In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices.

We’ll tackle:

• Why free speech and book banning are inseparable from the author’s mission.

• How outrage culture and algorithms trap us in echo chambers.

• The difference between harmful speech and the critical conversations we need.

• What authors can learn from villains, conflict, and empathy in storytelling.

• Why stories—more than slogans—are what move people and protect our shared humanity.

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, one truth remains: authors have a responsibility to write bravely, think critically, and connect deeply.

Because stories don’t just entertain—they build bridges, break barriers, and keep the human spirit alive.

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