Uncorking a Story

Stories influence, teach and inspire us, but what about the storytellers who create them? Uncorking a Story profiles storytellers to uncover how their background and life experiences influence the stories they create. We learn what motivates them, their path to success, and what fuels them to keep creating. It all starts by asking one simple question, where does your story begin? Welcome to uncorking a story. All of the books promoted on Uncorking a Story can be viewed and purchased here: https://bookshop.org/shop/UncorkingaStory

From the Draft to Bestsellers: Robin Cook on Writing and Medicine

“I think that being a writer, in a certain sense, made me a better doctor, because being a writer, you have to constantly be thinking about characters and characterizations, et cetera. So I became even more kind of interested in my patients.” — Dr. Robin Cook In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike…

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From Brooklyn to Bestsellers: Randy Susan Meyers on Writing, Life, and Lessons Learned

“Books have always meant more to me than breath—writing them is my way of making sense of the world and connecting to others.” — Randy Susan Meyers In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike sits down with international bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers. Known for her emotionally charged novels exploring domestic drama and…

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Breaking the Silence: Bridey Thelen-Heidel on Trauma, Resilience, and Writing the Truth

“I couldn’t let the secrets that controlled my past control my future.” — Bridey Telen-Heidel In this compelling episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike Carlon interviews author and TEDx speaker Bridey Thelen-Heidel about her powerful memoir, Bright Eyes: Surviving Our Monsters and Learning to Live Without Them.  Bridey opens up about her journey through a…

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Haunted by Stories: Laura Buchwald on Writing, Ghosts, and Grief

“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but creating community can transform the experience—it reminds us we’re not alone in our stories.” — Laura Buchwald In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike pops the cork on Laura Buchwald, a New York City-based author, editor, and podcast co-host. Laura discusses her debut novel The Coat Check Girl,…

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From Trauma to Transformation: Dr. Lisa Cooney on Healing, Writing, and the Soul’s Journey

“I thought I was saving others, but it was my own soul that needed saving.” — Dr. Lisa Cooney In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with Dr. Lisa Cooney, a therapist, healer, and author who has dedicated her life to helping people overcome trauma and unlock their full potential….

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Epic Comebacks, with Cindy Finch

“Grief is actually a guru that guides us, taking us through the dark night of the soul and transforming us—even when it feels like it’s breaking us down.” Listen in as Cindy Finch, a seasoned therapist, cancer survivor, and author of the powerful new workbook Epic Comeback dives deep into the gritty journey of healing…

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Leaving Law for Literature, with Mary Keliikoa

“I think we’re always trying to heal ourselves, whether it’s through fiction or not.” In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike Carlon chats with Mary Keliikoa, an award-nominated author whose journey to becoming a published crime novelist took over two decades. From co-writing her first book during lunch breaks as a legal secretary to…

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Mind Over Menu, with Jared Gleaton

“Food had controlled me. The grocery store controlled me, restaurants controlled me—and I wanted to break free of that.” In this mouth watering episode, Mike Carlon uncorks the story of Jared Gleaton, a nationally certified school psychologist and captivating food critic. Jared takes us on a fascinating journey from his early social media food reviews…

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Turning Pain into Prose: Writing, Opioids, and Finding Purpose, with Laura Essay

“I had no idea how big this was…over 80 percent of people you see in the alley were once you and me—soccer moms, CEOs—pulled into addiction by something that was supposed to help.” In this episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon sits down with debut novelist Laura Essay, author of Side Effects Are…

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