In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Nicole Cooke Johnson, CEO of Royalty Firm LLC and granddaughter of music legend Sam Cooke. Nicole reflects on growing up under the weight of an iconic legacy, navigating a dog-eat-dog industry with no clear rules, and learning how to make decisions when there was little guidance on how to do business with integrity.

She shares how The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey gave her a framework rooted in character, helping her lead with intention, say no without regret, and steward her grandfather's estate with care. This conversation is about pressure, responsibility, and finding direction when the stakes are high and the roadmap is unclear.

In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris "Bulldog" Collins sits down with actor, singer, and author Chris Colfer to discuss the book that changed his life: Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher.

We chart Chris's career, from his early success on Glee to the dozens of books he's authored. He speaks candidly about the impact of fame, dealing with rampant homophobia, and navigating the anxieties of public life. Through it all, Carrie Fisher's comedy set-turned-memoir served as a reminder to find levity in the darkness.

This heartfelt conversation between two Chrises serves as a how-to guide for conquering anxiety.

Check out Chris's latest book, Roswell Johnson Saves the Galaxy, the sequel to his bestselling Roswell Johnson Saves the World.

Actress, writer, and producer Nikki DeLoach sits down with Chris Collins for one of the most powerful and vulnerable conversations ever featured on Books That Changed My Life. In this episode, Nikki opens up about the book that transformed everything for her, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and how its message helped her confront childhood trauma, reclaim her voice, and navigate some of the most intense moments of her life.

This episode blends courage, healing, faith, and the power of books to wake us up to our truest selves. If you've ever felt lost, silenced, or unsure of who you're supposed to be, Nikki's story will stay with you long after the conversation ends.

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In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with global pop icon and fearless Iranian artist Googoosh to explore the book that profoundly shaped her life.

With a legendary career spanning six decades — from Madison Square Garden to the Royal Albert Hall — Googoosh opens up about the unimaginable: being banned from singing for 21 years after the Iranian Revolution, losing her identity, and fighting to reclaim her voice.

Now, with the release of her memoir Googoosh: A Sinful Voice, she reflects on the book that guided her through her darkest years… and shares an exclusive personal revelation she has never told publicly until this interview.

In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with CC Rice, a classically trained actor, voice and dialect coach, body language analyst, producer, communication expert, and author of the new book The Root of Awareness. CC shares how The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison profoundly shaped her understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Through an honest and powerful conversation, Chris and CC explore how Morrison's storytelling reflects the experiences of young Black girls, how trauma and identity shape the voice and the body, and why The Bluest Eye remains one of the most influential novels about beauty, belonging, and the inner lives we carry.

If you're interested in how a single book can leave a lifelong impact, this episode offers a meaningful and deeply human perspective on the power of literature.

#booksthatchangedmylife #books #library #bookrecs #bookreport #interview #podcast #chrisbulldogcollins

🚨 Grab the coolest book & library tees, socks, hoodies & more! https://booksthatchangedmylife.org/collections/all

In this episode, host Chris Collins sits down with Morgan Stevenson Cooper — writer, director, and creator of Bel-Air, the reimagining of the iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A passionate storyteller and now the author of I CAN MAKE A MOVIE! (out this November), Morgan joins us to talk about the book that changed his life: Dilla Time by Dan Charnas.

They dive deep into the genius of J Dilla, how he "made a drum machine sound human," and why his story became a creative compass for Morgan — shaping his art, his mindset, and even his healing. From discovering Madvillainy at age 12 to building Bel-Air and finding meaning in loss, this is a raw, inspiring conversation about creativity, purpose, and the power of rhythm.

What book has truly changed your life?

In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with multi-talented performer Nia Sioux — who has been entertaining audiences since she was nine years old. You may know her from Dance Moms, her films and documentaries, or her inspiring children's book Today I Dance. Now, Nia steps into a new chapter with her powerful memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid, available now.

Nia opens up about the book that shifted everything for her — Untamed by Glennon Doyle — and how it helped her rediscover who she really is beneath the expectations, pressure, and public spotlight. In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Nia reflects on identity, resilience, and learning to define herself on her own terms.

#booksthatchangedmylife #books #library #bookrecs #bookreport #interview #podcast #chrisbulldogcollins

🚨 Grab the coolest book & library tees, socks, hoodies & more! https://booksthatchangedmylife.org/collections/all

When a book changes how you see yourself — and where you come from.

In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins talks with Kimberly Ann Harrison — executive producer and showrunner (Friends, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, The Crossover). Kimberly shares how Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor helped her understand her grandmother's past, her own identity, and the power of living her truth.

Kimberly's adaptation of Washington Black is streaming now on Hulu, and her debut novel Beyond the Paddock is available on Amazon.