Dogs, Stories, and Connections | Meet Patricia McConnell

With host, Lisa Towles, this episode examines the intersection of science and storytelling through Patricia McConnell's internationally bestselling nonfiction and her acclaimed fiction debut, Away to Me. Together they discuss observation, empathy, healing, and why understanding behavior—whether human or canine—can transform the way we see the world. Essential listening for readers, writers, dog lovers, and anyone fascinated by the deeper connections between people, animals, and the natural world.

McConnell is one of the world's foremost authorities on animal behavior. Her internationally bestselling books—including The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will—have helped more than 1.2 million readers build stronger relationships with their dogs. In her debut novel, Away to Me, she brings that same rare perspective to fiction, creating a compelling mystery set against the rich backdrop of rural Wisconsin and the fascinating world of sheepdogs.

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles and Patricia McConnell discuss:

• Patricia's lifelong journey into the study of canine behavior and the pivotal decision that changed her career. • Why The Other End of the Leash continues to resonate with readers around the world. • The inspiration behind her fiction debut, Away to Me, and discovering a passion for novel writing later in life. • Sheepdogs, sheepdog trials, and creating an authentic rural mystery rooted in the natural world. • What fear, trauma, healing, and trust reveal about both animals and ourselves.

This episode is ideal for dog lovers, mystery readers, writers, animal behavior enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about observation, compassion, resilience, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.

Watch the full YouTube video interview: https://youtu.be/GSy8fZmVz6w?si=FPdcBNKWuA7aZGt1

Learn more about Patricia McConnell: https://patriciamcconnell.com

Story Impact is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of Story Impact Consulting. This literary podcast features visionary authors exploring books, creativity, storytelling, and the deeper purpose behind the stories that shape our lives.

Learn more about the Story Impact platform: https://storyimpactconsulting.com

Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected to conversations exploring books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors.

Stories hold the world together.

Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with authors and entrepreneurs Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth to explore mindfulness, meaningful work, leadership, and finding purpose beyond conventional career success.

This episode examines the evolving definition of success—moving beyond promotions and titles toward lives grounded in purpose, alignment, and authentic human connection. Essential listening for professionals, entrepreneurs, authors, and lifelong learners seeking a more intentional path forward.

Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth are authors, mentors, and founders of Wentworth Executive Recruiting, where they have spent decades helping professionals build meaningful careers while developing leaders and strengthening organizations. Their work brings together executive recruiting, mindfulness, personal growth, and leadership development to help people create careers—and lives—that truly matter.

Together they are the authors of A Mindful Career, a thoughtful guide to aligning professional success with personal purpose. Eric's award-winning new book, A Mindful Teen, helps parents cultivate deeper conversations with teenagers through mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, while Carol Ann prepares to launch Mindful Career Mastery, a six-week online course designed to help participants align their work with purpose, presence, and personal fulfillment.

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles, Carol Ann, and Eric Wentworth discuss:

The difference between finding a job and discovering a calling

Why today's professionals are increasingly searching for purpose over prestige

The inspiration behind A Mindful Teen and A Mindful Career

What decades of executive recruiting reveal about leadership, fulfillment, and human potential

How success evolves from achievement to alignment

This episode is ideal for professionals navigating career transitions, entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, authors, and anyone seeking thoughtful conversations about purpose, meaningful work, and living with greater intention.

Watch the full YouTube video interview:

https://youtu.be/TMeuwn2iIks?si=zV4VBsy_jkLjQICT

Learn more about Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth:

https://wentworthexecutiverecruiting.com

Story Impact is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of Story Impact Consulting. This literary podcast features visionary authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers exploring creativity, leadership, meaningful work, and the deeper purpose behind powerful stories.

Learn more about books by Lisa Towles:

https://lisatowles.com/

Learn more about the Story Impact platform:

https://storyimpactconsulting.com

Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio to stay connected to conversations that explore books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors.

Stories hold the world together.

Welcome to the Story Impact Author Interview Podcast. In some corners of the world, storytelling isn't just an art—it’s an act of courage and a vital record of survival.

Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes bestselling crime novelist Sarah Lovett and global changemaker Ron Schultz. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on their new international thriller, Metal Viper, a story where a 12-year-old boy and a father's poetry become a state-level threat. We explore how fiction grounded in the harrowing reality of Myanmar can challenge authoritarian power and set forces in motion that no one can control.

Lovett and Schultz bring a combined lifetime of expertise in criminal justice and social innovation to this project. This conversation dives deep into the moral imperative of writers to stand up for the vulnerable and the "warrior goddess" energy required to navigate a landscape of vast beauty and alarming oppression.

In this episode, we explore:

• Storytelling as Resistance: How a child’s quiet voice and a father’s poetry can ignite a chain of events that challenge authoritarian power and mobilize a movement.
• The Inspiration Behind the Fiction: The real-world catalyst of a newspaper clipping about a "poet baker" and the influence of International Bridges to Justice.
• The Fearless Investigator: Introducing Kae Zhang, a "warrior goddess" and hero of this new series, who navigates global crises with a moral imperative to lift others up.
• The Mechanics of Collaboration: A look behind the curtain at how two distinct voices—one rooted in psychological crime and the other in social innovation—merged to create a seamless narrative.
• Finding Your Author Voice: Ron and Sarah discuss the profound moment an author finds their authentic voice, moving past fear to let the heart lead the story.
• The Responsibility of the Witness: Why taking a stand through fiction is essential in a geopolitical climate of increasing control and censorship.
• Whether you are a thriller enthusiast or a storyteller looking to bridge the gap between fiction and social impact, this episode offers a masterclass in writing with purpose and heart.

Listen & Connect:

• Buy Metal Viper by Sarah Lovett and Ron Schultz: Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore.
• Learn more: com, sarahlovett.com, ronschultzauthor.com.
• Watch the video podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zEsNlLtbhNY and subscribe to channel on YouTube to get notified of new episodes.

About Host Lisa Towles:

Hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and Book Coach. This series highlights the visionaries who bring narratives to life, providing a platform for authors to connect their unique purpose directly with readers. Learn more about host Lisa Towles' 20-year journey at lisatowles.com.

Resources for Authors:

• Book Coaching: Move past the overwhelm of the digital world and launch your work with a strong, informed, and empowered presence. Access expert guidance to bridge the gaps in your process and connect with the readers who will become your biggest fans. Discover how to stand out at com.
• Story Impact Magazine: A digital publication dedicated to the intersection of storytelling and professional strategy. Explore the latest issues at com/magazine.

Follow & Subscribe: Follow the show on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

Stories...hold the world together.