In this episode of The Book Club, host Ruth Klein welcomes two inspiring authors whose stories explore resilience, love, and the power of self-discovery.
Elaine Hall discusses her powerful memoir Now I See the Moon, which chronicles her journey adopting her son Neal from Russia and later discovering he had autism. Instead of trying to change him, Elaine chose to enter his world through creativity, empathy, and connection—an approach that ultimately inspired her to found The Miracle Project, a groundbreaking program that empowers neurodivergent individuals to express themselves through the arts.
Author Wendy Paris joins the conversation to share insights from her book Happily Ever After: The Fairy Tale Formula for Lasting Love. After a difficult breakup, Wendy set out to challenge modern dating myths and explore how authenticity, empathy, and self-worth are the true foundations of lasting relationships.
Together, these two authors offer powerful perspectives on parenting, relationships, resilience, and the courage to rewrite the stories we tell about ourselves and our lives. Through vulnerability, wisdom, and compassion, they remind us that meaningful connection begins with understanding ourselves and embracing others with curiosity rather than judgment.

In this powerful dual-feature episode, two transformational thought leaders unpack the science and psychology behind confidence, perception, and personal freedom.
First, Cortney McDermott—keynote speaker, celebrity coach, and bestselling author of Give Yourself Permission to Be Confident, Be Happy, and Be You—shares the neuroscience behind lasting change. She explains why affirmations often fail and how asking empowering questions activates the brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), essentially retraining the mind to seek evidence of possibility rather than limitation. From weight loss to confidence, Cortney reveals how shifting from “losing” to “feeling great in your body” rewires identity at a cellular level. Her approach moves beyond surface-level mindset work into embodied transformation—focusing on sensation over story.
Then, Dr. Anna Marie Frank, author of Stop Bullying Yourself: Identify Your Inner Bully, Get Out of Your Own Way, and Enjoy Greater Health, Wealth, Happiness, and Success, dives into the psychology of the “inner bully.” She explores how comparison culture—especially through social media—amplifies feelings of “not enough,” and how cognitive reframing can restore clarity and executive function. Dr. Frank explains how chronic stress activates the limbic system, shutting down higher reasoning, and why presence, forgiveness, and even eight minutes of honest conversation can reset emotional patterns.
Together, they reveal how perception shapes biology, how questions direct reality, and how freedom begins when we stop bullying ourselves and start filtering the world through empowerment.

In this episode of The Book Club, host Ruth Klein sits down with Rachel McCord for a candid conversation about purpose, resilience, and leading with faith in high-pressure industries. Ruth, author of Generation Why Not, shares her mission of helping leaders live aligned, visionary lives—raising emotionally grounded children, building businesses that restore wellness, and empowering thought leaders to fully embrace their genius.
Rachel McCord, founder of The McCord List, opens up about launching her platform after selling her first company at 24. Inspired to support those battling depression, anxiety, and PTSD, she built a media network helping influencers, celebrities, and change-makers use their voices for good. “Our messes are our messages,” she reflects, sharing how her own struggles became the catalyst for impact. The conversation also explores her book, Slay the Fame Game, which guides creatives on breaking into Hollywood and social media without compromising their values, emphasizing fear, perseverance, and spiritual alignment.
In one of the most moving moments, Rachel previews her upcoming, deeply personal book, written after open-heart surgery. Centered on the idea of putting on the “garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,” it explores how breakthrough often requires breaking—and how faith can carry us through life’s toughest moments. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, spiritual leadership, and rising with intention in both business and life.