What if your first language wasn't spoken—it was signed?

In this inspiring episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels welcomes bestselling author Maria Gallucci, who grew up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with American Sign Language (ASL) as her first language.

Maria's story offers a rare glimpse into life between two worlds—the Deaf community and the hearing world. Raised by deaf parents, she learned early that communication is about far more than words. It's about presence, empathy, understanding, and making people feel like they belong.

Drawing from the experiences that inspired her bestselling book, Raised in Silence, Maria shares how growing up in Deaf culture shaped her perspective on leadership, accessibility, inclusion, and authentic human connection. She also discusses the barriers the Deaf community continues to face, the role technology is playing in improving accessibility, and why her personal motto—"Just try."—has the power to transform relationships.

Whether you're curious about Deaf culture, interested in American Sign Language, or simply want to become a better communicator, this conversation will leave you seeing connection in an entirely new way.

• What it means to grow up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults)
• Why American Sign Language became Maria's first language
• How Deaf culture teaches empathy, resilience, and connection
• The importance of accessibility in everyday life and business
• Why inclusion begins with making an effort
• How one simple act of kindness can make someone feel truly seen

Sometimes the greatest lessons about listening come from those who experience the world differently.

How many dreams have been abandoned because someone heard "no" one too many times?

Michael Isaac Shokrian knows that feeling better than most. After years of rejection as a writer, building a successful career as an attorney, and balancing family life, he made an unexpected decision—not to give up on writing, but to create opportunities for writers everywhere.

In this inspiring conversation, Michael shares his remarkable journey from immigrating to America as a young boy, to becoming a lawyer, novelist, editor, and founder of The Thieving Magpie literary magazine. Along the way, he reveals why rejection isn't the end of the story, how journaling transformed his life, why so many lawyers secretly long to create art, and what it really takes to build a creative life in today's world.

This episode is a powerful reminder that dreams don't have expiration dates. Sometimes the path isn't straight, success rarely happens overnight, and the greatest opportunities come when we stop waiting for permission and build the door ourselves.

Whether you're a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone wondering if it's too late to chase the life you imagined, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep going.

Because the process isn't the obstacle...

It's the reward.

ThievingMagpie.org

mishokrian.com

What do hurricane evacuations, reality television, destination weddings, alligators, and mystery novels have in common? Author Sandy Malone.

In this entertaining episode of The Molten Truth, Zoey Michaels sits down with Sandy Malone, former star of TLC's Wedding Island, journalist, editor, and author of the Gem of the Golden Isles series. Drawing from more than 500 destination weddings she planned in the Caribbean, Sandy shares the real-life experiences that inspired her novels, proving that truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction.

Listeners will hear unforgettable stories about demanding brides, unusual wedding requests, family drama, and the challenges of life behind the scenes as a wedding planner. Sandy also discusses her move to historic Jekyll Island, Georgia, the fascinating history of the island, her experiences as the wife of a law enforcement officer, and how all of these elements have found their way into her fiction.

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Sandy discusses her upcoming novel, Thicker Than Blood, inspired in part by her family's experiences with Alzheimer's disease and the complicated relationships that shape generations.

Filled with laughter, storytelling, writing insights, and colorful island adventures, this episode is a must-listen for readers, writers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys hearing how real life becomes fiction.

Learn more about Sandy Malone and her books at sandymalone.com.