• Episode 289 - Rodeo Hawkins (ft. John Claude Bemis)
    Oct 21 2025

    How do you write the story that only you can tell?

    How do you remain disciplined when you want to continue to create new and different pieces of art?

    Or, what if you find yourself on the run from multiversal agents of chaos!?

    All of these discussion topics and more are shared in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast!

    Today's guest, John Claude Bemis, shares his perspective writing, the highs and the lows, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

    About John Claude Bemis

    John Claude Bemis is the award-winning author of six middle-grade novels, a picture book, and the forthcoming Rodeo Hawkins graphic novel series. A former elementary school teacher, John earned his Master's of Education in Literacy from UNC Chapel Hill and taught fourth and fifth grades for thirteen years. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from UNC-Chapel Hill for his work as an author-presenter in schools and served as North Carolina's Piedmont Laureate for Children's Literature, promoting literacy and the literary arts. A popular instructor and inspiring guide to writers of all ages—kids, teens, and adults— he teaches creative writing workshops and leads retreats around the world. Beyond the creative expression of writing, John is also a sculptural mask-maker, a songwriter, and musician. He lives with his wife and daughter in Hillsborough, North Carolina.


    About 'Rodeo Hawking & The Daughters of Mayhem

    Sidney Poblocki is thrilled to learn his destiny is to save the multiverse—until he discovers it's actually his destiny to destroy it—in this fantasy adventure graphic novel!

    When Sidney Poblocki runs away from his troubled home life, he winds up in a whole new world of trouble. Why are interdimensional assassins after him along with every other kid named Sidney Poblocki throughout the multiverse? Will he ever see his best bud Walt again now that Walt's memory of Sidney has been erased? And what the heck is the deal with Rodeo Hawkins and her ragtag gang of mischief-making girls the Daughters of Mayhem?!

    They claim they're trying to keep him safe, but Sidney isn't so certain "safe" is even in their vocabulary. As Sidney is swept into a series of misadventures that will change the multiverse forever, one thing is for certain: with Rodeo Hawkins around, his life is about to be filled with a lot more mayhem.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    46 mins
  • Episode 288 - Grandmother Moon (ft. Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason)
    Oct 14 2025

    How much do you think about the land you're living on?

    Have you taken the time to give your thanks/appreciation for who came before you?

    Today's guest Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason discusses her latest book "Grandmother Moon", why it was important for her to share this story, and the significance of paying respect to the native land we live on.

    We chose to release this episode right on the heels of Indigenous People's Day as a way to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people who were here originally, enjoy!

    About Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason

    Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk) is an educator, advocate, traditional storyteller, and author who has been a voice for social, cultural, and educational equity for more than 20 years. She has led workshops and professional development in school districts and universities nationwide. At Brown, Wunneanatsu's role will include oversight of staff and administration of the NAISI office, including supporting the expanding undergraduate concentration in Critical Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS), NAIS-focused programming, and collaborations with centers, institutes and departments across campus. She will also contribute to strengthening the University's relationships with tribes, both locally and beyond, and supporting the ongoing work led by the Vice President for Community Engagement and Practitioner in Residence for Tribal Engagement (endawnis Spears).


    About 'Grandmother Moon'

    "Nohhum, doesn't it look like the moon is following us?"

    During her weekly car ride with her grandmother from the city to the reservation, a young Native girl ponders the moon that seems to follow them. Each week, she looks forward to listening to her grandmother's warm, soothing voice as she sings and tells stories. Tonight, her grandmother teaches her about Grandmother Moon, her significance, and why we honor her.

    In her debut picture book, Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk) captures a grandmother and grandchild's relationship through their shared wonder and admiration. Along with rich illustrations, Grandmother Moon preserves Indigenous histories and teachings within a modern setting, reminding us that Grandmother Moon is always watching over us, and wherever we are, we are safe and loved.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    47 mins
  • Episode 287 - The Stuff of Dreams (ft. Leah Hager Cohen)
    Sep 2 2025
    Have you ever wondered about what goes on at your local community theatre? Or have you, yourself, participated in community theatre and wished someone covered it in a book? Today's guest of the podcast, Leah Hager Cohen, set out to do just that in her 2001 release "The Stuff of Dreams". This book covered a specific performance in a season of plays for her local community theatre, dubbed one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Despite having many other fantastic releases since her '01 release, she's on the show today because 'The Stuff of Dreams' was a formative book for Joe during his youth and he had her on the show to discuss all things community and theatre. Please note: Unfortunately, there were some audio issues with Leah's Zoom connection and the quality is not up to the usual standards, we've cleaned it up the best we could but we hope you enjoy it nonetheless. We'll have Leah back again soon to continue this discussion! Enjoy! About Leah Hager Cohen Leah Hager Cohen was born in Manhattan and raised at Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens (where her parents worked) and later in Nyack, New York. As a kid, she spent summers at Camp Kinderland, stiltdanced with the Bread and Puppet Theater, ran a follow spot at Elmwood Playhouse, and shelved books at Nyack Library. At age 16, Leah enrolled as a drama student at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, then transferred to Hampshire College a year later to study writing. She joined an arts brigade in Nicaragua, worked as a nanny in Berkeley, rode a Greyhound bus across the country, and freelanced as an ASL interpreter in NYC before attending Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. The best praise she ever received came in a letter of recommendation by Edmund W. Gordon, her first boss after college: "She is impatient with institutional stupidity." Her favorite quote about writing comes from the poet Joseph O. Legaspi: "My first memory of poetry was watching the rain on my windowsill when I was young, and touching the windowpane." Leah is the author of 7 novels, 5 nonfiction books, one pamphlet, and the blog Love As A Found Object, as well as various and sundry essays, articles and reviews. As of September 2025, she has gone back to school, enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Simmons University. About 'The Stuff of Dreams' In this unique theatrical memoir, novelist Cohen chronicles the ups and downs of her suburban community theater's struggles over the staging of David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly. The project is fraught with problems—the Arlington, Mass., theater and its conservative supporters are reluctant to stage a play that deals daringly with sexuality and race; meanwhile, it proves quite difficult to find an Asian man to play the transgendered lead (who also has a nude scene)—but the show must and does go on. Cohen, who loves working in theater, is a keen observer who never hesitates to pinpoint the problems and personality clashes endemic to the process of putting on a play. While she provides useful background, from the history of her theater (begun in 1913) to the importance of community theater in the U.S., she is best at describing the endlessly delicate negotiations between the small but award-winning theater's director, actors, designers and stagehands. Cohen is respectful of everyone's opinions and methods as they face M. Butterfly's considerable challenges to the theater's conventional approach to staging a production and moves us assuredly through her characters' process of political and artistic discovery. While never deeply probing the myriad social issues it raises, Cohen's backstage drama does give us a miniature yet nuanced glimpse into a world rarely explored. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    57 mins
  • Episode 286 - The Picasso Curse (ft. Dan Gutman)
    Aug 26 2025

    What would you do if you found out you accidentally bought a priceless work of art?

    Would you sell it?

    Would you donate it?

    Would you get rid of it?

    Or would you keep it secret?

    In Dan Gutman's latest book, 'The Picasso Curse', Edwin discovers he's bought a Picasso original piece of art hidden behind a $10 Kobe Bryant poster. Little does he know this discovery is about to change his whole life!

    We're thrilled to welcome back Dan Gutman to the podcast to discuss all things about art, Picasso, and a lot of 'what ifs!?'

    Enjoy!

    About Dan Gutman

    New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan's My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.

    Dan's books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College's Best Children's Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children's Book Award, and the Iowa Children's Choice Award, among others. When he's not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

    About 'The Picasso Curse'

    What would happen if you accidentally bought a doodle worth millions? Edwin Hodge finds out in this middle grade novel by Dan Gutman, bestselling author of My Weird School series.

    There were so many things Edwin Hodge didn't know when he paid $10 for a cool poster of Kobe Bryant at the local flea market.

    He didn't know that hidden within the frame of the poster was an original drawing by Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous artists in history. He didn't know the Picasso might be worth millions of dollars. He didn't know that kids at school were going to treat him differently, or that he would become a world famous social media superstar.

    And he sure didn't know that people would tap his phone, follow him home, break into his house, or threaten to burn it down. He didn't know the Picasso was going to ruin his life.

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    39 mins
  • Episode 285 - Bear and the Three Goldilocks (ft. Patrick Horne)
    Aug 12 2025

    Do you like fractured fairy tales?

    You know, when the story you think you know gets flipped turned upside down!?

    Yeah you do, you know you do and today's guest has got a fun one!

    On this episode of the podcast author Patrick Horne stops by to share his debut release, "Bear and the Three Goldilocks" and what path he took to get to this point.

    It's a fun conversation we think you'll really like so pull up a chair and enjoy!


    About Patrick Horne

    I've worn many hats throughout my adult life. I've been a tennis coach, a teacher and more recently a children's book author. Every experience that I have had has made a great impact on my life and I'm so happy to be able to share those experiences here.

    About 'Bear and the Three Goldilocks'

    You'll laugh out loud at this funny fractured folktale with pictures by a popular artist!

    The Goldilocks family leave their campsite to go on a hike while their s'mores cool off . . . when along comes Bear.

    "What's that yummy smell?" Bear wonders. S'mores, of course: too gooey, too chocolatey . . . and just right! Bear eats them all.

    Bear continues to wreak havoc by breaking a chair, smashing musical instruments, and extinguishing the fire. When the Goldilocks return, they are flabbergasted. They try to make a lot of noise to shoo away the bear . . . when Mama Bear and Papa Bear show up. Mama and Papa apologize profusely for the behavior of their naughty offspring, but the Goldilocks don't speak "Bear." They just hear a lot of LOUD GROWLING. So they decide to hightail it out of there, and the Bear family gets to enjoy the tents and snacks that are left behind.

    This hilarious story, a perfect readaloud, and its hilarious pictures will delight children and parents alike.

    A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com

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    59 mins
  • Episode 284 - The Last Voyage (ft. Brian McLaren)
    Aug 5 2025
    He's back but this time, he's going to Mars! Mars!? That's right, MARS! Good friend and author Brian McLaren returns to the podcast to discuss his latest book and first in the start of a brand-new sci-fi trilogy, The Last Voyage! Brian and I discuss the timeliness of this book and how it compares to his first fiction trilogy, 'A New Kind of Christian'. I think you'll really enjoy the episode and get ready to dive into a wonderful world of science fiction that, eerily, may not be that far fetched, enjoy! About Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for "a new kind of Christianity" – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (2024). His co-authored children's book Cory and the Seventh Story was released in 2023. The first book of a new science fiction trilogy, The Last Voyage, can be pre-ordered now for release in July, 2025. Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). About 'The Last Voyage' It's 2056 and international oligarchs have pushed the world to the precipice of ecological, economic, and nuclear catastrophe. But two philanthropists have teamed up to establish a viable outpost on Mars. Could this daring outpost be the next chapter in the story of the human race? Or will its brilliant team of scientists and engineers repeat the folly of humans on Earth? When the project's founders on Earth discover that Mars Base has been keeping a terrifying, multi-layered secret from them, they recruit an unusual crew for a last voyage. Will these young voyagers bring what's needed for the fledging community on Mars to flourish? In this first volume in a thrilling new trilogy from Brian McLaren, you'll explore the limits of technology, the deepest needs of the human spirit, and the abiding questions that energize humans wherever they live … on Earth or elsewhere in space. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    43 mins
  • Episode 283 - Cults Like Us (ft. Jane Borden)
    Jul 29 2025
    Are you in a cult? Are you sure? Are you really sure? According to guest Jane Borden, our entire country was founded by a doomsday cult, the Puritans. Aaaaand if that didn't get your curiousity piqued for this latest episode of the podcast, then I don't know what will! In the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast, Joe and Jane get into a conversation about the definition of a cult, some of the earliest examples, and how the world around us uses "Us vs Them" logic to drive people further and further apart. It's a startling realization in an age where everything seeks to divide us. It's a great episode that you won't want to miss, enjoy! About Jane Borden Jane Borden is an author, culture journalist, and editor. She contributes regularly to Vanity Fair, and has written for the New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post, among other outlets. Her book Cults Like US: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America will be published in March 2025 by One Signal Publishers. Her first book, I Totally Meant to Do That, was published by Crown. Before all of that, she was a culture editor at Time Out New York. ​She is also a professional editor, book coach, and ghost writer.​ Jane lives in Los Angeles. About 'Cults Like Us' This colorful and enlightening pop history explains why the eccentric doomsday beliefs of our Puritan founders still drive American culture today, contextualizes the current rise in far-right extremism as a natural result of our latent indoctrination, and proposes the United States is the largest cult of all. Since the Mayflower sidled up near Plymouth Rock, cult ideology has been ingrained in the DNA of the United States. In this eye-opening book, journalist Jane Borden argues that Puritan doomsday belief never went away; it just went secular and became American culture. From our fascination with cowboys and superheroes to our allegiance to influencers and self-help, susceptibility to advertising, and undying devotion to the almighty dollar, Americans remain particularly vulnerable to a specific brand of cult-like thinking. With in-depth research and compelling insight, Borden uncovers the American history you didn't learn in school, including how we are still being brainwashed, making us a nation of easy marks for con artists and strong men. Along the way, she also revisits some of the most infamous cults in this country—including, the Branch Davidians and Love Has Won, presenting them—as integral parts of our national psyche rather than as aberrations. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 282 - Guy talk (ft. Ben Feller)
    Jul 1 2025

    What do guys talk about?

    How do male friendships work?

    How can you be vulnerable in an environment where you've been conditioned to "bottle it up" and not share what's really on your mind?

    That's the topic of this episode of the podcast as we welcome back former guest, Ben Feller, to the show to discuss his latest project, the new podcast "Pour It On".

    Joe and Ben get into a great conversation about Ben's podcast, how much it means to him, and what he hopes listeners of the podcast get out of it.

    Enjoy!


    About Ben Feller

    Ben Feller is an award-winning writer who covered two presidents and now helps people and organizations tell their own stories. He is also a writing coach, moderator, media adviser and public speaker on parenting, politics and the power of communications.

    In his first career as a journalist, which spanned 20 years, Ben distinguished himself as one of the finest reporters in the nation. He ultimately served as the Chief White House Correspondent for The Associated Press, a role in which he led presidential coverage for the largest news organization in the world.

    Ben spent more than six years covering President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush, traveling aboard Air Force One across the United States and to more than 25 other countries. He often asked the first question at press conferences and was honored as a "master of deadline reporting."

    Ben then pivoted to business, becoming a communications adviser who specializes in guiding companies, universities, foundations and leaders on their messaging and their biggest strategic decisions. He is now a partner at maslansky + partners, the world's leading language strategy firm, where the power of story is used to achieve goals and solve problems.

    A native of State College, Pa., Ben graduated with distinction from Penn State in 1992 with a degree in journalism, and he has been honored as an Alumni Fellow of the university for success across his communications careers.

    About "Pour It On"

    Pour It On is a podcast hosted by Shaun Emerson, Ben Feller and Chris Lozier about male friendship, life's challenges and joys, and making the most of our time here. When the chaos of life makes you want to bottle it in, don't let it. Grab your drink of choice, enjoy the moment, and let's pour it on!

    Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website!

    Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast!

    Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com


    AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast:

    Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins