Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Episode 135: This Sea Within with Deborah Brasket

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with novelist Deborah Brasket about her new book, This Sea Within, a sweeping historical novel that blends political intrigue, love,coming-of-age, and spiritual longing. Deborah shares how her world travels, deep research, and personal reflections shaped a story rich with danger, beauty, and purpose. Together, they explore the connection between the sensualand the spiritual, the power of story to illuminate history, and what it means to be called by something greater than yourself. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, courage, and the deeper currents that move our lives, this episode is for you. Links for this episode: When Things Go Missing, A Novel - Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/WHEN-THINGS-GO-MISSING-Novel-ebook/dp/B0FG9X75X8/],Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-things-go-missing/ab7c01165d33ce21?ean=9798992010336&next=t], Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-things-go-missing-deborah-j-brasket/1147760898?ean=9798992010336]  This Sea Within - Pre-order on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/This-Sea-Within-Deborah-Brasket-ebook/dp/B0DLVK5YZ7/]  Author Website and Blog [https://deborahjbrasket.com/] Substack Newsletter [https://deborahbrasket.substack.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dbrasket/] From the hosts: Vicki’s new book - a ghost story, Slivers [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/slivers/]. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/surviving-sue/]; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/ [https://victoriaponders.com/] Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy [https://wynneleon.com]and podcast: The Life of Try [https://open.spotify.com/show/0qInZdzg1Xn3Xac1IMh2z0?si=oFpnzjUbQ6C8VqmIty9u3g]

Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka

Looking for a compelling author interview and a great newpsychological thriller to add to your reading list? In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, P. J. Gudka joins us to discuss her debut novel, Perfect, a psychological domestic thriller centered on family secrets, generationaltrauma, perfectionism, and moral complexity. We talk about her transition from poetry to fiction, how she built layered and relatable characters, and why empathy matters so much in storytelling. P. J. also shares insights into the writing process, self-publishing, the power of the writing community, and what she’s working on next. If you enjoy book podcasts, author interviews, psychological thrillers, and conversations about creativity, this episode isone you won’t want to miss. Links for this episode: Transcript: Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka transcript [https://sharingtheheartofthematter.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hotm_134_perfect_with_pj_gudka_transcript.pdf] Purchase "Perfect": Amazon.com: Perfect eBook : Gudka, P. J. : Kindle Store [https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-P-J-Gudka-ebook/dp/B0GS3RJJJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ONMYWQNI1JA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ux_YNVcyfZy_FVbNTbjMcQ.V1sx9qS8yR7RkHSBou08d1iN9bWI8h692KA1A20Ehe0&dib_tag=se&keywords=perfect%2C+pooja+gudka&qid=1778184219&sprefix=perfect%2C+pp%2Caps%2C2471&sr=8-1] Pooja's Blog: Lifesfinewhine - The Life & Ramblings Of A Zillennial [https://lifesfinewhine.ca/] From the hosts: Vicki’s new book - a ghost story, Slivers [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/slivers/]. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/surviving-sue/]; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/ [https://victoriaponders.com/] Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy [https://wynneleon.com]and podcast: The Life of Try [https://open.spotify.com/show/0qInZdzg1Xn3Xac1IMh2z0?si=oFpnzjUbQ6C8VqmIty9u3g]

Episode 133: Shadow of the Deceiver with Dr. Wayne Runde

In this episode, Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon talk with Wayne Runde. Wayne is an author, physician and veteran US Navy Commander. Wayne tells us about his book, Shadow of the Deceiver, the third installment in The Genesis Trust series. We hear about why he was called to start writing even with his busy schedule and a fascinating set of hobbies. We ask about the intersection of science, morality and humanity that is a cornerstone for his writing and stories. Wayne tell us where he finds inspirations for characters from his professional life and his personal interactions within his church community. This is a great episode with an author that has re-imagined a sci-fi classic through a meaningful lens. We know you’ll love it. Links for this episode: ⁠Wayne Runde's⁠ [https://waynerunde.com/] website Shadow of the Deceiver: The Genesis Trust, Book 3 on ⁠Amazon ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Deceiver-Genesis-Trust-Book-ebook/dp/B0FXN5DG3D/ref=sr_1_2?crid=13EVOJECH6HIQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3VILkVKkiUXYuj2CtdgWrQ.PCNNKt1_p6i4RbDMfngC-9f7z6uHV3MuC6yH96scUb8&dib_tag=se&keywords=shadow+of+the+deceiver+the+genesis+trust%2C+book+3&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1773768300&sprefix=%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2]and ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-deceiver-wayne-runde/1148488463?ean=9798897856732] From the hosts: Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠ [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/surviving-sue/]; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠ [https://victoriaponders.com/] Wynne's blog: ⁠https://wynneleon.com ⁠ [https://wynneleon.com ]

Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec

In this episode, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Gloria Golec about her memoir, South Side Memories. The conversation explores themes of family, immigrant experiences, and the power of storytelling. Gloria shares insights on how her Polish heritage and family dynamics shaped her identity and writing journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preserving personal narratives, the emotional connections that come from sharing stories, and provides the inspiration for writing our own stories. Takeaways * The book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences. * Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones. * Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth. * Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity. * Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships. * Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings. * Teaching experiences can influence one's writing and storytelling approach. * Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer. * Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time. * Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community. Links for this episode: ⁠How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript⁠ [https://wynneleon.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how_to_share_the_american_dream.pdf] ⁠Gloria Golec's profile on Eckhartz Press⁠ [https://eckhartzpress.com/author/gloria-golec/] South Side Memories on ⁠Eckhartz Press⁠ [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/south-side-memories/] From the hosts: Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠ [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/surviving-sue/]; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠ [https://victoriaponders.com/] My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Fathers-Faith-Wynne-Leon/dp/1516803345/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q3FPU6MJN01R&keywords=finding+my+father%27s+faith&qid=1692336805&sprefix=finding+my+father%27s%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1]

Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross

In this episode of 'How to Share', hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Marc Ross about his latest geopolitical thriller, 'Attacking the Dragon'. The conversation delves into the book's plot, which revolves around China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Ross's background as a lawyer influenced his writing. They explore the complexities of Chinese politics, character development, and the nuances of storytelling, as well as Ross's personal journey from law to fiction writing. Takeaways: * Marc Ross's book 'Attacking the Dragon' explores China's geopolitical landscape. * The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic. * Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative. * His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre. * Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling. * Ross's writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author. * He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers. * The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions. * Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives. Links for this Episode: Sharing the Heart of the Matter [https://sharingtheheartofthematter.com]Home A. Marc Ross's website: ⁠https://www.amarcross.com/index.html⁠ [https://www.amarcross.com/index.html] Attacking the Dragon on ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/attacking-the-dragon-a-marc-ross/1149064713?ean=2940186158349] and ⁠Amazon⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Attacking-Dragon-Marc-Ross/dp/1958914770/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G4BDVWY6Y6Q1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s_rvfdIL8zxjriyf5_uWog.muvqk-ieQYfMVstON4SfzUz4xenTx6ufQQCeLZGIBRc&dib_tag=se&keywords=attacking+the+dragon+by+a.+marc+ross&qid=1767733112&sprefix=attacking+the+dragon+%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1] From the hosts: Vicki’s book about resilience and love: ⁠Surviving Sue⁠ [https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/surviving-sue/]; Blog: ⁠https://victoriaponders.com/⁠ [https://victoriaponders.com/] My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith [https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Fathers-Faith-Wynne-Leon/dp/1516803345/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q3FPU6MJN01R&keywords=finding+my+father%27s+faith&qid=1692336805&sprefix=finding+my+father%27s%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1]