Dare to Be Great, Dare to Be You Hosted by Shawn Langwell

Joan O'Connor: Life Lessons from Moma Joan: Five key takeaways for teens, adults, and single moms

Life Lessons from Moma Joan:

Five key takeaways for teens, adults, and single moms

Joan O'Connor is my mom.

She is also a mom to many of my friends, my brothers' friends and played a critical role in shaping who I am today. Join us for an intimate, honest and fun conversation about what it was like for her to raise three boys on her own after my dad left. How she loved me until I learned to love myself while i was battling addiction, and how she managed to survive losing my youngest brother Seth in a car accident in 1999, and a debilitating fall in 2019.  

My mom is a survivor out of necessity and refused to take welfare except for a very brief moment. She talks about community, connection, kindness and resilience and finding her mate after writing out 21 things she wanted.

Most importantly, mama Joan leaves us with hope and a few choice words of wisdom to find our path that leads to Joy.

Every kid(young or old) should be so lucky to share moments like the ones we talk about in this episode of Dare to Be Great, Dare to Be You.

PS: To read more of the story of how she saved my life, read my memoir Beyond Recovery.

Follow me at https://shawnlangwell.com/

 

Enjoy!

Crissi Langwell- A Writers Journey: From First-Grade Dreams to Published Author Success

Crissi Langwell is the author of 14 published books, with genres that include romance, young adult, and women’s fiction. Her latest novel is Naked Coffee Guy, the second book in her Sunset Bay romance series, and she is currently working on Savior Complex, the third and final book in If you dream of writing your first book or are a seasoned author who may sometimes hit the proverbial brick wall or feel  like throwing in the towel, you'll want to listen to this heartfelt and helpful episode of Dare to Be Great, Dare to Be You.

You will not only learn valuable insights for setting yourself up for success, but also hear the truth about the inevitable ups and downs that come with the territory as an author. Join us as  Crissi takes us on an inspiring journey from her first-grade author dreams to her most recent Amazon and book marketing success with her Steamy Romance series, Sunset Bay.

For those who love romance, here are the links to the first two books in the series: Masquerade Mistake and Naked Coffee Guy.

See all of Crissi's books here: https://crissilangwell.com/books/

Find me at www.shawnlangwell.com

Kendra Murray, Audiobook Producer, Director, and Narrator: Confidence Tips for New Narrators

Kendra Murray is an audiobook producer, director, and narrator with 50 titles available, and more in the works. Kendra hails from stage and radio theatre as an actor, director, and producer. She has received accolades for her work with The Petaluma Radio Players at the HEAR Now Festival’s Podcast Palooza. She was named 2020 Best Supporting Actor for her role as Ulysses in Pendant Audio Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, was a Finalist for the 2021 Audiobook Adrenaline Awards, and was nominated for 2021 Best Supporting Actor as Thaisa in Pericles, Prince of Tyre, produced by Pendant Shakespeare.

Find her at utterkendra.com 

In this episode of Dare to Be Great, Dare to Be You prepare to be transported into a world you may not have ever thought possible. The world of you stepping into a recording booth to record your very first Audiobook. This episode is the foundation of why I wanted to do this podcast. To hear from my artistic director and coach the same tips she shared with me when I stepped into the recoding booth for the very first time to record Ten Seconds of Boldness.

This is an intimate conversation about the ins and outs of audiobook narration and truly a full circle moment where this time Kendra gets to be in the booth and I get to be the guide for this show. 

Learn why audiobooks can be a powerful storytelling tool and learn why this was a richly rewarding experience for both narrator and Artistic Director. 

If you are a non-fiction author, learn why the story is so much more powerful if told in your voice. And for fiction authors, hear a snippet of Kendra being put to task to narrate on the fly.

If we can do it, you can too.

If you are a writer and want a confidence boost or to learn more about creating a plan to create your audiobook or marketing strategy for your books, send me a note. I have written four books including the Ten Seconds of Boldness workbook that can help anyone who suffers from imposter syndrome and wants a someone to help rebuild their self-confidence.

shawnlangwellwriter@gmail.com or

Visit: https://shawnlangwell.com/

Ralph Scott of Squeaky Cheese Productions- The Magic of audiobook production and narration. How to create an auditory symphony for the soul.

Audiobooks have been called "movies for the ears."  And for good reason. Akin to listening to a Mozart concerto, audiobooks set your brain and imagination on fire. They bring characters to life in ways that movies and text do not. There is a richness and depth in the visceral experience of listening to an audiobook that turns the beauty of the written word into an auditory symphony for the soul.

The explosion of audiobook production is no surprise really. But what does it entail? How do you create an audiobook? Where do you start and what questions should fiction and non-fiction authors ask when considering to produce an audiobook?

Join me and Ralph Scott as we discuss the nuances, benefits, and other pro tips of the wonderful world of audiobook production and narration.

In this episode of the Dare to Be Great, Dare to be You podcast, I share some of my own challenges and valuable learning experiences as a first time non-fiction narrator of my personal development book, Ten Seconds of Boldness. And Ralph offers expert wisdom from his experiences working with authors of many genres and gives listeners and authors specific tips for turning a current title into an audiobook as well as how to write with audiobooks in mind. 

This episode is a rare treat to get behind the desk of an audio engineer and producer and into the inner sanctum- the recording booth where stories come to life.

Listen in to unique insights and perspectives from a first-time narrator and a seasoned pro. 

By the end of this show you will likely know whether you want to take the next bold step forward, to elevate your how-to, why-to books or carefully spun stories into an audiobook that offer a great opportunity for you to reach a much larger audience than with a print or e-book alone.

You can learn more at Squeaky Cheese Productions.

 

 

Jen Crowe, Finding Clarity in Your Second Half of Life

There are people in each of our lives whose sole purpose is to show us a different path home.

Jen Crowe is one of those people.

She is a caring soul who serves as a guide for many, especially men.

Listen as she shares her most vulnerable moments and a near death experience which changed her life.

Her life experience and passion lay in helping others become brave enough to discover and look at their blind spots, then reframe their false identities, so that they can break free from unhealthy societal/generational patterns of obedience and learn tools to live lives they will not regret.

In many ways Jen and I are on parallel paths to help others break free from their self-limiting beliefs, habits and patterns.

This incredibly rich and dynamic episode is perfect for those who are desperate to return home. Back to the self they love. 

Enjoy, share, like, and reach out to either one of us. This could be your pivot point that changes everything.

Dare to take a chance on you. You are worth it!

www.growwithcrowe.com

www.shawnlangwell.com

 

 

Ray Engan, On Speaking and Leadership through Laughter

"The language of leadership is overwhelming positivity." -Ray Engan

Tap into your native genius and learn expert tips to become a better leader, speaker and presenter. Gain valuable insights into the power of word choice, delivery, and how to manage internal and external emotions, actions and experiences to better connect and not sound salesy.

This episode is a must listen for any leader, sales or service professional,  or presenter who wants to build instant rapport and trust with their audience or customers.

In addition to valuable expert wisdom, Ray also shares humorous and tangible ways to increase productivity and overall happiness in the workplace.

Not everybody knows Ray, but every leader should:

Companies such as Amazon, Genentech, Oracle, and Medtronic have partnered with Ray, when they want to connect, communicate and raise productivity.

Ray’s view of making memorable presentations is radically different. Ray appreciates, and shares with his clients the process to create instant rapport and trust, as well as the fastest and easiest ways to make your message sticky. It’s not a secret or a trick. It’s a way of life.

Pre-Covid 19 Ray gave workshops teaching America's business leaders how to hire and create better, happier, more productive workers through humorous storytelling, with his program, Leadership Through Laughter.

He created the program, The Humor Algorithm, which demystifies the process of humor and can make anyone able to use the influential power of humor. His book, Leadership Through Laughter….How funny is the honey that makes Leadership stick, is due out in 2024.

Kick back and prepare to have some fun in this quick-witted conversation between me and Ray. You will not be disappointed.

Dr. Doreen Downing, Psychologist and Podcast host of Find Your Voice, Change Your Life.Life is Your Stage: How to Find your Voice and Change Your Life

Your Authentic Voice is the Most Powerful Asset You Possess!

Join me for a frank and open conversation Dr. Doreen Downing.

About Dr. Downing:

Dr. Doreen Downing is a Psychologist and Podcast host of Find Your Voice, Change Your Life.

She once suffered from stage fright. In conquering it, she discovered being connected to your authentic self is the key to relaxed and confident speaking.

She now specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety.

In addition to coaching and online courses, she is author of The 7 Secrets to Essential Speaking: Find Your Voice, Change Your Life, a book that teaches you how to transform your anxiety with mindful presence and connection.

You can download Doreen’s 7 Secrets to Fearless Speaking at https://www.doreen7secrets.com.

Shawn Langwell, Gap Mindset Coach/Consultant: Bridging Your Confidence Gap: How to set and slay your goals for the New Year

2024 Challenge:

What is in the way of you getting what you want? Will 2024 be any different? If so, how? Why? What will you commit to doing this coming year that you didn’t in 2023? What do you think you need to help you get started? To stay motivated? To finish what you’ve started?

If you are like the vast majority of us, you will fail. All of us fail. Those who try more fail more. But guess what? Those who fail the most are some of the most successful people I know.

Listen in as I share a portion of my Ten Seconds of Boldness Workbook that has worked for me for many years.

The brief insights I share can defintely help you feel more confident about who you are, and where you want to go this year and might give you the extra boost you need to conquer your inner critics and start winning again. 

If you are ambitious don't miss this episode, it very well could change your life.