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The more you talk to people the more you realise how much we all have in common.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Join Sean Martin, executive producer and guitarist for The Quarantined, as he shares his incredible journey of using music as therapy for PTSD and mental health recovery.
In this powerful conversation, Sean opens up about his combat experiences, temporary psychotic breakdown in 2012, and how he discovered that vocal breathing exercises from music school were identical to the anxiety management techniques taught in veteran clinics.
Learn about Sean's unique approach to song writing through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), where he transforms "hot thoughts"
- the core issues identified during therapy
- into powerful lyrics. Discover how his red Fender Show master guitar, which accompanied him to Iraq, plays a distinct role in creating layered rhythms versus lead tones in his music.
Sean dives deep into the science behind music's healing properties, explaining how managing brain chemicals like adrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol through creative expression helped him overcome trauma.
He shares practical CBT techniques for identifying and processing traumatic thoughts, turning them into songs like "Aversion to Normality" and "Nemesis Friend of Mind."
The discussion covers the challenges of the music industry, dealing with rejection, and maintaining mental health as an artist.
Sean offers valuable insights on: Using music to process the five stages of grief
The therapeutic value of long-form storytelling in songs
Protecting your mental health from online criticism Finding gratitude and perspective during difficult times
Creating boundaries while pursuing artistic passion
Whether you're a musician, veteran, or someone interested in mental health and creative expression, this interview offers profound insights into the transformative power of music and the practical applications of therapy techniques in everyday life.
Find The Quarantined at thequarantine.com and on all streaming platforms.
This episode contains discussions of PTSD, therapy, and mental health recovery that may be helpful for anyone navigating their own healing journey.
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
đź“š "108 Ways to Be Happier" - Life's Gems by Ivonne
🌟 Join David Watson as he sits down with Ivonne, author of the transformative book "108 Ways to Be Happier," in this inspiring conversation about finding joy in life's simple moments.
🎧 Key Highlights: • How a personal collection of "life's gems" evolved into a powerful happiness guide
• The profound impact of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" on unlocking creativity
• Why 108 isn't just a number—it's a meaningful structure for life-changing habits
• Simple daily practices that can transform your mental health: gratitude, meditation, and "me time"
• The power of saying YES to new experiences and NO to what drains you
• How small, consistent changes create compound happiness
• Why eliminating the word "can't" can revolutionize your mindset
💫 Golden Nuggets: "Success is achieving anything you set out to do—even making a cup of tea"
"If you're having a grey day, look back on challenges you've overcome for strength"
"We're on this planet once. It's not a rehearsal.
You might as well enjoy it" "The good stuff looks for you when you look for the good stuff"
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I speak with author Isabelle Ready about her debut historical fiction novel, That You Remember, a powerful story inspired by the real Buffalo Creek disaster.
We explore the human cost of coal mining disasters, the forgotten history of mining communities, and the years of research Isabelle carried out to bring this tragic event to life through fiction.
Isabelle shares how her father’s connection to the coal industry helped spark the book, why the Buffalo Creek disaster still matters today, and how survivor testimony shaped her writing.
We also discuss the Aberfan disaster in Wales, the culture of coal mining in America and the UK, the bond within mining communities, and the emotional legacy left behind after preventable industrial tragedies.
This is a moving conversation about history, memory, community, trauma, resilience, and the role of storytelling in preserving voices that might otherwise be lost.
Topics covered in this episode:
Isabelle Ready and her novel That You Remember The Buffalo Creek disaster Historical fiction based on true events Coal mining history in America and the UK
The Aberfan disaster Survivor stories and generational trauma
Appalachian communities and coal heritage
Researching real-life tragedy for fiction
Memory, grief, and resilience
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about books, history, forgotten tragedies, human resilience, and the stories that shape communities, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe.
Find Isabelle Ready here:
Website: thatyouremember.com
Listen to more episodes of The David Watson Podcast for conversations with authors, thinkers, and fascinating guests from around the world.
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Hashtags: #IsabelleReady #ThatYouRemember #BuffaloCreekDisaster #HistoricalFiction #CoalMiningHistory #Aberfan #Appalachia #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #DavidWatsonPodcast
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Join host David Watson as he sits down with journalist and author Alun Rees for a mind-blowing discussion about Stonehenge's astonishing secrets that mainstream archaeology has overlooked.
In this revealing interview, Alan shares ground breaking discoveries from his investigative book "Stonehenge Deciphered" that will change how you see this ancient wonder forever.
Discover the revolutionary findings that answer Stonehenge's biggest mysteries:
Why the bluestones were transported 150 miles from Wales (it's not what you think!)
The incredible audio properties of these "ringing stones" that chimed like bells
How ancient builders used golden protractors to create precise celestial alignments
The visual magic of polished stones that looked like the Milky Way
Mathematical genius revealed through 5,000-year-old golden artifacts Alun Rees, a veteran journalist with unprecedented access to Stonehenge research, presents evidence-based conclusions that challenge conventional theories.
Learn about the Bush Barrow Lozenge, the Upton Lovell Button, and the Clandon Barrow Lozenge - three golden artifacts that prove Stonehenge's builders possessed advanced mathematical knowledge far beyond what we previously believed.
This interview reveals: The Bristol Channel tide theory that could explain stone transportation Connections between Stonehenge and the Nebra Sky Disc Evidence of ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange across Europe
Why archaeologists resist these ground breaking discoveries
The ceremonial and sensory purposes of Stonehenge that go beyond simple calendar functions Whether you're a history enthusiast, archaeology lover, or simply fascinated by ancient mysteries, this conversation presents compelling evidence that Stonehenge's builders were far more sophisticated than we've ever imagined.
Key Topics Covered:
âś“ Stonehenge's true purpose revealed
âś“ Lithophonic stones and ancient acoustics
âś“ Neolithic mathematics and engineering
âś“ Golden protractors older than Egyptian tools
âś“ Bristol Channel transportation theory
âś“ Nebra Sky Disc connections
âś“ Bush Barrow archaeological discoveries
âś“ Ancient trade routes and knowledge exchange
Find Alun Rees book "Stonehenge Deciphered": Available on Amazon and other major retailers Hardback version coming soon in the UK Currently available in hardback in the US
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and local Stonehenge connections
1:51 - Why Avebury might be better than Stonehenge for visitors
3:14 - Alan's personal journey covering Stonehenge since 1985
4:25 - The famous Stonehenge free festival battles
6:11 - Local stone sites and the Sarsen stones
7:42 - How Alan began investigating Stonehenge mysteries
8:36 - The Bush Barrow treasure and Wiltshire Museum
10:04 - Understanding burial mounds around Stonehenge
12:57 - The misty, mystical atmosphere of Stonehenge
14:23 - The Bristol Channel stone transportation theory
17:00 - Revolutionary tide-powered transport method
18:25 - Why Stonehenge was built at this specific location
19:40 - The glacial stripes pointing to winter solstice
21:04 - The bluestones' incredible properties
22:31 - Lithophonic stones that ring like bells
25:09 - The religious significance of chiming stones
27:46 - Stonehenge as a sensory banquet for ancient worship
29:09 - The Bush Barrow Lozenge's mathematical significance
30:02 - Ancient protractors discovered in golden artifacts
32:25 - Ivy Yang's mathematical breakthrough with Stonehenge's geometry
33:04 - Independent confirmation by British mathematician David Gregg
34:54 - The 360-degree connection and Sumerian influence
36:01 - DNA evidence of Anatolian migration to Britain
37:14 - The Nebra Sky Disc connection
39:19 - Why archaeologists ignore these mathematical discoveries
41:13 - The missing discussion of ancient engineering tools
42:27 - Evidence of ancient European trade networks
45:06 - What readers will discover in "Stonehenge Deciphered"
46:49 - Alan's time machine question: Stonehenge in a 4x4 with "Riders on the Storm"
Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more fascinating archaeological discoveries and ancient mystery investigations!
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Join host David Watson as he sits down with Michelle Tori, author of the powerful historical novel "Fox Creek," for an intimate conversation about writing complex characters, understanding historical perspectives, and mastering the art of point of view in fiction.
In this revealing interview, Michelle shares her unique journey from growing up across Europe to becoming a published author, discussing:
Her unconventional path to becoming a writer through deconstructing acclaimed novels.
The 3 years of intensive research into plantation life and slave narratives
How she approached writing from both slaveholder and enslaved perspectives
The shocking discovery that changed her understanding of historical "good people"
Why understanding point of view is crucial for creating authentic characters
Her method of breaking down scenes like a film director to master storytelling
Michelle also shares invaluable writing advice, including her recommendation of Orson Scott Card's "Characters and Viewpoint" and explains how she learned to write marketable fiction by studying the techniques of successful authors.
Whether you're an aspiring writer, history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the complexities of human nature, this conversation offers profound insights into how we understand the past and bring it to life through storytelling.
Key Topics Covered:
âś“ Historical fiction writing techniques
âś“ Point of view mastery for authors
âś“ Research methods for historical accuracy
âś“ Character development and complexity
âś“ The challenge of representing diverse perspectives
âś“ Writing lessons from acclaimed authors
âś“ Understanding cultural context in history
Find Michelle Tori's work:
Website: www.metorrey.com
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org
Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION bell for more author interviews and writing insights!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Michelle's international upbringing
3:34 - The joy of authentic travel experiences
7:47 - Michelle's early life and return to America
10:50 - Discovering her passion for writing in 5th grade
13:27 - Learning to write through deconstructing novels
15:22 - The critical importance of point of view
17:58 - Christoph Waltz and understanding character perspectives
20:04 - The complexity of writing about slaveholding characters
22:12 - Understanding historical context vs modern judgments
27:17 - What inspired Michelle to write about the Antebellum South
29:01 - The whitewashed plantation tours that sparked her mission
30:16 - The vast spectrum of slave experiences
32:41 - The shocking diary entry that changed everything
38:45 - The degradation of character through ownership
52:01 - Why we can't judge historical figures by today's standards
55:42 - Michelle's advice for aspiring writers on point of view
1:00:46 - Time machine question: Jaguar, Stairway to Heaven, and the future
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Trisha Gardella, a children’s author with 30 published books and the creator of a beloved picture-book series featuring Mouse, a tiny character with a big message: never give up.
Trisha shares how her passion for America’s national parks became the heart of her stories, why kids’ books must be fun first (with deeper lessons quietly woven in), and how creativity often comes from “listening” to the characters that show up in your imagination.
We also talk about resilience, adapting when life changes direction, and her calm, grounded outlook on mortality after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at 33.
If you love writing, creativity, children’s books, national parks, or conversations that leave you feeling lighter and more hopeful, you’ll enjoy this one.
Guest and links Trisha’s website: https://triciagardella.com/
Topics we cover Writing picture books that children actually want to read How Mouse became a 12+ book national parks series
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Protecting national parks and helping kids care about nature Creativity, ideas, and “letting the story lead” Resilience, detours, and finding joy in each phase of life
HCM, mortality, and a surprisingly peaceful mindset Illustration, collaboration, and how Trisha finds artists
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Family businesses don’t usually fail because of bad numbers.
They fail because of broken trust, unspoken resentment, and the conversations nobody wants to have.
In this episode of The David Watson Podcast, I’m joined by Rene Sonneveld, a Dutch executive coach based in Uruguay and author of The Elephant in the Family Room.
Rene works at the intersection of leadership, governance and human psychology, helping family enterprises tackle the real problem underneath the “business problem”: the invisible capital of trust, identity, communication, role clarity and belonging.
We also explore a powerful parallel from my work in head injury rehabilitation: when life changes in an instant, families often grieve the person who was, struggle with who someone is becoming, and collide over expectations, fear and control.
Rene shares a deeply personal story about his first wife’s brain cancer and the question that haunts families in crisis: if they wake up, who will they be?
If you’re navigating family conflict, succession planning, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, or tension inside a family-owned business, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening, why it’s so hard to fix alone, and how honest communication becomes the load-bearing wall that holds everything up.
Key topics in this episode The “elephant in the family room” and why families walk around it for generations
Why family businesses fail relationally, not financially
The hidden drivers beneath conflict: relevance, respect, safety, fairness, belonging
Why governance structures can look perfect but still collapse
How sibling rivalry and old emotional patterns show up as “strategy debates”
Listening vs hearing: what people are telling you vs what they’re trying to tell you
Why bringing in a neutral facilitator can unlock stuck family systems
How Rene went from governance and banking to coaching families worldwide
Writing as a tool for self-awareness, perspective and better leadership
Find Rene and his book Website: https://www.renesonneveld.com/
Book: The Elephant in the Family Room (available on major retailers including Amazon)
If this episode helped you, please consider: Subscribe for more long-form conversations with authors, coaches, entrepreneurs and creatives Like and share to help the podcast reach more people Comment below: what’s the “elephant” people avoid in families, workplaces, or relationships?
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Jeremy Wagner on Wretch, Broken Hope, and the Magic of Letting Stories Write Themselves
Join David Watson for a captivating conversation with author, musician, and master storyteller Jeremy Wagner.
In this episode, Jeremy delves into the creation of his new dark crime novel, "Wretch," shares the fascinating origins of his death metal band Broken Hope, and discusses the profound joy of the creative process.
From the nostalgic magic of vinyl and paperback books to the raw energy of channelling characters, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about art, music, and writing.
đź”” Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible conversations!
// TIMESTAMPS //
00:00 - Introduction to Jeremy Wagner and the new novel, "Wretch"
00:41 - The magic of physical media: A love for Bucket of Blood Books and Records
02:14 - Why younger generations are rediscovering vinyl, books, and tangible art
06:17 - The lost art of album covers and the experience of dropping the needle
08:43 - Jeremy's Chicago roots and the formation of Broken Hope in high school
14:57 - The nostalgia of youth: Chasing adventures before the internet and smartphones
19:05 - The creative spark: How Jeremy's love for writing began in grade school
26:52 - The priceless artifact: Jeremy's first storybook from his grandmother
30:11 - Writing lyrics for Broken Hope as "micro horror fiction"
33:23 - The different creative processes for writing songs vs. novels
37:13 - The magic of channelling characters and letting them tell the story
42:40 - The story behind "Wretch": Three converging storylines in a brutal Chicago summer
45:18 - Creating authentic characters with the help of a real Chicago police detective
48:52 - The inspiration for the antagonist, Derek Hoffman, and the horrors of big pharma
52:04 - Crafting the mob boss, Tico Tortellio, and the clash of three storylines
57:07 - The long road to publication: How ideas can haunt you for decades
1:01:07 - Where to find Jeremy Wagner and his work
1:02:39 - Time Machine Question: Mad Max's V8 Interceptor and Slayer's "Reign in Blood"
This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of Jeremy Wagner. He discusses the launch of his new novel, "Wretch," a gritty dark crime story set in Chicago, and explains how the book's three interconnected storylines were inspired by real people and "what if" scenarios.
Jeremy traces his passion for storytelling back to his childhood, sharing the touching story of his first storybook.
He also details his parallel career as a lyricist for the death metal band Broken Hope, comparing the condensed, punchy nature of writing "micro horror fiction" for songs to the expansive process of novel-writing.
The conversation is a celebration of the creative process, the importance of passion, and the magic that happens when you get out of the way and let the story tell itself.
// KEY TAKEAWAYS //
• Jeremy Wagner's new novel, "Wretch," follows a Chicago detective, a chemically-fueled monster, and a mob boss whose stories violently collide.
• He believes physical media like vinyl and paperbacks offer a tangible, artistic experience that digital formats can't replicate.
• The creative process for Jeremy involves "channelling" his characters, allowing them to surprise him and guide the narrative.
• He wrote lyrics for his band Broken Hope for over 30 years, treating them as intense, short-form horror stories.
• A great story idea can haunt an author for years, waiting for the right moment to be fully brought to life.
// RESOURCES & LINKS //
• Book: "Wretch" by Jeremy Wagner Available through Dead Sky Publishing and major retailers.
• Author's Website: jeremyxwagner.com (Find all his books, music from Broken Hope and Earth Burner, and more.)
• Social Media: @JeremyXWagner (on all platforms)
• Publisher: deadskypublishing.com
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
In this episode of the David Watson Podcast, we dive deep into the forgotten history of the American Revolutionary War with author James Giesler.
Discover the crucial, often overlooked, role Spain played in securing America's final victory at Yorktown. Learn about Francisco de Saavedra, the Spanish diplomat and strategist whose logistical genius and access to Spanish silver were the deciding factors that turned the tide of war.
This is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, European empires, and the financial realities of warfare.
đź”” Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into history!
00:00 - Introduction to James Kegeler and his book on the American Revolutionary War
00:55 - James's background and what drew him to this history
02:30 - The historical context: The Bourbon Family Compacts and European rivalries
04:27 - The Seven Years' War and its impact on the American Revolution
07:14 - The financial trigger: Britain's taxes and the Boston Tea Party
09:21 - France's strategic goal: Weakening Britain, not just aiding America
11:59 - The military stalemate in North America before 1781
12:07 - The entrance of Spain and the power of the combined Franco-Spanish fleet
16:07 - Spain's strategic advantage: The silver mines of Mexico and the Havana base
18:32 - The importance of the Spanish silver dollar (the piece of eight)
21:03 - The difference between commodity-based money and fiat currency
22:02 - Who was Francisco de Saavedra? Theologian, soldier, and diplomat
26:04 - The critical year of 1781: Saavedra arrives in Havana
27:32 - The De Grasse-Saavedra Convention: A plan to win the war
28:37 - Securing the funds: Saavedra gets 500,000 silver pesos for the French fleet
29:44 - The Siege of Yorktown: How naval supremacy and money sealed Cornwallis's fate
31:57 - The aftermath of Yorktown and the shift in British strategy
40:00 - The Battle of the Saints: A massive naval clash and the failed invasion of Jamaica
45:14 - The Treaty of Paris and the end of the war
46:35 - Saavedra's later career: From Venezuela to the Spanish Court
50:55 - Saavedra's final stand: Leading the defense against Napoleon at the Battle of Bailén
54:19 - Where to find the book "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War"
55:26 - James's time machine question
This episode reveals the hidden side of the American Revolution, highlighting the indispensable contributions of Spain and its agent, Francisco de Saavedra.
We explore how the Bourbon Family Compacts allied France and Spain against Britain, setting the stage for their intervention.
The discussion covers the financial motivations behind the war, from Britain's taxation of colonists to Spain's unique advantage of vast silver reserves in Mexico.
The core of the interview focuses on Saavedra's remarkable logistical and diplomatic efforts in 1781, where he unified Spanish and French commanders, secured the vital funds from Havana that financed the French fleet's campaign, and directly enabled the decisive victory at Yorktown.
We also cover Saavedra's fascinating life story, from his unlikely entry into the army to his later role as a national hero in Spain's fight against Napoleon.
• The American victory at Yorktown was made possible by a massive loan of 500,000 silver pesos from Spain, secured by Francisco de Saavedra.
• The combined French and Spanish navies (around 120 ships) challenged British dominance at sea, a key factor in the war's outcome.
• The Spanish silver dollar (piece of eight) was a trusted global currency, unlike the rapidly devaluing American continental paper money.
• Francisco de Saavedra was a master diplomat and logistician who resolved rivalries between Spanish and French commanders to create a unified war effort.
• The war was as much about finance and draining an opponent's resources as it was about battlefield victories.
• Book: "Francisco de Saavedra's American Revolutionary War" by James Giesler
Available on Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .es, etc.) Available in bookshops via Barnes & Noble and Ingram Spark Available as an ebook on major platforms.
• Author's Website: The Book — James Giesler
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Join host David Watson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with his returning guest, author Martin R. Nelson.
In this episode, they tackle everything from the universal comfort of cookies and milkshakes to the heavy burdens of self-doubt and financial struggle.
Martin opens up about his hectic life juggling a full-time teaching job, a move, and a second child on the way, all while promoting his latest high-fantasy novel, The Culling of Souls, the sequel to Children of the Dying Hearth.
He shares the profound themes of his Annals of Tessian series, exploring how characters must leave their comfort zones and "cull their souls" to grow.
The discussion then pivots to the harsh realities of the creative world. Martin and David have a raw and honest talk about the challenges of indie publishing, the feeling of creating for an empty stadium, and the constant battle with the question: "What will people think?"
They also dive into broader societal issues, touching on the housing market, the paradox of tolerance, and the state of free speech and politics in the UK and beyond.
This is a must-watch for aspiring authors, fantasy fans, and anyone who has ever questioned their own worth or path in life.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro & Martin's Busy Life
1:45 - The Power of Cookies & Milkshakes
7:00 - The Gift That Gets You Out of Trouble
10:16 - The Male Struggle with Self-Worth & Spending
12:36 - David's Story: Bankruptcy and Homelessness
17:08 - Then vs. Now: The Housing Market Crisis
19:00 - The Frugal Path to Home Ownership
24:04 - The Man Who Chose Status Over Freedom
29:58 - The Problem with Class and Status Systems
34:02 - The Japanese Mindset of Service
45:00 - Airport Horror Stories
51:19 - Focusing on the Books!
52:10 - Introducing the Annals of Tessian Series
58:45 - The Theme of Children of the Dying Hearth
1:00:12 - The Theme of The Culling of Souls
1:03:00 - Trauma, Growth, and Using Emotions as a Window
1:09:15 - The Creator's Dilemma: Self-Doubt & The Empty Stadium
1:18:03 - The Gatekeepers of Publishing & The Noise of Indie Authorship
1:25:15 - The Power of a "Body of Work"
1:31:00 - The Humanizing Power of a Conversation
1:49:00 - Tolkien, Politics, and the Real-World Scouring of the Shire
1:55:00 - The State of Free Speech in the UK
2:06:00 - The Epstein Files, Legal Realities, and Systemic Corruption
2:19:50 - A Ruler's True Role: To Serve
2:22:59 - Outro
Find Martin's Books: https://martinraynelson.com/