Episode 196 - Real people you can relate to (ft. Amy Newmark)

In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to Author, podcast host, and all around amazing human Amy Newmark! She details the history of the Chicken Soup franchise, how she has continued to connect people with stories that make you feel good, and promotes a few upcoming projects. Stories connect us to one another and are a vital part of making a more inclusive world. Enjoy! About Amy Newmark Amy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 176 new books, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today. She is also the author of Simply Happy, a crash course in Chicken Soup for the Soul advice and wisdom that is filled with easy-to-implement, practical tips for having a better life. Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the 28-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.  About The Sunshine Squad They call themselves the Sunshine Squad: five friends (and one tagalong little brother) who decide to be superheroes. They have courage, capes, and even a secret clubhouse. They all have their own kind of superpower too. Oliver is a genius at drawing comics. Mia is a star athlete. Lilly creates amazing inventions. Lucas is a master of practical jokes. Sophie is an animal expert. And Tommy, well, he's still figuring out what his strength is. Maybe he doesn't belong in the squad at all. But throughout the day, Tommy helps his 123 Sunshine Street neighbors in different ways. And he learns that caring about others might be the best superpower of all. About Everyone Shares (Except Cat) Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies imparts good values through heartwarming and humorous stories to help little ones put their best foot forward.  All the animals at the playground like to share--just like the characters in their favorite book. All except Cat, that is. Why won't Cat share the seesaw? Maybe he can be convinced to give it a try? Maybe sharing can be even MORE fun than being top dog--er, cat?   Sweet and silly, Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies makes lessons easy and fun for the littlest readers.   To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to:  https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast! Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team!  https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/