In this episode of The BrightWord Books Podcast, we welcome author Judith Hobson for her first appearance as she shares the inspiration behind her charming book, An Old Little Lady. Hobson takes listeners into a gentle, humorous story that explores the quiet joys and unexpected surprises of moving from city life to the countryside during one’s senior years. Through simple moments and keen observation, the book captures the warmth of new beginnings and the comfort found in everyday discoveries.As the conversation unfolds, Judith Hobson reflects on themes of adaptation, companionship, and finding delight in life’s small details—from friendly wildlife and stray cats to the less-welcome surprises of country living. This episode offers a heartfelt look at aging with curiosity and grace, making it a comforting and relatable listen for readers who appreciate cozy storytelling and thoughtful reflections on change.

On this episode of The BrightWord Books Podcast, we welcome author Charles A. Cottom for his first appearance as he discusses his thought-provoking book, Notes from Outside the Box. Cottom invites listeners to step beyond conventional thinking and explore the deeper forces shaping human existence, creativity, and conflict. Drawing from science, philosophy, and reflection on the evolution of the universe, he challenges us to reconsider how we see ourselves, our history, and our shared future.Through this engaging conversation, Cottom unpacks the central ideas of Notes from Outside the Box, presenting humanity as part of a much larger creative process and emphasizing our fundamental interconnectedness as “One People.” He explains how the book’s unique, step-by-step structure allows readers to absorb complex ideas gradually—each “rung” offering fresh insight into why humanity has reached its current moment and how we might move forward. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin viewing the human condition from a truly expansive perspective.

The BrightWord Books Podcast welcomes author Robert McGuiness for his first appearance, featuring an in-depth conversation about his evocative and philosophical work, The Attenuating Puritan. In this episode, McGuiness introduces listeners to an altruistic hero whose journey is shaped by moral purity, inherited burdens, and unwavering faith, offering a powerful reflection on the human struggle to remain steadfast in a complex and often corrupted world.Through poetic imagery and thoughtful dialogue, the discussion explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, and spiritual discipline, as well as the modern challenges posed by environmental toxins and moral decay. The Attenuating Puritan emerges as both a symbolic pilgrimage and a call to conscious living, inviting listeners to reflect on personal responsibility, inner restoration, and the enduring quest for the divine within the earthly realm.

The BrightWord Books Podcast returns with an urgent and thought-provoking episode featuring author David Arieti alongside Dr. Jacob Nieva, marking Dr. Nieva’s second appearance on the show. This in-depth conversation centers on his powerful book, Prognosis: Disaster: How Climate Change and Disease Will Ruin Your Life UNLESS… (Second Edition), offering listeners a compelling look at the science, ethics, and human responsibility behind today’s escalating environmental crises.In this episode, Dr. Nieva expands on how climate change, deforestation, and pollution are accelerating the spread of dangerous diseases that threaten humans, animals, and ecosystems alike. Together, the hosts explore the updated insights of the Second Edition, discussing why immediate action is no longer optional and how informed choices can still shape the future of life on Earth. This episode is both a sobering warning and a call to awareness—essential listening for anyone concerned about the planet, public health, and the path forward.

The BrightWord Books Podcast welcomes author James M. Stanish for his first-ever appearance on the show, offering listeners an intimate introduction to both the man and the mission behind his powerful photo book, Images from Vietnam 1969: A Journey with the 11th Armored Cavalry. In this debut conversation, Stanish reflects on his personal journey, his time in Vietnam, and the responsibility of preserving history through images and firsthand perspective.The episode explores the vivid photographs and narratives that define the book—capturing fierce combat in the triple-canopy jungles near Saigon, the presence of M551 Sheridan tanks, dangerous C-130 landings, and encounters with the North Vietnamese Army. Interwoven with these moments are quieter, deeply human scenes of camaraderie, USO shows, and striking portraits of American troops and the local Montagnard people. Through Stanish’s lens and voice, listeners gain a rare, moving insight into the complexity, intensity, and humanity of the Vietnam War.

The BrightWord Books Podcast welcomes back author Linda Dezenski for her second inspiring appearance, this time diving deeper into her powerful new memoir, Persistence: Living an Authentic Life with a Disability. In this candid conversation, Linda opens up about her journey with Cerebral Palsy and what it means to move through a world that wasn’t built with her in mind. She shares the realities many don’t see—the frustrations, the misunderstandings, and the daily challenges that shape her experience. With honesty and clarity, she invites listeners into her story, shedding light on what life with a disability truly looks like beyond assumptions.But Linda’s message goes far beyond hardship. In this episode, she reflects on the pivotal realization that changed everything: her disability is part of her story, not the definition of it. With humor, resilience, and deep compassion, she discusses the process of embracing her whole self and how that led her to a mission of empowering others. Whether you live with a disability or simply want to better understand the world around you, this conversation—and Linda’s book—promises to shift perspectives, spark empathy, and celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically.

Join us on The BrightWord Books Podcast as we welcome first-time guest James Cunneen, author of A Fortunate Son: At Night He Remembers. In this episode, James delves into the life of Jacob, a young lieutenant in Vietnam whose journey to Christ sets him on a path of faith, service, and reflection. From his years as a college professor and campus minister to his later life questioning the impact of his devotion, Jacob’s story offers listeners an intimate look at a life committed to God and the challenges of living faithfully.Listeners will be inspired and challenged to examine their own spiritual journey and consider whether their lives are aligned with God’s purpose. James shares insights that encourage believers to serve wholeheartedly, pursue meaningful work in God’s name, and strive for a life that, at its end, can confidently proclaim, “Father, I have accomplished the work you sent me to do!” This episode is a compelling conversation for anyone seeking guidance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of a life devoted to faith and service.

Join us on The BrightWord Books Podcast as we welcome first-time guests Dr. Jacob Nieva and David Arieti, MS, co-authors of the urgent and eye-opening book Prognosis: Disaster: How Climate Change and Disease Will Ruin Your Life UNLESS… Second Edition. In this episode, the authors dive into the alarming realities of human-induced environmental change and the escalating threat of climate-driven diseases. They break down how global warming, deforestation, and unchecked pollution are fueling new and more virulent illnesses—placing humans, animals, and entire ecosystems at risk.Dr. Nieva and Arieti also explore why this book serves not only as a scientific reference on disease and environmental impact but also as a dire call to action. With clear insight and evidence-based guidance, they challenge listeners to confront the consequences of inaction and understand the urgent measures needed to protect life on Earth. Whether you're concerned about public health, climate change, or the future of our planet, this episode delivers an essential, thought-provoking conversation that highlights what’s at stake—and what we can still do to change the outcome.