The conversation delves into the significance of storytelling and the sense of community and connection at the Military Influencer Conference. It explores the purpose of W Brand Publishing in amplifying military voices and the importance of writing through The Other Side Project. The heart of humanity in publishing and the power of storytelling and connection are also highlighted.

Takeaways

* Importance of storytelling
* Community and connection

Chapters

* 00:00 Military Influencer Conference
* 07:22 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

Links

* www.wbrandpub.com
* https://www.wbrandpub.com/milspace-books
* https://www.wbrandpub.com/about-us

*JOURNEYING HOME WITH EMILY NYDAM: UNVEILING STORIES OF HOPE, CONNECTION, AND SELF-DISCOVERY*

Are you searching for stories that breathe life into your soul, ignite your hope, and remind you of the profound power of our personal histories? Today, we’re diving into Emily Nydam’s captivating novel_Journeying Home_— a story woven across centuries, echoes of war, resilience, and the unbreakable thread that connects us http://all.In this episode, you’ll discover:

* How Emily’s personal journey from law to storytelling infused her novel with authenticity and depth
* The inspiration behind the parallel lives of Lizzie, a WWI nurse, and Gwen, a modern woman unraveling her family’s secrets
* The deep symbolism of the house — a home that is more than just a setting, but a sacred intersection of memories and identity
* How the universal struggles of inadequacy, hope, and redemption resonate through both characters’ stories
* The creative process of weaving timelines, the importance of character authenticity, and the magic of small details like keepsake boxes and poetic interludes
* Emily’s reflections on the balancing act of storytelling, her writing journey, and her bold leap into publishing her first novel
* Heartfelt insights on embracing vulnerability, the societal pressures around rest and reflection, and the power of giving yourself permission to search for “more”

*UNMASKING TRAUMA AND TRIUMPH: REBECCA BLACK’S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND VOICE*

In this deeply moving episode, Rebecca Black shares her powerful story of surviving childhood abuse, confronting the justice system’s failures, and using her voice to inspire change. Her journey through court cases, healing traumas, and creating a documentary that exposes the raw truth is nothing short of extraordinary. If you’ve ever felt silenced or overwhelmed by your story, this is a bold reminder that your voice can spark http://transformation.In*this episode:*

* Rebecca’s experience with childhood sexual abuse and the decades-long fight for justice
* How her books, _Facing the Elephants_ and _Raising Prey_, serve as tools for resilience
* The pivotal moment when medical trauma surfaced her suppressed past
* The importance of breaking intergenerational trauma cycles and raising awareness
* Insights into her upcoming documentary and the power of sharing stories on multiple platforms
* The role of community, vulnerability, and hope in healing from trauma
* Reflection on societal perceptions that hinder justice and change
*Resources & Links:*

* https://riverside.com/amazon.com/Facing-the-Elephants-Rebecca-Black

*Connect with Rebecca Black:*

* https://linkedin.com/in/rebeccablack
* https://twitter.com/rebeccablack

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This episode isn’t just about Rebecca’s story — it’s about the universal truth that healing is possible, that our voices matter, and that sharing our stories can light the way for others. Let her experience remind you: your Elephant is not insurmountable when you find your voice and community. Speak up, heal, and keep pushing forward. The world needs your story.

*DISCOVER THE POWER OF YOUR STORY*

In this episode, we introduce our new name, StorySessions™, and delve into the importance of storytelling. We explore why your story matters and how sharing it can transform relationships and personal growth.

Learn the art of listening without judgment and the impact of creating safe spaces for vulnerability. Join us as we share real stories and insights on embracing authenticity and connection.

Tune in to understand how your story, with all its imperfections, is a powerful tool for deeper connections and healing.

www.storysessions.live

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Summer of Gone — Phil Madeira on Memoir, Music, and the Art of Suffering Well

Phil Madeira came to Nashville from Rhode Island with a dream — to make his own music. What followed was nearly four decades of pouring that gift into other people's careers, including 18 years alongside Emmylou Harris. In this conversation, Phil talks about what it finally meant to turn toward his own story.

We discuss his upcoming memoir Summer of Gone (fall 2026), the origin of its poetic title, and how grief, lost love, and a terminal illness became the unlikely foundation for some of his best creative work. We also dig into Mercyland — the gospel-inspired recording project that quietly became a beloved annual songwriting retreat — and his current Kickstarter for two new albums, The Millionth Mile and More Miles.

Phil is honest, funny, and completely unguarded. This one stays with you.

IN THIS EPISODE: How Phil's early career shaped and delayed his own artistic voice / The story behind Summer of Gone and the woman who unknowingly wrote the title / Why he threw out 135 pages and started over / What terminal illness reveals about a person / The Providence album, red flags, and what eternal optimists overlook / Mercyland: from Kickstarter to community to unexpected calling / A tribute to John Mulder, beloved friend and hospice pioneer / Why all good art comes from suffering / The Millionth Mile Kickstarter and what's next

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*Links & Resources:*

🎵 Phil's https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/philmadeira/phil-madeira-the-millionth-mile-and-more-miles — _The Millionth Mile_ & _More Miles_

📖 _Summer of Gone_ — coming fall 2026 _(P_https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/philmadeira/phil-madeira-the-millionth-mile-and-more-miles/rewards#reward-UmV3YXJkLVVtVjNZWEprTFRFeE1Ea3hORGN3_)_

📖 _God on the Rocks_ — Phil's first memoir [Search on https://a.co/d/0batqLV4or your favorite bookseller]

🌐 Phil Madeira's website [INSERT PHIL'S WEBSITE URL]

📲 Follow Phil on socials INSTAGRAM: @PhilMadeira FACEBOOK: PhilMadeira1

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*Listen & Watch StorySessions™:* 🎙️ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Amazon Music ▶️ YouTube http://youtube.com/@StorySessionsthePodcast :

Subscribe: https://storysessionsthepodcast.riverside.com/

🌐 http://StorySessions.live

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_StorySessions™ — where your story matters._ _Hosted by Laura Lyn Donahue | Produced by Don Donahue | Sponsored by W Brand Publishing_