The Lit' Lunch

Every book has a story, but what about the story behind the story? Welcome to The Lit' Lunch, the weekly podcast where indie authors pull up and show off. Hosted by publishing strategist Giselle Quintanilla, this is your front-row seat to honest conversations with writers who are making an impact one page at a time. Each episode goes beyond the book cover as authors share what inspired them to write, the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the message they hope readers carry long after the final chapter. Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring author, or someone who loves hearing the stories that shape lives, The Lit' Lunch will introduce you to unforgettable books, remarkable people, and the journeys that turned an idea into a published work.

An Author’s Journey From Writer to Publisher Unwrapping Grief With Dr. Paula Hollis 08/14/2026

An Author’s Journey From Writer to Publisher Unwrapping Grief With Dr. Paula Hollis for all of your book services Giselle Quintanilla welcomes Dr. Paula Hollis for an open, encouraging conversation about grief, resilience, and the healing power of sharing your story. Dr. Hollis draws from her own life’s losses—and her transformative work as an author, coach, and anthology curator to demystify the process of grieving, shine a light on hidden gifts, and equip listeners to move forward with renewed hope and intentionality. Listeners will discover: The inspiration behind The Gift in Grief anthology and how real people are finding hope by sharing their stories of loss and transformation Why grief is about more than the loss of a loved one; it’s about identity, health, seasons of life, and even unrecognized losses, and why every form of grief deserves to be acknowledged Dr. Hollis’s approach to uncovering the “gift” in grief through powerful keywords like growth, gratitude, tenacity, and transformation The idea of being “graced to grieve” and how her 40-day devotional companion provides practical encouragement for anyone navigating tough transitions Practical, compassionate tools from coaching to personal growth academies and devotionals that empower individuals to find meaning and purpose beyond their pain If you’re carrying private pain, missing hope, or simply longing to know you’re not alone, pull up a chair. This episode brings real stories, honest faith, and expert encouragement for anyone journeying through loss toward wholeness. About Dr. Paula Hollis Dr. Paula Hollis is a visionary author, transformational speaker, life transitions coach, and curator of The Gift in Grief anthology series. As a widow, mother, and grandmother, Dr. Hollis brings a wealth of personal experience to her work, specializing in guiding individuals through pivotal life shifts and helping them break through limiting beliefs. With dozens of books (and counting), she partners her professional expertise as a certified life transitions coach (John Maxwell Academy) and master energy leadership coach to help people embrace change, process loss, and actualize their full potential. Through her House of Growth and House of Healing resources, Dr. Hollis equips others to grow, heal, and thrive one story at a time. /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42437300

Marriage Advice from Authors Daniel and Michelle Faust: Insights from Their Transformational Books 08/07/2026

Marriage Advice from Authors Daniel and Michelle Faust: Insights from Their Transformational Books Giselle Quintanilla is joined by Michelle Faust and Daniel Faust for a real, hope-filled dialogue on faith, personal surrender, and building stronger marriages. Together, they share their journey from marital crisis to transformation, guided by surrendering to God and learning to understand each other beyond surface-level connection. Listeners will discover: Michelle Faust’s message of walking in daily freedom through surrender, not just salvation for Christian women Daniel Faust’s insights on getting a “doctorate” in your spouse and why real connection takes continual learning and effort Honest talk about overcoming “the mess” (mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and sexual challenges) through practical and spiritual means A compassionate discussion for those facing tough marriages, trauma, or isolation, with encouragement that healing and restoration are possible If you need hope, practical wisdom, or just reassurance that you’re not alone on your journey, pull up a chair for this intimate lunch conversation where faith, literature, and real-life stories come together to inspire and heal. for all your book services Daniel and Michelle Faust are Christian authors and speakers. Daniel is a Military veteran, and Michelle is a podcaster who helps women live free through a life fully yielded to God. Through Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching, Michelle guides others to release control, trust God deeply, and walk in everyday surrender. Her message is simple but powerful: real transformation begins when we stop striving and start surrendering. Together they wrote a number of books, including Elements of Surrender, which explores what it truly means to yield every part of life to the Lordship of Christ. Through Scripture and honest reflection, it exposes self-effort, control, and misplaced identity while inviting believers into deeper trust and obedience. Surrender is not weakness but freedom—learning to release understanding, outcomes, and recognition to God. In that yielding, faith is refined, identity is restored, and a deeper friendship with God begins. /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42334095

Poetry Sparks Healing, Hope, and Self-Love with Raul Marin 08/07/2026

How Anthologies and Community Inspired Tisch McDaniel to Share Her Journey as an Author 08/07/2026

How Anthologies and Community Inspired Tisch McDaniel to Share Her Journey as an Author Giselle Quintanilla sits down with Tisch McDaniel, founder and CEO of M&M Advisory Group, Inc., and the heart behind "Choose to Win Every Day." Together, they discuss Tisch McDaniel’s powerful journey of transformation after a near-fatal car crash, her passion for community through anthologies, and the impact of choosing to share your story. Listeners will hear about: Tisch McDaniel’s path from surviving trauma to becoming an award-winning HR strategist, author, and photographer The emotional process of reliving her story while writing, and how sharing it in anthologies provided both healing and connection The crucial message that every story, even imperfect ones, has the power to inspire and provide hope The importance of the “power of choice” and the daily decision to live and thrive, not just survive Practical encouragement for anyone hesitating to share their own story, and why joining an anthology family is a powerful first step This episode is filled with hope, resilience, and the reminder that you are not alone. Whether you’re dreaming of telling your story or simply looking for encouragement, pull up a chair, grab your lunch, and get ready to get lit with literature and real talk that heals. for all your book services Tisch McDaniel: Tisch is the Founder/CEO of MMAGI and Choose To Win Everyday, a Ziglar Certified & Licensed Coach, a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an award-winning author and photographer, and a published poet. She is a pageant/personal development coach for teens, serves on multiple boards, contributes to national HR research panels, and has been recognized with numerous HR leadership awards. Tisch is a sought-after speaker and consultant known for her dynamic presence and transformative impact. Tisch is recognized for her ability to align people strategy with business performance while strengthening organizational resilience and culture. Her consulting work centers on operational excellence and people-centered transformation, helping organizations unlock clarity and sustainable growth. At the core of her philosophy is a simple belief: winning at life happens one small choice at a time. Tisch teaches that massive change doesn’t require massive disruption — just intentional, consistent action that compounds into extraordinary results. /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42322085

I Never Knew: Finding Identity, Healing, and God's Purpose | Featuring Phyllis Robertson Thomas 08/01/2026

Finding Yourself Again: The Power of One Next Step with Leonne Sherr 07/15/2026

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Listening to Your Body with MaryAnn Castello 07/01/2026

When the Plan Changes: Navigating Disappointment with Faith 06/15/2026
When the Plan Changes: Navigating Disappointment with Faith
The middle of the year is here—and with it comes an important question:
Where are you?
In this deeply personal solo episode of the Day One Podcast, I invite listeners to pause, evaluate, and reflect on the first half of the year. Are you on pace for what God called you to do? Have life’s unexpected detours shifted your plans?
Drawing inspiration from sports, faith, and my family's ongoing journey through my son's cancer diagnosis and relapse, I share how I n /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295030

From Surviving to Thriving Unapologetically with Robin Carr 06/01/2026
From Surviving to Thriving Unapologetically with Robin Carr
What if life forced you to stop performing and finally face the parts of yourself that still need healing?
In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, I deep dive with award-winning international speaker, author, and mindset coach Robin Carr to discuss her journey from corporate success and hidden pain to healing, purpose, and thriving unapologetically.
After an unexpected layoff, Robin found herself facing depression, unresolved trauma, and a question many people avoid: "Am I truly /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295035

Seeing God Through Grief, Pain & Forgiveness with Sherell Graham 05/15/2026
Seeing God Through Grief, Pain & Forgiveness with Sherell Graham
What happens when grief, heartbreak, forgiveness, and obedience collide with the faithful love of God?
In this special LIVE episode of the Day One Podcast recorded at Words Matter Bookstore, I join newly published author, Sherell Graham, for the launch celebration of Faithful Love: Seeing God When Tears Blur the Vision. We took a moment, during her launch, for a raw and powerful conversation about healing, obedience, grief, forgiveness, and trusting God through life’s hardest seasons. /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295040

From Waiting to Walking in Purpose: Faith, Testimony & Obedience with Sheila Libali 05/04/2026
From Waiting to Walking in Purpose: Faith, Testimony & Obedience with Sheila Libali
What happens when God gives you an assignment—but nothing around you seems to support it?
In this episode, I'm sitting down with Sheila Libali, speaker, testimony advocate, and host of the My Sister’s Keeper Podcast, to talk about obedience, faith, spiritual warfare, and trusting God’s timing—even in seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
Sheila shares her powerful journey of losing her job, facing repeated rejection, and navigating a season whe /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295045

From Burnout to Authentic Leadership with Dr. Stephanie Johnson 04/15/2026
From Burnout to Authentic Leadership with Dr. Stephanie Johnson
What happens when high achievement leads to burnout and forces you to rediscover who you truly are?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Johnson, leadership and wellness coach, speaker, and founder of The Nellowe Company and SJE Consulting Group, to explore the deeper work of authentic leadership and personal alignment.
Dr. Johnson shares the powerful story behind her turning point with burnout and how it led her to rethink leadership, identity, and /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295050

Healing Trauma & Reclaiming Your Story with Kandace Rather 04/01/2026
Healing Trauma & Reclaiming Your Story with Kandace Rather
In this powerful episode, I sit down with trauma coach, mediator, and author Kandace Rather to talk about healing trauma, reclaiming your story, and learning how to walk through grief with faith.
Kandace shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, navigating years of shame and pain, and ultimately discovering how healing begins when we allow ourselves to face the parts of our story we once tried to hide. Through her work helping women heal fr /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295055

Mastering the Art of the Pivot and the Pause 03/15/2026
Mastering the Art of the Pivot and the Pause
If you're honest, how many times do you press through the days, weeks, and months without thinking twice about where time went?
In this solo episode, I take a beat to reflect on the lessons learned during the first quarter of 2026 and share an important truth about navigating business, purpose, and faith: sometimes success isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about learning when to pivot and when to pause.
As we move toward the second quarter, let's take inventory /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295060

Walking in Joy After Tragedy with Carrie Eaton 03/01/2026
Walking in Joy After Tragedy with Carrie Eaton
In this deeply moving episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Carrie Eaton from Elgin, Texas — author, caregiver, and woman of unwavering faith — for a powerful conversation about grief, redemption, and the healing power of God’s love.
Carrie vulnerably shares the heartbreaking loss of her 3-year-old daughter in 1995 due to a tragic accident. She opens up about the overwhelming grief that followed — a season where life felt colorless, where she desc /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295065

Forward Only: Speaking Power in Dark Seasons ft. Assata Michelle Thomas 02/15/2026
Forward Only: Speaking Power in Dark Seasons ft. Assata Michelle Thomas
In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, Assata Michelle Thomas, founder and CEO of Assata Michelle Enterprises, shares the deeply personal origin of her new book, Forward Only: Speak Power. Live Change, reflecting on a dark season in her past when she was facing potential jail time.
We discuss how this circumstance, many years ago, long before the leadership roles and recognition she holds today, set the path to her destiny. During that challengi /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295070

Finding Strength Behind Closed Doors with Daniela Roman 02/01/2026
Finding Strength Behind Closed Doors with Daniela Roman
In this deeply moving episode of the Day One Podcast, host Giselle Quintanilla sits down with Daniela Roman, international best-selling author, speaker, survivor advocate, and founder of Daniela’s Delicious Delights, LLC, for a conversation about healing, heritage, and turning pain into purpose.
Daniela shares how growing up Italian shaped her relationship with food—not as a chore, but as an expression of love, creativity, and /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295075

Don’t Doubt the Call with Raquel Soto 01/15/2026
Don’t Doubt the Call with Raquel Soto
In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Raquel Soto, CEO of Your GPS for Success, to talk about what it really means to stay faithful to what God placed on your heart — even when doubt, fear, and discouragement try to creep in.
Raquel shares how God has been teaching her to press past emotions, surrender outcomes, and trust the calling on her life. She breaks down how imposter syndrome is often a story rooted in f /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295080

Preparing for What You're Praying for with Giselle 01/01/2026
Preparing for What You're Praying for with Giselle
Welcome to the first episode of the Day One Podcast for 2026. This one is personal. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the lessons 2025 taught me and how I’m now putting them into full practice as I step into a new year with clarity, intention, and alignment.
We often rush to set goals, create vision boards, and make plans, but before any of that, your mindset and heart must align. In this episode, I talk about why checking your mindset first is /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295085

From Shift to Strategy with LaToya Hammond 12/01/2025
From Shift to Strategy with LaToya Hammond
In this year-end episode of the Day One Podcast, we reflect on the growth, stretching, and transformation that 2025 has brought. Because, if you’re like us, you can admit you are not the same woman you were on January 1st. And that change is evidence of God’s hand at work. 🙌🏽
My guest, LaToya Hammond, opens up about how the challenges and shifts she experienced this year drew her deeper into what God was doing within her — not just for /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295090

Building HOPE after Loss with Karen Marchione 11/15/2025
Building HOPE after Loss with Karen Marchione
In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, we sit down with Karen Marchione—author, radio host, and advocate for resilience—to explore how her personal journey through grief became the foundation for a life dedicated to offering hope to others.
Karen experienced deep loss early in life, losing her sister as a child and later her first husband, with whom she built a successful business. Those experiences, combined with her 20-year career as a special educa /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295095

Breaking Through Burnout with Brittany Russell 11/01/2025
Breaking Through Burnout with Brittany Russell
In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to break free from burnout and rediscover yourself beyond the grind. My guest, Brittany Russell, is an Energy and Embodiment Coach and the CEO & Founder of Elle Three Coaching.
Before launching her business, Brittany built a successful career in the aviation industry — but behind the achievements and constant hustle, she was silently burning out. /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295100

How My Roots Shaped My Purpose and Business 10/15/2025
How My Roots Shaped My Purpose and Business
In this special solo episode of the Day One Podcast, I’m taking the mic to reflect on my journey as a proud Latina entrepreneur, celebrating both National Hispanic Heritage Month and 7 incredible years of Ready Writer Services, LLC.
I share how my Latina roots, faith, and upbringing shaped the woman and business owner I’ve become, and how that was beautifully amplified during a recent Career Day at Cramer Hill Elementa /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295105

From Corporate to Coaching with Kristina Roman 10/01/2025
From Corporate to Coaching with Kristina Roman
In this episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Kristina Roman, CEO of Roman Coaching Academy. After leaving behind a six-figure corporate career, Kristina stepped boldly into entrepreneurship and never looked back.
As a business coach, she now helps mid-level corporate leaders turn their passions into profitable online businesses. With over 20 years of leadership experience and a heart for empowering others, Kristina shares how she moved past limi /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295110

Losing Everything, Gaining God ft. Diana Sekwaila 09/15/2025
Losing Everything, Gaining God ft. Diana Sekwaila
In this episode of the Day One Podcast, I’m joined by my fierce friend Diana Sekwaila, founder of U-Empowered Minds Global. Diana opens up about her journey of sickness, loss, and hitting rock bottom—and how in the midst of it all, she found her greatest strength in searching for God.
Her story is a reminder that even when everything else is stripped away, God remains. If you’ve ever felt like life has knocked you down and wondered if you could rise /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295115

The Day You Surrender ft Elena Rodriguez Episode 11 09/01/2025
The Day You Surrender ft Elena Rodriguez Episode 11
In this episode of Day One, my friend, Elena Rodriguez, shares her story of surrender and obedience the day her husband unexpectedly suffered a major health crisis. Just a few weeks before Christmas, Elena found her husband in bed and unconscious. This event led to a greater story of discovery and trials she never would've imagined. What do you do with the pain of losing someone you love, the hurt of finding out they weren't who you thought, and the turmoil of raising a family on your own? Listen /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295120

Letting Go and Moving Forward with Latoya Washington 04/01/2025
Letting Go and Moving Forward with Latoya Washington
Letting go is never easy, but holding on to what no longer serves you can keep you from stepping into what God has for you.
In this episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Latoya Washington—a powerhouse entrepreneur, psalmist, best-selling author, and host of the Broken Vessels Podcast—to talk about the power of release. We dive into:
🔥 The challenges of moving forward when fea /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295125

Flow n Favor: Moving at God's Pace with Tisha and Toya 03/13/2025
Flow n Favor: Moving at God's Pace with Tisha and Toya
As we move through the year, the pressure to hit those early-set goals can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Day One Podcast, I sit down with Tisha Crippen of Touch Management and LaToya Hammond of IGOTTU—two powerhouse women from our B3 Media TV platform—to talk about moving at God’s pace.
We dive into what it means to align with God’s rhythm, celebrating the wins along the way, and reworking goals when necessary. LaToya shares wisdom on trusting God’s timing /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295130

FearLESS and Focused with Thee Kenya Linton 03/01/2025
FearLESS and Focused with Thee Kenya Linton
On this brand-new episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with powerhouse "serialpreneur" Kenya Linton, owner of Hustling Spirit, Forever Branded, TKL Talks, and partner at B3 Media TV. We dive deep into the fears, distractions, and deterrents—the “little foxes”—that often keep us from showing up on Day One. Kenya shares how she’s learned to eliminate distractions, stay focused, and walk boldly in her purpose. Plus, in honor of Women's History Month, we talk about the power of /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295135

Becoming Her with Wandria Hampton 02/15/2025
Becoming Her with Wandria Hampton
In this inspiring episode of the Day One Podcast, I sit down with Wandria Hampton of Zoe Woman Enterprises and B3 Media TV as she shares her powerful Day One moment—the day she made the decision to fully embrace who God created her to be. The day she decided to reach back to how God created her and unapologetically became her! From childhood dreams to stepping boldly into her divine purpose, Wandria opens up about the journey of self-discovery, faith, and courage it took to pursue everything God has fo /episode/index/show/74e03dc6-290f-4bfb-aa61-8e483e927244/id/42295140

The Lit' Lunch

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