Practically Passionate

Today we welcome Elaine Boddy, a UK-based author renowned for her expertise in sourdough baking, having authored three books: Whole Grain Sourdough at Home, The Sourdough Whisperer, and Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking. With her fourth book, The Sourdough Bible, coming out in late 2024, Elaine is on a mission to make sourdough baking simpler and more accessible for everyone.Her journey began in 2013 with a food blog, sharing her passion for Middle Eastern dishes and her baking adventures. Her passion for baking led her to develop a personal method that makes sourdough more accessible and less intimidating for home bakers. Elaine encourages aspiring bakers to maintain a journal of their experiments, which helps them refine their techniques and learn from their experiences.Elaine's approach shows that really connecting with your readers and staying true to your own style can make a book launch successful and keep your writing career going strong. We also explore the editing process, the role of authent

This week, we welcome back Michael Drew to our show. He is a seasoned expert on book lists and is known for his deep knowledge and insights into the world of best-seller rankings. Michael frequently shares his expertise on how various lists operate and their impact on the book industry.Michael dives into the recent discontinuation of the Wall Street Journal’s best-seller list, thoroughly exploring the reasons behind it and what it means for the industry. Losing the list has hit bookstores, publishers, and authors hard since it was a major sales driver. Michael also talks about how Success Magazine could build a whole ecosystem around its list with things like book reviews, cliff notes, book clubs, and partnerships with retailers like Books-A-Million. Michael’s insights offer a glimpse into how these new lists are trying to step up to fill the void and their potential to reshape the landscape of book rankings. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the latest trends as the book world adapts and new opportunities arise.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Laura Russom, from our team in Advanced Amazon Ads. Laura brings a wealth of experience from her previous role in indie publishing, where she honed her skills in paid advertising. We explore why it’s crucial to start your marketing strategy at least six months before your book's release. Our discussion covers practical tips for validating demand with tools like Google Trends and social media, understanding and narrowing down your target audience, and designing a compelling book cover that stands out.We also cover selecting the right marketing platforms, overcoming content creation challenges, and collaborating with niche influencers for more effective promotion. Additionally, we discuss the role of AI tools in gaining valuable audience insights. Tune in to discover essential strategies for a successful book launch, with a special focus on pre-launch planning and a comprehensive guide to crafting a well-rounded and impactful marketing strategy.Visit our website here to

We’re back with AJ Crabill, author of Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective, as we dive into the book marketing strategies that can make or break a book launch. AJ shares valuable lessons learned from his journey including how he used a quiz, an interactive element, to boost reader engagement. Discover how teaming up with an expert author coach, transformed his book’s marketing approach and led to effective audience outreach. From leveraging established networks for early praise to creatively negotiating bulk book purchases for conferences, AJ reveals tactics that expanded his book’s reach. Learn why investing in professional support for marketing tasks, like podcast outreach, can be a total game-changer. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned publisher, this episode offers practical advice on making strategic investments to elevate your book’s impact. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!Visit their website here.Learn more about the book here.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to chat with AJ as we uncover his book,Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective. AJ shares his journey from a concerned parent to a seasoned school board member and author. He discusses the crucial lessons he learned about effective governance and how they extend beyond school boards to other types of organizations. AJ highlights key concepts from his book, setting specific, measurable goals that align with desired student outcomes, rather than vague objectives focused on adult inputs, and the concept of "guardrails" to guide decision-making. Whether you're involved in education or any form of organization, AJ's insights offer valuable strategies for improving effectiveness and achieving meaningful results.Visit their website here.Learn more about the book here.

Today’s episode features an interview with Brian Sachetta, author of Get Out of Your Head. We explore Brian’s personal journey with anxiety and the transformative experiences that inspired his groundbreaking book. Brian opens up about his struggles with anxiety starting at age 18 and how years of dedicated research shaped the strategies outlined in his book. He offers a fascinating look at how the landscape of anxiety information has evolved since 2008, contrasting the scarcity of resources in the past with today’s wealth of information. Brian introduces his three core principles—fundamental truths about anxiety—as pivotal strategies for managing it effectively. Listeners will gain practical insights into techniques like deep breathing exercises designed to combat the fight or flight response and enhance critical thinking in stressful moments.The episode also explores the modern media’s role in amplifying anxiety, highlighting how constant connectivity and negative news cycles contribute to heightened stress.

In this episode, we delve into the success of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, which has sold 50,000 copies within just six months. We touch on the marketing strategies and Brian’s decision-making process that contributed to the book’s achievement. Brian shares valuable insights on trusting one's instincts and making bold choices, reflecting on his journey and the importance of quality and self-trust in the publishing world.Our conversation also highlights the concept of "planting seeds" in marketing—taking various actions that can lead to unforeseen successes. Brian emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships, consistently adding value, and making strategic investments, even if not all efforts yield immediate results. He shares great advice on creating great work, setting clear goals, and being ready to tackle any challenges that come their way.Brian also discusses the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) for effective goal-setting and stresses the need for discipline and

We dive into the world of Brian Johnson, Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and author of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. He’s 50% Philosopher + 50% CEO and 101% committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. He's even got it tattooed on his arm. As a philosopher and educator, he has helped millions of people from around the world, trained over 10,000 Heroic Coaches from more than 100 countries, and developed a transformative protocol that blends ancient wisdom with modern science.In this episode, we highlight the importance of embracing pain, uncertainty, and hard work to unlock one's potential. We also explore Brian’s innovative book, which merges stoic philosophy, modern science, and personal experience into 451 concise chapters designed for actionable insights which includes understanding life's ultimate game, embracing challenges, focusing on energy, work, and love, and prioritizing daily actions. We discuss overcomi

In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Karen Morris, author of A Year Without The Grocery Store. This engaging short read explores her journey in mastering home preparedness and equipping herself for any situation, with strategies for maintaining readiness that are particularly compelling. As a mother and wife, you'll find the book both practical and inspiring. I highly recommend tuning in to learn how Karen expertly balances demanding tasks—such as one-on-one outreach with influencers or attending live events—with essential behind-the-scenes efforts like managing Amazon ads. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that can help you become more self-sufficient. Tune in now!Check out Karen Morris’ website here.Learn more about the book here.

If you're in the business world, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott. She’s also the writer behind Radical Respect. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of all the major aspects such as her approach to writing her books, her strategic thinking on marketing, and her methods for sustaining book promotion momentum. These are amazing and pivotal books that stand out as essential reads, offering profound perspectives on leadership, management, feedback mechanisms, and fostering an inclusive and engaged workforce. Yet, what truly sets Kim Scott apart is her approach to delivering continuous value to readers—from the initial stages of book development through long after its launch. Tune in to our enlightening and enjoyable discussion with Kim Scott. Learn more about the book here.

On this week’s episode, we welcome Ryan Estrada, an artist, author, and adventurer who co-wrote the Banned Book Club, a fascinating graphic novel detailing his wife's experience in the 1980s of reading banned books in South Korea. We covered a lot of ground in our conversation: how to market your book to multiple demographics and audiences, finding passionate supporters or readers, maintaining momentum, and post-viral book marketing. Ryan shares plenty of valuable advice and memorable one-liners that can inspire your writing, publishing, and book marketing endeavors.I’m particularly excited about today’s guest because his book is truly unique, and it's a shining example of how a compelling story and smart marketing can lead to big success across different markets. You won't want to miss this one!Check out Ryan Estrada’s website here: https://ryanestrada.com/Get to know about his book here.

Our guest for today is a good friend of mine, Scott Lorenz, with an amazing history and expertise as a book publicist. Scott also serves as the President of Westwind Communications, a distinguished public relations and marketing agency that specializes in providing strategic PR and marketing services tailored to professionals such as Doctors, Lawyers, Authors, Startups, and Entrepreneurs. He has successfully managed publicity campaigns for books authored by CEOs, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. Scott also has a proven track record of collaborating with a diverse range of authors, including bestselling authors and self-published authors, across various genres. In addition to book publicity, Lorenz has garnered media coverage for clients spanning numerous industries, including fiction, health, romance, business, and children's literature. He is recognized for his marketing acumen and conducts marketing classes at the Learning Annex in New York City.Scott's exp

In today's episode we welcome back Michael Drew a close friend of mine and a significantly towering figure in the realm of publishing, with a rich background having worked in different roles in traditional publishing, including Bard Press. Michael has has been instrumental and helped many famous authors launch successful books, such as T. Harv Ecker and Marshall Goldsmith. His expertise far exceeds mine and many other sources I consult for information.We explore the intricate landscape of book launches, shedding light on the strategies required to appear on lists like The New York Times. We delve into exploring the importance of tailoring your writing to resonate with a middle school audience, uncovering treasures of wisdom in the domain of non-fiction. We also discuss the real goals and genuine objectives of book launches and how your marketing efforts should be shaped by them. Realizing how these aspects of the publishing world are related to one another helps you on your way to success.Each moment spe

We explore the extensive and varied experiences of soon-to-be Dr. Laura Briggs with her background in business administration. Her 10 years of experience writing copy for law firms and producing SEO material have made her a remarkable figure in the field. As an accomplished author with multiple books published, Laura freely imparts her invaluable expertise in the dynamic world of book marketing strategies.With a wealth of experience gained from her long career, Laura provides invaluable guidance on negotiating the complexities of the publishing industry. She skillfully crafts her story, giving listeners an intimate picture of her triumphs, setbacks, and turning points from the beginning of her writing pursuits including her culmination of giving an insightful TED Talk experience.In addition, as a skilled practitioner of book launch management and marketing, Laura offers valuable strategies and tips meant to inspire both beginner and experienced writers. With an attention to detail and a desire to foster liter

In this episode, we welcome Laura Briggs, a dynamic figure empowering the freelance generation. Laura has been crucial in assisting independent contractors in realizing their aspirations of becoming business owners through her writing, mentoring, and public speaking. Earning $200,000 as a freelancer in 2018, Laura's proficiency in her field is truly evident and demonstrated by her remarkable achievement.Delving into her backstory, Laura's journey from inner-city school teacher to solopreneur sheds light on her resilience and determination. Her impressive client roster, including Microsoft, TrueCar, and the Mobile Marketing Association, underscores her credibility and impact in the industry.Moreover, Laura's impact goes beyond personal accomplishments; on two occasions, she has graced the TED Talk stage, sharing her thoughts on the revolutionary potential of the freelance economy. Laura's dedication to empowering others is evident, as she is the creator of Operation Freelance, a non-profit

In the latest second episode featuring Michael Lennington, the brilliant mind and esteemed author of 'The 12 Week Year.' Join us as we dive into a fascinating discussion about the incredible journey of his book, which has garnered immense popularity since its release in 2013. With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, 'The 12 Week Year' has stood the test of time, captivating readers with its unique approach to productivity and goal-setting.Discover the secrets behind the book's enduring success as we explore how it evolved from a humble self-published manuscript to a global phenomenon. Lennington shares captivating insights into the strategies that have propelled the book to greatness, offering listeners a glimpse into its transformative impact on individuals and teams worldwide.Tune in to learn more about the inspiring story behind 'The 12 Week Year' and how it continues to empower countless individuals to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.Check out The 1

Today, we're thrilled to welcome our new co-host and COO, Laura Briggs, alongside our esteemed guest, Michael Lennington, co-author of the groundbreaking book 'The 12 Week Year.'  This book has been a constant companion for Laura for over many years, offering invaluable insights into time management and strategic project planning. Whether you're seeking to enhance your time management skills or looking to approach your projects with a more strategic mindset, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom shared by Michael. Get ready for an enlightening journey in this episode, where we uncover the transformative principles of The 12 Week Year. Discover the immense power behind this approach as we delve into its proven strategies, drawn from the successes of countless businesses worldwide. Join us as we explore why traditional annual goals might be holding you back and how embracing 12-week cycles can revolutionize your planning and strategy. Tune in to learn why it&ap

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of TikTok as a powerful tool for book promotion as I have recently become obsessed with this fascinating platform, details of which you can find in my newsletter and podcast. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Colton Dubell, a TikTok enthusiast, and discuss his remarkable journey to over a hundred thousand followers within six months. Colton shares invaluable insights into overcoming challenges on TikTok, unveiling surprises, navigating psychological biases, and adopting a unique approach that challenges conventional advice. Discover how he defies the norm of posting three videos a day, choosing to prioritize quality over quantity. Colton gives us a unique perspective at using TikTok to promote content by going over his distinct formula for success. Tune in to gain exclusive insights and join us in welcoming Colton to the show.For everyone passionate about drawing anime manga, explore Colton's expertise at drawanimeacademy.com, and don't miss hi

Chris was kind enough to grace us with his presence again, delving into the captivating domain of podcasting during this episode. If you're an author, you’ve probably heard a million times about the importance of podcasting - getting on podcasts, having and hosting your own podcast, and to put it bluntly, that advice is not completely useful. What truly resonates are actionable strategies and precise insights into approaching figures like Ed Mylett, whom we use as a prime example to secure spots on prominent shows. Ever wonder why you find yourself at the center of attention from influential platforms? Many people struggle with this question, particularly those who are just starting their podcast journey. Chris, our esteemed guest, has dedicated the past two and a half years to producing top podcasts, including 'The School of Greatness' and 'The Daily Motivation,' both by Lewis Howes  with second podcast having produced and launched by Chris. Additionally, he collaborated with Dr. Ben

Today's featured episode spotlights a valued colleague turned close friend, Chris Jordan. While Chris may not be a widely recognized name right now, his influence extends deeply within the inner workings for prominent figures such as Lewis Howes, Daymond John of Shark Tank, Gary Vee, and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Chris has made a significant contribution behind the scenes to these teams in a variety of roles, from video editing to podcast production and most recently, book launching. Chris has an amazing track record of working with a wide spectrum of personalities, and his extensive knowledge of multiple platforms made me know right away that I had to have him on the show. Chris's wealth of knowledge extends from book marketing to also understanding the intricacies of podcasting and getting on podcasts that contribute to book success and longevity. I am genuinely excited to have Chris as our guest for this episode and he has graciously agreed to come back next time to talk about everything from having yo