What do a hammered dulcimer, aluminum wire sculptures, 33 jobs, and a hilarious collection of short stories have in common? They're all chapters in the wonderfully creative life of Doug Halper. In this episode, Georgette sits down with the multi-talented musician, visual artist, and author she met at the Sunshine State Book Festival — and the conversation is as entertaining as his book.

Doug, who also writes under the pen name Benjamin Douglas, is the author of Don't Miss the Bus and Other Tales from the Road — a very funny, sometimes poignant collection of short stories about making a career of being creative, the adventures of life on the road, and the beautiful mess of simply being human.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Doug discovered his calling at age 5 and has never stopped creating — even when it meant starting over 33 times
• The accidental discovery of wire sculpture that became his most successful (and wildest) career chapter
• Why staying open and being stubborn are two of the most underrated tools for a creative life
• The T.N.K. filter — a powerful and simple tool for deciding when to speak and when to stay quiet
• What an unplanned electric car adventure taught him about adapting on the fly
• Why Doug would sit down with Jesus if he could talk to anyone — and what questions he'd bring to the table
• His philosophy that keeps him grounded no matter what happens: "It's all part of the gig"
• The book that has changed his life more than any other: Illusions by Richard Bach
• Why he encourages everyone — especially young people — to start putting away even $200/month right now

This episode is a reminder that your calling doesn't have to look like anyone else's, creativity comes in countless forms, and a little stubbornness paired with an open heart might just be the recipe for a life well-lived.

🎧 Grab Doug's book, Don't Miss the Bus, and explore his music and wire art at www.DougHalper.com — and if you search his name online, he promises you'll find him easily (as long as you spell it right).

GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Doug Halper (pen name: Benjamin Douglas)

Book: Don't Miss the Bus and Other Tales from the Road

Website: www.DougHalper.com

Social Media: Search "Doug Halper" on all platforms — he's the only one who shows up (if you spell it right!)

https://www.facebook.com/DougsWireWriting/

https://www.youtube.com/doughalper

https://www.linkedin.com/company/doug-halper---entertainer/

https://www.tiktok.com/@dougs_wire_writing

Note: Doug's website features his wire sculpture art, hammered dulcimer music, and writing. All booking and connection goes through his website.

HOST CONTACT & LINKS — GEORGETTE BECK

Book: Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness & Despair to Beauty & Delight

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgette.beck/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgetteBeckWriter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgette-beck-7a659387/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/GeorgetteMBeck

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgette2038

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@georgettebeck9168

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