Uncorking a Story

The whole idea of historical fiction is to fill in the gaps in the emotional feeling of the participants in the crisis. Barbara Southard

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, historian and debut novelist Barbara Southard shares the emotional and intellectual journey behind her novel Unruly Human Hearts. Drawing from her academic roots and a deep fascination with 19th-century America, Barbara reimagines the infamous Beecher-Tilton adultery trial through the eyes of Elizabeth Tilton, the woman at the heart of the scandal. We explore gender dynamics, moral codes, and the role of historical fiction in giving voice to those left out of traditional narratives.

Key Themes:

The emotional power of historical fiction to tell untold stories

The complexity of Victorian gender roles and societal expectations

The double standard in free love and public morality

How historical fiction bridges the gaps left by historical record

Challenges of transitioning from academic writing to novel-writing

The enduring relevance of womens voices in historical scandals

How empathy shapes character-driven storytelling

Buy: Unruly Human Hearts: Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bK1Ajb Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647428303

Connect with Barbara Website: https://www.barbarasouthard.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbara.southard45/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSouthardAuthor

Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #BarbaraSouthard #UnrulyHumanHearts #HistoricalFiction #VictorianScandal #WomenInHistory #DebutAuthor #BeecherTilton #FictionWithFeeling #UncorkingAStory

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“We’ve got to start thinking of ourselves as the Earthling tribe.” — Dr. Peter Solomon

In this eye-opening episode of Uncorking a Story, scientist and author Dr. Peter Solomon shares how his passion for physics, sparked in a college classroom, led to a lifelong mission to communicate science through storytelling. We explore his Stardust Mystery project and dive into his upcoming novel 100 Years to Extinction, inspired by Stephen Hawking’s chilling prediction about humanity’s future. From DNA and AI to interstellar travel and misinformation, Dr. Solomon challenges us to think big, act fast, and imagine a world where science and society evolve together.

 Key Themes:

Using fiction to teach science and spark curiosity in kids

The real science behind stardust and the Big Bang

Stephen Hawking’s 100-year extinction warning

How technology has outpaced society’s ability to manage it

Threats of AI, climate change, nuclear weapons, and misinformation

A call for a “fallacy vaccine” to fight the spread of lies online

Empowering Gen Z to reshape the future through activism and imagination



Connect with Peter Website: https://www.100yearstoextinction.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100yearstoextinction/

Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #PeterSolomon #100YearsToExtinction #StardustMystery #SciComm #ClimateFiction #ScienceAndSociety #AIethics #GenZActivism #UncorkingAStory #SavetheEarth #SavethePlanet

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“Don’t be your own no—if the answer is no, let someone else say it. Don’t take yourself out of the race because of your own insecurities.” – Joanne Howard

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, we sit down with debut novelist Joanne Howard, author of Sleeping in the Sun, a historical fiction novel inspired by her grandfather’s childhood in India at the end of British rule. Joanne shares her journey from copywriter to published author, the emotional and creative process of writing her first novel, and how a pandemic pup named Kash became part of her storytelling. With humility, humor, and insight, Joanne offers writers at every stage the kind of inspiration that sticks.

Key Themes:

Writing historical fiction from family stories and primary sources

Navigating the MFA experience and learning to “kill your darlings”

The reality of pitching agents and choosing hybrid publishing

Bringing personal passion (like pets!) into storytelling

The evolving role of copywriters in the digital age

Why local bookstores matter more than ever

Trusting your path and asking for what you want

Buy Sleeping in the Sun Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DvSOZt Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647427986

Connect with Joanne Website: https://www.joannehowardwrites.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093201296124 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannesbooks

Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#JoanneHoward #SleepingInTheSun #HistoricalFiction #DebutAuthor #WritersLife #MFAWriting #HybridPublishing #AuthorInterview #UncorkingAStory

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“The writing is the easiest part. It’s everything after that—the marketing, the visibility, the noise—that makes this business so tough. But you’ve got to keep going.” — Rochelle Weinstein

Bestselling author Rochelle Weinstein joins Uncorking a Story to reflect on the career crossroads that changed her life. After walking away from a successful role in the music industry, Rochelle sat down and wrote her first novel—without any formal training—and took a leap into self-publishing. That leap paid off, launching a career that would eventually include multiple traditionally published books and a spot on the USA Today Bestseller list. In this episode, she shares her honest take on the business of being an author, the realities of breaking through in a crowded market, and the inspiration behind her latest novel, We Are Made of Stars.

Key Takeaways:



One bold decision can change everything. Rochelle turned down a big-city career to follow a creative spark—and ended up writing a bestseller.

You don’t need permission to be an author. She self-published her first two novels and used grit (and marketing smarts) to break through.

 Success doesn’t always show up on time. Rochelle didn’t even know she hit the USA Today list—until five years later.

Writing the book is only step one. Rochelle shares why treating your writing like a business is key to longevity in publishing.

Even a single sentence can spark a novel. Rochelle’s next book was born from a note on a prayer tree: “I wish I never met her.”

Her advice to aspiring authors? Keep going. Tune out the noise. And never underestimate the power of your own voice.

Buy We are Made of Stars Amazon: https://amzn.to/429ozj0 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781662520884

Connect with Rochelle Website: https://www.rochelleweinstein.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.b.weinstein Twitter: https://twitter.com/rochwein Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochellebweinstein/

Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#RochelleWeinstein #WeAreMadeOfStars #AuthorLife #WritersOfInstagram #BookTok #BookLaunch #WomensFiction #IndieAuthor #WritersJourney #PublishingTips #PodcastLife

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“We all have a light to shine, and today more than ever, the world needs us to shine those lights in all the different areas that are there.” – Julie Wignall

In this illuminating episode of Uncorking a Story, Julie Wignall shares her unconventional journey from marine biology to corporate leadership to writing The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies. She reveals how each of us has an inner light and a unique purpose, and she offers insight into overcoming fear, embracing creativity, and finding meaning in the smallest moments. Through powerful storytelling and real-world examples, Julie inspires us to step into our own brilliance and change the world—one firefly at a time.

Key Themes:

The metaphor of fireflies and why we all have a light to shine

How Julie navigated an unconventional career path spanning science, politics, and business

The importance of storytelling in personal and societal transformation

Strategies for overcoming fear and imposter syndrome

How small, joyful moments shape a meaningful life

The power of finding alternative paths when doors seem closed

Why play and creativity are essential for adults, not just children

Buy The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41lrvZr Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781954920798

Connect with Julie Website: https://www.extraordinaryfireflies.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinarypoweroffireflies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryPowerofFireflies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wignall-38548668/

Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#UncorkingAStory #JulieWignall #Fireflies #ShineYourLight #OvercomingFear #FindingPurpose #Storytelling #LiveYourPassion #TransformTheWorld

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