The world often feels rigged. And this episode is a wake-up call to recognize the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. In this episode, which is a kind of tribute to my dear departed Dad, I recount some powerful lessons from the man who was a brilliant psychiatrist and my biggest champion. He taught me that if something feels off about the environment you’re in, it probably is—and it’s absolutely hella-not your fault. We dare to break into the uncomfortable truth that many workplaces are designed for a very specific demographic, leaving neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, feeling excluded. I share three stories in which my Dad imparted to me more than my fair share of his wisdom, and I'm hoping you to can feel empowered. You'll learn that we can advocate for ourselves and others to create a more inclusive work culture. Newsletter Paste this into your browser if the newsletter link is broken - https://www.lbeehealth.com/ Join our Patreon - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/patreon Mentioned in this episode: Sign Up For Our Newsletter Stay updated on all the things! Get added to our newsletter mailing list. Newsletter…
Cozy fantasy author RK Ashwick (she/her) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the rewards and challenges of wrapping up a series with her latest novel The Spirit’s Curse , the conclusion to the Lutesong trilogy. The spirits have awoken- and can never sleep again. After being roused to defend against a magical disaster, the nature spirits of Thalis have begun to leave their groves and mingle with humans. Eager to welcome their verdant new friends, Emry, Cal, and Aspen take center stage once more: they throw the country’s first spirit festival. Music and merriment abound—but when an angry lynx attacks Aspen onstage, demanding to know how to go back to sleep in his grove, Emry realizes that not every spirit wants this new life…and he has no idea how to return them to their old one. The trio and their allies venture into an old-growth forest, seeking answers from Yarrow, the country’s oldest spirit. But Yarrow has grown treacherous—instead of helping them, it traps them in Raven’s Rest, a stubborn little village fighting for its place in the forest. As Yarrow’s malice grows and the spirits question their place in the world, Emry, Cal, and Aspen must join forces with the village to subdue Yarrow—even if it means destroying the very answers they seek. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit , as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial . You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King , the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , and the historical romance Mr Warren's Profession , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
Please enjoy this exclusive preview of the audiobook for Kit and Basie by Tess Carletta, narrated by Josh Innerst. Immortality is a dangerous affair when it isn’t done right. Basie Yeats knows he’s doing immortality all wrong, spending endless days in the same place, but he doesn’t see a reason to leave the home he loves in Long Lily, Pennsylvania. Once the impossible death of his mother leaves him the only immortal person he knows, Basie decides that the only thing he wants to do is get out of Long Lily and start doing immortality the right way—alone. Kit Elliot has wandered the world looking for the right place to call home, so when a church-turned-cottage suddenly goes up for sale in a quaint Pennsylvania town, it feels like it was meant to be. It takes only a few days at Wellhead Cottage for Kit to decide that the man who sold it to him is frustrating, awkward, and terribly handsome. He offers to help Basie find a new home away from Long Lily—but as days turn to months, Kit finds himself wishing he could make Basie stay. Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit and Basie , a cozy contemporary queer romantasy, as well as its sequel Patchwork and the stand-alone romantasy adventure novel Goldheart . You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com…
A roundtable of indie authors chat about why we love independent bookstores, the perfect match between indie authors and indie bookshops, and what NOT to do as an indie author who wants to work with independent bookshops. Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet ). You can connect with them on instagram @ninawolverina Noah Hawthorn (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena , beginning with Phantom and Rook , and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes , amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: neshamapublishing.com RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron , as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit . You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie , a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork , and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart . You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com…
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
Audiobook narrator turned author Natalie Naudus (she/her) joins Carolina Cruz (they/them) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) to discuss her debut novel Gay the Pray Away , a young adult tale of escaping the confines of a cult to find a sapphic happily-ever-after that deftly weaves raised stakes with even higher hopes. Natalie Naudus (she/her) is an Audie and Earphones award-winning audiobook narrator of over 500 titles, as well as the author (and narrator!) of the young adult novel Gay the Pray Away and the co-creator of spicy sapphic short stories on her Patreon. You can connect with her at her website: natalienaudus.com Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet ). You can connect with them on instagram @ninawolverina…
Robin Jo Margaret (xe/xyr) joins Noah Hawthorne (he/they) to discuss xyr queer indie author journey, including the new She Was Monstrous anthology, flipping the script on who gets to be the beast in romance, forging author community through collaboration, and the joy of commissioning human artists. Robin Jo Margaret (xe/xyr) is a queer and disabled author from Italy, writing paranormal and monster romance and erotica under the penname Robin Jo Margaret for paranormal and monster romance and erotica, and human stories (both spicy and non) under R.J. Margaret. Whether clearly stated or not, there is always some kind of queer representation in xyr books, and xe makes room for many body types, especially bigger ones, as well as disabilities. You can connect with xyr through xyr website: authorrobinjomargaret.com Noah Hawthorn (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena , beginning with Phantom and Rook , and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com…
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
Tess Carletta (she/her) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about her successful Kickstarter campaign for her queer romantic fantasy novel Goldheart . After being abducted from his orphanage, Senna Kane was raised and molded into the perfect Goldheart. As his personal guard, Senna accompanies Prince Percy on a journey outside the kingdom of Talsura...and its protective barrier. The Dam has always kept them safe from the sun sickness, a deadly disease that causes its victims to grow plants from their bodies when touched by sunlight—but it also means they must live under a relentless black sky. They set out to a neighboring rival kingdom and find the citizens of Redwind have embraced the sickness and the gifts it offers. Among them is Captain Emrys Calloway, the handsome guard to the princess who encourages Senna to do reckless, impossible things—like learn to wield the sun's magic himself. They form a furtive plot with Princess Thea and the spirited librarian, Nare, to tackle the dangerous magic and restore the bond between their kingdoms before it's broken once and for all. Goldheart is a story about chosen family, choosing love, and the impossible feat of staying good in times of darkness. Coming to a bookshelf near you on June 25th, 2025! Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie , a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork , and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart . You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs, narrated by Kirt Graves. At 100 years old, witch Arlo Rook is set to finally leave the orphanage and strike out on his own — but his life turns upside down when he crashes into Thatch Phantom, a celebrated immortal who longs for a place and a person to call home. Embark on a cozy fantasy adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance! Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena , beginning with Phantom and Rook . You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com…
E.M. Lindsey (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about writing characters with disabilities, forging your own path through indie publishing, and keeping hope alive while spitefully surviving. E.M. Lindsey (they/them) is a non-binary, MM Romance author, an ancient historian, and avid lover of nerdy things. You can connect with them and their 100+ queer romance stories at their website: emlindseyauthor.com Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
Sarah Wallace (they/she) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the surprise release of their queernormative cozy Regency romantasy The Viscount Says Yes . Pip Standish enjoys his life in Tutting-on-Cress, surrounded by found family and working in his friend Gerry’s spellshop. But there’s one niggling problem at the corner of his how to propose to the charming Viscount Bertie Finlington? When Gerry gets married and moves out, Pip is faced with how quickly things are changing in his circle of friends. With the spellshop temporarily closed for the honeymoon, now is the perfect time to take his prospects into his own hands. But as he and Bertie spend time together on a magical project, Pip finds himself puzzling through his past to decide what he wants for his future. And braving change may turn out to be even harder than asking for Bertie’s hand. The Viscount Says Yes is the HEA epilogue to Pip and Bertie’s love story, which began in The Education of Pip . Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of the queernormative cozy fantasy series Meddle & Mend , beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street , and alongside S.O. Callahan (she/her) is coauthor of the cozy queernormative Regency romantasy Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms . You can connect with them on instagram @sarah.wallace.writer Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
A roundtable of queer and cozy authors discusses why we love the found family trope, what stories do it best, our favorite character dynamics within the trope, and why it rings so true for the queer community. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron , as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit . You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie , a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork , and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart . You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena , beginning with Phantom and Rook . You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of the cozy Regency romantasy series Meddle & Mend beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street and coauthor with S.O. Callahan of the Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms . You can connect with them on instagram @sarah.wallace.writer…
Meg (she/her) of Meg’s Tea Room joins cozy fantasy authors Noah Hawthorne (he/they), RK Ashwick (she/her), and Sarah Wallace (they/them) for a roundtable discussion on the subgenre’s growing popularity, what they’d like to experience in cozy stories going forward, and how to cope with cozy burnout—plus, all the cozy recs you could ever dream of. Meg (she/her) is a fantasy bookish influencer creating cozy books through Bindery. You can follow along with the publishing journey for Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife and get cozy on instagram @megs.tea.room, on TikTok @megstearoom, and on Bindery at cozyquill.binderybooks.com Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena , beginning with Phantom and Rook . You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron , as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit . You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com Sarah Wallace (they/them) is the author of the cozy Regency romantasy series Meddle & Mend beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street and coauthor with S.O. Callahan of the Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms . You can connect with them on instagram @sarah.wallace.writer…
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook for Letters to Half Moon Street by Sarah Wallace, narrated by Abigail Bailey Maupin and Gregory Maupin. London, 1815: where magic can be purchased at convenience, and the fashionable and wealthy descend for the start of the social Season. But 25-year-old Gavin Hartford finds the city intimidating when he arrives, alone, to his family’s townhouse. The only company he seeks is in his beloved books and weekly letters to his sister, Gerry. Then dashing man-about-town Charles Kentworthy gallantly rescues Gavin from a foolish drunken mishap and turns his life upside-down. With Mr. Kentworthy, Gavin finds himself discussing poetry and magic, confessing his fears about marriage, expanding his social circle to shocking proportions — and far outside his comfort zone. When family responsibility comes knocking, Gavin’s future looms over him, filled with uncertainty. As he grapples with growing feelings for his new friend, Gavin will need to be honest with Mr. Kentworthy — but he’ll need the courage to be honest with himself first. Sarah Wallace (they/them) is the author of the queernormative cozy fantasy series Meddle & Mend , beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street , and alongside S.O. Callahan (she/her) is coauthor of the cozy queernormative Regency romantasy Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms . You can connect with them on instagram @sarah.wallace.writer…
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King , its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar , and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo , amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com…
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