Book 101 Review

Valerie Willis
Award-Winning Author of Dark Fantasy, Mythology, and Monster Romance.
I’m Valerie Willis, an award-winning dark fantasy and paranormal romance author, publishing professional, and frequent workshop host who helps audiences explore the space where storytelling, mythology, monsters, and modern book marketing meet. I write across multiple pen names and bring a rare mix of creative and industry experience to every conversation—from building unforgettable fantasy worlds and adapting folklore into fiction to understanding what makes books marketable, visually strong, and reader-facing. On the publishing side, I’ve designed hundreds of book interiors and covers, co-founded 4 Horsemen Publications, and spoken on topics ranging from book design and branding to direct sales and genre trends. On the creative side, my work is rooted in mythology, dark history, folklore, and the kinds of monsters readers never quite forget. Podcast audiences tend to connect with me because I can speak both to readers who love fantasy, paranormal, and monster romance, and to writers who want practical insight on craft, packaging, branding, and building books that resonate. Whether the conversation is about myth-inspired storytelling, weird and marketable book ideas, indie publishing, direct sales, or why monsters remain such powerful mirrors for human emotion, I aim to make every episode useful, entertaining, and memorable.

Matt Newnham
“Children’s author of the Space Ranger Fred series, inspiring young minds to explore science, imagination, and adventure.”
Matt Newnham is a children’s author, motivational speaker, and creative educator best known for the Space Ranger Fred series, a collection of STEM-inspired adventures that make science fun and accessible for young readers. Drawing on his background in communication and innovation, Matt combines storytelling with real-world learning to inspire curiosity and imagination. His books have been featured in classrooms around the world, praised for sparking interest in science and problem-solving through laughter and adventure. Matt speaks with warmth and authenticity about creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to shape young minds. He’s also a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning, with an energetic style that makes him a memorable, uplifting podcast guest.

Murray J. Lee
Helping Families Build Financial Peace Through Biblical Wisdom and Stewardship
Murray J. Lee, CPA is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, retired Big Four accounting firm partner, and financial strategist who helps people replace money stress with financial peace through timeless biblical principles and practical stewardship. After more than 30 years advising corporations, business owners, and families on financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, wealth building, and long-term financial planning, Murray retired at age 55 through disciplined stewardship and intentional financial living. Today, he equips individuals and families with practical, faith-based financial wisdom to overcome debt, manage money with confidence, and build a legacy that lasts. As the bestselling author of The Financial Armor of God, Murray combines decades of financial expertise with compelling storytelling, biblical wisdom, and real-world strategies. His message resonates with audiences interested in faith, entrepreneurship, personal finance, leadership, legacy building, and living with greater purpose. Podcast audiences appreciate Murray because he doesn't sound like a typical finance expert. Instead of focusing on formulas and financial jargon, he uses memorable stories, battlefield analogies, historical insights, and practical action steps to make complex financial concepts simple, relatable, and immediately applicable. Murray's speaking style is thoughtful, engaging, and highly actionable. He is an excellent guest for podcasts covering faith, entrepreneurship, mindset, leadership, financial freedom, stewardship, family legacy, and personal growth. seo tittle

Mark Powell
Born and raised in Missouri, J. Mark Powell now lives near Columbia, South Carolina. He writes the nationally syndicated Holy Cow! History column. He was a journalist for over 25 years, reporting everywhere from the county courthouse to the White House. He received the Alabama Associated Press Best Documentary Award for a documentary on the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. For 17 years, he was a senior news writer and editor at CNN in Atlanta and was part of two Emmy Award-winning news writing teams. Additionally, he served as a press secretary on Capitol Hill and as communications director in the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Before that, J. Mark lived in Kentucky for eight years, where he fell in love with thoroughbred horse racing. He was even fortunate enough to acquire a micro-share of Authentic, winner of the 2020 Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup. A lifelong ardent Civil War enthusiast, he has curated a collection of over 560 letters and more than 5,000 original Civil War-era CDV photos. He was the 2000 Volunteer of the Year at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and is a member of the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels. His family tree includes a substantial number of Revolutionary War soldiers and notable Civil War generals, as well as Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Zachary Taylor. J. Mark Powell is also the author of the political thriller Tell It Like Tupper and co-author of the historical thriller The Curse of Cain. Witness to War is his first non-fiction work.

Geoff Grant
Guiding You Back To What Makes You Feel Alive.
For more than 25 years, I have been deeply engaged in the caregiving experience first supporting my mother, and later my wife, Karen. This lived experience has given me a practical and nuanced understanding of the emotional, physical, and systemic realities caregivers face every day. Caregiving is often framed as an act of love, but it is equally a complex role that demands resilience, adaptability, and sustained support. Through years of navigating healthcare systems, managing long-term care, and balancing personal well-being with responsibility, I have seen firsthand how easily caregivers can become overlooked within the care ecosystem. Karen remains the inspiration behind this work. Her belief that creativity sustains the human spirit continues to inform my approach, especially in recognizing that quality of life matters at every stage of care. These experiences have shaped my commitment to advocating for caregivers as essential partners in health outcomes not as an afterthought. Today, I work to support caregivers and collaborate with healthcare professionals and organizations to promote more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable models of care. My focus is on ensuring caregivers are seen, supported, and equipped because when caregivers are strengthened, the entire care system benefits.