Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Michelle Von Ruden, on air from December 9th
I’ve been shaped by the moments when life shut off my light without warning—the phone call, the car accident, the losses, the setbacks, the seasons that forced me to slow down, reevaluate, and rebuild from the inside out. Those light-switch moments didn’t just interrupt my life; they revealed who I was and who I was becoming. They taught me that resilience isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about rising differently. Today, I help ambitious women and leaders move through their own light-switch moments: the overwhelm, the transitions, the unexpected shifts that leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from who they want to be. My message is this: you may not control when the light goes out, but you can choose how you turn it back on. And when you do, you don’t just return—you rise stronger, clearer, and more aligned with the life you’re meant to lead.
Michelle Von Ruden is a leadership speaker and growth coach who equip women and organizations to navigate disruption with resilience and alignment. Drawing from her own light-switch moments, she gives audiences clear frameworks to regain focus, rebuild momentum, and lead with greater purpose and confidence. She helps people rise differently—and rise stronger.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Building Your Business with Sara Troy and her guest Deb Drummond and Ocean, on air from December 9th
Go behind the scenes of entrepreneurship as Deb and Ocean open up about the realities of building a family business from the ground up — the triumphs, the late-night problem-solving, and the relentless belief that keeps them moving forward. Discover how they’ve learned to balance being partners in life and partners in enterprise, navigating challenges with creativity, communication, and a deep commitment to their shared purpose.
It’s a candid look at what it truly takes to grow a business with the people you love — the harmony, the contradictions, and the beautiful evolution that happens along the way.
We’re always happy to share anything entrepreneurial that might support others on this journey. We’ve just taken stock of the past year — acknowledging the wins, honoring the lessons, and using both to shape our 2026 agenda with clarity and optimism.
So consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what the process really feels like: the pivots, the proud moments, the messy middle, and the growth that comes from staying committed through it all. If our experiences can help someone else navigate their own path with a little more confidence and direction ?, then we’re absolutely here for it.
Every show we create is supported by generous contributions. If this episode inspired you, please consider helping us continue the work—with a one-time gift or an ongoing subscription. Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you. Also, please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Jamie Taylor, on air from December 9th
I have struggled with mental health my whole life. I know what it feels like to feel that there is no other way out but ending your life. I know what it feels like to lie in bed with your whole body aching because you are so sad and lost. I know what it feels like to be embarrassed, hide behind humour, hide behind a smile and then go home and cry. I know what it feels like to feel alone. If it wasn’t for the love I had for my mom and my sister at the time, I don’t know if I would still be here. Then I had children, so my why to keep going grew bigger.
I can see and feel peoples sadness. When someone hurts, I hurt. A stranger, a friend, a family member, it doesn’t matter. I have always been this way. I know how it feels to be in that place, and I know what it feels like to work your way out of it. Just wait, one more day…..If I can help one person in recognizing, their worth, it’s worth it to me.
Free Gift or Offer (optional) A sweatshirt, choose colour, size, expression.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Dr. Sheldon Greaves, on air from December 2nd
The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook: A guide to the pursuit of learning for pleasure, empowerment, and changing the world.
How to join the ranks of independent scholars, citizen scientists, recovering academics, makers, artists, activists, and other intellectual ne’er-do-wells pursuing a life of the mind—and changing the world.
Sheldon Greaves completed a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in ancient Near Eastern Studies on a shoestring while living and working in Silicon Valley during the dot.com boom. Facing a sparse academic job market after graduating, he developed an unconventional approach to a life of the mind, what he calls “guerrilla scholarship”. Among his adventures was starting an educational software business, promoting science literacy in the nonprofit sector, publishing in his field, and co-founding the first private university designed to offer degree programs to members of the intelligence community. “The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook” is about how regular people can enjoy a life of the mind outside of academia and enrich their communities along the way.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from December 2nd
This Christmas I’m sharing a give-back gift guide drawn from my recent author conversations. I believe that books keep on giving and are a wonderful gift of wisdom, excitement, illumination, and love. A good story doesn’t end on the last page—it lingers in the heart, reshapes how we see the world, and sometimes even nudges us onto a new path. Whether it’s a memoir that helps us feel less alone, a novel that sweeps us into adventures, or a guide that strengthens our health, spirit, or courage, each of these books is more than a present; it’s an invitation. An invitation to think, to feel, to grow, and to share the experience with others—over coffee, in book clubs, or as quiet reflections on a rainy afternoon. This guide is my way of putting those invitations into your hands, so your gifts can keep unfolding long after the wrapping is gone.
Scroll down to see the topics and links to their shows and books.
Support women and families at a crossroads with pregnancy—those grieving loss, facing unplanned pregnancy, raising a baby alone, or rebuilding after trauma. Your gift helps provide diapers, formula, new strollers and car seats, baby essentials, and much-needed counselling, so no one has to walk this road alone.
Fiction & Social Commentary
A Complete Fiction – R.L. Mazes
A sharp, humorous novel that asks who has the “right” to tell a story in a cancel-culture, social-media world. Fact and fiction blur as scandals, unpaid literary labour, and online pile-ons collide in one smart, timely read.
A daring, tender love story that challenges our assumptions about romance, power, and first love’s lifelong imprint. Not a simple “Mrs. Robinson” tale, it explores a teacher–student relationship with nuance, conscience, and deep humanity.
From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond & The Trek Continues – Chester L. Richards
A rocket scientist, Star Trek writer, and lifelong adventurer shares wild white-water journeys, behind-the-scenes stories, and unforgettable characters. Funny, wise, and life-affirming, his memoirs celebrate a life boldly lived.
“Memoir in ritual moments” – tender, funny essays about holidays, family, grief, guinea pigs, rainstorms, and the small rituals that make life sacred. A beautifully warm book for anyone who loves everyday magic.
A poignant, memoir-like novel about a “family of lunatics,” the struggle to fit in, and the power of hope, humour, and imperfect love. It reads like sitting with a friend telling you her deepest, most honest story.
Lost and Found in Tennessee (The Missing Girl & Jessa Is Back) – Stacia Moffat
A two-book historical series set in the American South, exploring racism, friendship, and identity during the civil rights era. It gently dismantles the myth of the “good old days” while inviting deeper reflection on the legacies we still live with.
(Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night, All Waiting Is Long, Rain Breaks No Bones) A powerful family saga set in mid-20th-century America, weaving loss, secrets, and mystical glimpses of hope across three connected—but stand-alone—novels. Perfect for readers who love richly drawn characters and emotional depth.
Historical fiction set in post-Vietnam America, following addiction, recovery, and redemption. This special edition offers two alternative endings—one hopeful, one more somber—so the reader can choose how the story lands.
Flamenco Can Be Murder / The Days After She Went Dancing – Sam Hawksmoor
A woman flees her husband after finding a gun and cash in the freezer and escapes to Spain to dance flamenco—only to be caught up in murder, mistaken identity, and crypto intrigue. A fast, fun blend of suspense, friendship, and self-empowerment.
A New York ghostwriter finally stops crafting everyone else’s success stories and decides to write her own, mixing dieting, dessert, tango, and a firefighter into a witty reinvention tale. Smart, sassy, and full of second chances.
A lush literary mystery where a once-celebrated pianist is pulled back into the world she left behind by a cryptic message about her former mentor—and a forgotten woman composer in her family line. Explores generational trauma, artistic obsession, and women erased from history.
Irrational Fears, The Slava Steps & The Salvation of Henry Maxwell – Lee Lindauer
A cautious math professor witnesses a brutal murder and is forced into a high-stakes hunt for a missing girl and a 300-year-old equation. Corporate greed, fresh-water scarcity, and global stakes make this a timely, gripping thriller set across multiple books.
A mystery-thriller where a forensic geneticist races across Iceland, Africa, and the Americas to recover the iconic Lewis Chessmen. DNA science, ancient secrets, and dangerous treasure hunters make this a page-turner.
A dystopian world inspired by The Walking Dead, focused less on zombies and more on human nature, survival, freedom, and how people rebuild when society collapses. Gritty, gripping, and thought-provoking.
A spellbinding tale steeped in Celtic mysticism, Irish folklore, frozen rivers, and a love story rooted in heritage. Blends fact, fantasy, and the timeless call of nature into one magical narrative.
The Dream Hunters: The Witch of Maple Hollow – Megan Mary
A metaphysical story that bridges our modern world and the mystical one, centering on dreams as doorways to inner guidance and purpose. Especially lovely for women drawn to dreamwork and intuitive wisdom.
Stunning nature photographs paired with heartfelt poetry, where the images themselves inspire the words. A contemplative gift for those who find solace and spirit in the natural world.
The Hero’s Playbook & We Meet Again Reincarnation Trilogy – Brownell Landrum
Metaphysical fiction and non-fiction that dig into the “why” behind our experiences, including love stories across lifetimes and a playful “team upstairs” guiding souls on Earth. Great for readers who enjoy reincarnation, destiny, and cosmic humour.
A lyrical, multi-dimensional journey through memory, past loves, and everyday miracles. Short poems and longer meditations sit side by side, leaving you oddly grateful to be alive in this “strange, beautiful havoc” of a century.
The Cassidy Chronicles & Related Series – Adam Gaffen
Hopepunk sci-fi full of space opera battles, politics, and starship launches. From the Artemis War series to Ghost of Tantaran and short-fiction collections, these books explore friendship, courage, and big, bold futures—perfect for the nerdy space-adventurer in your life.
(The Repercussions of Jeannie McGee, The Haunting of Jeannie McGee, The Heaviness of Jeannie McGee, Whatever Happened to Jeannie McGee)
A Canadian YA saga about a gifted girl trapped in cruelty, creepy experiments, and teleportation gone wrong. Beneath the sci-fi is a powerful story of abandonment, resilience, greed, power, and the mystical gifts we can grow through adversity.
What does a runaway girl from a cult, a grieving retired NASA engineer, and a ’57 Studebaker have in common? A dog, a road trip, and a healing journey that shows how wisdom can flow both ways between generations.
A practical guide to strengthening your immune system through food, lifestyle, and behaviour change. Written by a board-certified behaviour analyst, it blends science, holistic wellness, and global nutrition insights.
A short, joyful, slightly cheeky book about aging “cheerfully and productively,” whether you’re 14, 90, or in between. With big questions, direct calls to action, and plenty of laughs, it invites you to sum up your life in just six words.
For the person who knows they have a book inside them: this reframes writing as a soul-led rite of passage, not just a word-count exercise. Krystal guides aspiring authors through the inner journey so the story that lands on the page is truly aligned and alive.
I also have a show coming up featuring T-shirts created to support suicide prevention and mental health initiatives. The proceeds will help fund emotional support and outreach for those who are struggling. As soon as that show is live, you’ll be able to listen in and use the linked page to purchase a shirt that quite literally wears your heart on your sleeve for mental health.
My Own Books & Anthologies
Dare to Live Fearlessly (Contributing Author)
I contributed a chapter to this empowering collection on living boldly, facing life head-on, and saying “yes” to yourself. It’s a beautiful gift for anyone ready to step into courage and rewrite their story.
I Didn’t Become Selfish, I Became Harder to Manipulate
(Or “I’m Not Selfish, I’m Just Not Easily Manipulated” – Anthology Chapter)
In this anthology, my chapter speaks to reclaiming your boundaries, your voice, and your worth. It’s for those who are tired of being guilt-tripped or controlled and are ready to stand tall without apology.
Mission Accepted – 262 Women’s Stories
A powerhouse collection featuring 262 women who said “mission accepted” to their calling. My contribution sits alongside other women’s journeys of resilience, purpose, business, and service. A wonderful gift for entrepreneurs, changemakers, and any woman standing at a crossroads.
Our Forgotten Children – Anthology
This anthology, which I helped bring forward, focuses on how we raise and truly see our children—shedding light on where society fails them and what we must do differently. It’s both a wake-up call and a blueprint for a more compassionate future for our kids.
Sara’s Discovery: Self-Discovery into Wisdom
My own book, Sara’s Discovery, traces my journey from struggle to self-discovery and into wisdom. It’s part memoir, part reflection, part invitation for you to step into your own knowingness and live from your heart, soul, and inner truth.
Whenever possible, I always recommend gifting a physical book—paperback or hardback. There’s something deeply comforting about holding a book in your hands, curling up with a coffee or a glass of wine on a sunny or rainy day, and getting lost in another world. A good book doesn’t just end with the last page; it lingers in your thoughts, shifts your perspective, and sometimes has you eagerly waiting for the next one.
Book Clubs & Podcast Clubs
Books keep on giving when we share them. I highly recommend not only book clubs, but podcast clubs too—listen to an episode or read a book together, take notes, and then come together to share what stood out for you. You’ll be amazed at the different perspectives people hear in the same story or conversation. It’s a beautiful way to deepen the experience of every gift you give.
Where to Find the Shows
You can find my full conversations with each of these authors (and more) at SelfDiscoveryWisdom.com – just pop the author’s name into the search bar.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation; if you enjoyed this show, please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
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