The Munn Avenue Muse Podcast Podcast Por Charles Levin arte de portada

The Munn Avenue Muse Podcast

The Munn Avenue Muse Podcast

De: Charles Levin
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Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration for Both Aspiring and Accomplished Authors from Munn Avenue Press

www.munnavenuemuse.comCharles Levin Arte Economía Historia y Crítica Literaria
Episodios
  • Hopefully, the Only Stalker You Know

    Hopefully, the Only Stalker You Know
    Sep 30 2025
    When you picture a Marine with seven combat tours, the image that comes to mind is probably rigid command and barked orders. Yet, retired Marine Scott Stalker, author of Left of Leadership, has built his entire philosophy around something different: preparation, humility, and care for people.His story is filled with lessons that reach far beyond the military. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, writing a book, or just navigating everyday challenges, his approach is practical, human, and surprisingly relatable.1. Growth Often Starts at Rock BottomStalker’s career didn’t begin with glory. In fact, at Marine Corps intelligence school, he finished “dead last.” One superior told him bluntly that he wouldn’t last more than four years. That failure could have ended his career, but instead it became the turning point.“If I wanted to do more, I had to become more. And that meant preparation.”It’s a reminder that our most painful setbacks often provide the soil where real growth begins. Failure doesn’t have to define you. It can shape you into someone stronger, more disciplined, and more ready for what comes next.2. Success Is Determined Before the Big MomentIn the military, most people think of the “boom”—the moment of battle, the high-stakes decision. But Stalker argues that outcomes are decided long before then. That’s why he called his book Left of Leadership.“The best time to prepare for Monday is Sunday night.”Success, he explains, happens in the unglamorous prep: double-checking gear, running through scenarios, asking hard questions in advance. The same is true in daily life. What looks like quick, decisive action in the moment is really the result of preparation that no one else sees.3. Stress Is a GiftMost of us treat stress as the enemy. Stalker flips that view on its head. As a former powerlifter, he compares stress to weight on a barbell. You only grow stronger by adding more.“Stress is a gift. Without it, there’s no growth. No adaptation, no improvement.”He even described writing his book as a form of chosen stress. It was hard, uncomfortable, and demanding, but that pressure forged new strength. Instead of running from stress, Stalker suggests leaning into it in measured ways, using it as training for the unexpected challenges to come.4. Trust and Love Outperform AuthorityRank may keep order in the military, but Stalker insists real leadership has nothing to do with titles. It’s about trust—and, perhaps surprisingly, about love.“People aren’t going to follow you just because you bark orders. They’ll follow you because you inspire them… because you genuinely love them.”True influence comes from building relationships, showing care, and investing in people. Teams, families, and communities thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued. Authority might demand compliance, but trust creates loyalty.5. Be the Original YouIn a world full of comparisons, Stalker offers one of his simplest but most powerful pieces of advice: authenticity beats imitation.“Don’t try to be the next David Goggins, the next Jocko Willink… Don’t try to be the next Scott Stalker. Be the original you.”He never set out to write the next bestselling military memoir. He wrote his book because he had a message he believed in. That same mindset applies anywhere… at work, in creative projects, or in daily life. Your experience, your voice, and your perspective are your greatest assets.Prequel to SuccessScott Stalker’s lessons remind us that leadership isn’t about the dramatic moment or the title you hold. It’s about what happens beforehand… the preparation, the resilience, the willingness to embrace stress, and the authenticity to lead with care.These are not just military lessons. They’re lessons for anyone who wants to grow, to influence others, or to succeed in the work that matters most.So the real question becomes: What preparation are you doing today that will serve as the prequel to your next success story?📚 Left of Leadership is available now wherever books are sold.🎧 Hear the full conversation with Scott Stalker on The Munn Avenue Muse podcast.If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderWant more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    45 m
  • Master Your Book Launch: PR Secrets from a Global Expert

    Master Your Book Launch: PR Secrets from a Global Expert
    Sep 9 2025

    Welcome to a special episode of Munn Avenue Muse, featuring Charlie Levin’s conversation with the incredible Kiki Keating, founder of The Kiki Network, a global PR firm, and former Director of Public Relations at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. Kiki brings over 15 years of experience building reputations and helping authors achieve their publishing dreams, from her time at Tuck School of Business (1998-2013) to her current work with The Kiki Network.

    For independent authors navigating the complex world of publishing, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Kiki reveals how to take your book from an initial idea to a market-ready success, offering guidance on finding ghostwriters, securing professional editors, and choosing between traditional, agented, or hybrid publishing routes.

    Crucially, Kiki emphasizes the power of strategic publicity and media relations. Learn why you need to start building buzz 3 to 4 months before your book launch, lining up interviews and speaking events to ensure maximum impact during release week and beyond. She'll share how to cultivate your social media presence and grow your audience long before your book hits the shelves, a non-negotiable step as modern publishers increasingly look for authors with built-in platforms. As many traditional "big five" publishers no longer invest heavily in marketing unless you're a high-profile author, developing your own platform is more vital than ever.

    Discover the inspiring story behind 'Better Angels,' a project Kiki helped bring to life for Congressman Michael McCall and Sadie Keller, demonstrating how books can truly make a difference, reaching beyond bestseller lists into the hands of those who need them most by distributing copies to children's hospitals. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for authors to connect with readers – from engaging email campaigns like "Who wants to be murdered in my next book?" to direct correspondence – and the often-overlooked joy of research that can enrich your writing process.

    Whether you're struggling to find time to write, as Kiki herself managed a demanding schedule with young children, looking to decode Amazon's algorithms for better sales, or simply want to elevate your book's visibility, Kiki's wisdom is invaluable. Tune in to arm yourself with the essential PR and marketing strategies every independent author needs for a successful and impactful publishing journey.

    If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

    Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

    Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

    Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    34 m
  • How a Journal Can Save Your Life

    How a Journal Can Save Your Life
    Aug 26 2025
    Welcome back to the Munn Avenue Muse, the place where books and the people behind them come alive. We’re closing in on 30 podcast episodes (wild, right?), and this one is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought about turning real-life chaos into something meaningful on the page.Charlie Levin welcomes Amy Lamb, a certified health and wellness coach, and her mom, Shirley Lamb. Together, they turned a medical nightmare into a book that’s already changing lives: My Health Journal.This isn’t just another guided journal. It’s the book they wish they’d had years ago, a lifeline born out of nearly four years of the wrong treatment.When “Trust the Doctors” Went WrongAbout six years ago, Shirley started noticing muscle weakness. After countless tests, she was diagnosed with a serious condition and endured monthly treatments for almost four years.But here’s the plot twist: she never had the illness.When Shirley and her husband moved to North Carolina, a new doctor pushed for second opinions. The truth came out: the diagnosis was wrong, the treatments were unnecessary, and the toll on Shirley’s health was devastating. We’re talking strokes, seizures, and heart problems, events that suspiciously lined up with the treatments themselves.The most chilling part? If she hadn’t moved, she’d still be hooked up to the wrong IV, paying the price for someone else’s error.That realization lit a fire under Amy and Shirley. If the medical system wasn’t going to connect the dots, they needed a way to do it themselves. And that spark became My Health Journal.Turning Pain into PurposeWhen Amy read aloud from the book’s intro during our podcast, it stopped us in our tracks:“We lost nearly four years to the wrong treatment, but that misdiagnosis gave us freedom. It gave our family clarity. And it let us finally focus on what truly mattered, helping Mom feel better and regain control of her health.”That’s the heart of My Health Journal. It’s not a fluffy gratitude diary. It’s a serious tool for anyone trying to piece together their health story when doctors, specialists, and apps aren’t talking to each other.Think of it as your personal evidence log. A place to track symptoms, diet, stress, meds, social connections, and even gratitude (because mindset matters). With two pages per day plus monthly reflections, it doubles the depth of most wellness journals. And yes, it sneaks in tips and quotes to keep you inspired on the days when health feels like a battle.Author Takeaways: Turning Notes Into NarrativesAmy and Shirley’s advice?* Write everything down. Don’t trust your memory.* Ask questions (even the ones that make doctors uncomfortable).* Get second and third opinions.* Look for patterns. Food, stress, sleep, and social life are all connected.* And Amy’s favorite practice is gratitude: each journal page begins with “I am grateful for…”Here’s the meta piece for authors: this book started as notes. Just raw, messy, frustrating notes scribbled during a medical crisis. And when the dust settled, those notes became the blueprint for a book that can help thousands of families. Proof that your journal might be your next manuscript.Behind the Scenes of PublishingAmy admits she never thought she’d write a book. But once the idea clicked, the process moved fast. With Munn Avenue Press guiding the way (editing, cover design, distribution), what started as scattered pages turned into a polished, professional book.Her family even voted on cover designs, making it a creative and surprisingly fun process. Lesson for authors: involve your people. It makes the book journey richer.What’s Next for My Health JournalAmy’s mission now is getting the journal into the hands of people who need it most especially those battling chronic illness. She’s also exploring a digital edition with app features, blending old-school note-taking with modern tech.And here’s how dedicated she is: she literally carries copies in her backpack, ready to hand one to a doctor at any appointment. Here’s an author who believes in her work.🎧 Listen, Learn, and Maybe… WriteYou can catch the full interview with Amy and Shirley on the Munn Avenue Muse Podcast. It’s equal parts heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.👉 Grab your copy of My Health Journal (fulfilled by Ingram, so it’ll hit your mailbox in about a week).And if you’re an author? Pay attention to how Amy and Shirley took pain and turned it into purpose. Sometimes the hardest stories make the most powerful books.If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderWant more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse. Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share...
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    25 m
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