The Author Your Brand Show

CEO Featurette: Ira Zlotowitz

Ira Zlotowitz, a commercial real estate financing (CREF) visionary and the Founder & CEO of GPARENCY.

This CEO Featurette highlights his extensive experience, including his role in the significant growth of previous companies like Meridian and Eastern Union, and his dedication to addressing the lack of transparency in CRE financing.

Zlotowitz's innovative approach at GPARENCY involves a mortgage assurance model that guarantees clients the best rates through a fixed fee, aiming to provide clarity and equitable access to financing for property owners. The text also mentions his recognition within the industry and his commitment to philanthropic efforts.

Leslie Urbas: The Digestion Code – What Your Gut Is Really Trying to Say

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Doug Crowe sits down with registered dietitian and Navy veteran Leslie Urbas to decode what your gut is really trying to tell you—especially if you’re a woman in midlife. From gas and digestion to mindset and menopause, Leslie unpacks how emotional baggage and subconscious programming can wreak havoc on our health. Together, they explore why we need to stop labeling food as “good” or “bad,” how breath can reboot your nervous system, and why true healing starts with the words we tell ourselves.

💡 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Your thoughts feed your gut. The way you think about food impacts how your body digests it.

2. Food isn’t moral. Dropping the “good vs. bad” mindset reduces stress and supports healthier choices.

3. Unspoken emotions can clog your system. Many gut issues trace back to suppressed feelings.

4. Midlife symptoms aren’t a life sentence. Cultural narratives—not biology alone—shape your experience.

5. Awareness is your first medicine. Healing begins when you tune in, breathe deeply, and choose consciously.

Want to learn more or work with Leslie?
Visit leslieurbas.com for courses, coaching, and resources to help you stop hating yourself skinny—and start healing for real.

Not for Everyone: Jim Niswonger on How Smart Authors Win with AI

Think your next move is writing another book?
What if the real opportunity is hidden in the one you've already published?

On this episode of The Author Your Brand Show, I sit down with Jim Niswonger, a former engineer who’s built a business around helping authors turn their existing content into actual revenue. No buzzwords. No inflated promises. Just practical systems built around what readers actually respond to.

We talk about why so many authors are spinning their wheels, how smart automation (used the right way) can create real engagement, and why results, not hype, are the foundation of any worthwhile partnership. Jim’s approach isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional. But if your audience is solid and your content has legs, this conversation might be a turning point.

What you'll learn:
• Why writing more books might be the wrong next step
• How personalization makes your content feel like a one-on-one conversation
• Why understanding your readers matters more than publishing more content
• What it looks like to partner with someone who only wins when you do
• How a strong book can work harder if it’s paired with the right system

Curious if you’re a fit for Jim’s model?
He’s offering a no-pressure discovery call at www.authorai.io or email Jim directly at jim_niswonger@yahoo.com

Terry Tucker: What Battle Did a Hostage Negotiator Never See Coming?

Terry Tucker has had a diverse career—college basketball player, police officer, SWAT hostage negotiator, and now, a man facing one of life’s toughest battles. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he continues to share his experiences through Motivational Check, where he speaks on leadership, perseverance, and personal growth. His book, Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, offers practical insights on overcoming challenges and staying focused on what truly matters.

In this episode of The Author Your Brand Show, Terry talks about how his time in law enforcement built his resilience, how facing a life-threatening illness changed his outlook, and why family support has been essential. Now a speaker and author, he helps others push through adversity and find purpose in life’s toughest moments.

Takeaways:

• Challenges test your strength and character.
• Negotiation skills aren’t just for crisis situations—they apply to everyday life.
• Perspective is everything when facing the unexpected.
• The right support system makes all the difference.
• Helping others can bring meaning to your struggles

Get Terry’s book: Sustainable Excellence [ https://amzn.to/3FfBKXR ]

Learn more about what he does at MotivationalCheck.com

Beyond the Book: How Paulette Ensign Sold Millions Through Bulk Sales & Licensing

What if the key to making money as an author isn’t selling books—but renting your content instead?

Publishing expert Paulette Ensign has sold over two million copies of her work without spending a dime on advertising. Instead of relying on traditional book sales, she mastered bulk sales and content licensing, turning a simple tips booklet into a thriving business.

In this episode of The Author Brand Show, Paulette reveals the biggest myths about book monetization and shares real-life strategies to sell more, earn more, and expand your reach—without chasing individual book buyers. From bulk deals to licensing agreements, she explains how authors can turn their content into long-term revenue streams.

If you're looking to maximize your income beyond book sales, Paulette’s insights will show you how to do it.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Books Aren’t the Only Path to Profit – Bulk sales and licensing create new opportunities.
🔹 Content Licensing = Renting Your Work – A smarter way to generate recurring revenue.
🔹 Relationships Matter – Business growth comes from the right connections.
🔹 Digital Marketing Expands Possibilities – The online world makes content licensing easier than ever.
🔹 Adapt and Evolve – Success comes from thinking beyond the traditional publishing model.

🎧 Ready to unlock the hidden revenue in your content? Tune in now and start making your expertise work for you.

🌐 Learn more about Paulette Ensign at TipsProducts.com

Breaking the Silence: How Sylvain Haché Turned Stuttering Into Strength

Sylvain “Sly” Haché didn’t just overcome stuttering—he turned it into a tool for success. As a transformational speaking coach and creator of a proven speaking system, Sly helps individuals master the art of stress-free communication and storytelling. His journey from chronic stuttering to teaching others how to connect, influence, and inspire is nothing short of remarkable.

In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, I sit down with Sly to discuss how storytelling transforms ordinary presentations into memorable experiences. We explore the difference between informational and transformational speaking, the importance of understanding audience desires, and why structuring emotions alongside logic is key to success. Sly also reveals why multiple stories (not just one) are essential and how every great presentation should drive action.

Why Listen:

You’ll learn...

• How Sly’s personal struggle with stuttering led to a life-changing speaking system.
• Why storytelling is the backbone of audience engagement.
• The shift from delivering information to delivering transformation.
• Techniques for structuring presentations that leave lasting impressions.
• Why two well-structured stories are the minimum for holding audience attention.

Sly Haché’s insights are perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their public speaking and connect authentically with their audience. Don’t miss this one!

Visit Sly’s website to learn more: NextLevelPublicSpeaking.com/

The Entrepreneur Who Didn’t Want to Be One: Mike Konrad’s Journey

Mike Konrad didn’t plan to start a business, but when environmental regulations like the Montreal Protocol disrupted the electronics industry, he saw an opportunity. Now, the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, Mike shares his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, filled with legal battles, financial hurdles, and groundbreaking innovation.

In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Mike discusses being first to market, staying focused on a niche, and why reputation matters more than patents. He also reflects on the lessons behind his book, The Reluctant Entrepreneur, and how writing it clarified his journey.

Why Listen:

You will learn…
• How big challenges can spark big opportunities.
• Why staying focused and being first to market matter.
• Lessons from legal battles, tight budgets, and customer loyalty.

Check out Mike’s story and grab his book, The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Anatomy of a Business Startup From Uncertainty to Unstoppable, for even more insights.

Culture Killers: The Hidden Trauma Sabotaging Your Team's Success

This episode is raw, real, and essential. I sat down with Maya Chylinski, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, who’s made it her mission to expose what’s quietly chipping away at workplace morale and productivity. Her personal story is a wake-up call for every leader and team member who wants to create a workplace where people feel supported and heard.

We talk about the unspoken struggles many employees face, how trauma (even when unseen) impacts performance, and why companies can’t afford to ignore mental health anymore. Maya offers straightforward ways leaders can foster a healthier work environment and tackle these issues head-on.

If you’re tired of business-as-usual and ready to rethink how your workplace supports its people, this conversation will hit home.

Takeaways

• Trauma’s effects aren’t always visible but can disrupt workplace culture.
• Mental health stigma remains a barrier in many organizations.
• Listening and clear communication are crucial for building trust.
• Presenteeism can be as harmful as absenteeism.
• Real culture change takes leadership commitment and time.

If your workplace isn’t where it needs to be, this episode is a great place to start.

Learn more about Maya’s mission and insights at Alley424.com and ManyaChylinski.com.

Jody Durand-Cultivating Relationships and Delivering Results in Agriculture

Jody Durand, a highly experienced sales trainer, author, and community leader, is our special guest this week on the Author Your Brand Show. He shares insights from his impressive 20-year career in agricultural sales. Known for his strong relationships with farm families and his passion for agriculture, Jody has built a reputation for delivering customized solutions that truly meet his clients’ needs.

Jody is also the author of Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity, a book that explores the principles of trust, persistence, and community in building a successful career in sales. In our conversation, we explore his journey in the agricultural industry, his approach to leadership, and the valuable lessons from his book that resonate far beyond the sales world.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust and relationships form the foundation of successful sales.
• Custom solutions tailored to clients’ needs result in lasting outcomes.
• Passion and persistence are essential for a thriving, long-term career.
• Community engagement enriches both professional and personal growth.
• Jody’s book, Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity, highlights ethical principles and strategies for success.

If you’re inspired by Jody’s story and want to learn more, check out his book Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity on Amazon [ https://amzn.to/4g7snqA ] to uncover the values and strategies that have shaped his remarkable story.

David Orban: Advancing Together-AI, Human Progress, and the Rules of Coexistence

David Orban, a futurist, entrepreneur, and advisor to Beyond Enterprises, joins me on the Author Your Brand Show to explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and what it means for our future. As the founder of Network Society Ventures, David has been a leader in the conversation about how technology is reshaping our lives. He’s also the author of Something New, where he explores the rapidly changing landscape of AI and how humans will need to adapt.

In our conversation, we cover big ideas like technological singularity, transhumanism, and the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities. David shares his thoughts on how AI is revolutionizing industries like healthcare and science and why we need to start asking serious questions about empathy, consciousness, and the role of humans in an AI-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is evolving at an incredible pace, especially in fields like medical diagnosis and scientific research.
• Transhumanism raises big questions about the future of humanity as we move closer to integrating with AI.
• The debate over whether AI can feel empathy is becoming more important as the technology advances.
• While AI is changing the way we work, the human touch in creativity and decision-making is still critical.
• David’s book Something New takes a closer look at these topics and how we can navigate the challenges ahead.

To learn more, visit davidorban.com or check out Something New on Amazon.