Ghostwriter and agency CEO Jeffrey Allen Mangus pulls back the curtain on how great books get made—myths vs. truth, realistic timelines, what collaboration with a pro really looks like, and why “white-glove” teams beat going it alone. Plus: when to hire a ghostwriter, writing as legacy, and a card pull for listeners that says it’s time to stop overthinking and tell your story.

Social Impact Architect Jan Barlow shares how Better Job Fit aligns people, companies, and communities—bridging nonprofit and for-profit worlds, measuring real impact, and rethinking hiring in the post-pandemic, AI-enabled workplace.

International bestselling author Shawnee Baker shares how writing her daughter Bailey’s story became both healing and purposeful—fueling a movement for college safety, healthcare proxies, and the creation of Bailey’s Wish Foundation.

Bestselling author and yoga teacher Mahnaz Jahangiri shares how trusting her intuition—closing two studios, going virtual, and writing Finding Home—led to deeper impact, clearer purpose, and the courage to “finish the damn book.”

Author and feng shui pro Alejandra Brady shares how surgeries, stillness, and “love shoves” from the universe sparked her spiritual awakening—and her bestselling memoir. Hear how she blends feng shui, biophilic design, and intuition to transform spaces (and lives) while revealing the messy, honest path to finishing your book.

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s an upgrade. In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schafer talks with Pam & Julie, co-authors of Midlife Upgrade, about writing through challenges, embracing vulnerability, and creating a guide that helps women step into their power with confidence and grace.

From pioneering sports journalism to helping hundreds of authors shine through podcast tours, Jackie Lapin knows how to turn stories into impact. In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer and Jackie explore book publicity, authenticity in publishing, and Jackie’s newest passion project—The Historic Traveler.

Tune in for insider tips on getting your book seen, heard, and celebrated.

What do Good Morning America, luxury hotels, and book marketing have in common? Jane Ubell-Meyer. In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with the founder of Bedside Reading to explore her journey from TV and film producer to bestselling author and publishing entrepreneur. Jane shares her secrets for creative partnerships, why every book is a business, and how she helps authors manifest success—sometimes down to the last detail (yes, even parking spaces!).