Story Impact Podcast - Compelling Author Interviews

About Story Impact Podcast - Compelling Author Interviews

Hello book lovers and welcome to Story Impact, an author interview podcast that dives deep into the meaning, purpose, and magic behind the stories we love. I'm your host, award-winning crime novelist Lisa Towles. As a fellow author, I know the incredible passion and hard work that goes into creating a story. That's why I created this series—to lift up authors and shine a spotlight on the incredible stories they've brought into the world. Book lovers, you're in for a treat! On this show, we'll go behind the scenes with some of the most renowned authors reshaping our literary landscape to understand their inspirations, craft, and the purpose that drives them forward. So get ready to be inspired, to discover new books for your reading list, and to connect with some amazing visionaries.

Publisher

Lisa Towles

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Dec 2025

Latest episode

7 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Nov 2026

   Story Impact Podcast - Heather Haven

   Welcome to the Story Impact Podcast with host, Lisa Towles. From the fast-paced tech world of Silicon Valley to the gritty pavements of 1940s Manhattan, award-winning mystery author Heather Haven has crafted a storytelling universe defined by razor-sharp wit, heart, and unforgettable characters. In this episode of the Story Impact Podcast, host Lisa Towles sits down with Heather to explore her latest release, Cleopatra Almost Slept Here (Book 11 in the Alvarez Family series). Heather shares how a life-changing trip to Egypt inspired the novel, complete with local archaeology, animal welfare, and a memorable encounter with a humming camel named KFC. Lisa and Heather dive into the creative evolution of the Alvarez Family mysteries, the real history behind female PIs in vintage noir, and Heather’s unconventional career path—from growing up in a circus family to writing comedy in NYC and working wardrobe on Broadway for iconic shows like A Chorus Line. In This Conversation: The real-life Egyptian adventure and animal welfare experiences that inspired Cleopatra Almost Slept Here Navigating the multi-book arc of the Alvarez Family series and its screen adaptation status The blend of hard-boiled grit and sharp humor in the Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries Behind-the-scenes stories from Broadway wardrobe, comedy writing roundtables, and circus life Embracing independence and creative control in today's publishing landscape About Heather Haven: Heather Haven is an award-winning author of contemporary and vintage mysteries, romantic suspense, and short fiction. Her popular series include the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, the Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries, and Murder Under the Big Top. Learn more: https://heatherhavenstories.com/ About Lisa Towles: Lisa Towles is an award-winning crime thriller author, book coach, and founder of Story Impact Consulting and Story Impact Magazine. She is the author of 16 books and host of the Story Impact Podcast. Learn more: https://lisatowles.com/ About the Story Impact Podcast: The Story Impact Podcast features deep conversations with visionary authors and artists exploring craft, purpose, and the creative life. Learn more: https://storyimpactconsulting.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for full interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@storyimpactmedia Follow on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. Stories hold the world together.

2. 

   23 Oct 2026

   Story Impact Podcast - Wilnona Marie & Jade Dee

   Welcome to the Story Impact author interview podcast. What happens when two lifelong friends turn their love of storytelling into an international literary enterprise—and discover that some of their most extraordinary stories come straight from their own lives? Award-winning authors, poets, producers, and entrepreneurs Wilnona Marie and Jade Dee, collectively known as The And I Thought Ladies, return to Story Impact for a hilarious and inspiring conversation with host Lisa Towles about creative partnerships, publishing, reinvention, and the business of books. Joining Lisa from a hotel lobby, with lunch arriving and Moscow Mules on the table, Wilnona and Jade share the remarkable real-life experiences behind their cozy mystery series, The Famous House Cleaners. From financial fraud and unexpected career detours to international book fairs and film opportunities, their journey is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the entrepreneurial spirit. In this conversation: The astonishing true story behind The Famous House Cleaners, including financial upheaval, identity theft, and their experiences cleaning houses Their lifelong friendship and how they collaborate as writers, combining Wilnona's talent for plotting with Jade's gift for character development The Frankfurt Book Fair, international publishing rights, and opportunities to connect authors with publishers and film producers around the world Why writing a great book isn't enough—and how creative, consistent marketing helps authors find their readers Storytelling as advocacy, the healing power of poetry, and the importance of helping others find their voices Along the way, they explore the growing international appetite for cozy mysteries, romantasy, and anthologies, and share why the most meaningful opportunities often begin with simply showing up. An entertaining and insightful episode for authors, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in how stories become businesses—and how life's greatest setbacks can inspire unexpected new chapters. Learn more about Wilnona Marie & Jade Dee Wilnona Marie and Jade Dee are award-winning authors, poets, producers, entrepreneurs, and the creative force behind The And I Thought Ladies, a literary multimedia collective dedicated to storytelling, entertainment, and championing other authors. Their work spans fiction, poetry, publishing, media production, international literary events, and advocacy. Together, they combine artistic vision with business expertise, creating opportunities for themselves and other writers while using storytelling to inspire, empower, and connect people. https://andithoughtladies.com/ Learn more about Host Lisa Towles The Story Impact Podcast is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of the Story Impact multimedia platform. Lisa is an Amazon bestselling author, book coach, and founder of Story Impact Consulting. Through her novels, podcast interviews, magazine, and consulting work, she explores the intersection of storytelling, creativity, leadership, and purpose. https://lisatowles.com/ About Story Impact Story Impact is a multimedia platform dedicated to Books, Meaning, Purpose, encompassing the Story Impact Podcast, Story Impact Magazine, and Story Impact Consulting. Through conversations with authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, Story Impact explores how stories shape our understanding of the world, connect us to one another, and inspire meaningful change. Learn more about the Story Impact multimedia platform: https://storyimpactconsulting.com/ Follow the Story Impact Podcast on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, and subscribe on YouTube for full video interviews. Stories hold the world together.

3. 

   16 Oct 2026

   Story Impact Podcast - Carmela Dutra

   Welcome to the Story Impact author interview podcast. Cozy mystery author Carmela Dutra joins host Lisa Towles to explore the art of writing entertaining, character-driven crime fiction. Author of the Food Truck Mystery series, including A Murder Most Fowl and Hot Wings and Homicide, Carmela traded ten years as a wedding photographer for a full-time writing career. Together they talk about what makes a great cozy mystery, why a food truck makes such a fun setting for suspense, and how lighter fiction can still be smart, surprising, and deeply satisfying. Essential listening for cozy mystery readers, aspiring authors, and anyone who loves a little humor with their murder. In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles and Carmela Dutra discuss: Why humor, food, and murder make such a good combination The appeal of the cozy mystery and the comfort it gives readers How a food truck opens up setting, suspense, and character How photography and visual storytelling show up in her fiction Her writing routine and the editing process Watch the full YouTube video interview: https://youtu.be/N1H_aLTFuUk?si=RiAcv85679V2Z623 Learn more about Carmela Dutra:carmeladutra.com The Story Impact Podcast is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of the Story Impact multimedia platform. This literary podcast features authors and creative voices exploring books, creativity, storytelling, and the deeper purpose behind the stories that shape our lives. Learn more about the Story Impact platform:storyimpactconsulting.com Follow Story Impact with Lisa Towles on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio to stay connected to powerful conversations exploring books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors. Stories hold the world together.

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Spotify

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1 ratings

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