AK25-06. Wendy Horwitz’s Milkweed and Honey Cake

February 10, 2025February 9, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Wendy Horwitz, on air from February 11th

In Milkweed and Honey Cake: A Memoir in Ritual Moments, Wendy A. Horwitz shares essays about ritual can exalt ordinary moments and the best way to open a pomegranate.

Holidays delight – and disappoint. A couple marrying during the pandemic finds a surprise after a rainstorm and a topsy-turvy search for a gravestone that honors her ancestors. Horwitz serves pomp and circumstance on the front porch when a graduation is canceled. Through the shifting seasons of life, amid the scramble of pet guinea pigs and birthday parties, her children add wonder and comedy to tradition.

Horwitz explores how ritual can exalt ordinary moments and frame the extraordinary – a blue heron, an old cupboard’s scent, and the lingering feel of an engagement ring long gone prompt reflections laced with yearning and humor. Guiding us along a wooded path, to the kitchen table, in a messy garden, and under a tent reverberating with song, she traces the boundaries of ritual, considering what we do when ritual falls short, and how we might adapt to each other’s practices. And when the wider world seems broken, new rituals provide hope.

Lyrical and funny, thought-provoking and deeply moving, Milkweed and Honey Cake is at once a meditation on our desire for meaning and the story of a woman’s lifelong efforts to create it.

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Wendy A. Horwitz’s essays have been published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Afterimage, Neurology (Humanities Section), Jewish Literary Journal, Intrepid Times, and McClatchy-Tribune News Service, among others. Originally trained as a pediatric psychologist, she lives in Philadelphia, where she teaches writing and health, and humanities.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com

https://bookshop.org

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AK25-06. Sara Winokur’s Ivory Bones

February 10, 2025February 9, 2025Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Sara Winokur, on air from February 11th

Acclaimed geneticist-turned-author Sara Winokur returns with her highly anticipated novel Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders. This mystery-thriller transports its readers into a world where DNA science unravels ancient secrets, and the hunt for a missing treasure turns deadly.

Set against the landscapes of Iceland, Africa, and the Americas, Ivory Bones follows forensic scientist Brynja Pálsdóttir as she races to recover the iconic Lewis Chessmen—among the most celebrated medieval artifacts—before time runs out. A centuries-old diary holds the clues, revealing a brutal tale of survival and secrets buried for generations. Brynja’s investigation not only uncovers the chess pieces’ shocking past but also forces her to confront the truth about her own genetic heritage.

Sara Winokur, whose groundbreaking scientific research helped identify key mutations in muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease, combines her professional expertise with a passion for storytelling. As a descendant of Barbary pirate Jans Janszoon, Winokur was inspired by her personal ancestry for the plot of Ivory Bones. Her enthusiasm for accessible science and authentic historical research delivers a page-turner that is sure to please fans of her first novel, Double-Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders, as well as new readers.

“History, DNA, and mystery are puzzles waiting to be solved,” says Winokur. Ivory Bones challenges us to consider how much of our past defines who we are, and how far we’ll go to uncover the truth.”

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Sara Winokur is a geneticist, researcher, and author whose cultural thrillers combine DNA science with gripping historical fiction. With a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, Winokur’s groundbreaking research has contributed to identifying mutations responsible for diseases such as muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease.

In her novels Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders and Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessmen Murders, Winokur transports readers to vivid Nordic landscapes and ancient adventures, crafting intricate mysteries that blend science, history, and cultural intrigue. A descendant of the Barbary pirate Jans Janszoon, her work explores themes of identity, heritage, and resilience. As an ovarian cancer thriver, Winokur’s storytelling reflects her belief in turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Sara Winokur resides in Southern California with her family and is often found exploring the globe in search of new stories.

AMAZON

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https://www.sarawinokur.com

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YH24-46. Michaela Gaffen Stone. The Immunity Code.

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Your Health is Your Choice, with Sara Troy and her guest Michaela Gaffen Stone, on air from November 12th

The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle
By Michaela Gaffen Stone

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining strong health has never been more crucial. With increasing stress, environmental toxins, and processed foods, many people find their immune systems compromised without realizing it. The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle is here to change that narrative.

Written by seasoned nutrition coach and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michaela Gaffen Stone, this comprehensive guide offers readers practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen their immune defenses through nutrition and smart lifestyle choices. Stone, with her extensive experience in helping individuals transform their health, brings together her knowledge of behavior change, holistic wellness, and global nutrition practices to offer an insightful, actionable resource for anyone looking to improve their immune health.

This book simplifies complex nutrition science into easy-to-understand guidance for optimizing your body’s natural defenses. With a focus on real, nutrient-dense foods, it outlines the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to stay resilient. Readers will discover how critical nutrients like Vitamins A, C, D, E, Zinc, and Selenium play vital roles in maintaining immune strength—and more importantly, how to incorporate them into everyday meals.

But The Immunity Code goes beyond diet. Michaela emphasizes the powerful connection between lifestyle habits and immune health. From the importance of regular exercise and quality sleep to the benefits of reducing stress, this guide covers all aspects of wellness. You’ll learn how to nurture your body with effective stress management techniques, improve gut health with probiotics and antioxidants, and build long-lasting habits that support a healthy immune system for years to come.

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For those who want to take immediate action, the book is packed with a collection of easy-to-prepare immune-boosting recipes. These family-friendly dishes are not only delicious but are designed to make incorporating immune-supporting ingredients into your diet effortless. From smoothies packed with antioxidants to comforting, nutrient-rich dinners, Michaela provides inspiration that will fuel your health and satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your family’s overall well-being, boost your own immune defenses, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how your body protects itself, The Immunity Code offers the knowledge and tools to make informed, lasting changes.

Empowering, practical, and deeply informative, this book is your go-to resource for understanding the immune system and nurturing it through food and lifestyle. Unlock the secrets to a stronger, more resilient you—starting today.

The summary version:

“In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a strong immune system is more important than ever. Michaela Gaffen Stone’s new book, The Immunity Code: Fuel Your Body’s Defenses with Food and Lifestyle, provides a clear, practical guide to boosting your body’s defenses. Drawing on her extensive expertise in nutrition and behavior analysis, Michaela breaks down the science behind immune health, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and key lifestyle habits like sleep, exercise, and stress management. The book includes easy, family-friendly recipes designed to seamlessly incorporate immune-boosting ingredients into everyday life. Whether you’re looking to improve your own health or support your family’s wellness, The Immunity Code offers actionable insights to help you live a stronger, healthier life.”

BUY HERE

books2read.com

All Mikki’s other books on AMAZON

Mikki contributed to the Our Forgotten Children book series, addressing current challenges in raising children and advocating for changes to better serve their needs.

find the book here.

www.gaffenstone.com

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linkedin.com/in/mikki-gaffen-stone

inspiredchoicesnetwork.com/podcast

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AK24-43. Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, Saving KC

October 21, 2024October 20, 2024Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Grinelle Desjarlais, on air from October 24th

Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, author of Saving KC (Classic Day Publishing, September 17, 2024), the historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America which delves into the complexities of addiction, recovery and redemption. The new re-released edition of Saving KC offers readers a unique experience by presenting two alternate endings, allowing them to choose between a hopeful conclusion and a more somber, thought-provoking one. Saving KC explores the human condition through the lens of addiction and the quest for personal salvation. Desjarlais, who comes from a long line of Native American creatives, brings a deeply personal narrative to life, reflecting his own experiences through fictional storytelling.

Set in post-Vietnam America, Saving KC is a story of addiction, recovery and redemption

New addition with dual endings allows readers to choose their own ending

In an interview, he talks about:

Why he decided to allow the readers to determine the fate of the characters by offering two different endings to the story
Why he decided to set the story in post-Vietnam America
His work as an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities
Co-founding the NATIVE Project, a non-profit that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth
How he brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade
How his father represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple
His great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community

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Born on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana, also known as the Chippewa Cree Reservation, Buzz comes from a lineage steeped in creativity and cultural preservation. His father famously represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple, while his great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community.

Beyond his writing, Buzz is an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities. He co-founded the NATIVE Project, a non-profit organization that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth, using a combination of traditional Native American healing practices and twelve-step programs. Recognizing the growing substance abuse issues among urban Native youth disconnected from reservation life, the NATIVE Project has since expanded into a full-service clinic under the Indian Health Service (IHS), providing comprehensive care to the urban Indigenous population of eastern Washington. Buzz also brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade.

Buzz’s life has been filled with diverse experiences, including his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He has lived in various parts of the world, including California, and now resides south of Seattle with his wife, Loni. His daughter, McKenzie, and her family, including grandsons Cowen and Kaplin also live nearby.

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www.savingkcthestory.com

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AK24-43. Lee Lindauer’s Fiction & Facts.

October 21, 2024October 20, 2024Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy ad her guest Lee Lindauer, on air from October 22nd

Colorado native and award-winning author Lee Lindauer is an active member of the International Thriller Writers, has participated on author panels at ThrillerFest, and served as co-editor for The Big Thrill magazine.

In today’s discussion, we delve into his two other books, which, while fictional, are grounded in real-world facts that hold crucial insights for safeguarding our future.

Irrational Fears

After witnessing the horrifying murder of her friend Tom Haley, Mallory Lowe, a cautious university mathematics professor, must emerge from her cocoon to become the gutsy and unpredictable woman she’s always dreamed of being. Running on the guilt of a past family tragedy that she blames on herself, Mallory is determined to find Tom’s now-missing daughter.

Following the clues in a 300-year-old equation left by Tom, Mallory’s search propels her into the tangled threads of a ruthless corporate entity known as Möbius, bent on controlling the world’s most precious resource: fresh water.

The Sava Steps

Twenty-five years after the Srebrenica Massacre, the worst genocide in Europe since World War II, survivor Melika Žbani? encounters two vicious men from her past. Intent on revenge, her plans are derailed by disgraced FBI agent Thorne Hightower, who has personal reasons to involve himself in her affairs.

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Lee Lindauer is an award-winning author known for crafting emotion-packed thrillers that delve deep into the human psyche and the complexities of fear and redemption. With degrees in Architectural and Civil Engineering and a background as a principal in a structural engineering firm, Lindauer brings a unique perspective to his writing. His novels include Irrational Fears, The Sava Steps, and the latest book, The Salvation of Henrey Maxwell, which follows a former Hollywood horror movie star on a transformational journey as he discovers that his wife did not die of a drug overdose but was murdered. A member of the International Thriller Writers, Lindauer has participated in Thriller Fest panels and co-edited Big Thrill magazine. He divides his time between Colorado and Nevada with his wife, Teri. Explore Lee Lindauer’s thrilling world of literature and his journey from engineering to authorship.