Best Mark Cecil Podcasts (2024)

1
[Mark Cecil: What’s coming up]: The iconic filmmaker who's a master myth maker + being honest about how much time you have for all the various parts of life Ep 1106 19:51

9d ago19:51

19:51

Welcome back to the Finding the Throughline interview with Mark Cecil, author of BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, a re-telling of the folk tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry that Publisher’s Weekly called “a fun romp with substance.” Mark is also the host of the Thoughtful Bro podcast where he interviews authors in what he calls “Like …

1
[Hayley Krischer: What’s coming up]: What she’s recently learned about understanding her character’s psyches + the incredible allure of hot tubs Ep 1109 19:21

2h ago19:21

19:21

In this final part of my interview with Hayley Krischer, journalist and author of the just-released “Where Are You, Echo Blue?”--the juiciest beach read of the year about a missing Hollywood starlet on the cusp of Y2K and the obsessed journalist determined to find here--we peek at what’s coming around the bend for her and I get her answers to my fa…

1
[Hayley Krischer, inner stuff]: True confessions about how “horrible” writing can feel + why–and how–she wrote her next novel in longhand Ep 1108 27:15

6h ago27:15

27:15

In this episode I'm talking with Hayley Krischer--author of the upcoming “Where Are You, Echo Blue?”, which dropped yesterday, July 16th, and is poised to be the beach read of the summer--about the squishier side of creativity, including: ** This week's episodes are a replay. ** - The steps Hayley takes–and the tools she uses–to immerse herself in …

1
#5 - Bob Cecil (Re-Release) - Consulting Executive / Nuclear Engineer / The power of "I Don't Know" as a consultant 40:40

5h ago40:40

40:40

Welcome to another episode of "Wish I Knew . . . " A podcast where I speak with people about their career success, advice given or received and listen to their interesting stories about how they got to where they are today. I am honored to have someone I've always looked up to in my consulting career Bob Cecil - Nuclear Engineer to a Big 4 Partner …

1
[Hayley Krischer, Practical Matters]: The power of just keeping going + how to capture those great ideas that come when you’re not at your desk Ep 1107 25:06

22m ago25:06

25:06

This week I am talking with journalist and novelist Hayley Krischer whose brand new novel drops this week, "Where Are You, Echo Blue?," which is about a journalist's obsessive search for Hollywood's hottest starlet who goes missing on the eve of Y2K. Hayley has profiled celebrities like Tatum O'Neill, Celine Dion, and Gabrielle Union for places lik…

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Cecil Rast 58:02

1h ago58:02

58:02

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part three of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Cecil Rast, the Metro Vancouver East Regional Director with Youth Unlimited. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of …

1
Episode 47: M.T. Anderson 1:02:08

2d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

With National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson, on his debut novel for adults, Nicked. We discussed: (1) the blurry boundary between YA/adult fiction, (2) the identity of his true intended audience, and (3) how great titles begin to tell the tale before you turn the first page. He also reads aloud the opening paragraph of the story, one of the fines…

1
[Mark Cecil, inner stuff]: Why getting feedback on your work is like open-heart surgery + opting for the twisty path vs. the straight path to ‘success’ Ep 1105 25:00

3d ago25:00

25:00

In this second part of my interview with Mark Cecil, author of BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY we cover the squishier side of writing–the thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that influence the work, including: Why he considers getting feedback to be like open heart surgery–absolutely vital, yet painful–and ultimately, a time-saver And, iro…

1
[Mark Cecil, practical matters]: On writing multiple books before writing the one that got published + the genius trick that kept him going Ep 1104 24:34

5d ago24:34

24:34

This week I’m talking with author and journalist Mark Cecil. Mark’s debut novel BUNYAN AND HENRY, OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, a retelling of the folk tales of Paul Bunyan and John Henry, has just come out. (The book was named one of the most anticipated books of 2024 from Goodreads, while Publishers Weekly called it “boisterous and a fun romp with p…

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Mark Mowbray 54:23

5d ago54:23

54:23

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part two of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Mark Mowbray, the Senior High & Young Adult Pastor at Bramalea Baptist Church in Brampton, ON. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can exp…

1
Episode 46: Sara Shukla 54:54

11d ago54:54

54:54

With debut novelist Sara Shukla, on her satirical, absurdist and emotionally satisfying beach reach, Pink Whales. We discussed (1) making sure you have a solid story beneath the humor; (2) figuring out the formula of comedy through trial and error, and (3) how she finally gave up on writing that Big Important Literary Novel, and started just having…

1
#66 Walkyria Whitlock (Re-Release) - Author / Yoga Instructor / Coping with Depression / Yachting / "Don't lose Hope" 1:03:05

11d ago1:03:05

1:03:05

I'm your host Gary Nowak and I have a conversation with a young lady Walkyria Whitlock who shares amazing stories about her life and time in Idaho, Fiji, Rio, The Hamptons, Florida, Australia and working on Yachts while traveling. Career Background: Author of the book "I love what I've forgotten" Self Employed as President of Global MVP Yoga Instru…

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Terry Friesen 1:24:35

12d ago1:24:35

1:24:35

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For Part One of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Terry Friesen, the Youth Minister at West Portal Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff bid farewell to Dan at his final pre-sho…

1
Finding the Throughline ep. 25: It's our six month-iversary! A quick review of the surprises, the insights, and ways my thinking about writing has changed as a result Ep 1101 33:23

12d ago33:23

33:23

Since this week is both the podcast’s half-birthday and the Fourth of July week--which means you’re more likely to be at a BBQ or the beach and not listening to podcasts--I thought I’d switch things up this week and do one episode where I do a little review of what I've learned and what has stuck with me after the 24 conversations with writers I’ve…

1
[Julie Gerstenblatt: what’s coming up]: How to approach writing about something you have little firsthand experience of + the magic of a Disney soundtrack, Ep 1100 22:28

20d ago22:28

22:28

In this final installment of interview with “Daughters of Nantucket” author Julie Gerstenblatt, we get a peek at her next novel and the very clever, and fun-sounding, way she’s dealing with the nerves that are cropping up as she writes about something she has very little firsthand experience with. We talked about: All the places she’s researching m…

1
Episode 45: Derek Black 59:57

18d ago59:57

59:57

With Derek Black, on their new memoir The Klansman’s Son. We discussed Derek’s journey from being the child of the head of the KKK, to their renunciation of their white supremacist beliefs and becoming an anti-racist. In an America where the GOP presidential nominee is openly adopting planks of the white nationalist platform, Derek is sounding the …

1
[Julie Gerstenblatt, inner stuff]: A ninja mind trick for making a daily writing goal seem easy + why you should show and tell, Ep 1099 21:27

17d ago21:27

21:27

In this second part of my interview with Julie Gerstenblat, author of “The Daughters of Nantucket,” I talk with Julie about the mindset side of writing. We talked about: How she’s convinced herself that her daily word count goal is much easier than it actually is (this is a cool Jedi mind trick) and the pep talks she gives herself The part of writi…

1
[Julie Gerstenblatt, practical matters]: On writing novels that will never be published + stepping out into a new genre Ep 1098 23:50

19d ago23:50

23:50

This week I am talking with Julie Gerstenblatt, whose debut novel, “Daughters of Nantucket,” came out last year and was included in several most anticipated lists for 2023. Prior to writing novels, Julie was a middle school English teacher and earned her PhD so that she could teach at the college level, but she ended up leaving teaching because she…

1
Planting a Church and Moving On with Matt Naismith 1:25:16

19d ago1:25:16

1:25:16

Do church planters always stay in the church they've planted? In this episode, we talk with Matt Naismith about following God's call to plant a church and then following God's lead to transition into a new ministry. We also discuss missional communities, ministry in southern Ontario, and his podcast "The Sowers." Matt is the Church Planting Catalys…

1
[Lisa Tener: what’s coming up]: The simple shift that “makes life juicier” + a recipe for Lisa’s all-time favorite tea Ep 1097 21:23

22d ago21:23

21:23

In this final installment of my conversation with award-winning book coach (who has helped dozens and dozens and dozens of experts get five- and six-figure book deals) and author of the brand-new book “Breathe. Write. Breathe.” Lisa Tener, we get a look at what’s coming up for her, and she answers my fast five final questions. Wa talked about: The …

1
[Lisa Tener, inner stuff]: Practical ways to get out of the fear of not making enough money + embracing surrender Ep 1096 21:52

24d ago21:52

21:52

In this second part of my interview with Lisa Tener–award-winning book coach and author of the brand-new “Breath. Write. Breathe.”--we get into the squishier parts of writing. Warning, this part of our conversation is super juicy! Not in a sexy way, but in a “wow I’m really thinking differently about stuff that’s been plaguing me forever” kind of w…

1
#69 Dave Brown (Re-Release) - Global Big 4 Leader / Hiring People / The Zen Master / ABBA!!! (Ugh) 1:15:54

25d ago1:15:54

1:15:54

I'm your host Gary Nowak and this is by far one of my most organic and fun podcasts where my former boss and guest Dave Brown and I don't get past what he studied in college and managed to enjoy a very insightful conversation. Career Background: Principal & Global leader for Shared Services and Outsource advisory for KPMG 10 years of experience wit…

1
Women in Ministry, Discerning God's Calling, and Spiritual Health with Michelle Dwyer 1:12:51

26d ago1:12:51

1:12:51

How are you going to lead as a woman? This question was asked of Michelle Dwyer when she applied to become the lead pastor of her church. We discuss her answer on this episode of CITN. We also talk about spiritual and emotional health in ministry, discerning God's call, and emerging generations. Michelle is the Lead Pastor of Westlife Church in Cal…

1
Boating Business Boosts in a Challenging 26:33

26d ago26:33

26:33

Free sales tips! Who doesn't want those, right?! Especially in the challenging sales environment we find ourselves in now. Boating Industry Insider host David Gee is joined by Anthem Marine CEO and serial boat building entrepreneur Mark Overbye to discuss ways to simplify - and improve - the sales process as well as the entire customer journey. Thi…

1
[Lisa Tener, practical matters]: The tools that help Lisa get her writing done + an easy and fun physical exercise that gets you in the flow Ep 1095 22:27

26d ago22:27

22:27

This week I am talking with award-winning book coach and award-winning author–of the books The Joy of Writing Journal and the brand-new Breathe.Write. Breathe.--Lisa Tener. Lisa served on the faculty of the Harvard Medical School’s continuing education course on writing and publishing books for over a dozen years. And she has helped hundreds of exp…

1
[Donna Russo, what’s coming up]: How to keep writing fresh (11 books in) + a love song to lobster Ep 1094 20:34

29d ago20:34

20:34

In this third and final installment of my interview with Donna Russo, author of “Vincent's Women, the Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent Van Gogh,” as well as 10 other award-winning and internationally bestselling historical novels, we get a peek at what’s coming up next for her and she answers my fast five questions about what she’s stayed up to…

1
[Donna Russo, inner stuff]: How to get yourself psyched to start a new project + stay steady through the pre-release nerves Ep 1093 21:46

1M ago21:46

21:46

In this second part of my conversation with Donna Russo, author of “Vincent's Women: the Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh, as well as 10 other award winning and internationally best selling historical novels, we explore the thoughts, ideas, and attitudes that influence her work. We talked about: Why the time period just before your boo…

1
[Donna Russo, practical matters]: Writing through trauma + taking yourself seriously as a writer in a culture that doesn’t value artists Ep 1092 25:36

1M ago25:36

25:36

Up this week is Donna Russo, an internationally best-selling author of 11 multiple award winning historical novels, including “Gilded Dreams” and “Gilded Summers”, a trio of books about Leonardo da Vinci, including “Portrait of a Conspiracy,” “The Competition,” and “The Flames of Florence.” Her newest book, “Vincent’s Women” is just out, and tells …

1
[Marlon Weems, what's next]: Manifesting an appearance on "Good Morning America" + the two wildly different songs that get Marlon moving Ep 1091 19:26

1M ago19:26

19:26

In part three of my interview with Marlon Weems, author of the prize-winning essay "How Starting an Investment Business Almost Landed Me in Federal Prison" and founder of The Journeyman Substack, where he covers American culture and anti-Black racism, we get a peek at where his throughline is leading him next. I had to leave out the meandering and …

1
Episode 44: Garth Risk Hallberg 56:51

1M ago56:51

56:51

With Garth Risk Hallberg discussing his second novel, and first in nine years, The Second Coming. Topics included: (1) the unique benefits of writing *very* long books; (2) Tom Wolfe & the sprawling, all-inclusive NYC novel; and (3) how/how not to deal with sudden, massive literary fame. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thou…

1
[Marlon Weems, inner stuff]: Turns out growing up Black in the South in the 60s is excellent training for writing about topics that tend to invite trolls Ep 1090 18:28

1M ago18:28

18:28

In this second part of my interview with Marlon Weems, founder of The Journeyman newsletter on Substack, where he covers American culture, anti-Black racism, and growing up Black in the Deep South, we talk about the mindset side of writing, including: - The best place to look for your closing paragraph - How having to make cold calls for a living i…

1
[Marlon Weems, practical matters]: Writing in odd places, at odd times, using only your phone Ep 1089 23:52

1M ago23:52

23:52

This week I am talking with Marlon Weems, a former Wall Street trader who started his career in finance in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he founded the first Black-owned asset management firm and the first Black-owned venture capital firm in the state. Since leaving the industry in 2012, Marlon has transitioned to writing. His essay, "How Starting a…

1
#12 Sana Afzal (Re-Release) - Creative Business Executive / Empathy in the Creative World / The Power of Journaling 1:06:15

1M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

I've got a inspiring and clairvoyant one for you with my guest Sana Afzal. Background Sana hails from Houston, Texas, grew up in Dubai and calls California home. Creative Business Exec at Google, and was previously a Creative Ops and Production lead at The ZOO, a Global Policy Strategist and Senior Creative PM at AdMob, Sana has been a strong advoc…

1
The Canadian Clergy Shortage - An In-Studio Conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Daniel 52:38

1M ago52:38

52:38

What can be done about the Canadian clergy crisis? This week on the podcast, we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Daniel Markin (Director of Marketing at Briercrest) about a recent article posted in Faith Today by Rick Hiemstra, "Waking Up to the Pastor Shortage." He predicts that Canadian evangelical churches will need to recruit…

1
[Shannon Watts, what's next]: Being OK with not exactly knowing what's coming up next + the recipe for the perfect cup of coffee Ep 1088 11:59

2M ago11:59

11:59

In this final part of my interview with Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts, we get a look at what's coming up for her--and how that might not involve being in the public eye at all after 11 years of being 'the tip of the spear' as a common sense gun law advocate. I also ask her what's she's reading, watching, listening to, drinking in her mor…

1
Episode 43: Caroline Leavitt 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

With bestselling author and A Mighty Blaze co-founder Caroline Leavitt. We discussed her 13th novel, Days of Wonder, then went deep on a subject we’re both obsessed with: story structure. We covered (1) the importance of presenting your book's main question in the first chapter, (2) the pros of workshopping your synopsis before writing, and (3) how…

1
[Shannon Watts, inner stuff]: When your inner critic is terrified you'll come off as corny or woo-woo + taking aim at mom guilt Ep 1087 23:23

2M ago23:23

23:23

In the second part of my interview with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, author of "Fight Like a Mother, and host of the Substack newsletter "Playing with Fire" (where she addresses overlooked topics head on, such as ADHD in women and girls and the benefits of hormone therapy for relief of menopause symptoms), we get into the mindset s…

1
[Shannon Watts, practical matters]: The Facebook post heard 'round the world, the upsides of ADHD, and a standing desk fail Ep 1086 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

This week I am talking with badass advocate, author, Substacker, and "summoner of women's audacity," Shannon Watts. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the grassroots movement for common sense gun reform that grew to include more than 10 million members who have helped pass over 500 gun safety laws across the country. She's also the autho…

1
[Eric Jay Dolin, part 3: what's next]: Visualizing selling 500,000 copies + why chicken parm is the perfect food Ep 1085 18:13

2M ago18:13

18:13

In the final part of my interview with maritime history author Eric Jay Dolin, we get a tantalizing look at his next book, which he's working on now, about a shipwreck in the Pacific that involves a clash of East and West. We also covered: - Why his kids hate going to museums with him - Using a desire to travel as motivation for selling more books …

1
Episode 42: James Comey 1:00:37

2M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

With former FBI Director James Comey discussing his second novel, Westport. We chatted re: (1) the truth/falsehood behind popular mystery genre tropes, (2) the importance of a reliable bad cop to any investigation, and (3) his prognosis on the Trump Trials. Listen to Mark's first conversation with James Comey. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. A…

1
[Eric Jay Dolin, part 2: inner stuff]: Riding that balance of being grateful for the audience you have, while also hoping to grow it Ep 1084 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

In the second part of my conversation with Eric Jay Dolin, (author of "Left for Dead," a true story about a captain of a sealing ship who was marooned on the Falkland Islands for 18 months in the early 1800s), we talk about the squishier side of writing, including dealing with your inner critic, getting through the parts of sharing your work that y…

1
#37 Gareth Chegwidden (Re-Release) - Transformation Business Strategy Principle / Spread your wings / why MBA / Experience as much as possible 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Today you will hear my conversation with a dear friend, colleague and all around great guy Gareth Chegwidden Career Overview Educated in Sydney Australia at Macquarie and University of Technology, Sydney Big 4 experience with Deloitte AMP as head of relationship mngt and portfolio services Adjunct lecturer at University of Sydney going on over 5 ye…

1
[Eric Jay Dolin, part 1: practical matters]: A path to writing that is lined with sea shells and diplomas Ep 1083 27:45

2M ago27:45

27:45

Calling all lovers of true tales about the sea! This week I'm talking with Eric J. Dolin, bestselling author of numerous books that explore some aspect of American history, generally as it relates to the sea. His latest book is "Left for Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World." Eric has a really interesting through line t…

1
[Kate Schapira, what's next]: Finding ways to share your work with more people that feel good, helpful, and nourishing (not like selling or marketing) Ep 1082 13:11

2M ago13:11

13:11

In this final section of my conversation with "Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth," Kate Schapira, we cover: - Finding ways to bring her work to groups that are already gathering for another reason (hint: need to a professional development speaker or workshop leader to talk on working with climate anxiety?) - Using the concept of cro…

1
[Kate Schapira, inner stuff]: Getting comfortable with the vulnerability of "telling the truth and showing your butt" in your writing Ep 1081 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

In this second part of my conversation with Kate Schapira, author of "Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth," we cover the squishier parts of writing, including: - The process of deciding just how vulnerable to be in your writing - The emotional difference between writing poetry and writing prescriptive non-fiction - How her inner criti…

1
[Kate Schapira, practical matters]: How one act of inspiration (mixed with desperation) turned in to a book + dealing with climate anxiety Ep 1080 22:47

2M ago22:47

22:47

This week I'm talking with Kate Schapira, author of "Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth," which takes readers through the practical skills and emotional shifts needed to navigate our way to a more livable future. Kate is also the author of six books of poetry, and her prose has appeared in The Rumpus, The Toast, and other places. She…

1
Planting the Gospel in Quebec with Maxime Cauchon 1:03:04

2M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Quebec has been resistant to the gospel for decades - and for good reason. What might it cost the church to change that? In this episode, we talk with Maxime Cauachon about multiplying church planting movements in Quebec. We also discuss co-vocational ministry and the necessity for innovation when faced with scarcity. Maxime is the Lead Pastor of L…

1
[Jacquelyn Mitchard, what's next]: Owning your jealousy of other writers + gobs of amazing book recommendations Ep 1079 18:42

2M ago18:42

18:42

In part three of my conversation with multiple New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of "A Very Inconvenient Scandal" and "The Deep End of the Ocean," among many other titles, we talk about how having writer friends is so important, even if you "jealous them", the vision of the future that's fueling her to keep writing, and t…

1
Episode 41: Téa Obreht 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

With 5-Under-35 and Orange-Prize-winner Téa Obreht, discussing her third novel, The Morningside. We chatted re: (1) the necessity of an urgent emotional connection to your work; (2) what can/can't be taught about writing; and (3) today's fraught political climate for artists. Order Mark Cecil's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful…

1
[Jacquelyn Mitchard, inner stuff]: Cultivating the relationship between author and reader when "every sentence is a struggle" Ep 1078 22:43

2M ago22:43

22:43

In this second part of my interview with the brilliant and hilarious Jacquelyn Mitchard, we talk about the squishier side of creativity–the thoughts, ideas, and attitudes that affect your work, even if you're not fully conscious of it, including: - The specific reader Jacquelyn imagines as she writes - Why she's devoted to social media, and why she…

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