"Some places stay with you, not because you lived there long, but because something in you recognized them. I've always felt that landscapes hold memory, something older, deeper. That's the terrain I keep returning to."

I've moved across continents, carried languages, left and found homes again. Through all of it, I've learned that connection to place isn't about PERMANENCE, it's about RESONANCE. I'd love to share a conversation about what it means to feel rooted even when life moves you, how landscapes can reflect back who we are becoming, and how memory, belonging, and identity live in the spaces between.

There's this stretch of coastline in Parksville, not particularly grand or dramatic. It's quiet, mostly. The tide comes and goes without fuss. Driftwood rests where it lands. The sand holds the marks of birds, dogs, children. I walked there often, never with a plan. Just walking.

At first, I didn't think much of it. I was new to the area, still feeling like a visitor in my own life. I didn't speak the landscape's language yet. But little by little, I started noticing things. A crooked branch that looked like it was waving. A stone that never moved. Light that changed the shape of everything.

And then one day, I realized, without meaning to, that I had started to memorize the land. Like it was starting to memorize me back. I knew where the shadows would fall. I knew when the birds would come. I knew how the wind sounded just before it rained.

That was the moment I realized I was building a kind of home with familiarity, with presence, with noticing. I wasn't looking for roots. But they found me anyway.

It made me think of all the places I've been, all the ways I've tried to belong. Sometimes it's hard to say where "home" really is. But for me, it often begins with land, with walking, listening, paying attention.

I didn't know I was gathering home. But I was.

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Federation of Canadian Artists

Art Vancouver, Vancouver Art Foundation at the end of May 2026

Diane is a second-time guest on Story-Power. Her first appearance was on December 6, 2023. Since then she's been busy creating new stories one of them is a mystery/thriller, a genre she's never written before. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Diane Merrill Wigginton, born in Riverside, California in 1963, grew up in the vibrant community of Mira Mesa, San Diego. From a young age, Diane developed a deep passion for storytelling, inspired by the adventures of her childhood in the 1970s and early 1980s. Spending summers on her grandparents' ranch in Idaho, Diane learned the value of animals, nature, and storytelling that would shape her future writing career. After marrying her husband, David, in 1998, Diane and her family lived in Encinitas before moving to Herald, California in 2001. They embraced a rural lifestyle on a 5 ½-acre ranch, raising six children. Diane's love for writing never waned, but raising a family and working full-time kept her literary ambitions on hold. However, in her 50s, Diane decided to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. It was then that she created Angelina's Secret, the first book in her critically acclaimed Jeweled Dagger Series.

Since then, Diane has published five novels, including her first children's book, The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, The Dreaded Pirate Captain. Diane's work spans multiple genres, from historical romance and suspense to children's fiction, and she has earned a prestigious collection of awards that reflect her remarkable storytelling ability. She has won accolades such as the Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Reader's Favorite 1st Place Historical Fiction Award, and numerous awards for A Compromising Position. In 2017, after retiring from her "9 to 5" job, Diane and her husband moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they now enjoy a life filled with adventure, hiking, and exploration in the stunning wilderness around Glacier National Park. Diane continues to write full-time, bringing to life the rich characters and intricate stories that captivate her readers. Diane's creative spirit is fueled by her deep appreciation for family and her love for storytelling. Now a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Diane is living her dream and continues to inspire readers with her heartfelt and adventurous tales.

Diane's social media: Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon

Diane's books published through her company: Jewel Dagger Publishing

A Compromising Position Awards: The Global Book Award, Bookfest, Firebird Books

Laura's Story

Angelina's Secret

Isabella's Heart

Olivia's Promise

The Secret of One Eyed Cogburn: The Dreaded Pirate Captain

Compromising Position

The Magician Killer

The Duke's Lady is a Spy (work in progress)

Meet Bob Martin, a guest with a story that is as extraordinary as entertaining and fun. From a high-powered mob lawyer during Miami's wild Cocaine Cowboy days to a Certified Meditation teacher with an MSW to go with his JD, he has helped hundreds redesign their thinking for the life they dream of. Bob's journey is anything but ordinary.

Now a two-time published author and Professor of Wellness at Elon University, Bob blends Taoist wisdom, brain science, psychology, and humor to tackle everything from breaking free of limiting beliefs to finding clarity and resilience in life's chaos.

With a knack for making big ideas relatable and plenty of stories to keep listeners hooked, Bob's the kind of guest who inspires, challenges, and keeps the conversation lively. Want to hear more? Check out his over 50 five-star reviews.

Facebook, LinkedIn, Website, Podcast (A Wise and Happy Life)

Bob's upcoming book, Martin's Corner

Bob's current books, I am the Way, Children of Abraham

Pratt Institute

I Ching, a Taoist practice

Tao of Pooh, Te of Piglet, Benjamin Hoff

Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu

PodMatch, a dating service for Podcasters

A Course in Miracles, Helen Schucman PhD

The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck

Bob's blog, The Wise and Happy Life, on Substack

Joseph Bolton is a gifted storyteller and an intrepid explorer of the human experience. With a passion for uncovering the untold narratives that shape our world, Joseph brings a unique blend of insight, empathy, and wit to every conversation. As the author behind the widely acclaimed website OldGrandmothersTree.com, Joseph has garnered a loyal following of readers who are drawn to his ability to breathe life into the stories of everyday people, transforming them into captivating tales that resonate on a profound level.

Joseph's journey into the world of storytelling began with his commitment to sharing the experiences and wisdom of those often overlooked. His work has been celebrated for its depth and authenticity, earning him a reputation as a writer who not only informs but also inspires. Joseph's keen eye for detail and his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth have made him a respected voice in the literary community.

What sets Joseph apart as a podcast guest is his unparalleled ability to connect with audiences. His warm and engaging demeanor, coupled with his knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, makes every conversation with him an enlightening experience. Joseph has a talent for weaving together personal anecdotes, historical context, and cultural insights, creating a rich tapestry of dialogue that captivates listeners from all walks of life.

Whether discussing the latest trends in storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process, or delving into the fascinating stories he has uncovered, Joseph's presence on a podcast promises to be both thought-provoking and entertaining. His versatility as a speaker allows him to seamlessly navigate a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of human relationships to the broader social issues that impact our world.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joseph is also deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and connection through his work. He believes in the power of stories to bridge divides and bring people together, and this ethos is evident in everything he does. As a podcast guest, Joseph brings a refreshing perspective and a genuine passion for storytelling, making him an invaluable addition to any podcast looking to engage and inspire its audience.

Website

Old Grandmother's Tree, Vol. 1, 2, 3

Natasha Pelley-Smith, Illustrator

Ancestry.com

Geni.com

For most of Barry's forty year broadcast career as an international broadcast journalist spanning five continents, his main area of interest and focus has been on the African continent.

Both his children were born in Ethiopia while he was employed in Addis Ababa between 1969 and 1975 as both a broadcast and print journalist. He had the distinction of being among a handful of embedded foreign journalists who told the world about the long, sometimes bloody coup that ultimately toppled Emperor Haile Selassie in September, 1974.

Barry and his colleagues were also the first to bring to the world's attention the catastrophic drought and subsequent famine that killed countless hundreds of thousands of people in the northern Ethiopian province of Wollo.

In between his two tours of duty in Ethiopia, Barry and his then wife, Suzanne completed a solo overland journey in a Volkswagen Kombi Bus from Egypt to South Africa, visiting fifteen countries along the way. From Addis Ababa onwards, they were accompanied on that odyssey by their one year old son.

From 1976 to 2000, Barry broadcast to Africa on a variety of subjects ranging from politics to sports via the Voice of America's English to Africa Service in Washington, DC. Long before becoming Service Chief the last five years, Barry broadcast a daily sports program to millions of listeners throughout Africa under the name of The Ole Sports Emperor.

You could say Africa is in Barry's blood. And you'd be right, both literally and figuratively. During his many forays far and wide on the continent, Barry contracted a variety of diseases including malaria, typhoid, para-typhoid and a couple of other ones either too complicated or not worth explaining.

His memoir, Beneath the African Sun, details both his personal and professional life during the six years after first setting foot on the continent.

Facebook, Instagram

Alexandria, Egypt

Morocco

Ethiopia

Radio Voice of the Gospel

Financial Times, Uk

AP, UPI, New Zealand Broadcasting

Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters, YouTube

Mississippi Masala (1991)

BBC, Jonathan Dimbleby

R.L. Carpentier is a 18 year law enforcement professional who uses his experience in the writing of his small town mystery and crime procedural fiction. His debut novel, Our Lady of the Overlook, the first of a trilogy is out now.

R.L. has a fascination for the mountains and finds a solace in the rural mountain communities in the Catskill Mountains of New York. He and his wife have traversed a number of the mountains including completing the Catkskill 3500s and completing the 24-mile escarpment trail in one long day.

This beautiful world is the setting for his fictional crime stories.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Books: Our Lady of the Overlook, Quiet Whispers of the Overlook. Third book coming soon.

Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Bastards (2009)

Killer Nashville Writing Conference

Cloud Atlas (2012)

Save The Cat! Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

Robert McGee, Author

The Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell

The Hunger Games movie series

The Story Circle Worksheets, Meraki Kreo

Rick and Morty, Community, Dan Harmon, Creator

Prolific Writers Life

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Patreon for Creators

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie

Laura (1944)

The Monster Squad (1987)

Michael Connelly, Author

PodMatch for Podcasters

Kindle Unlimited and Audible

D. H. Morris, a native of San Diego, California, has lived on four continents and traveled through countless countries. Now residing in Kansas City, Missouri, she's the proud mother of four children and grandmother to eleven. With a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Choral Music Education from Utah State University, she later pursued graduate studies in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. A published playwright, she has recently turned her passion for history into a novel, The Girl of Many Crowns.

Set in the Kingdom of Francia in 856 AD, the book tells the gripping true story of Judith, the first princess of France, and Baldwin "Iron Arm," a knight of King Charles the Bald. Together, they defy an empire, embarking on a daring journey that will change history.

As a descendant of both Judith and Baldwin, D. H. Morris uncovered their remarkable tale while working on a genealogical project. Intrigued, she dove deep into the 9th century, researching everything from politics and war, to food, clothing, and marriage customs. She is passionate about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.

Website, X, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

Jean Gill, Author, The Troubadours Series

Octavia Randolph, Author, The Circle of Ceridwen Series

PodMatch, a dating service for podcasters

The Space Between Time, Lucinda Sage-Midgorden

Finding Your Roots with Henry Lewis Gates, Jr.

Who Do You Think You Are

The Carolingian Renaissance (8th - 9th centuries)

Pride & Prejudice, (2005) Movie

Pride and Prejudice (1995) TV Mini-Series

Emma, Jane Austen

Persuasion, Jane Austen

For 50 years Indra Rinzler has been involved in Spirituality and Vedic Astrology. He has been studying and sharing Enneagram of Personality since 1999. He uses these modalities in Life Readings designed to help clients wake up to who they really are. Indra is an enthusiastic genuinely interestingly man who has been a world traveler for over 20 years offering sessions and classes in USA and Asia. His stories and experiences will delight all audiences.

Website, Facebook, YouTube

Book: Indra's Net: The Seekers Guide to the Human Experience

Vedic Astrology

Wheel of Totality

Enneagram of Personality

Location or AstroCartography Astrology

Classic Cinema With the Sage Sisters

Prolific Writers Life