Your Favorite Locals tour the world of writing a Sci-Fi Fantasy Novel with published author, Bonivon Dyer. She shares her journey on writing and publishing her new novel "Lest They Have Eyes" and the struggles she faced over the last decade. This project, 13 years in the making, is a testament to Bonivon's creative grit and determination. Join us as we explore her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the inspiration behind her characters and world-building. We'll also discuss the role of AI in her creative journey and the profound themes of vulnerability and strength that permeate her work. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of fantasy, this episode is for the dream chasers of creative pursuit.

(00:00 - 00:57) Intro

(00:58 - 03:10) Bonivon’s Journey to Publishing

(03:11 - 09:10) Inspiration Behind the Book

(09:11 - 21:41) World-Building and Character Development

(21:42 - 39:17) The Role of Critique in Writing

(39:18 - 46:46) Handling Feedback and Growth

(46:47 - 1:08:59) Balancing Writing and Family Life

(1:09:00 - 1:18:46) Creating Character Stories

(1:18:47 - 1:34:09) How do you know when your book is done?

(1:34:10 - 1:49:32) Incorporating Religion and Spiritual Themes

(1:49:33 - 2:13:42) The Use of AI in Writing and Art

(2:13:43 - 2:19:19) Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Click here to purchase Lest They Have Eyes! https://www.bonivondyer.com/

Follow Bonivon on Social Media: I

G: https://www.instagram.com/bonivondyer/

Tik Tok: http://tiktok.com/@bonivondyer?lang=en

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In this raw and powerful episode, we sit down with Randall Bowman—an Indigenous woodworker in Reno Nevada and the founder of All Nations Art Collective. Once addicted to meth and lost in a cycle of violence, Randall shares his deeply personal story of survival, sobriety, and how he's now creating life-changing opportunities for Indigenous youth through art, culture, and community support.

Topics we dive into:

➡️ Getting hooked on drugs at an early age

➡️ White-knuckling detox and finding purpose in helping others

➡️ The power of art and why he's fighting for Indigenous communities

If you’ve ever wondered how someone escapes rock bottom—and then builds a ladder for others—you need to hear this.

(00:00 – 01:09) Intro

(01:10 – 10:23) Founding All Nations Art Collective

(10:24– 21:04) The truth about growing up on a Reservation

(21:05 – 34:07) Randal's Childhood, Drugs & Survival Tactics

(34:08 – 48:23) Addiction vs. Partying

(48:24 – 51:20) Fatherhood & Custody Struggles

(51:21 – 1:27:59) Rehab, Therapy & Uncovering the Why

(1:28:00 - 1:54:15) Miracle on the Mountain: Surviving a Life-Altering Accident

(1:54:16 - 2:19:02) Family, Culture, and Community: Building a Legacy

(2:19:03 - 2:3529) Empowering the Next Generation

(2:35:30 - 2:34:29) Advice for Families Facing Addiction

All Nations Art Collection https://www.allnationsartcollective.org/

Randal Bowman https://www.instagram.com/roseleewoodworking/

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#addictionrecovery #indigenous #yourfavoritelocals

Your Favorite Locals sit down with ex-Mormon Emily McHale to uncover the honest, eye opening, and real experience of growing up LDS. Inspired by The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, they break down the strict rules (no coffee, booze, or premarital fun), deep-rooted gender roles, and the pressure to stay “worthy.” Emily also shares the positive ways the church shaped her growing up and it's effects after leaving the church. Get ready to dive into the wild history of Mormonism, the controversies around its founder, Joseph Smith, and how modern LDS members navigate the internet exposing it all. Buckle up, and get ready to tour the world of Mormonism.

(00:00 - 02:23) - Introduction

(02:24 - 04:13) Growing Up Mormon

(04:14 - 08:19) Rules and Expectations

(08:20 - 11:13) Education and Community

(11:14 - 14:04) Gender Roles in the LDS Church

(14:05 - 20:30) Mormon History shapes U.S. History

(20:31 - 24:11) The Impact of Divorce

(24:12 - 37:09) Leaving the LDS Church

(37:10 - 39:49) Positive Takeaways from the LDS Experience

(39:50 - 49:52) Tithing and Financial Practices

(49:53 - 1:01:34) Baptisms for the Dead

(1:01:35 - 1:11:14) Personal Beliefs and Spirituality

(1:11:15 - 1:48:21) Advice for Those Questioning Their Faith

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