips for recording audiobooks, and simple ways to "make love visible" in everyday life.

Host Nadia Gilkes interviews Kala Gause, author of Keys to the Journey, about his workbook-style guide for parents and college‑bound student athletes. They discuss his coaching philosophy, real success stories (including his nephew’s path to the NFL), and practical steps for balancing academics, athletics, and career readiness.

The episode covers scholarship strategies, highlight reels and camps, mentorship, mental wellness, and how families can start preparing early. Kala also shares his writing process, speaking work, and resources for schools and parents to support young people’s long-term goals.