EP466 - Marylee MacDonald on the process of writing a novel

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to author and marriage counselor Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem.  Dr. Alsaleem talks to us about the process of writing books. Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem is an award-winning marriage counselor, researcher, and the father of modern infidelity counseling. He is the developer of Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART)™, a groundbreaking clinical framework that has redefined how therapists approach affair recovery. Dr. Alsaleem is the author of the acclaimed books Infidelity: The Best Worst Thing that Could Happen to Your Marriage and Unfaithful & Unrepentant: Affairs Beyond the Hope of Repair, and the founder of The Infidelity Counseling Center. An international lecturer and sought-after speaker, he has trained countless counselors around the world, equipping them with the critical tools to help couples heal from betrayal and rebuild their relationships with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to podcasting expert Dana Lindahl.  Dana talks to us about podcast guesting strategies. Dana Lindahl, founder of a leading podcast booking agency, is all about connecting thought leaders with the audiences who need to hear them. With a knack for spotting great stories and amplifying them to their fullest potential, Dana has helped countless founders, executives, and industry leaders snag the spotlight on top podcasts. Drawing on years of experience, Dana knows exactly how to craft a message that clicks and a strategy that works. But Dana doesn’t just book podcasts—he transforms them into game-changers. Seeing podcasts as a powerhouse platform for storytelling and engagement, Dana has guided clients to grow their influence, connect with the right people, and drive real results. It’s this no-nonsense, results-driven approach that’s made him the go-to partner for leaders looking to step up their game and make an impact. Now, Dana’s flipping the script and hitting the mic himself. On his podcast tour, he’ll dive into the art of personal branding, the power of thought leadership, and the secret sauce behind nailing audience engagement. Whether it’s talking entrepreneurship, leadership, or the ever-changing world of podcasting, Dana brings relatable stories, sharp insights, and actionable advice straight from the trenches of building a successful business. When he’s not connecting leaders to their audiences, Dana’s all about helping people unlock their potential with creative, strategic thinking. A champion of empowering others to own their narratives, he blends practical tips with an infectious enthusiasm that makes success feel within reach. Whether you’re a founder, a business owner, or an aspiring podcaster, Dana delivers advice that sticks and stories you won’t forget.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to leadership expert Dr. Sam Adeyemi.  Dr. Sam talks to us about Starting Before You're 'Ready' in Order to Reach Your Goals & Dreams. Dr. Sam Adeyemi is a globally respected leadership expert, transformational coach, and strategic thinker helping leaders elevate their impact from the inside out. As CEO of Sam Adeyemi, GLC, Inc., and Founder and Executive Director of Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA), Dr. Sam has empowered over 52,000 graduates through world-class leadership programs—and influenced more than 3 million CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high-performing individuals across the globe through his teachings and online platforms. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership and the newly released SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership (Wiley, February 2025), a must-read for anyone ready to challenge the status quo and step into bold, transformative leadership. Armed with a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University in Virginia and a deep commitment to personal and organizational growth, Dr. Sam is a member of the International Leadership Association and a trusted mentor to executives, change-makers, and emerging leaders worldwide. What sets Dr. Sam apart is his rare ability to blend timeless leadership principles with forward-thinking strategy—helping people navigate rapid change, embrace mindset shifts, and lead with authenticity and clarity in today’s complex world. He and his wife Nike (pronounced Nee-keh) are proud parents to three children and continue to invest in shaping leaders who lead not just with skill—but with heart and purpose.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to publishing expert Juliet Clark.  Juliet talks to us about building your own platform. Juliet Clark is a recognized authority in the publishing world, known for turning thought leaders into best-selling authors and powerful brand-builders. Featured on ABC, NBC, FOX, and Market Watch, Juliet is a dynamic speaker and trusted expert who has spent over 20 years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses publish strategically—and profitably. She is the founder behind several high-impact publishing ventures and the award-winning host of the Promote, Profit, Publish podcast, a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to turn their content into influence. With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep understanding of the business behind books, Juliet helps her clients not just get published—but get noticed. Her podcast, Promote, Profit, Publish, explores the tools, tactics, and mindsets that help experts grow their platforms, amplify their impact, and monetize their message. It’s no surprise it’s gained a loyal audience among entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives who want more than just a published book—they want results. Whether she’s guiding a first-time author through the publishing maze or showing established professionals how to leverage their books into speaking gigs, sales funnels, or seven-figure businesses, Juliet Clark brings clarity, energy, and serious results to the table.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to doula expert Carrie Kenner.  Carrie talks to us about the difference between a doula and a coach. Carrie Kenner is a doula expert. She writes, speaks, and educates about doulas, and has trained over 2,500 birth doulas in her career. As a business coach and mentor, she has helped hundreds of doulas launch successful careers and serve tens of thousands of individuals and families. She is a retired birth doula, active doula trainer, and business coach for doulas. Carrie is an advocate for the benefit of doulas in all of life’s challenging situations. She knows that doulas can bridge the gap between institution-centered care (such as in medical and legal systems) and the person-focused emotional and spiritual support humans need. In her courses and programs, Carrie shares her vast knowledge of the doula role, why doulas are so effective at preventing trauma and improving outcomes, and how doulas address racial and social justice with their work. Carrie has doula'd people through birth, death, postpartum, brain tumor diagnosis, infertility, miscarriage, and surgeries. Her book, So You Want to Be a Doula, features over 20 doula roles and tools to help aspiring doulas choose the best role for their interests and lifestyle. Carrie lives in Washington State surrounded by trees and water. She has three sons, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She wishes for everyone to experience the love of a doula.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to franchising king Cliff Nonnenmacher.  Cliff talks to us about Franchising. Cliff Nonnenmacher began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley. After leaving his Wall Street career in 2003, he acquired a Master Franchise for New York and Connecticut, diving headfirst into the franchising industry. Since then, Cliff has owned and operated various franchise businesses, including Cartridge World, Personal Training Institute, PuroClean, and Maid Right, as well as non-franchise companies. He has also developed well-known domestic and international brands like Four Seasons Sunrooms, Contours Express, Island Fin Poke, and Krak Boba. With over 25 years of experience in franchising, finance, and business, Cliff has been involved in every aspect of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. His passion lies in mentoring franchise owners and helping individuals explore whether franchising is the right path for them. Throughout his career, Cliff has started, scaled, sold, and turned around countless franchises, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry from both the franchisee and franchisor perspectives. Cliff now uses his extensive knowledge to assist corporate executives in building generational wealth, diversifying their investment portfolios, and navigating career transitions through franchise ownership. Cliff’s expertise has been featured in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CBS MoneyWatch. His unique approach focuses on making informed, strategic decisions about franchise ownership, helping individuals realize their dreams of independent business ownership. Through co-founding Franocity, Cliff continues to provide guidance and support for aspiring franchisees, ensuring they make the right choice for their future success.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to author and AI expert Ken Cox.  Ken talks to us about Managing AI Employees in your business. Ken Cox is a tech entrepreneur, thought leader, and visionary at the forefront of the AI revolution. As President of Hostirian and founder of InLink.com, Ken is redefining the way businesses scale by pioneering the use of AI Employees—digital team members that streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and dramatically boost productivity. His mission? To help businesses grow smarter, not harder. Ken is also the dynamic host of the Clicks and Bricks podcast, where he brings together candid conversations, real-world stories, and expert insights on topics like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The show is a go-to resource for founders, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. A multi-talented creator, Ken is the co-author of Many Paths to Profit, a powerful book that explores diverse entrepreneurial journeys and offers practical strategies for building sustainable success in the modern world. His insights help leaders break through traditional models and embrace the future of work. But Ken’s story goes deeper than business. He’s also the author of Reclaim Sobriety, where he shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction. Through his writing and speaking, Ken empowers others to take control of their lives, embrace transformation, and find clarity in both business and personal growth.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to author and psychologist Robert Common.  Robert talks to us about the role of mindfulness in business. Robert Common is the founder and CEO of The Beekeeper, an innovative mental health group that provides groundbreaking, ethical, and industry-disrupting services to an international clientele. With facilities in Thailand and Sri Lanka and a new office opening in London, The Beekeeper reflects Robert’s vision of transforming mental health care globally. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in social services and mental health—including work in international development with the United Nations—Robert ensures the organization’s approach is anchored in clinical excellence. As a qualified psychologist, social worker, and recently published author, Robert leads a team of 120+ professionals dedicated to compassionate, creative care and advancing technology in mental health. His personal journey continues to inspire The Beekeeper's mission to set a new standard in global mental health support.

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to human behavior expert Chris Hadnagy.  Chris talks to us about the art of human hacking. Chris Hadnagy is a professional social engineer with 20 years experience, author of 5 books, professor of social engineering at University of Arizona and CEO of Innocent Lives Foundation. Chris Hadnagy is the Founder and CEO of Social-Engineer, LLC. During Chris’ 19 years in information security, he created the world’s first social engineering framework and newsletter. He has also hosted the first social engineering-based podcast. Chris is the Founder, Executive Director, and Board Member, for the Innocent Lives Foundation, a nonprofit organization that identifies anonymous child predators and helps bring them to justice. Having written five books on social engineering, Chris is also a well-known author. His most recent book, “Human Hacking: Win Friends, Influence People and Leave Them Better Off for Having Met You,” was released January 5, 2021. Chris leads the way in educating people about social engineering. He created the world’s first Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF) to raise awareness of this serious threat. Chris is also an Adjunct Professor of Social Engineering for the University of Arizona’s NSA designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO). And he also lectures and teaches about social engineering around the globe. Moreover, he was invited to speak at the Pentagon and other high-security facilities. Chris works with some of the world’s leaders in scientific research for the purpose of acquiring a deeper understanding of social engineering. Notably, Chris authored a book with Dr. Paul Ekman regarding the use of nonverbal communication by social engineers. Chris is certified as an Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), as well as an Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP). He is also the creator of the Social Engineering Pentest Professional (SEPP), Certified Ethical Social Engineer (CESE), and Master’s Level Social Engineering (MLSE), certifications. “Understanding the ways humans make decisions is integral in everything we do from maintaining security to communicating with the people in your life. Social engineering skills, when used properly, can make your life so much better.” – Chris Hadnagy Chris’ published books include: Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking Unmasking the Social Engineer: The Human Element of Security Phishing Dark Waters: The Offensive and Defensive Sides of Malicious E-mails Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking 2nd Edition Human Hacking: Win Friends, Influence People, and Leave Them Better Off for Having Met You

In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to author and grief and loss expert Richard John Allen.  Richard talks to us about how to become an author - what challenges were faced. Richard John Allen was born in Liverpool, England, and has called North Carolina, USA, home since 2001. After losing his father to cancer in November 2020, Richard began writing as a way to cope with grief and explore the complexities of loss. His journey as an author has since led to the publication of five books, all available on Amazon—three of which have reached #1 in the Loss and Grief category. Richard continues to receive what he believes are signs from his late father, inspiring him to keep searching for answers about what happens after we lose someone we love. His writing blends personal experience with a heartfelt desire to understand life, death, and everything in between. Becoming a writer has been far from easy. Richard openly shares the challenges he's faced along the way, offering insight and encouragement for others looking to write their own stories—especially those shaped by grief. Born in Liverpool, England, I have lived in North Carolina USA since 2001. I lost my father to cancer in November 2020 and started writing about coping with loss and grief. I have now written 5 books, all available on Amazon. 3 have made Amazon #1 in Loss and Grief. I have and still receive signs from my dad, and will continue researching and writing, looking for answers about loss and what happens next. Becoming a writer has been challenging, with lots of challenges that I still try to navigate today.