Michael Eon holds back nothing in “These Things Happen”

In his recently-released book, “These Things Happen,” writer Michael Eon weaves his own battles with substance abuse and a challenging childhood into the story of Daniel Zimmer. I loved this book from the first page and was drawn into the story of Daniel’s early life, which we see transposed with his later years. This book is available through Girl Friday Books.

The characters are really amazing, from Daniel’s brother Max—whose struggles with mental health frame much of his life—to love interests Jill and Brie, to his father. Michael and I talk all about the many people in the book, some of whom came right from Michael’s own life, and the different roles they play. 

Music from bands like The Ramones and Black Sabbath plays a strong part in Daniel’s upbringing, and of course we take the time to nerd out about favorite bands and songs.

Michael also talks about his childhood and his battles with substance abuse. The author shares a lot of details, and we go into who the theme of substance abuse and the message for the readers.

Journalist Hilary Sheinbaum talks about the benefits of sobriety in new book

It was four years ago that lifestyle writer Hilary Sheinbaum took a bet with a friend to take part in Dry January, a month-long abstaining from drinking—and she's done it every year since. This led her to further explore this concept in her new book, “THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month.”



In this episode, Hilary and I talk about the bet she made with a friend to take on Dry January, what she gained from it, and what kept her going in the years that followed. Living in New York City, drinking is a big part of the social life, and so we also look at some of the new things she tried and how the bar experience changed. 

 

Kyle Elliot shares early show stories and making a living doing what he loves

A career in music is far from easy, but for Nashville-based Kyle Elliot, it's one of many that he's got going on. In this episode, we look at his work in music, but also running businesses with his family and how he balances everything.

Kyle shares the challenges he faced with his start in music and how getting fired from his day job wound up being the best thing that ever happened. He's already hit some milestones, such as performing on some of the biggest stages in Nashville.

Kyle collaborated with Stephanie Nash for the song “Never Break,” and he talks about working with her as well as other artists that he's been inspired by.

Following this interview, enjoy his latest single “Empty,” a story of love and loss and how alcohol is used to fix a broken heart.