Chats from the Blog Cabin

In this thought-provoking episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera welcomes David, a former criminal defense attorney turned author, to discuss his gripping novel A Hate Crime in Brooklyn. David shares his unique journey from practicing law to writing fiction, and how his legal background shaped the powerful themes in his debut book.

The conversation explores the cultural inspirations behind his characters, the challe...

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera talks with Alexandria about her powerful journey of healing after her husband’s suicide. Alexandria opens up about navigating profound grief, parenting through pain, and ultimately discovering a renewed purpose—helping others find joy even in the darkest seasons. Together, they discuss the importance of empathy, community, and creating space for honest conver...

In this powerful episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with attorney, author, and judge Dan Stidham to discuss the infamous West Memphis Three case and his decades-long pursuit of justice. Dan opens up about the emotional toll of wrongful convictions, the critical role DNA evidence played, and the impact public pressure and social media have had on the case. He also shares excerpts from his book A Harves...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera speaks with psychologist and author Dr. Neal King, whose memoir Trauma is a Thief shares his powerful story of surviving childhood trauma, family abuse, and addiction while growing up in a military household.

Dr. King opens up about:
✅ Navigating trauma and PTSD in childhood
✅ How supportive relationships and education became pathways to healing
✅ Writing his m...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with author and former scientist Mike Cobb to discuss his powerful historical fiction novel You Will Know Me by My Deeds. Inspired by the real-life Atlanta child murders, Mike shares how his background in science and love of research fuels his compelling storytelling.

Learn how Mike develops authentic characters, balances historical accuracy with emotional tru...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera discusses the importance of accountability, particularly in the context of podcasting. She shares a personal experience involving miscommunication with a guest, highlighting the challenges of managing expectations and professionalism in the podcasting world. The episode also features testimonials from previous guests, emphasizing the supportive and authentic environment Mel...

In this episode of the Chats from the Blog Cabin podcast, host Melissa Vera welcomes author Chris Null to discuss his journey as a writer, the transition from technical writing to fiction, and the inspiration behind his new novel, The Cul-de-sac. Chris shares insights into his family dynamics, the evolution of his writing career, and the unique characters that populate his latest work. The conversation also touches on his experienc...

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa shares her personal journey through grief, reflecting on the loss of her sister and father. She discusses the complexities of grief, the memories that linger, and the emotional waves that come unexpectedly. Through her stories, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and the love that remains for those who have passed. Melissa invites listeners to embrace ...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera shares her personal reflections on Mother's Day, her experiences at a recent writing workshop, and her thoughts on navigating complex emotions related to family and societal issues. She discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome, the significance of her blog launch, and the impact of the political climate on her life. The conversation is heartfelt and insightful, off...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera shares her personal journey of becoming a contributing author in the collaborative book 'Anchored in Hope.' She discusses the significance of sharing stories, the healing power of community, and the transformative experiences that led her to write about her own struggles with faith and resilience. The episode emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connection in over...

Andrew, a father of 10, shares his journey of balancing work and family life and the importance of seeking help and support as a father. He discusses the societal pressure on men to be strong and not show vulnerability, and how he decided to pivot and start helping other dads. Andrew emphasizes the importance of being present for his children and the positive impact it has had on their relationships. He also talks about the challen...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, the host engages in a deep conversation with Alex, a CEO in the pharmaceutical industry, about the gut microbiome and its significance in health. Alex shares his unique journey from growing up on a farm to becoming an entrepreneur focused on natural health solutions. He discusses the importance of human milk oligosaccharides in restoring gut health and the challenges faced in the pharma...

In this episode of 'Chats from the Blog Cabin', host Melissa interviews Matthew, an inspiring individual with autism who has pursued his dream of becoming a teacher and author. Matthew shares his journey, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of perseverance, and how he aims to motivate others on the autism spectrum. He reflects on his experiences in the classroom, the impact of his teaching, and the rewarding ...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa speaks with Scott, a manifestation and mindset coach, about his journey from engineering to personal development. They explore the concepts of manifestation, the law of attraction, and the importance of mindset in achieving personal goals. Scott shares his experiences with personal development, martial arts, and the transformative power of gratitude and self-care.

The conversati...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa engages with Sherianna, a writer and adjunct psychology professor, to explore the intersection of spirituality and personal growth. Shari shares her journey from a career in psychology to embracing her spiritual gifts, discussing the importance of vulnerability, intuition, and connecting with spirit guides. The conversation also delves into practical approaches like spirit walks...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, the conversation centers around the critical issue of literacy, particularly focusing on children's reading proficiency. The host and guest discuss the alarming statistics regarding reading levels among fourth graders, the evolution of teaching methods from phonics to whole language, and the importance of parental involvement in children's literacy development. The guest shares ...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa welcomes Jackie, a passionate traveler and creator of The Historic Traveler blog. Jackie shares her journey from being a sports writer to discovering her love for travel and photography. The conversation explores the unique blend of travel and literature, highlighting how reading historic novels enhances the travel experience. Jackie discusses her approach to curating trave...

Barbara Sommer Fagan shares her incredible story of escaping Nazi Germany as a refugee with her parents and starting a new life in the United States. She discovered her father's journal years later, which detailed their terrifying journey. Barbara reflects on her parents' courage, determination, and optimism in the face of adversity. She also discusses her own experiences, including her career in advertising, the loss of a ...

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera discusses the importance of women's rights, confidence, and empowerment. She reflects on the historical struggles women have faced and the ongoing challenges in society. The conversation delves into factors affecting women's confidence, societal pressures, and the significance of community support. Melissa emphasizes the need for women to uplift each other and share...