The Evolution of “Reacher”: Andrew Child on “Exit Strategy”
What happens when determination becomes your only strategy?In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Andrew Child, acclaimed author of the Reacher series and one of the minds behind the latest installment, Exit Strategy.The conversation dives into the psychology of writing, the craft of visualization, and the relentless perseverance that fuels one of fiction’s most iconic franchises. Andrew reveals how he and his brother, Lee Child, evolved the legendary Reacher character to reflect a rapidly changing world — from technology to moral complexity — while maintaining the timeless essence of grit and justice that fans love.From Wyoming solitude to world stages, Andrew shares how creative resilience, emotional awareness, and flexibility shape his process. He also opens up about Lee’s firing from television that ultimately birthed Reacher, proving that sometimes the worst endings lead to the best beginnings.Together, they explore the art of persistence, the myth of writer’s block, and why the only real “exit strategy” is refusing to quit.Key Takeaways-Writing is an act of determination — you can’t wait for inspiration, you must show up.-Visualization turns good writing into cinematic storytelling.-The Reacher series continues evolving with the times, tackling modern tech and social dynamics.-Collaboration and flexibility keep creativity alive.-Adversity often opens the door to reinvention — Lee Child’s firing from TV led to global success.-Determination means refusing to quit, even when motivation fades.-Every author — and every human — has their own “exit strategy.” Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAAndrew Childhttps://www.instagram.com/jackreacherbooks/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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How Horses Heal the Mind and Body
At the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, miracles happen on horseback. Host Shawn French steps onto the 10-acre sanctuary where horses help humans heal — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Joined by Executive Director Michelle Schweber, Marketing & Outreach Director Christian Vanorsdale, and Leah Haven, the center’s lead trainer for over 20 years, the conversation explores how connection, confidence, and compassion reshape livesFor nearly 30 years, this nonprofit has empowered children and adults facing mental, physical, and emotional challenges through equine-assisted therapy. From sensory trails and occupational therapy to anxiety reduction and emotional regulation, each session becomes a story of courage and transformation.Leah shares how horses synchronize with riders’ heart rates, helping regulate emotion and reduce anxiety — while volunteers find their own sense of peace and purpose. The discussion also uncovers moving stories of nonverbal riders finding their voice, rescued horses finding their purpose, and families rediscovering joy in the process.This is more than therapy — it’s a reminder of what connection can do.Key Takeaways-Horses mirror human movement and emotion — creating natural therapy through rhythm and empathy.-The Naples Therapeutic Riding Center serves over 800 people annually, including 115 active riders.-Every rider’s program is tailored for specific developmental, physical, and emotional goals.-Confidence is built through doing hard things — one ride at a time.-Volunteers experience their own emotional healing through service.-Even the horses heal: many arrive from rescue situations and thrive through connection.-“Behind the Red Wall” isn’t just a location — it’s a community that transforms everyone who enters.Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGANaples Therapeutic Riding Centerhttps://www.instagram.com/naplestherapeuticridingcenter/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Jay Huguley: Causing Trouble in “Death on the Brandywine”
In this cinematic new episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with acclaimed film and television actor Jay Huguley — days away from the world premiere of Death on the Brandywine, the Delaware-made thriller that’s taking the festival circuit by storm.With three screenings added after sell-outs at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival, Huguley opens up about stepping into his latest role as Rye Riley, a mysterious and morally conflicted character whose presence tilts the film’s entire emotional gravity. Directed by Nick Wilkinson and produced by Lisa Black, Death on the Brandywine stars Huguley alongside Tuc Watkins, Kate Burton, Rena Sofer, and Guy Nardulli — and is already being hailed as the most successful feature ever shot entirely in Delaware.Jay takes listeners behind the scenes of the production — the creative alchemy that comes from indie filmmaking, the freedom to build complexity into a role, and the thrill of watching audiences respond in real time. He also reflects on his larger body of work — from 12 Years a Slave and The Walking Dead to Taylor Sheridan’s new Paramount+ series Landman — and offers insight into how an actor stays sharp, grounded, and creatively alive across decades of transformation.This is a conversation with an actor at full stride — one who turns every project into proof that determination is the ultimate talent.-Death on the Brandywine showcases the power of independent filmmaking done right.-Playing Rye Riley let Jay explore the tension between danger and empathy.-A “troubled” character can be the heartbeat of a story when grounded in truth.-Success comes from longevity — and embracing reinvention across roles.-Determination isn’t a mindset; it’s a discipline. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Jay Huguleyhttps://www.instagram.com/jayhuguleyofficial/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this gripping episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Emily Harrington — world-renowned professional climber, mother, and IMAX documentary star of Girl Climber.Emily opens up about the physical and emotional peaks behind her record-breaking climbs, including her free ascent of El Capitan, balancing motherhood, and the deep human lessons that come with facing fear thousands of feet in the air.What makes Emily’s story so powerful isn’t just the scale of her climbs — it’s the honesty behind them. She shares how fear still finds her on every wall, how she’s learned to trust her gear, her partners, and herself, and how failure is not the enemy but the environment climbers live in.Together, she and Shawn explore the psychology of resilience, the beauty of imperfection, and the parallels between climbing and life — from battling self-doubt to finding meaning beyond the summit.The conversation also touches on her marriage to fellow climber and guide Adrian Ballinger, her late mentor Hilaree Nelson, and her deep love for Ecuador, where she and Adrian were married. Between discussions of altitude, family, and fear, Emily paints a portrait of determination that transcends sport.If you’ve ever faced something that scared you, doubted your own strength, or wondered what’s left after achieving the impossible — this one’s for you.Key Takeaways-Fear doesn’t disappear — it evolves. Even pros feel it at the edge.-Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s the path to mastery.-Parenthood and adventure aren’t mutually exclusive — both require endurance and grace.-The real summit isn’t the wall, it’s who you become climbing it.-Vulnerability is strength; perfection is a myth.-Gratitude and perspective are the antidotes to burnout.Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAEmily Harringtonhttps://www.instagram.com/emilyaharrington/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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How Andrew Pollack Made Florida Schools Safer for Every Child
In this profoundly emotional episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Andrew Pollack, father of Meadow Pollack — one of the victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FloridaAndrew shares his journey from unimaginable loss to relentless advocacy, turning grief into a nationwide movement for school safety, accountability, and change. He speaks candidly about the failures that led to the tragedy, the reforms Florida has implemented since, and his ongoing mission to make sure no parent endures what he has.Through moments of heartbreak and hard truth, Andy’s voice cuts through the politics and noise to remind listeners that parental involvement, training, and accountability save lives. From holding local officials responsible to designing cutting-edge safety technology, Andy’s message is clear: complacency kills — action protects.The conversation expands beyond headlines into personal conviction, faith, and leadership. Andy shares how Florida became a national model for school safety, why armed guardians and plain-clothes officers matter, and how technology is reshaping emergency response. He also exposes the systemic failures, misguided leniency policies, and lack of courage that cost innocent lives.This episode is not political — it’s personal. It’s a father’s mission to protect every child in America.Key Takeaways-Parents have the power to demand change and protect their children.-Florida leads the nation in school-safety reforms — accountability matters.-Complacency kills: “You gotta know better now.”-Accountability for law enforcement and policy leaders saves lives.-Technology and training together create real-world safety solutions.-Victims deserve action, not excuses.Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAAndrew Pollackhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewpollackfl/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives.
We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed.
Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights.
Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark.
If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.
Listen to The Determined Society with Shawn French, The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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