Natalie interviews personal development gurus and inspiring people from all over the globe on her super popular online show!
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An inspiring 5-part video series featuring 5 of the world’s top Law of Attraction gurus!
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Final Inspiration Show episode!
Brandee Lynn - The Healing Powers of Ayahuasca
Stewart Emery - Who's In Your Room
Sharon McRill - How to Transition Like a Winner
Dr. Joan Rosenberg - 90 Seconds to a Life You Love
The Power of Eight - Lynne McTaggart
Pauline Nguyen - How to Become a Spiritual Entrepreneur
Tom Cronin - Meditation Benefits You Didn't Know About
Spryte Loriano - Awakening Giants: Your Favorite TV Show
Karen Noe - Wayne Dyer's Message About Grief and Struggle
Cynthia James - Take Care of #1 - YOU!
Arjuna Ardagh - How to Make an Impact in the World
Martin Rutte - How to Experience Heaven on Earth
Ajit Nawalkha - Have Success Without Working Harder!
Tim Shields - Don't Let Your Fears Get in the Way of Your Dreams
RaShawn Renee - Boost Your Self-Esteem
Allison Maslan - How to Successfully Grow Your Business
Mark Gober - An End to Upside Down Thinking
Brett Anderson - How to Get into a Flow State
Adam Markel - How to Find the Clarity to Change
Jim Self - How to Find the Real You
Sandra Biskind - How to Raise Your Vibration
Patty Aubery - How to Become an Outrageously Successful You
Christy Whitman - How to Find The Secret to Success
Radha Agrawal - How to Find and Make Deeper Connections
Denise Mange - How to Communicate With Your Pet
Brian C. Wilson - How to Integrate Science and Spirituality
Akshay Nanavati - How to Turn Fear Into a Positive Force
Bill Bennett - How to Find and Follow Your Intuition
Nikki Jade - How to Connect to Your Mind-Body Power
Sarah Anne Shockley - How to Cope With Chronic Pain
Jeremiah Burgess - Help Build a Sustainable School
Regina Lon - The Power of Sacred Geometry
Tristan Truscott - How to Heal With Qigong
Yvonne Tally - How to Break Up With Busy
Michelle Fondin - How to Use Chakra Healing
Julie Simon -How to Overcome Emotional Eating
Meriflor Toneatto - How to Change Your Relationship With Money
Kristine Carlson - How to Move Through Grief
Dawson Church - The Secret Behind Epigenetics
Jonathan Robinson - How to Listen During Conflict
Sara Wiseman - How to Connect to the Universe
Marilyn Suttle - How to Enhance Your Creativity
Brad and Kasey Wallis - How to Master Your Higher Consciousness
JJ Virgin - How to Become a Warrior Mom
Herb Freed - How to Recognize Your Soulmate
Dawn Harris - How to Heal Your Emotional Wounds
Corrine Zupko - From Anxiety to Love
Martin Rutte - Heaven on Earth
Sandra Mendelson - We Walk Beside You
Kelly McGrath Martinsen - A Year of Inspired Living
Richard Gordon - The Secret Nature of Matter
Geneen Roth - This Messy Magnificent Life
Carl Studna - The Evolution of Loving
Arielle Ford - Discovering the Light Within
Derek Rydall - The Abundance Project
Charles Langley - Unforeseen Forces: Healing Secrets of a Lost Navajo Tribe
Sidney Reeves - Surviving Against the Odds (Part Two)
Sidney Reeves - Surviving Against the Odds (Part One)
Troy Amdahl & Dave Braun - Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World
Joe Nunziata - How to Stop Chasing and Start Living
Spring Washam - How to Move Through Grief
Chef Lance Roll - Bone broth: Healing Magic Elixir
Natalie Ledwell - 2017 Special Christmas Edition
Doug Noll - How to Turn Anger into Peace in 90 Seconds
The Better Brain Solution - Dr. Steven Masley
Mind Gourmet is Food for Thought - Nina Kaiser
Becoming Supernatural - Dr. Joe Dispenza
The Power of Qigong - Master Teresa Yeung
Connecting With Your Sexual Soulmate - Susan Bratton
What Is The Meaning Of Life? - Gregg Braden
The Power Of Music - Craig Young
How To Trust Your Intuition - Terri Christine
How To Live With No Regrets - Christine Hassler
How To Deal With Grief - Robert Clancy
The Power of Eight - Lynne McTaggart
The Great Mother Bible - Mare Cromewell
The Benefits of Past Life Regression Therapy - Amy Weiss
The 4 Sacred Gifts - Anita Sanchez
How To Land A Book Deal - Zhena Muzyka
5 Steps To Becoming Your Own Health Hero - Dr. Nanda Parthi
Overcoming Your Difficult Family - Dr. Eric Maisel
Love is The Power - Robert O. Williams
How To Be a Champion of Change - Frankie Picasso
Akashic Knowing - Lisa Barnett
Beyond Food - Tomas Reyes
Patricia Gachagan - Born Together
Dr Shawne Duperon - Project Forgive
Michel Pascal - Meditation For Daily Stress
Jennie Lee - How To Use Yoga Therapy For Healing
Wendie Colter - How to Use Medical Intuition For Healing
Live Your Happy - Maria Felipe
How to Discover Your Sacred Wealth Code - Prema Lee Gurreri
Morry Zelcovitch - What is Brainwave Entrainment?
Keith Mitchell - Yoga and Mindfulness as Tools for Healing
Cedric Bertelli - TIPI: The French Antidote To Fear
The Worry Free Mind - Carol Kershaw, EdD & Bill Wade, PhD
Spirituality For Men - Mike Marschhausen
Digene Farrar - Healing From Trauma and Abuse
Maria Flores Letelier - How To Ask For What You Want
Acharya Shunya - How To Heal and Lose Weight With Ayurveda
Jayne Gardner - What is Divine Intelligence?
Holly Parker - If We’re Together, Why Do I Feel So Alone?
Deirdre Hade & William Arntz - Can Science and Spirituality Co-exist?
Natalia Levey - How To Master Your Food Cravings
Jill Lublin - The Gift of Kindness
Dr. Peta Stapleton & Kate Helder- How To Get Rid Of Anxiety Using EFT
Dawa Tarchin Phillips - How To Use Mindfulness To Erase Negative Habits
Neel Raman - How to Awaken the Leader in You
Eva and Olga Karpman
Ken Stone - How to Experience Your Divine Within
Pete Bissonette - Breakfast Tea & Bourbon
Sandra Biskind - How to Upgrade Your Frequency
Lisa Loving Dalton - Falling For The Stars
Dr. John McGrail - What is Synthesis Effect?
Bob Doyle - Does the LOA Really Work?
Teresa St. Frances - How to Communicate With Your Teenager
James Van Praagh - The Power Of Love
Emma Mildon - The Search Of Your Soul
Sherianna Boyle - Mantras Made Easy
Rico Racosky - Just 2 Choices
Ann Barham - Past Life Regression: The Truth Demystified
Pat Duckworth - Discover Your Greatest Purpose At Any Stage Of Your Life
Cynthia James - How To Make Time For Yourself Without Being Selfish
Elisabeth Dale - How To Buy A Bra That Fits
Craig Babic - How To Pay Off Student Debt In A Holistic Way
Koby Ben - Modern Day Millionaire
Dr. Marilyn Joyce - How To Live Your Life To The Fullest
Mridu Parikh - How To Organize Your Life
Robert Clancy - How To Live And Lead With Kindness
Keryl Pesce - The Secret To Happiness
Laura Lane - Hope And Happiness For Cancer Kids
Kevin Hancock - How To Find Spiritual Fulfillment
Tom O'Bryan - Is Gluten Bad For You?
Mare Cromwell - 1000 Goddesses Gathering
Melita Ray - How To Remain Positive During Chaos
Vasavi Kumar - How To Transition Through Big Life Changes
Dr. Sharon Livingston - How To Survive A Friendship Breakup
Naomi Katz - How To Prevent Teenage Depression
Courtney Amundson - Does Pain Serve A Purpose?
Yol Swan - Are You An Indigo?
Alicia Diaz - How To Dissolve Emotional Blocks
Lynne Cockrum-Murphy - How To Leave Suffering Behind
Dr. Toni Luisa Rivera - How To Listen To Your Body's Wisdom
Valerie Sheppard - 4 Steps To Finding Happiness
Bruce Cryer - How To Keep Your Inspiration Alive
Arjuna Ardagh - Can Men Be Spiritual And Masculine?
Marilyn Suttle - How To Turn A Difficult Customer Into A Raving Fan
RC Henningsen - The REAL Secret To Manifesting Dreams
Zen DeBrucke - How To Tap Into Your Inner Guidance System
SARK - 6 Powerful Habits To Experience More Love
Dr. Edwige Bingue - Guide To Spiritual Awakening
Barry Goldstein - Can Music Heal?
Christine Hassler - How To Overcome Dissapointment In Life
Tony Wilson - How To Not Lose Your Hope
Jonathan Robinson - 5 Components Of True Happiness
Natalie Ledwell - The Reason Why You Can't Manifest Successfully
Carol Tuttle - 4 Types Of Energy Profiling You Need To Know
Tom Bird - Write/Right From God
Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer
Aleya Dao - 7 Steps To Connect With Your Inner Self
Jack Canfield - How To Quite Drinking In 30 Days
Marni Battista - The Do's And Dont's Of Online Dating
Dr Lise Janelle - Your Mission In Life Revealed!
Megan Duma - How To Manifest A Dream Birth
Vicki Sandler - How To Raise Your Vibration In 90 Seconds
Lisa Nichols - The Secret To Abundance
Terri Levine - Discover Your Talents In 5 Steps
Scott Coady - How To Become A Modern Day Leader
JJ Virgin - How to Lose Weight And Feel Great
Arielle Ford - How To Make Your Mate Your Soulmate
Jasmina Agrillo Scherr
Michaela Haas PhD
Marilyn Short
Dr. Michelle Nielsen
Robyn Openshaw
Carol Tuttle
Jennifer Powers
Jude Weber
Teresa de Grosbois
Kim Schneiderman
Ariyana, a Star Child
Clayton Ainger
Susan Stiffelman
Steve Taylor
Kelly Johnson
Dr. Galen Loven
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Anita Sanchez
Minna Yoo
Louise Armstrong
Thomas Bähler
Asher Fox
Lucinda Cross
Barnet Bain
Micheline Nader
Mira Kelley
Helen Woo
Dr. Bill Dorfman
Dr. Paul Drouin
Bob Proctor
Brian Ridgway
Zlata Petrak
Lloyd Burnett
Anil Gupta
Karen Russo
Natalie Ledwell
Corey Poirier
Miriam Knight
Karl Gruber
Judy van Niekerk
Michele Rosenthal
Joanne Henig
Andrea Cox
Patti Handy
HeatherAsh Amara
Rico Caveglia
David Christopher
Pete Winiarski
Clarissa Burt
Jim Proser
Brandy Faith Weld
Deirdre Maguire
Julie Kleinhans
Dr. Jo Anne White
Kenneth Krell
Patricia Petersen
Temple Hayes
Jana Beeman
Bonita Lehman
Valerie Sheppard
Barb Schmidt
Allyson Chavez
Derek Rydall
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Dr Joe Rubino
Elizabeth Lombardo
Natalie Jayne
Dave Asprey
Cristiana Dragomir
Christine Hassler
John Seeley
Jeff Carreira
Andy Shaw
Meshell Zwicker
Kit Summers
Sharon Klinger
Heather Smith
Paramahansa Jagadish
Mary Morrissey
Tom Cronin
Miriam Schafer
Tiamo
Judy O'Beirn
Mark Waldman
Sue Stone
Renee Mollan Masters
Fiona Fine
Arjuna
Joe Vitale
Dr Joe Dispenza
Bertrand Dory
Christy Whitman
Damian Reid
V. Lynn Hawkins
Graham Dragon
Treyce Montoya
Remy Chausse
Brent Hunter
Anik Singal
Kaya
Risaria Langley
Ken Elliott
Regina Cates
Dr Amelia Kemp
Jeff Gignac
Micaela Passeri
Ron Prasad
Julie Renee Doering
Marni Batista
Tom North
Nathalie Chantal
Paula D'Andrea
How to turn any adversity into opportunities
David Trybus
Janice Davies
Tina Dietz
John Edwards
Dianne Bischoff
Liana Chaouli
Kathi Burns
Sunny Dawn Johnston - Angels
Raven Blair Davis
Terri and Robert LIVE
Divora Stern
Bennie Mayberry
Patricia Cori - The Emissary
Shonte Taylor LIVE
Jonathon Robinson - Find Happiness Now
Importance of Education in Women's Lives
Suzanne McQueen - Decoding the Woman's Cycle
How to use the Law of Attraction - Live
Aileen McCabe - Inner Peace Diet
Jim Alvino LIVE
Jeanie Cisco-Meth
Sheevaun Moran LIVE
Twenty Twenty
Panache Desai LIVE
Nicholas Steele - Unbreakable
The Power of Body Language
David Howitt - Heed Your Call
The Inspiration Show: Ha, I Laugh In The Face Of Cancer
Jewels Johnson - LOA Event
Hale Dwoskin
Morry Zelcovich
Robyn Benson
Tracey Trottenberg - Own, Honor, Unleash
Orna and Matthew Walters - Love on Purpose Revolution
Christa O'Leary
Anne Perry - Business Heroine
Dr. Jenny Ellis- 5 Women 5 Transformations Part 2
Dr. Jenny Ellis- 5 Women 5 Transformations
Dianne Collins - Do You QuantumThink?
Dr. Elsbeth Meuth and Freddy Zental Weaver - Creating Lasting Fulfillment
How To Cash In On Your Dreams - Noah Solomon
Dr Michael Cotton
Dr Cynthia Thaik Your Vibrant Heart
Overcoming Challenges - Katrina Starzhynskaya
Mark Bowness - Join A New Year's Revolution
Marci Shimoff - Your Year of Miracles
Janice Davies - Say YES to a Positive Attitude
Successful Kids Revolution - Julie Kleinhans
What is your What? - Steve Olsher
Karen Russo - Grow yourself AND your wealth
Red carpet premier of 'Stickability'
Special End of The Year Show!
Gary Malkin - Wisdom of the World
Krystalya Marie - Holistic approach to cold and flu
Laura Rubinstein - Feminine Essence
Sujata Vadlamudy - Attitude Orange
Sarah Blaine - Dance with the Devil
Gina Hussar - 30 Seconds To Peace
Team Toby
Glynda-Lee Hoffmann - The Genesis Code
Lynn Rose - Life-Changing Legacy
David Eby - Finding Happiness
Susan Guddat - Manifesting Mamas
Vrunda Dave - Savvy Business for Women
Raymond Aaron - Create Wealth Doing What You Love
LAUNCH! your success with Scott Duffy
Christopher Tims - Dreams Fulfilled
A Passionate Healthy Life
Tap into the power of YOU!
Inner Hottie Sexy Body
Marry Your Passion
Dreaming Heaven
Living the High Life without the Champagne
Trees of Transformation
Pilgrim Mother
Against All Odds Part 2
Milton's Secret
Transform Your Health
Stickability
Dare To Dream
Against All Odds
The Gift of Infidelity
Dr Katherine T Kelly
Ronna Prince - Sacred Journey of the Heart
Tinh
The Secret to Puppy Love
How to use hypnotherapy to overcome bad habits
Senior Cinema Circle
Business The New Way
Sexy Boss
Manifestation Success
Malcolm Allen BBB Conference
Your Life Now
5 Steps To Align With Your Purpose
Empowered Spirit
Tonya Hofmann - Speaking for Success
Nothing Short Of Joy
Jill Douka
Skinny Genes
Surviving Grief
Unstoppable Self
The Happiness Factor
Conversations For Your Soul
Esther Nicholson - Soul Recovery
Soloman Speaks - The Reconnection
LOA Summit
Maximize Mind Movies Matrix
Dr. Joe Dispenza explains the Law of Attraction in a scientific way
Joanna Ashley - Healing4Bodies
Be Part of Scientific History
Edie Weinstein - Befriending your shadow
LOA expert, Christy Whitman revealshHow to use the 7 universal laws
Moving Through Grief
Hidden Treasures
Bringing Women Together Worldwide
Never In Your Wildest Dreams
Healing With The Masters
Mark Porteous - Personal Transformation
Mind Over Medicine
The WE Paradigm
Terry Tillman
Lynne Sheridan
Modern Day Mastery
Is The LOA Working Against You?
Super Saturday Spirit Sale
Crystal Ki Healing
Kevin Thompson
Freeman Michaels
Keidi Keating - The Light Project
Ivan Misner
Sara Lahey - Love-N-Aid
Amy Scott Grant KidCentered.com
7 Step Formula To Effectively Apply The Law Of Attraction
The Real Mind Movies Story
Adoley Odunton Wellness Revolution
Eric Brown - Mindful Moon
Sonia Ricotti - Unsinkable
Inspiration from Kenya
Magnetic Charisma Cris Van Cleemput
Genetic Energetics Larry Michel
Roberts Rules Made Simple
Science of Stillness
Heal Your Health Kerry Douglas
Julian Kalmar 10 Million Clicks for Peace
Vasavi Kumar Keepin' It Real
Brave Heart Women Resonate
Bewell Buzz
Rick Luck
Welcome to your life
Melanie Nicolas Wealth Tips for Kids
Special Christmas Show
What's Really happening Dec 21st
Celestine
Kacper and Josh Silent Furnace
Passion vs Purpose
Special 'Gratitude Week' Edition: Gratitude Journals
Don't Worry About What Other people Think
Dogs are Gifts from God
Brain Change Therapy
Orrin Husdon Inspiring Kids Through Chess
Rich German
Mike Dooley
Jason Freeman
Betty Iams
101 Powerful Affirmations
The Science of Affirmations
Global Health Summit
Jonny Andrews The Kindle Revolution
An Empowered Woman
Corey Glazier U Without Borders
Dr Huesan Tran - The Meridian of God
Dr Huesan Tran - Pebbles in the Pond
Soul Contracts Danielle MacKinnon
Seriously! The Movie
Inspiring Stories Sam Riggio
Overcoming Adversity
Gabrielle Knowing your Archetypes
Conscious Wealth Marguerita Vorobioff
Empowering Women
Discover your Passion Janet Bray Attwood
FEEL The Book - Michelle Bersell
Survivor Gillian Larson
5 Secret Tips to Being Extraordinary
6 Habits to A Long, Happy Life
DD Watkins
Eliminating Doubt
Dawson Church EFT Explained
Kindness The Movie
Jinny Throup - Inspirational Stories
The Power of Masterminds
Shanda Sumpter - Heart Core Woman
Never Wake Up On the Wrong Side of the Bed Again
Aline Boundy
Stacey Canfield Soul Sitter
The Benefits of Hypnosis
Jack Canfield
Shawn Stevenson
Nikkea Devida Getting Unstuck
Tristan and Sabrina
Viki Winterton
Marcia Tabram Phillips
Inspiring Women Michelle Patterson
Larry Crane Where Has The Happiness Gone?
How to use the Law of Emergence to activate your own calling
Jake Ducey
Fantastic Frank
The Storm Before The Calm
Passion Peeps - Jill Lublin
Passion Peeps - Shawn Shewchuk
Inspirational Stories - Jim Oliver
Passion Peeps - DC Cordova
Finding Joe The Movie
Passion Peeps - Gabriel Nossovitch
Neale Donald Walsch and Karin Volo
Passion Peeps - Dr. Ray Blanchard
Don Jose Ruiz
Passion Peeps - Ted McGrath
Brendon Burchard - The Charge
Cracking The Man Code
Sharon Babineau Maddie's Story
Passion Peeps - Lisa Kalmin
Passion Peeps - Joe Vitale
Parenting without Power Struggles - Susan Stiffleman
Inspirational Success Stories - Mark Romero
Passion Peeps - Mat Boggs
Don Jose Ruiz - 5th Agreement
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Power of Intention
Passion Peeps - Barnet Bain
Your Special Visualization Mind Movie
The Yin and Yang of Life
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Inspirational Success Stories - Dr.Bob Uslander
Passion Peeps - Dwayne Klassen
2012 - What will happen?
Passion Peeps - Esperanza Universal
Inspirational Kids - Xanthe and Quinn
Passion Peeps - Lanny and Deena Morton
Passion Peeps - Jen Bailey
Inspirational Success Stories - Glen Ledwell
Inspirational Success Stories - Vanessa Hamilton
Passion Peeps - Cory Glazier
How to overcome fear and defeat it for good
Passion Peeps - Renee Airya
This or Something Better
Passion Peeps - Jim Bunch
The Four Agreements
Passion Peeps - Mari Smith
Inspirational Kids - Julia Weber
Passion Peeps - Loral Langmeier
How to Create an Abundant Vibration
Passion Peeps - Mercedes Maidana
A Mind Movie for Your Pets!
Dealing with Negative People
Passion Peeps - Gay and Katie Hendricks
What is your New Years Resolution?
Passion Peeps - Chris Attwood
Health Tips part 2
Passion Peeps - Tiamo
Win the Race of Life
Passion Peeps - Christine Arylo
Health Tips part 1
Passion Peeps - John Assaraf
Stickability Nik Halik
Passion Peeps - Bob Proctor
Discover the Gift
How Do I Know I'm Making The Right Decision?
Passion Peeps - Eldridge DuFauchard
Passion Peeps - Karin Volo
Passion Peeps - Drew Canole
Q & A
Passion Peeps - Bob Doyle
Never, Ever Give Up
Spirit Junkie Book Review
Passion Peeps - Amy Ahlers
Answer to 7 Secrets Questions
You Don't Need to Know How
Big Fat Lies Book Review
Passion Peeps - Gabrielle Bernstein
Dressing for Success part 2
Passion Peeps - Max Simon
Dressing for Success part 1
What is the Reticular Activating System?
Passion Peeps - Zhena Mukyka
Implementing Your Daily Routine
Will Smith on the Law of Attraction
Your Daily Success Routine
Passion Peeps - Peggy McColl
Mike Dooley Wisdom
Passion Peeps - Mark Black
Your Perception is Your Reality
The Power of Thought
Passion Peeps - Marcia Wieder
Meditation
Eliminating a Limiting Belief?
Passion Peeps - Paul Hoffman
What is a Limiting Belief?
Martin Cooper Takeaways
Passion Peeps - Greg S Reid
Passion Peeps - Sean Stephenson
Identifying your Passion
What are your Core Values?
Passion Peeps - Marci Shimoff
Q & A from Europe
Are You in Your Happy Place? pt 2
Are You in Your Happy Place
Passion Peeps - Gary Vaynerchuk
Creating a Mind Movie in minutes
Welcome to the Inspiration Show
EPISODE TRANSCRIPTION
NL: Hi everyone! My name is Natalie Ledwell and this is The Inspiration Show. Today on the show I have a special guest, who is also a very close friend of mine. This is going to be specifically for you if you have a book inside of you, if you have a book that you would love to get out there, or a message that you would like to get out in the world, and you feel that the book would be an amazing way to do so. I have an extremely amazing expert that’s going to talk to us all about that. But, before I get into the show and introduce my special guest, I want to just remind you that once the show is finished- after the show is over- if you’re watching this live on Facebook, or on our YouTube channel, don’t forget to click the link below this video to take my 30 second quiz so we can see what’s holding you back from success. So, please let me introduce my special guest today, Zhena Muzyka. How are you Zhena?
ZM: Hey, I’m good. How are you?
NL: Fantastic. Zhena runs an amazing program called the Authors Academy, which we’re going to talk a little bit about in a moment. But, how she got into doing this work and knowing so much about the publishing world is quite the story. So, Zhee, can you share a little bit about your journey as to how you got into doing this type of work?
ZM: Yeah. Well it has to do with a kiss and getting fired from a job, so it’s a good story. It has all the makings of a great chiclet novel. I’m an entrepreneur and I built a multi-million dollar tea business from nothing - from- I had $6 a day when I started. During my time building that business, I discovered the power of fair-trade and the power of serving others as a means of success. So I brought fair trade tea to Kroger, and Walmart, and Super Value- and all the major grocery stores in the US. People loved it because they loved giving back and my business became a huge success. And during 2008-2009, I don’t know if any of you guys remember that - maybe you’re all too young-, but the entire economy crashed and burned. I was in the middle of that crash and burn with my beautiful fair trade, fairly premium tea. I had to run out and raise millions of dollars of capital to save my business during that time. I had to bring on these big investors from New York and it was all very exciting. I was able to pull it off using definitely the law of attraction and so- but in that I had sold the majority of my company. Then, when I figured out I was working for these big investors in New York, I decided it really wasn’t my thing. I’m much more of an entrepreneur and I’m not good at following other people’s orders. I pretty much follow the orders of the universe. So I left that company and I was sad, and worried, and I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life. I didn’t know who I was. One day I was walking in New York and I saw this big building and I had- and it said Simon and Schuster on it. I was compelled. I had this like- I just ran up to it and kissed it. I don’t know why, what it was. My son who was 11 at that time said, “Mom! Oh my God! What are you doing? You’re embarrassing me”. I said, “I have no idea. I just feel so much love around this building. I don’t know what’s going on”. So fast- forward a couple years later, I get a publishing deal with a group called Atrium. I go to sign my contract and it says Simon and Schuster. So it turns out Simon and Schuster was the parent company. Not only that, but my publisher who published The Secret at Atria was beyond words. She became a dear friend of mine. One day we were sitting and I said, “I don’t really know what to do. I’m writing this great book for you, but I want to do something more with my life”. She said, “Why don’t you become a publisher? You have what it takes”. So I started working there and I founded my own publishing house at Simon and Schuster called Enliven Books. So I get to go visit that building all the time where I first made out with the Golden sign. Anyway- so it changed my entire life. It brought you into my life, brought a lot of people into my life that I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to, or even known existed. There’s gonna be a plane I’m in my backyard. But, what ended up happening was I fell in love with the publishing world and I also realized that if you publish a book, it’s so much more than just saying you’re an author. It brings new circles of people to you. It brings more wealth to you. It helps build your business. The book I wrote, “Life by the Cup”, boosted sales at the tea company.- two and a half million dollars that month from all the press it garnered. So I love the idea of getting your voice out, making it heard, and also seeing what sorts of rewards it brings back to your life. So I teach people how to do that now, both as an author and as an entrepreneur- and now also as a publisher.
NL: Yeah. So, Life by the Cup is an incredible book. So tell me what the publishing experience was like for you as an author.
ZM: Super confusing. I went all in. I mean- I took every penny I had because I thought “Oh. This is my chance to reinvent my life”. I’m going from selling tea to selling me. I have no idea how to do that, but my book is obviously a good first step. So I did campaigns. I did email blast campaigns. I did videos. Now the technology’s gotten even better. So, at Authors Academy - it’s so fun because every time I teach it I update it because everything changes so quickly- but I learned that I didn’t know an enormous amount. I didn’t know how the editorial process worked. I didn’t know how the marketing process worked. I didn’t know what the salespeople at the publishing house did, or what I was expected to do. There was just a lot. It can be a little overwhelming and then I also didn’t know- I mean I kind of wanted to self- publish at the same time. So I learned a lot about self-publishing while I was learning a lot about being an author at a publishing house. But, what I think I most missed, or what I wished I would have known was that there was a way to be empowered through the process. I didn’t have to be deer-in-the-headlights. I didn’t have to be confused. I actually could own my campaign, own my book launch and do a lot more than I felt I could because I thought- I just had a lot of ignorance around the subject of who is going to do what, between me and the publisher. So there was a lot I didn’t know that could take 10 hours to list, but yeah.
NL: You know the publishing of my first book was pretty much the same as well. I didn’t know- I didn’t even know anything. Yes, we know how to do an online campaign, which we did. But then after that, it’s like now what? Like- there was so much confusion and then not a lot of communication.
ZM: Yes.
NL: We talked a little bit earlier about the Authors Academy, of which I have participated in and I’m telling you now… It’s just like, “Oh my God! If I had only known back then”. But, tell me, what was your inspiration, or what was your motivation behind creating Authors Academy?
ZM: Well, Authors Academy for me is to empower people to not let anything stop them from publishing a book- whether it’s self-published, published it through a big publishing house, or a smaller hybrid publishing house. But, what I find is a lot of people- 80% of Americans say they want to write a book and less than 5% of them will. I want to ensure everyone that even if you just write a book that your family reads, that’s part of your history, it’s a life changer. It’s a game changer not only for those who read it, but also for you. And it’s- number one it’s very healing. Number two: it’s extremely gratifying. It lets people into your heart in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise have that chance to have. And I started Authors Academy because I just felt really bad for first time, and even second and third time, authors who- really it’s a lot easier to know what you’re in for, than not. Then you can pick and choose, and be empowered, and have a choice in the publishing process. I believe that if we know what we don’t know we’ll be way more successful. We’ll also get to pick what we don’t want to know. So instead of reacting to things happening to you, you can then look out and say, “Oh, yes. I want to publish this way, this way, and this way. Oh, yes. I understand the editorial process, there’s a difference between an acquisitions editor, an editorial, an editor that does developmental, and then a line editor, and then a copy editor”. Like, just knowing all of that, understanding the lingo, understanding how the process works, puts you in a position of power instead of feeling like everything’s happening at you, or to you. So that’s really why I did it. As a fair trade activist and a lover of artists and authors, and wanting people to be empowered, it just seemed a natural thing to do.
NL: So, as a publisher, what are some of the mistakes that you see that authors are making out there?
ZM: Oh, goodness. Well… So the Authors Academy teaches how to write a book business plan. So whether or not- no matter where you end up with your book- even if you self-publish it or even if you do nothing with it- you understand how you’re going to get it to market, how you’re going to communicate with your target reader, how you will find them, how to budget it. All of that. You’ll… So you write a book business plan, as well as a book proposal. It all happens in two days, or online. Basically one of the things with that is that it just gives you an understanding of what you want because so many of us don’t know what we want. So what I see with lot of authors that come to me, and who I either sign or not sign, I see that they want to make a positive impact in the world, but they don’t understand the steps from here to here on how to make that positive impact. They don’t understand the different channels of online marketing, the different channels of bookseller marketing, the different channels of speaking engagements and podcasts, publicity and all of that. So, what I find is, if they just knew all the options, they’d be able to pick which ones they want to do. Instead a lot of them look at everything once they’ve got a publishing deal, or once they’re trying to get a publishing deal, and they kind of go blank. They go paralyzed because there are so many channels of social media, so many ways to market, so many things to write about. If we can get that narrowed down and get really, really clear on who your target reader is, you will be able to write like a killer book business plan and go to market- whether or not you get a big publisher, or a small publisher, or no publisher. So, even for my authors at Enliven, I make them all go through it so that they understand what the system is like, and they understand what I can and can’t do. Then they can be empowered to pick up what they would like to do, or walk away from things they don’t want to do. So it’s really about empowerment.
NL: Yeah, the biggest take away from the program is knowing what my strengths are.
ZM: Yeah, we all know what your strengths are.
NL: But, with the last book- I think this is especially where a lot of people go “we do the initial launch and you know the release and with my last book, I’m like “Well now what?” With going through the Academy it’s like, “Oh, I have a 12 month plan”. It’s not just like the one thing; it’s this- the consistent things that I’m going to be doing to be reaching more people with this message.
ZM: Yeah, and the 12 month plan- with most publishers, basically, you get two weeks of attention during the launch period. Then they have to go on to the next book. So what the 12- month plan does is… It’s exciting because it gives you new opportunities to market a book. Even with The Secret book… It took a year for that one to take off and now it’s 30 million copies. You know, some of our books, they take a little while to catch on. But if the author doesn’t know what to do, and what to do about getting out there, then the book has less of a chance of staying in people’s minds. So the 12-month plan is key because there are 355 thousand books a year that are self-published in the United States. Then there are probably altogether a million and a half books published in the United States every year. Now, there’s only 310 million people here and so for- and globally! Oh my gosh. The market is huge globally and we talked about that at Authors Academy too. You could find a niche audience that you market to for the rest of your life and you’ve got this beautiful little book that’s a moneymaker and build your business. You wouldn’t even know if you didn’t get past the first weeks at launch. So, yeah, I agree. It’s… I love the longer- term plan.
NL: So, you have another Authors Academy coming up soon. Tell us the dates and all the details about it.
ZM: Yeah. It’s September 9th and 10th of 2017. It’s going to be live- streamed, so wherever people are in the world they can live stream it. It’s also the live event is in Ojai, California, where I live, where Byron Katie lives, where game Katie Hendrix lives. It’s at a place called Meditation Mount, which is my favorite location in Ojai besides my house. It is a beautiful place overlooking the whole valley with meditation gardens. We’re very excited and the live stream is fun. It’s like you’re there; you get to ask questions. We’ve got people answering and you get to be engaged- and that’s also fun too. But, September 9th and 10th 2017. Then after that, it’ll be online. This is our last live event. I’m switching courses since I’ve taught it 13 times! So I’m going be doing it online to make sure everyone in the world gets a chance to do it.
NL: Absolutely. So who are the people that would benefit the most from Authors Academy?
ZM: I really- people with a message for the world. Somebody who has been through a lot, who really has gotten through it, you know? Just like with you, Natalie. I love all of your stories of you, and Glen, and slogging it out. You know- becoming entrepreneurs against all odds and all the debt. Then, it’s anyone who really feels that their story can help other people. I highly recommend those people arrive. First-time authors really benefit because they get information that- I mean as a publisher and an author- they get information that normally you just don’t get even after your fifth, or sixth books sometimes. Also repeat authors, repeat offenders, repeat authors who really want to have some new tools of marketing and how to get to their target market. Also, I would say people who blog and - who are coaches- who are out in the world with a book that would benefit their business because, once you have a book out, it gives you such a great way to get through the press and new clients. It really will build your business. So there’s really the four categories and we help people coming in from all over the world; this time Africa- an African writer coming from South Africa. We have writers from the East Coast of the US, Hawaii. So it’s going be a really great group of folks this time.
NL: Well, darling. I know that you have a link here for us so we’re going to be posting that with the video- so you’ve got the banner to the side here to go through because they just put together a special package for us. Or, you can click the link below this video, which would go straight to Zhena’s website, talking all about the Authors Academy. Darling, thank you so much for joining me today. It’s always always a pleasure talking to you!
ZM: Love you, sweetie. I’ll see you soon.
NL: Alright.
ZM: And bye everyone!
NL: Guys, I encourage you to share this video. You can do that by clicking the Facebook and the Twitter share buttons on this page. Don’t forget to click the link underneath the video to take my 30-second quiz, so we can figure out what’s sabotaging your success. Until next time, remember to live large, choose courageously and love without limits.