Conversations Ignite

Spreading Hope, One Story at a Time: Kim Lengling on Kindness, Healing, and Furry Friends

In this uplifting episode of Conversations Ignite, I’m joined by award-nominated author and podcast host Kim Lengling for a heartwarming conversation about the power of kindness, healing through storytelling, and the simple joys that keep us grounded. Kim opens up about her latest book, Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness, and how small acts of compassion can ripple out to create a more connected and hopeful world. We also explore her beloved Paw Prints on the Couch series and the deep emotional bonds we share with our furry companions. From living with PTSD to leading collaborative book projects and hosting her podcast Let Fear Bounce, Kim shares wisdom, warmth, and a message we could all use more of: hope is everywhere—you just have to be willing to pass it on. You can explore Kim’s books and learn more about her mission by visiting www.kimlenglingauthor.com [https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/]. 🔗 Connect with Kim Lengling: 🌐 Website: www.kimlenglingauthor.com [https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/] 📺 YouTube: @LetFearBounce [https://www.youtube.com/@LetFearBounce] 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/lenglingauthor [https://www.facebook.com/lenglingauthor] 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling] 🛍️ Amazon Author Page: Kim Lengling on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Lengling/author/B00L9N6VBO?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true]

Michael Jai Grant’s Wild Ride: Love, Film, and the Cadillac That Talks Back

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we dive into the wild and deeply inspiring life of Michael Jai Grant—author, filmmaker, photographer, and longtime Sundance volunteer. Michael shares stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious, from navigating a 30-year love story that required three weddings, to a spiritual awakening in India where a dead guru delivered ten life-changing truths. We also explore his debut novel, The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride—a bold, genre-bending story narrated entirely by a vintage Cadillac Eldorado. It’s a soulful, sharply funny tale of connection, liberation, and the unexpected friendships that move us forward. If you’re into conversations about creativity, identity, reinvention, and the strange poetry of life—you’re in for something special. 🌐 Connect with Michael Jai Grant: 🔗 Website: https://www.michaeljaigrant.com [https://www.michaeljaigrant.com] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljaigrant [https://www.instagram.com/michaeljaigrant] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaeljaigrant [https://www.facebook.com/michaeljaigrant] 📖 Grab the Book: 📦 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1737359170/ [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1737359170/] 📚 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride-michael-jai-grant/1144027365 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride-michael-jai-grant/1144027365] 🌟 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198430168-the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198430168-the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride] 💸 ThriftBooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride_michael-jai-grant/39782179/item/#edition=68131214&idiq=58865496 [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-limited-edition-bicentennial-cadillac-convertible-joy-ride_michael-jai-grant/39782179/item/#edition=68131214&idiq=58865496]

Worlds Within Worlds: J.M. Shaw on Fantasy, Identity & the Power of Storytelling

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we’re joined by fantasy author J.M. Shaw, creator of the Callum Walker series, including her latest installment The Fractured Veil. J.M. shares the personal inspirations and creative process behind her richly imagined world—where myth and magic collide with emotional depth, identity, and personal growth. We explore how her characters navigate complex themes like friendship, trust, and self-discovery, and how the dynamic between Callum and Jax reflects the power of opposites working together. J.M. also reflects on her lifelong love of storytelling and the role empathy plays in shaping authentic, emotionally resonant characters. Whether you’re a fan of immersive fantasy or curious about the mind behind the magic, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a deep dive into storytelling with heart. 🔗 Connect with J.M. Shaw: * 🌐 Website [https://jmshawauthor.com/] — https://jmshawauthor.com/ [https://jmshawauthor.com/] * 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/] — https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/ [https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/] * 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor] — https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor [https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor] * 📚 Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27659310.J_M_Shaw] — https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27659310.J_M_Shaw [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27659310.J_M_Shaw]

Breaking Barriers in the Firehouse: Cindie Schooner-Ball’s Story of Grit, Leadership, and Brotherhood

Join Conversations Ignite for a powerful episode featuring retired fire captain and award-winning author Cindie Schooner-Ball, as she shares her incredible journey through 28 years in the fire service. In her memoir, Sister in a Brotherhood, Cindie details what it took to rise through the ranks of a major South Florida fire department as one of the few women in the field. From high-stakes emergency calls to the camaraderie of the firehouse—and the moments she had to fight for respect—her story is one of resilience, purpose, and leadership. Hear what it really means to serve on the front lines, what she learned about building successful teams, and why she encourages women everywhere to pursue careers they’re passionate about—even in spaces where they’ve been told they don’t belong. Whether you're in public service or simply need a dose of inspiration, this episode will ignite something in you. 🔗 Grab Sister in a Brotherhood on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sister+in+a+brotherhood&crid=2CZDUGJC1DB30&sprefix=sister+and+a+brotherh%2Caps%2C904&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_1_21 [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sister+in+a+brotherhood&crid=2CZDUGJC1DB30&sprefix=sister+and+a+brotherh%2Caps%2C904&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_1_21]

Finding Magic in Every Story – A Conversation with Award-Winning Author Tricia Copeland

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with Tricia Copeland, a multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed author whose work spans fantasy, dystopian, and young adult fiction. Tricia is the creative force behind the Kingdom Journals series, To Be A Fae Queen, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess—a collection of novels that transport readers into magical, high-stakes worlds filled with richly drawn characters and powerful themes. We talk about her journey into writing, the inspiration behind her epic fantasy series, what it's like to navigate the world of self-publishing, and how she crafts such immersive and emotional stories. Whether you're a fellow writer or a fan of fantasy, you’ll take away valuable insights from Tricia’s experience and passion for storytelling. If you’d like to learn more about Tricia and follow her work, visit her here: 🔗 Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6s0imhxH3qgQiHhNhpIxwF [https://open.spotify.com/show/6s0imhxH3qgQiHhNhpIxwF] 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@triciacopelandauthor [https://www.youtube.com/@triciacopelandauthor] 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triciacopelandauthor [https://www.tiktok.com/@triciacopelandauthor] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/ [https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/]