Today on Quixotic Heights, we welcome Mark McCraw—a proud Oklahoman, internationally published children’s book author, and a disabled veteran of the United States Air Force. With a life marked by service, imagination, and resilience, Mark brings powerful stories to young readers worldwide.

Mark McCraw is a former Elementary School Teacher, Air Force and Air Force Reserve Disabled Veteran, Adjunct Professor, Day Care Teacher, Pastor, Migrant Head Start Teacher, Corrections Officer, and Non-Profit Executive. His favorite hobbies are writing children’s books, genealogy, and traveling.

His education includes an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and two years of Doctoral work in Education.

Mark has written 12+ award-winning children’s books with more in the works. He has spoken at conferences, schools, and events all over the world.

https://www.facebook.com/mark.mccraw.3

www.markmccraw.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/quickdraw_m

Today on the Quixotic Heights show, we’re joined by a true storytelling chameleon—Susan Kite. With thirteen books under her belt, she’s mastered genres from science fiction to whimsical children’s tall tales and even penned stories in the world of Zorro. Whether she’s crafting distant galaxies, playful animal adventures, or historical sword fights, Susan brings imagination, heart, and a deep love for storytelling to everything she writes. In this conversation, we’ll explorewhat it means to write across genres, how she keeps the creative spark alive, and what she’s learned from a lifetime of literary adventures. Get ready to be inspired!Susan Kite has been writing for over thirty years, beginning with fan-fiction. A visit to the Mission San Luis Rey in 2001 became the catalyst to write her first novel, My House of Dreams. She has written science fiction, fantasy, tall tales, and historical fiction. Bold Venture Press published the author’s three Zorro novels: The Outward Journey, The Forbidden Country, and The Deadly Homecoming, along with several Zorro short stories. Voyage of the Sea Dragon; Into the Dream World is the author’s entry into sea-based science fiction.

She worked in school libraries for 35 years. Now retired, Ms. Kite lives in Yukon, Oklahoma.

https://bookscape.net/

https://www.facebook.com/susankitesbooks

https://www.instagram.com/susanleekite

https://www.youtube.com/@susankite2842

https://firstbookscape.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where dreams take flight.

Today, we step through the veiled gates of imagination and into the rich, spellbinding world of The City of the Magicians—a series that blends political intrigue, ancient power, and the deeply human cost of wielding magic.

Joining us is Peter Gribble, the brilliant mind behind this immersive fantasy saga. A master world-builder and philosophical weaver of myth and morality, Peter crafts tales that challenge the boundaries between control and chaos, light and shadow.

Whether you’re a devoted fantasy reader or a curious creative, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever wondered what it truly means to create magic on the page.

Peter Gribble is a writer and a lifelong student of history whose work explores the intersections of knowledge, power, and the human condition. His fantasy series, “The City of the Magicians,” is set in a civilization that rejects traditional warfare. The series examines how intellect, psychologicalstrategy, and telepathic abilities can be both a society’s greatest strength and its most dangerous vulnerability. Influenced by his childhood in postwar France—where silence about the war was as pervasive as its lingeringshadows—Gribble crafts stories that explore the dangers of complacency and the consequences of pacifism and brutality colliding.

Gribble studied art at Sheridan College School of Design,experimental psychology at the University of Toronto, and education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. He has written for NUVO and various British Columbia publications, including gardening columns for two journalsover a decade. His time working in bookstores reinforced his belief in the power of books to inspire, challenge, and transform. Learn more at PeterGribble.com.

https://www.instagram.com/petergribble3/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20904184.Peter_Gribble

https://petergribble.com

Welcome to Quixotic Heights, where dreams take flight—a show where we dive deep into the minds behind the storiesthat move us. I’m your host, Amy M. Le, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by a very special guest—Michelle Dutch, the author of three compelling and emotionally rich novels: Mary McKenzie, Broken Dolls, and Nana Banana.

Michelle’s writing explores resilience, identity, and the complexity of human relationships, all delivered with a distinct voice and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering her work, you’rein for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Michelle Dutch is a resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been writing for over 50 years. Born and raised in California, Michelle has written fifteen books of poetry, three plays, and two children’s books. A woman of faith, missionary, grandmother, sister, daughter, Tia, and cousin, she is a world traveler and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts. Mary McKenzie is the first book in a series of thirteen. All books can be found on Amazon. https://a.co/d/aezxxNK

https://www.tiktok.com/@authormichelledutch

https://michelledutch.ampbk.comhttps://www.instagram.com/authormichelledutch

https://www.facebook.com/froggienana

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDutchPhotography/

https://x.com/mmckenziebooks

https://www.threads.com/@marymckenziebooks

https://www.tiktok.com/@marymckenzieseries

Today’s guest is someone who bridges two fascinating worlds — the precision of architecture and the imagination of speculative fiction. Paul Vecchiet is a successful architect and the author of The Disclosure Paradox, a thought-provoking novel that explores what happens when truth, secrecy, and discovery collide on a cosmic scale.

In this episode, we talk about the paradox at the heart of his book, how architecture and storytelling overlap, and why science fiction isn’t just about the future — it’s about understanding ourselves.

Paul G. Vecchiet is an author whose speculative fiction explores the intersection of U.S. government cover-ups, extraterrestrial phenomena, spirituality, and the future of humanity. Through his writing, Paul encourages readers to explore hidden truths and imagine new realities. A U.S. government civilian and former U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Officer, Paul draws from real-life experiences in his novel, The Disclosure Paradox.

Inspired by transformative meditation experiences in 2009, the novel incorporates elements of Paul’s personal journey, including the discovery of a hidden underground space at a large secure military facility, into his storytelling. The Disclosure Paradox has garnered high praise on Amazon and Goodreads, with its revised February 2025 edition offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of discovery and intrigue.

Born in Italy, Paul immigrated to the United States as a child, where a rich blend of cultural influences and professional accomplishments shaped his life. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, he served as a Civil Engineering Officer in the United States Air Force. His assignments across Washington, the Azores, Ohio, and Japan informed both his professional expertise and his globally reflective perspective.

For more information about Paul G. Vecchiet and The Disclosure Paradox, visit www.thedisclosureparadox.com.

https://www.instagram.com/pvecchiet/

https://www.facebook.com/PaulVecchiet

https://www.facebook.com/paul.vecchiet.2025/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-vecchiet-aia-ncarb-a1135919/

Today’s Quixote is someone whose voice has been a source of calm, clarity, and connection for so many. I’m thrilled to welcome Muxiang Pajerski, the host of the soul-nourishing podcast Be A Light with Muxiang.

Through her show, Muxiang creates a safe space for healing, spiritual insight, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether she’s interviewing a guest or speaking from the heart, she invites us all to slow down, go inward, and shine outward.

In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind Muxiang’s podcast, her journey with healing and spirituality, and how we can each become a light in dark times.

Muxiang Pajerski is a dynamic marketing technology project manager, speaker, podcast host, and mentor who thrives at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and personal growth. A first-generation Asian American immigrant, Muxiang draws on her rich cross-cultural journey to inspire others to step into their light and pursue meaningful change.

With a background in design and project management, she has led global teams, managed multi-channel marketing technology initiatives, and empowered others through servant leadership. Muxiang is also the host of the Be A Light with Muxiang podcast, where she shares stories of kindness, resilience, transformation, and purpose.

Her passion for public speaking cultivated through years in Toastmasters, leadership roles, and professional platforms drives her mission to help others find their voice and live confidently and boldly. Whether she's teaching accent reduction to immigrant parents or speaking to hundreds about communication and leadership, Muxiang believes in being the hero of your story and the light for others.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/muxiangpajerski

https://open.spotify.com/show/3tqoFSniJfqBSflZYUE4Ih?si=8e1ac93aa0334f42

https://youtube.com/@muxiangp

Be a Light podcast episode recommendation:

Learn How to Live a Fulfilling Life from Maureen, My Husband's Ex-Wife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sg4M54wemY

Book recommendation:

Escape: Teen Parent to Siblings at Ten Adolescent Divorce at Seventeen

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Siblings-Adolescente-divorce-Seventeen-ebook/dp/B0DNSM83K7

Documentary of Muxiang's stepdaughter, Valerie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T5rxyIYOdw

Today's Quixote is the remarkable Dr. Julie Tran—a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, the founder of Silicon Valley Natural Health, and the author of Acupuncture Awakenings and co-author of Asian Women Trailblazers Who Boss Up.Dr. Tran is not only a wellness expert but also a voice of empowerment for Asian American women in business and medicine. In this episode, we’ll talk about her journey from healer to entrepreneur, the wisdom behind Eastern medicine, and how she’s helping others "boss up" through purpose and passion. Get ready for an insightful, heart-centered conversation with Dr. Julie Tran.Dr. Julie Tran-Olive, ND, L.Ac, is a renowned naturopathic doctor, author, and researcher dedicated to a holistic approach to healing. Born and raised in San Jose, CA, Dr. Tran-Olive developed a passion for the field of psychology early on. She pursued her undergraduate studies at The University of Redlands in CA, earning a BA in Psychology. Dr. Julie Tran-Olive is an industry advocate for health and wellness through alternative medicine and has made it her mission to educate communities about its benefits. Through her efforts as a doctor, speaker, and writer, she has shared her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and naturopathy, improving the lives of countless individuals.

Purchase a signed copy of Acupuncture Awakenings from the Quill Hawk Publishing website and get a free printable chart (PDF) of Nutrient Functions and Deficiency Symptoms! https://quillhawkpublishing.com/products/acupuncture-awakenings-restoring-harmony-to-body-and-mind Website: ⁠www.svnaturalhealth.com⁠IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/svnaturalhealth⁠FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/svnaturalhealth⁠

Season 1, Episode 2 (June 15, 2025)

(Content warning: Topics include drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, death, incarceration, and profanity.)

Today’s Quixote is Jennifer Mangini, author of A Shadow of Me: The Oklahoma City Bombing and How It Changed My Life—an honest, raw conversation that confronts failures, embraces forgiveness, and celebrates resilience. Jenn is not just a writer—she’s an artist, Army veteran, and nursewho brings all heart and lots of humor to those around her.

We’ll discuss everything from life in the Army, her experience with the OKC bombing, and what it took to write her memoir. We’ll also explore faith, forgiveness, anger, and the spectrum of human emotions.

So buckle up—this will be an emotional ride through the world of identity.

https://quillhawkpublishing.com/pages/author/jennifer-mangini

Instagram: @themangini13