Where pets and creativity curl up together.
Welcome to the coziest corner of the creative world, where art, literature, and our beloved animal companions come together in conversation. Join us in the little shed—a space where ideas flow freely and creativity thrives—as we explore the profound ways animals influence and inspire our creative lives. Whether you're a writer crafting your next novel, a painter finding inspiration in nature, or simply someone who believes their best work happens with a dog at their feet or a cat on their lap, this podcast is for you.
Patent Agent by Day, Author by Night: Tricia Copeland
Episode #81 Summary
In this episode of Ramblings from the Little Shed, host Holly B. chats with award-winning author and podcaster Tricia Copeland, who also writes romance as Maria Jane. Tricia writes everything from contemporary romance to fantasy and dystopian fiction. She didn’t start creative writing until her mid-30s, after a career as a patent agent.
Tricia shares how a master’s degree in microbiology led her to technical writing and then to fiction, why she switches between heavy fantasy and light romance to give her psyche a break, and how her pets keep her calm and creative. There’s also a surprise appearance from her dog, Woody!
Meet Our Guest
Tricia Copeland writes women’s fiction, fantasy and dystopian fiction. As Maria Jane, she writes contemporary romance. She is also the host of Finding the Magic Book Podcast.
Connect with Tricia: https://triciacopeland.com/ (https://triciacopeland.com/)
Instagram (https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fauthortriciacopeland%2F&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3Nhu1DxT7QCEaVC7bTRo7i)
Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@triciacopelandauthor)
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13 Oct 2026
Michael Hingson on Trust, Thunder Dog & Disability
Episode summary
Holly B and Rogan talk with Michael Hingson, New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog and an international keynote speaker. Michael, blind since birth, survived the September 11 attacks with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. In this conversation, he explains why guide dogs aren't pets, what pet owners can learn from the trust between a guide dog and handler, and how Thunder Dog came to be. He also challenges how we define disability, shares how he prepares for speaking engagements, and offers practical advice for anyone who wants to start public speaking.
About the guest
Michael Hingson is a New York Times bestselling author and international lecturer who gives over 100 presentations a year for groups including ExxonMobil, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross. He is an ambassador for the National Federation of the Blind's National Braille Literacy Campaign and for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.
Key takeaways
Dogs want to know the rules and want a clear team leader.
If a guide dog does something unexpected, Michael assumes there's a reason and follows his lead.
Disability isn't a lack of ability. Michael argues every person has one, and sighted people are "light dependent."
Michael prefers "blind" or "low vision" over "visually impaired."
Links and resources
Book Michael to speak: speaker@michaelhingson.com (mailto:speaker@michaelhingson.com)
Book: Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero
9 Oct 2026
From Business Consultant to Time-Traveling Druids: Writing Fantasy at the Cabin with P K Stuart
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https://buymeacoffee.com/ramblingsfromlittleshed (https://buymeacoffee.com/ramblingsfromlittleshed)
Episode Summary
Holly B. and Rogan sit down with Colorado indie author P K Stuart, who traded a career in business management and startup consulting for a second act writing dystopian fantasy. P K talks about her off-the-grid-feeling "hillbilly chateau" in the aspens, the Merlin bird app, how a conference keynote by Diana Gabaldon pushed her to get serious about writing, and her top tips for hiking Colorado's San Juan Mountains.
Connect with P.K. Stuart
Website: https://pkstuart.com/ (https://pkstuart.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pkstuartwrites/ (https://www.instagram.com/pkstuartwrites/)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pkstuartauthor/ (https://www.facebook.com/pkstuartauthor/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
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