The Untold Side of the Civil War | J.D.R Hawkins on History, Writing, and the Renegade Series

Secrets of Giants | Alyssa Ages on Strength Training, Mindset, and Resilience

Chris sits down with author, journalist, strength athlete, and strongwoman competitor Alyssa Ages to discuss strength training, discipline, failure, resilience, mindset, journaling, personal growth, and how becoming physically stronger can completely change the way you move through life. Alyssa shares her journey from avoiding sports and believing she was “not athletic” as a child to eventually becoming deeply involved in endurance sports, CrossFit, and the world of strongman and strongwoman competition. The conversation dives into fear, self belief, pushing through discomfort, and the life lessons learned through lifting heavy things and intentionally doing hard things. Throughout the episode, Alyssa discusses:  • Her journey into endurance sports and strength training  • Why failure is essential for growth  • The mental side of lifting and competing  • Discipline versus motivation  • The importance of journaling and tracking progress  • How strength training changes confidence and self perception  • Why people need to intentionally do hard things  • The lessons strongman competition teaches about life  • Overcoming fear and negative self stories  • The connection between physical strength and mental resilience Chris and Alyssa also explore:  • Strongman and strongwoman culture  • The rise of strength training for women  • Why modern life has become overly automated and comfortable  • The importance of pushing through resistance and discomfort  • Parenting, confidence building, and helping kids embrace failure  • The psychology of performance and overcoming fear  • How small consistent habits create long term growth One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Alyssa explains how strength training completely changed the way she views herself and the world around her. Instead of seeing obstacles as intimidating, she began viewing herself as someone capable of handling hard things — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Books discussed during the episode include:  • Secrets of Giants  • Open by Andre Agassi  • The Tender Bar https://www.alyssaages.com/about If you are interested in books, strength training, fitness, personal growth, discipline, resilience, leadership, mindset, journaling, strongman competition, or learning how to become mentally and physically stronger, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, mindset, wellness, entrepreneurship, fitness, discipline, storytelling, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

The Untold Side of the Civil War | J.D.R Hawkins on History, Writing, and the Renegade Series

Chris sits down with historical fiction author J.D.R Hawkins to discuss the Civil War, historical storytelling, writing fiction inspired by real events, the Victorian era, research, creativity, publishing, and the inspiration behind her popular Renegade Series. J.D.R Hawkins shares her fascinating journey from growing up fascinated by history and storytelling to becoming one of the few female authors writing Civil War fiction from the Southern perspective. The conversation dives deep into American history, historical research, battlefield experiences, family history, creativity, and the process of building a long running historical fiction series. Throughout the episode, JDR discusses:  • Her fascination with the Victorian era and Civil War history  • Visiting Gettysburg for the first time  • Why she chose to write from the Southern perspective  • The inspiration behind the Renegade Series  • Historical misconceptions surrounding the Civil War  • The role of family, economics, and regional conflict during the war  • Researching cavalry units, battlefields, and historical events  • How her characters and storylines evolved naturally over time  • Writing historical fiction that balances education and entertainment  • Why readers connect emotionally with family sagas and historical stories Chris and J.D.R also explore:  • The emotional realities of war and division  • Historical fiction versus traditional history books  • The challenge of writing Civil War fiction as a female author  • The importance of storytelling in preserving history  • The publishing process and building a multi book series  • Creativity, songwriting, and artistic expression  • The connection between reading, writing, and imagination One of the most interesting moments of the episode comes when JDR explains how visiting Gettysburg completely changed her understanding of the Civil War and inspired her to begin writing stories that explored perspectives and experiences she felt were often overlooked in traditional education. Books discussed during the episode include:  • The Renegade Series  • Gone With the Wind  • Animal Farm  • The Outsiders  • Old Yeller  • The Yearling If you are interested in books, American history, historical fiction, Civil War history, writing, storytelling, publishing, creativity, leadership, or learning how fiction can help bring history to life, this episode is packed with fascinating insight and conversation. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, storytelling, leadership, history, entrepreneurship, mindset, creativity, personal growth, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

Creating Your Own Break | Jennifer Lieberman on Acting, Writing, and Creative Persistence

Chris sits down with actor, writer, producer, speaker, coach, and author Jennifer Lieberman to discuss creativity, storytelling, acting, publishing, rejection, persistence, mindset, and what it really takes to build a career in the creative world. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up with a passion for performance and storytelling to building a career across theater, film, writing, producing, coaching, and education. The conversation dives deep into the realities of pursuing creative work, creating your own opportunities, and learning how to stay in the game even when doors do not immediately open. Throughout the episode, Jennifer discusses:  • Her passion for storytelling and performance from childhood  • Moving from theater into writing and producing her own projects  • Why artists often need to “make their own break”  • The challenges of acting, auditions, agents, and rejection  • Building a body of creative work over time  • Producing independent theater and creative projects  • Self publishing and overcoming setbacks in publishing  • The evolution of her book Year of the What  • The importance of persistence and staying creatively active  • Why mindset and discipline matter for creatives and entrepreneurs alike Chris and Jennifer also explore:  • The emotional side of rejection in creative industries  • How networking and relationships shape creative careers  • The balance between creativity and logistics  • Wearing different “hats” as a creator and entrepreneur  • Why artists need both creative passion and business skills  • The importance of focusing on what you can control  • Helping other creatives learn to produce and launch their own work One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Jennifer explains that success in creative industries rarely follows a predictable formula. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she chose to create her own through writing, producing, teaching, and continuously building meaningful work over time. Books discussed during the episode include:  • Year of the What  • Independent Theater Production for the 21st Century in Seven Simple Steps  • Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse  • The Big Leap https://www.jenniferliebermanactor.com/ If you are interested in books, acting, storytelling, entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, mindset, publishing, theater, leadership, or learning how to keep pursuing your goals despite rejection and uncertainty, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, mindset, wellness, personal growth, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

Balancing Tech, Writing, and Creativity | Sam Robb on Storytelling, Sci-Fi, and Publishing

Chris sits down with author, software developer, publisher, and storyteller Sam Robb to discuss creativity, science fiction, fantasy, publishing, storytelling, technology, work life balance, writing process, and the inspiration behind building imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters. Sam shares his journey from lifelong writer and Navy veteran to software developer and published author, explaining how writing eventually evolved from a creative outlet into a serious pursuit. The conversation dives deep into balancing a demanding professional career while continuing to create stories, publish books, and work alongside other authors and creatives. Throughout the episode, Sam discusses:  • His background in software development and technology  • Serving in the Navy before transitioning into tech  • Discovering Larry Correia and the “BICHOK” writing philosophy  • The importance of discipline and consistency in writing  • Building stories from simple ideas and observations  • Pittsburgh graffiti culture and the inspiration behind Sigils  • Working with Raconteur Press and the Alpha Mercs writing group  • Writing science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, and supernatural stories  • Balancing creativity with a demanding career and family life  • Why walking and mental decompression are essential for productivity Chris and Sam also explore:  • The overlap between technology and creativity  • Why abandoned buildings and urban spaces inspire storytelling  • The rise of AI and how technology shapes imagination  • Reading nonfiction as inspiration for fiction writing  • The differences between plotting and “pantsing” while writing  • How ideas evolve organically over time  • The emotional side of publishing stories and receiving reader feedback One of the most fascinating moments of the episode comes when Sam explains how a simple piece of graffiti underneath a Pittsburgh bridge inspired an entire supernatural story centered around hidden doorways, urban legends, and the unseen world hiding beneath the surface of everyday life. Books and stories discussed during the episode include:  • Sigils  • Sense of Murder  • One October Night  • Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia  • Haunted Pittsburgh  • Various Pittsburgh history and folklore books If you are interested in books, storytelling, creativity, science fiction, fantasy, writing, publishing, technology, personal growth, productivity, or learning how creators balance passion projects alongside demanding careers, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, mindset, wellness, technology, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

From Voice Actor to 50 Books | Aaron Ryan on Storytelling, Faith, and Creativity

Chris sits down with author, voice actor, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Aaron Ryan to discuss storytelling, faith, creativity, science fiction, publishing, resilience, artificial intelligence, motivation, and what it takes to continue creating even when the world is noisy and discouraging. Aaron shares his incredible journey from childhood storytelling and early creative influences to becoming the author of nearly 50 books spanning science fiction, dystopian fiction, fantasy, children’s books, devotionals, and motivational writing. The conversation dives deep into creativity, perseverance, self publishing, and the emotional realities many creators face behind the scenes. Throughout the episode, Aaron discusses:  • Writing and publishing nearly 50 books  • Growing up inspired by Lord of the Rings and storytelling  • Why world building fascinates him  • Faith, science fiction, and the possibility of life beyond Earth  • His alien invasion series Dissonance  • The inspiration behind his dystopian novel The End  • Voice acting and the impact of AI on creative careers  • Persistence, rejection, and continuing to create despite setbacks  • Why creators must develop “structural integrity” mentally and emotionally  • The emotional highs and lows of publishing books Chris and Aaron also explore:  • The relationship between creativity and faith  • The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning  • Tolkien, world building, and the lasting impact of Lord of the Rings  • The rise of artificial intelligence in creative industries  • Self publishing versus traditional publishing  • How writing can evolve throughout different seasons of life  • The importance of continuing the creative journey even without immediate validation One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Aaron explains how difficult it can be to pour your heart into creative work only for it to feel unnoticed — and why creators must learn to keep moving forward anyway. His comparison to the WWII plane “Lucky Bill” and the importance of developing structural integrity in the face of criticism and rejection is something many entrepreneurs, creators, writers, and professionals will relate to deeply. Books discussed during the episode include:  • Dissonance Series  • The End  • Lord of the Rings  • The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday https://authoraaronryan.com/ If you are interested in books, creativity, storytelling, faith, science fiction, leadership, resilience, writing, entrepreneurship, publishing, or personal growth, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, humor, and inspiration. Subscribe to @Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, mindset, storytelling, entrepreneurship, personal growth, creativity, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.