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STORYTELLHER

STORYTELLHER

Written by: Deborah Kevin
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 As a child, I was abandoned by my mother. This left an indelible mark on my worthiness: if my own mother didn’t want me, what could I be worth? I lived with this subconscious belief clouding my life’s experiences for decades. Not that you would have known any of this if you’d met me back then. I hustled, doing great work behind the scenes, and made my bosses and colleagues look wonderful—as long as they didn’t notice me, I was happy. Or at least happy enough. It was in this energy and with these beliefs that I attracted a husband who abused me. One day, I found myself behind three locked doors and on the telephone with 911 as my then-husband crashed around downstairs, tossing furniture and throwing crockery. How had I gotten to this point? I didn’t know, but I vowed at that moment to escape—and finally dug into the trauma that had brought me to that low point. As I wrote and spoke about my trauma, something incredible happened: extreme healing. Leaning into the worst moments of my life allowed me to release the shame and recognize how resilient and courageous I had been. I claimed my voice and knew that my mission was to help other women find their voices. I began teaching others to write about their worst moments, heal through the process, and claim their brilliance. That’s also why I started Highlander Press, a publishing house dedicated to elevating women authors. Time and again, I witnessed women healing by telling their stories—and this transformed their lives. By sharing stories on this podcast, together we’ll inspire other women to see how incredible and brave they are—and how we can light the way for other women to see the same. I am your host, Deborah Kevin, and this is the STORYTELLHER podcast.2024 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Courage to Be Seen: Celebrating 100 Stories of Women Rising | Ep. 100

    The Courage to Be Seen: Celebrating 100 Stories of Women Rising | Ep. 100
    Nov 10 2025

    For the 100th episode of STORYTELLHER, the tables are turned as host Deborah Kevin takes the guest seat! Emily Arndt leads this special conversation, diving into the heart of the podcast’s mission: elevating women’s voices and amplifying their stories. Discover how these powerful conversations have not only inspired listeners but also profoundly shaped Deborah herself. This milestone episode marks an exciting beginning of even more stories, insights, and impact still to come—don’t miss it!

    Here are the things to expect in the episode:

    • Deborah’s personal journey and how she transformed her beliefs along the way
    • The story behind founding Highlander Press and launching the STORYTELLHER podcast
    • Why amplifying women’s voices is so powerful and necessary
    • How storytelling can bridge divides and foster empathy
    • Insights into what truly makes a great interview
    • The valuable lessons Deborah has gained from her guests
    • And much more!

    About Deborah:

    Deborah Kevin is the founder of Highlander Press, host of the STORYTELLHER podcast, bestselling author of Shelf Life: A Field Guide to Long-Term Author Success, and an unapologetic disruptor of the status quo. She’s on a mission to elevate women’s voices and help changemakers share their stories with impact and heart. An adventurer at heart, Debby has trekked the Camino de Santiago and thrives on exploring the world with her family. A magic believer, French Press enthusiast, and master of irreverent humor, she brings warmth, wit, and bold truth-telling to everything she touches.

    Connect with Emily Arndt!

    The Space Between film: https://www.spacebetweenfilm.org/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespacebetweenfilm2025/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetweenfilm2025/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespacebetweendoc2025

    Website: https://emslenscreative.com/

    Book Recommendation:

    The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

    Connect with Deborah Kevin:

    Website: www.deborahkevin.com

    Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

    Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

    Check out Highlander Press:

    Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Characters, Conflicts, and Cupid: A Romance Author’s Journey with Stacey Wilk | Ep. 99

    Characters, Conflicts, and Cupid: A Romance Author’s Journey with Stacey Wilk | Ep. 99
    Nov 3 2025

    Behind every book lies a story—and Stacey Wilk’s path to becoming a romance author is one you won’t want to miss! In this episode, Deborah sits down with Stacey to uncover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her journey. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a writer or simply love hearing how authors bring stories to life, this conversation is sure to spark your own creativity and passion. Get ready to be inspired!

    Here are the things to expect in the episode:

    • Why writing is a skill anyone can learn, not just a gift you’re born with
    • Stacey’s unique writing process and publishing journey
    • Overcoming common challenges—plot, characters, and deadlines
    • Creating authentic connections between the author and readers
    • How writing fuels both communication and self-discovery
    • And much more!

    About Stacey:

    Best-selling and award-winning author, Stacey Wilk, writes romance that hooks you heart and soul. She published her first novel in 2013. Since then, she’s published another thirty, so women everywhere can slow down and indulge. They certainly deserve it.

    When she isn’t writing, she speaks to groups to educate, entertain and motivate. She even earned a degree in Speech, Theater, Communications. Let’s face it. She has a lot to say. Wanna chat?

    Connect with Stacey Wilk!

    Website: https://www.staceywilk.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceysnovelfamily

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_staceywilk

    Book Recommendations:

    Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

    Sea Glass Made with Second Chances by Stacey Wilk

    Sea Glass Hidden in Plain Sight by Stacey Wilk

    Connect with Deborah Kevin:

    Website: www.deborahkevin.com

    Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

    Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

    Check out Highlander Press:

    Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Moonlit Rhythms: Embracing Hormonal Shifts and the Wisdom of Our Bodies with Aditi Manocha | Ep. 98

    Moonlit Rhythms: Embracing Hormonal Shifts and the Wisdom of Our Bodies with Aditi Manocha | Ep. 98
    Oct 27 2025

    Many women still struggle in silence, unsure of where to turn when it comes to their hormonal health, even with so many resources available today! In this episode, Deborah sits down with Aditi Manocha to uncover how women can better understand their bodies, embrace their health, and find the guidance they need on their hormonal journey. If you’ve ever wished for a roadmap on your wellness journey, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss!

    Here are the things to expect in the episode:

    • Aditi’s personal health journey and how it shaped the work she’s doing today
    • Breaking the taboo around women’s health issues and starting open conversations
    • Uncovering the biggest misconceptions about women’s hormones
    • Understanding the fundamental differences between male and female hormonal cycles
    • Learning to accept, honor, and navigate natural changes in the body, including aging
    • And much more!

    About Aditi:

    Aditi is a lawyer and policy professional turned passionate hormone and gut health nutrition coach, based in Washington DC. Her own health journey led her down this path, and in 2021 she enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City to learn more about chronic health conditions and how to manage them organically. Aditi loves talking all things food, culture, travel, and yoga. She hails from New Delhi, India, where she loves spending her Christmas break every year with her friends and family.

    Connect with Aditi Manocha!

    Website: https://www.head2heal.co/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditimanocha/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/head2heal.co

    Book Recommendation:

    Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

    Connect with Deborah Kevin:

    Website: www.deborahkevin.com

    Substack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriter

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

    Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher

    Check out Highlander Press:

    Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpress

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpress

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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