International award-winning author Marcia Regina Cook joins Atlas Aultman on the International Podcast Awards Podcast to discuss her book, Dare to Dream With Eyes Wide Open, the power of self-awareness, manifestation, faith, personal responsibility, and believing in what you're capable of becoming.

Fresh off receiving a major international book award, Marcia explains why dreaming isn't something reserved for sleep. It's about becoming aware of what you want, understanding who you are, and recognizing the potential already inside you. In this conversation, Marcia and Atlas explore the ideas that shaped her work, including The Secret, the Bible, the law of attraction, self-reflection, personal responsibility, critical thinking, and the importance of refusing to live life on autopilot.

Marcia shares a powerful message for anyone who feels stuck:

Wake up. Take responsibility. Become aware of your potential. And dare to dream bigger.

They also discuss:

• Why self-reflection is the first step toward changing your life

• Manifestation and the power of belief

• Faith, spirituality, and discovering purpose

• Why people underestimate their own potential

• Taking responsibility instead of blaming circumstances

• Creating opportunities when none seem available

• Why vulnerability can become someone else's strength

• The connection between dreams and action

• Marcia's journey as an international award-winning author

• Writing a book that can change someone's life

• Why your "mess" can become your message

• Publishing in both English and Portuguese

• Advice for aspiring authors afraid to tell their stories

Marcia leaves aspiring authors with an important challenge: start writing your book.

Your vulnerability may become the exact message another person needs to hear.

LINKS:

https://www.marciareginacook.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-regina-cook/ https://www.instagram.com/marciareginacook/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2MT522Zlv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

CHAPTERS:

-Marcia Regina Cook Wins an International Book Award

-Dare to Dream With Eyes Wide Open

-Why Your Dreams Should Have No Limits

-The Secret and the Law of Attraction

-What the Bible Taught Marcia About Potential

-Why Most People Live on Autopilot

-The First Step to Changing Your Life

-Stop Blaming

-Circumstances Are Human Beings

-More Powerful Than We Realize?

-How to Find Marcia Regina Cook

-Marcia's Advice for Aspiring Authors

-Your Vulnerability Could Save Someone Else

-[Turn Your Mess Into Your Message

Guest: Marcia Regina Cook Book: Dare to Dream With Eyes Wide Open

Host: Atlas Aultman

Podcast: International Podcast Awards Podcast

If you're interested in personal development, manifestation, mindset, faith, motivation, becoming an author, achieving your dreams, or discovering your purpose, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the International Podcast Awards Podcast for conversations with award-winning authors, creators, podcasters, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world.

#MarciaReginaCook #DareToDreamWithEyesWideOpen #InternationalPodcastAwards #Manifestation #PersonalDevelopment #AwardWinningAuthor #Mindset #LawOfAttraction #AtlasAultman

Why do so many relationships struggle—even when two people truly care about each other? In this episode of the International Podcast Awards Podcast, host Atlas Aultman sits down with International Podcast Award-winning author, professor, and relationship therapist Dr. Kathy Stavros to discuss her award-winning book Hearts Unlocked: Six Essential Practices for Healthy Connections and Intimate Relationships. Drawing on more than 30 years of counseling couples and teaching relationship psychology, Dr. Stavros shares practical tools that anyone can use to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and create healthier connections. In this conversation you'll discover: - The six practices behind healthy relationships - Why healing always begins within - How emotional intelligence improves communication - Why empathy is a relationship superpower - The biggest mistakes couples make - Practical exercises that create lasting change - How to rebuild trust after emotional pain - Why self-care strengthens every relationship - Applying relationship skills to family, friendships, and the workplace - How reflection and intentional practice transform connection Unlike many relationship books, Hearts Unlocked includes guided reflections, practical exercises, challenges, and journaling prompts designed to help readers immediately apply what they learn. Whether you're married, dating, single, a parent, a leader, or simply looking to build stronger relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom that can improve every area of your life. 🏆 International Podcast Awards Podcast celebrates award-winning authors, podcasters, creators, and innovators whose ideas are making a lasting impact around the world. YOUTUBE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 Meet Dr. Kathy Stavros 00:41 The Meaning Behind Hearts Unlocked 01:18 The HEARTS Framework Explained 01:19 Why Healing Starts Within 01:49 The Biggest Relationship Mistakes 01:50 Lessons from 30 Years of Couples Therapy 02:30 What Healthy Love Really Looks Like 03:15 Communication That Builds Connection 05:20 The Power of Empathy 07:08 Relationship Exercises That Actually Work 08:30 Can This Book Change Your Relationship? 10:44 Where to Find Dr. Kathy Stavros 11:39 Closing the show LINKS: www.drkathystravos.com Instagram: @drkathystravos Hearts Unlocked: Six Essential Practices for Healthy Connections and Intimate Relationships - THE BOOK - https://a.co/d/0jeM8O0Z Subscribe for more inspiring conversations.

What would you sacrifice for your children? In this episode of the International Podcast Awards, host Atlas Aultman sits down with International Award-winning author Apple An, an expert in many fields, to discuss her powerful historical novel Mother of Red Mountains. Inspired by her own mother's life during China's Cultural Revolution, Apple An shares the remarkable story of a woman who sacrificed an extraordinary engineering career to protect her children during one of history's most difficult periods. But this conversation goes far beyond history. Together they discuss: - Motherhood and sacrifice - Growing up during political turmoil - Chinese history and the Cultural Revolution - Healing family trauma - Forgiveness after decades of pain - Why journaling changes your mindset - Reflection as a tool for emotional healing - Historical fiction inspired by true events - Becoming the author of your own story - Building resilience through education and purpose Apple An also explains how researching her family's past completely changed the way she viewed both of her parents, ultimately helping her forgive and understand experiences that shaped her life. If you've ever struggled with family relationships, parenting, identity, forgiveness, or finding meaning through adversity, this is an unforgettable conversation. YouTube Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:06 Meet Apple An 00:35 Apple An's work 00:44 Her Academic Career 01:38 The Story Behind Mother of Red Mountains 02:21 History ties to story of her mother and Cultural Revolution 04:06 A Mother's Greatest Sacrifice 04:52 Writing About Family History 06:58 How this teaches other lessons 07:41 Learning to Forgive Her Parents 08:45 How Writing Became Personal Healing 10:19 Recalling mother as independent woman and engineer 11:13 Why Reflection Changes Everything 12:51 Journaling Every Day and the relation to good sleep 14:07 Handwriting vs Typing 15:25 How to Start Journaling and make it a habit in 21 days 18:05 The Power of Education 18:45 Where to Find Apple An 19:57 Show closing Links: Apple-An-Books: https://www.appleanbooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppleAnBooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AppleAnBooks Bsky handler @appleanbooks.bsky.social LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apple-an/ Substack: https://AppleAnBooks.Substack.com Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/author/apple-an Goodreads Apple-An Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/apple-an Subscribe for more interviews with International Podcast Award winners who are changing lives through storytelling, literature, podcasting, leadership, and creativity.

Can music actually change your life? In this episode of the International Podcast Awards Podcast, host Atlas Aultman sits down with an amazingly talented and lifelong creator, Ann Mracek. Ann Mracek is composer, pianist, and author of the multiple award-winning books, in this episode, we dive into one of her latest works, Symphony of Self. This conversation opens up how to explore how music, neuroscience, frequency, and personal resilience intersect. After surviving a devastating spinal injury that doctors believed would be fatal, Ann used visualization, music, and unwavering belief to rebuild her life—eventually becoming an award-winning author, composer, educator, and performer. Together they discuss: - How music shapes the human brain - The connection between vibration, frequency, and personal growth - Visualization techniques used by elite performers - Overcoming trauma through creativity - The 15 Laws of Music - Why your thoughts create your future - The power of resilience after catastrophic injury - Manifestation backed by lived experience - Creating a life with purpose Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, leader, creator, or someone looking for hope after adversity, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring stories that demonstrate the transformative power of mindset and music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Meet Ann Mracek 00:27 Discovering Music at Age Five 01:13 Earning multiple degrees in record time 02:13 The Meaning Behind Symphony of Self 02:49 Surviving a Devastating Car Accident 05:07 Healing Through Visualization 06:11 Can Music Change Reality? 06:37 New Book Category "Experiential Self Help" 06:59 The 15 Laws of Music 07:16 Guided Meditation and Brain Frequencies 08:04 Winning International Awards 09:20 Why Your Thoughts Become Your Future 09:47 Advice for Anyone Facing Adversity 11:39 Where to Find Ann 12:00 Show Closing LINKS: annmracek.com symphonyofself.com YOUTUBE CHANNEL: @annmracekofficalchannel Subscribe for more conversations with International Podcast Award winners who are changing the world through storytelling, innovation, leadership, and creativity.

Kain Masters, an executive communications coach in multiple countries, kicks off our cast from the 2025 International Podcast Awards ceremony in Gilbert Arizona.

Kain, traveling from Australia, tells us some things about being an International Bestselling Author, a TEDx speaker, and a communications coach.

Kain Masters won the top award for the evening at the first IPA event and gave the keynote speech about inner power, suicide-prevention, and the need for awareness.

His book was both a #1 bestselling, and an international bestseller.

IPA judges said his podcast, Terminally Curious, won for international film work, editing, and high-quality packaging.

Host/Interviewer: Pro UFC fighter, Clifford Starks

Venue: CYBM Conference Hall

Event: International Podcast Awards, 2025