Authors & Storytellers
Guests who turned their lives into books, screenplays, and stories, making meaning out of the hard parts.
For a lot of these guests, writing is how they made sense of it all. The show has hosted published authors, a screenwriter, and storytellers who put their own histories on the page.
Jaime Townzen published a novel after a traumatic childhood. David La Torre and Anthony Dyer wrote about their lives. Denise Conde is writing about the valor of her generation, and Marlon is working on a children's book. Julie Golden came up as a screenwriter before reality TV.
The throughline is turning lived experience into narrative, often as a form of healing.
6 episodes exploring this theme
Episode 48 - GenX Speaks Series: Author Jaime Townzen
10/1/2025Turned a traumatic childhood into a novel and watercolor art.
Jaime published her novel in 2023 after finding creativity through the hardest years.
Episode 68 - GenX Speaks Series: Author David La Torre
6/13/2026Wrote his way out of a childhood shaped by addiction and violence.
David turned a chaotic, addiction-marked childhood into a book and a path to healing.
Episode 70 - The Millennials - Author Anthony Dyer
7/1/2026An author and Air Force veteran from Appalachia.
Anthony writes from his Appalachian roots and his years of military service.
Episode 54 - GenX Speaks Series: Denise Conde - The Valor of Generation X
12/16/2025A teacher writing about the valor of Generation X.
Denise is writing about her life and the valor of her generation.
Episode 34 - GenX Speaks Series: Marlon's Story
5/27/2025A graphic designer and musician writing a children's book.
Marlon is working on a children's book drawn from his journey from Trinidad.
Episode 38 - GenX Speaks Series: Julie Golden - Founder and Host of The Big D Dating Show
7/1/2025A screenwriter before reality TV and hosting.
Julie came up as a screenwriter before creating The Big D Dating Show.
Questions this theme answers
Which guests are published authors?
Jaime Townzen (48, novel, 2023), David La Torre (68), and Anthony Dyer (70).
Are others writing?
Denise Conde (54) is writing about her generation, and Marlon (34) is working on a children's book.
Is screenwriting represented?
Yes, Julie Golden (38) worked as a screenwriter before moving into reality TV and hosting.
What do they write about?
Mostly their own lives, trauma, family, identity, and finding a way through.