Episode 100: Celebrating a Milestone in Storytelling

This episode marks a huge milestone — our 100th episode of Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors! We look back at how it all began, the guests who've shaped this community, and what's coming next.

Where It All Started

The podcast began with a simple idea: everyone has a story worth telling, especially those who dream of becoming children's book authors. It started with a personal story — writing an adventure with my granddaughter, Kyra, and a bear named kaboose. That single story opened the door to a bigger mission: showing that writing a children's book isn't reserved for a select few — it's something anyone with a story in them can do.

Over 100 episodes, we've talked with a wide range of authors, each sharing their own path through the world of children's literature — the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.

Redefining Legacy

We also dig into what "legacy" really means for an author. It's often thought of as something you leave behind — but we make the case that legacy doesn't have to wait. You can watch it happen in real time, in the way your words reach young readers today.

Community, collaboration, and shared experience are at the heart of that idea. No author is on this journey alone — and our guests and listeners have proven that again and again.

Thank You

To everyone who's tuned in, shared their story, or supported this show over the last 100 episodes — thank you. This community exists because of you.

What's Next: A Two-Volume Book Series

We're taking everything we've learned from 100 episodes and turning it into a two-volume guide for aspiring children's book authors:

• Volume 1: It's As Easy as Your A, B. Cs: Writing and Publishing a Remarkable Children's Book (late fall 2026) — A roadmap from first idea to finished manuscript.
• Volume 2: The X, Y, Zs if Authorship: Distrbuting, Selling, and Marketing Your Remarkable Children's Book. A guide to distribution and marketing, helping your story find its readers.

Here's to the next 100 episodes — and to every story still waiting to be told.

Takeaways:

• The genesis of this podcast was inspired by the author's desire to share stories, particularly those that resonate with children, and reflect personal experiences.
• Throughout 100 episodes, we have explored the journeys of numerous children's book authors, illustrating the diverse paths one can take in this creative endeavor.
• A central theme discussed is that every aspiring author possesses a story worth telling, highlighting the importance of embracing one's narrative.
• The podcast emphasizes that seeking community support and collaboration is essential for authors navigating their publishing journeys.
• The journey of writing and publishing a children's book is multifaceted, requiring both creativity and a strategic approach to marketing and outreach.
• The forthcoming two-volume book series aims to consolidate the insights gained from the podcast, providing a comprehensive resource for aspiring children's book authors.

Companies and Authors mentioned in this episode:

• Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast
• Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear
• Judy McGee
• Alison Thompson
• Sunny Steps
• Kevin Lestrage
• Billy Finds Bigfoot
• Joy Lanier
• Big Feels
• Kodey Bogart
• Darcy Gyant
• Rusty Austin
• Luz Dang, Sweet Playdate Club
• Steve Bradshaw
• Brave at 19
• Marlee Kostiner
• Garden Wolf Publishing
• Catherine Clark Felts
• Inner Peace Press
• Karim Abound
• Papa Rick Harris
• Sue Murley
• Shirley Murley
• Tanya Acquista
• Money Time
• Pennygirl's Rescue
• Pennygirl Comes Home

100.

Say that again with me.

100 Episodes.

When I sat down to record episode number one of the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast, I was a grandparent with a story to tell about my granddaughter Kira, about a bear named Caboose, and about this crazy idea that becoming a children's book author wasn't for the famous fugue, it was for anyone with a story living in their heart.

I had no idea that a little seed would grow into this.

So before we do anything else, thank you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Whether you've been with us since day number one or you just found us last week, welcome to episode 100.

Let's celebrate.

For those of you who are newer to the show, let me take you back to the very beginning.

Episode number one, the origin story.

The podcast was born out of a personal journey.

My granddaughter Kira and I set out on an adventure together.

Me as a first time children's book author, writing the adventures of Caboose, the Rocky Mountain Bear, with my granddaughter Kira and her as my inspiration, my audience, and my reason for picking up the pen in the first place.

We wrote our first story together in a journal we bought on a weekend trip.

Kira loved our main character so much, she wanted more.

And over the following weekends, we produced 38 stories through a process I now call bookstorming.

We named our hero Caboose, swapping the C for a K in honor of Kira.

And our series title wrote itself.

I had published business books before, but a children's book, we discovered, is a different animal.

Co authoring with a young child kept everything exactly where it needed to be.

Words stayed simple, stories stayed short, and every tale had a fun opening and a satisfying ending.

Then Kira asked the question that started.

Papa.

Now that we have our story, what do we do next to bring our book to life?

That question sent me on a journey of learning that never really stopped.

And somewhere along the way, I realized I needed to share what I was discovering.

And that is where this podcast was born.

And that, my friends, is what 100 episodes looks like.

And we are just getting started.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for being part of this incredible journey.

Whether you have been with us since day one or just found us today, welcome home.

And now on to how it all began.

Woo hoo.

Congratulations.

Adventures in the Heart of children's book author podcast 100 episodes.

I'm so excited for you.

I was had the pleasure of being a guest early on.

And we, Papa Rick, we were talking about Earth Day and we were celebrating my book, A Bug Lightful Discovery.

And I am so thrilled about that conversation.

And what I love most about it was that I didn't know where the conversation was gonna go.

You are such an incredible listener and much like nature, you never know what's around the next turn.

And that's what I love most about the conversation.

And we covered everything there could possibly be covered about nature.

All right, maybe not everything, but pretty close.

So I would encourage any author out there, anybody involved with children's books.

If you're looking for a great podcaster, Papa Rick is the guy for you.

Congratulations again.

100 Episodes means 100 conversations.

100 Authors who pulled back the curtain and showed us what the journey really looks like.

The late nights, the rewrites, the rejection, the joy of holding your finished book.

For your very first time.

We've talked to authors who wrote about rescue dogs like Judy McGee and Penny's girls Rescue.

We've danced with Allison Thompson's Sunny Steps, Loves to dance.

We've gone on a Billy Finds Pigfoot adventure with Kevin Lestarge.

We felt big emotions with Joy Lanier's Big Feels, the Diary of a Passionate Kitty.

And we explored the skies with Cody Bogart and Darcy Gyant.

Stories about aviation and public service.

We've heard from Rusty Austin, who spent 35 years in the entertainment industry before writing poetry for children from Luz Dang, a brand new author whose debut Sweet Playdate Club moved families to tears, from Steve Bradshaw and Brave at 19 Stories for Children of Emergency Service families from Marlee Costener at Garden Wolf Publishing and Catherine Clark Feltz, who used Inner Peace Press, showing us what indie publishing can look like at its very best.

We sat with Shannon Tursky, episode 57, a first time author who told us this podcast helped inspire and motivate her to publish her very first children's book, Joy and the Big Balloon Catastrophe.

That moment reminded me of why this show exists.

Aspiring children's book authors don't need to navigate this journey alone.

We've learned a candid lesson from Kareem and booth on episode 91 that 11,000 Instagram followers generated just 120 sales at launch.

The lesson learned was social media size doesn't equal book sales.

Strategy matters.

Not long ago, millions podcasts recognized us as one of the best children's literature podcasts on the web.

That award belongs to every author who said yes to this microphone and to every one of you who listened hey.

Rick, Congratulations on reaching 100 episodes on your podcast Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors.

Wow.

That's a big, big, big accomplishment and I'm so happy that you reached that.

And I just wanted to also chime in and say that I absolutely loved being a guest on your podcast and I'll tell you why.

It really sticks out in my head.

I found that you asked really interesting kind of off the cuff questions that really made me think and I hope provide value to your listeners.

And once again, thank you so much for having me on.

Hugest congratulations to you and I hope you enjoy all the celebrations around your 100th episode.

All the best.

Bye now.

What this show is really about.

I want to stop for a moment and talk about something bigger than the episode numbers or the download counts.

This show has always been about something I call a living legacy.

Most of us think about legacy, the way the world tends to define it.

Something that comes after you've gone.

A name on a building, a donation in your will, a memory people carry.

But if your legacy could be alive, what if you could watch it grow?

What if you could hand a child a book you wrote, look into their eyes and see the moment your words landed in their heart?

That is what children's book authorship is.

That is what this podcast champions.

Our guests come from every walk of life.

Elementary teachers, early childhood educators, aviation professionals, photographers, military service members, lawyers, scientists, healthcare workers, marketing executives, TV and film screenwriters, food nutritionists, entertainers, child care providers, and loving parents and grandparents.

The common thread is never a professional background.

It is a story worth telling.

100 Episodes of saying your story matters.

Write it down.

Share it with the world.

Hi, this is Judy McGee.

I'm the author of Pennygirl's Rescue.

Book one in the Pennygirl series.

It's a three book series.

Book two, Pennygirl Comes Home is coming out this September.

I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Papa Rick Harris for his Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast.

I was episode 58 and here you are, almost to episode 100.

Congratulations.

That's a real milestone.

I'm so thrilled to have been a part of your first 100 in your podcast series.

Guest and listener love.

I've heard from so many of you over the years.

Emails, messages, reviews and I want to share a few words from our community today.

Our guests have been so generous in sending me congratulations on our hundredth episode.

You've probably noticed already sprinkled throughout the first part of the podcast episode today is words of encouragement from our podcast guests.

I can't tell you how much I've loved getting these great words of encouragement to keep going.

If you haven't left us a review yet, today, episode 100 is a perfect day.

Head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you listen and let us know what this show has meant to you.

Your words help other aspiring authors find us and enjoy the rest of the episode.

And more incredible encouragement from our past guests.

Congratulations Children in the Herd, on your 100th anniversary.

It was such a privilege and an honor being on with Rick.

He made me feel so comfortable.

I enjoyed my time with him and he also made me feel as if I could conquer the world with a broadcast.

He helped with the promotion and was a very, very, very great host and I enjoyed spending time with him As a children's author.

I will promote going on Adventures in the Heart broadcast for anyone.

Congratulations again on your great achievement.

Lessons from 100 episodes after sitting down with more than 100 incredible published children's book authors, I noticed some truths that surface again and again.

No matter the genre, the publishing path, or the author's background, here are a few that stayed with me.

Number one.

Your story is enough.

Every single children's book author has come to this show.

Started exactly where you are, with a story, with uncertainty, with a love for a child or a community or a cause that needed a voice.

Number two.

Perfection.

Perfection is the enemy of published.

You will edit forever if you let yourself.

At some point, you have to let the story go and trust it to find its reader.

Number three.

Marketing is part of the mission.

Writing the book is only half the journey.

Sharing it bravely, consistently, creatively is how it actually reaches the children who need it.

Don't be shy about your book.

It was written for someone.

Go find them.

Number four.

Community.

Community changes everything.

You don't have to do this alone.

This podcast community, the listeners, the past guests, the fellow authors in your corner, lean on each other, ask questions, collaborate, celebrate each other's wins.

Number five.

Start before you feel ready, because you never will.

Ready is a myth.

Start with what you have.

Start with your granddaughter on your lap and a bear named Caboose and a dream and see where it takes you.

Hi, it's Sue Merlot here, author of the Shirley Merlot books.

Congratulations.

I was so excited to Hear you've reached 100 episodes.

I was thrilled to be invited on earlier this year.

Really enjoyed our conversation.

We actually were able to give each other some hints and tips during our chat, which is always a great Way to connect.

Really enjoyed listening to our podcast when it was uploaded.

You put me at ease so much and I think the finished episode was so well put together.

I would definitely like to come back on again one day as my author life continues.

And I suggest it's a really great way for other authors to get themselves get their names and their books out there.

Something that all new authors want to do.

Well done.

Again, huge congratulations Papa Rick.

So looking ahead, a very big announcement.

So what does the next chapter look like for us at the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast?

I have to be honest with you, this hundredth episode is not just a celebration of where we've been, it's a launch pad for something I've been working towards for a very long time.

100 Conversations with published children's book authors is an extraordinary thing, but here's what even makes it more extraordinary.

The patterns, the wisdom, the hard won lessons, the real stories behind the books.

They kept appearing episode after episode in ways that were too valuable to leave scattered through a podcast speed.

So I did something about it.

Our first book in the two volume book series is it's as easy as your ABCs.

Writing and publishing a remarkable children's book.

Book one is a complete roadmap from story idea to published book.

You'll learn how to develop and refine your story, find and work with the right illustrator, navigate editing, choose your publishing path, whether it's traditional, indie hybrid or self publishing and get your book onto platforms like Amazon and into reader's hands.

Everything Kira and I learned the hard way and everything our hundred plus guests shared is right here.

Book two picks up exactly where book one ends.

Once your book is published, the real adventure begins.

This is the complete guide to the now what?

Stage of Authorship.

The three pillars of distribution, sales and marketing that turn a published book into a thriving children's book business.

Because writing the book is only half the journey.

Together, these two books represent everything this.

Podcast has been building towards.

They are not written by a publishing insider or a writing professor.

They are written by someone who started exactly where most of you are with a story, a curious grandchild, and a whole lot of questions.

The children's book market is rapidly growing.

In 22 alone, the United States sold more than 250 million children's books.

Publishers are actively seeking voices that reflect a broader range of content, cultures, backgrounds and experience.

There is more room for new authors right now than at any point in history.

These books are your shortcut into the world.

If you'd like to be among the first to know when Book one launches, send a request to our mailing [email protected] your community built this.

You deserve to be first in line.

And what about the podcast?

It's not going anywhere.

More authors, more stories, more behind the scenes truths about what it takes to bring a children's book into the world.

The conversations keep coming and so do the episodes.

If you are a published children's book.

Author and would like to be a.

Guest on the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast, reach out to papa [email protected] this show is built on the courage of authors like you.

Hi Papa Rick and family.

It's Tanya Cuista, the author of Money Time and have you seen my voice box?

Congratulations on a hundred episodes of your podcast.

That is incredible.

Oh my goodness, that is truly such an amazing accomplishment.

First and foremost, I just want to say thank you for what you have done for me as an author.

I was a two time guest on your podcast.

Hopefully I can come back again when I write my third book.

But your support, your love, your encouragement, it really meant so much to me.

It truly helped me to boost my confidence.

I learned so much from you.

You gave me such fantastic advice and I really appreciate you being there for me on a personal level and a professional level.

So thank you for that and I wish you all the best.

And here's to a hundred more episodes.

Thanks.

100 Episodes, 100 authors, 100 invitations to believe that your story is worth telling.

And soon two books to prove it.

When Kira asked me, papa, now that we have our story, what do we do next?

I didn't have a complete answer.

I had to interview 100 people, make mistakes, celebrate victories, and learn that no one had yet put it into one clear, honest, practical guide.

These guides are just around the corner in two volumes.

Whether you're holding your very first story idea or you've already written the manuscript and you're wondering what comes next.

These books were written with you in mind, written with the same spirit that has driven every single episode of this show, that authors helping authors changes everything.

To write a great book, you must first become the book.

Naval Ravikand wrote that, and I've carried it through every chapter.

I hope it speaks to you the way it spoke to me.

You have a story inside you, a story that matters to a child, a story that could become someone's living legacy.

This podcast was the beginning.

The books are the next chapter.

And your story, the one only you can tell.

That is the one I can't wait to read.

Thank you for the 100 episodes.

Thank you for trusting me with your author journey, and thank you for being part of a community that believes deeply that children's books change lives.

I'm Papa Rick Harris.

This is the adventures in the heart of children's book authors.

And we're just getting started.