David Watson

The David Watson Podcast #219 Jessica K. Foster on Writing Funny, Heartfelt YA Romance & Life as a Teacher

In this episode of the David Watson Podcast, I sit down with Jessica K. Foster, author of Andy and the Extroverts and other funny, heartfelt Young Adult Contemporary romances. Jessica shares her journey from middle school Language Arts teacher to published YA author, and we talk about balancing creativity, teaching, and family life in West Michigan.

We dive into what makes YA romance so powerful, the emotional truths behind her stories, and how she finds humour and heart in the everyday lives of teens. Jessica also offers insight into the writing process, her love for romantic beach reads, and how her students inspire her characters. Whether you’re a writer, teacher, or YA fiction lover, you’ll find this conversation full of warmth, laughter, and inspiration.

Website: https://jessicakfoster.com

Instagram:   / jessicakfosterauthor  

Goodreads:   / 24289158.jessica_k_foster  

The David Watson Podcast #218 Julian Raven on Art, Politics, and His Fight with the Smithsonian

Julian Raven joins the David Watson Podcast for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about art, politics, and free expression. Known for his powerful pro-Trump painting “Unafraid and Unashamed” and his high-profile legal battle with the Smithsonian Institution, Raven shares his personal story as an artist, activist, and outspoken defender of artistic freedom.

In this episode, we explore how art and politics collide, the meaning behind his most controversial works, and what drives him to keep creating despite censorship and criticism. Julian Raven offers insight into his journey from the United Kingdom to the United States, his creative process, and his experiences navigating the modern art world.

Topics discussed include: The inspiration behind “Unafraid and Unashamed” Julian Raven’s lawsuit against the Smithsonian and the National Portrait Gallery Art, free speech, and political expression in modern America Julian

Substack https://substack.com/@julianraven

Art Gallery https://ravenartstudiomarbella.com/

The David Watson Podcast #217 Stephen tells me why the 2nd Amendment matters so much

Stephen is a spokesperson for Guns of America, an advocate of the 2nd Amendment and a man who believes in Gods work.

As someone who has faced real life danger, and thanks to the 2nd amendment he was able to protect himself and his community, Stephen probably knows better than most why it is so important he and the GOA continue to fight to protect the Right To Bear Arms.

Stephen Willeford

https://www.thebarefootdefender.com/

The David Watson Podcast #216 National security operations from a real source

What if you're writing a book series about espionage, dangerous governments and you have worked at the forefront defending your country from all of these threats.

Steinke has spent a lifetime in US national security roles, including twenty-eight years in the US Army and fourteen in the Department of Defence.

His official duties have taken him from the US Military Academy at West Point to over thirty countries on the Eurasian landmass, including Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Steinke holds master’s degrees in West European studies and diplomacy from Indiana and Norwich Universities, respectively, as well as post-graduation certificates in national and international security affairs from Harvard and Stanford Universities.

His passions include faith, family, fly fishing, and travel.

Rick
https://ricksteinke.com/

The David Watson Podcast #215 I'm 24 What do I do

Every so often, a story walks into your life which reminds you of the power of never saying never. Jane Fischer’s is that kind of story. Jane’s life started like many others.

A bright college graduate, she stepped into the classroom as a teacher, fuelled by a passion to shape young minds. Then came marriage and children.

The first few chapters of her life read as expected until the arrival of Suzy, her second child. Suzy was born with severe medical and developmental challenges, and the prognosis was grim.

Jane, then just 24 years old, was handed a laundry list of nevers: Suzy would never walk, never talk, never learn. But Jane wasn’t interested in anyone else’s script.

Instead, she rolled up her sleeves, wiped away the tears and wrote her own. And now Jane, a resident of New Jersey in the United States, has written a book about the story of her fight and journey for Suzy.

If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never. (September 2024, G&D Media) “At 24, I had no idea where to start,” Jane says. “But I knew I had to start somewhere.” Suzy’s early years were a whirlwind of hospital visits, therapies and sleepless nights.

Jane plunged into the world of special needs, armed with nothing more than fierce maternal love and a refusal to accept limitations. She became an advocate for Suzy, eventually earning her certification as a teacher of special needs children and later working as a learning consultant.

Jane’s advocacy did not stop at her daughter’s needs. She spearheaded socialization programs, founded special education PTAs and fought tirelessly to ensure children like Suzy weren’t just present but truly represented.

Website https://www.janemfischer.com/

The David Watson Podcast #214 From Homelessness to Hope

Dana Sutton is a tutor, coach, and parent with decades of experience working with children and young people. She currently provides consulting and accounting services for businesses. A keen athlete while growing up, Dana enjoyed fastball, ringette, volleyball, hockey, martial arts and skiing (both in water and downhill).

These days, when she isn’t busy with work or grandchildren, Dana can be found reading a book or riding her motorcycle through Kelowna, B.C., where she lives with her husband and dogs. If you look closely you might even see her dogs in her books!

When I was raising my children I always focused on being open with them. I don't believe there are any "off-limit subjects". If my children were asking about something, or had been exposed to something, then I worked hard to help them understand using age-appropriate language; even when the topic was uncomfortable for me.

When I started writing children's books, and especially with the topic in Maddie Finds Her Place, I really focused on that strategy. My experience is that, if the language is framed well, then children at each age level receive exactly what they need and are capable of understanding the conversation.

Dana
https://www.danasuttonbooks.com/home

 

The David Watson Podcast #213 Dr Ran Anbar How Hypnosis Really Works For You

Today I spoke with returning guest Dr Ran Anbar about how Hypnosis Really Works For You.

Your inner voice, how you use you imagination, how your outlook affects your reality.

We go deep into what reality really is and how you can use it to manifest the life you want.

The world you're living today is a reflection of your thinking and the more you practise how you think, the more you visualise, the more you can create your reality.

Dr Ran Anbar discusses how to do this and gives you the tools so you can do it for yourself.

Dr Ran Anbar https://www.centerpointmedicine.com/p...

The David Watson Podcast #212 The War on Kids: Why This Filmmaker Wants to End Compulsory Schooling

Today I spoke with Cevin Solvin about "The War on Kids: Why This Filmmaker Wants to End Compulsory Schooling"

Cevin has made documentary's and written the book The Student Resistance Handbook.

Cevin Soling stands as a pioneering force in American literature and filmmaking, seamlessly weaving profound narratives across both mediums.

Renowned for his innovative storytelling, Soling’s literary works and cinematic creations redefine artistic boundaries, earning him acclaim as a visionary in the realm of creative expression.

With a unique blend of intellect and imagination, he continues to shape and inspire the landscape of contemporary literature and film.

Cevin Soiling https://amzn.eu/d/3WCrGLU

The Student Resistance Handbook https://amzn.eu/d/3WCrGLU

The David Watson Podcast #211 How to live in the present. 25 Years in the making.

Mathematical Genius Provides Formula For Living In a Better World.

Keith Robins explain to me how he came to write his thought provoking book and the compelling case he makes for finding your bubble to build a better life for yourself.

The Fourth Coming

https://amzn.eu/d/7YzLgmV

 

The David Watson Podcast #210 Tender Bastard and I catch up. What's his news?

Today I caught up with Tenderbastard and we discussed the progress since I last spoke to him, the new songs he has written and what his plans are to license his name and get into the Marijuana business and possible grow his own.

And we finished with one of his new songs.