Stories and Stanza
Stories and Stanza delivers authentic storytelling through two distinct series:
- Between The Lines : Intimate conversations with writers revealing their craft, process, and struggles.
- Fail With Me: Transformative explorations of emotional intelligence, mental health, and resilience with wellness experts.
Stories and Stanza delivers authentic storytelling through two distinct series:
- Between The Lines : Intimate conversations with writers revealing their craft, process, and struggles.
- Fail With Me: Transformative explorations of emotional intelligence, mental health, and resilience with wellness experts.
Episodes

Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Love, Loss and Lessons - Healing Relationships through Compassion and Forgiveness: A Conversation with Relationship Coach Jeanell Greene
Welcome, Jeanell Greene! In this inspiring episode of the 'Stories and Stanza' podcast, host Abhra converses with Janelle, a relationship coach from Vancouver, Canada. They explore themes of personal growth, healing from past traumas, and the true meaning of happiness and love. Janelle shares her journey from a traumatic childhood and a corporate career to becoming a relationship coach. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, compassion, communication, and self-awareness in building healthy relationships. Janelle emphasizes the need for self-healing and taking ownership of one's life experiences to pave the way for future generations. Join this heartfelt discussion to understand how failure can be a profound teacher and how to cultivate love and connection in a fear-filled world.
Jeanell is a Relationship Coach and Marriage Expert well-known for saving countless marriages from loneliness and divorce while addressing generational trauma. Her passion lies in rekindling the 'best friend' dynamic for couples, allowing them to rediscover profound love, peace, and fun again. Jeanell firmly believes that self-love and forgiveness are necessary for a happy and healthy relationship and that couples can attain the marriage they've always desired by embracing healing, growth, and change. She's here to guide you on a beautiful, transformative journey full of compassion, love, and wisdom, empowering you to be not only the best partners for each other but also inspiring role models for your family.

Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Fail With Me: Embracing Vulnerability and Healing Through Stories
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra converses with a special guest about embracing vulnerability and redefining failure.
They discuss personal experiences with isolation, trauma, and the journey to inner success through neuroscience and ancestral spirituality. The guest shares their insights on building supportive communities, healing practices, and the role of spirituality in overcoming trauma. This heartfelt discussion aims to provide a compassionate space for listeners to connect and find solace in shared human experiences.
Giselle Baumet is a Hypnotherapist, Breathworker and Neuroscience Grad Candidate who helps people discover how majestic they are using neuroscience and ancestral spirituality.
https://www.skool.com/manifestation-blueprint-4368/about

Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Creative writing tips with book coach Sue Toth
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra, a poet and writer, introduces the podcast, which features real-life stories as beautiful as poetry. The guest, Sue Toth, shares her journey as a book coach and editor, describing how she supports writers at different stages of their creative process. Sue discusses common challenges writers face, the various editing stages, and offers valuable advice for writers experiencing a block. She details her experiences working with different genres, including fiction and nonfiction, and encourages aspiring writers to never give up on their dreams.
Sue has dedicated most of her professional life to honouring the English language through writing, editing, and teaching. For the past 25 years, Sue’s speciality is coaching authors who have stuck anywhere in the writing process. She also collaborates with authors on editing their manuscripts and getting them ready for readers to stay up all night reading!
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' Abhra sits down with Jennifer, author of the debut novel 'Getting to Know You.' Jennifer shares an excerpt from her book, which revolves around love, healing, and personal growth in the LGBTQ+ community. She delves into her inspiration for writing, her professional background as a licensed mental health counsellor, and her publication journey. Topics discussed include the intricacies of healing from unhealthy relationships, debunking misconceptions about domestic violence, and the importance of representation in storytelling. Please tune in to learn more about Jennifer's insights and her mission to bring awareness and support to survivors of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community.
Jennifer earned her minor in creative writing from Alfred University in 2016. As a pansexual genderflux individual and a trauma-informed mental health counsellor, they’re passionate about representation in fiction. Each story she tells is an opportunity to explore the beauty in nonconformity, healing, and diversity. After a lifetime of putting imagination to paper, Jennifer’s debut novel, Getting to Know You, came into being as a promise kept to a friend. Jennifer lives in the Finger Lakes with her family, enjoying tabletop roleplaying games, sewing, and cuddling their cat.
Order the book from here if you are interested:
https://ninestarpress.com/product/getting-to-know-you/

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Merging Mythology and Modernity : Author Talk with Arietta Knežević
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Exploring the world of 'Whispers of the Unveiled' with Author Arietta Knežević In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhro welcomes guest author Arietta, who discusses her debut fiction book 'Whispers of the Unveiled.' Arietta shares her journey from childhood passion for writing to the challenges of self-publishing and marketing. They delve into the book's theme, which blends ancient mythology with contemporary issues such as climate change and LGBTQ+ representation. Arietta also reads an intriguing excerpt from her book, adds insights about the writing process, and offers tips for aspiring authors. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and storytelling.
Arietta Hecate Knežević was born in 1994 in Dundee, Scotland, and now lives in Zagreb, Croatia with her husband and child. She has been writing since early childhood, and has recently published her debut novel, Whispers of the Unveiled, which is heavily inspired by her spiritual beliefs, Pagan practice and love of the natural world.
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
It is also available on Amazon in all other locations.

Sunday Sep 01, 2024
"Decades of Secrets: Diane Clarke on 'The Photograph'
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Join host Abhra on 'Stories and Stanza' as he delves into the captivating journey of Diane Clarke and her debut novel, 'The Photograph.' Listen as Diane shares the inspiration and extensive research behind her compelling historical fiction, which spans from World War II to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncover the intricacies of her characters, family secrets, and the emotional search for a lost brother. This episode is rich with insights for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Sunday Aug 25, 2024
From Mental Hellness to Wellness with David
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Join us for a deeply moving conversation with David, a man who has battled depression for over 50 years. In this episode. Davis is a 2-time TEDx speaker and credentialed international mental health presenter.
He shares his raw and honest journey, including a harrowing attempt to end his life and the transformative power of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
He opens up about the misconceptions surrounding depression, the importance of finding support, and the incredible strength it takes to break the cycle of despair.This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges.
How David redefined his understanding of depression, recognizing it as something distinct from sadness.
The crucial role of hope in suicide prevention and how David found hope amidst his darkest moments.
The transformative power of sharing stories and the importance of finding support systems.
David's personal experience with ECT and its impact on his recovery.
This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled with depression, felt alone in their pain, or wants to understand the journey of healing. It's a reminder that hope is possible and recovery is achievable.
This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges. David's insights offer a nuanced and personal perspective on depression, highlighting its complex nature and the importance of understanding and supporting those who struggle with it.
Listen now and be inspired by David's story!

Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
To the Heart of it with Michael Preston
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Hello everyone, welcome to Stories and Stanza. Please join me in welcoming today's guest speaker, Michael Preston.
In this episode, Mike shares a deeply personal story about his experience with a heart attack and the journey to recovery.
Mike talks about his background in athletics, his health leading up to the heart attack, and the warning signs he experienced before the life-changing event.
Tune in to hear the captivating and inspiring journey of resilience and overcoming obstacles in the face of health challenges.
Thank you.

About This Podcast
I am a software engineer with a creative spree and the heart to make a difference. I live in Melbourne with my family and enjoy photography and creative writing.
Inspired by the quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, "If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it — blame yourself for not being poet enough to call forth its riches." I created this podcast to bring out the real stories that make life as beautiful as poetry. I'll take you on a journey through the human experience, sharing stories and conversations to uplift your spirit. Here are the key 3 areas on this podcast.:
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In Author's chair: where I talk to writers about their journey. or upcoming publication
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Fail With Me: Where I explore what failure truly is and link it with emotional intelligence.
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Oh! Past, speak out: Where I talk about forgotten chapters of history.
If you are interested in my poetry, this is my Amazon author page. Follow my newsletter here.








