Welcome to Hilary Topper on Air. Today's guest is Steven Kobrin. Born and raised in LA, Steven is a lifelong student of film. But his journey to becoming a screenwriter ad author wasn't a straight path. From being a top-ranked tennis player in Southern California to becoming the creative mind behind The Man from Belize trilogy, Steven's story is one of passion, reinvention, and perseverance. On this episode, we will dive into Steven's fascinating life, his transition from competitive tennis to writing and the inspiration behind his internally acclaimed action-thriller novels and more.

Here are some of the questions I asked Steven:

• Growing up in LA, what was it like balancing your love for film with your dedication to tennis?
• What sparked your passion for storytelling, and how did film influence your creative journey?
• What is The Man from Belize Trilogy? What is the inspiration behind the trilogy?
• Do you have any rituals to help you write?
• Talk with us about your two podcasts - The Picture of Lana Mackenzie and J-4. Where can someone listen in?

Show sponsors:

The Russo Law Group and Playtri.

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Beatrice Lessi, a remarkable woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. At 60 years old, Beatrice lives in Zurich with her husband and three daughters. With a degree in humanities from the University of Pisa, she began her career as a financial broker before taking a long break to focus on her family. At the age of 40, with no prior athletic background, she laced up her running shoes for the first time—and hasn't looked back since. Beatrice has since competed in numerous extreme events, proving that it's never too late to embrace new challenges. She now works as a blogger and journalist for Swiss Deluxe Hotels, sharing her boundless energy and passion for life. Her new book, Extreme Adventures: Tackling the World's Toughest Races with Grit and Humor, captures her incredible journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Beatrice's story is one of resilience, joy, and the power of personal growth, and I'm thrilled to dive into it with her today.

• Can you tell us what inspired you to write this book and what readers can expect from it?
• What was the most challenging part of writing Extreme Adventures, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
• You started running at 40 with no athletic background. What motivated you to take that first step, and how did it evolve into competing in extreme events?
• You've inspired many people to pursue running and personal growth. What advice would you give to someone who feels like it's "too late" to start something new?
• Can you share a moment during one of these events that tested you the most—and how you overcame it?
• Your book emphasizes spreading joy, appreciating beauty, and sharing a positive message. How do you incorporate these values into your daily life?
• What do you hope readers will take away from Extreme Adventures—both runners and non-runners alike?
• If you could go back and give your 40-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
• Finally, what's one message you'd like to leave with our audience today?

The Russo Law Group and PlayTri.

The definition of family has changed. Today, families come in all forms and sizes, from unmarried partners and blended households to close-knit friends who are like family. While society has embraced these modern family structures, the law often lags. This can create significant challenges for estate planning, leaving loved ones unprotected when the proper legal documents are not in place.

On an upcoming episode of the "Hilary Topper on Air" podcast, we're diving into this essential topic. We'll be joined by Diana Lattanzio, a partner at Russo Law Group, P.C., who specializes in helping diverse families secure their futures. She will share her expertise on creating an estate plan that accurately reflects your unique relationships and wishes.