Record Scratch with Kara

Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger lives a double life. She’s a pediatric endocrinologist and also a podcaster, blogger, and author. Her podcasts are Best of Both Worlds with co-host Laura Vanderkam, and Best Laid Plans.

Her first book, BEST LAID PLANS, is now available with Sourcebooks.

We affirm during our conversation that not everything goes according to plan.

SARAH HART-UNGER

Website: The Shu Box

Podcast: Best Laid Plans

Podcast: Best of Both Worlds

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

@karakavensky on...

Some decisions can be the easiest to acknowledge and the hardest to implement. Matt Bays’ first memoir, LEATHER & LACE: A GAY MAN, LOST LOVE, AND A ROAD TRIP WITH HIS DEAD SISTER, chronicles his coming out story.

His latest book utilizes his coaching expertise: HOW TO FIND AND KEEP A GAY MAN: 69 SPICY TIPS FOR LASTING LOVE (Sourcebooks, April 2026).

Matt shares his journey of becoming.

MATT BAYS

Website: https://mattbays.me/

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Podcast

KARA KAVENSKY

...

Kara talks with writer and narrative alchemist Robin Finn, MPH, MA, the author of HEART. SOUL. PEN.® She is also the creator of HeartiFacts,® a writing mentorship community.

Robin opens up about her unconventional path to becoming a writer, how spiritual psychology shaped her creative purpose, and why she believes women have “magic” in their words.

The conversation dives into the power of community, why women often doubt the value of their stories, and how consistency—not inspiration—is the real key to a writing practice. 

With humor and vulnerability, Robin discusses motherhood, menopause...

David L. Robbins is the best-selling author of The War of the Rats, The Last Citadel, and Liberation Road—all focused on WWII events. Both of David’s parents were WWII Veterans. His mother was a WAC and his father survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.

David is also the creator of The Mighty Pen Project, an intensive writing program for military veterans and their families, in partnership with the Virginia War Memorial.

DAVID L. ROBBINS

Wikipedia

The Mighty Pen Project

The Mighty Pen Podcast is available on YouTube, Appl...

Dheepa R. Maturi is an Indian-American writer who explores ecology, culture, identity, and how they intersect. Her essays, poetry, and fiction have appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including Literary Hub, PANK, The Fourth River, Writer’s Digest, Sequestrum, Tiferet, and How to Write a Form Poem. Her work has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize, and she is the author of 108: AN ECO-THRILLER (GFB Press, 2025). 

DHEEPA R. MATURI

Website: Dheepa R. Maturi

@DheepaRMaturi on FB, IG, LinkedIn, YouTube

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kar...

On November 28, 2016, Michael Reed lost his wife and both of his daughters in the wildfire that consumed Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As he stumbled and crawled down this unstable, broken road of grief, he’s learned many lessons along the way. Michael is the author of THE MILLION STAGES OF GRIEF: A GUIDE TO FINDING PURPOSE FOR YOUR PAIN.

Michael believes there is a purpose for our pain, and his purpose is to share his story and experiences to help others going through similar loss, trauma, or grief. 

SPECIAL THANKS

Garden & Gun. "Fire on the Mou...

STAND author Kathryn Bertine returns to the podcast to share how she responded to the Record Scratch moment of losing her dad and the inspiration for her new book.

Kathryn is an author, athlete, activist, and documentary filmmaker. She finished what she and her father started: climbing the highest points in each state.

Before highpointing, Kathryn played an instrumental role in getting women into the Tour de France. Today’s eight-day Tour de France Femmes stems from her activism and you can read or listen to the wild, true story of what really happens when we...

Licensed therapist and author Gina Moffa joins Kara Kavensky to talk about grief, trauma, and the modern landscape of healing. From how trauma lives in the body to practical ways to show up for others in pain, this episode unpacks the myths of “getting over it” and instead invites listeners to build compassion, safety, and self-understanding through loss.

Topics include:

•  The difference between grief and trauma

•  Somatic and holistic healing methods

•  How to support friends through loss without platitudes

•  The long tail of secondary and tertiary losses

•  Building safety in traum...

Stephanie Sarazin never imagined she would work in “the grief space” until a devastating loss flipped her world inside out. Stephanie found her way through the pain and became a writer, an accidental grief researcher, a TEDx curator, and ultimately, an experiential expert in ambiguous grief. Her book, SOULBROKEN, A Guidebook for Your Journey Through Ambiguous Grief, is a Nautilus Book Awards winner and a runaway bestseller.

STEPHANIE SARAZIN

Website: https://stephaniesarazin.com/

Instagram: @stephing_thru

Facebook: @stephanie.sarazin 

Linktree: stephing_thru

KARA KAVENSKY

...

Author of 68 books, former lawyer-turned-legal thriller novelist, William Bernhardt had a rough road to publishing. Resilience serves him well, as he never gave up and achieved his dream of becoming a writer. Bill’s latest book is an accurate nonfiction account of Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman, who spent decades fighting to get credit for his beloved, iconic character. Bill is also the founder of WriterCon, a popular conference that is held over Labor Day weekend every year in Oklahoma City.

THE SUPERMAN WARS: A BATTLE FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND AN AMERICAN ICON, from Simon & Schuster, of...

*Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide.*

Mesa Fama is a writer whose lovely words are found in the New York Times, The Mighty, and Medium. She is a reader, keeper of secrets, scars, and stars. Mesa is a hope dealer and suicide survivor and is currently writing a memoir.

MESA FAMA

Substack: @mesa - Let the Words Fall Out

Instagram: @mesa.fama

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

@karakavensky on Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn and Threads

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir...

Ariel Curry is an author, book coach, and editor with Sourcebooks. She co-authored HUNGRY AUTHORS, and after reading the intro, I knew the book had to have been written for me — and all other memoirists who are guided to put their work out into the world. However, it’s her personal journey that truly drew me in. Ariel, like many women, struggled with fertility issues. She and her husband have been foster parents and have adopted three beautiful children, proving that you have the power to create your own happily even after.

Ariel Curry is Sr. Editor for...

Literary Agent extraordinaire Katharine Sands of the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency joins me to discuss the job of an agent in today’s ever-changing publishing industry. Note: Katharine is my lit agent.

She is also the author of MAKING THE PERFECT PITCH: HOW TO CATCH A LITERARY AGENT’S EYE.

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KATHARINE SANDS

Katharine Sands, Literary Agent

Sarah Jane Freymann Agency

Here’s where I found Katharine, and where you can find an agent: Manuscript Wishlist

See also the Manuscript Academy podcast

KARA KAVENSKY

W...

Welcome to Season 3 of Record Scratch with Kara!

A lot has transpired since we wrapped up Season 2, and we are excited to share the updates in this introduction.

Every episode this season is about a healing journey. Episodes drop on Thursdays.

Thank you for listening.

KARA KAVENSKY

Website: Kara Kavensky

@karakavensky on Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn and Threads

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY, here

Sponsored by: Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass

Tamara Winfrey-Harris is a nationally renowned writer, author, and speaker, focusing on issues of race and gender and their intersection with politics, popular culture, and current events.

Her books include: THE SISTERS ARE ALRIGHT: CHANGING THE BROKEN NARRATIVE OF BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA (Berrett-Koehler 2015), DEAR BLACK GIRL: LETTERS FROM YOUR SISTERS ON STEPPING INTO YOUR POWER (Berrett-Koehler 2021), and A BLACK WOMAN'S GUIDE TO GETTING FREE (Berrett-Koehler 2024)

Tamara is the president of the Women's Fund of Central Indiana.

TAMARA WINFREY-HARRIS

Website - https://www.tamarawinfreyharris.com/

Email - tamara@tamarawinfreyharris...

This episode is a special one.

Everyone needs positive role models in their lives — perhaps now more than ever. One of my role models is my dear friend, Ruth Graves. We discuss grief, loss, and how we move forward.

If you or someone you love is grieving, please seek others so you do not feel alone — and if you know someone who is grieving the death of someone — please reach out to them. Compassion never goes out of style.

KARA KAVENSKY

Website - https://karakavensky.com/

@karakavensky on Substack | FB | I...

When life handed Jessica Waite a riveting, horrifying, and surprisingly beautiful story, she transformed herself into a writer. Her debut memoir, THE WIDOW’S GUIDE TO DEAD BASTARDS, became an instant bestseller and was listed as a notable book by The Washington Post, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, GoodReads, AARP, and many others. Jessica lives with her teenage son on Treaty 7 territory in the city of Calgary, Alberta. 

JESSICA WAITE

Website - https://endlessstories.love/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/endless_stories_jess/ or @endless_stories_jess

KARA KAVENSKY

We...

There's a lot going on in the world, and who better to help us cut through the noise than Iva Nasr, author of FROM RIFLES TO ROSES: MEMORIES AND MIRACLES.

Iva's words and wisdom are a gift. Her voice is a meditation.

IVA NASR

Mentor, Speaker, Author

Website - https://www.ivanasr.com/

KARA KAVENSKY

Website - https://karakavensky.com/

@karakavensky on Substack | FB | IG | X | LinkedIn | Threads | TikTok

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, FINDING JOY, here.

PRODUCTION

There's a lot going on in the world, and who better to help us cut through the noise than Iva Nasr, author of FROM RIFLES TO ROSES: MEMORIES AND MIRACLES.

Iva's words and wisdom are a gift. Her voice is a meditation.

IVA NASR

Mentor, Speaker, Author

Website - https://www.ivanasr.com/

KARA KAVENSKY

Website - https://karakavensky.com/

@karakavensky on Substack | FB | IG | X | LinkedIn | Threads | TikTok

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, FINDING JOY, here.

PRODUCTION

Author Jessica Doyle Mekkes' gift to the Universe is I'M SPEAKING: EVERY WOMAN'S GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR VOICE AND USING IT FEARLESSLY. Jessica shares the down & dirty of why women fight an uphill battle to be heard, and what we can do to be effective speakers.

Jessica's book offers tips and tricks to help you speak your truth in a voice that is strong, stable, and sustainable — and she's funny, too!

I’M SPEAKING is a bestseller on Amazon in the Public Speaking category!

JESSICA DOYLE-MEKKES

Website - https://www.j...

Jessica "Jessie" Fein's book, BREATH TAKING: A MEMOIR OF FAMILY, DREAMS, AND BROKEN GENES, is being praised everywhere, as it should.

My favorite, and most accurate synopsis, is: "A masterclass on how to be a person." — Joanna Rakoff, bestselling author of MY SALINGER YEAR.

The hardest thing to experience is the loss of a child. Jessie shares her and her husband's fertility journey, adoption, and subsequent advocacy on behalf of one of their beautiful children, Dahlia, as Dahlia succumbs to MERRF syndrome (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers), a rare genetic disorder. 

JESSICA FEI...

Former journalist and speech therapist, Dara Levan adds "author" to her growing list of creative outlets. She is a journalist, blogger, author, and podcaster — among other things — including wife and mother, and loves the summers she spent during her youth at Interlochen.

A graduate of Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), writing a novel is the last thing Dara ever thought she'd do. IT COULD BE WORSE is her first, and certainly not her last.

IT COULD BE WORSE is a fictional tale of identifying and coping with narcissism (this is an oversimplification of this book — I highly...

Both of Dr. Alex Kor's parents are Holocaust survivors. His mother, Eva Mozes Kor, along with her twin sister, are survivors of Dr. Mengele at Auschwitz. Eva's story is well-documented and she founded CANDLES Holocaust Museum, in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

But it was Alex's father, Michael "Mickey" Kor's story that Alex felt strongly about sharing, so he did - with the help of co-author Graham Honaker. They recently released A BLESSING, NOT A BURDEN (2024, Pediment Publishing). 

A BLESSING, NOT A BURDEN shares not only Alex's parents' stories, but also his own.

DR. ALEX KO...

Welcome to Season 2 of Record Scratch with Kara!

I am excited to share my guests, all of whom are authors of impactful stories. Episodes will drop on Thursdays, beginning on the 19th of September 2024.

Thank you for listening.

KARA KAVENSKY

Website

@karakavensky on Substack, FB, IG, X, LinkedIn, Threads, and TikTok

Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, FINDING JOY, here.

PRODUCTION

Sponsored by Adam Gibson Design

Produced by Marilou Marosz

Original music written and performed by Adam W...

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN ORGASM, WRITE ON, and CHASING TEMPLES are a few of the books that my guest, Betsy B. Murphy, has written. Each is profound and deeply moving, but perhaps nothing matches the writing she shares in GRIEF GLIMMERS GRACE, a book she never wanted to write. Betsy wrote her latest book in the midst of unimaginable grief after the death of her son, Charlie. 

Betsy B. Murphy is an author, humanitarian, and veteran filmmaker of several acclaimed feature documentaries. She founded Figaro Films, Inc. in 1998 to produce important films that inspire, enlighten, entertain, and educate. B...

Aimee Kandrac is best described as a "sommelier of thoughtfulness."

She has an uncanny ability to share a list of amazing ways to support someone (loved one, neighbor, friend) under any circumstance.

Aimee Kandrac, founder of WhatFriendsDo, joins me to explore how we can best support loved ones — especially during the holidays. Aimee is an expert on all things caregiving. 

AIMEE KANDRAC

@WhatFriendsDo on IG, FB, X

Website: https://whatfriendsdo.com/

KARA KAVENSKY

Website:  https://karakavensky.com/

@karakavensky on FB, IG, LinkedIn, TikTok, Thre...

A brief summary of this episode

Darcey Gohring found her personal voice by writing an essay at the start of the pandemic when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result of the healing she experienced, she now helps writers discover their unique voices to craft meaningful personal stories. 

Darcey has 25+ years of professional writing and editing experience. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, HuffPost, Insider, and Scary Mommy, among others. She is a contributing writer for the anthology, CORONA CITY: Voices from an Epicenter, which includes her essay mentioned above. Darcey leads writing workshops and has served as the keynote speaker f...

Feeling complacent with his life, Leon Pettiway, PhD, wondered how he could shake up the predictability of his life. Be careful what you wish for! Dr. Pettiway was soon introduced to Buddhism and became an ordained monk!

This is an uncommon journey for anyone, let alone a Black man from North Carolina who was brought up as a Southern Baptist. Now known as the Venerable Lobzang Dorje, he focuses on discussions centering on social inequality and the administration of justice.

Currently, Dr. Pettiway | Lobzang Dorje is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Criminal Justice at...

WARNING: This podcast discusses suicide and trauma. There are resource links below if you or anyone you love needs help.

Robert and Terri Bogue’s careers have given them a deep respect for trauma. They’ve experienced the impact of pain and mortality through the eyes of emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, emergency room nurses, pediatric ICU nurses, military personnel, and physical therapists caring for trauma survivors. This wide view of secondary trauma combined with family experiences of suicide has driven them to find ways to assist people in dealing with the trauma they experience themselves and thro...

My guests, Iva Nasr and Rose, talk about the bond of friendship, the trauma of war —and finding the light during the darkest of moments.

Join us for this important — and timely — conversation.

We discuss Iva and Rose’s search for inner peace. Iva lived through a war in Lebanon and Rose is currently living in Israel. We explore how to cope, heal, and have vision for unity within the heartbreaking chaos. We also talk about the magic of travel and the power of love and the importance of choices on a guided path. 

At the...

Cheryl Espinosa-Jones is the host of the Good Grief podcast, where she asks, "Why settle for surviving?" after loss.

Valid question.

In Record Scratch with Kara, we explore the losses that define our lives and how we transform those experiences to help us thrive and be better humans because of those record scratch moments. Post traumatic growth is possible. 

Transformation through adversity isn't easy and requires intention and resolve. After all, growth happens outside of our comfort zone.

We also explore the synopsis of Espinosa-Jones' novel, AN OCEAN BETWEEN THEM, which a...

The first time I met Charles, he said the most profound statement that I have ever heard. He shared, “I released the burden of being a Black man through prescriptive yoga and meditation.” I asked Charles to place a pin there and we would return to this someday. This podcast is the followup.

Our conversation explores how anyone can achieve internal peace. Charles is a Vietnam veteran, a yogi, and so much more. His book, PATHLESS PATH: GOD, GRACE, GURU, is a powerful example of a journey towards peace.

Charles Crenshaw, Jr., MS, MDivW, and his...

After the sudden death of her daughter, Suzanne Falter discovered the power of self-care to deliver her from high stress, workaholism, and devastating grief.

Suzanne is the author of 16 books, and has been a professional writer and speaker since 1980. She hosted the "Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women" podcast, bringing better self-care to thousands of busy people each week in 98 countries around the globe. 

She is the author of "The Extremely Busy Woman’s Guide to Self-Care" (Sourcebooks) and a memoir, "Free Spirited: How My Daughter Healed Me from the Afterlife" (Love & Happiness Publishing), which is bas...

What is a death doula?

Jeanne Olson is a professional grief navigator, grief educator, and end-of-life doula. Jeanne joins me to discuss how she helps individuals during their final moments of life and her own life path, which inspires her to do the work she does.

Jeanne is a Certified Grief Educator and NEDA Proficient Certified End-of-Life Doula through the University of Vermont. She has many other certifications in multiple modalities to provide coping tools when dealing with grief. She volunteers with online grief groups alongside grief expert David Kessler and with hospice care in...

This episode is from the archives of my podcast, Finding Joy with Kara, which explores powerful stories of healing and transformation. My guests on both podcasts all have unique backgrounds and are transforming the world in their own amazing ways. 

One of many teachers in my life is Graehme Hall, the founder of The Hermaden Institute and author of ODYSSEYS OF LOVE: DEATH, DEMENTIA AND THE SOUL. Graehme is someone that I turn to for loving guidance whenever I need a boost. In fact, Graehme is my spiritual fairy godmother. 

I spoke with her hours af...

Over a decade ago, I walked into a room lit up by Iva Nasr's presence. Iva is the one whom Elizabeth Gilbert references in her memoir, EAT PRAY LOVE, of having a "Bat phone to the Universe." We instantly became friends. 

When someone asks me what Iva does, I tell them that she facilitates miracles. 

Iva possesses a calming presence, and I requested that she deliver the main message at my son Jake's Celebration of Life. She graciously accepted and did so with the utmost compassion.

Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, Iva and he...

Former All-American and NFL star turned social entrepreneur, Marlin Jackson, created the program he needed as a youth: the Fight for Life Foundation, which teaches social-emotional learning modules. These modules (I firmly believe) should be taught in every school across the country, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

Marlin is a humanitarian, a husband, and the father he never had to his three young boys. Marlin has successfully turned his childhood pain into a purpose-driven passion for helping others. He’s one of the most humble humans I have ever met and is changing the world for the better.

Where do we begin with therapy? What should we expect?

In our interview, therapist Stephanie Heck, IMFT/ATR, shares the various therapeutic approaches to grief and trauma. We cover family patterns, art therapy, EMDR, and most of all, having a sense of humor goes a long way!

Stephanie is a Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist. She earned her master's degree at Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Stephanie works with individuals, families, and couples in distress.  

She takes a very collaborative approach to therapy with her clients a...

Have you ever wanted to explore something fun — or somewhere exciting?

After a few friends shared their "Astrocartography" reading experience with me, I wanted to learn more. Astrolocation | Astrocartography helps someone discover areas around the globe that would be optimal for work, play, love, and relaxation. This is why I was drawn to Rock Star Astrologer Gemini Brett. I am a storyteller — Gemini is a StarryTeller. 

Gemini Brett is a world-renowned astrologer, shamanic StarryTeller, and inspiring educator best known for his devotion to reconnecting astrologers with the sacred astronomy of the living sky. 

Brett...

In Peaks and Valleys: Integrative Approaches for Recovering from Loss, author and therapist Sherry O'Brian encourages her readers to "enjoy the tools of transformation with an open mind and heart."

After all, when you experience grief, your heart is already open since it's broken.

Sherry O’Brian is a psychotherapist and the sole proprietor of Mind/Body/Spirit Inner-grations. She specializes in personal growth and transformation, as well as working with those suffering from chronic illness, grief/loss, and other emotional disorders.

Sherry has assisted thousands of individuals through her workshops, groups, and pr...

Lisa shares how her record scratch moment of major life disruption led her to a new career in executive comms. We discuss how we show up with effectiveness, why people lie, and how showing up for ourselves is equally, if not more, important than how we show up for others.

Lisa reminds us to use communication for kindness.

Tell me more.

Lisa Mitchell, CFI, is a communications expert and founder of Power Body Language. She specializes in effective communication for leaders, body language and non-verbal communication skills, provides expert analysis during jury selection...

Karen Hellman never believed she could heal after experiencing a severely traumatic event — until she did.  

WARNING: this podcast discusses PTSD, trauma, and depression. Karen is a survivor of 9/11.

Karen is a testament that you cannot only survive, but thrive after trauma. My friend who referred me to Karen said that her work is "a game changer!" And she's right.

Our experiences do not have to define us, but we can leverage them into becoming a better human. Karen believes that everyone deserves a life filled with joy, and I wholeheartedly agree!

C...

What do you do when faced with a painful family secret about your past?

I explore the answer to this question with Sunny Lu Williams, CEO and President of TechServ, as we discuss the one family rule she fought against and how keeping things in the family is not always the best approach for your personal mental health. The result: being vulnerable and sharing your story can be healing. Sunny Lu Williams is a better leader, a better friend, a better wife, and a better mom as a result.

Whenever I meet someone, I wonder...

Amanda Pua Walsh, M.S., is the CEO & Founder of Astrology Hub, an online platform for astrological guidance and education reaching hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. She’s the creator of the top-rated Astrology Hub Podcast with over 5 million downloads to date. 

The insights from her first Astrology reading illuminated a path forward for Amanda. She found hope, clarity and direction - which inspired her to create a platform that makes finding high-quality astrologers for readings and astrological education and guidance accessible to the masses.

Amanda joins me to discuss how she leverages Astrology in...

Chief Grief Officer ™ of The Memory Circle, Barri Leiner Grant shares with Kara her journey of living with the loss of her mother, Ellen. Barri left her career as a publicity and editorial stylist to help people cope with grief full-time. 

Grant has studied with the leading names in grief certification and education trainings with Claire Bidwell Smith, David Kessler, and Dora Carpenter. She combines her writing background and yoga/meditation training to craft a one-of-its-kind way forward in learning to live with loss and love your life.

Open your heart and notebook — and sharpen your...

Intuitive healer Melanie Ericksen joins Kara to explore how Melanie facilitates turning our wounds into wisdom and enables us to live a joy-filled life! Melanie shares a few of her own Record Scratch moments and how we express trauma (including grief) within our bodies.

Melanie provides a long list of tips on what we can do to heal ourselves from trauma and be better versions of ourselves — so prepare to take notes!

Melanie Ericksen: https://www.melanieericksen.com/  IG:  @ericksen.melanie     FB:  Melanie Ericksen

Kara Kavensky: https://karakavensky.com/ @karakavensky FB, IG, Twitter, LinkedI...

When something unexpected happens in our lives, just like in the movies, everyone and everything seems to freeze, and the soundtrack playing in the background stops abruptly with the sound of a needle across vinyl.

A record scratch.

This podcast is focused on the courage and resiliency it takes to move through these disruptive moments.

My guests share their transformational record scratch moments and offer tools to help us heal our wounds. We address varying topics including generational trauma, grief, PTSD, and what we can do to heal and be better humans.