Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • On Healing and Legacy Through Fiction: Rachel Caplin’s Soul-Stirring Story

    On Healing and Legacy Through Fiction: Rachel Caplin’s Soul-Stirring Story
    Oct 15 2025
    What happens when a tech executive discovers writing as therapy for processing her grandmother's dementia? In this powerful episode of Every Soul Has a Story, host Dara Levan converses with Rachel Caplin—VP of Business Development, mother of three, and author of "The Spoon and the Sea." Rachel shares her incredible journey from Australia to Israel, how she met her husband in a destined encounter, and why writing fiction became her unexpected path to healing. Discover how writing helped Rachel process grief, why she initially never intended to publish her book, and how current events in Israel inspired her second manuscript. Listeners will learn about the therapeutic power of writing, balancing multiple passions, and finding joy during dark times. This conversation explores writing as legacy, cultural identity, and how our greatest challenges often birth our most meaningful creative work.


    0:00 - Intro
    0:55 - Rachel's background and family
    1:58 - Rachel's career in technology
    2:27 - Childhood love of writing
    5:26 - Speech therapy and stuttering journey
    7:51 - Moving from Australia to Israel
    10:32 - Explanation of Aliyah
    11:51 - The Spoon and the Sea inspiration
    15:02 - Writing to process grief
    22:36 - The freedom of writing fiction
    25:13 - Second book and October 7th
    28:12 - Letting go through fiction
    32:57 - The power of story
    35:55 - Writing as legacy
    44:37 - Outro

    RESOURCES:
    IG: @rachelhcaplin_https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239379199-the-spoon-and-the-sea
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    45 min
  • Writing Your Way Home: Julie Fingersh on Her "Accidental" Memoir 'Stay'

    Writing Your Way Home: Julie Fingersh on Her "Accidental" Memoir 'Stay'
    Oct 6 2025
    Discover the memoir writing journey of Julie Fingersh, an award-winning journalist turned "accidental author" of Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas. Named a People Magazine Best Memoir, Julie reveals how midlife crisis, empty nesting, and buried family secrets ignited her bestselling book. Learn why she stopped writing for 30 years—and how radical truth-telling healed her. What happens when publishing success isn’t enough? Unlock universal lessons on creativity, resilience, and finding your voice.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    0:00 - Intro
    0:22 - Julie’s accidental author origin
    1:17 - Why she stopped writing
    2:45 - Midlife crisis awakening
    3:45 - Montana writer’s retreat
    4:24 - Crafting memoir for readers
    7:44 - Memoir cover symbolism
    8:48 - People Magazine accolade
    11:00 - Universal reader resonance
    19:48 - Platform-building struggles
    22:00 - Arrival fallacy revelation
    26:13 - Family permission to publish
    31:32 - Julie’s gratitude to Dara
    32:24 - Outro

    RESOURCES:

    https://juliefingersh.com/
    https://juliefingersh.com/stay
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    33 min