In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Ariel Sullivan to discuss her powerful debut novel, Conform. Ariel opens up about writing through postpartum depression and the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how those experiences shaped her characters and themes. The conversation explores female strength, societal pressure, and resilience, as well as the layered storytelling that makes Conform resonate with readers. Ariel also teases an upcoming prequel that expands on the world she’s created, offering fans a deeper look into her evolving literary universe.

What We're Talking About...

• Published under Jenna Bush Hager’s imprint, Thousand Voices, the book highlights powerful storytelling from diverse and authentic voices.
• Inspired by Ariel’s own experiences with postpartum depression and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Conform captures the emotional reality of resilience and self-discovery.
• The novel explores complex themes—including choice, love triangles, and societal expectations—through characters who challenge traditional roles.
• Ariel stresses the importance of creating flawed, human characters with both light and shadow, making them deeply relatable to readers.
• The story’s setting and character dynamics mirror real-world social pressures and modern issues surrounding identity and belonging.
• Ariel wrote much of the book in short, chaotic bursts during her children’s nap times, offering a candid look at balancing motherhood and creativity.
• Conform serves as a gateway into the fantasy genre for readers who love grounded, character-driven stories.
• The book’s characters are written to evoke empathy and spark emotional connection, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and values.
• Ariel also shares details about an upcoming prequel, which will dive deeper into the history and mythology of the world introduced in Conform.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a Debut: Ariel Sullivan's Journey

02:59 The Inspiration Behind 'Conform'

06:10 Writing Through Struggles: Postpartum and COVID

08:53 The Creative Process: From Idea to Trilogy

11:57 Character Development: The Complexity of Choices

14:58 Themes of Female Strength and Societal Expectations

18:05 Exploring Relationships: Love Triangles and Family Dynamics

20:54 The Impact of Fantasy on Real-World Issues

23:54 Layered Storytelling: Engaging Readers on Multiple Levels

26:54 Looking Ahead: The Future of Ariel's Writing

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ken Miller, author of High Finance, to dive into the complex world of Wall Street, fiction writing, and social responsibility. They explore how Miller weaves together the interconnected lives of his characters while tackling themes of civil rights, free speech, and the moral cost of ambition. Ken also opens up about his transition from a career in finance to fiction, his creative process, and what’s next in his writing journey. This thought-provoking conversation offers listeners an inside look at how personal experience and professional insight can shape powerful storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• Ken Miller’s novel High Finance delivers a powerful and unique perspective on Wall Street and the people behind it.
• The book’s interconnected characters mirror the real-life complexities of the financial world.
• Fiction writing became Ken’s way of giving back to the literary community and exploring deeper human truths.
• Racism and social responsibility are central themes that Ken addresses with honesty and passion.
• Ken’s friendship with Alan Alda underscores the value of empathy and human connection.
• The culture of Wall Street often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term consequences—a key moral tension in the story.
• Characters wrestle with ethical dilemmas tied to ambition, success, and personal integrity.
• The shoeshine man represents the overlooked voices that keep the financial system running.
• Ken’s future projects promise to explore more complex social and political themes.
• Through his work with PEN America, Ken champions free speech and the importance of storytelling in protecting democracy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ken Miller and High Finance

04:14 The Inspiration Behind Writing Fiction

07:22 Exploring Truth in Fiction

10:06 Ken's Philanthropic Efforts and Community Involvement

13:02 The Culture of Wall Street

16:18 Character Development and Themes in High Finance

19:15 The Role of Supporting Characters

22:08 The Cost of Financial Dreams

25:07 Ken's Future Projects and Reflections on Writing

28:06 Conclusion and Where to Find High Finance

28:44 Empowerment and Importance of Individual Contributions

28:45 Understanding High Finance and Its Accessibility

Links Mentioned

Ken Miller's Website: https://www.kenmillerbooks.com/

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac dives into 107 Days by Kamala Harris. Glogovac explores the behind-the-scenes challenges of Harris’s campaign, the impact of media misrepresentation, and the unwavering support from her political allies. Through her review, Glogovac highlights the importance of separating fact from fiction and recognizing Harris’s leadership and resilience during one of the most turbulent periods in American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Kamala Harris had just 107 days to campaign following President Biden’s withdrawal, showcasing her ability to lead under intense pressure.
• The book reveals how media misrepresentation distorted Harris’s comments and shaped public perception.
• 107 Days offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the campaign trail and the realities of running for national office.
• Harris’s journey highlights the unique challenges faced by women of color in politics and the strength required to overcome them.
• The book reinforces Harris’s lifelong commitment to being “for the people” and serving with integrity.
• Michelle Glogovac discusses her disappointment in the portrayal of Dr. Jill Biden, raising questions about narrative fairness.
• Harris’s grace, resilience, and leadership define her role during one of the most turbulent political moments in modern history.
• 107 Days stands as a powerful piece of political history that every reader should explore.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to '107 Days' and Kamala Harris

02:51 The Challenges of a 107-Day Campaign

06:06 Media Misrepresentation and Public Perception

08:59 Support from Political Allies

11:56 Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac sits down with Zanna Keithley, author of Self-Affirmations: 100 Lessons for Learning to Love Yourself. Together, they explore the power of positive affirmations, the practice of self-love, and the role gratitude plays in personal growth. Zanna opens up about her journey to becoming a writer, how meditation and life experiences shaped her work, and why sharing personal stories can be so transformative. Listeners will gain practical insights on building confidence, embracing vulnerability, and using affirmations to create lasting change.

What We're Talking About...

• Zanna Keithley’s writing journey began with a deep desire for self-expression.
• Positive affirmations can empower daily life and boost confidence.
• Meditation is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
• Sharing personal stories creates authentic connection with others.
• Transformative experiences can lead to lasting self-love and inner peace.
• Learning to find “home” within yourself is key to emotional well-being.
• Words hold the power to inspire, impact, and create change.
• Practicing gratitude opens the door to joy and abundance.
• Your personal journey can motivate and uplift those around you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zanna Keithley

04:32 The Journey of Self-Love and Writing

07:25 The Power of Affirmations

10:25 Meditation and Personal Growth

13:22 Sharing Vulnerability Through Writing

16:15 Transformative Moments in Life

19:41 The Cross-Country Journey

22:29 Finding Home Within Yourself

25:17 Impact of Words on Others

28:29 Gratitude and Connection

31:27 Conclusion and Where to Find Zanna

33:44 The Power of Self-Worth and Affirmations

34:42 Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity

Links Mentioned

Zanna Keithley's website: https://zannakeithley.com

Zanna Keithley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zannakeithley

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with anthropologist and author Danilyn Rutherford to discuss her powerful memoir Beautiful Mystery. The book chronicles Rutherford’s journey as a mother to her daughter Millie, who lives with an undiagnosed disability. Together, Michelle and Danilyn explore themes of parenting, communication, caregiving, and loss, while also examining the political and social realities of healthcare and support systems for people with disabilities. Rutherford shares moving insights on the importance of empathy, resilience, and community, while celebrating the rich social worlds that children like Millie create.

What We're Talking About...

• Millie’s way of expressing herself shows the power of creativity and understanding in disability communication.
• Caregiving is essential for supporting children and adults with disabilities.
• Loss can reshape how families approach life, caregiving, and compassion.
• Disability support networks often lack stability and require stronger advocacy.
• Understanding and empathy are at the heart of building meaningful relationships.
• Millie’s life demonstrates how individuals with disabilities enrich entire communities.
• Policy decisions directly affect healthcare access and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
• Every relationship—family, friends, community—matters in shaping support and love.
• Perspective-taking fosters deeper compassion and understanding.
• Stronger advocacy for healthcare and disability services is vital for families like Millie’s.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:33 Understanding Millie's Condition

07:33 The Importance of Communication

10:44 The Role of Caregivers

13:25 Navigating Loss and Grief

16:41 The Impact of Community

19:39 Empathy and Understanding

22:06 Political Implications of Care

24:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

30:21 The Urgency of Healthcare Advocacy

30:52 Understanding Millie's Story and Its Impact

Links Mentioned

Purchase Beautiful Mystery: https://www.dukeupress.edu/beautiful-mystery

Danilyn Rutherford's website: https://danilynrutherford.com/about

In this bonus episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with independent journalist Aaron Parnas to examine the growing crisis around freedom of speech in America. Using recent events involving media figures like Jimmy Kimmel as a backdrop, they explore how political pressures and corporate influence are threatening the First Amendment. Aaron shares his journey from law to journalism, the personal risks he faces reporting the truth, and why media literacy and civic education are essential to preserving democracy. Together, they make a compelling case for why supporting independent journalism is critical to protecting free speech and ensuring an informed public.

What We're Talking About...

• Freedom of speech is under threat in America.
• Independent media is crucial for unbiased news.
• The current political climate is pushing journalists to adapt.
• Civics education is lacking in schools across the country.
• Engaging younger generations in politics is essential.
• The divide between active and inactive citizens is growing.
• Media literacy is necessary to combat misinformation.
• Independent journalists face unique challenges and threats.
• Supporting independent journalism is vital for democracy.
• Personal passion drives the work of independent journalists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

04:31 The Importance of Independent Media

07:40 Navigating News in Real-Time

10:45 The Shift from Law to Journalism

13:50 Facing Threats as a Journalist

16:59 The State of Political Engagement

19:53 Encouraging Civic Awareness

22:42 Supporting Independent Journalism

23:51 The Importance of Supporting Free Speech

24:20 Staying Informed and Active in Current Events

Links Mentioned

Aaron Parnas on Substack

https://substack.com/@aaronparnas

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac opens up about her current reading challenges and shares a fall TBR list packed with suspense novels, memoirs, and self-help books. Michelle dives into the themes of each title, reflecting on how they inspire personal growth, self-discovery, and community connection. Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, curious about how to overcome a reading slump, or building your own seasonal reading list, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and ready to turn the page.

What We're Talking About...

• Michelle shares a variety of books on her TBR list for fall.
• The importance of understanding different perspectives through reading.
• Books like 'I Take My Coffee Black' resonate with her personal experiences.
• Self-love as a recurring theme in her reading choices.
• The need for community and togetherness through book clubs.
• Upcoming releases that include a mix of fiction and memoirs.
• Michelle encourages listeners to engage with their own reading journeys.
• The role of books in providing empathy and knowledge.
• Gratitude for authors who contribute to our reading experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reading Struggles

03:09 Fall TBR Sneak Peek: Current Reads

05:58 Upcoming Releases: September and October Highlights

In this episode of Read The Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and activist Dr. Terence Lester to discuss his powerful memoir From Dropout to Doctorate. Dr. Lester opens up about his personal experiences with homelessness, poverty, and trauma, and how these challenges shaped his journey from high school dropout to community leader and Ph.D. The conversation dives into the complex realities of homelessness, the systemic issues tied to public policy and poverty, and the urgent need for compassionate advocacy.

Listeners will learn how Dr. Lester’s story highlights the role of love, humanity, and kindness in creating lasting social change, and why empathy is essential in addressing homelessness at both individual and societal levels. This inspiring episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of trauma, poverty, and public policy, and challenges us all to rethink how we view and respond to those experiencing homelessness.

What We're Talking About...

• Dr. Lester emphasizes the importance of love as an act of resistance.
• Home is defined as a place of belonging, not just a physical structure.
• Poverty is interconnected with trauma and societal issues.
• Youth homelessness is a significant and often overlooked issue.
• Empathy is crucial for understanding and addressing homelessness.
• Public policy often fails to consider the voices of those affected.
• The narrative around homelessness needs to change to include diverse perspectives.
• Advocacy should be driven by love and compassion for all.
• Conversations about societal issues are necessary for change.
• Personal stories can inspire vulnerability and connection in others.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Humanity and Kindness

07:29 Understanding Homelessness and Its Complexities

13:44 The Role of Public Policy in Homelessness

19:27 The Interconnection of Poverty and Trauma

25:38 Empathy and the Need for Compassion

29:55 The Power of Love and Advocacy

35:57 Vulnerability and Personal Stories

41:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links Mentioned

• Dr. Terence Lester's Website: terencelester.com
• From Dropout to Doctorate by Dr. Terence Lester: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781514011485
• Zion’s Closets https://www.ivpress.com/press-releases/2025/ivp-kids-zion-learns-to-see-turns-words-into-action-with-the-first-zions-closet-to-help-students-and-families-in-need
• Love Beyond Walls https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/
• Dr. Terence Lester on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imterencelester/
• Dr. Terence Lester on X https://x.com/imTerenceLester