Episodes

  • Independent Press Award: GAB TALKS with Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe
    Dec 18 2025


    Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe is the creative force behind The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie, bringing a wealth of experience in writing and social-emotional learning to the forefront. With a deep passion for literacy and emotional development, Dr. Poitier-Liscombe has dedicated herself to helping children, teens, and families find healing and growth through the written word. Her approach focuses on creating stories that not only entertain but also educate, covering essential topics such as bullying, depression, and responsibility. Dr. Poitier-Liscombe believes that storytelling can be a powerful tool for promoting empathy, self-awareness, and resilience among young readers.
    Through her work, Dr. Poitier-Liscombe seeks to inspire young minds to develop emotional intelligence and cope with life’s challenges. She is committed to offering personalized support and guidance to clients, ensuring that each story is crafted with care and resonates with its intended audience. With a focus on authenticity and compassion, Dr. Poitier-Liscombe remains at the heart of The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie, helping to transform writing ideas into impactful stories.
    Dr. Sherrie Poitier a decades old veteran of Broward County Public Schools who has worked with every level student and has expansive knowledge in inspiring at-risk youth to reach maximum potential. She believes in Purpose Driven living and dons a Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy.
    Dr. Poitier is a published children’s author, who has expanded her series to offering books for teens. Dr. Poitier has created an opportunity to help disenfranchised or interested youth in the art of becoming a Wordsmith, while publishing their work. This Counseling Director has honed the skill of impacting youth and using stories and relational connection to change their trajectory. Additionally, she has coordinated The BCPS College & Career Summit for 3 years and dedicates her time to encouraging women through various Ministry avenues.
    Dr. Poitier was High School Counselor of the Year 2016-17, Teacher of the Year 2016-18 and has been NESS mentor for educators since 1999. It is her dream to leave a lasting legacy behind that changes the lives of youth after she has retired from education, whether in its present state or as a strong foundation to build upon for the upcoming counseling professionals.


    Listen to more author interviews at https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks



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    31 mins
  • NYC Big Book Award: GAB TALKS with Ivona Olofsson, author of The Soul of War: Ukraine – Where Every Step Tells Their Story.
    Jan 22 2026

    NYC Big Book Award WINNER in the Cultural Heritage category


    The Soul of War is a profoundly moving account of the human face of conflict, told through the eyes of Ivona Olofsson – therapist, peace worker, and fellow human being. With roots in post-war Poland and a life shaped by the legacy of war, she travels to Ukraine in the midst of an unfolding conflict.


    On train platforms, in refugee camps, hospitals, and among ruins, she meets children, soldiers, mothers, and medics. They share stories that redefine courage, endurance, and what it means to remain human. Interwoven with her own memories, these voices form a narrative where the personal and the universal meet.


    This book is both a testimony and an inner journey – about the invisible scars carried by individuals and communities, about the ways history continues to echo within us, and about the will to stand for something greater than ourselves.


    Written in language that is both poetic and unflinching, The Soul of War captures moments of pain and beauty in a world torn by conflict. It is a powerful, timely contribution to understanding the impact of war and the enduring human capacity for hope.



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    30 mins
  • NYC Big Book Award: GAB TALKS with Michael C. Higgins, PhD, author of Exploring Wine Regions - Mexico
    Jan 8 2026

    Does México make wine? Yes. Any good? Very good. While México is famous for producing Tequila, this book opens our eyes to high-quality Méxican wines. And the phenomenal cuisine and extraordinary tourism.


    Exploring México's Quality Wines and Phenomenal Cuisine Exploring Wine Regions – México is the fourth book in the award-winning series, now exploring the México Wine Regions.


    See https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks for more author interviews.


    This book takes you on a journey to discover these amazing wines; combining wine education, an insider travel guide and spectacular photography. Higgins again dazzles his audience with another informative and beautiful book.
    Tourism in México is outstanding, we all know it. And the Méxican wine regions are no exception. Wine regions are always very beautiful places. Here, the mountains and valleys are ever so enchanting. The wineries are engaging, have lots of tourism activities available, and are especially inviting and friendly with their warm Méxican hospitality. Both connoisseurs and novices turn to this book series for insider information and inspiration. It is a must-have book for expanding your knowledge of México and its wines. With 340 full-color pages and over 600 photographic images, this fourth edition explores México's regions of Valle de Guadalupe (including Ensenada), Guanajuato (including San Miguel de Allende) and Querétaro (with its rich history).
    With breathtaking photography and personal commentary, readers are mesmerized by the world of wine, food and travel. Extensive resources are provided for wine lovers who want to know where to go, what to look for, and how to discover their favorite wines.

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    41 mins
  • Gab Talks with Anita Selzer
    Nov 20 2025

    On this episode of the Gab Talks we have the pleasure of chatting with Australian author Anita Selzer. This is Anita’s second visit with the Gab Talks and we are thrilled to have her back. Anita’s book, The Female Gaze in Art & Photography Volume One is the winner of the 2025 New York City Big Book Award. Volume One was the winner of the Independent Press Award in the Fine Arts Category.

    Anita is the author of fifteen adult and children’s non-fiction books, including “Reframing Beauty” and “I Am Woman.” Her work focuses on women, gender culture and history.

    Before stepping into the world of publishing, Anita cultivated a rich academic and professional life. Holding a BA, Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma in Women’s Studies, a Master’s in Education, and a PhD in Education, she has long been engaged with the intersections of gender, history, and learning.
    Anita served as Executive Officer in Women’s Affairs in the Premier’s Department in Victoria. Her expertise also extended into publishing, reviewing books for Cambridge University Press and the academic journal Gender and Education.

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    26 mins
  • Independent Press Award: GAB TALKS with Dr. Susan Agbenoto, author of "New Wine: A Journey into refueling your life"
    Oct 23 2025

    New Wine, A journey into refueling your life in the spirit

    Book review: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798890430519



    Welcome to an enlightening conversation with Dr. Susan Agbenoto, a dynamic and multifaceted leader in faith-based circles. Based in Central Florida, Dr. Agbenoto is not only a respected author and speaker but also an experienced investment professional and a dedicated lay pastor. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling and is passionate about guiding people through life’s most challenging seasons with grace.


    In this interview, we’ll explore the themes from her impactful books, "Restore Me! But Privately, Please" and the award-winning "New Wine: A Journey Into Refueling Your Life in the Spirit." These works powerfully address the silent struggles of leaders and the critical need for spiritual renewal. Prepare for a conversation that blends practical wisdom with theological insight, offering a refreshing and restorative perspective on integrating faith, purpose, and holistic well-being.


    * New Wine will cause you to embark on a soul-stirring journey as you dive into revelations of what happens when you are a recipient of God's outpouring of new wine.


    * Have you ever wondered if there's more to life? Felt that inner dryness that saps your spirit? It's time to uncork the New Wine of the Lord. Within these pages, you'll encounter a tapestry of narratives meticulously woven to awaken the dormant embers deep within your soul.


    MEET Dr. Susan Agbenoto


    "Restore Me! But Privately, Please" is a resource designed to aid in personal restoration. It's suggested that readers engage with the first chapter at their own pace to determine how frequently to proceed through the rest of the material, emphasizing that restoration is a gradual but permanent process. "The Journey of Restoration," addresses the common experience of silently struggling with emotional or spiritual disconnection and the need for renewal. Dr. Susan Agbenoto emphasizes that taking steps toward change, rather than ignoring problems, is crucial.



    "New Wine," an award-winning book that explores life's phases through the metaphor of a grape seed's growth (buried, pressed, crushed, aged). This book also incorporates church history to connect personal experiences with a larger spiritual narrative, offering the hopeful message that God has good plans for the future.



    A FREE "Restore Me! E-Workbook" is available to complement "Restore Me! But Privately, Please." It can be obtained by subscribing to the author's newsletter or using the contact form.


    You can find out more at https://www.susan-agbenoto.com/


    To listen to more GAB TALKS, please visit www.TheGABTALKS.com

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    30 mins
  • Independent Press Award: GAB TALKS with Sam L Feldman
    Jul 17 2025

    Feldman speaks about his short stories collection that takes place during the Sexual Revolution, (60’s & 70’s), when attitudes towards sex and morality are liberalized. Sex by either gender without guilt or shame, with whom or whoever.

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    29 mins
  • Debut novelist Sarah Lynn discusses her award-winning book "Between the Lines" with Independent Press Award's president Gabby Olczak.
    Jun 26 2025

    2022 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite New Fiction (First-time Published): Eva is a young woman living her dream life as a photographer at a wildly popular magazine in the Big Apple, after moving from her small hometown in Virginia. She soon finds herself overtaken by confusion and entangled in a web of deceit, as a long-time guy-friend turned man of her dreams promises her the world and then disappears mysteriously, leaving only a screen behind.
    What started out innocently soon turns into an infuriating, but addictively mysterious mind-game. Eva struggles to find her worth in a man who is obsessively in love with her but hides behind a screen. Fighting to regain herself and her dimming future of which she was once so sure, every aspect of her life turns to upheaval at his random disruptive presence, in text, but never in physical form. Eva's story holds deeper mystery as she fights to pick up the pieces, find healing, and come into her own in a way that is completely foreign to her. But not before encountering a bombshell surprise that will totally rewrite her history and inform her future.
    Between the Lines will speak to the heart of those who understand the elusive pursuit of a dream, and the deep-felt desire to find true love, walking the road of heartache and confusion to get there. It is written for anyone who has struggled with self-worth and has fiercely sought the truth, in the midst of seemingly endless frustration.
    Listen and see more author interviews at https://thegabtalks.com/

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    23 mins
  • Independent Press Award: GAB TALKS with Dr. Lynsey Victoria
    Jun 12 2025

    This book was written by Dr. Lynsey Victoria Rinelli, an Emergency Veterinarian. A Wagner College graduate with a BS focused in Biology and Psychology. She pursued her dream to become a Veterinarian. After her time at Ross University and clinical year at LSU, she traveled to Alaska. There she participated in the aid of canine racers in the Willow 300. She is focused on emergency surgery, physical rehabilitation and exotic animal medicine.
    Partnered with psychologist, Brittany Rose DiFalco. She has a bachelors in psychology and masters in clinical mental health counseling. She specializes in trauma, grief and loss, and anxiety based disorders.
    "Goodbye For Now" is a heartwarming picture book that explores the deep bond between a child, Little Grey and her beloved German Shepherd, Teddy. When Teddy is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Little Grey and her parents face the difficult journey of coping with grief and loss.
    As they navigate the stages of grief together, Little Grey learns valuable lessons about the importance of cherishing time with loved ones, the power of unconditional love, and the significance of saying goodbye. Through tender moments and fond memories, this family shows that even in the darkest times, support and time can help heal the heart.
    Themes: The unbreakable bond between children and their pets, coping with grief and loss, the importance of cherishing time with loved ones, unconditional love and support.
    Age Range: Adults and children of all ages
    Genre: Picture Book

    Listen and see more author interviews at https://thegabtalks.com/

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    25 mins