Episodes

  • From True Crime Family Murder to Fiction Writing with Debbie Levison

    From True Crime Family Murder to Fiction Writing with Debbie Levison
    Apr 24 2026
    What happens when you discover a wooden crate containing human remains under your family's lake house—and your brother becomes the primary murder suspect? In this powerful episode, author Debbie Levison shares her shocking true crime story "The Crate," which intertwines her Holocaust survivor parents' history with a present-day murder investigation. Debbie opens up about why she pivoted to fiction with her latest novel "A Novel Crime," how she copes with trauma through dark humor, and why writing fiction gives her control over chaos that real life doesn't offer. Key takeaways: the vulnerability of nonfiction writing, how Holocaust survivors reclaimed their sanctuary after violence, and why comparing yourself to other authors is universal. Perfect for true crime lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone navigating family trauma.


    0:00 - Intro
    14:47 - Discovering the crate under lake house
    19:02 - Family trauma & Holocaust survivor parents
    24:23 - Why fiction beats nonfiction
    24:49 - Writing process & failed plotting
    25:06 - Statistics & speech pathology detour
    29:08 - Rascal House nostalgia
    29:40 - Concert pianist past
    29:42 - Debbie's concert pianist background
    31:13 - Outro

    RESOURCES:

    Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story:

    • https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/
    • Website: daralevan.com
    • https://debbielevison.com/
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    31 mins
  • Using Humor to Tackle Race, Religion, and Privilege | Asha Youmans & Alli Frank

    Using Humor to Tackle Race, Religion, and Privilege | Asha Youmans & Alli Frank
    Apr 10 2026
    What happens when a white Jewish woman asks a black Christian woman to “get together and talk about race”? For authors Asha Youmans and Alli Frank, it was the beginning of a bestselling writing partnership. In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan sits down with this dynamic duo to discuss their fifth book, Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman, and their mission to tackle hard topics—like race, religion, and privilege—through humor and joy. They reveal the surprising pushback they’ve faced from publishers who feared their partnership was “exploitative,” the hilarious rejection of a controversial book title, and how their decades in education gave them the thick skin needed to navigate the publishing industry. Listeners will learn about their unique writing process, how they navigate disagreements, and why they believe everyone is just trying to do their best.

    TIMESTAMPS:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:53 - How they decide what’s funny
    2:30 - David Sedaris quote: “Everything is funny eventually”
    4:09 - How Asha and Alli first met
    6:43 - The coffee date to “talk about race”
    8:45 - The mission: using humor and joy
    13:45 - Learning through laughter
    15:50 - The one-star review about veganism
    17:30 - Dealing with feedback from cultural readers
    20:14 - How they handle disagreements
    21:26 - Parsing out personal reactions from the scene
    24:08 - The common thread: everyone is doing their best
    28:59 - Who gets to write which characters?
    34:55 - The truth about trigger warnings in publishing
    39:40 - Publishers’ concerns about exploitation
    44:08 - Their tight editing process
    52:09 - Their creative process: Ally Lane and the green light


    RESOURCES:

    https://alliandasha.com/
    Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story:
    • https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/
    • Website: daralevan.com
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Reinventing Yourself After Divorce | Lisa Niver

    Reinventing Yourself After Divorce | Lisa Niver
    Jan 28 2026
    What if the red flags in your life were literally invisible? Award-winning author, speaker, and travel host Lisa Niver joins Dara Levan to share her incredible story of reinvention after a traumatic divorce and a late-in-life diagnosis of a lazy eye that reshaped her understanding of her past. Discover how Lisa’s journey through vision therapy, extensive world travel, and writing her memoir "Brave-ish" helped her piece together a pattern of abuse she once mistook for a "parade." In this raw conversation, you'll learn the power of post-traumatic growth, the importance of asking "what now?" instead of "what if?", and practical tips for reclaiming your life and joy. If you've ever felt stuck, unseen, or are seeking inspiration to break free, this episode is for you.

    0:00 - Intro
    1:01 - Lisa Niver’s Book and Award
    3:37 - Jewish Summer Camp Inspiration
    5:26 - What is an Ulpan?
    7:48 - Adult Lazy Eye Diagnosis
    11:53 - The End of a Marriage
    15:29 - Connecting Vision and Relationship Patterns
    18:54 - The Vulnerability of Writing
    22:06 - The Book’s Unexpected Audience
    25:14 - Replacing Self-Judgment with Compassion
    27:58 - The Forward-Looking Question
    31:35 - The Challenge of Outlining
    37:40 - A Somatic Writing Ritual
    39:19 - What Brings Lisa Joy
    42:52 - Outro

    RESOURCES:
    https://www.lisaniver.com/
    https://wesaidgotravel.com/
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    43 mins
  • From Reading X-Rays to Writing Novels | Heather Frimmer

    From Reading X-Rays to Writing Novels | Heather Frimmer
    Jan 21 2026
    What happens when a breast radiologist decides to write gripping medical novels? Join host Dara Levan for a conversation with physician and author Heather Frimmer, whose third book, Always Hope, explores the devastating impact of a malpractice lawsuit from all sides. Discover how Heather’s medical career fuels her writing, why empathy is her superpower in both radiology and fiction, and how she crafts authentic yet dramatic page-turners. In this episode, you’ll learn the surprising inspiration behind her novels, her top tips for aspiring authors, and her unique perspective on balancing a demanding career with a creative life. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on storytelling, resilience, and finding hope.

    0:00 - Intro
    0:45 - Heather’s Life as a Radiologist and Author
    2:57 - The Shift to Breast Imaging
    5:50 - The Inspiration for Better to Trust
    7:24 - How Writing Impacts Medical Empathy
    9:26 - The Empathetic Side of Radiology
    11:22 - On Identifying as a Writer
    13:10 - Heather’s Publishing Journey
    15:53 - How Each Book Changed Heather
    18:10 - Writing Through Personal Challenges
    20:04 - The Next Writing Project
    22:49 - The Importance of Research and Readers
    28:47 - Where to Find Heather Frimmer
    29:07 - Outro

    RESOURCES: https://www.heatherfrimmer.com/ @heatherfrimmer
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    30 mins
  • From Dance Critic to Bestselling Author | Kathryn Craft

    From Dance Critic to Bestselling Author | Kathryn Craft
    Jan 14 2026
    How does an optimist write about her husband's suicide and find purpose in the pain? Author, developmental editor, and former dance critic Kathryn Craft joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on transforming personal tragedy into powerful fiction. Discover how Kathryn's journey through loss led to her novels The Art of Falling and The Far End of Happy, learn why she waited eight years to tell her most difficult story, and explore her unique concept of "story as energy" from her new craft book. This episode offers key takeaways on resilience, the subjectivity of artistic reception, and setting healthy family boundaries. If you're interested in writing craft, mental health narratives, or finding the silver lining in life's darkest moments, this story is for you.

    0:00 - Intro
    1:36 - Writing about a husband's suicide
    3:41 - The call from a literary agent
    7:35 - Why her first novel came first
    10:44 - Titling The Far End of Happy
    15:39 - Changing agents and integrity
    18:31 - Remaining an optimist through tragedy
    22:46 - The subjectivity of rejection
    27:06 - Writing from three points of view
    31:36 - New craft book: Story as Energy
    35:33 - Finding voice through dance
    44:12 - The power of unanswered questions
    47:55 - Where to find Kathryn Craft
    49:05 - Outro

    RESOURCES:

    Kathryn Craft:
    • Instagram: @kathryncraft
    • Website: kathryncraft.com

    Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story:
    • https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/
    • Website: daralevan.com
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    50 mins
  • Reclaiming Your Identity in Menopause, with Lauren Tetenbaum

    Reclaiming Your Identity in Menopause, with Lauren Tetenbaum
    Nov 19 2025
    What if menopause could be an opportunity for empowerment and reclaiming your identity? In this episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan speaks with Lauren Tetenbaum, a licensed social worker and author of Millennial Menopause. They dive into the often-overlooked symptoms of perimenopause that can start as early as one's late thirties, the critical importance of setting loving but firm boundaries, and how to shift your mindset to navigate this life transition with confidence. Listen in for expert insights on women's mental health, practical advice for advocating for your well-being, and how to build a supportive network. Discover why knowing more about menopause is essential for every millennial woman and those who care about them.

    0:00 - Intro
    1:09 - Lauren's Miami and Cuban Roots
    2:18 - The Origin of Millennial Menopause
    3:41 - The Pivotal Book Idea
    4:56 - Collaborating with Health Experts
    6:21 - Menopause as a Liberating Phase
    7:50 - Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
    9:09 - Body Image and Eating Issues
    11:36 - Lauren's Self-Care Practices
    13:39 - Setting Boundaries at Work
    16:43 - How to Set Loving Boundaries
    19:52 - Handling Boundary Pushback
    22:22 - Lessons for Your Younger Self
    25:23 - Where to Find Lauren's Book
    26:03 - Outro


    RESOURCES
    • Millennial Menopause Book
    • Lauren's Website
    • Dara Levan's Website
    • Dara Levan's Instagram (Handled mentioned as "Follow me on Instagram at Dara Levan")
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    26 mins
  • Perfectionism, Parenting, and the Pressure to Recover with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

    Perfectionism, Parenting, and the Pressure to Recover with Mallary Tenore Tarpley
    Nov 7 2025
    What if "full recovery" from an eating disorder is an unrealistic ideal? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan has an unfiltered conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of the reported memoir "Slip." Mallory bravely shares her journey from the traumatic loss of her mother at age 11 to a decades-long struggle with anorexia, binge-restrict cycles, and the often-overlooked "middle place" of recovery. Discover three key takeaways: why we need to redefine recovery as "better, not all better," how grief and perfectionism can manifest as disordered eating, and the surprising warning signs of eating disorders in both women and men. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by eating disorders, body image issues, grief, or the quest for self-acceptance.

    TIMESTAMPS:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:25 - Welcoming Mallary Tenore Tarpley
    2:02 - Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorder
    3:09 - Mallory's Mother's Cancer Battle
    4:12 - Writing Her Mother's Eulogy
    4:33 - The Harmful Health Class
    7:18 - The Pressure of Perfect Recovery
    8:22 - Defining the "Middle Place"
    11:31 - Involving Her Father in the Memoir
    16:00 - Realistic Expectations for Recovery
    25:12 - Postpartum OCD and Pumping
    27:04 - Eating Disorders in Men
    32:51 - How to Approach a Loved One
    39:11 - Parenting and Body Image
    44:26 - Outro

    RESOURCES:
    Mallary's Book: Slip by Mallary Tenore Tarpley (Available wherever books are sold)
    Mallary's Newsletter: Mallary's Substack
    Mallary's Instagram: @mallarytenoretarpley
    Host Dara Levan's Website: daralevan.com
    Host Dara Levan's Instagram: @daralevan
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    45 mins
  • Overcoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill Santopolo

    Overcoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill Santopolo
    Oct 22 2025
    What if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in fiction, learn to silence your inner critic, and find out why you should never journal if it feels like a chore. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and living a life without regrets.



    0:00 - Intro
    0:22 - Welcoming author Jill Santopolo
    0:57 - The emotional resonance of Jill's novels
    2:06 - How Jill compartmentalizes her many roles
    3:09 - Writing as a zen-like meditation practice
    5:02 - Using fiction to escape and cope
    7:48 - The struggle with journaling
    9:18 - Letting go of parenting "shoulds"
    11:19 - Baking and running for joy
    12:19 - Jill's background in music and theater
    14:20 - The "road trip" method of writing
    20:05 - Why the first draft is messy
    24:51 - The truth behind the fiction
    31:30 - Jill's biggest fear revealed
    32:12 - Going skydiving and taking risks
    39:12 - Outro

    RESOURCES:

    Jill Santopolo's Website: https://www.jillsantopolo.com
    Jill on Instagram: @jillsantopolo
    Jill on Facebook: Jill Santopolo Author
    The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
    The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo
    The Sparkle Spa Series by Jill Santopolo
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    39 mins