Info

The DTALKS Podcast

The DTALKS Podcast is an inclusive parenting podcast where you can "detox" from the world and get a window into how other people live their lives. Our guests are parents and non-parents alike but each of them have a unique story and journey which will empower you to live your life to the fullest and help your children be better than we are. Come detox with DTALKS.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
The DTALKS Podcast
2024
April
March
February
January


2023
December
October
September
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
May
April
March
February


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: Category: Kids & Family
May 31, 2022

Do you smell that delicious smell?

It's a delicious batch of cookies that The Reverend Shawn Amos is cooking up in his new book 'Cookies & Milk'! 

Amos is on the show this week to discuss his book, a fictionalized re-telling of his childhood growing up as the son of Wally 'Famous' Amos and opening up the infamous cookie shop back in the 70's. 

We get into a discussion about the book, all of his latest music releases, and how folks can start to 'reclaim their legacy'.

Enjoy!

About The Reverend Shaw Amos

Most people know me as blues musician, The Reverend Shawn Amos. I’ve been lucky to meet and work with a lot of very talented people who all taught me how to live a creative life.

I’m the only child of William Morris agent-turned-cookie entrepreneur Wally “Famous” Amos, and singer Shirley “Shirl-ee May” Ellis. I spent my childhood in shadowy nightclubs, on the funky streets of 70s Hollywood, and in my own broken home, watching folks hustle, intently listening to them spin tales. I went to NYU Film School, only to be wooed back west in my senior year to accept a screenwriting gig with A & M Films.

Throughout my twenties, I made music that grappled with my race and identity. I tried on personas, searched for my voice, explored different kinds of music which led me to the blues.

While I was grounded from touring during the Coronavirus Pandemic, I had a lot of time to think—and write. This was the beginning of Cookies & Milk. It’s a book for my son (also named Ellis), my dad, and me. It’s also a book for anyone wanting to discover who they are.

About Cookies & Milk

Eleven-year-old Ellis Johnson has the summertime blues. He dreamed of spending the summer of 1976 hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing his harmonica. Instead, he'll be sleeping on a lumpy pullout in Dad's sad little post-divorce bungalow and helping bring Dad's latest far-fetched, sure-to-fail idea to life: opening the world's first chocolate chip cookie store. They have six weeks to perfect their recipe, get a ramshackle A-frame on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard into tip-top shape, and bring in customers.
 
But of course, nothing is as easy as Dad makes it sound, even with Grandma along for the ride. Like she says, they have to GIT—get it together—and make things work. Along the way, Ellis discovers a family mystery he is determined to solve, the power of community, and new faith in himself.
 
Partially based on Shawn Amos's own experiences growing up the son of Wally “Famous” Amos in a mostly white area, and packed with humor, heart, and fun illustrations, this debut novel sings with the joy of self-discovery, unconditional love, and belonging.

Listen to The Reverend Shawn Amos' Discography

Read The Cookies & Milk Huffington Post Pieces from 2011

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/



May 24, 2022

NARF! 

In this episode of the podcast Joe has the distinct pleasure of talking to legendary voice actor Rob Paulsen!

Rob discusses his early forays into voice acting, the Animaniacs revival, and how he perservered after being diagnosed with throat cancer. 

Check it out and listen for Joe's updated 'Pinky & the Brain' lyrics right at the top of the episode.

Enjoy!

About Rob Paulsen

Rob Paulsen is an American voice actor and singer, best known as the voice behind Raphael from the 1987 cartoon of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yakko Warner, and Dr. Otto Scratchansniff from Animaniacs, and Pinky from Pinky and the Brain and Animaniacs. In total, Paulsen has been the voice of over 250 different animated characters and performed in over 1000 commercials. He continues to play parts in dozens of cartoons as well as characters in animated feature movies.

 

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

May 17, 2022

When was the last time you started a new skill in high school and then decided 'yeah, I can go pro.'!?

Or when was the last time you were told 'if you win you're in, if you lose, you're traded'!?

Or how about marching down to the front office to get your missing pay check only to find out your head coach has been withholding pay due to 'poor performance'!?

And let's not even mention the dancing!

If you're intrigued, you're not alone. On this episode of the podcast Joe invites longtime friend and former professional hockey player Al Rooney on the podcast to discuss all things sports. The setting may be minor league but these are definitely MAJOR stories.

Enjoy!

 

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

May 10, 2022

In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to illustrator & artist Eric Wilkerson

Joe and Eric get into a discussion about art, representation in media, and how Eric used his daughter as inspiration for his first picture book 'I Color Myself Different' written by Colin Kaepernick.

Enjoy!

About Eric Wilkerson

Eric Wilkerson is a Chesley Award-winning illustrator and concept artist whose client list includes Wizards of the Coast, Weta Workshop, Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, Scholastic, and Disney Publishing, to name a few. He has created art for film, TV, advertising, publishing, comics, and video games. A graduate of The School of Visual Arts, he teaches Illustration and Concept Art at CG Spectrum while also focusing on painting people of color having out of this world adventures.

About 'I Color Myself Different'

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

 

I Color Myself Differentis a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin's life that is perfect for every reader's bookshelf. It's a story of self-discovery, staying true to one's self, and advocating for change... even when you're very little!

 

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

May 3, 2022

In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to the absolutely fabulous Daphne Maxwell Reid!

Ms. Reid comes on the show to discuss her fashion line, her photography books, and of course her storied acting career. 

It's a fantastic conversation I know you're going to enjoy!

About Daphne Maxwell Reid

Everyone remembers Daphne Maxwell Reid as an iconic TV mom of the 1990s, from her three seasons as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” And Daphne couldn’t be more excited when the cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunited 30 years later for an unscripted reunion special that aired on HBO Max last November.

These days Reid is a Renaissance woman, respected artist and designer, and education activist.  Working from her home in Virginia, and still happily married to pioneering television actor/producer/writer/director Tim Reid (“WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Frank’s Place,” “Sister, Sister”), Daphne Maxwell Reid is living proof that a passion for creativity and a dedication to hard work can ensure a lifetime’s worth of success.

Breaking new barriers is nothing new to Reid, who decades ago became the first African-American homecoming queen at Northwestern University and shortly thereafter one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine.  But many fans of her modeling and acting career probably don’t know that Reid is a lifelong shutterbug, a hobby passed down by her father that has now become a focal point of her career.  With five books and 5 annual calendars already published, Reid specializes in fine art photography that features doors and doorways from around the world, including Cuba, Venice, France, China, Germany, and Belgium.  Now she’s added to her publishing resume with her first cookbook, “Grace + Soul & Motherwit,” which offers her favorite recipes spiced with personal memories and reflections from her life and travels.

Reid has also been a seamstress for much of her life, creating many of her own outfits and costumes as a young actress and model, and has now developed those skills into an exclusive, custom clothing line called Daphne Style, making Chinese silk brocade jackets that are wearable works of art.  She also keeps busy as a spokesperson for Virginia State University, a historically black college/university (HBCU), doing outreach, public relations, and speaking engagements that allow her to preach the importance of education and career prep for students of color.  

A thoughtful, inspiring, and fascinating professional with over five decades of experience, Daphne Maxwell Reid continues to demonstrate that mastering a new skill is always possible for an artist with a generous spirit and self-determination.

 

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

 

Apr 26, 2022

Plaaaaaaaay baaaaaaall! 

Baseball season has started here in America and what better way to kick-off the season than by enjoying this episode of the podcast!

Author John Rosengren stops by the show to discuss his latest book: "Classic Baseball: Timeless Tales, Immortal Moments." Joe and John cover just a few of the stories covered in John's latest classic. Come listen to this episode, pick up the book, and get ready for an upcoming summer filled with Baseball!

Enjoy!

About John Rosengren

I once interviewed a woman shot in the head by hijackers and left for dead on the tarmac. 

I raced my bike against Greg LeMond in South Africa (and beat him). I played a tennis match against the world’s top-ranked wheelchair tennis player (and lost). I channeled a 330-pound, Samoan, retired NFL nose tackle who is gay (Esera Tuaolo, for his memoir). I played softball on snowshoes in the summertime (wood chips spread across the infield). I rapped a base hit off former Twins pitcher Rick Aguilera.

I listened to a nurse tell me the story of prying a shotgun shell out of Ernest Hemingway’s hand when he was intent upon killing himself. I profiled a woman who is a Roman Catholic priest. I attended a powwow with LGBTQ Native Americans. I interviewed a mortician in the room where she embalmed my father. I interviewed a 15-year-old boy in his hospital room after he tried to stop a school shooter.

All in a few days' work, stretching back to 1981, when I began freelancing as a senior in high school, same time I got clean and sober. My work has won a couple dozen awards and been nominated for a National Magazine Award and a Pulitzer Prize (but didn't win either of those).

Along the way, I have lived in Boise, Boston, Florence, London, Paris, and St. Paul. Today I'm at home in my native Minneapolis with my wife Maria, our two children, and a golden retriever named Maya.

About Classic Baseball

41TgTOfX-BS._SX312_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg (314×499)

A collection of iconic, unbelievable, and intimate stories from baseball history that celebrate the enduring impact of the national pastime.

Baseball—rooted as it is in tradition and nostalgia—lends itself to the retelling of its timeless tales. So it is with the stories in Classic Baseball, a collection of articles written by award-winning journalist John Rosengren and originally published by Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, Sports on Earth, VICE Sports, and other magazines. These are stories about the game’s legends—Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Josh Gibson, Bob Feller, Frank Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Kirby Puckett—and its lesser-knowns with extraordinary stories of their own. They cover some of the game's most famous moments, like Hank Aaron hitting No. 715, and some you've never heard of, like the time the Ku Klux Klan played a game against an all-Black team.

Whether it be the story of John Roseboro forgiving Juan Marichal for clubbing him in the head with a bat, Elston Howard breaking down the Yankees' systemic racism to integrate America's team, or the national pastime played on snowshoes during July in a remote Wisconsin town, these are stories meant to be read and read again for their poignancy, their humor, and their celebration of baseball.

 

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Apr 19, 2022

In this current cultural climate, with so many different ways to divide ourselves into separate camps how can we possibly find a way forward, together?

In this episode of the podcast I welcome back author, theologian, and good friend Brian McLaren to the podcast. 

Brian and I discuss his latest book "Do I Stay Christian?" (May 24, 2022) and how he has provided a guide for navigating these interesting times whether or not you're religious, and whether or not you stay Christian. It's a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss!

About Brian McLaren

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children’s book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey.

About "Do I Stay Christian?"

Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.

There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for.

In case you want to watch the conversation between James Baldwin & Nikki Giovanni I reference on this episode CLICK HERE

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Apr 5, 2022

Get ready for a DYNAMITE of an episode. It's truly smooth like butter! Get ready to scream BOOMBAYAH! Because this episode of The DTALKS Podcast is all about K-Pop! A revolution of K-Pop to be precise!

On this episode of the podcast we welcome author Stephan Lee on the show to talk about his two books: K-Pop Confidential (which released back in 2020) and K-Pop Revolution (which is releasing now!) We discuss his decision to write the book, the importance of AAPI representation in media, and what his protagonist Candace Park, gets up to in this latest installment.

Enjoy!

About Stephan Lee

Stephan Lee is a journalist, author, and multi-fandom K-pop stan. He currently works as Senior Editor at Bustle after a five-year stretch covering books and movies at Entertainment Weekly. At EW, he traveled to Seoul for three weeks to write a feature about Korean entertainment’s world domination, interviewing K-pop idols, filmmakers, and drama writers. He earned an MFA in Creative Writing at The New School.

About K-Pop Revolution

In the sequel to K-Pop Confidential, Candace is a Rookie idol. Her life is suddenly filled with the fans, cameras, and glamor of stardom: She and her boyfriend, YoungBae, are a K-Pop power couple; she’s a walking icon at Brandt Foreign School; and her new girl group, known simply as THE GIRLS, is poised to break records across the industry. With her status as the industry’s K-Pop Warrior, she has all the clout at her disposal to make waves. Right?

Her label, S.A.Y., promises to help make the sweeping changes for the industry to become a more humane and compassionate place for artists. But what will happen when the road to a record-breaking debut isn’t as smooth as they’d planned? When a rival girl group emerges to steal the spotlight, carrying the message of change better than Candace ever could, she’ll have to decide what it’ll cost her and her bandmates to stand up for their beliefs. And as the world turns against her, with online bullies scrutinizing her every word, there’s only so much that one person can take.

From the top of the world to the brink of disaster, Candace is going to have to figure out why the world is out to get her. And she’s not going to be able to do it alone.

How far does one girl need to be pushed to start a K-Pop Revolution?

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Mar 29, 2022
In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to dynamic duo author Korey Watari and Illustrator Mike Wu about their book "I Am Able to Shine"! 

It's a timely conversation here at the end of Women's History Month about the lessons we can teach our daughters. We also get into a discussion around AAPI Heritage Month in May (when this book releases) as well representation in general. 

You may even shed a tear or two. I cannot thank Korey & Mike enough for coming on the show and I look forward to their return in the future.

Enjoy!

About Korey Watari

Korey is a sansei, or third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Los Angeles. She played basketball for a Japanese American league, graduated from the University of California, Riverside, and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Korey has worked in the animation and fashion industries for companies such as Disney and the Gap. I Am Able to Shine is her first picture book and first collaboration with her husband, artist Mike Wu, the creator of Disney’s Ellie series.

About Mike Wu

Mike Wu was accepted into the Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA. He graduated in 1996 with a BFA in Character Animation and was recruited by Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios where he worked for the next six years on such films as Hercules, Tarzan, Atlantis, and Mulan. Shortly thereafter, Mike followed his childhood dream of working for the studio that created Luxo Jr.. He moved to the Bay Area and started at Pixar Animation Studios where he animated on the Oscar-winning The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Toy Story 3, Coco and Soul among other films.  

About I Am Able to Shine

An affirmative, empowering story about embracing your identity and finding your voice, inspired in part by debut author Korey Watari’s experiences growing up Asian American, and illustrated by her husband, Mike Wu, Pixar artist and creator of the Ellie series.

I am beautiful.

I belong here.

What I do matters.

I am able to shine.

Each night Keiko whispers to her crane, “I wish to change the world.” She is kind, and she has big dreams. But at times she feels invisible; she knows some people misjudge her. Keiko is also loved, so she perseveres and stands strong. Over time, her confidence grows, she shares more of herself, and she helps lift up others―and eventually lead them. She understands that no matter what, she can shine.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Mar 22, 2022

Is Gato a cat? No, Gato is Gato! That is the premise of the book "Not a Cat" and on this week's episode of the podcast author Winter Miller is on the show to discuss it. 

We get into a discussion about the book, who Gato was, and I even get a chance to discuss my own personal furry friend, Merlin.

Enjoy!

About Winter Miller

Winter Miller is a playwright who lives in Brooklyn, New York. She is a former journalist who has worked in the editorial department of the New York Times, the newsroom of Fox News, and at Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Boston Globe, and in anthologies edited by Eve Ensler, J. Courtney Sullivan and Courtney Martin, and Lizzie Skurnick. Winter and her work have been profiled in The New Yorker, Bomb, New York Magazine, and on NPR’s Brian Lehrer Show and All of It with Alison Stewart. A graduate of Smith College, she holds a master’s degree from Columbia University. Not a Cat is her first picture book. Learn more about Winter at wintermiller.com.

About Not a Cat

Between his opening greeting and the bookend closing page on which he stalks away after taking no questions, Gato wants to make one thing perfectly clear: Although he has four legs, two ears, and a long, long tail, the word “cat” does not define him. His identity is his alone to describe and determine. With the help of Danica Novgorodoff’s laugh-out-loud illustrations, he takes us on a tour of his adventures, accomplishments, and daily activities that makes mincemeat of our first impressions. He wears a sweater and a leash, so is he a dog? He runs in pastures, so is he a horse? He likes flowers, so is he a bee? He swims, so is he a duck? He has flown in airplanes and ridden in subways, so is he a person? Maybe he’s all those things, but what he truly is, he wants us to know, is Gato.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Mar 15, 2022

Football (or Soccer depending on where you reside) is alive and well in the North of Sweden, in the Faroe Islands, in Ireland, and everywhere!

In this episode of the podcast Joe welcomes professional footballer & the co-founder of Football is Everywhere Pato Jerzak to the podcast. The two of them discuss how the magazine got started, Pato's professional career, and how football can unite the world. 

Enjoy!

About Pato Jerzak

Pato Jerzak is a professional football player and is also the person behind the idea of "Football is Everywhere." She decided to the start the magazine because she wants to show the beauty and importance of football in communities but also to make it possible for everyone to play football. She grew up in a privileged country where she was never stopped from playing the game. But in many places, playing football is not possible for everyone, especially for women. She is on a mission to change that.

About Football is Everywhere

Football is Everywhere is a highly visual collection of football stories from around the world, showcasing that football is everywhere in a form of a magazine, showcasing how much it impacts people’s lives, in many big and small ways, whether it’s a small town of 20 people managing to keep their club going, whether it’s Faroe Islands where most of the population plays football, or whether it’s a 4,000 people town reaching the highest tier of football in Sweden. It’s a magazine created with the intention to honor the football communities and their efforts, around the world.

...Created with the ultimate goal and purpose of it to give back to the football communities around the world, both by telling stories worth telling that are yet untold, but also by investing into football communities around the world.

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Mar 8, 2022

"AND THE CATEGORY IS...!"

That phrase may be something you've heard while watching either Pose on FX or Legendary on HBO Max but what does it mean? What IS Ballroom? What is the background context and history for this community? 

If you've wondered all these things and more then we have the perfect episode in store for you today!

Author Ricky Tucker joins the show today to discuss his new book "And the Category Is..." we cover his motivation to write this book, what it means for the Ballroom community and the world at large. 

Enjoy!

About Ricky Tucker

Ricky Tucker is a writer, educator, art critic, and North Carolina native based in Brooklyn. His work explores the imprints of art and memory on narrative, and the absurdity of most fleeting moments. He has written for the Paris Review, the Tenth Magazine, and Public Seminar, among others, and has performed for reading series including the Moth Grand SLAM, Sister Spit, Born: Free, and Spark London. He was chosen as a 2017 Lambda Literary Emerging Writer Fellow for creative nonfiction, a 2021 Writers House Pittsburgh Resident, and a 2022 Virginia Center for The Creative Arts resident. Tucker received his Writer/Teacher MA at Goldsmiths, University of London, and a B.A. in fiction at The New School where he later served as Senior Writer for marketing, and now teaches Reading for Writers at Eugene Lang, its college of liberal arts. His debut book, And the Category Is…Inside New York’s Vogue, House, and Ballroom Community (Beacon Press) is available online and in stores

About And the Category Is...

What is Ballroom? Not a song, a documentary, a catchphrase, a TV show, or an individual pop star. It is an underground subculture founded over a century ago by LGBTQ African American and Latino men and women of Harlem. Arts-based and intersectional, it transcends identity, acting as a fearless response to the systemic marginalization of minority populations.

Ricky Tucker pulls from his years as a close friend of the community to reveal the complex cultural makeup and ongoing relevance of house and Ballroom, a space where trans lives are respected and applauded, and queer youth are able to find family and acceptance. With each chapter framed as a “category” (Vogue, Realness, Body, et al.), And the Category Is . . . offers an impressionistic point of entry into this subculture, its deeply integrated history, and how it’s been appropriated for mainstream audiences. Each category features an exclusive interview with fierce LGBTQ/POC Ballroom members—Lee Soulja, Benjamin Ninja, Twiggy Pucci Garçon, and more—whose lives, work, and activism drive home that very category.

At the height of public intrigue and awareness about Ballroom, thanks to TV shows like FX’s Pose, Tucker’s compelling narratives help us understand its relevance in pop culture, dance, public policy with regard to queer communities, and so much more. Welcome to the norm-defying realness of Ballroom.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Feb 15, 2022

It's Olympic Season and on this episode of the podcast we're rewinding the clock to bring you 3 different clips featuring our favorite Olympian Mr. Jonathan Horton!

First - Jonathan stops by the show in 2018 to share his wild origin story with Gymnastics, some of the lessons learned while starting out in the sport, and a little Olympic wisdom to pass on.

Next - Jonathan appears on the podcast in 2019 to promote his first book "If I Had Known" and shares some of the lessons he wished he had known throughout his life and early career. He also shares his decision to join OU over Penn State.

Then finally - Jonathan makes his latest appearance on the podcast back in 2020 to promote his latest book "Falling Forward" and shares his experiences working on his high bar routine at the Olympic Games in 2008.

Enjoy!

About Jonathan Horton:

For 28 years, Jonathan dedicated his life to the sport of gymnastics. Although he wasn’t the most talented child to ever walk through the doors of a training facility, he battled his way to becoming a champion on the collegiate, national, world, and Olympic stages, winning two Olympic medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games.

Since retiring from elite competition, Horton has gone on to compete 5x on the popular NBC television show, American Ninja warrior, and has partnered in creating a traveling ninja experience company called “Ninja Coalition.” The company has traveled nationwide to provide a unique inspirational and team building experience for corporations, small businesses, churches, schools, military bases, and more.

Recently, Jonathan wrote his first published book titled “If I had known” which is geared toward young people with ambitious athletic and entrepreneurial goals. He hopes to share personal stories and lessons with the next generation that can help them succeed without the same trials and adversities that he experienced while pursuing the Olympics.

Jonathan has been a popular nationwide speaker for the past 8 years, sharing his story of radical ambitions, unshakable faith in himself, and relentlessly pursuing standing on top of the gold medal podium not only as an athlete, but as a leader in the business community. His goal is to bring hope to people from all walks of life to press on and remember that success isn’t about how we start, but how strong we finish.

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 
Feb 8, 2022

Welcome back! Thank you for allowing us the time and space to rest, recuperate, and recharge! We are ready for this SIXTH season of the podcast and what better way to kick it off than with an episode featuring Author & Illustrator of the beloved 'Arthur' books, Marc Brown!

Marc is on the show to discuss his latest book: "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF: What We Learned from Arthur"

We cannot thank Marc enough for his time and his energy, we could've talked with him all day. It was truly special to get to talk to the man who had such an impact in mine, and so many other children's lives.

Enjoy!

About Marc Brown

"Marc Brown is the creator of one of the world’s most iconic and enduring children’s book and television characters—he is author-illustrator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure book series (since 1976) and creative producer of the number-one children’s PBS television series “Arthur.”

About Believe In Yourself:

"As the award-winning Arthur TV series reaches its twenty-fifth anniversary, what better way to celebrate America's favorite aardvark than this collection of life lessons perfect for graduations and other milestones!

Join Arthur and his friends as they share the funniest and most heartfelt moments from the longest running children's television show in US history and classic book series created by master storyteller Marc Brown. This treasure trove of quotes and life lessons is divided into five sections that will inspire readers of all ages to listen to their hearts, work together, have an original point of view, and most of all, to believe in themselves!

Featuring over 60 pieces of all-new artwork, here is a keepsake perfect for superfans young and old—as well as the next generation being introduced to this beloved character."

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Dec 15, 2021

On this special 200th edition of the podcast(!) Joe talks to actor Billy Campbell about his career. Joe and Billy discuss the role that started it all: The Rocketeer!

They also discuss his work on Bram Stoker's Dracula, as well as his latest project "Cardinal". We want to thank Billy for being our guest on this special edition of the podcast, and hope you enjoy the show!

We also had a few friends stop by to share some words marking this occasion.

Enjoy!

About The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer | Disney Movies

Straight from the pages of a pulp comic from a past era, the Rocketeer recreates 1930's Hollywood, complete with gangsters, Nazi spies, and the growth of the Age of Aviation. Young pilot Cliff Secord stumbles on a top secret rocket-pack and with the help of his mechanic/mentor, Peevy, he attempts to save his girl and stop the Nazis as The Rocketeer.

About Bram Stoker's Dracula

Amazon.com: Bram Stoker's Dracula : Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Tom Waits, Francis Ford Coppola, Francis Coppola, Charles Mulvehill, Fred Fuchs, Francis Ford Coppola, Columbia Pictures: Movies & TV

The centuries old vampire Count Dracula comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker's fiancée Mina Murray and inflict havoc in the foreign land.

About Cardinal

Cardinal (TV Series 2017–2020) - IMDb

In this atmospheric thriller, demoted Detective John Cardinal (Billy Campbell) is brought back into Homicide when the hunch he wouldn’t let go is proven correct. Now, as he relentlessly tracks a serial killer, he must keep a watchful eye on his new partner, Detective Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse), who he believes may have a secret agenda, while managing family issues of his own.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Dec 8, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe welcomes back former guest and great friend Rebekah Kennedy to the podcast!

Rebekah stopped by the show to discuss her latest movie: Los Angeles, and specifically her character 'Jojo' in the film. What transpires is a spoiler-free in-depth look at Jojo in the film, what the process was like for Rebekah, and a brief discussion on upcoming releases (such as 'Two Witches' where Rebekah plays the character 'Masha')

Enjoy!

About Rebekah Kennedy

Rebekah Kennedy, born in Texas, began acting on the stage. Rebekah spent all of her time doing theatre and it wasn't until after she received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University, did she truly discover the screen.

When 2010 hit, it quickly showed it would be a promising year. Soon came an amazing opportunity when Rebekah booked a lead role as 15-year-old Hanna in the feature, "House Hunting" with Marc Singer and Art LaFleur and then went on to play 14-year-old Caroline Boutine in the feature, "Creature," starring Mehcad Brooks and Serinda Swan. Then came another wonderful opportunity when she booked a supporting role in the feature, "Season of the Witch" with Nicolas Cage.

In 2011, Rebekah made her television debut on the TNT show, "Memphis Beat." She also had a guest star role in the long running TV show "Criminal Minds" on CBS in 2016, the lead guest star Esther Labott in The Book of Esther on "Law & Order SVU" on NBC in 2018, and as the crazy drug addict Melly Wyatt in "Station 19" on ABC.

Rebekah first hit the big screen when she played the young Peasant Turk Girl in "Season of the Witch" with Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman, which landed in theaters January 7, 2011, "Creature" which opened on September 9, 2011, and then as one of the leads in the horror film "Bastard" with After Dark Films and Fox Home Entertainment which opened October 16, 2015, and "A Dark Foe" with Graham Greene and Selma Blair.

Rebekah is also heavily involved with reaching out to the homeless and has done work with the Covenant House in Los Angeles and goBE.

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles (2021) - IMDb

"Los Angeles" is the story of Jojo, a young mute, who thinks she hears God calling her to save the Baby Jesus. She packs five angels in a shoe shine kit and takes a one-way trip to Tampa, Florida, where she is picked up by Cash, an escaped convict. The two hit the road with the FBI on their tail. At different cities along the way, Jojo opens her shine kit, and the angels perform. Will Cash get to freedom? Will Jojo save the Baby Jesus? God only knows.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Dec 8, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe provides you with an extra special "rewind" edition of the podcast. Instead of providing a "Best of" episode or replaying an older episode again, we bring you a previous episode of a different podcast, The Art of Conversation

Joe was a guest on this podcast back in March of 2019. Joe and former DTALKS guest Art Eddy discussed Joe's speaking engagement at Dad 2.0, the origins of The DTALKS Podcast, and a few unique topics just for this podcast. Take a listen as we rewind the clock back to 2019!

About this episode of The Art of Conversation

Back in late 2014 when Joe’s daughter was set to be born, he looked everywhere for a community of dads to join; a place to get advice on what to expect, to share triumphs and failures, and to build a rapport with fellow dads as they go through this parenting journey. However, he quickly learned while there were excellent resources for mothers and parents in general, there were very few resources for fathers, so he had to do the best he could with what he had available. About a year and a half passed and a good friend of his, who was expecting his first kid, asked Joe for some of the same resources and community questions he had encountered earlier. This made Joe realize there really was a need and want for some type of resource for dads.

His good friend and fellow dad, Galan Aldaco, had previous experience with running a podcast, so Joe asked him to help me get started putting together a parenting podcast. He not only brought in John Laird to help co-host, but also came up with the name “DTALKS” which stands for “Dads Talk About Life, Kids and Stuff”. The idea behind the name is that the listener is hopefully able to “detox” from some of their parenting frustrations by listening to “DTALKS”. Although John and Galan have since stepped away as Co-Hosts (Galan is still on as a producer for the show), they helped Joe structure the show and allow it to be the success it is today.

While the show started out as a resource-only type of show, providing advice to typical parenting questions such as teething and sleep issues, it quickly evolved into bringing other guest dads on the show to share their parenting journey and what lessons they have learned along the way.  Joe has been able to bring on guests such as WFAA Sportscaster Dale Hansen, Olympian and American Ninja Warrior contestant Jonathan Horton, and FWISD School Board member Jacinto Ramos Jr. among others as he made this transformation. Now that he is running the show solo, Joe has evolved the format again into a podcast that interviews people across the spectrum of life to draw lessons out of their experiences that we can teach our children.

Subscribe to The Art of Conversation podcast wherever you get your podcasts

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Nov 23, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe provides you with an extra special "rewind" edition of the podcast. Instead of providing a "Best of" episode or replaying an older episode again, we bring you a previous episode of a different podcast, Hellbound.

Joe was a guest on this podcast back in June of this year. Joe and former DTALKS guest Lara Whitley discussed the heartbreaking tale of The Von Erich family. Known as legends both in the wrestling world and in the Dallas, TX area this family suffered more tragedy than most. Take a listen as Lara & Joe cover the story at length.

About this episode of Hellbound

Joe joined the podcast to talk about the Von Erich family. They were a wrestling family in the 80s in Texas and all but one have died an extremely tragic death. This story is so crazy interesting. It's an incredibly heartbreaking example of how damaging unaddressed mental illness can be.

Subscribe to Hellbound podcast wherever you get your podcasts

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Oct 27, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to Author, podcast host, and all around amazing human Amy Newmark! She details the history of the Chicken Soup franchise, how she has continued to connect people with stories that make you feel good, and promotes a few upcoming projects. Stories connect us to one another and are a vital part of making a more inclusive world.

Enjoy!

About Amy Newmark

Amy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 176 new books, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today. She is also the author of Simply Happy, a crash course in Chicken Soup for the Soul advice and wisdom that is filled with easy-to-implement, practical tips for having a better life.

Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the 28-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant. 

About The Sunshine Squad

They call themselves the Sunshine Squad: five friends (and one tagalong little brother) who decide to be superheroes. They have courage, capes, and even a secret clubhouse.

They all have their own kind of superpower too. Oliver is a genius at drawing comics. Mia is a star athlete. Lilly creates amazing inventions. Lucas is a master of practical jokes. Sophie is an animal expert. And Tommy, well, he's still figuring out what his strength is. Maybe he doesn't belong in the squad at all. But throughout the day, Tommy helps his 123 Sunshine Street neighbors in different ways. And he learns that caring about others might be the best superpower of all.

About Everyone Shares (Except Cat)

Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies imparts good values through heartwarming and humorous stories to help little ones put their best foot forward. 

All the animals at the playground like to share--just like the characters in their favorite book. All except Cat, that is. Why won't Cat share the seesaw? Maybe he can be convinced to give it a try? Maybe sharing can be even MORE fun than being top dog--er, cat?
 
Sweet and silly, Chicken Soup for the Soul Babies makes lessons easy and fun for the littlest readers.

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Oct 18, 2021

Welcome back! Unfortunately we had to take about an unexpected month off. However, we are back just in time for a very timely Halloween-themed episode featuring the wonderfully spooky author Ally Malinenko. Joe and Ally discuss her incredible novel "Ghost Girl", her upcoming book "This Appearing House", and a few other fun Halloween items. 

Enjoy!

About Ally Malinenko

I live in Brooklyn which is good except when it’s not which is horrid. I’ve been writing for awhile, and have some stuff published and some stuff not.

I don’t like when people refer to pets as their children and I can’t resist a handful of Cheez-Its when offered. I have a burning desire to go to Antarctica, specifically to the South Pole so I can see where Robert Falcon Scott died.

I like to read books. I write novels and poems and stories in a secret writing closet before dawn each day. Oh and I got cancer at 37. That was a bummer. Spoiler! I’m still alive.

I’m represented by the amazing Rena Rossner of the Deborah Harris Agency.

Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko, "spine-chilling" -J.A. White, Author of Nightbooks and The Shadow School Series

About Ghost Girl

Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one. It all starts with a dark and stormy night. When the skies clear, everything is different. People are missing. There’s a creepy new principal who seems to know everyone’s darkest dreams. And Zee is seeing frightening things: large, scary dogs that talk and maybe even . . . a ghost.

When she tells her classmates, only her best friend, Elijah, believes her. Worse, mean girl Nellie gives Zee a cruel nickname: Ghost Girl. But whatever the storm washed up isn’t going away. Everyone’s most selfish wishes start coming true in creepy ways.

To fight for what’s right, Zee will have to embrace what makes her different and what makes her Ghost Girl. And all three of them — Zee, Elijah, and Nellie — will have to work together if they want to give their ghost story a happy ending.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Sep 13, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe welcomes back Rajani LaRocca to the show to discuss her latest books "My Little Golden Book About Kamal Harris" & "The Secret Code Inside You". Joe and Rajani discuss the power of education and representation in children's literature and what she hopes kids take away from her latest releases. 

Enjoy!

About Rajani LaRocca

Rajani LaRocca believes that promoting diversity in children’s literature leads to empathy, and empathy makes the world a better place. She writes middle grade novels and picture books. Some of her books reflect her experiences as an immigrant, book nerd, and foodie; some explain medical topics to kids. And some are just ideas that pop into her head and won’t go away. 

About My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris

Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the first female Vice President Kamala Harris! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers!

This Little Golden Book about Kamala Harris–the first woman, first African American woman, and first Indian American woman to be elected Vice President of the United States–is an inspiring read-aloud for young girls and boys.

The Secret Code Inside You

About The Secret Code Inside You

Learn about the secret code that is DNA in this vibrant and informative picture book!

There’s a secret code inside you, a code called DNA.
A code that tells your body’s cells what they should do each day.
It looks like twisted ladders, or tiny, twirling noodles.
It makes us into people, instead of into poodles.

Why can’t humans breathe underwater? Why are some people tall and others short? Why do we resemble our parents and grandparents? This book explores all this and more in flowing, rhyming text, explaining cells, DNA, and genetics in a way that is simple and easy for children to understand. Colorful and brilliantly illustrated, The Secret Code Inside You illustrates that while DNA may be the blueprint for how a person looks, what you choose to do with your body is entirely up to you!

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Sep 6, 2021

On this episode of the podcast Joe talks to George Lee aka The Conscious Lee. Lee and Joe discuss the importance of education in today's world, how to motivate people to make the change they seek, and ultimately how we can all make a more inclusive world.

Enjoy!

About The Conscious Lee

Having grown up in the small town of Bryan, Texas, George’s personal experience with adversity still informs him to this day. Seeing the educational power of discomfort caused George to adopt a strategy which he calls “purposefully provocative” whereby people are placed into unfamiliar positions and situations which fosters critical engagement with different perspectives. People are primed to return to their routines and daily scripts, so being placed in an uncomfortable or new position forces people to think of new strategies and tactics outside of their own familiar experiences. George is a self-described “Edutainer” who seamlessly mixes education and entertainment to be purposefully provocative.

George holds a Bachelors in African & African American Studies, Master’s degrees both Human Relations and Adult Higher Education as well as Graduate Certificates in Women and Gendered Studies along with Human Resource and Diversity Development from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently leading the nationally renowned University of Oklahoma debate team as the Coordinator of Policy Debate while also being a Language Arts Public High School Teacher in Oklahoma City Public School District. In addition to his other positions he holds a professorship in the Social Work Department at the University of Oklahoma. George was celebrated as one of the best “debate-minds” in collegiate debate and was named in the top 20 College Policy Debaters of the past decade. He been featured in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, along with The New York Times and he co-hosts his own original podcast called, “The Chop Up”.

At the heart of George’s drive is the belief that Education is Elevation. Knowing and understanding other perspectives can create more informed decision making which leads to better outcomes for both you and others. Being purposefully provocative lets George educate his audiences through engaging experiences they would never otherwise have. The lynchpin of education is experience so George offers the necessary experiences to cause a shift in both mindset and action.

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Aug 30, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe talks to author Chris Baron about the art of writing. Joe and Chris discuss his latest releases, the importance of instilling a love of reading within our kids, and ultimately why Chris writes. It's a fantastic conversation I know you're going to enjoy, cannot wait for Chris to come back on the show!

About Chris Baron

Chris Baron is the award winning author of two Middle Grade novels in verse, ALL OF ME, and THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT (2021) from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, a contributor to the Young Adult Anthology, EVERY BODY SHINES, (2021) from Bloomsbury, and the author of Under the Broom Tree, (2012) from CityWorks Press as part of Lantern Tree: Four Books of Poems: winner of San Diego Book Award. He is a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center. Baron has published numerous poems and articles in magazines and journals around the country, performed on radio programs, and participated in many readings, lectures, and panels. He grew up in New York City, but he completed his MFA in Poetry in 1998 at SDSU. HE lives in San Diego with his family.

MagicalImperfect_CVR.jpg

About "The Magical Imperfect"

Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him.

When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much.

As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia’s condition, if only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?

AllOfMe final.jpg

About "All Of Me"

ALL OF ME is the story of Ari, an overweight boy who loves cryptozoology and role-playing games. He has body-image issues, and he is tired of letting his weight define him. After a move across the country, his parents work selling and promoting his mother's paintings and sculptures. Ari's artist mother needs space to create, and his father is gone for long stretches of time on "sales" trips. Somehow Ari is supposed to prepare for his already late bar mitzvah! Meanwhile, Ari makes new friends: Pick, the gamer, the artsy Jorge, and the troubled Lisa. He is also relentlessly bullied because he's overweight, but he can't tell his parents—they're simply not around enough to listen. After an upsetting incident, Ari's mom suggests he go on a diet, and she gives him a book to help. But the book—and the diet—can’t fix everything. As Ari faces the demise of his parents' marriage, he also feels himself changing, both emotionally and physically. Here is a much-needed story about accepting the imperfect in oneself and in life.

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Aug 23, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe welcomes NY Times Bestselling Author Lauren Tarshis to the podcast. Joe and Lauren discuss her famous "I Survived" books, the importance of reading to and with your kids, as well as how to stay focused in these uncertain times. It's a great episode I know you'll enjoy!

About Lauren Tarshis

LAUREN TARSHIS’ New York Times bestselling I Survived series (which has over 34 million copies in print!) tells stories of young people and their resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. Lauren has
brought her signature warmth and exhaustive research to topics such as the battle of D-Day, the American Revolution, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and other world events.

Lauren is also the Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief/Publisher of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, where she oversees more than 25 classroom magazines. In her more than 25 years with Scholastic, Lauren has helped transform the company’s print magazines into the powerful learning tools they are today. In her current role, she is helping to expand the magazines’ deep connection to American classrooms and ensure their vital role in providing teachers and students with an understanding of the
contemporary world. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and can be found online at laurentarshis.com.

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 

https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Aug 16, 2021

In this episode of the podcast Joe welcomes back WFAA & Dallas' own Dale Hansen. Dale recently announced he was retiring after more than 38 years in broadcasting! Dale discusses his background coming to Dallas, some of his favorite moments over the years, and what he hopes his legacy is. 

We thank Dale for coming on the show over the years and wish him all the best in retirement.

Enjoy!

About Dale Hansen

Dale Hansen’s legendary career at WFAA began on March 28, 1983, and just a few months later the station debuted Dale Hansen’s Sports Special, a show that’s been a staple of WFAA’s Sunday night line-up ever since. During his time reporting on Dallas-Fort Worth sports, he covered the local teams in three Super Bowls, three Stanley Cup Finals, two World Series and two NBA Finals.

Hansen never shied away from asking the tough questions, seeking answers to questions the audience wanted to know, but no one else would ask, including in interviews with local sports owners like Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban. 

In recent years, Hansen has gained attention for his “Unplugged” commentaries, wading into issues like kneeling for the national anthem, Michael Sam in the NFL, gun control, and the pandemic. 

Dale Hansen's  Top Moment in WFAA History

Dale Hansen's Top 8 WFAA memories - No. 1: Michael Sam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ_b1DfKfqc

 

To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to: 

https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast

Thanks to Snuffy for this episode of the podcast!

Snuffy

Snuffy is a clothing brand about empowering you to show your weird - unapologetically, with bravery and confidence. 10% of profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations led by Trans* people of color. Shop online now at snuffy.co

Also, thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.
 
With toys and action figures from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)
 
Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com

The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team! 
1 « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next » 11