Beestie Besties with J & Lo

Spring Growth & Smart Publishing: Taking the LeapIs your book idea still hibernating? It is time to shake off the winter chill and get moving. In this episode, Laura and Jess are talking all things growth, from scaling your business to taking massive leaps in your personal life.The Friends Are Here SegmentWe are joined by two incredible authors who prove there is no single right way to make it in this industry. Kelly Shrank and Barb Stone stop by to share their polar-opposite (but equally successful) publishing journeys. We dive into:The secrets to niche self-publishing success.How to leverage events and public speaking to turn a book into a brand.Creative marketing tactics that actually move the needle.The Beestie Bestie StorySometimes "taking the leap" is metaphorical, and sometimes it involves a plane ticket. We share a personal story about the absolute wild ride of buying a home in Belize. Whether you are eyeing a new market or a new country, we talk about the mindset shift required to go all in.Also In This Episode:Spring Gratitude: What we are thankful for as the season changes.Wildebeest Updates: Big things are happening behind the scenes at the company.Why now is the perfect time to stampede toward your publishing goals.Whether you are a seasoned author or just starting to sharpen your horns, this episode is packed with the gnu-found motivation you need to succeed.

Laura and Jess sit down with Dr. Luissa Kiprono and Rand Timmerman to talk resilience, life after publishing, and what it really takes to share your story with the world. From podcasting success to powerful personal journeys, this episode is all about perseverance, visibility, and using your voice with confidence.

Laura and Jess chat with branding expert Aldea Gerard about authentic marketing, creative growth, and building a brand that actually reflects who you are. Plus: author updates, retreat news, and a Beastie Besties story about turning a small side hustle into a thriving business.

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, Laura and Jess reflect on gratitude, intentions, and what it really means to “settle in” without getting stuck. They share updates on upcoming events, including the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference and their summer writing retreat, before welcoming authors Jess Novak and John Simone to the show. Together, they discuss publishing journeys, creative pivots, and the emotional stories behind their books, including Dare to Begin and Tex Simone: The Man Who Saved Baseball in Syracuse.The episode wraps with cozy bestie life hacks, longtime friendship stories, and a touching “Beastie Besties” feature about building something meaningful together. It’s a warm reminder of the power of community, creativity, and growing alongside the people who support you.

In Episode 3 of Beastie Besties with J & Lo, the conversation centers on how mindset, stubbornness, and community shape our creative lives. The hosts are joined by branding and marketing expert Gina Matusen, who shares insights on author branding and websites, and radio veteran Gomez Adams, who talks about his book Your Caller Number Seven, Please Try Again. The episode also covers author events, retreats, AI in publishing, creative process tips, and a reminder that success often comes from showing up again and again with the right "herd" beside you. 

In Episode 2 of Beastie Besties with J & Lo, the hosts welcome their very first guests, authors Valerie Cole (The Old Witch’s Home) and Karen Grossman (Listen to Your Heart Song). Together, they talk about writing journeys, second books, publishing later in life, and the power of storytelling to build community and save lives. The episode also dives into publishing news, creative intentions, author events, and a few heartfelt synchronicities along the way.

Welcome to Beastie Besties with Jay and Lo, the podcast where we share publishing updates, laughs, and all the "Gnu" news in our world. On this debut episode, we're going to just do a quick lap around the corral and give you all an idea what to expect for future fun.