Stories and Stanza
Episodes

Saturday Dec 27, 2025
Navigating Narcissism and Self-Discovery with Tina Djuretic
Saturday Dec 27, 2025
Saturday Dec 27, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we explore the journey of healing from a "toxic relationship" and the profound impact of "narcissistic abuse." Discover the importance of "setting boundaries" for well-being and the path to cultivating "self-compassion." Tune in to learn how to foster "emotional resilience" and navigate life's challenges with greater strength.
Tina shares her personal journey of healing from toxic relationships and narcissistic patterns, rooted in her childhood trauma. Her first book, 'Finding My Sovereignty,' is a memoir detailing this journey. With the onset of COVID-19, Tina found herself isolated but turned towards self-guided healing practices and took extensive notes, which eventually formed the basis of her practical workbook, 'Lost in the Overwhelm.' The conversation delves into generational trauma, the identification and healing of narcissistic relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and the ongoing nature of healing. The host also shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and self-compassion in the healing process. Both agree that healing is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness and willingness to change.

Saturday Nov 15, 2025
The Essence of Poetry: Moonlit Mess
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra speaks with poet Priyanzel, about her journey into writing and the emotional depth that poetry brings to life.
Priyanzel is a poet who writes from the quiet edges of becoming. Through her debut collection, Moonlit Mess: The Beautiful Ruins of Becoming, she explores the tender chaos of healing—where pain softens into light and silence learns to speak. Her words dwell in the in-between—shadow and self, ache and awakening—offering comfort to anyone learning to start again.
They discuss the personal and therapeutic nature of poetry, the limitations of AI in capturing human emotion, and the challenges and rewards of being a writer. Priyanka shares her inspiration and the process behind her book 'Moonlit Mess,' emphasizing the importance of rawness, vulnerability, and inner light in creative expression. Tune in to explore the intimate world of poetry and creativity, and be inspired by Priyanka's heartfelt words and experiences.
Book Link: Amazon

Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Secret to Healing and Self Awareness | Letters from You to You
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' we dive deep into the healing journey of Ellie Laliberté from Ontario, Canada, who shares her experiences and insights about using writing as a primary modality for self-healing. Ellie discusses her unique book, 'Letters From You to You,' and how it helps readers awaken their power through conversations with their higher selves. Explore topics like emotional intelligence, mindfulness, self-awareness, and the art of intuitive writing. Ellie also reads an evocative excerpt from her book, showcasing the transformative power of letting go and finding peace within. Join us for this enriching conversation that seamlessly blends creative expression and profound spiritual insights.
Ellie Laliberté is an award winning author, entrepreneur and book coach. Having gone through years of doing much inner work, she has dissolve more and more the false identity on her ever evolving jouney to inner peace. Her book "Letters From You to You : Awaken your power through conversations with your higher self", is the result of much deep surrender and rediscovering of authentic truth she channeled back in late 2023. You can find it on amazon and audible.
Connect with Ellie: https://linktr.ee/ellie.laliberte

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Realities of Acting & Modeling | Insights from Aaron Marcus
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Join us in this episode of Stories and Stanza as we talk to Aaron Marcus, a writer, actor, and acting coach. Aaron shares invaluable insights on pursuing a career in acting and modeling, addressing common misconceptions, handling rejection, and the importance of self-awareness. He also discusses his books, workshops, and the significance of giving back to the community. Don't miss this enriching conversation filled with practical advice and encouraging words for aspiring artists.
Link to Aaron's Website

Sunday May 04, 2025
A Conversation with Sreya Sarkar on 'Beneath the Veneer'
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Sreya Sarkar, a public policy analyst turned fiction writer. Sreya shares her journey from writing non-fiction articles and white papers to publishing her debut novel, 'Beneath the Veneer.' They discuss the importance of short stories, the intricacies of writing a novel, and the profound impact of women's camaraderie. Sreya also reads an excerpt from her book and delves into the layers of her narrative, focusing on contemporary social and gender issues in India. Tune in to explore the world of storytelling and the craft of writing with Sreya.
Book Link:
US: https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Veneer-Sreya-Sarkar-ebook/dp/B0CVSFVR9X
Canada: https://a.co/d/1onGC1O
India: https://amzn.in/d/8HpIGUM

Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Unlocking Secrets: Diane Clarke on 'The Bracelet'—Mystery, Twists & Thrills!
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Join us for an insightful conversation with author Diane Clarke as we discuss her book, The Bracelet. Get to know the inspiration behind the story and the creative process of this talented author.
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra from Melbourne interviews author Diane about her second book, 'The Bracelet.' They discuss the book's plot, centered around Monica's quest to build a relationship with her estranged father. Diane shares insights into the themes of family sagas, the impact of dementia, and the challenges of writing and editing her novels. The episode highlights the significance of emotional connections, mystery elements, and the personal inspiration behind Diane's writing. Tune in for an engaging discussion on family, identity, and the art of storytelling.

Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Bruce Smith Reveals the Secret to Crafting Fantasy Worlds
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra interviews Bruce, a writer based in Melbourne, about his creative process and journey with his book 'Devil's Delight.' Bruce shares the inspirations behind his work, the challenges he faced, and his transition from writing books to screenplays. He discusses the themes of human blame, the reclamation of glory by Lucifer, and the emotional complexities involved in writing compelling characters. Bruce also reads an excerpt from his book, providing a glimpse into the intriguing narrative. Tune in to discover insights on writing, creativity, and the importance of sharing your work.
00:00 The Devil Made Me Do It: Exploring Lucifer's Perspective
01:25 The Power of Stories: An Introduction to Stories and Stanza
03:11 Bruce's Writing Journey: From Inspiration to Creation
04:35 Devil's Delight: A Unique Take on Lucifer's Story
08:03 Reading from Devil's Delight: A Glimpse into the Book
18:56 Challenges and Emotions in Writing
31:05 From Book to Screenplay: The Transition Process
34:07 Future Projects and Screenplay Festivals
38:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Embracing Failure and Healing from Trauma and Burnout with Rosemary
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Welcome to a new episode of Stories and Stanza with your host Abhra. In this episode, Abhra speaks with special guest Rosemary, a poet, novelist, and doctor. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing failure as a path to success and how our relationship with failure can impact our growth. Rosemary shares her personal journey of healing from trauma, the significance of acknowledging past experiences, and the practical strategies she employed to overcome them, such as play and social support. They also discuss burnout, its effects, and coping mechanisms. Rosemary reads a poignant poem from her upcoming memoir, 'Out of the Cocoon, the Journey to Becoming,' offering a glimpse into her intimate reflections. Join us for an insightful conversation on resilience, self-love, and the power of storytelling.
Rosemary Esehagu is a Nigerian-American writer and poet. Her works have been featured in different media, both print and electronic. Her writing focuses on intersections of gender, identity formation, society’s roles, trauma, and healing. Her latest book, a memoir, is called Out of the Cocoon: The Journey to Becoming, and it is about how she healed from trauma and used it as a stepping stone to a stronger and more mature self.
Ways to connect:
Website: www.rosemaryesehagu.com
FB: facebook.com/rosemaryesehagu
IG: instagram.com/rosemaryesehagu