Story Impact Podcast - Compelling Author Interviews

Story Impact Podcast - Stephen Huyler

Award-winning crime novelist and host Lisa Towles interviews cultural historian, photographer, and author Stephen Huyler, renowned for his decades-long immersion in India and his groundbreaking work documenting sacred arts and rural communities. In this deep conversation, Stephen discusses his lifelong journey exploring Indian culture, the inspiration behind his newest memoir, Transformed by India, and the lessons he’s learned about storytelling, humanity, and cross-cultural understanding.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Stephen Huyler spent over fifty years living, traveling, and working in India to document its hidden cultural landscapes• The philosophy and approach behind his photography, writing, and museum curation• The themes of preservation, transformation, and empathy that shape Transformed by India• Practical insights for writers, storytellers, and artists on observing, listening, and conveying authentic human stories• How deep cultural immersion can inform creative work and inspire meaningful connections across borders
If you love cultural history, memoirs, photography, anthropology, or behind-the-scenes storytelling conversations, this episode will enrich your understanding of India’s extraordinary people and inspire your own creative journey.
➤ Explore Stephen Huyler’s work: https://stephenhuyler.com➤ Learn more about Lisa Towles and her award-winning crime novels: https://lisatowles.com➤ Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/koxzhn6m_yI?si=GysF7Huwf-jWLXCc 

Story Impact Podcast - Victoria Zackheim

Welcome to Story Impact! Today, we’re honored to feature Victoria Zackheim—a celebrated author whose storytelling mastery spans mystery, memoir, and the stage. Victoria’s newest book release, The Curtain Falls in Paris, launches a richly atmospheric, region-based mystery series. With gripping suspense, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters, this novel sets the stage for what promises to be a spellbinding trilogy. A distinguished presence in the literary world, Victoria received a rare and prestigious invitation: completing Death Times Seven, the unfinished novel from the late Anne Perry’s beloved Daniel Pitt mystery series. This extraordinary honor is a testament to her skill and reputation in crime fiction. But Victoria’s talent extends far beyond mysteries. She’s the author of The Bone Weaver, and the editor of seven acclaimed anthologies, including the international bestseller The Other Woman, which was adapted into a play with simultaneous readings across the United States. Her work also includes PBS documentary projects, and she has inspired countless emerging writers as a longtime UCLA writing instructor.
In this interview, Victoria shares the inspiration behind The Curtain Falls in Paris, what it was like to continue Anne Perry’s Daniel Pitt series, insights into writing mystery, memoir, and powerful anthologies, craft advice for authors and storytellers, and her career arc across publishing, film, and theater.
Whether you're a mystery reader, an aspiring author, a memoir enthusiast, or a creative seeking inspiration, this conversation offers meaningful takeaways on craft, perseverance, and the power of story. 
Watch the YouTube video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArA0uotL8Ss&list=PLbkr7W9ytZ0YlPKx5flDqGpVzfRllnk2o&index=40 
Learn more about Victoria Zackheim: https://victoriazackheim.com
Order The Curtain Falls in Paris on Amazon.
Story Impact is a podcast for storytellers, creatives, and change-makers—celebrating voices who shape culture and move hearts through narrative. 
Thank you for listening and being a part of the Story Impact community. 

Story Impact Podcast - Eliot Pattison

Award-winning crime novelist and host Lisa Towles interviews internationally acclaimed author Eliot Pattison, known for the Inspector Shan Tibet mysteries and the Bone Rattler historical series. In this deep craft conversation, Eliot discusses his decades-long writing career, his approach to historical storytelling, and the themes behind his newest release, Freedom’s Ghost.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Eliot Pattison builds immersive historical worlds using research, cultural depth, and emotional truth• What inspires his two bestselling series — and how he balances accuracy with page-turning suspense• The real history and moral questions behind his new novel Freedom’s Ghost• Practical writing advice for authors working in crime, mystery, and historical fiction• How stories rooted in justice, culture, and moral courage resonate with modern readers
If you love crime fiction, historical mysteries, thriller writing, author interviews, or behind-the-scenes craft discussions, this episode will inspire your writing and deepen your appreciation of Eliot’s extraordinary body of work.
➤ Explore Eliot Pattison’s books: https://eliotpattison.com➤ Learn more about Lisa Towles & her crime novels: https://lisatowles.com➤ Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lisatowles

Story Impact Podcast - Jeff Circle

Join bestselling crime novelist and podcast host Lisa Towles as she sits down with editor & author Jeff Circle, creator and visionary of the Writer's Dossier Podcast, to explore what drives modern thriller writing — and how moral ambiguity turns good stories into unforgettable ones.
In this episode you’ll discover:
How Jeff curated and edited the new anthology Myopic Duplicity: Do the Ends Ever Justify the Means? And what makes it unique in the thriller world
Why authors should strive to make readers like the “bad guy” — and how that shift in perspective changes everything
Jeff’s personal tips for staying productive amid multiple writing, editing, and podcasting commitments (including why he prioritizes sleep!)
What writers frequently get wrong when depicting law enforcement, military, or intelligence work — so you can avoid the mistakes
Whether you’re an aspiring author, a seasoned pro, or simply love behind-the-scenes of thriller-craft, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, relatable stories, and the spark that might just ignite your next idea.
➤ Get Myopic Duplicity here: https://tinyurl.com/33ahff93 
➤ Find Jeff’s Writer Dossier podcast & newsletter here: https://jeffcircle.com 
➤ Learn more about Lisa Towles & her crime novels here: https://lisatowles.com