The BrightWord Books Podcast

Jul 25, 2025 NEW YORK

In this heartfelt episode of The BrightWord Books Podcast, we welcome first-time guest James Doyle Brandt, author of One Man’s Life Touched by Jesus: The Spiritual Growth of One Ordinary Man. James opens up about his deeply personal spiritual journey, tracing the highs and lows of a life shaped by faith, service, and transformation. From his early upbringing in both Presbyterian and Baptist traditions to periods of spiritual drift in midlife, James reflects on the defining moments that brought him back to God and reshaped his priorities. His time in the Marine Corps, challenges in business, and the grace found in his current marriage all serve as profound backdrops for a conversation rooted in vulnerability, growth, and divine encounter.

Jul 25, 2025 NEW YORK

On this second appearance of author Belinda Alexander-Ashley on The BrightWord Books Podcast, we delve even deeper into the layers of her powerful novel, Faces in the Smoke: Secrets Unearthed. Since her first guesting, the book has sparked meaningful conversations among readers who find new depth with every read. Belinda shares how her connection to the story has evolved, the reader feedback that moved her most, and some hidden symbols she hopes more people will notice. She also reflects on the art of balancing the novel’s darker, suspenseful moments with its fantastical and healing undertones—without revealing too many secrets, of course.

Jul 22, 2025 NEW YORK

In this powerful debut episode, The BrightWord Books Podcast welcomes author and advocate Serah W. Muiruri for an eye-opening conversation about her transformative book, BREAKING CHAINS. With courage and clarity, Serah opens up about the inspiration behind her guide—a compassionate and practical resource for anyone navigating or healing from the trauma of interpersonal violence. Through personal reflection and expert insight, she defines the often-misunderstood scope of abuse, shares early warning signs, and explains what it truly means to not just survive, but to thrive after violence.

July 21, 2025 NEW YORK

On this episode of The BrightWord Books Podcast, we welcome Dr. Mark Saunders, retired OB/GYN and author of Learning to Trust in the Lord. Drawing from his profound personal experiences and a lifelong pursuit of truth, Dr. Saunders shares how his faith was shaped by both the miracles he witnessed in his medical career and the spiritual insights that guided him through life’s uncertainties. In this heartfelt conversation, he discusses the inspiration behind his book, the reality of modern-day miracles, and the challenge of discerning divine truth in an era of overwhelming information. Listeners will be moved by Dr. Saunders’ candid reflections on learning to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost and embracing scripture as a daily source of strength. Through thoughtful discussion, he unveils a practical formula for spiritual clarity—one that invites each of us to feast upon the words of Christ and recognize the hand of God in our lives. Whether you're navigating doubt, seeking direction, or simply looking to deepen your trust in the Lord, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and the steady reassurance of faith rooted in truth.

July 27, 2025 NEW YORK

On his third and final visit to The BrightWord Books Podcast, Dr. Howard E. Rubin wraps up his incredible journey from being dismissed as “not college material” to earning four advanced degrees and building a respected career as a scientist, professor, and author. In this episode, Howard shares the deeper life lessons and daily habits that helped him transform rejection into determination and setbacks into stepping stones for success. He also reveals the real motivation behind writing How A Nobody Became A Somebody: to inspire others to dream bigger, push harder, and refuse to let anyone else define what they’re capable of achieving. Tune in for this final conversation with Dr. Rubin and walk away with timeless wisdom on turning obstacles into opportunities and rewriting your own story—no matter where you start.

July 16, 2025 NEW YORK

Steve spent the majority of his 22-year military career in Europe in military intelligence during and immediately following the Cold War, gaining in-depth personal experience in counterintelligence work during the 1980s, often referred to as "the decade of the spies." His second book, The Master Hacker, was named by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group as one of the best indie books of 2018 and was selected as a finalist in the action/adventure (fiction) category in the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. When SunHee Nham, a disillusioned North Korean computer scientist conscripted to work in China, escapes with dangerous secrets, she dreams of freedom in the U.S. but is haunted by her homeland’s suffering. A chance encounter with John Darque, leader of a covert group maintaining global balance, leads her to help destroy a deadly weapon system she developed for use against the West. Hunted by Chinese agents and fearing exposure of Darque’s network, SunHee risks everything to turn the tables on rogue nations using her technology to blackmail the world. Her hope is that this dangerous mission will ignite change for her oppressed countrymen—knowing that true change often demands the highest sacrifice.

July 15, 2025 NEW YORK

Author Patrick L. Scott returns for his third and final appearance on The BrightWord Books Podcast to share deeper insights into his gripping novel, A Just Revenge. In this haunting story, Scott crafts the turbulent journey of Sean Roberts, a young farmer thrust into the shadows of the 1960s hippie counterculture when his ex-girlfriend vanishes into San Francisco’s drug scene. What begins as an earnest search soon transforms Sean into George Wescot—an alias that leads him into a dark underworld of privilege, depravity, and reckless hedonism. Using every ounce of cunning, skill, and grit, George navigates dangerous circles of extreme wealth and moral decay, crossing continents in pursuit of those who inflicted unspeakable pain on the woman he once loved. During this final podcast appearance, Patrick L. Scott reflects on the evolution of his characters, the hidden layers within Sean’s transformation, and how themes of guilt, vengeance, and forgiveness continue to resonate with readers. As he answers thoughtful questions about symbolism, moral dilemmas, and the writing craft, Scott invites listeners to see A Just Revenge not only as a riveting tale of pursuit and retribution, but as a profound exploration of how far one man will go for love and justice. Be sure to tune in—and if you haven’t yet, grab your copy of A Just Revenge to experience this raw, relentless

July 11, 2025 NEW YORK

Robert Petties is no stranger to raw truth and resilient hope. A decorated veteran and survivor of profound personal battles, Petties has returned for his third appearance on The BrightWord Books Podcast to dive even deeper into the powerful story behind his book, Battle Tested Soldier. Through his candid reflections, Robert shares how time and distance have revealed new layers of his journey—shedding light on the ways trauma, forgiveness, and community connection continue to shape his mission. With unwavering honesty, he opens up about the emotional weight of telling the truth and the healing tools that keep him grounded as both a leader and a mentor. In Battle Tested Soldier, Robert takes readers through the gritty realities of war and the quiet, brutal moments of surviving domestic violence. His story is not one of easy victories but of grit, grace, and the will to keep moving forward—physically, mentally, and spiritually. As he expands his mission beyond the pages of his book, Robert uses his platform to inspire others to confront their own pain and transform it into purpose. Each conversation, like his latest on The BrightWord Books Podcast, reminds listeners that no battle is fought alone—and that hope, once found, can be fiercely contagious.