How Many Creative Lives Can One Person Live? From Comedy to Opera to Fantasy

How Many Creative Lives Can One Person Live? From Comedy to Opera to Fantasy

What happens when a lifelong storyteller refuses to stay in one lane? In this episode, Michael sits down with Richard Sparks — acclaimed British comedy writer, opera collaborator, and fantasy novelist — to explore a career defined by reinvention, imagination, and the courage to follow creativity wherever it leads. Richard has written for some of the most iconic comedy voices in the UK, crafted librettos for opera, and now builds entire worlds through fantasy fiction. His journey is a masterclass in artistic evolution, resilience, and the joy of creating without boundaries. Together, they explore: The early days of British comedy How opera shaped his storytelling Why he shifted into fantasy writing What it means to reinvent yourself creatively The craft behind humor, world‑building, and character The lessons learned from a lifetime in the arts This is a warm, witty, and deeply inspiring conversation with a man who has lived multiple creative lives — and is still writing new chapters. Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast [https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast] Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/onemorething] Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

When Your Nervous System Won’t Rest with Tim Thomas

What happens when a Special Forces operator, professional fighter, and lifelong warrior finally meets the one opponent he can’t out‑run: his own nervous system? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Michael sits down with Tim Thomas, founder of Breathwork in Bed, former Australian Special Forces operator, PTSD survivor, and a man who rebuilt his life one breath at a time. Tim shares how trauma rewired his body, how sleep became impossible, and how breathwork became the doorway back to peace, presence, and identity. Together, they explore: * What combat and chronic stress do to the nervous system * Why breathwork is one of the fastest ways to regulate the body * How sleep, trauma, and breath are interconnected * The moment Tim realized he was no longer okay * How he rebuilt his life through breath, stillness, and self‑compassion * What he teaches thousands of people today through Breathwork in Bed This episode is a cinematic journey into healing, resilience, and the quiet power of coming home to yourself. Themes: trauma recovery, breathwork, sleep, nervous system regulation, identity, resilience, Special Forces, healing Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast [https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast] Find Tim breathworkinbed.com [https://breathworkinbed.com/] Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/onemorething] Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Hiking for Healing: A Veteran's Journey on the Appalachian Trail — Producer's Choice Replay

With Father's Day just around the corner, we're reaching back into our library to bring you one of the most moving conversations we've had at this table — and one that has stayed with us long after the microphones turned off. At 72 years old, Marine combat veteran Rand R. Timmerman did something most people half his age will never attempt. He hiked the entire 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. But this wasn't just an adventure — it was a mission of love. Rand's brother Ron, a 71-year-old Army veteran, was drowning in grief after losing his wife. Rand himself was in recovery from alcoholism. What began as a physical challenge became a spiritual passage — one that transformed both brothers in ways neither of them anticipated. In this deeply moving conversation, Rand shares the humor, danger, heartbreak, and healing that unfolded mile after mile. From critters and storms to moments of grace and unexpected human kindness, this is a story about resilience, brotherhood, and the extraordinary power of nature — and love — to restore the soul. As we head into Father's Day weekend, we couldn't think of a more fitting story to share. It's about showing up. About choosing someone else's healing alongside your own. About what it means to be a brother, a veteran, and a human being walking forward — one step at a time. Pull up a chair. This one is worth every mile. Originally aired April 8, 2026 🎧 Find us on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel. Find everything One More Thing Before You Go here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast [https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast] Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/onemorething] Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

The Human Voice in the Age of AI: Staying Real in a Synthetic World

What does it mean to keep your voice — your real, human voice — in a world where AI can mimic almost anything? This week, narrator, actor, voice artist, and writer Kris Keppeler joins Michael for a warm, honest, and deeply human conversation about creativity, identity, and staying connected to the people you create for. Kris has narrated more than 50 audiobooks, performed everything from cats to presidents, and built a storytelling career around curiosity, humor, and the power of voice. Together, she and Michael explore: * How she discovered her voice in junior high choir * The difference between acting on stage, on camera, and in the booth * The unseen work behind audiobook narration * Why booking creative work is harder than most people realize * What she learned about audience after years of “creating into the void” * How she uses AI — and where she draws the line * What it means to stay human in a rapidly changing creative landscape And in a powerful Herst Method™ moment, Kris opens up about the part of her creative journey that still feels unfinished… and what she hopes creators remember about their own voice. If you’re a storyteller, a creator, or someone trying to find your voice in a noisy world, this episode will feel like a deep breath. Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast [https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast] Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/onemorething] Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Alignment, Legacy & the Work of Becoming Yourself — with Daniel Anderson

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones turn off — and this is one of them. This Producer’s Favorite encore episode brings back a powerful, deeply reflective dialogue with Daniel Anderson, a Holistic Success & Legacy Coach whose work helps people break free from burnout, inherited patterns, and the quiet disconnection that keeps them from living out their purpose. Daniel’s journey — from feeling voiceless in a large family to becoming a guide for others seeking clarity, healing, and direction — shapes the heart of this conversation. Together, we explore how spirituality, mindfulness, and mindset work can create a foundation for true alignment, and how his signature LEGACY Method empowers individuals to redefine success on their own terms. This episode invites listeners to slow down, look inward, and examine the beliefs, patterns, and stories that shape their lives. It’s a cinematic, human‑centered exploration of authenticity, emotional freedom, and the kind of legacy that’s built with intention rather than expectation. Themes: alignment, purpose, spirituality, mindset, breaking patterns, legacy, healing, self‑discovery, conscious living Key Takeaways: • Alignment begins with understanding your values • Spirituality + mindfulness + mindset create sustainable transformation • The LEGACY Method reframes success through purpose and intention • Personal responsibility is essential for growth • Forgiveness is a gateway to healing • Gratitude and daily practice reshape emotional well‑being Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast [https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast] Want to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/onemorething] Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- Podcasts This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy