In this episode of the Books with Purpose podcast, host Shannon Whittington visits with author Dr. Markus Smith about his upcoming book, “Journey Through the Hoods”. Having grown up in Oklahoma in a gang-riddled part of town, drowning in poverty and a victim of racism, Dr. Smith had a lot to overcome. After 20 years of being told by friends and students that he needed to write his story, he finally decided to get it done when a good friend gave him the inspiration he needed. Dr. Smith’s biggest hope is to inspire just one person to fight their demons. “It’s all about how you attack with life gets hard” ~Dr. Markus Smith

Poet and NBA basketball player Antoine Hood "Clark Wayne" visits with host Shannon Whittington about his book of poetry, "Hood Thoughts". Antoine talks about how he found his passion for writing, the importance of emotional intelligence, his fight with cancer, how he chose his pen name (it involves Batman!) and much more! In this episode, we don't talk much about Antoine's time with the Nuggets and Spurs - we focus more on whether men are really free to share their emotions and something called the Belly Button Effect...

Best-Selling author Mandy Cavanaugh visits with host Shannon Whittington about her book F*ck the Glass Ceiling. Mandy is an international business coach and focuses on aspiring feminine coaches. While her message to women is about starting at the top and staying there, you may be surprised to hear how she advises women to make that happen...

After twenty years as a professional writer/producer for ABC-Dallas, as well as writing commercials for Entertainment Tonight while living in L.A., author Victoria Belue talks about her transition to fictional writing. Victoria visits with host Shannon Whittington about her three-book series, The Tarot Legacies, her deep interest in alchemy and how that played a part in developing her stories, as well as revealing her own favorite author and book. With book #4 being released in March 2021 and #5 already in the works, you'll want to be sure to get your copy of The Hand Dealt (book #1) and get ready to be immersed into this urban fantasy world! https://amzn.to/3dYyHnB

In this episode of the Books with Purpose podcast, host Shannon Whittington visits with author Regina G. Hanson. As they traverse tears and laughter, Regina shares the importance of sharing your truth, your way. "Sexual Intellectual Female", Regina's most recent book release, goes deep into the idea that women can be both sexual beings and intelligent. She shares a powerful and emotional story from her past that led her to the understanding that purging our pain is the quickest path to healing and well-being. A reiki practitioner and author, Regina has found her life purpose to be one of inspiring others.

In this episode of the Books with Purpose podcast, host Shannon Whittington visits with a fun father-daughter co-author team! Bill MacKenzie and Tiffany Caldwell talk about family traditions, learning etiquette, and how they decided to take on the task of writing children's books. "Forkman" is the first in a series that will deliver etiquette lessons in a fun and engaging way - starting with the simple "No elbows on the table!". Tiffany has a fun family story to share about how this rule became a staple in their family lore. "Forkman" can be found on Amazon, or on the website forkman5.com.

Listen in as retired officer Jamie Newbold recounts some of his most memorable moments as a WECAN officer in San Diego with host Shannon Whittington. Jamie has written a series of 3 books recounting his days on the streets - some stories humorous, some more on the serious side, as you can imagine working to clean the streets of narcotics could be! Now the owner of SoCal Comics and a luxury restaurant in the hills of San Diego, Jamie enjoys reminiscing and sharing stories of days gone by.

Have a young child in the 21st century means learning how to balance screen time and other technology. It can be scary figuring out how to keep our kids safe and healthy when so much of their lives, as such a young age, is online. Author Timothy Koerner talks with author coach Shannon Whittington about his new book, "What Does a Screen Mean" and how his own son inspired him to write this children's book. Written for children from infancy through 1st grade. Your child is sure to enjoy having you read it to them!