Welcome to the Story Impact author interview podccast.

With host, Lisa Towles, this episode examines the intersection of journalism and fiction through Neal Lipschutz's decades at the highest levels of American media and his Scott Morgan mystery series. Together they discuss verification, ethics, moral ambiguity, and why the instincts that drive great journalism also drive a great mystery novel. Essential listening for readers, writers, journalism buffs, and anyone fascinated by what people conceal and why.

Lipschutz spent decades at the highest levels of American media, serving as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal, the paper's standards editor, and top editor of Dow Jones Newswires. In his fiction debut series, he brings that same instinct for evidence and accuracy to bear on Scott Morgan, a self-made New York management consultant whose carefully built life keeps colliding with the past he's tried to leave behind.

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles and Neal Lipschutz discuss:

• Neal's decades-long journalism career and what it's really like inside the room where high-stakes editorial decisions get made.
• How the instincts of fact-checking and verification shape the construction of a mystery plot.
• The origin story behind Scott Morgan and No Write Way to Die.
• Why readers are drawn to morally ambiguous characters — and what "superpower" carries Scott Morgan through crisis.
• New York City as a character in its own right: the psychic distance between Brooklyn roots and Scarsdale success.
• A first look at the upcoming Long Arm of the Past.

This episode is ideal for mystery readers, journalists, writers, and anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about truth, ethics, ambition, and the secrets we carry.

Watch the full YouTube video interview: https://youtu.be/WUhh97g3TMc?si=U4Sgr5n40Uoa4yYs

Learn more about Neal Lipschutz: https://neallipschutz.com/

Story Impact is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of Story Impact Consulting. This literary podcast features visionary authors exploring books, creativity, storytelling, and the deeper purpose behind the stories that shape our lives.

Learn more about the Story Impact platform: https://storyimpactconsulting.com

Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected to conversations exploring books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors.

Stories hold the world together.

Dogs, Stories, and Connections | Meet Patricia McConnell

With host, Lisa Towles, this episode examines the intersection of science and storytelling through Patricia McConnell's internationally bestselling nonfiction and her acclaimed fiction debut, Away to Me. Together they discuss observation, empathy, healing, and why understanding behavior—whether human or canine—can transform the way we see the world. Essential listening for readers, writers, dog lovers, and anyone fascinated by the deeper connections between people, animals, and the natural world.

McConnell is one of the world's foremost authorities on animal behavior. Her internationally bestselling books—including The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will—have helped more than 1.2 million readers build stronger relationships with their dogs. In her debut novel, Away to Me, she brings that same rare perspective to fiction, creating a compelling mystery set against the rich backdrop of rural Wisconsin and the fascinating world of sheepdogs.

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles and Patricia McConnell discuss:

• Patricia's lifelong journey into the study of canine behavior and the pivotal decision that changed her career. • Why The Other End of the Leash continues to resonate with readers around the world. • The inspiration behind her fiction debut, Away to Me, and discovering a passion for novel writing later in life. • Sheepdogs, sheepdog trials, and creating an authentic rural mystery rooted in the natural world. • What fear, trauma, healing, and trust reveal about both animals and ourselves.

This episode is ideal for dog lovers, mystery readers, writers, animal behavior enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about observation, compassion, resilience, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.

Watch the full YouTube video interview: https://youtu.be/GSy8fZmVz6w?si=FPdcBNKWuA7aZGt1

Learn more about Patricia McConnell: https://patriciamcconnell.com

Story Impact is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of Story Impact Consulting. This literary podcast features visionary authors exploring books, creativity, storytelling, and the deeper purpose behind the stories that shape our lives.

Learn more about the Story Impact platform: https://storyimpactconsulting.com

Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected to conversations exploring books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors.

Stories hold the world together.

Lisa Towles, award-winning crime novelist and host of Story Impact, sits down with authors and entrepreneurs Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth to explore mindfulness, meaningful work, leadership, and finding purpose beyond conventional career success.

This episode examines the evolving definition of success—moving beyond promotions and titles toward lives grounded in purpose, alignment, and authentic human connection. Essential listening for professionals, entrepreneurs, authors, and lifelong learners seeking a more intentional path forward.

Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth are authors, mentors, and founders of Wentworth Executive Recruiting, where they have spent decades helping professionals build meaningful careers while developing leaders and strengthening organizations. Their work brings together executive recruiting, mindfulness, personal growth, and leadership development to help people create careers—and lives—that truly matter.

Together they are the authors of A Mindful Career, a thoughtful guide to aligning professional success with personal purpose. Eric's award-winning new book, A Mindful Teen, helps parents cultivate deeper conversations with teenagers through mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, while Carol Ann prepares to launch Mindful Career Mastery, a six-week online course designed to help participants align their work with purpose, presence, and personal fulfillment.

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa Towles, Carol Ann, and Eric Wentworth discuss:

The difference between finding a job and discovering a calling

Why today's professionals are increasingly searching for purpose over prestige

The inspiration behind A Mindful Teen and A Mindful Career

What decades of executive recruiting reveal about leadership, fulfillment, and human potential

How success evolves from achievement to alignment

This episode is ideal for professionals navigating career transitions, entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, authors, and anyone seeking thoughtful conversations about purpose, meaningful work, and living with greater intention.

Watch the full YouTube video interview:

https://youtu.be/TMeuwn2iIks?si=zV4VBsy_jkLjQICT

Learn more about Carol Ann and Eric Wentworth:

https://wentworthexecutiverecruiting.com

Story Impact is hosted by Lisa Towles—award-winning crime novelist and founder of Story Impact Consulting. This literary podcast features visionary authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers exploring creativity, leadership, meaningful work, and the deeper purpose behind powerful stories.

Learn more about books by Lisa Towles:

https://lisatowles.com/

Learn more about the Story Impact platform:

https://storyimpactconsulting.com

Follow Story Impact on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio to stay connected to conversations that explore books, meaning, purpose, and the ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe on YouTube for full-length video interviews with today's most compelling authors.

Stories hold the world together.