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Happy New Year People,

We have finally crossed over into 2026 and are getting closer to the start of Season 5! But for today, we have got an incredible replay from Season 4! In this inspiring episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, Dianne chats with the effervescent Risa August, award-winning author, speaker, Gestalt practitioner, and rare disease warrior with sparkles in her hair and a tutu in her bag. Diagnosed with a pituitary tumor over a decade ago, Risa could have let life slow her down. Instead, she chose to pedal harder, live louder, and advocate fiercely for herself and others.

Risa brings her signature blend of wisdom and whimsy to the conversation as we discuss her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. She shares how she transformed her journey through illness into a mission of inspiration. With a heart for healing and a flair for fun, she now helps others break through life’s roadblocks by shifting their perspectives and embracing life, fully, fearlessly, and with glitter when necessary.

A former Ironman athlete with a passion for barbells and bikes, Risa continues to thrive on movement, creativity, and joyful exploration. Whether she’s dancing Bollywood, flying on aerial silks, or leading workshops with tiaras and glitter, she reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be playful, profound, and incredibly empowering.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and living a life unleashed. Tune in and get ready to smile, be inspired, and maybe even be moved to start your own tutu collection.

Subscribe now to this podcast so you do not miss out when we start Season 5 Feb. 4, 2026! Podcast Guest Applications for Season 5 are now open!

Risa's Website

Risa on Facebook

Risa on Instagram

Risa on LinkedIn

Risa on BookShop.org

Risa on Amazon

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Happy New Years Eve, My Happy People,

Today we are replaying Dianne's amazing chat with the multi-talented Doug Williams. Doug is an award-winning screenwriter, playwright, filmmaker, and the author of the FBI thriller, Failure Point.

Doug is a former journalist who once served as a press secretary in the US Senate. He has worked in communications in public and private sectors and created a successful career as a freelance writer which has spanned more than 25 years.

As a scriptwriter, his work has received numerous accolades. His work, Black Star Rising, based on the life of Texas congresswoman, Barbara Jordan, was awarded honors in more than 45 competitions worldwide, including 12 Best Screenplay awards. Black Star Rising is currently in development for a feature film.

Failure Point is not Doug's first book, having previously published Nowhere Man and A Sacred Duty, a book he co-wrote with Paula Pedene. The story is based on Paula's true account of her experience as the federal whistleblower who exposed a scandal at the Veterans Administration hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, that took the lives of hundreds of U.S. veterans – also in development for a film. Nowhere Man was hailed by critics and compared to House of Cards.

Dianne and Doug did their best to cover as much of the amazing aspects of Doug's life and career, as time would permit. You do not want to miss a single sensational soundbite of this incredible author interview. If you love thrillers with a good romance at the center, you may have found your new favorite author. Don't wait, go listen now!

Subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss out on Season 5 beginning Feb. 4, 2026.

Enjoy,

Doug's Website

Doug on Facebook

Doug on Instagram

Doug on Amazon

Doug on IndieBound

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Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, Click here!

BurckhardtBooks.com:

• BUY THE LATEST ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• Buy & Read: The Into the West Saga Serial books
• Subscribe: Our Newsletter
• Apply to be a guest on our podcast: Podcast Guest Application

About Dianne:

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

We are thrilled to replay this amazing author for you today in our holiday hiatus episodes. Get ready to meet the remarkable mind behind some of Canada’s most beloved books for young readers! In this episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, Dianne had the privilege to chat with Valerie Sherrard. Valerie is the award-winning author of A Bend in the Breeze, The Glory Wind, Counting Back from Nine, and the fan-favorite Shelby Belgarden mystery series. With a writing career that spans picture books, historical novels, and gripping young adult fiction, Valerie brings a powerful mix of heart, history, and humanity to everything she writes.

From her early beginnings in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to her inspiring life in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Valerie’s journey is as compelling as her characters. She’s not only a storyteller but a former foster parent to over seventy teenagers and a passionate advocate for literacy and creativity in youth. Her stories have won multiple awards and captured the hearts of readers across generations, and she’s still just getting started.

In this warm and insightful conversation, Valerie shares what sparked her love for storytelling, the real-life experiences that shaped her books, and why she believes it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt fiction, curious about the writing life, or looking for a new favorite author, this episode will leave you inspired.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast so you will be ready for Season 5 beginning Feb. 4, 2026

Valerie on Blog Spot

Valerie on Instagram

Valerie on Amazon.com

New Book: An Unbalanced Force

New Book: Absolutely No Body Parts (Pre-order)

Dyslexic Font

Support the show

Support Us: FREE options. Learn more, Click here!

BurckhardtBooks.com:

• BUY THE LATEST ISSUE: Book Banter Magazine
• Buy & Read: The Into the West Saga Serial books
• Subscribe: Our Newsletter
• 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