Why We Need Content-Appropriate Epic Fiction - Podcast #47

Why We Need Content-Appropriate Epic Fiction - Podcast #47

Host: Jude DiMeglio TrangGuest: Elicia Johnson Description:In this episode, Jude sits down with author, artist, farmer, and educator Elicia Johnson to discuss her new novel Endling, a high-concept steampunk adventure that explores hope, purpose, imagination, and the power of story. Together they examine why content-appropriate epic fiction matters, how great literature inspires new adult readers (17-30), and why stories that illuminate beauty, truth, and wonder are needed now more than ever. We talk about:• The importance of fostering literacy and a love of reading in children• Finding books that spark a child’s imagination and curiosity• Why rich literature challenges young readers in meaningful ways• The difference between Young Adult and New Adult fiction• The inspiration behind Endling and the meaning of the title• Steampunk storytelling and creating immersive fictional worlds• Writing stories with values and moral themes without becoming preachy• Literary influences including classic fiction, mythology, and epic fantasy• Alicia’s serial fiction project, The Shanty Man• The connection between farming, creativity, and storytelling• The importance of nature, wonder, and hands-on experiences in shaping imagination• Making “the unseen seen” through stories of hope, beauty, redemption, and human connection Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. Connect with Elicia: withloveelli.substack.com [http://withloveelli.substack.com/] Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com [https://judedimegliotrang1.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why We Need Communities, Connection & Life Repair – Episode #46

Host: Jude DiMeglio TrangGuest: Sam Quinones Episode Summary: In this follow-up episode, I continue my conversation with investigative journalist and author Sam Quinones about the deeper roots of addiction—and how the unraveling of community has created fertile ground for despair, mental illness, and drug dependency. We revisit themes from Dreamland and The Least of Us but widen the lens to include the impact of high-potency marijuana, the failure of many sober living homes, and the dangers of ignoring the lessons of the opioid crisis. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:– Why legalizing hyper-potent drugs are repeating the mistakes from Big Pharma & opioids– The critical role of community in addiction recovery– What “life repair” really looks like after detox– How to build local systems of care that work—from jails to transitional housing– The quiet power of discipline, music, and purpose in the face of chaos Sam also gives us a preview of his upcoming book The Perfect Tuba—a surprising, moving meditation on finding fulfillment through hard work, collaboration, and the beauty of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This conversation reminded me that recovery isn’t just personal—it’s communal. And that the needs we try to deny may be the very things that can save us. For more of Sam’s work go to: SamQuinones.Substack.com [http://samquinones.substack.com/] Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “Gift of Need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. Music: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com [https://judedimegliotrang1.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why We Need to Understand Addiction, Connection and the Power of Our Stories

Episode Summary: In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed investigative journalist and author Sam Quinones to talk about the human cost of addiction, the silence that once surrounded it, and why community is a vital need in the face of overwhelming societal challenges. Sam is the author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic and The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth—two books that deeply shaped public understanding of the opioid crisis. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:– The rise of synthetic drugs and the destruction of community– How isolation and legally addictive products paved the way for addiction– The transformation from poppy fields to chemical labs in the drug trade– Why public storytelling helps shift policy and reduce stigma– The quiet acts of rebuilding community in the face of devastation Sam shares with honesty and clarity the ways in which this crisis is not just about drugs—it’s about us, our culture, and our desperate need for connection. We end with a personal reflection on my own family’s story and how Dreamlandhelped us feel less alone. For more of Sam’s work go to: SamQuinones.Substack.com [http://samquinones.substack.com/] Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “Gift of Need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. Music: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com [https://judedimegliotrang1.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why We Need to Use AI to Benefit Our World - Episode #44

Host: Jude DiMeglio TrangGuest: John T Benedict Description:In Part 2 of this conversation, Jude continues her discussion with artist and sculptor John T Benedict about spirituality, creativity, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in art and human connection. John shares how his spiritual experiences, meditation practices, and conversations with AI inspired his book, The Artist and the Algorithm: A Creative Spiritual Conversation with AI. Together, they explore how technology, imagination, ethics, intuition, and artistic expression can challenge us to think differently about consciousness, creativity, and the unseen world around us. We talk about:• John’s spiritual background and evolving relationship with faith and meditation• The inspiration behind his angel sculptures and intuitive creative process• Experiences that deepened his spiritual perceptions and artistic direction• Why society often dismisses spirituality, intuition, and imagination• John’s book The Artist and the Algorithm and his conversations with AI• Viewing AI as a creative collaborator rather than only a technological threat• Ethical concerns surrounding AI and the importance of “tech with guardrails”• Transparency, responsibility, and humanity’s role in shaping AI’s future• Art, spirituality, and the search for meaning beyond the physical world• How creativity, wonder, and connection help meet deep human needs Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. Check out John’s work at: SomeDistantWorld.com [http://somedistantworld.com/] Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com [https://judedimegliotrang1.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why We Need Artists That Inspire

Description:In this episode, Jude DiMeglio Trang talks with Arizona artist and sculptor John T. Benedict, founder of Some Distant World. Known for his large-scale metal angel sculptures and celestial-inspired works, John shares how his childhood imagination, supportive parents, and creative spirit shaped his life as an artist. Together, they explore the role of imagination, beauty, and visual art in human life—and why art has the power to inspire, heal, and lift us beyond the ordinary. From recycled metal sculptures to spiritual symbolism, this conversation examines how creativity can reconnect us with wonder, meaning, and the unseen world around us. We talk about:• John’s childhood passion for drawing and creating art• How supportive parents helped nurture his artistic calling• Building immersive themed environments and nightclubs early in his career• Why beauty and art can “raise our vibration” and impact emotional well-being• The importance of imagination in creativity and problem-solving• Creating sculptures from recycled steel, machinery, and found objects• The inspiration behind John’s powerful angel sculptures• Spiritual symbolism, intuition, and artistic inspiration• How art can emotionally affect and even transform people’s lives• The balance of strength and gentleness in masculine and feminine artistic forms• Why large-scale public art creates awe and connection John’s Website: SomeDistantWorld.com [http://somedistantworld.com/] Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it so more people can enjoy these conversations. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda MusicEngineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit judedimegliotrang1.substack.com [https://judedimegliotrang1.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]