The Author Your Brand Show

This week on the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with Kathleen Lucente, founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications, to unpack what really happens when leaders face their toughest public moments. Drawing on experiences from 9/11 to global health crises and corporate upheavals, Kathleen explains how smart crisis communication can protect both people and brand reputation. She shows why every CEO needs a clear plan, an aligned leadership team, and an honest narrative before a crisis ever makes the news. The conversation dives into the psychology of employees after traumatic events, the realities of data breaches and public protests, and the importance of practicing crisis scenarios so leaders can respond with confidence instead of panic. Kathleen also shares why she turns down ethically questionable “fix it” work and how values-driven communication builds long-term trust with customers, investors, and teams. Whether you’re running a startup or a global brand, this episode will change how you think about preparedness, reputation, and leadership under pressure. 5 Key Takeaways Every organization needs a crisis communications plan before a crisis hits. Internal communication and employee trust are just as important as external PR. Practicing scenarios and simulations builds the muscle memory to respond well. Ethical, transparent messaging is the foundation of a lasting reputation. A clear brand narrative helps leaders turn high-stakes moments into opportunities for trust and credibility. Learn more about Kathleen Lucente and Red Fan Communications at https://redfancommunications.com.

This Is My New Foundation: A Memoir of Loss, Faith, and Redemption — Based on a True Story In a world upended by trauma, grief, and the unexpected storms of life, This Is My New Foundation tells the unforgettable story of William Bailey—a man who lost everything, only to discover that sometimes, hitting rock bottom is the first step toward building something unshakable. From the gritty streets of Detroit to the disciplined halls of West Point, from the chaos of military service to the quiet devastation of personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey’s journey is raw, real, and deeply human. What began as a breakdown became something else entirely: a testimony of survival, resilience, and divine intervention. This memoir is more than a life story—it’s a call to anyone who’s ever felt forgotten, broken, or buried by circumstance. With honesty and grace, Bailey reveals how pain can be a teacher, how faith can be a blueprint, and how healing can begin—even in silence. Whether you’re facing your own storm or searching for new purpose, this book reminds us: You don’t rebuild with bricks. You rebuild with truth, faith, and a new foundation.

This week on the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with bestselling author Brian Kelly to tackle the controversial question: Should AI replace human work? Brian argues that AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to eliminate the mundane, repetitive tasks that slow us down. By letting technology handle the routine, we free ourselves to focus on creativity, innovation, and impact. The conversation goes deeper into mindset, growth, and resilience. Brian shares how understanding your “why” can fuel motivation, transform setbacks into comebacks, and keep you aligned with your bigger vision. He also reveals practical ways businesses are already using AI to streamline processes and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re skeptical of AI or eager to embrace it, this episode will challenge how you think about technology, success, and the future of work. 5 Key Takeaways 1. AI should replace repetitive tasks, not people. 2. Mindset determines how you adapt and grow. 3. A clear “why” fuels resilience and motivation. 4. Setbacks can become setups for comebacks. 5. Businesses that embrace AI will enhance creativity and innovation. Get a copy of Brian's latest book, Mind Body Business, at https://a.co/d/2Ddz5nw.

In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with Tyler Snure, a published author and entrepreneur who began writing stories at age seven and released his first novel, The Jewels of Fate, by the time he was 17. They explore how Tyler balances creativity with business, connects with young readers and their parents, and uses AI tools to support—but not replace—his creative process. 📌 Key Takeaways: Tyler began writing stories at age 7 and published The Jewels of Fate at 17. He treats authorship as both an art and a business, blending storytelling with an entrepreneurial mindset. His marketing strategy targets both young readers and their parents, using relatable messaging and clear value. AI plays a role in editing and marketing, but Tyler maintains a fully human approach to creativity. Advice to aspiring authors: Prioritize creativity Stay committed to the process Be consistent in your writing and promotion 👤 Guest Spotlight: Tyler Snure – Author of The Jewels of Fate series, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth literacy. Get a copy of Tyler's book here: https://a.co/d/29rwscJ

In this episode, Doug Crowe sits down with ghostwriting expert Eli Gonzalez to explore the evolving landscape of storytelling. They discuss Eli’s journey from corporate sales to becoming a successful ghostwriter, and why the art of ghostwriting is more important than ever in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Eli and Doug unpack the critical differences between being a writer and an author, share insights on how ghostwriters help people articulate their stories, and highlight the unique role human creativity plays in powerful writing. They dive into why AI can assist but never replace the emotional depth and authenticity that human storytellers bring to the table. You’ll also hear valuable strategies on how to start writing a book, the importance of mastering interviewing skills as a ghostwriter, and the ethical considerations behind writing someone else's story. Whether you're a writer, an aspiring ghostwriter, or someone curious about the future of AI and writing, this conversation reveals why human stories still matter—and always will. Top Takeaways: Most people struggle to articulate their stories without help. Writers should prioritize mastering their craft, not just chasing authorship. AI can support the writing process, but human creativity is irreplaceable. Great ghostwriters are also great interviewers. Ethical ghostwriting can amplify voices and preserve powerful stories. Connect with Eli Gonzalez: Visit godfatherofghostwriting.com to learn more about his work, or reach out directly at eli@theghostpublishing.com to start a conversation.

Ira Zlotowitz, a commercial real estate financing (CREF) visionary and the Founder & CEO of GPARENCY. This CEO Featurette highlights his extensive experience, including his role in the significant growth of previous companies like Meridian and Eastern Union, and his dedication to addressing the lack of transparency in CRE financing. Zlotowitz's innovative approach at GPARENCY involves a mortgage assurance model that guarantees clients the best rates through a fixed fee, aiming to provide clarity and equitable access to financing for property owners. The text also mentions his recognition within the industry and his commitment to philanthropic efforts.

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Doug Crowe sits down with registered dietitian and Navy veteran Leslie Urbas to decode what your gut is really trying to tell you—especially if you’re a woman in midlife. From gas and digestion to mindset and menopause, Leslie unpacks how emotional baggage and subconscious programming can wreak havoc on our health. Together, they explore why we need to stop labeling food as “good” or “bad,” how breath can reboot your nervous system, and why true healing starts with the words we tell ourselves. 💡 Top 5 Takeaways: Your thoughts feed your gut. The way you think about food impacts how your body digests it. Food isn’t moral. Dropping the “good vs. bad” mindset reduces stress and supports healthier choices. Unspoken emotions can clog your system. Many gut issues trace back to suppressed feelings. Midlife symptoms aren’t a life sentence. Cultural narratives—not biology alone—shape your experience. Awareness is your first medicine. Healing begins when you tune in, breathe deeply, and choose consciously. Want to learn more or work with Leslie? Visit leslieurbas.com for courses, coaching, and resources to help you stop hating yourself skinny—and start healing for real.

Think your next move is writing another book? What if the real opportunity is hidden in the one you've already published? On this episode of The Author Your Brand Show, I sit down with Jim Niswonger, a former engineer who’s built a business around helping authors turn their existing content into actual revenue. No buzzwords. No inflated promises. Just practical systems built around what readers actually respond to. We talk about why so many authors are spinning their wheels, how smart automation (used the right way) can create real engagement, and why results, not hype, are the foundation of any worthwhile partnership. Jim’s approach isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional. But if your audience is solid and your content has legs, this conversation might be a turning point. What you'll learn: • Why writing more books might be the wrong next step • How personalization makes your content feel like a one-on-one conversation • Why understanding your readers matters more than publishing more content • What it looks like to partner with someone who only wins when you do • How a strong book can work harder if it’s paired with the right system Curious if you’re a fit for Jim’s model? He’s offering a no-pressure discovery call at www.authorai.io or email Jim directly at jim_niswonger@yahoo.com

Terry Tucker has had a diverse career—college basketball player, police officer, SWAT hostage negotiator, and now, a man facing one of life’s toughest battles. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he continues to share his experiences through Motivational Check, where he speaks on leadership, perseverance, and personal growth. His book, Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, offers practical insights on overcoming challenges and staying focused on what truly matters. In this episode of The Author Your Brand Show, Terry talks about how his time in law enforcement built his resilience, how facing a life-threatening illness changed his outlook, and why family support has been essential. Now a speaker and author, he helps others push through adversity and find purpose in life’s toughest moments. Takeaways: Get Terry’s book: Sustainable Excellence [ https://amzn.to/3FfBKXR ] Learn more about what he does at MotivationalCheck.com

What if the key to making money as an author isn’t selling books—but renting your content instead? Publishing expert Paulette Ensign has sold over two million copies of her work without spending a dime on advertising. Instead of relying on traditional book sales, she mastered bulk sales and content licensing, turning a simple tips booklet into a thriving business. In this episode of The Author Brand Show, Paulette reveals the biggest myths about book monetization and shares real-life strategies to sell more, earn more, and expand your reach—without chasing individual book buyers. From bulk deals to licensing agreements, she explains how authors can turn their content into long-term revenue streams. If you're looking to maximize your income beyond book sales, Paulette’s insights will show you how to do it. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Books Aren’t the Only Path to Profit – Bulk sales and licensing create new opportunities. 🔹 Content Licensing = Renting Your Work – A smarter way to generate recurring revenue. 🔹 Relationships Matter – Business growth comes from the right connections. 🔹 Digital Marketing Expands Possibilities – The online world makes content licensing easier than ever. 🔹 Adapt and Evolve – Success comes from thinking beyond the traditional publishing model. 🎧 Ready to unlock the hidden revenue in your content? Tune in now and start making your expertise work for you. 🌐 Learn more about Paulette Ensign at TipsProducts.com

Sylvain “Sly” Haché didn’t just overcome stuttering—he turned it into a tool for success. As a transformational speaking coach and creator of a proven speaking system, Sly helps individuals master the art of stress-free communication and storytelling. His journey from chronic stuttering to teaching others how to connect, influence, and inspire is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, I sit down with Sly to discuss how storytelling transforms ordinary presentations into memorable experiences. We explore the difference between informational and transformational speaking, the importance of understanding audience desires, and why structuring emotions alongside logic is key to success. Sly also reveals why multiple stories (not just one) are essential and how every great presentation should drive action. Why Listen: You’ll learn... Sly Haché’s insights are perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their public speaking and connect authentically with their audience. Don’t miss this one! Visit Sly’s website to learn more: NextLevelPublicSpeaking.com/

Mike Konrad didn’t plan to start a business, but when environmental regulations like the Montreal Protocol disrupted the electronics industry, he saw an opportunity. Now, the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, Mike shares his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, filled with legal battles, financial hurdles, and groundbreaking innovation. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Mike discusses being first to market, staying focused on a niche, and why reputation matters more than patents. He also reflects on the lessons behind his book, The Reluctant Entrepreneur, and how writing it clarified his journey. Why Listen: You will learn… • How big challenges can spark big opportunities. • Why staying focused and being first to market matter. • Lessons from legal battles, tight budgets, and customer loyalty. Check out Mike’s story and grab his book, The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Anatomy of a Business Startup From Uncertainty to Unstoppable, for even more insights.

This episode is raw, real, and essential. I sat down with Maya Chylinski, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, who’s made it her mission to expose what’s quietly chipping away at workplace morale and productivity. Her personal story is a wake-up call for every leader and team member who wants to create a workplace where people feel supported and heard. We talk about the unspoken struggles many employees face, how trauma (even when unseen) impacts performance, and why companies can’t afford to ignore mental health anymore. Maya offers straightforward ways leaders can foster a healthier work environment and tackle these issues head-on. If you’re tired of business-as-usual and ready to rethink how your workplace supports its people, this conversation will hit home. Takeaways If your workplace isn’t where it needs to be, this episode is a great place to start. Learn more about Maya’s mission and insights at Alley424.com and ManyaChylinski.com.

Jody Durand, a highly experienced sales trainer, author, and community leader, is our special guest this week on the Author Your Brand Show. He shares insights from his impressive 20-year career in agricultural sales. Known for his strong relationships with farm families and his passion for agriculture, Jody has built a reputation for delivering customized solutions that truly meet his clients’ needs. Jody is also the author of Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity, a book that explores the principles of trust, persistence, and community in building a successful career in sales. In our conversation, we explore his journey in the agricultural industry, his approach to leadership, and the valuable lessons from his book that resonate far beyond the sales world. Key Takeaways: If you’re inspired by Jody’s story and want to learn more, check out his book Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity on Amazon [ https://amzn.to/4g7snqA ] to uncover the values and strategies that have shaped his remarkable story.

David Orban, a futurist, entrepreneur, and advisor to Beyond Enterprises, joins me on the Author Your Brand Show to explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and what it means for our future. As the founder of Network Society Ventures, David has been a leader in the conversation about how technology is reshaping our lives. He’s also the author of Something New, where he explores the rapidly changing landscape of AI and how humans will need to adapt. In our conversation, we cover big ideas like technological singularity, transhumanism, and the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities. David shares his thoughts on how AI is revolutionizing industries like healthcare and science and why we need to start asking serious questions about empathy, consciousness, and the role of humans in an AI-driven world. Key Takeaways: To learn more, visit davidorban.com or check out Something New on Amazon.

Joe Pici brings over three decades of sales training expertise as the co-founder of Pici & Pici Inc. He's dedicated to enhancing business sales performance with practical, hands-on techniques. Joe’s approach is direct and results-focused, with an emphasis on mastering phone communication and making lead generation a daily discipline. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Joe covers the key elements of effective sales training and explains why accountability is critical for driving sales success. He also shares advice on how to keep remote teams engaged and why practicing in real-world scenarios is more effective than role-playing. Key Takeaways: Looking to boost your sales skills? Visit Pici & Pici Inc. for free downloads and webinars, or check out SellMoreVirtually.com for a free 45-minute webinar. Text "SalesEdge" to 59925 for more resources. For personal advice, call Joe at 407-947-2590 for a complimentary chat.

Carma Spence, best-selling author of Public Speaking Super Powers and an expert in book marketing, knows exactly how to make a mark in the crowded world of publishing. With years of experience and a successful cookbook under her belt, Carma has helped countless authors use their books to build credibility and authority. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Carma talks about why so many authors struggle with marketing their books and offers practical advice on how to avoid those pitfalls. She also introduces her Author Diagnostic System, a tool that helps writers figure out where they’re strong and where they need to focus more attention to get the best results. We also cover how speaking engagements can boost book visibility and the growing influence of AI in publishing. While AI can be helpful for brainstorming, Carma makes it clear that the creative process and editing are best left to the human touch. Key Takeaways: If you’re looking for practical, step-by-step advice on book marketing, be sure to read Carma’s latest book, Serve Up Your Book: How to Market Your Book To Attract Clients and Leads in All Five Phases of Book Marketing (The Authorneer's Journey Series 4) on Amazon.

Randy Peyser, founder of Author One Stop, Inc., is a trusted name in the publishing world with over 20 years of experience helping authors land book deals with top literary agents and publishers. Her clients' works have appeared in Oprah Magazine, TIME Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, and some have even been optioned for Hollywood films. Randy is also the author of Crappy to Happy and The Power of Miracle Thinking. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Randy explains how authors can successfully pitch to traditional publishers, build relationships with agents, and avoid common mistakes that can block their path. She emphasizes the value of a solid platform, an active social media presence, and understanding the business side of publishing. Randy also explores the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing while helping authors make informed decisions about their next steps. Key Takeaways: Randy’s guidance provides a clear path for authors looking to enter the publishing world. Learn more through Author One Stop, Inc., or check out her books Crappy to Happy on Amazon.

How you lead can have a greater impact on your team’s productivity than any strategy you implement. Amy L. Riley is a respected speaker, author, and leadership development consultant with over 20 years of experience helping leaders at all levels build more effective teams. Having worked with leading organizations like Deloitte, Cisco Systems, and Aon Hewitt, Amy shares her expertise on improving team performance by tackling behaviors that often go unnoticed. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Amy explains how leaders may unknowingly limit their team’s success and offers practical, actionable steps to overcome these challenges. Her insights focus on understanding individual learning styles, setting clear expectations, and modeling the behaviors that lead to stronger, more productive teams. Key Takeaways: Tackle Unseen Barriers: Leaders often overlook behaviors that hinder team success. Understand Learning Styles: Tailoring leadership to how people learn enhances team effectiveness. Set Clear Expectations: Defining clear goals is crucial for team productivity. Lead by Example: Demonstrating the behaviors you want to see in your team is key to strong leadership. For more on leadership success, check out Amy Riley’s book The Courage of a Leader on Amazon.

What if the secret to crushing it in sales is not the tactics but the energy you bring to every interaction? Best-selling author, speaker, and sales expert Joe Nunziata, author of Spiritual Selling, has transformed countless careers by teaching the power of aligning your energy. His rise from bartending to becoming a top sales leader proves that when your energy is in sync, everything else falls into place. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Joe explains how emotions fuel your energy and why being honest with your feelings is key to aligning that energy for success—not just in sales, but in life. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, Joe’s practical insights and personal experience will give you the tools to make it happen. Key Takeaways: Ready to transform how you approach sales? Tune in for Joe Nunziata’s powerful insights, and if you’re looking to learn more, check out his book Spiritual Selling on Amazon.