Reinventing at Any Age: From RN to Award-Winning Novelist & the Making of Vatican Daughter — Joni Marie Iraci

Reinventing at Any Age: From RN to Award-Winning Novelist & the Making of Vatican Daughter — Joni Marie Iraci

On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with Joni Marie Iraci—a registered nurse turned award-winning novelist—about late-life reinvention, earning an MFA in her 60s, and the craft behind her thriller Vatican Daughter. Joni breaks down how life experience fuels better storytelling, why continuing education can restart a creative career, and how rigorous research (including miles of walking Rome) elevates fiction. We also discuss mindset shifts from “victim” to “survivor,” practical marketing realities for authors, and how to keep your brain—and courage—active at any age. This is a direct, no-fluff playbook for midlife career change, creative discipline, and purpose.

About the guest:

Joni Marie Iraci is an author and former registered nurse who returned to college later in life, graduated from Sarah Lawrence, and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. She writes page-turning, research-rich fiction centered on resilient women, including Vatican Daughter.

Key takeaways:

  • It’s not “too late”: returning to school and embracing new work in your 50s–60s can accelerate creative growth.

  • Leverage lived experience—humor, perspective, and resilience—to write more authentic stories.

  • Practical path: continuing-education programs, steady writing practice, and peer feedback (younger peers can also help with tech).

  • Research that breathes: site walks in Rome/Venice and primary-source study make settings feel real.

  • Fact in fiction: historical events (e.g., 19th-century papal kidnappings) can inform compelling plots when handled responsibly.

  • Craft note: give readers “reprieve scenes” (food, place, texture) to balance thriller intensity.

  • Marketing is work: social media, endorsements, and reader outreach are part of an author’s job.

  • Mindset shift: write women who survive, not women defined by victimhood.

  • Community matters: mentorship for emerging writers and asking boldly (blurbs, intros) opens doors.

  • Cognitive wellness: keep learning, reading, and creating to sustain a sharp, purposeful mind.

How to connect with Joni

  • Website/contact form: Joni mentioned listeners can reach her via the contact page on her official author website - https://www.jonimarieiraci.com/

  • (search “Joni Marie Iraci” to find it).

  • Books: Look up Vatican Daughter by Joni Marie Iraci on your preferred retailer.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™📧 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com🌐 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com📍 Based in: India & USA

🎙️ Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.

CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:🎧 Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik🤝 Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest🤝 Video Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials🤝 Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind🤝 Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/

OUR SERVICES🤝 Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/🤝 Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/🤝 Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory

STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!🤝 Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik🤝 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik🤝 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/🤝 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind🤝 Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik🤝 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/🤝 Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub🤝 Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/

SHARE YOUR REVIEW🤝 Share your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/🤝 Share a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website -https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/

Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik

#MentalHealthAwareness#comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast, #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips, #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs, #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters, #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast, #podcastlovers, #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers#StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podatcepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success

Jaksot(999)

Confidence Before Success: A Woman Founder’s Guide to Staying Grounded with Neli Kools

Confidence Before Success: A Woman Founder’s Guide to Staying Grounded with Neli Kools

What if your confidence didn’t need to wait for proof—what if it’s something you practice in the middle of uncertainty? In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to stay steady, self-assured, an...

6 Helmi 20min

Discipline Without Burnout: Building Confidence, Purpose, and a Healthier Mind with Alex Duenas

Discipline Without Burnout: Building Confidence, Purpose, and a Healthier Mind with Alex Duenas

Discipline can build your life—or quietly become the thing you hide behind. In this episode, we unpack the difference between discipline as healing and discipline as avoidance. Hosted by Sana on Healt...

6 Helmi 29min

Healing Smarter: The Future of Regenerative Recovery Without Invasive Treatments with Dr. Tommy Rhee

Healing Smarter: The Future of Regenerative Recovery Without Invasive Treatments with Dr. Tommy Rhee

What if recovery didn’t have to mean pushing harder—or going under the needle? In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sayan explores how healing can become more intelligent, less invasive...

5 Helmi 24min

Inside Stan Lai’s Creativity Framework: Method, Wisdom, and Making Great Work

Inside Stan Lai’s Creativity Framework: Method, Wisdom, and Making Great Work

Creativity isn’t a rare talent—it’s a trainable process. In this episode, you’ll hear a master creator break down what actually happens when inspiration hits, and how to build the conditions for it to...

5 Helmi 31min

Mindset Without the Safety Net: Responsibility, Faith, and Doing the Hard Thing with Branden LaNette

Mindset Without the Safety Net: Responsibility, Faith, and Doing the Hard Thing with Branden LaNette

When life strips away comfort, mindset stops being motivational talk and becomes a survival-grade discipline. In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Sayan sits down with Branden LaNette to unpack mindset...

4 Helmi 22min

Escaping Spiritual Control: Reclaiming Agency After a High-Demand Community with Priya Hutner

Escaping Spiritual Control: Reclaiming Agency After a High-Demand Community with Priya Hutner

What begins as a sincere search for meaning can quietly become control. In this episode, you’ll hear how devotion can blur into self-erasure—and what it takes to find your voice again. This conversati...

3 Helmi 24min

Wired That Way: Use Personality Awareness to Reduce Conflict and Build Stronger Relationships with Marita Littauer Tedder

Wired That Way: Use Personality Awareness to Reduce Conflict and Build Stronger Relationships with Marita Littauer Tedder

Why do some people feel “easy” to talk to—while others constantly frustrate us? In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Yusuf sits down with Marita Littauer Tedder to unpack how personalit...

3 Helmi 22min

Reclaim Your Inner Compass: Stop Outsourcing Decisions and Start Trusting Yourself with Toni LaMotta

Reclaim Your Inner Compass: Stop Outsourcing Decisions and Start Trusting Yourself with Toni LaMotta

If you keep second-guessing yourself, it may not be confusion—it may be a habit of outsourcing your inner knowing. This conversation helps you hear the difference between fear-driven noise and true in...

2 Helmi 24min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
tiedenaiset-podcast
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
rss-pitaisko-erota
rss-pt-paahtio
meditaatiot-suomeksi
paaasia-podcast
selvin-pain
junnut-pelissa
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
rss-narsisti
rss-mighty-finland-podcast
katilon-kahvitunti
terapiassa
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
rss-sanelunpurku-podcast
rss-en-saa-unta
rss-terapiaklubi