PODCAST · arts
The Molten Truth
by Zoey Michaels
The Molten Truth podcast is about people who have faced daunting, traumatic, and/or life changing episodes in their lives. They have figuratively gone through trial by fire and been broken down to their truest core to rebuild and come back stronger - often taking their life in a direction they never before imagined. Zoey Michaels is a writer and the host of The Molten Truth. For more information visit zoeymichaels.com RSSVERIFY
Episodes
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Breaking Up with Comfort: Nina Brooks on Risk, Art & Reinvention
What happens when you refuse to let comfort become the limit of what your life can be? Nina Brooks is a storyteller in every sense of the word - a writer, screenwriter, producer, filmmaker and creative force whose work explores meaningful, thought-provoking stories. In this conversation, Nina…
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When Your First Language Is Sign Language: Growing Up as a CODA
What if your first language wasn't spoken—it was signed? In this inspiring episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels welcomes bestselling author Maria Gallucci, who grew up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language. Maria's story offers a rare…
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He Refused to Let Rejection Win: The Lawyer Who Built a Home for Writers
How many dreams have been abandoned because someone heard "no" one too many times? Michael Isaac Shokrian knows that feeling better than most. After years of rejection as a writer, building a successful career as an attorney, and balancing family life, he made an unexpected decision—not to give…
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From Wedding Island to Jekyll Island: Sandy Malone's Wildest Wedding Stories
What do hurricane evacuations, reality television, destination weddings, alligators, and mystery novels have in common? Author Sandy Malone. In this entertaining episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels sits down with Sandy Malone, former star of TLC's Wedding Island, journalist, editor, and...
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The Book She Never Planned to Write
When A-M Mawhiney retired after a 40-year career as a social worker and university professor, she never expected to become a novelist. During the COVID lockdown, what began as an attempt at journaling turned into a creative journey that produced three books and an entirely new chapter of life. In...
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Walking Between Worlds: One Man’s Journey Through Culture, Crisis, and Connection
What does it mean to truly find home—not just in a place, but in a culture, a calling, and within yourself? In this powerful episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey sits down with Scott Wooster, a South Dakota native whose life journey weaves together family legacy, personal struggle, and deep…
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The Power of Reinvention: Caramel Lucas on Creativity, Healing, and Hustle
In this deeply powerful episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with serial entrepreneur and creative force Caramel Lucas. From a childhood shaped by trauma to building a life fueled by purpose, Caramel shares her journey through writing, comedy, podcasting, and…
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From Texas Ranch to Scottish Highlands: The Unexpected Journey of Ben Leman
In this episode of The Molten Truth, host Zoey Michaels sits down with first-time guest Ben Leman—an entrepreneur, former Texas county judge and state representative, rancher, and now debut novelist. Ben shares his remarkable path from building a successful manufacturing business from his…
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Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Safe Spaces for Exploration
The conversation explores the freedom and safety of exploring themes in science fiction and fantasy genres, the flexibility of genre classification, and the importance of choosing the right genre as a vehicle for the story. Takeaways Freedom and safety in exploring themes in science fiction and...
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Joy in Simple Pleasures
The conversation covers topics related to joy, family, and the impact of art on personal growth. Takeaways Joy can be found in spending time with loved ones and enjoying family moments. Engaging in art and creative expression can contribute to personal growth and development. Chapters 00:00…
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Art's Impact on Personal Growth
The conversation explores the impact of artistic expression on personal growth and development, emphasizing the transformative power of art in shaping individuals. Takeaways Art as a means of personal growth Expression through art and its impact on personal development Chapters 00:00 Artistic...
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Building Worlds, Breaking Rules: The Real Story Behind Writing and Publishing
What does it really take to write and publish a book today? Zoey Michaels chats with author Brad Anderson about everything from sci-fi storytelling and creative inspiration to the realities of indie vs. traditional publishing. They explore how writers use fictional worlds to tackle real-life...
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Join Coaches Canada in 2026
Liisa Kovala shares information about the upcoming event 'Write On 2026' and its registration details. She provides the website name and encourages participation. Takeaways Write On 2026 event details shared Encouragement to participate and register Chapters 00:00 Right On 2026 Event Details
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Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
The conversation delves into the importance of letting go of negative self-beliefs and challenging them, as well as the idea of exploring new experiences to create the best possible life experience. Takeaways Letting go of negative self-beliefs Exploring new experiences Chapters 00:00 Letting Go…
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From Frustration to Inspiration
The conversation explores the idea of finding inspiration in frustration and the ubiquity of stories in everyday life. Takeaways Inspiration from frustration Stories are everywhere Chapters 00:00 Finding Inspiration in Frustration
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Finding Stories in the Everyday with Zoey and Liisa
The conversation explores the idea that inspiration can be found in anything, and stories are everywhere if we are open to noticing them. Takeaways Inspiration can come from anything Stories are everywhere Chapters 00:00 Finding Inspiration Everywhere
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From Story Seeds to Published Pages: Creativity, Coaching & the Writing Journey
After a lighthearted opening on names, pronunciation quirks, and the surprising histories behind them, Zoey Michaels reconnects with returning guest Liisa Kovala for a deeper conversation about the writing life. Liisa shares updates on her latest cozy mystery releases and offers an inside look at...
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Midlife Epiphany in Fiction
The author discusses the realization of her own midlife experience through writing and the inspiration drawn from personal life events and observations. Takeaways Self-realization through writing Drawing inspiration from personal experiences Chapters 00:00 Midlife Epiphany
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My Failed Romance Attempt
The conversation delves into the unexpected outcome of a book that was intended to be a love story but turned out to be something else entirely. It explores the theme of self-love and the humor in the author's attempt at writing a romance. Takeaways Self-love Unexpected outcomes Chapters 00:00…
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D.C. Gomez Shares Daily Task Tracking Tips
The conversation explores the practice of making a daily list of accomplishments, regardless of their size, and the impact of acknowledging small achievements on one's sense of productivity and fulfillment. Takeaways Daily list of accomplishments Recognizing small achievements Chapters 00:00...
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DC Gomez Reflects on Her Hilarious Romance Misadventure
D.C. Gomez's book was initially intended to be a love story but turned out to be something else entirely. The journey of self-love and the unexpected genre shift are the main takeaways from the conversation. Takeaways Self-love Unexpected genre Chapters 00:00 The Misunderstood Love Story
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From Texarkana to the Apocalypse: The Wild Worlds of D.C. Gomez
What do you get when you mix a talking cat, a reluctant “cat lady,” small-town Texas, and a million free books? A wildly entertaining conversation with author D.C. Gomez. In this episode, Zoey Michaels chats with D.C. about her quirky characters, urban fantasy worlds, and the hilarious…
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The Wednesday Club: Finding Courage, Community, and Your Voice Later in Life
In this heartfelt episode, Zoey Michaels sits down with debut novelist Kristine Jensen to explore the journey of writing her first book later in life—and the courage it takes to finally put your story into the world. Inspired by real-life women’s clubs from the 1960s, Wednesday Club celebrates...
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What the World Could Not See
What the world sees... isn't always the full story. In this powerful bonus episode, the lives of Gilda Radner and Chadwick Boseman reveal a shared Truth about illness that often goes unnoticed. Her symptoms didn't make sense - but she refused to ignore them. His struggle remained unseen - carried...
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Invisible Weight, Silent Strength
The episode discusses the private battle of an actor with cancer, highlighting the impact of his privacy on public awareness and the misconception of equating fitness with health. Takeaways Privacy and illness Impact of privacy on public awareness Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
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Listening to Symptoms that Don't Make Sense
An actress, known for her gift of laughter, experienced unexplained symptoms that led to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Her openness about her illness changed the conversation around diagnosis and increased awareness about ovarian cancer. Listening to the body's signals and the impact of awareness...
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Why We Ignore What We Know Is Right (And How Sci-Fi Exposes It)
Why We Ignore What We Know Is Right (And How Sci-Fi Exposes It) Award-winning sci-fi writer Lance Robinson joins the show to talk about the uncomfortable truth at the heart of his stories: humans often know what to do—but don’t do it. Through fascinating concepts like nomadic planets and...
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Writers of the Future: A Supportive Community
The conversation covers the Writers of the Future workshop in Los Angeles and the supportive community of writers that the program fosters. It also highlights the exchange of feedback and critique among writers. Takeaways Writers of the Future workshop in Los Angeles Supportive community of…
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Five Days Until Sunset: The Nomadic Challenge
The conversation delves into the concept of tidally locked planets in science fiction and the challenges of living on such planets. It explores the premise of a tidally locked planet, the revelation about the planet's rotation, and the challenges faced by the characters living on the planet....
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Overcoming Procrastination in Science Fiction
The conversation delves into the challenges of decision-making and the use of science fiction as a tool to address real-world problems. It also explores the inspiration behind the author's work and the process of illustration for his stories. Takeaways Challenges in decision-making Science…
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Overcoming Obvious Decisions
The conversation delves into the challenges of human decision-making and the role of science fiction in addressing real-world problems through metaphor and analogy. Takeaways Understanding human behavior The role of science fiction in addressing real-world problems Chapters 00:00 Understanding...
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Plot Twists vs Character Depth
The art of storytelling goes beyond plot twists, focusing on character depth and reader engagement. Takeaways Character depth is essential for reader engagement Storytelling is not solely reliant on plot twists Chapters 00:00 The Art of Storytelling
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From Kenya to Fiction: Lance Robinson's Journey
Lance Robinson discusses the influence of Africa on his writing, highlighting his professional background in Kenya, the impact of living in Africa, and his love for the place. He also shares his experiences with African wildlife and culture, particularly in East Africa and The Gambia.…
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When Prescriptions Collide
The conversation explores the dangers of combined drug intoxication and the risks associated with combining medications. It delves into the stories of two famous individuals and the patterns of medication use that led to their tragic endings. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and...
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The Silent Spiral
The podcast episode delves into the hidden truth behind the public image of an actress and the impact of fame on her life. It also highlights the dangers of underestimating the impact of medication interactions and the warning signs to watch out for. Takeaways Fame and its Impact Medication...
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Finding Joy in the Good Stuff
The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positives and appreciating the good things around us, rather than getting caught up in the negatives. It highlights the value of gratitude and a positive mindset in improving overall well-being. Takeaways Focus on the positives...
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From Producer to Podcast Host: Alan's Journey
Alan's journey from radio producer to radio host and the success of his show 'House of Mystery'. He discusses the value of constructive feedback and the surprise of his own success. He also emphasizes the non-political nature of his show. Takeaways Radio show success Value of constructive…
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Understanding Historical Context in Storytelling
The conversation delves into the significance of understanding historical context and the challenges of avoiding judgment based on a modern perspective. It explores the idea of living in a different time, the importance of historical context, and the process of adapting to change. Takeaways...
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From Kid to Mini-Series Producer
The conversation covers the surprising turns in Alan's career, the impact of politics on media, and the historical perspective on economic challenges. It also delves into the theme of perseverance and the passage of time. Takeaways Surprising career turns Impact of politics on media Historical...
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Neutral Stance on Unsolved Mysteries
The conversation delves into the fascination with unsolved mysteries and the importance of remaining neutral in investigations. Alan expresses his love for mysteries and the stories behind them, emphasizing his neutrality in exploring different viewpoints. Zoey agrees and highlights the...
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Echoes of History: Past and Present Issues
The conversation explores the timeless nature of societal issues and the recurring themes in newspapers and articles. It highlights the similarity between past and present concerns, such as unemployment, oil and gas, war, immigration, race, and gay rights. Takeaways Timeless nature of societal...
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What Makes a Character Truly Memorable?
The conversation delves into the impact of characters and their ability to connect with people, regardless of their role or setting. It also explores the significance of character identity in relation to time and place. Takeaways Character connection Identity and time Chapters 00:00 The Impact of...
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Understanding History Through Context and Daily Life
The conversation delves into the importance of understanding historical context and the impact of setting and timing on behavior. It emphasizes the need to consider the circumstances and environment in which people lived to comprehend their actions and decisions. Takeaways Importance of…
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Young Girls Recruited into Manson Family at 14 and 15
The conversation delves into the disturbing reality of cult recruitment and the acceptance of such involvement by parents. It sheds light on the experiences of individuals who were introduced to cults at a young age and the societal acceptance of this behavior. Takeaways Parental involvement in...
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Unraveling Chaos: Manson's Impact on 60s History
The conversation explores the cultural and historical events of the 1960s, with a focus on Manson's impact on the era. Takeaways Cultural and historical events of the 1960s Impact of Manson on the era Chapters 00:00 The 1960s Cultural Landscape
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Alan and Zoey Discuss Life in the 1960s
The conversation explores the experience of living in the 60s and the importance of historical context in understanding people's actions. Takeaways Different world in the 60s Importance of setting and timing Chapters 00:00 Life in the 60s as a 20-Year-Old
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Radio Host's Daily Routine
The conversation delves into the demanding nature of full-time work as a radio show host and writer, highlighting the commitment and passion required for both roles. Takeaways Full-time commitment Passion for work Chapters 00:00 The Demands of Full-Time Work
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Manson's Manipulation in 1960s San Francisco
The book 'Peace, Love, and Murder' delves into the time period of 1965 to 1970 in San Francisco, exploring the moon landing, race riots, hippie movement, and the Manson case. It provides insight into how Manson was manipulated and got away with his actions. Takeaways 1965-1970 San Francisco...
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Living in the 60s: A Different World
The conversation delves into the idea of different perspectives and the impact of setting and timing on people's lives. It explores the contrast between different eras and the significance of understanding the context in which people lived. Takeaways Different perspectives Impact of setting and...
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Immerse Yourself in Character's World
The conversation delves into the importance of understanding daily life, cultural exploration, and character growth through empathy and imagination. Takeaways Empathy Character development Chapters 00:00 Character Growth
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Molten Truth podcast is about people who have faced daunting, traumatic, and/or life changing episodes in their lives. They have figuratively gone through trial by fire and been broken down to their truest core to rebuild and come back stronger - often taking their life in a direction they never before imagined. Zoey Michaels is a writer and the host of The Molten Truth. For more information visit zoeymichaels.com RSSVERIFY
HOSTED BY
Zoey Michaels
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