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.

In this powerful episode of Bold Book, host Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with award-winning essayist and novelist Lisa Friedman, author of the gripping and emotionally charged book Hello Wife. Together, they dive deep into the hidden realities of the opioid crisis, family trauma, and the courage it takes to tell difficult stories.

Lisa shares how her inspiration for Hello Wife began with her volunteer work at the Smithsonian and her personal journey watching her sister unknowingly marry an addict whose dependence stemmed from a long-ignored medical injury. She reveals how the opioid epidemic hides in plain sight—affecting families from every background—and why she chose to tell this story as fiction to make the topic accessible, relatable, and less frightening for readers.

Dr. Denise and Lisa explore the complex themes woven throughout the novel, including:

Lisa discusses the alarming standard of care in postoperative pain management, where patients—herself included—are often sent home with excessive amounts of opioid medication. She explains how easy it is for addiction to form and why so many families suffer in silence.

Lisa introduces Charlotte, the multi-layered protagonist of Hello Wife. Through flashbacks and emotional depth, Charlotte’s story highlights the humanity behind addiction, emphasizing that people are far more than their struggles.

The conversation delves into the intricate relationships between mothers, daughters, and siblings. Lisa explains the challenge of portraying these bonds with honesty—balancing love, criticism, and humor to soften the heaviness of the topic.

Lisa and Dr. Denise discuss the brutal emotional toll of addiction—not just on the individuals, but on the entire family. They talk about overcoming shame, supporting loved ones, and the critical need for compassion and understanding.

Lisa encourages listeners to share Hello Wife, continue the conversation about addiction, and help break the stigma that keeps families suffering behind closed doors. She also invites aspiring writers to connect with her through her website.

Dr. Denise closes the episode by reminding listeners that telling your story is an act of bravery—and no one can share your truth better than you.

✨ The Opioid Epidemic & Medical Missteps✨ Character Development & Humanizing Addiction✨ Family Dynamics & Emotional Truths✨ Compassion, Shame & Breaking the Silence✨ A Call to Action

📚 In this heartwarming and culturally rich episode, Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes author and literacy advocate Carylee Carrington, creator of the beloved children’s book You Name It, Gram Made It — inspired by the viral Shirley Caesar Thanksgiving meme.

Together they dive into:
🍽️ The connection between food, culture, and family legacy
📖 The need for more diverse children’s books featuring Black families and traditions
👵 The real-life inspiration behind Gram and the powerful role of matriarchs
🍗 Jamaican cuisine, gratitude, and giving back to the community
👦 How Carylee’s sons helped shape her characters — and even edit her books!

Carylee shares how her mother’s generosity and ministry work inspired the book’s message of love, inclusion, and feeding both the stomach and the soul. This episode is a celebration of legacy, representation, and storytelling that nourishes the next generation.

💡 Whether you're a parent, author, educator, or book lover, this conversation will leave you inspired to protect traditions, uplift voices, and boldly write YOUR story.

📍 Connect with Carylee & find her books at: readwithcarylee.org
📍 Learn more about writing your own book with Dr. Denise at: drdenisenicholson.com

✨ Because every story matters — and nobody can tell yours like you.

Get ready for an empowering and deeply authentic conversation as Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with Tash Durkins, author of Fiercely Joyful, to explore what it truly means to live in alignment, reclaim joy, and lead from a place of wholeness. 💛

After 30 years in the private and public sectors — including a career in aviation — Tash opens up about her journey from burnout to balance, from people-pleasing to purpose. Through loss, career transitions, and personal rediscovery, she developed her transformative “Root, Rise, and Rain” framework — guiding others to own their truth, rise in authenticity, and let their impact rain down. 🌿

✨ In this episode:

• How to recognize and recover from burnout 🔥

• The freedom that comes from choosing authenticity over approval

• The power of gratitude as a daily practice 🙏

• The 11 keys to living fiercely joyful

• Why burnout is not a weakness — it’s a symptom of self-abandonment

Tash’s bold promise?

“When you choose authenticity over performance, joy will bloom where burnout once lived.” 🌸

🎧 Tune in to Bold Book with Dr. Denise Nicholson and get inspired to live fiercely joyful in every area of your life!

📘 Grab your copy of Fiercely Joyful and connect with Tash at https://www.fiercely-joyful.com/
🔔 Subscribe for more bold conversations with authors who are changing the world, one story at a time.

#BoldBookPodcast #DrDeniseNicholson #TashDurkins #FiercelyJoyful #AuthenticLiving #BurnoutRecovery #SelfCare #JoyfulLiving #WomenEmpowerment #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #MindfulLiving #Authenticity #FaithAndPurpose #Resilience #Inspiration #PodcastForWomen #HealingJourney #BoldConversations

In this powerful episode of the Bold Book Podcast, host Dr. Denise Nicholson welcomes K.J. Risley, author of Rage and Reps: A 30-Day Journey to Healing After Betrayal. Together, they explore how heartbreak, betrayal, and deep disappointment can become the foundation for rebuilding strength, self-love, and confidence.

K.J. opens up about her own story of betrayal after a 30-year relationship and how journaling and movement became her lifelines back to peace and purpose. From kickboxing and fitness to daily journal prompts, she shares how Rage and Reps helps women move through pain—literally and emotionally.

Dr. Denise and K.J. discuss the power of small steps, the importance of consistency, and the healing connection between body and mind. This episode is a must-listen for any woman ready to rise from heartbreak and reclaim her power through movement, mindfulness, and self-care.

✨ Highlights Include:

• The story behind Rage and Reps and how it helps women heal after betrayal

• How journaling and movement create space for emotional release

• Self-care practices to rebuild confidence and mental clarity

• Turning pain into purpose through small, consistent actions

• K.J.’s future projects: wellness retreats, clothing, and perfume lines designed to inspire empowerment

🎙️ Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt conversation on resilience, healing, and rediscovering the boldness within.

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

In this inspiring episode of The Bold Book Podcast, Dr. Denise Nicholson sits down with world traveler, writer, and musician Margie Goldsmith — a woman who has truly lived life on her own terms. 🌍🎶

From surviving health scares and broken marriages to exploring over 150 countries, Margie’s story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and resilience. She opens up about her transformation from self-doubt to self-discovery — and how Paris became the turning point that changed everything. 🇫🇷

Margie also shares her experiences as an award-winning experiential travel writer, her battle with cancer, her adventures climbing mountains and competing in triathlons, and her unexpected journey into music, where she recorded two blues albums alongside Rick Estrin. 🎤

💫 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Margie turned pain and adversity into purpose

• The power of travel and storytelling to heal and transform

• Why movement and mindset are vital for staying young at heart

• Lessons on love, loss, and communication from three marriages

• How to embrace aging boldly and live life to the fullest

✨ Margie’s book and writing classes inspire others to rediscover their spark, no matter their age or stage in life.

👉 Watch now for an empowering conversation that will make you laugh, reflect, and want to book your next adventure.

Connect:

https://margiegoldsmith.com/

Connect with Dr. Denise Nicholson go to www.denisenicholson.comor email her at authordnicholson@gmail.com

#TheBoldBookPodcast #DrDeniseNicholson #MargieGoldsmith #WomenWhoTravel #Resilience #Adventure #MusicAndHealing #AgingBoldly #TravelWriter #LifeAfter50 #InspiringWomen #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #OvercomingChallenges #PodcastInterview