What I’m Really Doing Here
It’s not about breaking news. It’s about breaking through...to each other.
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. And like many of you, I’ve been asking myself: what exactly are we celebrating?
It’s a valid question in a country that feels upside down. But I’m choosing to celebrate the America I know.
The America that shows up.
The America that organizes neighborhood watch groups.
That borrows a cup of sugar.
That carves out time—exhausted and overwhelmed—to call their Representatives and say, "No. Not this bill. Not in our names."
Books. Podcasts. Politics. They’re all connected—because they’re all about people.
So if you’re here for book talk, podcast interviews, or life behind the scenes...I hope you’ll keep reading because I’m sharing what’s weighing on my heart and fueling my work.
I don’t take having followers or subscribers lightly. When people choose to listen, I believe that comes with responsibility. I speak up—especially for those who can’t, or whose voices are being silenced. I hope you’ll stick with me, even if it’s uncomfortable, because silence isn’t something I do well and speaking the truth is my priority.
This week I sat in text threads with 200 strangers. Some were virtual acquaintances. Some were household names. All were unified in one goal: inform, educate, act.
And in between the organizing and outreach, we cracked jokes. We confessed our fears. We offered each other lifelines of laughter and empathy in the wee hours of the night.
We sighed. We cried. We regrouped. And we asked: what’s next?
Because that’s who we are. We’re not quitters. We are community builders.
I don’t talk about politics because I crave chaos or controversy.
I talk about politics because I care about people.
I'm not chasing breaking news.
I’m chasing connection.
Because the only way we change anything is by truly knowing and seeing one another.
I’ve always been a relationship builder.
I’ve introduced three couples who ended up getting married.
I started our neighborhood watch group.
I connect authors to readers and turn stories into bridges.
And now? I’m connecting politicians to constituents—not to debate policies, but to remind people that our representatives are people too. They have families. They love books. They grieve and dream and struggle just like the rest of us.
This week, I interviewed Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Eric Swalwell. Yes, we discussed the budget bill. But we also talked about people.
Senator Booker and I talked about his upcoming book Stand, and how creative resistance has always shaped American change.
With Rep. Swalwell, we talked about his family, his kids, and the ways we can still come together, even when it feels like we’re falling apart.
That’s the heart of this work. It’s not punditry. It’s humanity.
I know it’s heavy right now.
And I also know that joy is part of the resistance.
So this week, I’m allowing myself space to breathe. To hug my family. To touch grass. To float in the pool. And then, I’ll get back up and ask again, "What’s next?"
If you’re feeling heartbroken and hopeful all at once, know that you’re not alone.
Let’s rest.
Let’s regroup.
And let’s keep showing up for the America we believe in.
Next week…more books and podcasts.
Introducing: Writing the Damn Book
This week in Drop-Off Confessions I worked a bit on fleshing out my characters more. I didn’t get ahead on writing but I revisited who my main players are. I don’t have a master plan with the book except to get it written. Next week my goal is to get past these 25K words I have and grow the word count!
The Podcast Campaign Tour™ Playbook- #1 New Release
The Podcast Campaign Tour™ Playbook was a #1 New Release in both paperback and ebook this week!
What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To
Just started The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera and I’m hooked. I’m only a quarter in, but it already has major White Lotus energy—luxury, drama, and the sense that something is simmering beneath the surface. So good.
We also finally watched Emilia Pérez this week. The story was compelling, but I’ll be honest…the musical numbers threw me off. Personally, I could’ve done without the sudden bursts into song, but overall, it’s a bold and interesting film.
My Simplified Life Podcast
I started the week with a surprise interview with Senator Cory Booker (NJ). If he keeps showing up like this, I might make him a cohost!
BONUS: Live with Senator Cory Booker
Beach, politics, family drama and feminism…a novel perfection!
writes Histocial Beach Fiction and it might just be my favorite genre!#332 Our Last Vineyard Summer with Brooke Lea Foster
How many books are you reading a year? Does it suddenly feel like a competition or do you have FOMO if you aren’t reading the latest hit or bookclub pick? Time to remove the pressures of reading and also review books you’ve actually read.
#333 Booked & Unfiltered: Read The Damn Book - Read What You Want, Review What You Mean
As the Big Ugly Bill went back to the House, I was able to sit down with Rep Eric Swalwell (CA) to hear how it will affect every American and what we can do.
BONUS: Live with Rep Eric Swalwell
Don’t Forget!!!! How To Get On Podcasts Audiobook Sale
My amazing audiobook publisher has put How To Get On Podcasts on sale! Now through July 15th, you can make my book your beach listen for only $10!
