In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Yusuf, debut thriller author Michael Wendroff shares what it really takes to move from “I want to write” to finishing—and publishing—a novel under real-world pressure. He unpacks how rejection, revisions, and long timelines test your mindset more than your talent.

This episode is for writers, creators, and anyone pursuing a meaningful goal without guarantees. You’ll hear how Michael stayed committed, handled intense editorial feedback, and built a repeatable process for book two—without losing the joy of the work.

Michael Wendroff is a debut thriller writer whose novel What Goes Around reached a third printing and sold international translation rights. He has a background in marketing, earned an MBA from NYU, and has worked in global strategic marketing.

• 00:06:08 The real tension behind writing thrillers: patience, rejection, pressure

• 00:07:31 The moment that sparked What Goes Around

• 00:08:39 “Connections don’t make it automatic”: the reality of publishing

• 00:11:22 Observing pro writers up close—and what it taught him

• 00:14:24 The pandemic as the end of excuses

• 00:15:25 The editing gauntlet: acquisitions, line, copy, proof, final type pass

• 00:18:30 Surviving beyond book one: brand, series consistency, and craft process

• Treat creative goals like long-term commitments: remove excuses and start imperfectly.

• Expect publishing to involve multiple editorial rounds—plan emotional stamina for revisions.

• Build a repeatable process (plotting, research, structure) so book two isn’t guesswork.

• Write for today’s attention economy: short chapters, strong openings, and momentum-driven endings.

• Balance AI research with verification, and prioritize real conversations with experts for authenticity.

Website: https://michaelwendroff.com/ Books available via major retailers like Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.

With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact: 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ 📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/ 📍 Based in: India & USA

In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Sayan, author Sarah Marshall explores why belonging isn’t something you “earn” by fitting in—it’s something you practice by showing up and accepting the invitation to be seen.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck between identities, places, or communities—especially if you’re craving connection without losing yourself. Sarah shares how community can help reshape self-worth, why “home” can be internal, and what it took for her to stop leading with a single label and start engaging as a whole person.

Sarah Marshall is a San Francisco Bay Area–based writer and author of the newly published novel Playa Dust in My Soul. A longtime world traveler with experience spanning the military, high-tech, and spiritual practice, she writes about belonging, chosen family, and transformation.

• 00:02:50 — Why belonging lives in the “in-between” spaces

• 00:04:34 — Sarah’s earliest memories of feeling outside community

• 00:06:23 — “Carry your home”: belonging as an inner home

• 00:08:22 — The hidden patterns beneath disconnection and distance

• 00:11:06 — The playa as a crucible: intensity, invitation, and choice

• 00:13:12 — “Dust in my soul”: the metaphor that sticks with you

• 00:16:52 — Deserving love: the long work of accepting belonging

• Treat belonging as an active practice: invitation and acceptance both matter.

• Try “embracing the moment” instead of waiting for the perfect place or people.

• Notice where you’re protecting yourself by not accepting connection.

• Experiment with showing up as a whole person, not your loudest label.

• Build self-worth slowly: belonging strengthens when you believe you deserve it.

https://www.playadustinmysoul.com/

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.

With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact: 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ 📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/ 📍 Based in: India & USA

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Sayan, theatre maker and arts advocate Jessie Fahay unpacks what fulfillment really means when the applause ends—and how to stop confusing recognition with inner wholeness.

This episode is for anyone who looks “successful” on paper but feels disconnected inside—creatives, leaders, parents, and everyday professionals. Jessie shares a practical way to shift from scarcity, comparison, and performative living toward meaning, contribution, and a steadier inner life.

Jessie Fahay is a theatre maker, speaker, and advocate based in New York. She founded the nonprofit Ripple Effect Artists and uses art to spark empathy, dialogue, and real-world action.

1. 00:08:39 – The quiet question behind fulfillment when the noise fades

2. 00:10:25 – “Fulfilled” as full + filled: connection, contribution, love

3. 00:12:09 – The visibility trap: recognition vs. real fulfillment

4. 00:17:24 – When “having it all” still hurts: the spiral of disconnection

5. 00:20:13 – Orienting life toward community (without self-neglect)

6. 00:24:10 – The “context” practice: same life, different meaning

7. 00:31:13 – Keep sharing your vision: how Jessie built Ripple Effect Artists

• Redefine fulfillment as connection + contribution, not applause or metrics.

• Notice when you’re chasing visibility and gently return to what matters.

• Create a daily context statement for your work: “This is what I’m here for today.”

• Reframe your role: the same task can feel empty or meaningful depending on context.

• Share your vision often—unexpected people can become allies and connectors.

• Website: https://www.rippleeffectartists.com/

• Jessie Fahay

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.

With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact: 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ 📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/ 📍 Based in: India & USA

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