What does it take to pivot from crisis communications expert to award-winning thriller novelist?

In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with John David, author of the breakout thriller The Bystander, named one of the best thrillers of twenty twenty five. Inspired by real-world headlines and the psychology of fear, John shares how a mall shooting incident sparked the premise for his debut novel — and how he transformed that idea into a commercially successful mystery series.

They dive deep into:

• The real-life event that inspired The Bystander

• Writing fiction after a career in journalism and public relations

• Plotter vs pantser writing styles

• The realities of publishing and working with editors

• Why mystery readers expect structure — and how to deliver it

• Building tension through realism instead of fantasy

• How pop culture, sports, and politics influence storytelling

John also shares insights into his upcoming sequel, The Pawn, and the release of the audiobook edition.

If you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to understand the craft and business of storytelling, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world experience from inside the publishing industry.

🔗 Learn more about John David: https://byjohndavid.com

📚 The Bystander available wherever books are sold.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another creator.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. byjohndavid.com
2. bookshop.org
3. barnesandnoble.com
4. amazon.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Authors After Action
2. Tooley Tuli Publishing
3. Barnes and Noble
4. Amazon
5. bookshop.org

What if a simple annoyance turned into a patented innovation?

On this episode of Built From Scratch, Donald Dunn sits down with inventor and engineer Bob LeBay, the creator of the only drink coaster engineered to truly prevent condensation spills.

After a coaster stuck to his Manhattan glass and ruined his silk tie, Bob decided to solve a problem most people just tolerate. What followed was a journey through engineering design, patent law, manufacturing challenges, and launching a family-run business that has already sold over fifty thousand units.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a simple design flaw sparked a patented invention

• The science behind capillary action and condensation control

• The full U.S. patent process (and what it really costs)

• Manufacturing in Asia vs. the United States

• Why business-to-business sales are dominating the market

• Building a multigenerational family business

• The real size of the global coaster market

Bob recently secured a final U.S. utility patent and is positioning his product in a market worth over two billion dollars globally.

If you enjoy entrepreneurship, product design, engineering innovation, or startup stories — this episode delivers practical insight and inspiration.

🔗 Learn more: https://ultimatecoasterco.com

🛒 Available on Amazon

Subscribe for more founder stories, veteran-led entrepreneurship, and real conversations about building from scratch.

#Entrepreneurship #Invention #StartupStory #Engineering #PatentProcess #BusinessToBusiness

Links referenced in this episode:

1. ultimatecoasterco.com
2. amazon.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Ultimate Coaster
2. Amazon
3. Walmart
4. Target
5. Heineken
6. NRA
7. 4H

How can podcasting become therapy for depression and anxiety?

In this episode of Creators at Work, host Donald Dunn sits down with Noah May — journalism graduate, mental health advocate, and host of the rapidly growing podcast Lethal Venom — to talk about building a podcast from scratch, overcoming depression and anxiety, and turning personal pain into purpose.

Noah opens up about growing up feeling isolated, battling long-term mental health struggles, and how starting a podcast became a powerful form of self-expression and emotional release. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a paid opportunity and a growing platform that connects with listeners navigating similar struggles.

This conversation explores:

1. How podcasting can be therapeutic for mental health
2. The reality of starting a podcast with no experience
3. Lessons learned from launching multiple shows
4. The power of vulnerability in content creation
5. Depression, anxiety, and finding your voice
6. How platforms like Spotify and Apple impact podcast growth
7. Balancing creative burnout with consistency
8. The transition from hobby podcasting to monetization

Noah shares the origin story behind Lethal Venom, the meaning behind the name, and how “truth can be lethal” when it forces growth and confrontation. He also discusses building momentum on podcast platforms, handling guest interviews, and navigating the emotional side of content creation.

If you are:

1. A new podcaster looking for practical advice
2. A creator struggling with consistency or burnout
3. Someone battling depression or anxiety
4. Or someone searching for purpose through creative work

This episode delivers honest insight into what it means to build something meaningful while healing yourself in the process.

Website: https://noahspodcast.com

Podcast: Lethal Venom (Available on Spotify & Apple)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Auburn University
2. Podmatch
3. Spotify
4. Apple
5. Anchor