Episode Title: Exploring Oz and the Untold Story of Almira Gulch with James C. Wallace II

Guest: James C. Wallace II – Author, Educator, and Royal Liaison of Oz Episode Description: In this episode, we step into the magical world of Oz with special guest James C. Wallace II, an accomplished children's author, educator, and the self-proclaimed Royal Liaison of Oz. James has dedicated his work to preserving the original vision of L. Frank Baum’s beloved Land of Oz, bringing its wonder and imagination to children across the world. James shares his journey—from working in children's education and planetarium programs to his current role as a storyteller of Oz and co-author with his wife, Amanda D. Wallace. Together, they’ve breathed new life into iconic characters with their latest book, Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story. This captivating story explores the origins of one of film's most infamous villains, Almira Gulch, and answers questions fans of The Wizard of Oz have wondered for decades. We discuss James' creative process, his inspiration, and the importance of telling stories that stay true to Baum’s original vision while introducing timeless lessons to new generations. Whether you’re an Oz enthusiast or simply a lover of good storytelling, this episode will take you on an unforgettable journey down the yellow brick road. Key Topics: James’ background in children’s education and his work with the SpaceQuest Planetarium at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis The inspiration behind Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story and how it reimagines a misunderstood character How James and his wife Amanda are working to preserve and honor L. Frank Baum’s vision of Oz James' role as the Royal Liaison of Oz and what that title means for his storytelling journey The importance of creating stories for children that blend education, adventure, and timeless messages About the Guest: James C. Wallace II has over 26 years of experience in children's education and is recognized for his work in educational game development and curriculum design. He is also a notable author of children’s books set in the Land of Oz, alongside his wife and co-author, Amanda D. Wallace. James’ work reflects his passion for storytelling and his mission to inspire children worldwide with the magic of Oz. Book Spotlight: Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story – A captivating prequel exploring the life and origins of one of cinema’s most iconic characters. Where to Find James C. Wallace II: [Social media/website information, if available] Next Steps: Purchase Gone With the Schwinn: The Almira Gulch Story wherever books are sold. Learn more about James’ work as the Royal Liaison of Oz and his dedication to preserving the legacy of L. Frank Baum. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Oz! Here are the links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-C.-Wallace-II/author/B009ONML4M www.amazon.com