In this deeply moving episode of Bold Book, host Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes author Stephanie Maley, whose memoir No Longer That Girl bravely chronicles her journey through abandonment, sexual abuse, loss, and healing.

Stephanie shares how she kept her story silent for years until finding safety and encouragement through her husband and the rise of the #MeToo movement. What began as an autobiography evolved into a powerful memoir, shaped during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that resurfaced vulnerability but also offered the stillness needed for reflection, writing, and restoration.

Together, Dr. Denise and Stephanie explore the emotional toll of trauma, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the profound healing power of writing. Stephanie speaks candidly about revisiting her younger self through storytelling, using her voice to break generational silence, and offering hope to others who have experienced sexual abuse.

The conversation also highlights the critical roles of faith, therapy, and community in healing. Stephanie opens up about navigating betrayal within the church, separating her faith from harmful actions, and learning to validate her own voice while speaking up against injustice.

This episode is a heartfelt call to empowerment—encouraging women to support one another, seek professional help, and use self-expression as a path to healing. Stephanie also shares her passion for advocacy, including her plans to volunteer with Powerhouse for Kids, supporting children impacted by sexual abuse, and her desire to continue writing stories that inspire change.

✨ No Longer That Girl is more than a memoir—it’s an invitation to healing, courage, and reclaiming your story.

Thank you for joining us today. To Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.com or email her at authordnicholson@gmail.com

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Bold Book, host Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with special guest Dr. Stephanie Chambers, author of the transformational book Stop Shrinking Back. This conversation is a must-watch for women ready to rise, reclaim their voice, and step boldly into purpose.

Dr. Stephanie opens up about the true meaning of “shrinking back”—playing small, dimming your light, or hiding your gifts due to fear, self-doubt, colorism, depression, or emotional burnout. She shares her personal journey from quiet and reserved to confident, empowered, and purpose-driven.

✨ INSIDE THIS EPISODE:
✔ What “shrinking back” looks like for women in everyday life
✔ How Dr. Stephanie overcame fear, doubt, and emotional exhaustion
✔ The spiritual awakening that shifted everything
✔ The power of affirmations, stillness, and daily mindset practices
✔ A vulnerable discussion on colorism and its impact on self-worth
✔ The emotional signs women often ignore (and how to seek help)
✔ Empowering women to stand boldly, speak up, and stop playing small
✔ Dr. Stephanie’s future goals—including a women’s seminar, virtual coaching, and writing a companion journal

This episode is filled with truth, healing, authenticity, and boldness.
If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or shrunk yourself to make others comfortable—THIS is your episode.

📖 Get Dr. Stephanie Chambers' book, "Stop Shrinking Back," and connect with her: https://stopshrinkingback.com/

✨ Subscribe for more empowering author stories and bold conversations.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Now is the time to STOP shrinking back.

In this powerful episode of Bold Book, Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with legendary screenwriter, bestselling author, and UCLA professor Richard Walter for a riveting conversation about storytelling, bigotry, creativity, and the evolving world of AI.

The episode opens as the producer introduces Nichol and welcomes listeners into a safe space for authors to share their journeys. Dr. Denise then introduces Richard Walter, celebrating his accomplishments in Hollywood and his decades of shaping writers at UCLA. Richard dives into the inspiration behind his newest book—an homage to Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.

He shares the premise: a man named Dwight Bridges, a struggling Buick dealer from West Virginia, mysteriously wakes up as a rising stand-up comedian named Richie Richie. Set against the backdrop of the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the gas crisis, the story explores identity, transformation, and how humor exposes prejudice. Richard discusses themes of anti-Semitism, bigotry, stereotypes, and the consequences of misunderstanding. A pivotal scene involving a band rehearsal and a desecrated synagogue leads to police involvement, sparking deeper conversations about justice, community, and accountability.

Dr. Denise and Richard discuss the historical and social realities of 1973—many of which reflect today. Their dialogue touches on anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and the ongoing need for empathy and awareness. Richard emphasizes that literature and art are essential tools for confronting prejudice, fostering critical thinking, and provoking meaningful discomfort that leads to growth.

They also explore the future of storytelling as AI rapidly evolves. Richard offers a bold prediction about how artificial intelligence will challenge and inspire society, encouraging artists to embrace change rather than fear it.

The episode closes with powerful reflections on shared humanity, healing through dialogue, and the role of educators, writers, and creators in shaping a more just world. Dr. Denise encourages listeners to read Richard’s book, join her classes, and continue showing up boldly in their own stories.

✨ Tune in, learn, question, and be inspired.
🎧 Subscribe to Bold Book and follow Dr. Denise for more transformative conversations.