DAVID NAIL | PODCAST

David Nail, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter from Kennett, Missouri came onto the music scene hard with multiple No.1 hits like “Let It Rain”, “Whatever She’s Got,”  and ,“Red Light,”  earning him multiple GRAMMY and ACM nominations.

Now he's is entering a powerful new chapter with Flowers, his first full-length album after multiple EP releases. The title and cover art are dedicated to his late mother, Donna, even using her handwriting for the title, "Flowers."

Today, he tell us, his music is no longer abut chasing trends, but about being authentic. Give this conversation a listen, and then find the singles that have been released from Flowers and I bet you'll agree he's done it!

The full album, Flowers, drops on August 21st. You can preorder, as well as get tour information and tickets at davidnail.com.

WATCH:

3-D Paper Stars | Craft Happy!

Fold, fold, fold, tape, tape, tape, hang, hang, hang… That’s the gist of this 3-D Star craft project!

It comes from Painted Pancake Studio on Facebook, who posted a video tutorial recently. She used construction paper and a glue stick. Neither were on hand when these were made, so we made-do with card stock and tape.

It’s not complicated folds, but the card stock takes more muscle than I imagine the construction paper would. And the assembly was a little bit fiddly. The fronts of these are stuck together using double sided scotch tape, and the back, using regular scotch tape. i imagine a stapler could also be used for the back, but glue or double sided tape is definitely needed for the front.

Each point of the large stars (Red, White & Blue) shown, took one sheet of 8.5x11 card stock, cut into a square. The smaller white stars, took a quarter of a sheet for each point. The paper chains were made from the strips cut from the sheets to make it square.

Materials:

• Construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue Stick (or tape)

Instructions:

For large star:

Fold rectangular paper to create a square and trim off end. Unfold

Starting at one of the tips of the crease, fold the sides up and toward the center, (like a paper airplane.)

Now fold the triangle at the base straight up to square off the bottom

The last fold is once again folding the sides into the center.

Now you can “open” the center of that point.

Every Beat After | July Book Club

Long summer days lead me to moments when I simply give in to the glory of it all, set my chores and TO DO lists aside, and spend some time with a good book outside. Join me?

My July book pick, “Every Beat After” by Sara B. Larson, is the perfect paperback to take into the garden:

She’s guarding a borrowed heart, afraid of her uncertain future. He’s locked his heart away, still haunted by his past. But in this simmering enemies-to-lovers romance, sparks turn to something deeper—and the connection they tried so hard to resist might become the one thing they can’t live without.

Years after a life-saving heart transplant, Liv lives in the fragile space between gratitude and fear—thankful for every heartbeat and afraid of when they might stop. Running her family’s cozy Swedish bakery gives her purpose, but mounting financial pressures and the shadows of her past leave her wondering: Is she truly living . . . or simply existing?

Then Hunter moves in next door. Guarded, cynical, and annoyingly attractive, he’s everything Liv avoids—and he’s also unfortunately her roommate’s cousin. But when he unexpectedly steps in to help Liv save the bakery with a new marketing plan, their reluctant partnership sparks something neither one is prepared for.

But just as Liv begins to imagine a future worth fighting for, a devastating revelation threatens to unravel everything. Now Liv must face the ultimate test: Will she find the courage to love, or will fear take it all away?

Well written, with characters who have interesting backstories, you’re drawn in by not only what’s going on in current time, but also by the backstory of how Liv and Hunter became the people that are involved in this complicated dance.

This delicious love story is a Proper Romance, so those of you with tweens and young teens around don’t need to worry if they pick up your reading material.

Pick up your copy to sneak outside with:

Buy: Every Beat After

JO DEE MESSINA | PODCAST

It's so much fun to catch up with old friends!

I haven't talked with Jo Dee Messina in ages; she's been busy writing music, working with her ministry, taking care of her health, and raising her boys. But today we had a chance to sit down and chat and it was wonderful!

Country music icon Jo Dee has just released a powerful new album, "Bridges", and her tour is well underway.  You won't want to miss this episode when we find out all she's been up to in the last decade, the inspiration behind Bridges, and how her faith is leading the way. Welcome in!

WATCH below:

JOSH GROBAN | PODCAST

My kind, warm, wonderful friend, Tony, EMMY & 5x GRAMMY nominated artist, Josh Groban, guests on this episode of LOVE SOMEONE!  

He's got a brand new album out, "Cinematic", is on tour right now with Jennifer Hudson, and has an upcoming Vegas residency in October!  We have the most delightful conversation, and Josh spills the tea on all the happenings in his life - including his recent engagement to the love of his life!

This one will appeal to all "Grobanites" (tattooed or not). And really, who doesn't love Josh?! We all do! Come on in, then get the album and check into tickets for his North American tour!

Now on YouTube! Watch below:

Marvelous Mint Summer Salad

repost

At this time of year, my gardens are full of fresh, aromatic mint, and I’m never quite sure what to do with all of it!

I enjoy walking next to the garden beds it’s spilling out of, brushing up against the leaves, and breathing deeply of the scent they release, but other than that, and using the tall straight spears in flower bouquets and arrangements, I’m at a bit of a loss.

Enter this fantastic garbanzo summer salad!

The base is chickpeas (though I’m sure a white bean would work equally well) and another winning ingredient is roasted bell peppers—the variety you’ll find on store shelved in jars with olive oil—there’s some cucumber thrown in for crunch, some onion for zip, and feta cheese that adds to the texture… But the star of the show is fresh mint!

I encourage you, as I often do, to use the recipe as a bit of a guide, adding, subtracting, and substituting with whatever you have on hand or with whatever sounds good to you. I think diced tomatoes would be yummy, and I was even wishing I had some kumquats on hand to slice into it. (Oh, and how ‘bout some sunflower seeds added just before serving?)

Whatever you toss in there, be generous with the mint, and make it up ahead of time, because it needs a few hours minimum in the fridge to allow the flavors to marry and the mint leaves to soften a bit.

Ingredients:

ingredients

• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups canned roasted bell peppers, chopped

• 1 cup peeled cucumber, diced (same size as chickpeas)

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, washed, and diced

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 2 Tablespoons honey

• 2 Tablespoons mustard

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In large bowl combine all salad ingredients, except for feta cheese, folding to mix well.

2. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, honey, and mustard, then add 2-3 drops of the olive oil, and when well incorporated, add remaining oil in a steady stream whilst mixing. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour dressing over salad, folding again, then top generously with feta cheese.

Fresh Corn, Tomato, & Cucumber Salad

Repost

This colorful salad recently appeared at a family gathering.

Amongst delicious, but not the healthiest choices, (yes, I’m talking to you, bratwurst, Doritos, and potato salad!) it was a fresh, welcome addition to the early summer banquet table.

It’s easy to mix together, and you can adapt it to whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Use the olive oil and vinegar you’ve got around. Regular, extra-virgin, rice, white wine, red wine, whatever. Try the recipe’s “secret ingredient” of Montreal Steak Seasoning (a dry mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and who knows what) or substitute your favorite seasoning blend. Add avocado, rinsed and drained black beans, scallions if you don’t have red onion, mozzarella cheese, or feta crumbles… Add sunflower or roasted pumpkin seeds just before serving if that tickles your fancy. Your salad, your way.

Here’s the recipe for the one pictured!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil 

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 3 generous tablespoons McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning (or salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste)

• 2 cans of whole kernel corn, drained, or 6 ears fresh corn cooked, cooled, and cut from cob (about 4 cups)

• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled, and diced

• 1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced

• 1/2 large red onion, diced

Directions:

1. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, and seasonings in a small bowl.

2. Combine corn, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.

3. Pour the vinaigrette over the veggies and toss to coat.

4. Let stand for about 10-15 minutes then give a taste test and adjust seasonings if needed, adding salt, pepper, garlic or others (Italian blend) to your likings.

5. Serve.

Fresh, light, and healthfully delicious. Go ahead and indulge in the other picnic favorites, but leave a little room on that flimsy paper plate for some of this goodness!

Perfect for your Father’s Day, 4th of July, or any summer gathering.

Three Queens | June Book Club

Author Rebecca Connolly has done it again! I’ve featured works by this author a number of times in the past with her titles such as Under The Cover of Mercy and A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice, she’s a prolific writer of historical fiction, each one meticulously researched and engaging from the very first page.

This month, I’ve chosen her latest, Three Queens, for my June Book Club pick!

What do Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte, and Marie Antionette have in common? They all lived during the same time period and had to navigate both public and private upheavals. While Queen Charlotte and Marie Antionette were indeed royal pen pals, and Abigail Adams had a chance to meet both under very formal circumstances, our author takes us on an imaginary journey where…

“The three women form an unlikely sisterhood, navigating revolutions, royal pressures, and personal losses as they shape their own legacies.

After the end of the American Revolutionary War, Abigail Adams crosses the Atlantic to reunite with her husband, John, after five long years apart. But she is unprepared for the glittering courts of England and France that are so different from her experience in the newly established United States. Undeterred, Abigail sets her sights on befriending the queens of Europe, believing their support is key to her nation's future.

In England, Queen Charlotte carries the weight of an empire on her shoulders. Her husband, King George III, battles a private madness, while political tensions rise and her eldest son schemes for power. Charlotte struggles to maintain order and propriety--while clinging to the solace she finds in her correspondence with her friend Marie Antoinette in France.

Revolution has gripped France, and Marie Antoinette must watch as her world crumbles. Vilified by the public and neglected by a king who refuses to see the storm coming, she faces growing unrest with dwindling allies. As tragedy strikes her family, she reaches out to her friends--Charlotte and Abigail--in a last attempt to find a path forward, possibly even escape.

The paths of these three women cross in unexpected ways in public, in private, and through letters. They forge a quiet sisterhood across borders and upheaval, each one facing love and loss, sweetness and strife, revolution and regrets.”

The sun is out, the day is long. Make yourself a tall glass of Bigelow iced tea, put your tiara on, your feet up, and give yourself a royal treat with Three Queens!

ORDER: Three Queens

Lemony Rhubarb Scones

Start off your weekend with these oh-so-delicious Lemony Rhubarb Scones!

My gardens are lush with rhubarb this time of year, and I’m always looking for new ways to use the tart, beautiful stalks. Pies, alone or with other fruits like strawberries and blueberries, are of course a favorite, and I can’t tell you how much rhubarb sauce we go through topping pancakes, waffles, and ice cream! But I’d never thought about using them in scones until a friend recommended this recipe to me.

These two tarts - lemon and rhubard - are tamed with a sweet sugar glaze and the combination is melt-in-your-mouth, delish!

This is a basic scone recipe, which as you know, comes together pretty quickly because it has baking powder for leavening. All you have to do is add the lemon’s zest and juice and the chopped rhubarb to take them from Ho-Hum to Oh-Yum!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen and grated

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh rhubarb

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.

2. Add grated butter and cut into dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add chopped rhubarb and stir.

4. In small bowl, mix wet ingredients; cream, vanilla, and lemon juice. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.

5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead a few times, and shape into disk approximately 1-inch thick.

6. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes - or overnight if you want warm scones in the morning!

7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees as dough is chilling and prepare a baking sheet with a large piece of parchment paper.

8. Cut chilled dough into 8 wedges and place them on prepared baking sheet.

9. Brush the tops with beaten egg

10. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown and no longer wet inside.

11. Cool on wire rack then drizzle with glaze.

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1. Combine sugar and cream/milk, mixing well until thick and smooth. Add more sugar if too thin, or more cream/milk if too thick. Drizzle over cooled scones.

Rhubarb Compote

It’s rhubarb season!

These prehistoric-looking plants come into their full glory in late spring and if you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to have some in your garden, or your neighbor does, after the first few delicious pies and crumbles you begin to wonder… “What in the world do I do with it all?!”

This is about the time you find yourself offloading onto first grateful friends and then the unsuspecting masses - leaving bundles of the long red stems on porches and car hoods!

If you’re already tiring of sweet desserts here’s a recipe you may appreciate; Rhubarb Compote.

It is especially timely with Father’s Day around the corner as it adds something truly special to a masculine meal of savory pork chops pulled off the new grill he may have spent the day assembling!

The following recipe calls for honey, but it doesn’t make it sweet enough for my family’s liking. Feel free to add sugar or brown sugar to taste and also play with whatever ingredients you have on hand!

Sometimes diced green red or green bell pepper makes a tasty addition, as does a dash or two of soy sauce. It’s finding the right balance of sweet and savory that appeals to YOUR palate… so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons +/- olive oil

• 1/2 small onion, (red or sweet) diced

• 1 clove minced garlic

• 4 large stalks rhubarb, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

• Juice of 1 large orange

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/4 cup of honey

• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the onion, sautéing until tender and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for just another minute or two more.

2. Lower the heat and add the rhubarb pieces, the orange juice, and freshly grated ginger. Combine well, and cook, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb is soft and tender. Do not cook so long as to turn the rhubarb to mush, you want some soft chunks to remain.

3. Remove from heat. Add the honey and salt.

4. Give it a taste test. Sweet enough? If not, add more honey or some brown sugar. Needs balance? Add another pinch of salt.

5. Pull your chops from the grill and top generously with compote. Garnish with a spring of rosemary if you have it for a lovely presentation.

Bon Appetite, and Happy Father’s Day!

Bon Appetite, and Happy Father’s Day!

RITA WILSON | PODCAST

Rita Wilson, actor, producer, singer-songwriter... here to share Sound Of A Woman.

Her sixth studio album, Sound of a Woman, explores different phases of a woman’s life; how we get to who we become as women, the trials and hopes, the relationships with ourselves and others, and more. Described aptly as "an excavation of the self." 

Rita and I sit down for a heart-to-heart, woman-to-woman chat that you want to be a part of! Join us. 

Now Playing | Body By Jake Radio

As the former Mayor of the Palisades, and someone who lost his home in the devastating Palisades Fire, Jake Steinfeld, AKA “Body by Jake” has been encouraging friends and neighbors to have faith and persevere with his eternally optimistic message; “Don’t Quit!”

He’d lived in his home for 30 years before the fires took everything, and he’s one of the first to scrape his lot and start rebuilding. No surprise, as Jake is known as someone who’s done a lot of ‘firsts’.

Now the trailblazing fitness icon is bringing, DON’T QUIT to the airwaves with“Body by Jake Radio,” the first-ever digital radio channel designed to fuel mind and body.

The innovator who revolutionized fitness media by creating the first exercise segments on cable tv (CNN), the first 24-hour fitness network (FitTV), the first on-demand fitness television service (ExerciseTV), and the first exercise playlist, has partnered with HeartMedia and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), to make the first-ever 24-hour digital radio channel. 

A dynamic mix of music, mindset and motivation, Body by Jake Radio will feature host Jake Steinfeld, and other notable personalities in the fitness and mental health worlds, offering empowering messages, fitness, lifestyle, and longevity tips, alongside an eclectic range of uplifting and fitting music to keep listeners motivated and feeling their best all day. 

The channel is designed to energize listeners in the morning, sustain them throughout the afternoon, and help them unwind in the evening through a diverse mix of music and specialty programming tailored for different parts of the day.

In need of a little motivation? Don’t Quit! Body by Jake Radio will provide it.

"Unlearn Your Pain"

A friend of mine told me about a new book coming out this month I want to share with you. Maybe because May is Women’s Health Awareness Month and soooo many women I know suffer from chronic, unrelenting pain that’s too often dismissed or misunderstood.

Unlearn Your Pain: The Science of Recovering from Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression, by Howard Shubiner, MD, may be the answer to relief.

Unlearn Your Pain

“Chronic pain now affects more people than heart disease and cancer combined, with rates rising sharply among younger and middle-aged adults. Millions live with chronic back pain, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.

Women are disproportionately affected, experiencing significantly higher rates of conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, and chronic fatigue, and so many more. This discrepancy is likely accounted for by the higher rates of traumatic experiences and pressures placed upon women.”

Dr. Schubiner is an internist and a Clinical Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, an author of scientific journals and book publications, and an international lecturer.

In collaboration with colleagues, he’s s developed two novel psychological treatments for chronic pain: Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), both shown to be highly effective in randomized, controlled trials.

Here’s why I’m intrigued: Unlearn Your Pain challenges longstanding myths about chronic pain and offers a science-based path to recovery. Dr. Schubiner explains how the brain can generate real pain and how it can be retrained to turn it off.

Unlearn Your Pain outlines a comprehensive framework for treatment. The approach begins by validating that symptoms are real, not imagined. It clarifies that many medical diagnoses describe symptoms rather than root causes and explains how the brain can generate physical pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression through learned neural circuits.

Research increasingly demonstrates a strong link between emotional stress and pain-related neural circuits. The brain operates through prediction, using past experiences to anticipate danger. In many cases of chronic pain, this system misfires, creating a persistent false alarm rather than signaling actual tissue damage.

All pain is real. It can result from tissue damage, but it can also be generated by the brain, even when the body isn’t injured. Injuries heal. Whether pain resolves or becomes chronic is determined by the brain. Through neuroplasticity, the brain learns, adapts, and remembers patterns, including pain. When it continues to perceive danger, pain can stay ‘switched on’ long after the original injury has healed.

“Pain created by the brain is not imaginary or ‘all in your head,’” says Dr. Schubiner. “Suffering is suffering. Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue are profoundly real experiences, whether their origin is structural or neuroplastic.” 

Unlearn Your Pain provides clear guidance on evaluating pain responsibly, beginning with appropriate medical testing to rule out structural or autoimmune causes, followed by careful assessment for indicators of neuroplastic conditions. This ensures safety and accuracy while opening a path to recovery for millions who have been told there are no answers.

Unlearn Your Pain
Available for preorder in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats.
On shelves everywhere May 26.

Tabouli Salad

Tabouli Salad, anyway you spell it (many variations) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with loads of fresh herbs for a confetti of flavor, and bulgar wheat that adds substance.

It can be eaten right away, but in my mind is a dish meant to be made ahead so that all the flavors can marry. I recommend mixing it up at least one day - but up to three - before serving.

It’s fantastic alone for a light but filling lunch, or as a side to a protein like grilled chicken skewers or fish. Sprinkle some feta on top, add a few wedges of naan or pita on the side, and nothing could be better! (It’s also a perfect picnic partner.)

I often make this in the spring when I have an abundance of fresh tender mint, begging to be used. However, it happens to be a favorite of my good friend and neighbor, Chris, who has more patience than I do for chopping - so much chopping - and she makes it all the year through. She always shares, so I get to reap the benefits, for which I’m grateful!

A note about bulgur wheat:

This ancient Mediterranean super food is made from hard red winter wheat berries that have been cracked to break down some of the outer layer.

FINE bulgur, preferred for this recipe, has been further processed and only needs soaking in a 1:2 ratio of bulgur to water/broth. COARSE bulgar, more readily available, is boiled in a 1:1.5 ratio.

Check your packaging for proper preparation method.

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For six side-servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared bulgur wheat, cooled.

• 1 cup cored diced cucumber (no seeds)

• 1 cup cored and diced tomato (no seeds)

• 3 cups finely chopped parsley

• ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh mint

• 2 scallions, chopped

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 3-5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 grated garlic clove

• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander

• A pinch of ground cinnamon

• a sprinkle of sea salt

Optional:

• Crumbled feta for topping

• Lemon wedges for serving

• Naan or pita wedges on the side

Instructions:

1. Chop, chop, chop your cucumber, tomato, parsley, mint, and scallions, tossing into a large bowl as you go along.

2. Add cooled, prepared bulgur wheat to the herb mixture.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, coriander, and cinnamon.

4. Once combined, pour over herbs and bulgar mixture, toss well.

5. Season with sea salt to taste, cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 3 days.

6. Serve. Top with crumbled feta if you like, a lemon wedge, again, if you like. And… if there’s an addition that suits your taste buds, like olives, pomegranate arils, or finely chopped green chili’s, go for it!

ENJOY!

Neil Diamond | "Wild At Heart"

Exciting news for Neil Diamond fans! (And really, who isn’t?!)

On May 8, the rock n’ roll icon is releasing a new album, “Wild At Heart.”

It’s a collection of 10 previously unreleased tracks that were cut with producer Rick Rubin during their 2007 collaboration.

It will be his third with Rubin who he initially teamed with in 2005 for “12 Songs” and then “Home Before Dark”, a tremendously popular success that gave Neil his first-ever #1 album on the Billboard charts. Revealing the spare but emotional resonance that are hallmarks of his work with Rick Rubin, Wild At Heart has marvelous cohesiveness drawn from material recorded over a handful of years ago.

“My work with Rick was a labor of love,” Neil shares, “and I’m so gratified that these songs will finally be set free into the world to complete our trilogy.”

Recently revisiting this material, Diamond spent time fleshing out nine new songs to be released for the first time and closed the set with an alternate take of “Forgotten,” which initially appeared on Home Before Dark.

Neil’s guitar, which he had rarely played on recordings, leads the unadorned arrangements, which involve mainly subdued guitars and keyboards.

The unique set of songs on Wild At Heart (simultaneously archival and brand-new) will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms. Following the release of the title track, “Wild At Heart,” the album’s second track, “You’re My Favorite Song,” is also out now.. You can get both tracks HERE. Limited edition colored vinyl and 2CD versions will also be available.

Preorder & Listen to Wild At Heart

A GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, Neil Diamond is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Additionally, he’s garnered the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, NARAS’ MusiCares Person of the Year Award, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime of contributions to American culture. His achievements include a Golden Globe Award, 13 GRAMMY nominations, an American Music Award, an ASCAP Film and Television Award, and a Billboard Icon Award.

Neil, who starred in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer, has seen his life and music turned into the hit Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise. In addition, Song Sung Blue, a hugely successful musical drama starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson was released in December 2025. Based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band. Hudson received Oscar, SAG Actor Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations for her performance.

Neil Diamond’s music, his life, and his legacy continue to inspire and ignite emotions and will long into the future. You’ll want to add Wild At Heart to the Neil Diamond section of your musical library.

Wild At Heart Track Listing:

1. Wild At Heart

2. You Can’t Have It All

3. Talking It To Death

4. Shine On

5. The Secret You

6. You Never Know

7. You’re Getting To Me

8. You Still Look Good To Me

9. You’re My Favorite Song

10. Forgotten

Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About | May Book CluB

“Dogs, Boys and Other Things I’ve Cried About” by Isabel Klee

You all know how much I love my critters. So many of them have found their way to me, much like my children, when I wasn’t even thinking about adding to my brood. But when you happen upon a heart needing a nurturing home, what’r ya gonna do???

My May Book Club choice, Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About is perfect for people like me. Though much of it I can relate to from my younger days, the unconditional love and healing one gets from their furry family members is ageless and timeless.

From the social media superstar behind @SimonSits, Isabel Klee—known for her heartwarming tales of dog rescue—comes an utterly winning memoir about a twenty-something woman’s search for true love in New York City and the dogs who helped her find it.

A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she got her chance, ditching her college upstate and moving into a grungy basement apartment in Manhattan. Dog-obsessed since childhood, her first post-grad job was becoming an assistant to a dog photographer, and something clicked into place: a career focused on helping dogs was the new dream.

Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About

Isabel quickly found a passion for rehabilitating rescue dogs and helping them get adopted. At the same time, she was caught up in a whirlwind of friendships, parties, fickle boyfriends and grand romances, which she recounts in honest, tender, and sometimes devastating chapters about the search for love and belonging.

Isabel’s first true love, though, was Simon, a fluffy puppy who’d been saved from the meat trade. As the highs and lows of her twenties hit Isabel in wave after wave, it was Simon who kept her grounded. Together, Isabel and Simon created a community of dog-lovers and a tight-knit group of friends pursuing their dreams.

In this honest and moving memoir, Isabel weaves together the stories of her foster dogs—and the challenges she helped them overcome—with tales of complicated relationships, hard decisions, and great loves in New York City, all leading to a happy ending not only for the rescue pups, but for Isabel herself.

Order your copy of Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About

Adassa | Podcast

We don't talk about Bruno, no no no... but we DO talk about Adassa—Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe recipient, platinum-selling artist, and the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Encanto. 

Adassa has just released a book, "Love Keeps Showing Up." In it, she shares her resilient and inspiring journey through music, motherhood, faith, and hardship. She has a wild tale to tell about how she'd just landed the role of a lifetime when she became paralyzed as a result of the coronavirus and everything seemed to be falling apart.

She's a miracle. A delightful, beautiful, talented, loving, faith-filled, miracle. You won't want to miss this episode!Watch below:

My 2026 Mother's Day Sweepstakes

Hurray for moms!
Sunday, May 10th is their day to be pampered!

To celebrate the spring season and the moms in our lives, I’ve put together another sweet little sweepstakes package to gift-away. This lovely collection is just a few of my favorite things, provided by a few of my favorite radio sponsors.

Enter to win
Friday, April 24nd - Friday, May 8th.

No purchase is necessary to enter, but please send me a note telling me a little bit about yourself or the person you are nominating. All winners will be chosen at random, but I so love reading your letters and all the wonderful stories about moms and the lives they have touched.

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My Geller Gals are providing this gorgeous limited-edition Laura Geller Beauty x Draper James florals collection for this year’s sweepstakes. It brings together four effortless essentials for fresh color, soft definition, and easy, everyday beauty.

Laura Geller Beauty

It features a full-sized In Bloom Baked Blush, the Marble-ous Eyes Eyeshadow Palette that is a mix of baked, matte, shimmer and marbled finishes, plus the expertly designed Angled Blush Brush, and Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush for seamless application.

Each piece works beautifully together for effortless, polished looks. Mix, match, and build your look your way.

This limited-edition collaboration with Draper James features exclusive floral designs and was made for gifting, celebrating, and feeling Geller-gorgeous this Mother’s Day and all through the spring season.

Find all the Draper James floral collection,
and so many other delightful offerings at Laura Geller Beauty!

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Bigelow Tea, a family-owned business that brought us the citrus and spice delight, Constant Comment, back in 1945, still prepares each tea blend with the utmost care and attention.

Bigelow Tea

Their Specialty Tea Collection: Fine Tea and Herbal Tea Assortment makes a great gift for Mother’s Day or any occasion including get well, thinking of you, or simply a treat for any day you might need a moment for yourself.

It’s a sampler of 8 delightful Flavored and Herbal teas; Constant Comment, Earl Grey, English Teatime, Lemon Lift, Green Tea, Cozy Chamomile Herbal, Mint Medley Herbal & Orange & Spice Herbal. That’s 64 individually wrapped tea bags, for 64 well-deserved tea breaks.

They’re also including this generous 16oz Bigelow #teaproudly mug. It’s the ceramic version of the traditional camping mug, for a little taste of nostalgia in every sip.

Take a moment just for yourself this spring with a #teaproudly mug of steaming Bigelow Tea!

Find Bigelow Teas on your grocery aisle or visit BigelowTea.com

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MercyShips sends state-of-the-art hospital ships to provide free, life-transforming surgeries to people with little to no access to medical care.

Mercy Ships

As a little reminder of all the good they do, I’m dropping a Mercy Ships water bottle into the gift package, perfect for the sunny season!  

I’ve been helping to spread the word about Mercy Ships and their staff of dedicated volunteers who give of their time and talents to help those in need. I encourage everyone to support their mission with a monetary gift, as a volunteer, or in prayer. Your support helps provide free surgery and changes lives.

You can bring hope and healing to children and families who suffer from painful, disfiguring, and often treatable conditions.

Learn more about how you can be a part of the
MercyShips.org mission.

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Mmmmm. Almond ROCA.

Crafted in Tacoma, Washington since 1923, legendary ALMOND ROCA® Buttercrunch toffee is made with premium California almonds, rich butter, and luscious chocolate, wrapped in signature gold foil.

ALMOND ROCA®

It’s the perfect gift for any occasion - especially Mother’s Day.

Brown & Haleys, maker of this delicious confection, is providing a very special limited-edition collector’s box (not available for purchase) that features their iconic 1928 ROCA Tin replica filled with classic ALMOND ROCA® Buttercrunch to our lucky sweepstakes winners.

It’s a truly special treat for both long-time ROCA lovers, and soon-to-be ardent fans .

A premium treat, Almond ROCA delivers a century of tradition, quality, and joy in every bite.

Indulge in the iconic, irresistible crunch of Almond ROCA!

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“Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Messes, and Miracles”, by Adassa—Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe recipient, platinum-selling artist, and the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Encanto.

“Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Messes, and Miracles”, by Adassa“

My latest Delilah’s Book Club pick is a perfect addition to the sweepstakes bundle…

From humble beginnings, Adassa worked her way to the top. She was living the dream. Until life took a detour.

When COVID left her paralyzed, her husband and their seven children became her strength. Their family clung to faith, laughter, and the unshakable belief that God was still directing their lives. What followed was proof that God’s timing is always perfect.

Full of inspirational music—including QR codes that link to twelve original songs—unexpected messes, and undeniable miracles, Love Keeps Showing Up is a heartfelt reminder that even when life feels out of tune, faith and family keep us singing.

The perfect pick for a season of miracles and new beginnings—Mom will love it!

Order: Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Messes, and Miracles

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Rita Wilson is a multi-talented, kind, beautiful, actress, producer, writer, singer-songwriter, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Rita Wilson: Sound of a Woman

Her acting career began with a 1972 guest appearance on The Brady Bunch  and now spans 5 decades of successes from early sit coms to TV series and a list of impressive film credits. She is a powerhouse movie producer behind blockbuster franchises including "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and "Mamma Mia!," Not surprisingly, in 2019 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

She’s released five studio albums, and just this month, her latest, Sound of a Woman, is available, exploring different phases of a woman’s life; how we get to who we become as women, the trials and hopes, the relationships with ourselves and others, and more.

A powerful album full of storytelling, Sound of a Woman, Rita explains, speaks to the fact that so much of becoming ourselves involves the lifelong work of chipping away at the nonessential and getting closer to the truth of who we are. 

Rita has provided autographed copies for our prize bundles. What could be a more perfect gift for Mother’s Day?!

Listen to the single, Sound of a Woman on YouTube
Dowload: Sound of a Woman

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Eyes of Faith® Optical creates eyewear that changes lives and reflects the hope within you. Their glasses are thoughtfully designed with a Biblical scripture printed inside, and every purchase supports meaningful causes like free glasses, shelter, and support for people in need around the world.

Eyes of Faith® Optical

To celebrate moms and women who “shine light” in their families and communities, my dear friends are contributing a sleek and sporty aviator style pair of ZIVAH “Torch” Sunglasses to our sweepstakes package.

The classic shape flatters every profile and is finished with high-quality, comfortable spring hinges. The 2 Corinthians 3:18 passage "...see and reflect the glory of the Lord" , is printed inside the temple to remind you to seek and show God's love throughout your day. Keeping the sun out of your eyes, and the Lord in your heart, Mom will love these!

Our longstanding partnership, and shared heart for faith, encouragement, and serving others led to a collaborations that helped to bring the Eyes of Hope Vision Centre to Point Hope Village in Ghana, West Africa, where the focus is on restoring vision, dignity, and hope through access to eye care.

Find an Eyes of Faith® showroom near you!

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Pretty pampering products, soothing sippers, tasty treats, inspiring reads, fabulous music, and a pair of cool shades… All add up to a perfect prize package, and a perfect day for Mom!

I can see her now, looking radiant, feet up, background music playing, a book in one hand, tea in another, crumpled gold foil fallen to the deck… water on the table for extra hydration, and stylin’ shades to finish off the look. I think we’ve covered all the bases, don’t you?

Enter now to score this gift bundle!

Love Keeps Showing Up | April Book Club

My April Book Club choice is the perfect pick for a season of miracles and new beginnings. “Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Messes, and Miracles”, by Adassa—Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe recipient, platinum-selling artist, and the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Encanto.

Adassa invites us into her personal story of achieving her musical dreams, battling a paralyzing illness, and having faith in divine timing.

Born to immigrant Colombian parents with big dreams in their hearts but little in their pockets, Adassa learned early that making it as an artist wasn’t just about talent—it was about grit, faith, and a whole lot of improvising. Together with Gabriel Candiani, who is both her husband and her music director, Adassa paid her dues on stages in Texas and Mexico, before landing her first solo record deal. That deal catapulted her into performing alongside and collaborating with musical legends, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daddy Yankee, Juanes, Enrique Iglesias, Carlos Vives, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Ciara, Missy Elliott, Luis Fonsi, Don Omar, Megan Thee Stallion, and Becky G.

From the electrifying energy of the Rose Bowl to the legendary Madison Square Garden, she was living the dream. Until life took a detour.

When COVID left her paralyzed from the neck down, Adassa faced her greatest challenge. Unable to care for herself—let alone sing—she felt like everything was slipping away. But in those darkest moments, Gabriel and their seven children became her strength. Their family clung to faith, laughter, and the unshakable belief that God was still directing their lives.

What followed was proof that God’s timing is always perfect. From relearning patience and resilience to performing live with the Encanto cast at the Oscars and sharing her voice on stages across the United States, Mexico, and Taiwan, Adassa’s journey has been anything but predictable.

Full of inspirational music—including QR codes that link to twelve original songs—unexpected messes, and undeniable miracles, Love Keeps Showing Up is a heartfelt reminder that even when life feels out of tune, faith and family keep us singing.

Love Keeps Showing Up: Music, Messes, and Miracles releases April 7

Order HERE

Carrot Slaw

Reprint

Putting dinner on the table during the darker months of the year always seems to be a rushed endeavor.

In the summer months when the sun is high well into the evening, and everyone is outside playing, I can move about the kitchen freely and holler for my family to come in when I’m ready for them. But now, it’s dark so soon after the kids get home from school that they are inside (often at the kitchen table doing their homework,) when it’s time to prepare the evening meal. The older ones often have things they need to hurry off to as soon as dinner is over and the younger ones need baths and bedtime routines. Can anyone relate?

I’ve got a few hacks to get a balanced meal on the table in a jiffy, and one of them is my mom’s carrot slaw.

Ingredients:

• 3 large carrots, peeled and grated (about 3 cups)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (craisins)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 Tablespoon sugar

• (optional) chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds

Directions:

1. Peel and grate carrots,

2. Place in large bowl and toss with vinegar.

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

4. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

This comes together in a jiffy with ingredients most of us have on hand. It’s colorful and textural, a few things kids always seem to like, and it’s tasty!

Toss it together for a perfect pairing to roast beef or a roasted chicken, pork chops or round steak. (My folks used to tell me eating carrots would help me see in the dark… maybe that will help entice a little that is hesitant to try new foods.)

Enjoy!