Join Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds as he interviews Former Special Operations Forces, CEOs, entrepreneurs, big thinkers, and industry-leading experts who have teamed with Ballast Books to publish their stories.
New Memoir Chronicles Janielle Lucas’s Journey to Healing with Hot Yoga—and the Fires She Faced Along the Way
In this episode, hear Janielle Lucas, a wellness innovator, and Andy Symonds, Ballast Books president, discuss her new memoir, Taking Heat.
After decades of chronic illness, Janielle was desperate for relief. Finally, an unexpected invitation to hot yoga changed everything. For the first time in years, Janielle felt alive in her body. Convinced she had found a path to healing, she immersed herself in hot yoga, experimenting with escalating heat and humidity. The more intense the room became, the more her symptoms disappeared.
Eventually, she opened her own studio in Philadelphia. But just as her studio began gaining momentum, her dream unraveled. A crooked landlord, escalating harassment, and a disturbing series of legal battles pulled Janielle into a world she never expected. As the pressure mounted, so did her determination to survive—and to understand why this practice was transforming not only her body but her entire sense of self.
Get your copy of Taking Heat here.
11 Jun 2026
Former California Police Officer Chats New Book, Badge Under Fire
Take a listen as Chad Jensen, former California police officer, discusses his new book, Badge Under Fire, with Ballast Books president Andy Symonds. Get your copy here!
When Officer Jensen was falsely accused of excessive force during a lawful arrest, he trusted the justice system would protect him—until he became the target of what he alleges was a fraudulent FBI investigation and prosecution. With the support of his friends and family, Chad fought to uncover the truth, resolving to never give up the job he’d dreamt of as a little boy.
Chad Jensen proudly served the citizens of the City of Pomona, California, as a police officer for twenty-four years. As a corporal in 2015, Chad was involved in a low-level use of force arrest that was within policy and the law. In 2017, the FBI began a witch-hunt investigation that resulted in a fraudulent grand jury indictment.
13 Apr 2026
Zoë Gregory Chats Book From Britain to Bunny, Detailing Her Life as a Former Playboy Bunny
Check out this episode as Zoë Gregory, author and former Playboy Bunny, talks her book, From Britain to Bunny, with Ballast Books president Andy Symonds. Get your copy here!
What does it take to get from the tough streets of London to the glitz and glamour of the Playboy Mansion? Author Zoë Gregory takes readers on a journey through the rave scene of her rebellious youth to the stark reality of young motherhood and the economic pressures that drove her to reimagine her future. Join her through her life’s greatest turning points, including, of course, her relationship with the iconic Hugh Hefner.
Zoë Gregory started her career in modeling at age seven, appearing in TV commercials and print media. Zoë later became a personal Playboy Bunny to Hugh Hefner, which offered her a unique glimpse into the Playboy Mansion. With her passion for storytelling, she evolved into a talented writer and author.
6 Mar 2026
Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling Talks If I Don’t Return—Part Battlefield Memoir, Part Father's Journal
Check out Mark Hertling's discussion of his book, If I Don't Return, with Andy Symonds, president of Ballast Books.
When Mark Hertling was deployed to Iraq in 1990, he didn’t know if he’d ever return home. He started keeping a journal that could be passed down to his sons, writing about everything from the reality of combat during Operation Desert Storm and lessons on duty and humanity to stories of brotherhood and memories of his family. Now, decades later, he has returned to those journal entries and added detailed reflections to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the world.
Part battlefield memoir, part father’s journal, part meditation on the challenges of leadership, If I Don’t Return is the story of a soldier who faced death, returned home, and continued to live a life of service.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Mark Hertling served thirty-eight years in the US Army, as a major in a cavalry squadron during Desert Storm; as an assistant division commander in the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad; and later as the commander of the 1st Armored Division in Northern Iraq. From 2014 to 2024, Mark appeared as a military and national security analyst for CNN/CNN International. Today, he is a freelance analyst and writes on national security and leadership issues for a variety of media outlets.
Get your copy of If I Don't Return here!
5 Feb 2026
Kodey Bogart Discusses Newest Installment in Helo Girls Series
Kodey Bogart is back with the fourth book in the Helo Girls series, The Agricultural Pilot, which follows an aerial team on their mission to help a farmer spray crops with pesticides. Check out her discussion with Andy Symonds, president of Blue Balloon Books, as they talk all things STEAM and aviation.
Kodey Bogart is a former United States Army warrant officer and aviator who flew the Blackhawk during medical evacuation missions. She is a decorated combat veteran who has received two Air Medals and a Sikorsky Rescue Award. Kodey has extensive experience across aviation operations, including aviation safety, flight training, maintenance test flights, helicopter air ambulance, and aviation law enforcement.
8 Dec 2025
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC Talks New Holiday Children’s Book Celebrating Generosity
In Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis, Christmas gets a magical mix-up, Run-DMC–style! Take a listen as DMC—rapper, producer, and now author—gives an inside scoop to his new project.
As Christmas approaches, Darryl is exploding with holiday anticipation! But first, he needs a new pair of glasses. A trip to the eye doctor opens his eyes to the many ways people celebrate the holidays. When he tries on their new cultural frames, he sees everything from colorful Hanukkah dreidels to the beautiful Diwali lights. Darryl learns that holiday joy comes in all shapes and sizes. With his new perspective on holiday cheer and tradition, Darryl is encouraged to make a selfless decision. He uses his allowance to gift the bike he’s had his eye on to a homeless boy. He realizes that the true spirit of Christmas isn't about getting but about giving.
Get a copy of Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis here!
3 Nov 2025
Barry Morgenstein Takes Center Stage to Discuss His New Book Rock & Soul with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds
Barry Morgenstein takes center stage in this discussion of his book Rock & Soul with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds.
From the smoky corners of L’Amour to the thunderous roar of Giants Stadium, Barry poured his blood, sweat, and soul into capturing the faces that defined 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s music culture—including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Steven Tyler, and legends like Chuck Berry—in moments both fabled and intimate. Rock & Soul: Portraits by Barry Morgenstein is a visceral, visual collection of some of the best work throughout Barry’s career. This isn’t just a coffee table book—it’s a backstage pass, a time machine, and lightning strikes on paper. Each image tells an unfiltered story, immortalized by someone who didn’t just shoot the scene—he lived it.
2 May 2025
Andrea Mercier Talks Debut Children’s Book About Bridging the Gap Between Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Children
Andrea Mercier speaks with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds about her children’s book. Andrea’s journey took an unexpected turn when she became an autism mom to her beautiful son, Gabriel. His extraordinary spirit spurred Andrea to pen Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Andrea aims to bridge the gap between neurotypical and uniquely-abled children to foster understanding and acceptance.
In Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend, Oliver meets Gabriel, a boy with autism. Together, they discover the magic of friendship and embark on adventures full of fun, love, and kindness. This book is a touching reminder that our differences are what make us extraordinary and that true friendship knows no bounds.
Learn more about the book here: https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/olivers-extraordinary-friend/
18 Apr 2025
Clinical Psychologist Chris Frueh, PhD, Talks Operator Syndrome and His Work with Special Forces Veterans
Chris Frueh, PhD, speaks with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds about his book Operator Syndrome, which outlines his decades of experience treating veterans and studying the impact that years of war have on them and their loved ones.
Dr. Frueh guides readers through the harrowing terrain of operator syndrome. He provides a roadmap to understand its multifaceted origins and complex effects on every biological system in the body—as well as the social systems of family, work, and the indifferent society these warriors return to. Frueh shines a bright and empathic light on the silent struggles of a community with a “never quit” mindset. Most importantly, he provides real solutions, lifestyle adaptations, and step-by-step treatment strategies that have worked for hundreds of operators, saving lives and giving hope to families.
Learn more about the book here: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/operator-syndrome
6 Mar 2025
NASA Astronaut Talks WWII Pilot Father and Their Careers in Flight
Jan Davis, author of Air Born: Two Generations in Flight and its sequel Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot and POW, tells her and her father's stories in this compelling episode of Ballast Book Launch with Andy Symonds.
Two aviators making history. Two Americans serving their country. One incredible story spanning fifty years and two generations. Learn where it all started: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/air-born/
Ben Smotherman’s experiences and artistic renderings are masterfully captured in Jan Davis’s Air Born: Artistic Musings of a WWII Pilot and POW. Purchase here: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/air-born-artistic/
5 Feb 2025
High Reliability Healthcare Co-Authors Discuss Improved Patient Care & Lessons from the Nuclear Navy
Do you want better clinical outcomes, fewer errors, increased productivity, and highly reliable patient care? High Reliability Healthcare offers some actionable tips from the safest and most reliable industry ever: the nuclear navy. For over seventy-five years, the nuclear navy has operated highly enriched nuclear reactors with sailors in their twenties at the helm and has never experienced an accident. As Forbes reported, “The [US] Nuclear Navy has the best safety record of any industry.”
Get the book by Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman and Dr. Robert Roncska: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/high-reliability-healthcare/
26 Dec 2024
Darrell Utt's Story of Grit: Rising to Become a Green Beret, and How You Can Use the Same Principles
Author of the smash-hit seller Grit to Glory Darrell Utt sits down with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds to discuss his background as a Green Beret in Baghdad, his new foray into publishing, and his essential "Grit Code": the eight principles he says can help anyone overcome their toughest challenges.
His story stands as a powerful testament that no matter where you come from, bold action and relentless pursuit of your goals can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Learn more about Grit to Glory at: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/grit-to-glory/
27 Nov 2024
Former Navy SEAL and CIA Operative Rodney Magallan's Tips for Reaching Your Fullest Potential
Former Navy SEAL and CIA Operative Rodney Magallan shares his insights on achieving greatness, revealing that with hard work and sacrifice, anyone can reach their full potential and become part of the elite tip of the spear.
11 Oct 2024
Former Presidential Physician Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman Talks His Time in the White House and Upcoming Memoir
Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman talks with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds about the history of presidential healthcare, his insights from serving "5 and a half" presidents, and his observations on the cognitive abilities of current and former presidential candidates.
Dr. Kuhlman's book, Transforming Presidential Healthcare, draws from his rich experiences tending to the medical needs of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama, and sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare within the highest echelons of political leadership.
Learn more about the book here: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/transforming-presidential-healthcare/
18 Jan 2024
Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds and Mark Hebner, the author of Index Funds
Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds talks with Mark Hebner, founder and CEO of Index Fund Advisors Inc., about the 10th edition of Mark's book "Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors."
The two business leaders discuss Mark's philosophy on investing, the challenges of writing and publishing a book, and common mistakes many investors and financial advisors make.
19 Aug 2022
Double Purple Heart Recipient and Author of Wounding Warriors, Army Vet Daniel Gade
Daniel Gade talks with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds about why large NY houses were reluctant to publish his book, the challenges of trying to change Veterans Affairs policy, and what it's like to have more Purple Hearts than legs.
Daniels' book, Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy Is Making Veterans Sicker and Poorer, highlights issues within the VA and why their policies are hurting our nation’s veterans rather than helping them.
https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/wounding-warriors/
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Ballast Book Launch
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Ballast Book Launch?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
