In this episode, Greg D sits down with veteran publisher, author, and journalist Terry Whalin for a powerful conversation about the real world of publishing, writing, and what it truly takes to succeed as an author today. From his beginnings as an English teacher to his evolution into a successful writer and publisher, Terry shares hard-earned insights that cut through the noise and misinformation surrounding the writing industry.

He debunks common myths about publishing, breaks down the essentials of crafting a compelling book proposal, and explains why authors must take ownership of their own success. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned storyteller, this episode is packed with practical advice—from writing for magazines to building a platform that lasts.

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the publishing process, a renewed sense of responsibility for your creative journey, and the inspiration to tell stories that matter.

Topics Covered:

• Why storytelling is a critical skill for every writer

• The truth behind book sales and author expectations

• Why your platform should be built on owned media

• How writing for magazines can grow your audience

• Crafting a book proposal that works

• Lessons from decades in journalism and publishing

Memorable Quotes:

📚 “Books change people’s lives.”

🗣 “You have to learn how to tell a story.”

🚪 “There’s tons of opportunity out there.”

Check out Terry at his website here -

https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/

And his LinkedIn here -

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

And don't forget to follow the show!

Keep smiling and keep striving!

In this powerful episode, Greg D sits down with Nicolette Nierras to explore her deeply personal transformation—from accountant to podcast host and transformational coach in the mental health space. After facing the twin upheavals of divorce and the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicolette found herself unraveling everything she once believed about who she was… and who she wanted to be.

What followed was a journey of rediscovering identity, reclaiming self-worth, and learning to trust the process.

Nicolette shares how those life-shaking experiences led her to launch the podcast “You’re Worthless. Read That Again. The Juxtaposition of Your Very Soul.”—a show that flips the narrative on self-doubt and empowers listeners to challenge the labels placed on them.

Together, Greg and Nicolette dive into identity, subconscious programming, taking risks, and the radical power of choosing joy, peace, and love—on purpose.

Topics Covered:

• Divorce, COVID-19, and identity loss

• Leaving accounting to pursue a purpose-driven path

• The deeper meaning behind her podcast title

• Aligning mind, body, and soul in healing

• Safety vs. risk in transformation

• Rebuilding from experience—not reinvention

Quotes to Remember:

• “You’re the ship!”

• “Trust the process.”

• “Rebuilding isn’t starting over—it’s starting wiser.”

🎙️ This is an episode about redefining who you are when life no longer looks the way it used to—and finding the courage to keep becoming.

Check out Nicolette here! -

Website

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

LinkedIn

And don't forget to follow the show for more!

Chapters

00:00 Nicolette's Journey: From Accountant to Podcaster

05:13 Rebuilding from Experience: Lessons Learned

14:18 Destruction of the Old Self: Letting Go of Validation

21:18 Embracing Change: The Shift to Entrepreneurship

27:20 Finding Purpose: The Birth of a Podcast and Coaching Career

34:54 Transformational Lifestyle Coaching Explained

40:47 Subconscious Programming and Its Impact

45:37 Navigating Safety and Risk

54:02 Believing in Yourself Over Others' Opinions

59:19 Life Lessons and Embracing the Journey

In this introspective episode of Simply Satisfied, Greg D sits down with Joel Bouchard to explore the philosophical side of personal growth. Together, they unpack the timeless question: What am I doing with this one life?

Joel shares his perspective on the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and everyday life—explaining how concepts like open-mindedness, self-discovery, and balance play a vital role in becoming who we’re meant to be. From the influence of Zen and Alan Watts to the discipline of fitness and the lessons learned through music and the military, this conversation is a powerful reminder that philosophy isn’t reserved for ivory towers—it lives in our choices, habits, and inner narratives.

Whether you’re seeking clarity, navigating your own transformation, or simply want to think deeper about how you live—this episode is a grounding and expansive listen.

Topics include:

• The difference between philosophy and psychology

• Why fitness is a philosophical pursuit

• The illusion of the past and future

• Embracing failure as part of growth

• Finding presence and peace in daily life

Quote to remember:

“You can live life lightly—when you stop carrying things that don’t exist.”

Check out Joel here: https://jbouchard.podbean.com/

And check out your host here: https://beacons.ai/gdfc

Don't forget to subscribe and follow the show!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Philosophy and Life

05:48 Defining Philosophy and Its Relation to Psychology

11:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery

18:19 Fitness as a Philosophical Pursuit

23:23 The Concept of Balance in Life

30:13 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Music

37:15 Lessons from the Army: Overcoming Mental Barriers

43:21 Collaboration Over Competition: A New Mindset

51:17 The Balance Between Thought and Experience

58:01 Living in the Present: A Zen Perspective