In this inspiring episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with author and designer Jon Bowerman to explore his new release, You’re Not Lost, You’re Just Starting: How to Make Anything Possible. John shares how a weekly conversation about teaching life lessons to his kids evolved into a book that helps readers reconnect with their inner child, simplify complex ideas, and start again with courage and curiosity.

Together, they discuss embracing intuition, overcoming self-doubt, and transforming creative blocks into flow. John also reveals how staying playful, journaling, and designing with heart—not hustle—can reignite both business and personal growth.

Takeaway: It’s never too late to design a life—and a story—that honors the dreams of your younger self.

In this inspiring episode of Finish the Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer sits down with award-winning military photojournalist Amy Forsythe, who served 18 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and later retired as a Navy Reserve public affairs officer. Amy shares the powerful journey behind her book, Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines—a deeply personal project that honors the post-9/11 generation of fallen Marines through stories, photographs, and memorials.

Together, Susie and Amy explore the emotional process of writing and publishing a coffee table book, the challenges of independent publishing, and the importance of honoring service and sacrifice through storytelling. Amy also discusses how she transformed her book into a speaking platform that continues to inspire audiences across the country.

This episode is a must-listen for veterans, aspiring authors, and anyone looking to turn their story into a legacy that lasts.

In this conversation, Susie and Michelle explore what it truly takes to bring a book to life — not just through words, but through visual storytelling and mindful design. Michelle opens up about her creative process, how intuition and expertise work hand in hand in book design, and the importance of collaboration between authors and professionals in the publishing space.

They also discuss the evolving world of digital publishing, from AI’s impact on creative ownership to the EU’s new ebook accessibility laws, and how authors can prepare for the changes ahead. Michelle’s insight is both practical and heartfelt, reminding aspiring authors that publishing a book is never a solo journey — it’s a creative partnership built on passion, precision, and purpose.

Tune in to learn how to design books that not only look beautiful but truly transform readers — and maybe even inspire you to finally finish the damn book.

In this inspiring episode of Finish the Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer sits down with Sunny Weber, an award-winning author and lifelong animal advocate who turned a devastating head injury into a mission to help fearful and abandoned dogs. Through her books and humane education work, Sunny teaches children and adults alike to see the world through a dog’s eyes—instilling empathy, compassion, and respect for all living beings. Hear how she built her own publishing company, turned setbacks into bestsellers, and continues to save lives one story at a time.

In this powerful episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with bestselling author and women’s advocate Saffron Gustafson, who began writing her book My Name Is Saffron while serving time in federal prison. From solitary confinement with a bendable pencil to becoming a bestselling author, Saffron shares how journaling became her lifeline and how her experiences inspired Maree Haven, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women transition after incarceration. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and reclaiming your voice—even in the darkest of places.

In this deeply moving episode of Finish the Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer sits down with author, artist, and advocate Esthela Nunez Franco, whose memoir Seven Stories for My Father: Letters of Love and Legacy honors the life and wisdom of her late father.

Esthela shares her powerful journey of immigrating from Mexico at age 10, discovering her voice through writing, and learning how storytelling can help us process grief, reconnect with our roots, and preserve the memories that matter most. Together, she and Susie explore the healing power of creativity, intuition, and faith—and how finishing a book can become an act of love and legacy.

You’ll also hear Esthela’s reflections on health advocacy, spiritual synchronicities, and the lessons she learned about embracing both life and death with courage and grace.

Learn more about Esthela’s work at www.esthelanunezfranco.com

Explore Susie’s programs to help you bring your story to life at www.finishthedamnbookpodcast.com

In this powerful episode of Finish The Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer sits down with Kerrie Lee Brown, award-winning author, speaker, and Editor-in-Chief of Success Magazine, to explore how a life-changing heart health crisis reshaped her definition of success.

Kerrie opens up about overcoming perfectionism, embracing intuition, and finding purpose through storytelling. From her years leading top publications to self-publishing her own book My Heart, Myself, she shares how vulnerability became her greatest strength—and why women must prioritize self-care to lead and live well.

If you’ve ever pushed yourself too hard or ignored your intuition, this heartfelt conversation will remind you that healing and purpose often start with your own story.

In this heartfelt episode of Finish the Damn Book, bestselling author and founder of The Swaddled Movement, Sarah Cassidy, joins host Susie Schaefer to share her transformative journey from fear and perfectionism to trust and creative freedom. Sarah opens up about the emotional challenges of writing her first book, overcoming imposter syndrome, and discovering the power of authentic storytelling in motherhood. Together, they dive into themes of courage, intuition, and the beauty of unbecoming who you were to discover who you truly are — reminding every woman that you are not alone, you are the perfect mother for your child, and your life will come back to you.