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Hello My Happy People,

Today’s episode features my incredible conversation with Lady Dr. Dhyana Ziegler, author of Midnight Train from Georgia. This powerful memoir chronicles the rise of Gladys Knight and the Pips through the eyes of founding member William Franklin Guest, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of music’s most iconic groups.

From humble beginnings singing in a small Atlanta church to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dr. Ziegler shares the deeply personal story of family, faith, and the sacrifices behind success. But this conversation goes far beyond the book.

We also discuss her remarkable career as a professor, multimedia creator, information technology educator, songwriter and arranger, along with the honors she has received for her work in academia, including being awarded the title of Dame Commander of Justice (DCJ). Her accomplishments stand on their own, making her story just as compelling as the one she tells about the music that shaped generations.

We also touch on the broader cultural impact of her family’s legacy, including their connection to Michael Jackson and other artists of the time, as well as her personal connections to the Apollo Theater, Walter Cronkite, and Alex Haley, just to name a few.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ziegler highlights William Guest’s legacy, the lasting impact of Gladys Knight and the Pips, and what she hopes readers take away from this inspiring story.

If you love music history, memoirs, and stories rooted in culture and resilience, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Midnight Train From Georgia Info Site

Dr. Zeigler's Website

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Two bleeped words: b0mb!ng, T3rror!sts

Hello My happy People,

Michael Hingson has spent his life proving that limitations are often more about perception than reality. Blind since birth, he was raised by sighted parents who believed strongly in independence and encouraged him to live life fully. He grew up doing many of the same things as other kids, riding bikes, mastering math in his head, and learning to read and write in Braille. He later earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics from the University of California, Irvine, and spent nearly thirty years working in the high-tech industry.

His life changed dramatically on September 11, 2001, when he and his guide dog Roselle safely evacuated the 78th floor of Tower One in the World Trade Center moments before it collapsed. Their story of trust, courage, and teamwork captured international attention and later became the #1 New York Times bestselling book Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust.

Since that day, Hingson has traveled the world sharing his experiences and the lessons he learned about courage, teamwork, and perseverance. Our conversation explores what it means to face fear without letting it control you and learn how to move forward with confidence.

His latest book, Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith, shares the principles he has learned from decades of working with guide dogs and how those lessons can help anyone overcome challenges, trust themselves, and live their lives with purpose.

For speaking engagements email: Speaker@michaelhingson.com

Michael's Website

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About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author
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Hello Happy People,

Today’s episode is a special April 1st podcast takeover of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt — Book Talk Podcast... or is it?

Sebastian Dureaux-Russell steps in as guest host, and for a minute, it might feel like you’ve landed in the wrong show. But stay with it, because this “takeover” has a twist.

Sebastian is joined by his guest paranormal romance author, D.S. Stephens and the show focuses on her new Haunted Hearts series, a seven-book paranormal romance built from real ghost hunting experiences the author had in college. Starting with Book 1, Langston Watch Hotel, this series brings together real haunted locations, emotional tension, and that constant fight between science and belief.

And if something about D.S. Stephens sounds a little familiar… well, you’re not imagining that either.

This episode pulls back the curtain on how this romance author persona came to life, where the series is headed, and what’s coming next.

So is this a takeover? Or is mischief afoot?

Links to Sebastian Dureaux-Russell’s previous episode (S3 EP143) and website, along with D.S. Stephens social media, can be found below.

Be sure to follow, share, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt — Book Talk Podcast.

Sebastian's S3 EP143 Interview

Sebastian's Website

D.S. Stephens on BurckhardtBooks.com

BurckhardtBooks LinkTree

Support the show

Subscribe: Our Newsletter

BurckhardtBooks.com:

• BUY THE LATEST ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• Buy & Read: Burckhardt Book Collections
• Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, Click here!
• Apply to be a guest on our podcast: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

• Dianne Burckhardt, Award-Winning Indie Author
• Meet Dianne EP 1: Who Am I?
• Dianne Burckhardt on Facebook
• Dianne Burckhardt on TikTok