Story Impact Podcast - Compelling Author Interviews
Hello book lovers and welcome to Story Impact, an author interview podcast that dives deep into the meaning, purpose, and magic behind the stories we love. I'm your host, award-winning crime novelist Lisa Towles. As a fellow author, I know the incredible passion and hard work that goes into creating a story. That's why I created this series—to lift up authors and shine a spotlight on the incredible stories they've brought into the world. Book lovers, you're in for a treat! On this show, we'll go behind the scenes with some of the most renowned authors reshaping our literary landscape to understand their inspirations, craft, and the purpose that drives them forward. So get ready to be inspired, to discover new books for your reading list, and to connect with some amazing visionaries.
Episodes
Dogs, Stories, and Connections | Meet Patricia McConnell
With host, Lisa Towles, this episode examines the intersection of science and storytelling through Patricia McConnell's internationally bestselling nonfiction and her acclaimed fiction debut, Away to Me. Together they discuss observation, empathy, healing, and why understanding behavior—whether human or canine—can transform the way we see ...
Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with authors and entrepreneurs Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth to explore mindfulness, meaningful work, leadership, and finding purpose beyond conventional career success.
This episode examines the evolving definition of success—moving beyond promotions and titles toward lives grounded in purpose, align...
Welcome to the Story Impact Author Interview Podcast. In some corners of the world, storytelling isn't just an art—it’s an act of courage and a vital record of survival.
Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes bestselling crime novelist Sarah Lovett and global changemaker Ron Schultz. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on their new international thriller, Metal Viper, a story where a 12-year-old boy and a fath...
Welcome to the Story Impact Author Interview Podcast. High-octane fiction meets radical authenticity when a lifetime of philanthropy fuels a gripping search for justice.
Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes award-winning novelist and philanthropist Karen E. Osborne. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of her riveting murder mystery, Justice for Emerson, and explore how a passion for storytelling—sparked at age 12—evolv...
Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! What happens when a terrifying real-life encounter in the mountains of Mexico becomes the catalyst for a celebrated thriller series?
Today, host Lisa Towles welcomes back her second-ever guest, crime thriller author, editor, and writing instructor Ana Manwaring. In this milestone 50th episode, we go behind the scenes of Ana’s 2024 release, Mortal Revenge, and explore the "irrefutable ...
Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! How does the mind of a school principal—someone charged with leading a community and shaping its vision—approach the creation of an entirely new world?
Today, host Lisa Towles connects with Steve Guglich, a veteran educator, school principal, and the author of the expansive epic fantasy saga, Piercing the Veil. This conversation is a deep dive into creative discipline, author brandin...
Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to feature Jim and Kathy Ocean — musicians, cultural activists, and co-authors of the genre-bending novel John Lennon's Glasses.
For more than three decades, Jim and Kathy have worked together as the creative force behind OceanWorks Productions, producing concerts, festivals, multimedia performances, and original music they describe as "Music for the MetaQuizzical" &m...
Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast! Today, we're honored to feature Marie Judson—linguist, scholar, and acclaimed fantasy author whose world-building spans two extraordinary series and two entirely different mythologies.
Marie is the creator of the Braided Dimensions series, a time travel fantasy saga woven through with medieval magic and ancient langu...
Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with Ed DeJesus to explore vulnerability, systems thinking, and what happens when a tech pioneer turns his gaze toward the darkest corners of human nature.
This episode dives into thriller writing, character development, real-world storytelling, and the creative courage required to architect narratives that are both technically precise and deeply human.
E...
Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with Martyn Burke to explore narrative truth, investigative storytelling, and writing in the shadow of power.
This episode dives into journalism, documentary filmmaking, historical fiction, and the courage required to confront dangerous realities.
Essential listening for authors, filmmakers, and engaged readers. A literary podcast for serious readers, w...
Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with Jude Berman to explore political thrillers, narrative structure, and writing with purpose.
This episode dives into truth, technology, and the responsibility of fiction. Essential listening for authors and engaged readers. A literary podcast for serious readers, writers, and creative thinkers.
Jude Berman is the author of Shot: A Dictionary of the Los...
Award-winning crime novelist and host Lisa Towles interviews cultural historian, photographer, and author Stephen Huyler, renowned for his decades-long immersion in India and his groundbreaking work documenting sacred arts and rural communities. In this deep conversation, Stephen discusses his lifelong journey exploring Indian culture, the inspiration behind his newest memoir, Transformed by India, and the lessons he’s learne...
Welcome to Story Impact! Today, we’re honored to feature Victoria Zackheim—a celebrated author whose storytelling mastery spans mystery, memoir, and the stage. Victoria’s newest book release, The Curtain Falls in Paris, launches a richly atmospheric, region-based mystery series. With gripping suspense, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters, this novel sets the stage for what promises to be a spellbinding t...
Award-winning crime novelist and host Lisa Towles interviews internationally acclaimed author Eliot Pattison, known for the Inspector Shan Tibet mysteries and the Bone Rattler historical series. In this deep craft conversation, Eliot discusses his decades-long writing career, his approach to historical storytelling, and the themes behind his newest release, Freedom’s Ghost.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Eliot Pat...
Join bestselling crime novelist and podcast host Lisa Towles as she sits down with editor & author Jeff Circle, creator and visionary of the Writer's Dossier Podcast, to explore what drives modern thriller writing — and how moral ambiguity turns good stories into unforgettable ones.
In this episode you’ll discover:
- How Jeff curated and edited the new anthology Myopic Duplicity: Do the Ends Ever Justify the Me...
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