EPISODE 769 - Colin Belcourt - The Blue Hour Gospel is about the fear of living the wrong life, and the slow erasure of the self

Colin Belcourt joins the podcast to reflect on the curious alchemy between place, identity, and the quiet work of writing. Based outside Ottawa after moving from Toronto, Colin describes the unexpected ease of life beyond big-city rush hour and how his new role leading a municipal data team sits beside his creative life, where he acts as a translator between technical systems and everyday people. That juxtaposition—structured meetings by day, vulnerable page-by-page exploration by night—frames much of the conversation.

Colin explains how writing became a therapeutic practice at the suggestion of a therapist and how that gentle nudge eventually unfolded into a book that processes anxiety, self-erasure, and the small, stubborn moments that shape us. He describes writing as armor that allows honesty to surface: once words are on the page, patterns emerge and hidden pressures—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, the urge to diminish one’s work—start to lose their power. Colin emphasizes the slow-burn rewards of creative work, valuing one intimate reader’s note over broad acclaim and learning to celebrate those quiet confirmations.

A key thread is representation and the particular pressures of growing up gay in the nineties. Colin situates his experience—privileged but still othered—within broader community dynamics where image and assimilation often mask unresolved grief and unprocessed trauma. His book intentionally preserves ambiguity and invites readers to find themselves in the margins: characters named as variations of him embody interactions across family, strangers, lovers, and institutions. The narrative experiments with form—QR codes, recipe-like chapters, songs—to offer multiple entry points and to honor different ways readers engage with story.

Colin also reflects honestly on publishing and promotion: the surprising warmth of the writing community, the raw impact of a single meaningful review, and the awkwardness of sharing work with family. He rejects easy triumphalism about social progress, noting improvements alongside persistent microaggressions and new complexities that come with greater visibility. Looking forward, Colin is already drafting a second book that expands from the self to community, exploring the liminal places where identity, expectation, and belonging blur.

Key takeaway: Writing can be both a tool of self-revelation and communal repair—start small, value intimate responses, and let the slow work of reflection widen into connection.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-p-belcourt/

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EPISODE 768 - Maria Giesbrecht - A Little Feral, a collection of poems written several years after leaving a conservative Mennonite family

In this episode, author guest Maria Giesbrecht opens up about the deeply personal journey behind her poetry collection and the complicated path that led her toward becoming a writer. She reflects on the surreal experience of stepping into a live radio interview with little time to prepare, sharing the vulnerability that comes with putting creative work into the world and wondering how it will be received. What emerges throughout the conversation is an honest look at fear, courage, and the emotional weight of telling the truth through art.

Maria traces her love of writing back to high school, where an encouraging creative writing teacher helped her realize that writing could exist beyond assignments and grades. Although she later pursued accounting, poetry stayed beside her through difficult seasons of life and eventually became the foundation for publication. She speaks candidly about rejection in the literary world, explaining that persistence matters more than perfection and that rejection is often proof that a writer is actively pursuing their calling.

The conversation also explores Maria’s upbringing in a Mennonite community after immigrating from Mexico to Canada as a child. She shares the tension of growing up between cultures, trying to fit in while carrying traditions and experiences that felt different from those around her. Reading became a refuge during those years, and books helped her discover the power stories have to comfort, connect, and heal.

Maria speaks thoughtfully about faith, rebellion, identity, and the complicated process of finding her own voice outside the structures she grew up in. Rather than rejecting her past entirely, she reflects on learning to hold both beauty and pain together. That same philosophy shapes her writing, where she aims to portray family, spirituality, and relationships with honesty and generosity instead of reducing people to heroes or villains.

Throughout the episode, Maria encourages listeners to trust their inner desires and give themselves permission to pursue a more honest version of life. She reminds aspiring writers and creatives that consistency matters, community matters, and that finding people who truly understand your journey can make all the difference.

Key takeaway: The path toward creativity, identity, and personal freedom is rarely straightforward, but growth begins when we stop silencing ourselves and start trusting the deeper truths we carry within.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/elmira-poet-s-new-book-inspired-by-her-journey-leaving-mennonite-community-9.7175804

https://mariagiesbrecht.com/

In A Little Feral, Maria Giesbrecht delivers a debut collection that navigates faith, family, and personal resurrection through a voice at once wild, intimate, and quietly rebellious. Written in the aftermath of leaving a conservative Mennonite upbringing, these poems chart a parallel journey of breaking away— from father, from God, from the confines of obedience. Giesbrecht’ s language is lyrical and unflinching, a cadence that moves between tenderness and defiance.
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EPISODE 766 - Nicolette Halladay - Inspired Hearts Publishing, The Golden Thread & The Lineage of the Light

In this heartfelt conversation, Nicolette Halladay, founder of Inspired Hearts Publishing and author of The Golden Thread & The Lineage of the Light, shares a deeply personal look into her writing journey and the transformative power of storytelling. Speaking from her home near the Colorado and Utah border, Nicolette reflects on the importance of trusting yourself as both a writer and a human being navigating life’s challenges.

At the core of her message is a call for authors to release perfectionism and write from the heart. She emphasizes that doubt is a natural part of the creative process, especially in the early stages, but growth comes from leaning into authenticity and allowing your voice to expand. Surrounding yourself with supportive communities, mentors, and fellow creators can make the journey less isolating and far more meaningful.

Nicolette also highlights her work in publishing, where she supports both new and experienced authors through writing, production, and marketing. She shares how different authors require different types of guidance, from foundational support for beginners to platform-building strategies for seasoned writers. Her passion lies in helping individuals who have experienced transformation or adversity turn their stories into powerful connections for others.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the origin of her book. Following a difficult relationship that left her feeling disconnected and searching for clarity, Nicolette experienced a vivid vision of a “golden thread.” This symbol became a guiding force in her healing and creative process, representing protection, truth, joy, and connection. What followed was an intense period of writing, where much of the book flowed through her in a short time, capturing both her emotional journey and spiritual insights.

The setting of Silverton, Colorado, where she reconnected with family and spent time writing in a historic home, played a powerful role in grounding and inspiring her work. She describes the environment as both awakening and deeply supportive, reinforcing her belief in unseen guidance and ancestral connection.

Throughout the episode, Nicolette encourages listeners and aspiring authors to document their experiences, especially during times of upheaval. Whether through writing, art, or other creative outlets, capturing these moments can lead to clarity, healing, and meaningful storytelling.

Her book is not positioned as a story of having it all figured out, but rather as an honest exploration of moving through pain, rebuilding self-trust, and finding meaning in the process. It invites readers to see themselves within the journey and recognize their own capacity for growth and healing.

Key takeaway: Trust yourself through the creative process and through life’s most difficult moments. Your story, even in its messiness, holds the power to heal, connect, and inspire both you and others.

https://nicolettehalladay.com/

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EPISODE 765 - Barb Rebon - A journey through trauma, faith, and ultimately self-acceptance

In this episode, guest Barb Rebon shares her deeply personal journey from a childhood dream of becoming a nun to embracing her true self after decades of inner conflict. Originally from Tampa, Florida, Barb entered the convent at 16 with the Disciples of Jesus and Mary in Boston, drawn by a longing for the family and safety she lacked at home amid abuse, dysfunction, and her mother's witchcraft practices. Despite rigid rules—no close friendships, daily prayers from 5 a.m., studies, and media work like printing presses—she formed a taboo bond with an older nun, sparking confusion over her emerging feelings toward women while grappling with trauma.

Barb left after 18 months but persisted, later joining her dream order, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Sales, in 1989 after a rare exception from the Mother General in Rome waived their parental marriage requirement. In New Jersey, familiar surroundings brought temporary peace, yet doubts resurfaced—questioning attractions to men, clashing with superiors, leading to her exit at 20. She remained close to the sisters for eight years, burying a haunting secret experience that intensified her shame.

Moving to Irwin, Pennsylvania, in 1999 for a secret relationship with a woman marked further turmoil; even family queries were denied amid guilt rooted in faith. At 45, Barb finally voiced "I am gay" to a supportive friend, breaking years of silence on sexuality, self-harm, and pain. Now 56 and a school teacher, she refuses the closet, hoping her memoir—releasing by late May for Pride Month—fosters understanding.

Key Takeaway: Silence amplifies torment, but voicing your truth to a trusted ally can liberate you—embrace who you are without shame.

Barbara Rebon has spent more than three decades shaping young lives as a passionate and compassionate educator. Known for her creativity and quiet strength, she has built classrooms where students feel safe, valued, and understood during some of the most important years of their development. Her work has always centered on lifting others, even while carrying a story of her own that remained largely unseen.

Behind that steady presence was a silence rooted in a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and betrayal. That silence followed her into adulthood, influencing her sense of identity, her faith, and the way she navigated the world. In environments where truth felt unsafe, she learned to protect herself by holding it in, convincing herself that silence was safer than being fully known.

Now living in Pennsylvania after growing up in Florida, Barbara continues her work as an educator while stepping into a new purpose as a voice for those still navigating their own silence. Through her story, she offers more than reflection. She offers hope, showing that even after years of being unheard, your voice still matters and your story is never finished.

https://www.motivationchamps.com/authors/barb-rebon/

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EPISODE 764 - Gary Wise - Certified PGA of Australia member - No Junk Reps, the Adaptive Performance State

This episode features Gary Wise, an Australian-born performance coach whose journey spans elite surf lifesaving, professional golf, and decades of coaching athletes at the highest levels. Now based in Florida, Gary reflects on a life shaped by sport, discipline, and ultimately a deeper understanding of how the mind influences performance.

Gary’s early years were defined by movement and competition, from ocean rowing and surf lifesaving in Australia to rugby, water polo, and eventually golf. What began as a casual introduction to golf through caddying evolved into a professional career, taking him from competitive play into coaching. Along the way, he developed a unique perspective that blends physical performance with mental awareness.

At the heart of this conversation is Gary’s concept of adaptive performance, a framework built on five key actions: recognize, identify, align, transfer, and accept. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, he emphasizes decision making in the present moment. Whether it’s a young golfer facing pressure on the final hole or a lifeguard responding to an emergency, the goal is the same: match actions to intent while staying grounded in what matters right now.

Gary challenges the widespread misinformation that surrounds performance, particularly in youth sports. He highlights how unrealistic expectations, often fueled by social media and misunderstanding of professional statistics, create unnecessary pressure and anxiety. A seven-foot putt on the PGA Tour, for example, is only made about half the time, yet young athletes are often made to feel like failure is not an option. This disconnect, he explains, can shape confidence and identity in harmful ways.

The conversation also explores the role of parents and coaches, urging a shift away from control and toward support. Gary stresses the importance of allowing young athletes to make decisions, learn from mistakes, and develop ownership over their performance. Interference, even when well intentioned, can create doubt and disrupt focus in critical moments.

Gary’s book, No Junk Reps, grew out of a thesis on performance and evolved into a deeply personal project that challenged him in unexpected ways. Writing forced him to confront gaps in memory, vulnerability, and identity, ultimately reinforcing his belief that everyone has a story worth telling. His advice to aspiring writers is simple: start, let go of control, and allow the process to unfold.

Throughout the episode, Gary returns to a central idea: we often see things not as they are, but as we are. By learning to manage attention, filter information, and stay present, both athletes and individuals can make better decisions and perform with greater clarity.

Key takeaway: True performance is not about perfection or outcome, but about mastering the ability to stay present, make clear decisions, and align your actions with what matters most in the moment.

https://ijga.com/coaches/gary-wise/

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Mark Hummel’s most recent work is the award-winning dark, comic novel Man, Underground. He is also the author of the novel In the Chameleon’s Shadow and the short story collection Lost and Found. He has been publishing fiction, essays, and poetry in literary magazines and anthologies since 1991. His work has appeared, among many other places, in the pages of The Arlington Literary Journal, The Bloomsbury Review, Dogwood, Fugue, Per Contra, Talking River Review, The Wrath-Bearing Tree, Weber: the Contemporary West, and Zone 3. Writing as Mark Leichliter, he is the author of the crime novel The Other Side.

Writing Is a Lifelong Practice

Mark Hummel Leichliter has spent his life around writing as a writer, editor, teacher, coach, and mentor. He believes writers improve through practice and remain students of their craft throughout their careers. The page can teach you, especially when you approach the work with curiosity and an openness to learning.

Good readers play a major role in that process. Mark relies on trusted readers who care enough to identify problems and help him see possibilities within a manuscript. Their feedback can reveal paths that remain hidden while a writer stays too close to the work.

Follow the Book

Mark writes across genres and deliberately embraces experimentation. He follows the needs of each book rather than forcing every project into the same approach. A new manuscript can demand a different voice, structure, perspective, or narrative strategy.

That philosophy also shapes his view of publishing. Writers can waste valuable energy chasing trends, studying the market, or trying to predict what publishers want. Mark encourages writers to focus on creating the best book they can and to write the book they want to read.

Man, Underground

Mark's 2023 novel, Man, Underground, grew from an idea he began exploring more than a decade earlier. The dark comedy follows a middle-aged man who withdraws from society and builds an underground home. His unconventional life attracts scrutiny and labels him as someone who does not fit accepted expectations.

A seventeen-year-old named Monica changes everything. Her determination to help him creates an unexpected friendship and gives the story a path toward connection, hope, and change.

The novel explores the human tendency to label people as different and push them outside the community. Mark uses comedy to examine serious social questions while allowing the story to move toward empathy and connection.

Mark's approach to writing centers on curiosity, experimentation, trusted readers, and a willingness to follow where the story leads. Man, Underground reflects that philosophy through a story about isolation, unexpected friendship, and the possibility of finding connection across perceived differences.

https://markhummelwriter.com/man-underground/

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EPISODE 280 - Kyle Jetsel - The Loss of A Spouse, Raising Kids With Autism and Measuring the COST

In the heart of adversity, our guest today, Kyle Jetsel, discovered that life's most formidable challenges could be transformed into profound opportunities for growth.

Growing up in a tough neighborhood Kyle found himself in a world where the line between safety and chaos was razor-thin.
In this episode, Kyle takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing how he navigated the turbulent seas of his youth.

Kyle faced yet another colossal test of faith when his beloved wife of 30 years, a source of love and strength, suddenly passed away. The impact of this loss was felt not only in his own life but also within the lives of their six children, one of whom has a severely aggressive form of autism.

It was in these darkest hours that Kyle leaned into God's strength like never before. He turned to a simple yet powerful strategy that helped him find his way back to hope and healing, all while knowing that God's grace was the cornerstone of his journey.

Get ready to be deeply moved by Kyle's remarkable journey of faith and resilience, proving that we are never alone when we lean on God's strength and embrace His mysterious, undeserved grace. This episode is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity.

To download your free copy of his book "Facing My Biggest Fear. 180 Days of Surviving and Thriving After the Death of My Beloved Shelly" and the worksheet he shares, check the comments for the link.

You may reach Kyle at https://www.youtube.com/@drivenautismdad187

Published: Nov. 17, 2023

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