Best Jeff Lerner Podcasts (2025)

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jeneva Rose Writes 40:10

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1d ago40:10

40:10

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jeneva Rose, spoke with us about betting on herself, spurning the crown of “Queen of Twists,” her viral social media fame and latest post-apocalyptic romance, DATING AFTER THE END OF THE WORLD I am joined by a co-host this week, none other than The Book Babe, Milena Gonzalez. Jeneva Rose is the #1 New York Time…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Lev Grossman Writes: Redux 33:24

4d ago33:24

33:24

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Lev Grossman, spoke to me about his tenure at Time magazine, how The Magicians poked holes in Narnia and Potter, and reimagining a legend with THE BRIGHT SWORD: A Novel of King Arthur. Lev Grossman is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Magicians trilogy—The Magicians, The Magician King, and The Mag…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Jayne Ann Krentz Writes: Part Two 35:48

9d ago35:48

35:48

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of romantic suspense, Jayne Ann Krentz, returns to speak with me about how she’s published over 120 novels, her advocacy of the merits of romantic fiction, and her latest mystery, THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE. Dubbed “The Queen of romantic suspense” and a trailblazer of paranormal romance, Jayne Ann Kr…

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How NY Times Bestselling Thriller Writer Riley Sager Writes: Redux 33:19

11d ago33:19

33:19

New York Times bestselling thriller writer Riley Sager, spoke to me about why he publishes under a pen name, how to write Hitchcockian suspense, and his latest "The House Across the Lake." Riley Sager is the bestselling author of six novels, most recently Home Before Dark and Survive the Night. His award-winning first novel, Final Girls, was a nati…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Chevy Stevens Writes: Part Two 41:29

16d ago41:29

41:29

New York Times bestselling and award-winning psychological thriller writer, Chevy Stevens, returns to speak with me about writing dark subjects, running out of scary humans, and her latest “home invasion on wheels,” THE HITCHHIKERS. Chevy's debut novel Still Missing became a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Chevy Stevens Writes: Part One - Redux 39:53

17d ago39:53

39:53

Award-winning, New York Times bestselling psychological thriller writer, Chevy Stevens, spoke to me about her life as a recluse, dreaming in prose, scaring the King, and her latest, Dark Roads. Chevy's debut novel Still Missing went on to become a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel …

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Bonnie Garmus Writes: Redux 30:33

23d ago30:33

30:33

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Bonnie Garmus, spoke to me about the evolution of her craft, how her protagonist changed her life, getting blurbed by Stephen King, and the never-ending book tour for her lauded debut LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter, creative director, and author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, L…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Josie Silver Writes: Redux 35:57

25d ago35:57

35:57

#1 New York Times bestselling author Josie Silver spoke to me about the laptop that changed her life, overcoming adversity early on, and her latest ghost-hunting rom-com CRAZY SPOOKY LOVE. Josie Silver is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Day in December, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, One Night on the Island, and A Winter in New York, …

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The Writer Files x Diary of a Book Babe: Vol. 1 43:28

30d ago43:28

43:28

#bookstagram influencer, reviewer, and writer Milena Gonzalez (aka Diary of a Book Babe) spoke to me about culling inspiration from the podcast, hyping up her favorite authors, and her latest five-star finds. This is the first volume of a new format of the show where I’ll be inviting some like-minded friends to talk shop. Milena Gonzalez graduated …

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How #1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author Stuart MacBride Writes 49:28

1M ago49:28

49:28

#1 Sunday Times bestselling author Stuart MacBride spoke to me about playing god, why there are no shortcuts for writers, and his latest Logan McRae novel THIS HOUSE OF BURNING BONES. Stuart MacBride is the Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author of the Logan McRae and Ash Henderson novels. He’s also published standalones, novellas, short stories, and…

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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Priscilla Morris Writes 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Acclaimed debut novelist and English Professor Priscilla Morris spoke to me about finding her voice, and the germ of an idea that became her labor of love, acclaimed debut novel BLACK BUTTERFLIES. Priscilla Morris is a British author and lecturer whose debut novel, Black Butterflies, was shortlisted for a number of major awards. Critics described B…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Lynn Barnes Writes: Part Two - Redux 40:06

2M ago40:06

40:06

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, returned to chat about why bestsellers stick around for years, why fiction is perfectly geared for the human mind, and her latest YA thriller, THE GRANDEST GAME. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 25 acclaimed young adult novels, including The Inh…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Lynn Barnes Writes: Part One - Redux 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, spoke to me about how to write seven novels in 18 months, the psychology of fiction and fandom, and her latest YA mystery, THE BROTHERS HAWTHORNE. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 acclaimed young adult novels, including The Inheritance Games …

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Josie Silver Writes 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

#1 New York Times bestselling author Josie Silver spoke to me about the laptop that changed her life, overcoming adversity early on, and her latest ghost-hunting rom-com CRAZY SPOOKY LOVE. Josie Silver is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Day in December, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, One Night on the Island, and A Winter in New York, …

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jim Butcher Writes: Redux 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jim Butcher, spoke with me about how he outlined a hit 20-novel series (years before he had an agent), why all steampunks wear goggles, and the second book in his Cinder Spires series, THE OLYMPIAN AFFAIR. Jim Butcher is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and the Cin…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Antony Johnston Writes 37:41

2M ago37:41

37:41

New York Times bestselling author Antony Johnston, spoke to me about falling backwards into video game writing, meeting Atomic Blonde’s Charlize Theron, and his new interactive whodunit Can You Solve the Murder? Antony Johnston is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of over fifty books, graphic novels, and comic series, including t…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Anne Lamott Writes: Redux 35:03

3M ago35:03

35:03

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Anne Lamott, spoke with me about 40 years of teaching writing, how to write more bravely, on sh*tty first drafts, and sharing hacks she’s learned over her career at the Writers Rising 2024 retreat. Anne Lamott is the author of 20 books, including New York Times bestsellers Help, Thanks, Wow; Dusk, Night, Dawn; …

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jodi Picoult Writes: Redux 34:55

3M ago34:55

34:55

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, spoke with me about writing for Wonder Woman, adapting books for musical theater, and the question of Shakespeare's true authorship in her upcoming novel BY ANY OTHER NAME. Jodi Picoult is the bestselling author of 30 novels, including landmark titles such as Mad Honey – her most recent 1 million-…

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How to Build a Meaningful Author Platform with Nicole Meier and Gretchen Schaffer of Book Works 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

Experts Nicole Meier and Gretchen Schaffer, the duo behind Book Works, spoke to me about how to build a meaningful author platform, and how they empower authors through book coaching and branding expertise. Nicole Meier is a certified book coach and the author of four novels, as well as the host of The Whole Writer podcast for emerging writers. Her…

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How Founding Editor of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes: Part Two 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

Bestselling, award-winning author, and founder of the LA Review of Books, Tom Lutz, returned to talk with me about life in the French countryside, his writer’s residency, and the greatest year in literary history, 1925. He's a Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing at UC Riverside, and the author of multiple bestselling and award-winning titles – t…

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How Bestselling Author Rachel Slade Writes 43:38

4M ago43:38

43:38

Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Rachel Slade spoke to me about majoring in “New York,” killing her darlings, and the future of manufacturing in her latest book MAKING IT IN AMERICA. Rachel Slade is an award-winning journalist and acclaimed author of Into the Raging Sea, a national bestseller, New York Times Notable Book, and winner …

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How #1 Sunday Times Bestselling Ghostwriter Marie Ellis Writes 36:25

4M ago36:25

36:25

#1 Sunday Times Bestselling ghostwriter Marie Ellis spoke to me about her past lives in both acting and journalism, setting her ego aside as a ghost, and hacking the hero’s journey. Marie Ellis is a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter, freelance editor, and writer of literary fiction. She is a career journalist who walked away from a 15-year in-ho…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Hanif Abdurraqib Writes 31:48

4M ago31:48

31:48

New York Times bestselling author Hanif Abdurraqib spoke to me about taking a leap of faith, the tentpoles of his writing practice, and his recent NBCC award-winning THERE’S ALWAYS THIS YEAR: On Basketball and Ascension. Hanif Abdurraqib is a lauded New York Times bestselling author, recent Winner of the NBCC Award for criticism, and a finalist for…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Laura Munson Writes 53:13

4M ago53:13

53:13

New York Times bestselling author Laura Munson spoke to me about her acclaimed writing retreats, building a bridge to readers, and bringing wonder back into our lives with her latest THE WILD WHY. Laura Munson is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You T…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Tomi Adeyemi Writes: Redux 31:38

4M ago31:38

31:38

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Tomi Adeyemi, spoke to me about the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, her evolution as a writer, and the final book in her Orisha trilogy, Children of Anguish and Anarchy. Tomi Adeyemi is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Hugo and Nebula award-winning novelist and screenwriter who was named one of…

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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Emily Everett Writes 35:39

5M ago35:39

35:39

Acclaimed debut novelist Emily Everett spoke to me about finding a writing community, impostor syndrome, setting aside self-doubt, and her literary debut, ALL THAT LIFE CAN AFFORD. Emily Everett is a writer and the managing editor of The Common, a literary magazine based at Amherst College. Her debut novel All That Life Can Afford, is the Reese’s B…

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How Award-Winning Writer & Producer Arvind Ethan David Writes 35:26

5M ago35:26

35:26

Award-winning writer and producer Arvind Ethan David spoke to me about making sh*t up for a living, late bloomers, and adapting RAYMOND CHANDLER’S TROUBLE IS MY BUSINESS into a graphic novel. Arvind Ethan David is the Stoker Award-nominated graphic novelist who has also written chart-topping Audiodramas (The Crimes of Dorian Gray, Earworms), televi…

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How Founding Editor of the LA Review of Books Tom Lutz Writes: Part One - Redux 50:42

5M ago50:42

50:42

Award-winning author, founder, and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, Tom Lutz, took a timeout to talk with me about his early years as a literary ne'er-do-well, what it's like to hang out with your heroes, and why you can assume every writer is faking it just a little bit. "Writing has never felt like a chore to me. It always feel…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Susannah Cahalan Writes 36:15

5M ago36:15

36:15

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Susannah Cahalan, spoke to me about her writing process, witch candles, and stepping into the shoes of psychedelic pioneer Rosemary Woodruff Leary in her new biography THE ACID QUEEN. Susannah Cahalan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and public speaker. Her first book, Brain on Fire, has s…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Emma Knight Writes 32:09

6M ago32:09

32:09

New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and entrepreneur Emma Knight spoke to me about finding the courage to write fiction, the Loch Ness Monster of motherhood, and her breakout debut novel The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus. Emma Knight is an author, journalist, Co-Founder and Head of Brand at Greenhouse, an award-winning organic beverag…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Carley Fortune Writes - Redux 33:42

6M ago33:42

33:42

#1 New York Times bestselling author, Carley Fortune, spoke to me about her storied career as a journalist, writing a breakout hit in just four months, and her latest novel, MEET ME AT THE LAKE. Carley Fortune is an award-winning Canadian journalist and the #1 New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of Meet Me at the Lake and Every …

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How Acclaimed Debut Novelist Jeanette Horn Writes 32:46

6M ago32:46

32:46

Acclaimed debut novelist and award-winning poet Jeanette Horn spoke to me about writing experimental poetry, getting a fateful call from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, and the magical realism in her debut novel PLAY, WITH KNIVES. Jeanette Horn is an Iowa Writers' Workshop MFA program graduate and was a Maytag Fellow. Her debut novel, Play, With Knives…

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How Award-Winning Journo & The Atlantic Writer Olga Khazan Writes 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

Award-winning journalist and The Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan spoke to me about the worst way to launch a book, writing long-form watchdog journalism, and her latest ME, BUT BETTER, The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic – covering science, health, and psychology for more than a decade – a…

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Bonus: Matt Haig Reads an Excerpt from 'The Midnight Library' on Storybound - Redux 29:39

7M ago29:39

29:39

Matt Haig reads an excerpt from The Midnight Library, backed by an original Storybound remix with Robert Wynia, and sound design and arrangement by Jude Brewer. Robert Wynia is a founding member of the Portland band Floater. Known for their progressive concept albums, Floater is famous for incorporating stylized storytelling. Wynia also releases mu…

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Podcasting Secrets to Make Money & Build Influence | SHAWN ANTHONY #342 55:35

7M ago55:35

55:35

In this episode of Unlock Your Potential, we sit down with Shawn Anthony, a podcasting expert and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of turning conversations into cash. We dive into how podcasting can create long-term success, the best ways to monetize your platform, and the real value of entrepreneurship. Shawn also shares his powerful framewor…

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How NY Times Bestselling Author Matt Haig Writes: Redux 39:05

7M ago39:05

39:05

Internationally bestselling author, Matt Haig, spoke with me about how the novelist became an accidental "mental health expert," why writers need resilience, and the process behind The Midnight Library. "The only reader you're ever going to truly know ... is yourself." – Matt Haig Matt is the author of 20 books, including the #1 bestselling memoir …

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Homeless to Millionaire: The Mindset That Changed Everything | GRACE VANDECRUZE #341 55:33

7M ago55:33

55:33

In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Potential, we sit down with Grace Vandecruze, a woman who went from experiencing homelessness to becoming a self-made millionaire and financial expert. She shares her incredible journey, revealing the mindset shifts, financial strategies, and step-by-step approach that helped her break through limitations and…

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How Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner Writes 36:22

7M ago36:22

36:22

Bestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner spoke with me about being a “late bloomer,” what 35 years in publishing has taught her, and portraying mental illness in her debut novel SHRED SISTERS. Betsy Lerner is the author of the popular advice book to writers, The Forest for the Trees, and the memoirs Food and Loathing and The Bridge Ladies…

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How She Built a Billion-Dollar Empire (From Nothing!) | SUNEERA MADHANI #340 56:20

7M ago56:20

56:20

In this episode of Unlock Your Potential, I sit down with Suneera Madhani, a trailblazing entrepreneur who turned a simple idea into a billion-dollar company. As the daughter of immigrants, Suneera shares her journey of overcoming rejection, dealing with comparison culture, and navigating misogyny in business—all while building an empire from the g…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part Two - Redux 30:30

7M ago30:30

30:30

#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY. Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada, and co-screenw…

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The Truth About Narcissism and How to Protect Yourself | DR. RAMANI DURVASULA #339 58:49

7M ago58:49

58:49

In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Potential, I sit down with Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a leading expert on narcissism, to uncover the truth behind narcissistic behavior and how it affects those around them. Dr. Ramani explains the different types of narcissism, the motivations behind their actions, and how to identify the signs before it’s too la…

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Ernest Cline Writes: Part One - Redux 28:02

8M ago28:02

28:02

#1 New York Times bestselling novelist and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, spoke to me about what inspired him to become a novelist, the success of Ready Player One, and his love letter to Austin, Texas, the mostly true tall tale BRIDGE TO BAT CITY. Ernest Cline is the bestselling author of Ready Player One, Ready Player Two, and Armada, and co-screenw…

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The Science of Failure—And Why You Should Embrace It | DR. MANU KAPUR #338 55:15

8M ago55:15

55:15

What if failure was the key to learning faster and achieving greater success? In this episode of Unlock Your Potential, I sit down with Dr. Manu Kapur to explore the science of productive failure—a research-backed approach that leads to deeper learning and better results. We dive into: ✅ Why failing first leads to twice the learning of traditional …

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How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer Writes 32:44

8M ago32:44

32:44

#1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer spoke with me about cutting her teeth on fanfiction, working briefly in publishing, and THE HAPPY WRITER, a guide to writing with less stress and more JOY. Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well…

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Your Brain Is Lying to You—Here’s How to Fix It | GARY COXE #337 59:00

8M ago59:00

59:00

What if the beliefs holding you back aren’t even true? In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Potential, I sit down with Gary Coxe to uncover how our brains validate false beliefs, the emotional baggage we carry without realizing it, and the simple shifts that can create lasting change. Gary shares his personal story of growing up in a cult, the p…

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How Psychology and Neuroscience Prof. Kurt Gray Writes 32:20

8M ago32:20

32:20

Psychology and Neuroscience Professor Kurt Gray spoke with me about the timely release, and inspiration behind his latest book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. Kurt Gray is a Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beli…

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Why 85% Hate Their Jobs—And How to Break Free | BETSY WILLS and ALEX ELLISON #336 53:13

8M ago53:13

53:13

Discover the hidden genius within you in this inspiring episode of Unlock Your Potential! I’m joined by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison, two experts on uncovering aptitudes and aligning them with fulfilling careers. We dive into the fascinating science behind aptitudes, why they are fixed by age 17, and how they shape the way we think, learn, and work…

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How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part Two 31:53

8M ago31:53

31:53

Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Robert Crais, returns to talk with me about the destruction of the recent LA fires, writing “enlightened” crime fiction, and the 20th in his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series THE BIG EMPTY. Robert Crais is the author of 24 novels, 20 featuring private investigator Elvis Cole and his laconic ex-co…

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Achieve Long-Term Success With Non-Obvious Thinking | ROHIT BHARGAVA #335 1:04:27

8M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

In this enlightening episode of Unlock Your Potential, we sit down with bestselling author and futurist Rohit Bhargava to uncover the secrets to thinking differently and leading a more intentional life. Rohit shares his journey and how he became a master of "non-obvious thinking." From understanding behavioral economics to reawakening human connect…

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How #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais Writes: Part One - Redux 29:26

8M ago29:26

29:26

NOTE: Preface to Part Two of this prescient interview with a master of the craft: “[Crais is] an enlightened crime writer.”—New York Times Book Review Award-winning and #1 NY Times bestselling author, Robert Crais, spoke to me about breathing life into the ur detective novel, the legacy of Raymond Chandler, his love of LA, and his latest, "Racing t…