Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast

Meghan Nicholson | Author of "Mirror"

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Meghan Nicholson, who contributed the chapter titled "Mirror" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

For the past fifteen years Meghan has been a private piano and vocal instructor. She thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion for music with others and enjoys watching students grow in their talents. Over the past year she has added the title of Reiki master and Intuitive Medium to her work. Embracing her rediscovered abilities, she understands the healing and closure it can bring others and has enjoyed this new journey connecting with people. When she is not working she is exploring life with her husband and three children. Family time is important to them, and if they aren’t with their horses or enjoying the Chesapeake Bay, you probably will find them on an adventure camping. This was Meghan’s first taste at professional writing and she discovered a new found love—she hopes this is just the first stepping stone down a new road.

You can connect with Meghan via email meghan.nicholson@comcast.net or on Instagram @the_goo_phase.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.

Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six

Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.

Gillian Lichota | Author of "Butterfly"

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Gillian Lichota, who contributed the chapter titled "Butterfly" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Gillian Lichota is the founder and CEO of the iRise Above Foundation, a nonprofit US based organization dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and supporting young women to cultivate an outstanding quality of life during and after breast cancer. She is also a mother, marine biologist, mountain climber, adventure travel enthusiast, and breast cancer Thriver. For two decades Gillian specialized in Arctic marine science, advancing scientific understanding of ocean and coastal systems, climate and global change, and improving society’s ability to plan and respond. Now she’s committed to challenging her dire breast cancer prognosis, and helping others to do the same with theirs.

Gillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and again in 2017. Facing imminent death revealed profound truths about living. Like a phoenix, Gillian has risen from the ashes of her incurable illness stronger, wiser, and more aligned with her purpose and passion. Ardent about living an intentional, authentic life, Gillian is devoted to self-healing and supporting others to rise in the face of unimaginable adversity, so they too can live their best lives. Through her leadership with the iRise Above Foundation, Gillian helps provide young women with targeted, age-appropriate, and integrated health and wellness resources, tools, and strategies that enable them to rise above the residual effects of breast cancer, so they can heal and live well—ultimately improving their quality of life and long-term survivorship.

Originally from Canada, Gillian continues to summit mountains where she finds the strength to confront her fears, and the inspiration to continue her path of healing and transformation. The mountains stand as silent witnesses to her life journey, offering solace and a reminder that even amidst the greatest challenges, there is a place where she can find clarity and peace—and rise above.

You can learn more about Gillian’s story and the iRise Above Foundation at www.iriseabovefoundation.org.

Follow on:

Instagram – @iRise_Above and @gillian.lichota
Facebook – @IRiseAboveFoundation
YouTube – @iRiseAboveFoundation
Email – glichota@iriseabovefoundation.org

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan:

Jessica Greenwood | Author of Flying with the Birds

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Jessica "Jess" Greenwood, who contributed the chapter titled "Flying with the Birds" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Jess began her career as a clinical genetic counselor working with families trying to conceive and those whose pregnancy may be impacted by a genetic condition. This direct-care experience continues to fuel the empathy and humanity she brings to her work. After eight years, Jess took advantage of a fortuitous opportunity for continuing education in digital health communication and began working with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth, creator and host of the award-winning Creating a New Healthcare podcast. Currently, she serves as the Director of Marketing and Operations for Zeev Neuwirth Health. A jack-of- all-trades, Jess’s role includes ghostwriting, copyediting, marketing, and managing all aspects of promotion for speaking events, the podcast, and his books. Jess has been instrumental in the publication of two Amazon best- selling books with Dr. Neuwirth, Reframe Healthcare and Beyond the Walls. Personally, Jess has authored several blog series including “A Year of Defiance” and “Chronicles of Alien Development,” both available on Medium, and her latest endeavor, “The Joy Luck Club,” an exploration of all things joy that has helped her process the loss of her mother and her husband’s tragic motorcycle accident. Jess has now added memoir to her ghostwriting services and is working with Soul Speak Press to offer that service to their authors. Connect with Jess on Instagram @jessgwrites and Substack at jessgwrites.substack.com.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more abo

Erin Uritis | Author of "A Queer Working Mom’s Journey to Authenticity, Freedom, and Family"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Erin Uritis, who contributed the chapter titled "A Queer Working Mom’s Journey to Authenticity, Freedom, and Family" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Erin Uritus is CEO of Out & Equal, the premiere global organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equity, inclusion, and belonging. A leading voice on inclusive leadership and organizational change, Erin has pushed the conversation on LGBTQ+ workplace equity from the adoption of inclusive policies towards what Out & Equal touts as the “business of belonging,” that is, the creation of optimal cultures in which everyone can participate, thrive, and grow in the workplace as their full and most authentic selves. In this role, she is one of the few openly bisexual and pansexual chief executives.

She draws on her extensive experience in the private sector. For eight years at Booz Allen, her client-facing work included supporting agencies such as the IRS, DoD, INS, DHS, and others as they navigated the challenges of modernization and restructuring post 9/11. Erin has also spent significant time living and working abroad, supporting changemakers across the globe, including more than a decade in West Africa and the Middle East. She is the co-author of a book about change management in government—published in both Arabic and English.

From her earliest roles supporting women journalists in the Senegal-based African Women’s Media Center and launching an anti-hate crime project in the wake of Matthew Shepard’s murder, impact-driven work with human systems has been a central, passionate, and relentless focus of Erin’s career.

She continues that commitment in both her professional life and her personal volunteer work—including at All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, DC. Erin holds a masters in Organization Development (OD) from American University, and two masters certificates in change management and performance management from Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University, respectively. She is also an alum of the Stanford Graduate School of Business LGBTQ+ leadership program.

Erin and her two beautiful children live in the Washington, DC, area.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Lindsey Oyat | Author of "A Traveler"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Lindsey Oyat, who contributed the chapter titled "A Traveler" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Born and raised in the Bayou State, Lindsey Oyat’s heart resides in both Louisiana and Uganda, where she moved in 2015 for missionary work. While there, she met the love of her life, a Ugandan native who’s heart for Jesus and passion for serving others aligns with Lindsey’s. On their honeymoon in 2017, the two bought a coffee farm and Bibeko’s Brew was born. Lindsey is a fierce follower of Jesus, loving wife and mother to her three young children, passionate homeschool teacher, trafficking survivor, and debuting author. Lindsey loves coffee, adventures, and Jesus, and instills these passions in her children. For the first time ever, Lindsey is opening up about her sacred journey into motherhood: the trauma and the triumphs.

To follow Lindsey along on her adventures, visit her on Instagram: @oyat.lindseybibeko and @bibekos.brew.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Laura O'Malley | Author of "Where You Lead, I Will Follow"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Laura O'Malley, who contributed the chapter titled "Where You Lead, I Will Follow" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Laura, a native of small-town Kentucky, now calls Tennessee home. As an army spouse and mother to a toddler, she balances the unique challenges and rewards of military family life. Laura’s passion for floral design flourishes alongside her familial responsibilities, allowing her to infuse beauty and creativity into the world around her.

Specializing in weddings and special events, Laura simply loves love and feels grateful to be a small part to the beginning of so many unions. However, her commitment to service extends beyond her professional life; she is an active member of her local church, where she leads small groups and participates in community outreach programs.

Laura’s daily mission is twofold: to create beauty in the world and to spread joy wherever she goes. Deserts to Mountaintops is her debut memoir project, and it marks an exciting new chapter on her motherhood journey. Laura is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her story with readers, hoping to inspire and connect through her experiences.

Follow along on her flower adventures @bluerootflorals.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Jennie Tapscott | Author of "Less > More"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Jennie Tapscott who contributed the chapter titled "Less > More" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Jennie was born and raised in Scottsville, Virginia, “a small town with a big story.” She is a truth-teller, an empath, and highly sentimental. Jennie has spent twenty-two years as a middle school mathematics educator but identifies more as a life-long learner than a teacher. Her greatest joy comes from her relationships with her son Landon and her daughter Cameron, who have taught her the immeasurable importance of being present and being love. In her spare time, she can be found creating art in a variety of mediums, including charcuterie boards, soaking up the sun, or snuggled on her couch reading a self-help book. Jennie lives in her hometown with her husband Brian, children, and stepchildren Mason and Cooper.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Tara Casagrande | Author of "Holding On, Letting Go:"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Tara Casagrande, who contributed the chapter titled "Holding On, Letting Go:" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Tara sees herself as a lifelong learner. Her natural curiosity about the human mind, body, spirit connection never ceases. Tara grew up in southern Ontario and eventually moved to California for work where she fell in love with an American boy from New Jersey. They raised their three children in Virginia. A cancer diagnosis while pregnant with their second child awakened Tara to healing modalities outside of traditional Western medicine. Now, Tara travels the world teaching yoga, meditation, and qigong. Tara loves her family more than anything in the world and is thankful for all they have taught her in life and in love.

Connect with Tara Casagrande on Instagram @tcyogamindfulness and on Facebook at Tara Casagrande Yoga & Mindfulness. Check out her retreats and sign up for her monthly newsletter at taracasagrande.com.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Danielle Corrales | Author of "Mothering in the Space Between Love and Loss"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Danielle Corrales, who contributed the chapter titled "Mothering in the Space Between Love and Loss" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Danielle is an expert coffee drinker and working mother of two. This is her first published writing piece, a deeply personal work inspired by her experiences in which she channels the profound loss of her mother at fourteen, an event that shaped her life’s journey. She enjoys connecting with others, offering comfort and understanding through life’s challenges. When not writing or caring for her family, she finds solace in simple pleasures such as baking, drinking more coffee, and singing karaoke on a night out. Her story is a testament to resilience, inviting readers to explore the complex interplay of grief, loss, and hope in the human experience.

You can connect with her on Instagram @Danielle0125.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Melissa Smith | Author of "Warrior"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Melissa Smith, who contributed the chapter titled "Warrior" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Melissa considers herself to be a slow-living Midwestern wife and mother who spends her moments taking early morning runs, enjoying the outdoors with her family, and then a warming herself by a fire at night, stargazing. God provided Melissa with an extra gift, her son, who is on the spectrum. Living a life filled with challenges, Melissa is learning to navigate creating a fulfilling life for her family, one that she never pictured, but loves. Photography is her creative outlet because it helps her learn how to slow down and breathe easy. She loves to capture the small moments and raw emotions in life with her lens.

You can connect with Melissa on Instagram @mel.s.smith.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Wendy Lynn | Author of "A Warrior's Walk"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Wendy Lynn, who contributed the chapter titled "A Warrior's Walk" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Born in the heart of California and now residing in the lush, serene Pacific Northwest, Wendy Lynn is a true embodiment of resilience, creativity, and a deep-rooted connection to both the natural world and the spiritual realm. With a dynamic career path that has taken her from the halls of Stanford University to the stages of heartfelt performances, Wendy’s journey is one of transformation, healing, and unwavering love.

Wendy began her professional life as a research assistant at Stanford University’s Department of Behavioral Sciences, where her inquisitive mind and passion for understanding human behavior flourished. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology, she developed a profound understanding of the intersection between business, behavior, and the human psyche. Her academic and professional work laid a foundation for a life that would later embrace both innovation and emotional depth.

But Wendy’s spirit wasn’t confined to the walls of academia. She is also a singer-songwriter and inventor, drawing from her rich life experiences to create music that transcends time, and continuously creating with a desire to make a positive impact. Her music, in particular, serves as a vessel of healing—a timeless gift that seeks to restore faith in humanity and provide solace to those in need of it. Whether through the gentle melodies of her songs or the heartfelt lyrics of her poetry, Wendy uses her artistic talents to alchemize pain into love and to inspire healing on a global scale.

As an artist, Wendy’s greatest creations aren’t just confined to the tangible—they are found in the stories she shares, the love she gives, and the wisdom she imparts. Her personal milestones reflect her ability to turn adversity into growth and strength, inspiring those around her. She is proud of showing her family, especially her daughter, the incredible strength of the human spirit. Her love for her child and the simple joy of holding hands with her, guide her, grounding her in the most important role of all—being a mother.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Wendy is a passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast, always seeking to learn new languages, immerse herself in customs, and explore the beauty of different spiritual practices. From dancing under foreign skies to meditating in quiet sanctuaries, Wendy’s love for life is fueled by a curiosity for the world and the wisdom of her ancestors. She honors them daily, and it is their legacy, along with the pure energy of love, that guides her through life’s many adventures.

Wendy’s path is one of inspiration. Whether she’s on stage, writing, or simply at home with her daughter, her life is a testament to

Sherri Levine | Author of "Full Circle"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Sherri Levine, who contributed the chapter titled "Full Circle" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Sherri Levine is a dedicated physician assistant who balances her medical career with a thriving passion for creativity through pool design, photography, and home decor projects. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, she is married with three energetic boys, and a beloved chocolate labradoodle, Mia.

Although her life is a whirlwind of activity, Sherri finds joy in simple pleasures like a good cup of coffee and expanding her baseball hat collection. She loves spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, which is her summer haven, and cherishes the fall season when she visits extended family in New York. Volunteering is another key part of Sherri’s life; she dedicates time to DD’s Miracle Minis, her friend’s nonprofit miniature horse therapy organization, that brings her immense fulfillment combining her love for animals and service.

This is Sherri’s first published story and author debut as she opens up publically for the first time about medicine, mental health, and motherhood. To connect with Sherri, follow her on Instagram @sherripac.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Pachion Moore | Author of "Not a Mistake"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Pachion Moore, who contributed the chapter titled "Not a Mistake" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Meet Pachion! With a background shaped by a military upbringing and now calling Tennessee home, Pachion is all about balancing life’s adventures with grace and enthusiasm. As a single mom to her energetic son Trey, she juggles a busy schedule with a smile, staying deeply involved in both their lives and the local community.

Pachion is especially passionate about supporting young women, drawing from her own experiences as a teen mom. Armed with a master’s degree in life coaching, she’s dedicated to empowering others and creating resources to help them build a better future.

When she’s not working, Pachion loves to dive into new activities with friends and family, enjoy a good brunch, or dress up for a themed event. Her zest for life shines through in everything she does, making her a vibrant and inspiring presence both personally and professionally.

Website: pachionbreona.com & urbetteru.com Instagram: @pachionbreona & @betteru._

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Maggie Brady | Author of "Empty Rooms"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Maggie Brady, who contributed the chapter titled "Empty Rooms" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Maggie Brady is a mother of three amazing people who are always her top choices of anyone to hang out with. Maggie went from being totally career focused to being bowled over by motherhood. For her, motherhood became a journey of revelation where she learned to unlearn her own childhood, but at the same time it also became, through circumstance and life, a place where Maggie lost sight of her essential self. Over the passage of years Maggie learned that to deny the truth of where you are in your life is the biggest disservice you can burden yourself with. Each day Maggie is amazed with the bravery and sacrifice of the mothers she sees around her.

You can find Maggie on Instagram @choosefreedomprincess.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Kim Roy | Author of "Grieve with Gratitude"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kim Roy, who contributed the chapter titled "Grieve with Gratitude" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kimberly (Kim) Roy, founder of Pitch With Kim, is a visibility and lead generation strategist dedicated to empowering ambitious, heart-centered female coaches, creatives, authors, and service providers to confidently use their voice to build authority, increase credibility, and expand their networks—leading to more clients and opportunities with ease.

Kim’s passion for inspiring entrepreneurs and authors to harness the power of their voice and story stems from her own journey. After turning the profound loss of her father into strength and transforming pain into power, she was motivated to leave behind a twenty-year career in compliance banking.

Now, drawing on her professional experience and keen intuition, Kim specializes in thoughtfully pairing business owners and authors with aligned podcast guest opportunities that resonate with their target audience. She excels in crafting pitches that are not only relevant to her clients’ industries but also align with their business and literary goals.

Kim’s personalized pitching framework results in aligned connections and win-win relationships, leading to podcast features well beyond the top 1–2 percent, increased brand visibility, affiliate partnerships, and authentic collaborations. Partnering with Kim means gaining a dedicated pitching professional and strategic ally committed to her clients’ success.

On a mission to normalize vulnerability and foster relatability, Kim also hosts the Redefining Anger podcast. A girl mom, wife, and mentor, she is continuously learning to live a life of abundance. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

When she’s not helping entrepreneurs and authors amplify their voices, you can find Kim running with her furry companion, enjoying the outdoors, getting lost in a good book, or cherishing moments with her family.

To learn more and connect, visit www.pitchwithkim.com and follow her on Instagram @pitchwithkim.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Kim Gilliam | Author of "Dragonfly"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kim Gilliam, who contributed the chapter titled "Dragonfly" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kim Gilliam has nurtured a profound passion for storytelling throughout her writing career in the nonprofit space. For years, she has been privately crafting her own deeply personal narrative—the poignant account of a mother raising a child with mental illness. “Dragonfly” was born of countless drafts written, abandoned, and revisited throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then came Jess Buchanan who inspired her to finish her story—a mother’s story, a love story, a story Kim hopes will connect with other mothers traveling a similar path. She would be honored to hear from you and can be reached on Instagram at @kimmyg39 or kim.gilliam66@gmail.com.

Kim thrives on the energy, renewal, and peace she derives from time spent outdoors and on the move. She is an avid hiker and loves the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains in her native Virginia, the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire in the fall, and the rocky headlands of her beloved Acadia in Maine.

Residing in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, Kim shares her life with her husband Chris and their two daughters. Rounding out the mix is their spirited rescue pup Otto the Dachsador.

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Kellyn Simonson | Author of "Joy in the Mourning"

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Interview with bestselling anthology author Kellyn Simonson, who contributed the chapter titled "Joy in the Mourning" to Volume III Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.

Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood can be found on Amazon or any online book retailer.

Kellyn Simonson was raised along the shores of the Puget Sound in Washington state. She received a bachelor’s degree in professional communication from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, before returning to the Pacific Northwest and starting a family of her own. Professionally, Kellyn works as a family resources coordinator at an early intervention agency. She has navigated personal challenges including divorce, having a young son diagnosed with autism, and supporting another son through a high-risk leukemia battle. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion for writing, editing, and harnessing the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. She lives on a farm with her husband, their blended family of six kids, and eighteen boisterous chickens.

Connect with Kellyn on Instagram @kellynannsimonson

See more about The Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies and Soul Speak Press at www.soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: www.jessbuchanan.com

Angelique Velez | Author of "For The Love of Beauty"

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Interview with anthology author Angelique Velez contributing the chapter titled "For The Love of Beauty" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Angelique Velez, can quite literally say "love raised me, lipstick saved me". Makeup artist and founder of Breakups to Makeup, Velez used her own personal journey with heartbreak to fuel the creation of Breakups to Makeup (B2M), which is now the one of the country's most sought after high-quality accessory and apparel brands for makeup enthusiasts. Sold online and in retail stores including Sephora, QVC, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, Ricky's and NYLON Shop.

Born and raised in New York from Puerto Rican and Cuban descent Velez launched B2M in June 2013 to spread the message that makeup is more than just a simple product, but also an art form. As a makeup artist for more than a decade, Angelique recognized the importance of this creative outlet and wanted a way to educate and inspire others while turning heartbreak into moments of self- celebration.

Under her leadership, unmatched creativity and massive passion for adding a touch of wit and glam to Breakups to Makeup, her infamous clutches "Love Raised Me Lipstick Saved Me" to "I Would Cry But My Mascara is Designer," have been seen in the hands of legends such as Cher to being featured in national media outlets such Refinery29, Marie Claire, Allure and Latina, to name a few.

Prior to embracing entrepreneurship and dedicating herself full time to her passion project, Velez was, and still is, a professional makeup artist. Velez has had the opportunity to be a part of fashion shows for Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Project Runway, Alexander Wang and Tommy Hilfiger. She has also worked notable televised events multiple times including the MTV Video Music Awards and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She is also a proud member of the IATSE Local 798 Union.

Velez currently resides in New York, but enjoys traveling, while also being a full-time mom. She has a podcast, called Hey Glowfriend, that encompasses her entire journey, which is available on all podcast platforms. Learn more at www.breakupstomakeup.com or on instagram @theangeliquetechnique and @breakupstomakeup.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Amie J. Woeber | Author of "Finding My Voice in Mexico"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Amie J. Woeber contributing the chapter titled "Finding My Voice in Mexico" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Amie J. Woeber was born and raised in South Florida but has lived all over the world. Professionally she has been working to promote democracy, human rights, and good governance in East Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands for almost a decade. A wander, a writer, and dedicated idealist, Amie is passionate about empowering other women and making our voices heard. She also believes that mental health issues should be de-stigmatized for all and wants to use her story as way to encourage others to seek help when they need it. Amie resides in Washington, DC, on a houseboat with her dog, Capt. Cotter Fíodìor of County Cork who’s traveled around the world with her. They’re both always in search of their next adventure. Connect with Amie on Instagram @theamazingames or on LinkedIn at Amie J. Woeber.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Kim Osburn | Author of "Just As I Am"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Kim Osburn contributing the chapter titled "Just As I Am" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Kim McHarg Osburn is a proud wife and mother, a musician, a breast cancer survivor, and an LBGTQ+ Christian. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was raised in a Presbyterian Church (USA) by an Evangelical, adoptive father who made a lot of mistakes, but never wavered in demonstrating the love of God to her and anyone he encountered. Kim attended college in Morehead, Kentucky, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree and an “MRS degree” – she met and married the love of her life, Tim Osburn.

Kim has worked teaching private music lessons, and as a worship leader for various Evangelical churches. She holds a Master of Human Services: Marriage and Family degree from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Her ambition was to work as a professional counselor, but becoming a mother to a child on the autism spectrum inspired her to move in a different direction. Currently she is a stay-at-home mom, author, and a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Having encountered a myriad of problems in Evangelical churches, particularly in attitudes expressed towards LGBTQ+ people and those who suffer from mental illness, Kim began deconstructing her faith. Today she identifies as a bi, queer, Exvangelical, progressive Catholic with OCD. Kim can be found on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares about her experiences with religious deconstruction at @evolvingpursuit2023, about living with OCD at @mylifewithocd2023, and her general misadventures at @kimosburnblog.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
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Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Lily Rakow | Author of "I Am Your Friend Too"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Lily Rakow contributing the chapter titled "I Am Your Friend Too" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

As a notable voice in the twenty-something’s wellness space, Lily has built a loyal online audience who trusts her insights on just about everything - from the tough topics like battling anxiety and inching towards self acceptance - to lighter conversations like not-so-great first dates and hilarious roommate anecdotes. After earning a certification in Integrative Nutrition, Lily decided to focus her professional efforts on teaching women to unlock their highest potential through her podcast, 80/20. Beyond the mic, you might find Lily hitting a new workout class with friends, cooking up one of her mom’s best recipes in the kitchen, spending time outside connecting with nature, or laughing with her sisters. www.lilyrakow.com | @lilyrakow @8020pod

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
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Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Viviauna Brown | Author of "Culture, Church, and Counsel"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Viviauna Brown contributing the chapter titled "Culture, Church, and Counsel" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Viviauna Brown is a meticulous and highly analytical individual with diverse, yet unique experiences. Although born and bred a "Mississippi Girl" and influenced deeply by Southern culture, she has always had an interest in experiencing other cultures, regions, and concepts throughout her life. Her longtime love of writing, her academic journey, and career paths, have helped her to experience these aspects in a tremendous way.

Her academic achievements include graduating Cum Laude, having degrees in English (BA) and in TESOL (MA), and going on to utilize her skills in these areas to teach international students from China, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and other regions all over the world.

Equipped with expertise in various career areas, Viviauna has earned positions as a Virtual Executive Assistant, Business Consultant, ESL Instructor, Writer, and Researcher with organizations that include TEDxNashville, Southern Illinois University, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and—more recently—the JxnFilmFestival, in her home state of Mississippi.

Some of her favorite activities include writing, conducting interviews, traveling, learning about different cultures, and continuously expanding her knowledge on aspects of faith and mental health. Although writing is Viviauna's 1st love, she has recently began to take her work beyond the page, by transferring some of her written projects into the world of film. Having recently written, casted, and directed for her 1st film-related project and rediscovering her love of interviewing people, she is excited about similar experiences to come! IG: @Viviauna | @Vsbonig
LI & FB: @Viviauna Brown
Website: www.virtuososblog.com

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Tracy Interlandi | Author of "Dancing With My Self"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Tracy Interlandi contributing the chapter titled "Dancing With My Self" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Tracy Interlandi is an award-winning consultant, a published author, and acclaimed speaker. Through the power of storytelling, she teaches others to influence any audience to take positive, immediate action.

Tracy was given a second chance in life after experiencing a near-fatal attack during early adulthood. After years of reflection, Tracy began to share her story in a positive light. The emotional connection and lasting impact of her speeches were so undeniable that she immediately immersed herself in the mastery of storytelling. Her coursework included the study of human behavior, psychology of storytelling, fundamentals of storytelling, public speaking, and multiple mentorships.

Since then, Tracy has spoken at events throughout the nation, including sales development courses and female empowerment festivals. She is a freelance writer, and currently contributes to Women’s Quarterly Magazine.

Tracy’s dedication to storytelling has allowed her to forge strong connections with audiences and establish herself as a respected leader in sales and education. Tracy lives in Coastal Delaware with her husband and two young sons. Follow Tracy on Instagram at @tracy.interlandi or on her website at www.tracyinterlandi.com.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
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Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Amy Mathe | Author of "Beautiful"

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Amy Mathe contributing the chapter titled "Beautiful" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Amy Mathe is a coach, mother, wife, supporter, and friend who has worked as a Mental Health Professional for almost 20 years. Her passion is to support and serve those working to find healing and looking to take steps forward in their lives. Most recently, this has involved caring for those with chronic illness and facing the challenges associated with managing this type of a long-term struggle. In her work as a Coach, she helps people focus on working with what they have and healing from what might have changed or even what might have been lost.

Amy lives in Central VA and loves being a part of the Shenandoah Valley Community. Admiring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains where she lives has been healing in her own journey. She lives with her wonderful husband and two incredible and wild children. You can find her on IG @painpathway.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Delia Sullivan | Author of "The Story I Told Myself"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Delia Sullivan contributing the chapter titled "The Story I Told Myself" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Delia’s entrepreneurial journey began in her early twenties when she helped expand her family’s Gourmet-to-Go and Catering business in Alexandria, Virginia. Her creativity, zeal for personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit continued to evolve.
She was drawn to storytelling through a camera lens, photographing indigenous people and documenting her travels across Europe. After fifteen years as a professional photographer, she is now dedicated to practicing and teaching yoga, and her storytelling has evolved into the written word.

As a dedicated yoga instructor for over sixteen years, she guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery, fostering the profound mind-body connection that can unleash creativity and personal growth. Delia’s dedication has expanded beyond teaching group classes and private sessions, as she actively facilitates women’s groups and quiet day retreats.

Delia’s path has been one of personal growth, and she is a catalyst for uplifting others. She strives to kindle the inner fire in each person she encounters, urging them to nurture their talents, embrace their authenticity, and fearlessly share their gifts with the world.

Delia grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where she has spent most of her life. Her husband, three adult children, and extended family bring joy and fulfillment to her life. She loves writing, traveling, practicing yoga outdoors, sailing, and listening to live music under the stars.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Julie Larkins | Author of "Julie, I Love You"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Julie Larkins contributing the chapter titled "Julie, I Love You" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Julie Larkins is known for her ever-changing hair color, genuine spirit, and exuberance for life. She’s unapologetically authentic and embraces the shadowy pieces of herself that she no longer hides away in shame.

Julie is an Intuitive Transformation Coach and Healer, and she launched her company, Revealing Colors, to help others find the magic that resides deep within them. Feeling genuinely seen, loved, and supported in her sacred space, her clients find deep liberation, embrace their authenticity, and build a life of joyful magic.

You will find Julie in Annapolis, Maryland, where she lives with her husband and their furry children. Her support system, elevating her beyond measure, includes her husband, daughter, friends, family, a sassy spirit team, and her vulture spirit guide, Mort.

For magic, whimsical fun, and doses of self-love, follow Julie on Instagram @revealingcolorsofficial. If you believe in magic (and she hopes you do), head to revealingcolors.com and dive in.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Emily Cartwright | Author of "Run"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Emily Cartwright contributing the chapter titled "Run" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Emily has decided that pursuing life as a whole person is worth it. She spent years battling with the do’s and do not’s of how to show up in the world and finally made the decision to intentionally live an honest life, offering herself grace for the days it doesn’t go so well. Emily is passionate about showing up for people in a way that reminds them they are not alone and that isolation doesn’t have to be their story. Emily holds a firm belief in therapy as a lifelong tool, and that everyone can benefit from a safe space to process.

Emily loves running, frequenting food trucks, and her dog sometimes. She has recently begun yoga as a practice and is rapidly realizing the positive effects it has on her mind, body and spirit. Intentional breathing is now a daily habit. Her son Sam is her favorite human and together they take on all of life’s ups and downs. Emily owns a coffee shop in Colorado, where she finds so much joy working alongside the best crew, while simultaneously caffeinating the community.

Her close group of friends are her chosen family and she wouldn’t have it any other way. You can find her online on Instagram @emily._cart for all of life’s happenings and @themidlandstop if you are into the coffee scene. Ask her what the most simple life advice she has is, and she will tell you, start saying yes, even when you are scared, you never know what dreams might begin to unfold.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
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Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Michelle Ihry | Author of "One Complicated Lady"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Michelle Ihry contributing the chapter titled "One Complicated Lady" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Michelle Ihry grew up on a small grains farm in central North Dakota, raising wheat, barley, durum, oats and flax. Her brother carries on that tradition of continuing the farming operation. She and her husband live in West Fargo, ND and Red Willow Lake, Binford, ND. They have two children and six grandchildren.

In high school Michelle was a cheerleader, was on the track and basketball teams. Her life changed when her mother passed away when Michelle was 14. Her goal is making sure everyone is happy and cheering them on with their accomplishments. Michelle had an interest in the dental field since elementary school. She became a dental assistant soon after high school graduation. She pursued Dental Hygiene and graduated from Moorhead Technical College after her children were in high school. She finally started her dream job in 1999, as a Dental Hygienst. Michelle received her 200 hour yoga certification and teaches a variety of classes, her favorite being Cat Yoga, partnering with an animal rescue with the hopes of adopting kitties. She is also certified in pilates and breathwork. Michelle has a small business called Sticks + Stones.
Michelle enjoys being outdoors with nature as much as possible and doing activites with her children and grandchildren. Follow Michelle on Instagram @michelle.ihry and on Facebook "Michelle Ihry."

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Bre Cain | Author of "Coming Home"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Bre Cain contributing the chapter titled "Coming Home" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Since being diagnosed in early 2022 with untreated Lyme disease, Bre has had to reevaluate and evolve the relationship she has with her body in order to advocate for her own healing. She is passionate about openly sharing what led to over a decade of misdiagnosed pain, medical gaslighting, and the difficulties of receiving healthcare for a chronic illness while living in a fat body.

Bre is interested in continuing a conversation about the barriers of our current healthcare system and the repercussions of evaluating health based on socioeconomic status and image. Bre hopes by sharing her experience, others will feel empowered to ask questions, hold their providers accountable, and advocate for the body they live in.
Bre spent most of her life growing up in the Midwest and is the middle child of seven siblings. She is a Senior Designer, Creative Writer, and Small Business Owner living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite humans and biggest supporters are her husband Matt and their daughter, Evangeline.

You can follow Bre’s healing journey or connect with her about speaking engagements on Instagram @bre_cain, TikTok @healingmyhome, or by email at brecaindesigns@gmail.com

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Stacia Bissell | Author of "Breaking the Glass Box"

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Interview with anthology author Stacia Bissell contributing the chapter titled "Breaking the Glass Box" to Volume II Deserts to Mountaintops: Choosing Our Healing Through Radical Self-Acceptance.

Stacia Bissell, M.Ed., is a brain injury coach, educator, public speaker and survivor specializing in helping others find personal and professional growth after brain injury. Stacia spent much of her career as a secondary math teacher until taking on roles in school administration and academic coaching. In 2011, she became a licensed middle and high school principal with aspirations of running her own school, but a bicycle accident that same year left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and her career as a public school educator came to an end.

Stacia began focusing her attention on helping the brain injury community after building her own ladder and climbing up from the depths of her injury. She has been a keynote speaker at a number of conferences and events, written about her post TBI journey in Brain Injury HOPE Magazine, and has been a guest on the Mind Your Brain podcast. She serves on advisory councils for the Brain Injury Association of America and the Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont, was co-founder of the Northampton, Massachusetts brain injury support group, and is a Program Leader for LoveYourBrain. As an established coach and mentor to other survivors and caregivers, Stacia brings understanding, hope, and ideas for forward movement to each customized session.
Stacia is a native of Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts where she enjoys kayaking, camping, and hiking in the woods. She has three grown children and two grandchildren who bring her laughter and great joy. You can learn more about Stacia at www.TBImentor.com or @tbi.mentor on Instagram.

See more about Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies: desertstomountaintops.com
See more from Soul Speak Press: soulspeakpress.com

Find out more about Jessica Buchanan: Website

Ellen Busch | Author of "(dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence Into My Life’s Greatest Adventure"

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Interview with Author Ellen Busch hosted by Jessica Buchanan from Soul Speak Press and Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast

Ellen's Memoir "(dis)Empowered: How I Turned an Academic Death Sentence Into My Life’s Greatest Adventure" is available now anywhere you purchase books online.

About "(dis)Empowered"
Despite being raised in a loving family, life had left Ellen Busch traumatized and at her wit's end. Busch had no home, no job, no relationship, and no hope of having a family.

Even though Ellen escaped from an abusive husband, she was controlled by the unshakable stigma of dyslexia that erased any shred of self-worth. Busch couldn’t see that she was a victim of trauma until one fateful day, on a crowded highway, when she had a moment of realization that would change the trajectory of her life.

(dis)Empowered traces Busch’s journey from a troubled child trapped in an educational system that believed she was broken, to an insecure adult who grasped at each success like a rung on a ladder. But as she climbed, the view never changed because she could not see her own successes. All she saw was a woman who was unworthy, incapable, feeling powerless.

After being deceived into a marriage with a narcissist, left with nothing, she surrendered to a higher power. And in one epiphanic moment, she realized that everything that had happened to her had happened for her.

Purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8gxOlmx
Learn more about Ellen: https://www.ellenbusch.com/

Learn More About Soul Speak Press: https://www.soulspeakpress.com/

Rachel Fesko | Author of "Failure Isn't Final"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Rachel Fesko, author of the anthology chapter titled "Failure Isn't Final," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Rachel:
Rachel is a single working mom and obtained her Masters in Communications and Leadership from Purdue University. Rachel is an experienced writer and speaker, bringing her story of failure and success to audiences everywhere. In a world where perfectionism reigns supreme and social media has created the perfect façade, failures are rarely made public or celebrated. She’s learned that without failure, there isn’t growth, and that we need to create safe environments to foster failure where people can fail and try in order to innovate. Her insight helps break down the barriers between our hesitancy to fail vs. our necessity to fail in order to grow and centers around how to build teams that foster creativity and innovation that create an environment where people thrive and love to come to work. You can find her on Instagram: @MsRachelFesko or LinkedIn.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Jamie Sabat | Author of "Command to Create"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Jamie Sabat, author of the anthology chapter titled "Command to Create," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Jamie:
My own journey of manifesting began with the important decision to live the life I truly desired. What followed was the resolve to let nothing stand in my way of attaining that goal. I accepted myself as my own client and dedicated myself
to the practice of manifesting the best life possible. The decision to make the journey and not the destination came not from a life-changing event; rather, it came from a deep awakening that I had not yet reached my highest potential. Only when I changed the path I was on, with the intent of living the life I had always wanted, did I understand that the universe was waiting to show me the answers to life’s questions. www.distillandexpress.com @distillandexpress

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Gabriela Bell | Author of "Finding My Voice"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Gabriela Bell, author of the anthology chapter titled "Finding My Voice," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience from an abusive marriage to thriving business owner.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Gabriela:
Math teacher turned social impact entrepreneur Gabriela Bell is the founder and CEO of award-winning Organized Q, which provides Virtual Executive Assistant Services to small business owners, executives, and social impact organizations. Organized Q’s social impact mission is in providing flexible remote work opportunities to military spouses, veterans, and under-employed professionals. As a domestic abuse survivor and believer in necessity is the mother of invention, Gabriela is a fierce advocate, speaker, and educator.

As a single mother of four, she has worked tirelessly to build a brighter future for herself, her children, and others in similar shoes. She has been recognized as one of Forbes Next 1000 small business owners and is an instructor at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering Veteran Future Labs.

In her free time, Gabriela loves spending time with her four children traveling to new places, sharing great meals, and holding spontaneous dance parties in their tiny kitchen. Gabriela is determined to one day happily live on the beach with the ones she loves while continuing to grow Organized Q and teaching. Gabriela can be followed on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-bell and you can learn more about Organized Q at www.organizedQ.com or at @organizedQ on social media channels.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Ally Behnke | Author of "Painless Cycles"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Ally Behnke, author of the anthology chapter titled "Painless Cycles," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience to finding harmony in life by embracing her feminine nature, somatic awareness, and thoughtful self-care practices.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Ally:
Ally grew up in Northern VA and competed in club gymnastics in her youth. Then in her twenties she spent her time in the art and design worlds of Washington, D.C., and beyond. In her early thirties Ally started real estate investing and developed an entrepreneurial passion for creative problem solving. Throughout her life Ally has always been spiritual, and enjoys soaking up wisdom regarding self-awareness from various modalities and sources. After being seduced by the hustle culture, she found harmony in life by embracing her feminine nature, somatic awareness, and
thoughtful self-care practices. She now draws on her life experience to empower other women to listen to the truth of their bodies and take action to create the life of their dreams. She enjoys yoga, rehabbing houses, and spending time with her partner and baby. Stop by and connect with her on all social media platforms @AllyBehnke

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Alice Meehan | Author of "Embracing the Feminine"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Alice Meehan, author of the anthology chapter titled "Embracing the Feminine," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience navigating a toxic work culture and finding her voice in the Divine Feminine.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Alice:
Alice has been in business management consulting for over twenty-five years. This has brought her great joy and great pain at times. After working in toxic environments and experiencing mistreatment at the hands of male leadership, Alice delved deeper into her spiritual work. She found her true voice through working with the Divine Feminine in cultivating a life of awareness and self-discovery through various practices of spirituality including manifestation, visualization, meditation, moon cycles, and even a little magic. Alice has always felt pulled to women’s empowerment. As the mother of two daughters, it is extremely important to her that they are able to live in this world as who they truly are and not be silenced by the patriarchy. Alice wants to share her story, to help other women (especially young women) know they do not have to succumb to a toxic workplace, but can embrace their feminine values and not be afraid to fully use their voice. She hopes her work experience and her spirituality will inspire other women to be their authentic selves and discover their magic. Alice’s greatest joys are spending time with her husband and two daughters (“laughing with them is the best thing in the world”), working out, collecting crystals, reading, and sitting on the beach absorbing the sounds and energy of the ocean. Follow Alice on Instagram @alicemm44 and on Linked In at Alice Meehan

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Ilsa Manning | Author of "(re)Birth"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Ilsa Manning, author of the anthology chapter titled "(re)Birth," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience becoming a business owner and mother.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Ilsa:
Ilsa Manning is a mother, founder, fragrance designer, author, and your biggest cheerleader. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona she adventured to Europe after graduating with a BA in History from the University of Arizona. She’s lived in France, Poland, and England; she’s au paired, taught ESL, graduated with an MA in Modern History from Royal Holloway, University of London, and finally found her calling in fragrance while working at the largest fragrance and flavor supplier in the world. Ilsa returned home to Phoenix with a husband in hand and a drive to pursue all things fragrance. After an epiphanic awakening sparked by her new daughter’s love for her, Ilsa found self-belief for the first time in her life. Now her mission is to bring this same
awakening to all women through her luxury fine fragrance brand Ilsa Fragrances.
You can find her, her empowering fragrances, and positive messages at ilsafragrances.com, on Facebook and Twitter @ilsafragrances, and Instagram @ilsafragrances and @ilsamanning. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her English husband, two young daughters, and dog that looks suspiciously like a coyote.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Olivia Ash, Esq., MS | Author of "Adverse Possession"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Olivia Ash, author of the anthology chapter titled "Adverse Possession," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience with her chronic illness.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Olivia:
Olivia “Liv” Ash
An artist at heart, teacher by nature, and attorney by profession, Liv believes one of life’s greatest gifts is the ability to learn—to grow from within while contributing
to life’s symphony. Ever learning, Liv holds degrees in Law, Education, and Exercise Science. She’s an award-winning published author for her original research in the field of loneliness and law students, seeking to understand why law and other professions struggle with emotional health. Liv holds Indiana licenses in the fields of Law and
Education. She serves as Benefits Compliance Counsel for a national insurance services company where she creates ERISA education content. Liv continues teaching courses in lifestyle wellbeing and curriculum development as Adjunct Faculty in the School of Health and Human Sciences at Indiana University—Indianapolis.

Liv’s personal journey in managing chronic pain has brought both humility and an appreciation for life’s nuances. She believes wisdom resides within struggles, yet so does learning. Liv seeks her own balance and the beauty within each day by spending time in nature while also celebrating the color and style within the arts. Liv cycles for fitness; paints for balance; and writes both poetry and prose. To express, encourage,
and enlighten, Liv founded Liv Balanced, LLC, an evolving creative space where visitors may access wellbeing content, purchase prints of Liv’s abstract art, or listen to podcast interviews about managing loneliness.
Learn more about Liv and her creative projects, including the progress of her memoir, at https://www.livbalanced.net. Contact Liv via Facebook at Liv Balanced, LLC; Instagram@liv_balanced_llc; or email at liv@livbalanced.net.

Cameron Curtis | Author of "The Sound of Resilience"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Cameron Curtis, author of the anthology chapter titled "The Sound of Resilience," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Cameron:
Cameron Curtis is a classically trained musician. Was. Cameron’s passion for music, beginning with piano and then vocal performance, began in middle school through
college where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in musical theater and opera. It stops there. She met the love of her life, Scott, got married, moved to Northern Virginia, and bought a house at the age of 23.
She lost her voice. Cameron’s family life has always been solid. Her mother and
father gave her unconditional love and support regardless of the path she took. Both encouraged her to be authentic and strong. She had two strong-willed grandmothers who impressed upon her from an early age that you should always take advantage of opportunities, even if they seemed risky. Following that advice, she took a job as an executive assistant for a higher-education not-for-profit. From there she moved
her way up the ladder from meeting planning to CEO. She discovered her true voice. Cameron is currently the President & CEO of C2 Association Strategies and has more than twenty-two years of not-for-profit management experience. She’s led organizations such as the Association for Air Medical Services, MedEvac
Foundation International, Society of Interventional Oncology, Association for Clinical and Translational Science, and the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association. In addition, Cameron provided oversight for meetings and events, domestically and internationally. Cameron’s passion for growing leaders and helping others find their voices shows in her willingness to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way. Risk is exciting to her, and she lives by the mantra her grandmother taught her,
“Never turn down anything but your coat collar.” Follow along on her website at www

The Mystic Chics | Authors of "Harmony in Healing"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews The Mystic Chics (Wendy, Mary, Audrey), authors of the anthology chapter titled "Harmony in Healing." where they detail her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet The Mystic Chics:
The Mystic Chics (Mary Casey Bowers, Wendy Casey, and Audrey Casey Herrick) are modern medicine women affecting change through substance-free sacred ceremonies using energy, sound, movement, and music. They are family—two sisters and an aunt—and currently divide their time between their two studios: The Carriage House energy medicine studio in Alexandria, VA and Awaken with Audrey in Great Barrington, MA. A favorite activity of the Chics is to road trip together with a bag of grapes, Skinny Pop, and Cape Cod potato chips. Their morning routine generally includes an oracle card thought for the day and, when in Virginia, they love warm chai tea and a seasonal scone from Mae’s Market.

Mary lives in northern Virginia with her husband Roger and two furbabies: Bella and Casey. She has two grown sons Drake and Michael. A life-long musician, one of her earliest influences was Carly Simon Wendy lives in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. She has two grown children, Victoria and Jackson. She loves gardening, being outside, and her apple pie won the blue ribbon at the annual town fair.

Audrey lives in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and resides in Florida for part of the winter. She is mother to Hannah, Caitlyn, and Graham, her three grown children. She is a lover of love, cozy blankets, and dark chocolate.

Follow The Mystic Chics on all their social media platforms @themysticchics or visit their website at www.themysticchics.com.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.

Sue Muraida | Author of "Becoming Me"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Sue Muraida, author of the anthology chapter titled "Becoming Me," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Sue:
Sue Muraida is a writer, speaker, and pursuer of abundant life. Over the past thirty years, she has worked as a medical photographer, photojournalist, leadership trainer, writer, and teacher. She has written for several publications including
the Casper Journal, The Small Group Network, Christianity Today, and The New York Times. Sue has published two books, Change For a Penny and The Silent Sound of Darkness (as Sue Skalicky), and co-authored the anthology Deserts To
Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey To (Re)Claiming Our Voice (as Sue Muraida). Sue is passionate about teaching and inspiring adults to live each day to its fullest by rewriting the past into the best tomorrows. She is currently the program director for Humanities North Dakota. Follow Sue at www. suemuraida.com IG: @lifeplotline

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Janice Fearon | Author of "The Flight of Survival"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Janice Fearon, author of the anthology chapter titled "The Flight of Survival," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Janice:
Janice Fearon was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and migrated to the United States as a single mom. Now, Janice works as a Compliance Review Administrator for a state and federal agency where her capability allows her to help plan, organize, contribute, strengthen existing, and create new policies and procedures. Also, she ensures that the agency follows the organization’s standards. Janice is passionate about social change and supporting families and youth within the autistic community to deliver
compassionate, individualized services to address adaptive behaviors and skill development for activities of Daily Living. Janice’s educational background includes pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in
Management and Leadership at Walden University. Janice has earned a Master of Philosophy with a Public Policy and Administration concentration from Walden University and an MBA with a concentration in Management from Long
Island University, Brooklyn Janice has a passion for policy change. She hopes that the
implication of her study “Effects of High-Cost Health Insurance on the Uninsured Middle-Class Families of Essex County, New Jersey” will promote affordable health
insurance, which could lower death rates and provide better health outcomes. Follow Janice on Instagram @pinklypassion.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Nathalie Cholette | Author of "My Journey Home"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Nathalie Cholette, author of the anthology chapter titled "My Journey Home," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Nathalie:
Nathalie Cholette is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with a background in mindfulness, who has dedicated her life to helping children find their voice. She speaks and writes openly about her experiences as a woman who, like many others, started out vibrant, lost in the wonder of her human experience, in love with the freedom of life, and of how, through endless expectations imposed on her from an
early age, she lost her soulful voice. Nathalie considers herself a modern communication specialist, whose professional experience as an SLP, personal
experience as a woman, as well as learnings and practice in mindfulness, are expertly blended into her speeches, writing, and teachings.

A proud Francophone, Nathalie hails from Toronto and is a mother of two teenage daughters. She is hungry and passionate about sharing her personal and professional
experiences so that other women can reclaim their voice, stand in their own power, as well as become vehicles of positive change in the world. Deserts to Mountaintops is Nathalie’s second anthology project. More information on Nathalie and her first
co-authoring project entitled Honest as a Mother can be found on her website www.nathaliecholette.com. You can also find Nathalie on Instagram @nathalie_cholette_ and on Facebook @The Art of Letting Go.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Ruth Hetland | Author of "Nothing Really Happened"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Ruth Hetland, author of the anthology chapter titled "Nothing Really Happened," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Ruth:
Ruth Hetland grew up on a small dairy farm near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, seventh in a family of eight children. She, her husband, and their daughter now live in Fargo,
North Dakota and also enjoy spending time at their lake home near Battle Lake, Minnesota. In high school Ruth was a cheerleader and still considers herself one today. She loves to cheer for and celebrate others as they accomplish great things! Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and her Master’s degree in Business Administration
from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a non-practicing Certified Information Systems
Auditor (CISA).

Ruth enjoys warm weather outdoor activities, including hiking, running, biking, waterskiing, and paddleboarding. She also enjoys reading, listening to audio books, jigsaw puzzles, yoga, dancing, Halloween and any other opportunity to dress up, and of course, writing! This chapter is Ruth’s first publication. Follow Ruth on Instagram (@ruthahetland) and LinkedIn (Ruth Hetland).

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Gentry Jones | Author of "Overgrown Ivy"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Gentry Jones, author of the anthology chapter titled "Overgrown Ivy," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience from contemplating suicide to thriving sober, single mom.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Gentry:
On May 1, 2018, Gentry drove into her garage broken, defeated, and convinced there was no way to stop the train wreck she had become. It was in that moment of feeling like there was no way out that Gentry finally submitted to the only way out. After struggling with alcohol abuse for over ten years, she surrendered to sobriety. Since that day she has been dedicated to learning as much as she can about her addiction, mental health, and personal development so she can use her voice to help bring support and community to others suffering. Gentry built her social media platforms
around her life as a sober single mom and sharing the joy and confidence that can come after addiction. After receiving so much love and support from sharing her journey online, she wanted to do more to give back to the sober community and
became trained as a certified life and recovery coach. Being from a long line of well-respected educators and coaches, she’s using her natural abilities and continued education to teach others how to get and stay sober and reclaim their lives. A few months before getting sober, Gentry decided to only focus on making small habit changes. She started by making her bed every day and strongly believes habits
helped get and keep her sober. She has since created a twelve-week healthy habit bootcamp to help other men and women experience their own transformation to a happier and healthier life. Gentry is dedicated to inspire, entertain, and end the stigma of addiction. You can follow Gentry under the handle @lifewithgentry on all social media platforms. You will also find links to her twelve-week course on those platforms as well.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Cathy Gabrielsen | Author of "A Lifetime of Dying"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Cathy Gabrielsen, author of the anthology chapter titled "A Lifetime of Dying," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience through life-changing near death experiences.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Cathy:
Cathy Gabrielsen is an Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Teacher, and number-one best-selling author of Dying to Live: Surviving Near-Death. Cathy is also a Graduate Teacher of Energy Medicine and the founder of the Gabrielsen Healing Center. Cathy offers in-office and Zoom private healing sessions. Cathy is also the founder of Connect Thru Cancer, a nonprofit supporting families with cancer. To find out more about Cathy visit www.cathygabrielsen.com, or connect with her over Facebook at Gabrielsen Healing Center or on Instagram @cathy_gabrielsen.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Shaina Philpot | Author of "Where Do I Belong?"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Shaina Philpot, author of the anthology chapter titled "Where Do I Belong?," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience of losing herself in an abusive relationship and the journey to finding her voice again.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

About Shaina:
Shaina Philpot (she/her/hers) is an enrolled tribal member of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Native American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, her first Master’s Degree in Public History with a subspeciality of Native American History from the University of California, Riverside and her second Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University
of Southern California. Shaina co-authored a chapter in the book titled, The Indian School on Magnolia Avenue: Voices and Images from Sherman Institute (OSU Press,
2012), which focuses on the off-reservation boarding school experience at Sherman Institute in Riverside, CA. Shaina spent many years in various roles in the field of education, including teaching and working with tribal communities. She is also currently a doctoral candidate in the Ed.D in Leadership in Higher Education program at Northcentral University. Her research centers on American Indian students’ sense of belonging in higher education, specifically comparing American Indian students’ sense of belonging between predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). When Shaina is not working and researching, she is a dog mom and enjoys watching anime and traveling with her husband. Shaina
hopes her story will inspire other women to continue living. You can follow Shaina’s journey on her Instagram: @s_philpot.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Gia Mariam Hasan | Author of "The Original Wounds"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Gia Mariam Hasan, author of the anthology chapter titled "The Original Wounds," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

About Gia:
Gia is a coach and facilitator, working with people across ages and sectors in stress, resilience, nutrition, and overall well being. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Gia dedicates time to working with and for other survivors and people needing
supportive tools for recovery and healing. Born and raised in England to South Asian parents, Gia moved to the USA 18 years ago, and currently lives on Piscataway Land (Alexandria, VA). She is an eternal student, and is particularly interested in trauma, resilience, somatics, and complexity. With a love for earth wisdom and earth medicine, she is currently fascinated by all things mushroom related.

Gia loves to feed people and creates new recipes in her kitchen lab, where she compiles her own cookbooks for clients and friends. Her ethic is firmly rooted
in love, and she works with local organizations on diversity, equity, and belonging. She loves the power of reinvention and reimagination, and is committed to collective liberation. You can find out more about Gia at www.urbansanctuarywellness.
com, www.pangaeaplus.com, or follow her on social media @relativelygia

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Lonna Whiting | Author of "Dining at the Dementia Cafe"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Lonna Whiting, author of the anthology chapter titled "Dining at the Dementia Cafe," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience of both losing herself and finding herself in caring for her mother who suffers from dementia

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

About Lonna:
Lonna Whiting is a freelance writer, editor, and communications consultant who lives in Fargo, ND. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Minnesota
State University Moorhead and writes frequently about her experience as a caregiver to her mother who has been living with early-onset dementia since 2010. You can follow her on Instagram @lonnawhiting.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Andrea Birskovich | Author of "Indisputable Knowing"

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Andrea Birskovich, author of the anthology chapter titled "Indisputable Knowing," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience finding her path and purpose through her relationship and death of her brother.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet Andrea:
Andrea Birskovich has spent half of her life designing marketing and advertising campaigns, crafting communications and content for a variety of products and services, and infusing brands with value while building consumer demand. In seeking a reprieve from a general sense of overwhelm in her early twenties, Andrea found herself watching her thoughts and counting her breaths in a yoga class almost by accident. Since then, she has continued to journey deeper into herself to awaken and reconnect with her intuition, nurture her innate gifts, and rediscover her
soul’s purpose. Uncovering the transformative power of grief offered by
the successive deaths of her father and baby sister in her pre-teen years, and her beloved older brother in her early thirties, Andrea has only recently embraced her path as a Resilience Guide. In seeking to make meaning from her pain and facilitate soul growth using a wide variety of kinetic, spiritual and energetic practices, she’s grateful for the ability to empower others simply by sharing what she learns. She’s currently on a path to use her marketing and communication skills to promote healing modalities that have served her, and shed light on the strength and
endurance within all of us.

Andrea currently lives by the beach in Santa Cruz, California, with her chiweenie Stanley Stretch Jones. She shares snippets, snapshots, and sass at @hi.andreanicole on Instagram.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themystichics

Susie Dent | Author of "Running Away from the Altar... And Back to Myself"

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Susie Dent, author of the anthology chapter titled "Running Away from the Altar... and Back to Myself," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience of coming out as lesbian, leaving her fiancè, and marrying the love of her life.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

About Susie:
Susie Dent is an out and proud wife, cat mom, and advocate for performing arts and creative writing as integral forms of self-expression, preservation, and authenticity. An attorney by day, she serves as a mentor for younger associates throughout the country, and regularly presents on the intersectionality of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues in leadership, as well as on intergenerational mentorship. When not practicing law, Susie serves as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Palm Springs, and spends her mornings mastering aqua aerobics at the local municipal pool. Aside from a PowerPoint slide deck she “authored” entitled “My Life” at the age of nine, this is Susie’s first contribution to a published anthology. To learn more about Susie, follow her @susiefmeyer on Instagram.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Rula Abirafeh | Author of "Hyphenated"

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, Jessica interviews Rula Abirafeh, author of the anthology chapter titled "Hyphenated," where she details her desert to mountaintop experience growing up as an immigrant, and now as a mother with a Middle Eastern-American child.

Deserts to Mountaintops is a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January 2023 by Soul Speak Press.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

About Rula:
Born in Beirut, raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., now living in Los Angeles—Rula has straddled words, seeking belonging and balance. As an immigrant, she
struggled placing herself in the right check box. Her varied identity, once a puzzle, now provides her with purpose. Rula has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a Personal Coaching certification from New York University, and is ICF ACC credentialed. She has worked as a copy editor, content developer, Pilates instructor, and former cookie company founder. She’s a mother, a partner, a dog lover, and a murder mystery lover. Her path was never linear, each creative direction ultimately leading her to her own successful business as a Professional Life Coach. Rula brings understanding, compassion, and her story to each individualized session. Find her at www.rulaabi.com or on instagram at @rula.abi.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics

Introducing Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies with Jessica Buchanan, Lead Author, Founder of Soul Speak Press and Kidnapping Survivor

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of Deserts to Mountaintops, a limited series podcast created by Top 1% ranking podcast host, Jessica Kidwell, she lifts the author off the page as she holds conversations with co-authors of this inaugural anthology released in January by Soul Speak Press.

Jessica interviews the founder of SSP and creator, as well as lead author of the anthology series, Jessica Buchanan about her heart behind this project and what it has been like to journey out of her own desert to mountaintop, along with 24 other women.

This series is meant to give readers of DTM a deeper insight into the authors that brought their experiences to the page and hopes to inspire it’s audience to a place of transformational healing.

Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Collective Journey to (re)Claiming Our Voice is available now on Amazon.

For more information on Deserts to Mountaintops, Soul Speak Press and upcoming anthologies, please visit www.desertstomountaintops.com. For more information Jessica Buchanan, please visit www.jessbuchanan.com or follow her on instagram at @jessicacbuchanan

Meet the Host
Jessica Kidwell is a podcast host of WeSTAT as well as Neuroversity, a weekly podcast about neurodiversity with a purpose to expand our understanding of what that term means, elevate the life experiences of the neurodivergent, and advocate for a more inclusive and informed culture. She believes that you never know where life will lead you and that staying open to possibilities is the only way to live. When she is not editing or promoting the podcast, she loves spending time with her family and friends and not being in charge of deciding what’s for dinner. She is a married to a Renaissance man and has two children who are already smarter and funnier than her. She lives in Alexandria, VA and tries daily to not give in to the power of “keeping up with the Joneses”. To learn more about Jess K and her story, listen to the podcast and visit her on Instagram @kidwelljessica.

The theme song is courtesy of the The Mystic Chics.
Instagram @themysticchics