Guest Name: D. H. Morris

https://newclassicspublishing.com/

Instagram & Pinterest: dhmorris00

Summary

In this fascinating and compelling episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, C.K. Simms sits down with D.H. Morris, author of "The Girl of Many Crowns", a rich and vividly detailed historical fiction rooted in her own genealogy. Inspired by a mysterious entry in a centuries-old family tree, Morris brings to life Judith, a ninth-century royal who defies societal and religious constraints to claim autonomy in a world where loyalty, power, and patriarchy reign. With stunning research, restrained romance, and haunting relevance to today’s world, Morris weaves a timeless tale of resilience and agency. Dive into this episode to learn about the depth of her research, the muted beauty of Baldwin and Judith’s love story, and how the past still echoes in our present.

Takeaways

- "The Girl of Many Crowns" is a meticulously researched historical fiction based on D.H. Morris's royal ancestry, blending fact with vivid storytelling.

- The novel follows Princess Judith, who defies patriarchal constraints in ninth-century Europe to reclaim her autonomy.

- The story is told largely through Baldwin, a character who loves Judith from afar, creating a muted yet powerful romantic thread.

- Morris spent decades researching medieval Europe to ensure historical accuracy.

- The book explores complex themes like power, loyalty, agency, and the weight of royal responsibility.

- Originally written as a historical account, Morris adapted the book into fiction to make Judith’s story more accessible to readers.

- The backdrop of the novel includes real historical figures, events, laws, and even translated Latin documents from the era.

- Morris's inspiration came from discovering a mysterious pattern in her family tree, sparking a lifelong curiosity.

- The book draws eerie parallels to modern issues like religious control, women's rights, and authoritarianism.

- A second novel is already underway, centered on Judith’s grandmother—the empress who inspired a Cinderella-like royal upheaval.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to D.H. Morris and Her Book

03:25 The Journey of Writing Historical Fiction

06:40 Researching the Past: Genealogy and Historical Accuracy

09:52 Judith's Story: A Princess's Journey

13:13 Themes of Empowerment and Defiance

16:42 Character Perspectives: Baldwin and Judith

20:05 The Role of Religion and Society in the Story

23:24 The Emotional Depth of Historical Relationships

26:35 Future Works and Inspirations

29:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords

#9thcenturyhistory #ancestralstories #authorinterview #author #barnesandnoblebooks #boldwomen #booktalk #carolingianempire #dhmorris #empressjudith #femaleempowerment #genealogystory #history #historicalaccuracy #historicaldrama #historicalfictionreads #inspiredbyhistory #judithofwestfrancia #mutedromance #ninthcenturyfrance #poddinmynoggin #princessjudith #resilientwomen #royaldrama #royalfiction #thegirlofmanycrowns #timelesstales #vividstorytelling #womensvoices #writingjourney #youngadultreads

Guest Name: Kath Essing

https://www.bespeak.au/

https://www.bespeak.au/store/p/the-courage-to-speak-your-truth

Instagram: kath_essing

Facebook: bespeakconsultancy

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin' My Noggin, host C.K. Simms sits down with author, psychotherapist, and advocate Kath Essing to discuss her transformative journey from childhood trauma to empowered healing. Kath shares the inspiration behind her memoir The Courage to Speak Your Truth, her mission to create safer, more inclusive workplaces, and how her "Shifting the Narrative" framework helps survivors and organizations alike reclaim their voices. With a deeply moving exploration of abuse, resilience, and equity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about trauma recovery, feminism, advocacy, and social change.

Takeaways

- Kath Essing emphasizes the importance of creating change for future generations.

- The impact of childhood trauma can be profound and long-lasting.

- Feminism should include discussions about men's roles in advocating for women's rights.

- Healing from trauma is a messy and non-linear process.

- The legal system often lacks resources for survivors of abuse.

- Open conversations about body autonomy are crucial for children's safety.

- Self-advocacy is essential for personal empowerment and healing.

- Organizations need to create cultures that support inclusivity and safety.

- The statistics on childhood abuse may be underreported due to silence and shame.

- Advocacy work can be both a professional and personal mission.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kath Essing and Her Journey

01:53 Uncovering Trauma and Its Impact

08:42 The Role of Feminism and Gender in Healing

13:12 Writing and Sharing Her Story

19:34 Navigating the Legal System and Healing

22:17 Empowering Children and Open Conversations

24:23 Navigating Parental Instincts

25:48 Bridging Conversations on Child Safety

28:53 Empowering Children Through Education

29:42 Shifting the Narrative: Advocacy Frameworks

33:31 The Journey of Self-Advocacy

35:51 Creating Safe Work Environments

38:01 The Ripple Effect of Advocacy

41:42 Future Aspirations in Advocacy

Keywords

#abuseawareness #adultsurvivors #audiobookrecommendation #bodyautonomy #childadvocacy #childhoodtrauma #corporateadvocacy #couragetospeak #ebooklaunch #emotionalhealing #empoweredwomen #feministvoices #healingjourney #inclusivitymatters #kathessing #mentalhealthawareness #memoirrelease #parentingwithpurpose #podcastinterview #poddinmynoggin #psychotherapistinsight #ptsdawareness #resilienceproject #selfadvocacy #sexualabuseawareness #shiftingthenarrative #speakupnow #traumarecovery #voiceforchange #workplaceequity

Summary:

In this deeply personal and unfiltered solo episode, C.K. Simms opens up about a mid-year moment of reflection sparked by a near electrical fire and the emotional chaos of the world today. From a heartfelt tribute to the simple, sentimental treasures of life, to his unshakable admiration for Black women and the powerful impact of his puppy Piper, this episode weaves personal anecdotes with sharp social commentary.

C.K. tackles media bias, global injustices, emotional fatigue, and political division—all while advocating for grace, critical thinking, and the radical power of kindness. Honest, layered, and moving, it’s a podcast diary entry you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways:

- True value lies in sentiment, not price. The most cherished possessions are those tied to memory and meaning, not money.

- Pets can be healing forces. Piper, C.K.’s dog, brought emotional relief during a difficult year.

- Gratitude emerges through hardship. Even near-disasters can reveal what truly matters.

- The world feels heavy—and that’s okay. Emotional numbness can be a form of survival in chaotic times.

- Bias in media is dangerous. C.K. calls for accountability and labeling of opinion-based reporting.

- We must stop dehumanizing each other. Both sides of the political divide are guilty of dismissal and disdain.

- Understanding starts with listening. Civil dialogue could help mend divides—even when full agreement isn’t possible.

- The LGBTQ+ community must recognize cultural roots. Respecting and crediting Black women for influential expressions is key.

- Black women deserve celebration. Their strength, style, and spirit shaped C.K.’s identity and confidence.

- Authenticity is a journey. C.K. questions how his “professional filter” may be holding back his full self.

- A simple mantra can shift the world: “Be good to each other. When that feels hard, try not to cause harm.”

Chapters:

00:00 Mid-Year Reflections and Personal Updates

09:51 Sentimental Value and Personal Possessions

15:32 Navigating Current Events and Emotional Responses

25:53 Media Bias and the Importance of Journalistic Integrity

30:09 Political Divides and the Consequences of Belief Systems

39:45 The Impact of Violence and Corruption in Politics

49:52 Celebrating Black Women: Influence and Identity

54:31 Authenticity in Expression: Balancing Professionalism and Self

Keywords:

#activism #authenticity #blackexcellence #blackwomenmatter #canadianpodcaster #culturalcommentary #currentevents #doglover #emotionalintelligence #gratitudepractice #humanrights #inspiration #journalisticintegrity #kindnessmatters #lgbtqvoices #mediaaccountability #mentalhealthmatters #midyearreflection #personalgrowth #podcastcommunity #politicalcommentary #pridemonth #puppylove #socialjustice #storytelling #transparency #worldnews