S. Gale Bleth spent decades teaching personal safety to students, employees, and community members—but it wasn't until her nieces started leaving for college that she finally wrote the book she'd been putting off for years.

In this episode, Gale shares how she turned a 12-hour self-defense course into a character-driven, story-based safety playbook for young adults, what the AWARE method is and why it covers 90% of personal safety, and how her book hit #1 on Amazon within two days of launch.

She also talks about finding Scribe, working with her editor Candace to bring the book to life, and why she believes A.W.A.R.E. belongs in every college orientation program in the country.

What happens when a book you wrote to inspire strangers ends up transforming your own life?

In this episode, Eric sits down with Candler Cook, author of From Underdog to Bulldog, to talk about the unexpected and remarkable doors his book has opened since he published it seven years ago.

Candler shares how a fraternity alumni email connected him with his now-CEO, how his personal story attracted a film production company, and why reaching the right 1,000 people matters more than chasing a bestseller list.

He also opens up about working with Scribe, what it felt like to get a 6-out-of-10 first draft across the finish line, and what he'd tell anyone sitting on a book idea right now.

Rachel Williamson spent 30 years leading retail operations at some of the biggest brands in the industry — from Bath & Body Works to Ann Taylor — before launching her consulting firm and writing Running Great Stores, a 30-day implementation guide for store managers and district managers.

In this episode, Rachel talks with Eric Jorgenson about how she finally committed to the book, the creative process that got it done in two focused months, and the hands-on marketing playbook she built from scratch — custom shipping envelopes, branded ribbon, Mini Cooper keychains, and personalized book signings — that turned a first-time author into an Amazon #1 bestseller and opened doors to new clients, speaking engagements, and a chance encounter with a Fortune 500 CEO.