Rising Reads is the podcast for avid readers searching for their next great book. Each episode features conversations with rising and bestselling independent authors as they share the stories behind their books, the inspiration that brought them to life, and the journey from first idea to finished page.
From unforgettable characters and powerful themes to the challenges of writing and publishing, Rising Reads gives listeners a closer look at the authors and stories shaping the future of independent literature. Discover compelling new voices, hear the passion behind the pages, and find your next favorite read.
Magic and Courage with R. G. Edwards | Eafin Lokdore and the Magician’s Lost Medallion
Magic, medieval danger, and enduring friendship collide in this inspiring episode.
Robert Hicks sits down with R. G. Edwards, author of Eafin Lokdore and the Magician’s Lost Medallion, to explore the first adventure in the Eafin Lokdore trilogy. Together, they follow a fifteen-year-old orphan’s journey to defend his homeland, guided by a wise magician and supported by loyal friends. Edwards shares how a thunderstorm during a homeschool lesson sparked the story, and how his own challenges have deepened his commitment to writing about courage, faith, and perseverance.
If you enjoy the epic adventures of The Lord of the Rings, the wonder of The Chronicles of Narnia, and stories about discovering the hero within, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📚 Explore the author’s books:
👉 https://a.co/d/02U1rwUl (https://a.co/d/02U1rwUl)
9 Oct 2026
Love Beyond Time and Dimensions | Alison L. James on Love Letters from Merlin
Timeless love, mystical wisdom, and spiritual discovery come together in this enchanting episode.
John Tran sits down with Alison L. James, author of Love Letters from Merlin, to explore a loving exchange that transcends time, place, and the physical world. Through twenty-one letters and responses, three poems, and an invitation from Ascended Master Merlin, the book invites readers to reflect on faith, trust, transformation, and the possibilities of an enduring spiritual connection.
If you’re drawn to the exploration of consciousness in What Dreams May Come, the timeless love of Highlander, or the romance beyond human limitations in Somewhere in Time, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📖 Find the book on Amazon:
👉 https://a.co/d/0iuwYa0V (https://a.co/d/0iuwYa0V)
8 Oct 2026
Finding Hope Through Expectant Faith | Noemi Castro Feinstein on Are We There Yet?
A mother’s love, unwavering faith, and the strength to face the unimaginable come together in this heartfelt episode.
Robert Hicks sits down with Noemi Castro Feinstein, co-author of Are We There Yet? A Journey Back from Nowhere, to explore her deeply personal memoir of a mother-daughter vacation forever changed by a devastating accident. Together, they discuss her daughter’s recovery, the moments Noemi experienced as miracles, and her concept of “expectant faith” remaining open to possibility even when the future feels uncertain.
If you’re drawn to stories of resilience, spiritual discovery, and finding hope during life’s darkest moments, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📖 Get your copy on Amazon:
👉 https://a.co/d/0ePa0lHI (https://a.co/d/0ePa0lHI)
2 Oct 2026
Power, Conspiracy, and Survival in Vitalerium with Nicholas Keating Casbarro
Dark secrets, forbidden power, and interstellar intrigue collide in this gripping episode.
John Tran sits down with Nicholas Keating Casbarro, author of Vitalerium – Descent into the Void, to explore a gritty science-fiction world where a powerful crystal fuels civilization and the struggle to control it. Together, they dive into Roman Matthews’s dangerous journey, a freelancer whose life changes when a disastrous job fuses vitalerium into his body, making him a target of the very empire it powers.
If you enjoy the political intrigue of Dune, the grit of The Expanse, and the neon atmosphere of Blade Runner, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📖 Get your copy on Amazon:
👉 https://a.co/d/07e0NiSK (https://a.co/d/07e0NiSK)
8 Sept 2026
Queer Intrigue, Comedy, and International Chaos with Gareth Carter
International espionage, outrageous humor, and queer adventure collide in this wildly entertaining episode.
John Tran sits down with Gareth Carter, author of The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Mihol: International Men of Mystery, to discuss his bold LGBTQ+ send-up of the classic spy genre. Together, they explore the inspiration behind Don Kee Dong, the story’s globe-trotting intrigue, romance, satire, and Carter’s journey of turning a personal experience with censorship into creative inspiration.
If you enjoy James Bond-style adventure with campy humor, unexpected romance, and a rebellious twist, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
📖 Get your copy on Amazon:
👉https://a.co/d/0cmU5nzb (https://a.co/d/0cmU5nzb)
1 Sept 2026
Rising Above Adversity Through Faith and Resilience with Kelvin Henry
Hope, resilience, and the power of faith take center stage in this episode.
John Tran sits down with Kelvin Henry, author of RISE, to discuss his extraordinary journey through adversity, including a cancer diagnosis, open-heart surgery, and a life-changing accident that tested his faith and transformed his purpose. Together, they explore the R.I.S.E. Framework and how anyone can overcome setbacks, embrace personal growth, and discover renewed hope through faith.
Whether you're rebuilding after hardship, searching for purpose, or seeking encouragement to move forward, this conversation offers practical wisdom and lasting inspiration.
📖 Get your copy of RISE here:
👉 https://a.co/d/024DomKl (https://a.co/d/024DomKl)
25 Aug 2026
Climate Solutions That Improve Health and Wealth with Norm Leo
Climate change doesn't have to be a story of fear it can be a story of opportunity.
In this episode, John Tran sits down with climate scientist and author Norm Leo, author of LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: Climate Change Solutions Will Benefit Your Health and Wealth, to discuss a fresh, practical perspective on climate change. Together, they explore how science backed solutions can improve our health, lower costs, strengthen communities, and create a better future without sacrificing quality of life.
Whether you're a homeowner, parent, business owner, or simply curious about practical climate solutions, this conversation offers hopeful, evidence-based insights you can apply today.
📖 Get your copy of LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: Climate Change Solutions
Will Benefit Your Health and Wealth here:
👉 https://a.co/d/07ePNTEr (https://a.co/d/07ePNTEr)
10 Aug 2026
Mastering the $250,000 Interview for Executive Career Success with Craig Fleming
Landing a six-figure executive role takes more than experience—it takes strategy.
In this episode, John Tran sits down with Craig Fleming, author of Mastering The $250,000 Interview: A Step-By-Step System, to discuss how executives can transform the interview from a simple Q&A into a powerful presentation of leadership and value. Together, they explore proven strategies for interview preparation, executive communication, positioning, and the mindset needed to stand out in today's competitive job market.
Whether you're pursuing your next leadership role or looking to sharpen your executive presence, this conversation offers practical insights to help you interview with confidence and secure your next opportunity.
📖 Get your copy of Mastering The $250,000 Interview: A Step-By-Step System here:
👉https://a.co/d/0cB4EPAE (https://a.co/d/0cB4EPAE)
6 Aug 2026
From Control to Surrender: Finding Faith and Freedom with TJ Sharitz
Control, faith, and the journey of surrender take center stage in this episode.
John Tran sits down with TJ Sharitz to discuss his inspiring memoir, sharing how a childhood marked by dyslexia and ADHD, a relentless drive for success, and a life-threatening illness led him to a life-changing encounter with God. Together, they explore the struggles of control, the power of faith, and the freedom that comes from learning to trust and let go.
Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking spiritual growth, or looking for encouragement to embrace life's unexpected turns, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and inspiration.
📖 Get your copy here:
👉 https://a.co/d/03G6oUmT (https://a.co/d/03G6oUmT)
6 Aug 2026
From Atlanta to Seoul: Pursuing the K-Pop Dream with A. M. Perrin
Big dreams, global adventures, and the power of believing in yourself take center stage in this episode.
John Tran sits down with A. M. Perrin, author of Kingston to Seoul: The Audition, to discuss the inspiration behind Zaria Bennett's journey from Atlanta to South Korea, blending Jamaican heritage, K-pop, and dance into an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure. Together, they explore themes of identity, friendship, perseverance, and what it takes to chase your dreams on the world stage.
Whether you're a fan of K-pop, multicultural stories, or inspiring middle-grade fiction, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
📖 Get your copy of Kingston to Seoul: The Audition here:
👉 https://a.co/d/080Anz6l (https://a.co/d/080Anz6l)
5 Aug 2026
Healing from Trauma and Restoring Relationships with Michael Kalous
Healing from trauma is possible and hope can be found even in life's darkest moments.
In this episode, John Tran sits down with Michael Kalous to discuss his inspiring book on overcoming abuse, rebuilding relationships, and finding healing through faith. Together, they explore the lasting effects of trauma, the journey toward emotional restoration, and practical tools for strengthening marriages, families, and personal growth.
Whether you're seeking hope, healing, or encouragement, this conversation offers powerful insights for moving forward with resilience and purpose.
📖 Get your copy here:
👉https://a.co/d/0aPz4io6 (https://a.co/d/0aPz4io6)
5 Aug 2026
Exploring PhotoVoltaic: Power, Progress, and Adventure with Jarom Hogue
What happens when science, magic, and gaming collide?
In this episode, John Tran sits down with Jarom Hogue, author of PhotoVoltaic: A LitRPG Adventure, to discuss the inspiration behind his action-packed novel. They explore Glenn's extraordinary journey, the blend of science and fantasy, gamified progression, and the challenges of creating a compelling LitRPG world filled with humor, mystery, and adventure.
Whether you're a longtime LitRPG fan or new to the genre, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the creative process behind an exciting all-ages adventure.
📖 Get your copy of PhotoVoltaic: A LitRPG Adventure here:
👉 https://a.co/d/073Av3nH (https://a.co/d/073Av3nH)
5 Aug 2026
The Anatomy of a Polyandrous Affair: Love, Desire & Choice with Idrissa Whitmore
Love, desire, and unconventional relationships take center stage in this episode.
John Tran sits down with Idrissa Whitmore, author of The Anatomy of a Polyandrous Affair, to discuss the inspiration behind his provocative novel, the themes of love, faith, personal freedom, and the emotional complexities of a polyandrous relationship.
If you enjoy bold fiction that challenges traditional ideas about love and commitment, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
📖 Get your copy of The Anatomy of a Polyandrous Affair here:
👉 https://a.co/d/03w6sM74 (https://a.co/d/03w6sM74)
4 Aug 2026
Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Career Success with Dr. Kester Crosse
Success in today's workplace takes more than talent, it requires strong communication, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connections.
In this episode, John Tran sits down with Dr. Kester Crosse, author of Open Doors, to discuss the essential skills that help young professionals stand out, build confidence, grow their network, and accelerate their careers.
Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional, this conversation offers practical insights to help you unlock new opportunities and achieve lasting career success.
📖 Get your copy of Open Doors here:
👉 [https://a.co/d/02E576b4 (https://a.co/d/02E576b4)]
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