Why we love to read romance + how to WRITE it with "Promise Me Sunshine" Author Cara Bastone

In the past year, I’ve fallen head over heels into the world of romance novels—and in doing so, I stumbled into an equally addictive universe called Bookstagram. That’s where I discovered Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone, a book that’s landed on countless “must-read” and “best of 2025” lists—and rightfully so. It also just became a USA Today bestseller!I had never read one of Cara’s books before, but after waking up at 4 AM two mornings in a row just to keep reading Promise Me Sunshine, I knew I had to talk to the woman behind the magic. Getting to interview her felt like sitting down with the author of one of your favorite books and asking all the burning questions.In this episode, Cara and I dive into:Her writing process and how she stays focusedHow she writes spice (I had to ask… what about your mom reading it?!)What makes a great romance novelWhy romance can be deeply healingThe impact of Bookstagram on modern authorsAnd so much more!Whether you’re a romance reader or just love a behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a bestselling author, this episode is such a treat.

Join me for my second interview with author Matt Brand as we dig into the life-altering moment he experienced that prompted him to transform his health, which he once thought of as "fine."If you're wanting to transform or improve your own health and are unsure of where to start, this episode is a great place to begin your journey as Matt shares exceedingly practical tips for increasing vitality and making the most of this life we've been given.

Can you really talk to God? Does he really answer you? According to Neale Donald Walsch, it's an abounding "yes. " Join me and bestselling author of "Conversations with God", Neale Donald Walsch, as we delve into his most recent book, "GODTALK", and what it really means to have a real dialogue with the divine in modern times. To learn more about Neale and his 40 published books, click here.

You might be used to coming to this podcast for spiritual wisdom and parenting advice (and the occasional book review), but please stop everything because we have to discuss Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. On this episode on IJHTS with Laura Max, Attorney Taly Thiessen from Thiessen Law Firm weighs in on the legal drama none of us can stop reading about: what's happening now, and what we can anticipate happening next. Plus, her opinion (and mine) on what really happened behind the scenes.

75% of Americans are overweight or obese. The problem according to Justin Nault? We aren’t eating enough. With nearly half a million followers on TikTok, nutritional therapist Justin Nault has acquired a massive following by relaying simple, mind-blowing truths about what we’re really putting in our bodies, why we really can’t lose weight and why our collective health is in crisis. If you think you’ve heard it all when it comes to obesity and our health as Americans, listen to this episode. We also discuss: 1. Why Americans eating more than 4000 calories/day in the 1930s weren’t overweight. 2. Why many Americans sticking to 2000 calorie/day diets and overworking themselves at the gym are. 3. How alcohol actually affects your metabolism 4. What Americans don’t know about seed oils 5. How to make meaningful health changes even if your routine doesn’t change 6. The real reason why 75% of Americans are overweight or obese To learn more about Justin Nault, follow him on instagram @justinnaultofficial.

Why is it so important to have a present father? What makes a good, present father in the first place? What is the biggest reason we get into toxic relationships as an adult? What do we lose control over when it comes to our own children if we don't do this one thing? How do we learn to embrace our own worth and value if we had broken relationships with one or more parents? In this conversation with Rabbi Shais Taub, we discuss the connection and difference between spirituality and religion, the reason and destructive nature of addiction, and power and importance of family and the resilience of the human spirit.

I might have reached out to Marianne only a few days ago to ask her to be a guest on this show, but anyone who’s known me for a long time knows that I’ve been prepping for this interview at least a decade and a half - in 2012, my byline for an online magazine I was writing for read “Laura Max is a lover of big shoes, dark chocolate, and Marianne Williamson.” Beginning her career known as the spiritual advisor to Oprah Winfrey, Marianne is the author of 16 books, four of which became #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her iconic quote from mega-bestseller A Return to Love, which starts “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” has become an anthem for a new generation of spiritual seekers. Count me as one of them because that quote also saved me from my very own nervous breakdown at age 20 when I read it and understood for the first time that it was my light, not my darkness, that frightened me most. Most recently, Marianne has brought her visionary ideals to the political stage, running not one, but two presidential campaigns in the past four years. On this episode of I Just Have to Say with Laura Max, Marianne provides her analysis of America's current political and spiritual landscape and discusses her most recent book, “The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love.” If you are local here in Aspen or plan to visit in December, you can see Marianne Williamson live at The Aspen Chapel on December 5th from 6-7:30 PM. Coming off the heels of the recent election, Marianne will be speaking on the subject of ‘Navigating our way to the Future.” She will also be signing copies of her new book “The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love.” Entry is $85, with live stream at $65. There is also a ‘Meet and Greet’ ticket, with preferred seating for $200 which includes a signed copy of her recent book. TO PURCHASE TICKETS, go to Aspenchapel.org

Feeling a little anxious? Wondering what's going to happen tomorrow or worried about next month or next year or even life after death? Join me for a conversation with Rabbi Mendel Mintz as we dive into Jewish wisdom that helps us navigate fear of the unknown and abounding complex dynamics within our country. In this episode, we discuss: Election Day Life after death according to Judaism Why what we do here on earth really matters What we can do every day to lift feelings of depression and anxiety Jewish wisdom for mourning the loss of a loved one Navigating antisemitism

This week, I sit down with designer and entrepreneur David Peck, whose story has roots in churches associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) — yes, the same fundamentalist Christian organization made famous by the Duggar family. Known for its rigid beliefs around patriarchy, authority, and gender roles, IBLP shaped a very particular worldview for those who grew up in its teachings. David and I dive deep into our personal journeys, moving beyond the beliefs we were raised with and reflecting on the eye-opening experiences highlighted in Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. We’ll explore how our political and personal views have shifted and how our evolving perspectives on faith, society, and politics have informed the lives we lead today. Whether you've seen the documentary or are simply curious about how early beliefs can change over time, you’re in for a thought-provoking conversation.

It's not every morning I feel like I need to grab my microphone as quickly as possible so I can tell everyone who will listen about a new line of skincare products that I'm obsessed with...but this morning was that morning. After coming across some very persuasive instagram ads for Prequel Skincare that featured videos of their founder, Dr. Samantha Ellis, raving about their Multi Quench serum, I was finally convinced and knew I had to try the product out for myself. But, here's the thing: because I live in such a dry climate, serums routinely cause my skin to get rashy and bumpy. Something about this serum in particular made me want to take the risk... In this episode, I'm talking about TWO new holy grail skincare items that are both part of the Prequel skincare line, and my new unadulterated love for Dr. Samantha Ellis, which is officially at the top of my list of most wanted guests on this podcast! Featured in this episode (but NOT sponsored, just adored): Prequel Skincare - the full website Prequel Multi Quench Serum Prequel Gleanser Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer OGEE Contour Sticks Prequel at TARGET Prequel on AMAZON