Sayin. Mendoza. 12-0 on the Line. BIG Ten Preview with NBC Sports' Joshua Perry
Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life
12/04/25
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Brandon Brown and Grant Perry are joined by NBC’s Joshua Perry to talk a little bit about “The Game”. From there, Perry breaks down the matchup between Ohio State and Indiana in the Big Ten title game. Throw in some CFP discussion and whatever the heck is going on at Penn State and you have one heck of an episode.
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Previous Episode
Welcome to Get Obsessed
Julie and Mika open the episode with a reflection on their shared obsession with romance, sensuality, dreaming, and the power of the written word. They introduce Pamela S. Thibodeaux, a woman whose storytelling lives at the intersection of faith, sensuality, and gritty realism.
Pamela’s Writing Origin Story
Pamela shares how her writing journey began in her twenties, filling five-subject notebooks while raising young children. Without access to a computer or typewriter, she rented machines or borrowed them whenever she could—because the stories simply needed to come out.
Discovering the Christian Market
Pamela explains the early challenges of writing romance with faith elements. Traditional Christian publishers wanted extremely conservative love stories:
- no passionate kisses
- no euphemisms like “heck” or “darn”
- no unmarried characters alone together
- no dancing unless it was “square dancing”
Her stories, full of sensuality, passion, complexity, and spiritual themes, didn’t fit the mold.
Blending Sensuality & Spirituality
Pamela speaks about the moment she recommitted her life to God and asked to write fiction that glorifies Him—without sanitizing human passion. She believed (and still believes) that God created humans with desire, chemistry, and emotional depth, and that romance fiction should honor that.
Her tagline—“Inspirational with an Edge”—came organically from a bookstore manager who instantly recognized her voice.
The Struggle—and Freedom—of Finding the Right Market
Traditional Christian publishers found her books “too sensual.” Secular publishers found them “too much God.” Pamela had to find a lane for readers who wanted both. Small-press publishers embraced her work, and she eventually indie-published after getting her rights back.
Writing Real Life: Domestic Violence, Abuse & Healing
Pamela opens up about her own past—being young, married to an alcoholic, surviving domestic violence, raising children, and eventually finding safety and healing.
She talks about how life experiences naturally show up in her books, especially through:
- characters overcoming abuse
- emotional healing arcs
- the tension between vulnerability and strength
- the journey from fear to faith
One of her most powerful books was written in four months during tax season while working full-time—something she considers a divine co-creation.
Faith Without Preaching
Pamela emphasizes she’s not writing for the already-convinced. Her books aren’t sermons, and her characters aren’t perfect. Instead, she writes for readers who may never go to church or pick up a Bible—but still crave meaning, hope, and spiritual truth.
The Role of Passion in Love
She speaks candidly about how emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy are interconnected—and why she refuses to separate them in her fiction. She believes portraying passion isn’t sinful; it’s honest, healthy, and God-designed.
Marriage, Divorce & Redemption
Julie and Pamela connect over their shared experience with divorce. Pamela shares that:
- her first marriage was volatile
- she left to protect herself and her children
- she later remarried and was widowed
- healing, forgiveness, and growth shaped her deeply
These life chapters add texture to the emotional resolution in her stories and to the compassion she brings to her characters.
A Multifaceted Creative Life
Mika highlights Pamela’s passion for family, storytelling, The Chosen series, and her love for the Texas cowboy culture. Pamela speaks about writing stories set in the Texas Hill Country and her affection for cowboy romance rooted in faith and realism.
Where to Find Pamela
Pamela shares her platforms:
- Website: pamelathibodeaux.com
- Amazon & major retailers for her books
- YouTube: A Novel Lunch (writing instruction)
- YouTube: Coaching in PJ’s (life tips, personal growth)
Closing
Julie and Mika thank Pamela for her authenticity, depth, vulnerability, and craft. Listeners are invited to rate, review, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on love, passion, healing, and storytelling.
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Next Episode
This episode brings together two powerful storytelling platforms, blending the inspirational energy of the Get Obsessed Podcast with the mission-driven depth of the Care More Be Better podcast. Hosted by Corinna Bellizzi, Care More Be Better is a show dedicated to amplifying stories that move the world forward—stories of resilience, social change, sustainability, and the human spirit. In this special feature, Corinna sits down with George Drost, father of Julie Lokun, to explore a remarkable journey rooted in courage, identity, and the pursuit of freedom.
Learn more about Corinna Bellizzi and The Care More Be Better Podcast:
Learn more about author Nicki Pascarella:
Get The Quiet Hero Book:
www.thequietherobook.comGeorge Drost shares his first-hand experience growing up under Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, the challenges of a world shaped by fear and political control, and the life-altering decision his family made to seek freedom in the United States. His reflections on heritage, risk, and rebuilding a life in a new country offer timeless lessons for anyone interested in personal transformation, immigrant stories, or the strength of the human will.
This episode provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Julie Lokun—media strategist, podcast host, author, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con. Her father’s journey has deeply influenced her passion for storytelling and her drive to elevate the voices of others. The conversation also complements the themes found in The Quiet Hero by bestselling author Nicki Pascarella, a poignant book based on the real events of George Drost’s life and legacy.
Together, this episode celebrates the importance of remembering where we come from, recognizing the sacrifices of previous generations, and honoring the stories that continue to guide us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Care More Be Better podcast?
Care More Be Better is a podcast hosted by Corinna Bellizzi that explores stories of impact, sustainability, social responsibility, and positive global change. Through thoughtful, in-depth interviews, the show highlights individuals who are working to make the world a better place. You can learn more and listen at www.caremorebebetter.com.
Why is Care More Be Better a focus of this episode?
This episode features Corinna Bellizzi’s interview with George Drost, which aligns perfectly with the podcast’s mission to shed light on powerful human experiences. George’s story of life under Communist oppression and rebuilding his future in America embodies the resilience and transformation the podcast celebrates.
What is The Quiet Hero and how does it relate to this story?
The Quiet Hero is a moving novel written by Nicki Pascarella that is inspired by the true story of George Drost. The book brings the emotional layers of his journey to life, offering readers a deeper, more intimate look at the experiences that shaped him. More information is available at www.quietherobook.com.
Who is Nicki Pascarella?
Nicki Pascarella is a bestselling author known for writing heartfelt stories that honor courage, culture, and personal triumph. Her work includes The Quiet Hero, as well as other fiction that explores connection, heritage, and the human experience. You can explore her books and upcoming releases at www.nickipascarella.com.
How is Julie Lokun connected to this conversation?
Julie Lokun is the daughter of George Drost. Her father’s experiences escaping Communist Czechoslovakia and building a new life in the United States deeply shaped her worldview and her passion for storytelling, empowerment, and elevating voices through media and podcasting.
What is Cre8tive Con?
Cre8tive Con is a dynamic, immersive conference co-founded by Julie Lokun. It brings together creators, authors, podcasters, speakers, and entrepreneurs for a weekend of education, collaboration, brand growth, and inspiration. Past and upcoming events feature world-class guests, including keynote speaker David Meltzer. Event details can be found at www.cre8tivecon.com.
Why explore these platforms and creators?
Care More Be Better, The Quiet Hero, Nicki Pascarella, and Julie Lokun’s Cre8tive Con all share a focus on storytelling, transformation, and meaningful impact. Together, they offer listeners and readers a powerful pathway to understanding resilience, pursuing purpose, and amplifying the stories that matter most....
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