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S4 EP182: Risa August on Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt

From Tumors to Tutus: Risa August on Embracing Life with Sparkle and Strength


Promotional image for today's Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast episode. Today's guest is Chaplain Patrick Day, he is on the left of the image, short blonde hair, glasses, red checked shirt and black suit jacket. Beside him is the cover of his book, Finding the Safest Place on Earth. Dianne is on the right side of the photos. Long grey hair, glasses, and wearing a black sweater. Beside her is the cover of the double issue of Book Banter Magazine. Above the people is the name of the show, company logos and silver microphones. Below the people is the name of today's episode, S4 EP171: Chaplain Patrick Day, Author of Finding the Safest Place on Earth.



Hello My Happy People, 


Have I got a show for you today! In this inspiring episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, I share my interview with the effervescent Risa August—award-winning author, speaker, Gestalt practitioner, and rare disease warrior with sparkles in her hair and a tutu in her bag. Diagnosed with a pituitary tumor over a decade ago, Risa could have let life slow her down—but instead, she chose to pedal harder, live louder, and advocate fiercely for herself and others.


Risa brings her signature blend of wisdom and whimsy to the conversation as we discuss her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. She shares how she transformed in her journey through illness into a mission of inspiration. With a heart for healing and a flair for fun, she now helps others break through life’s roadblocks by shifting their perspectives and embracing life—fully, fearlessly, and with glitter when necessary.


A former Ironman athlete with a passion for barbells and bikes, Risa continues to thrive on movement, creativity, and joyful exploration. Whether she’s dancing Bollywood, flying on aerial silks, or leading workshops with tiaras and glitter, she reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be playful, profound, and incredibly empowering.


This episode is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and living a life unleashed. Tune in and get ready to smile, be inspired, and maybe even be moved to start your own tutu collection.



Enjoy,

Dianne




Listen to the Latest Episode Now

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Risa's Reel

Manic Life Vlog coming later




Season 4

A Dose of Reality Episodes

Every Wednesday

August 6th - September 24th


August 2025

​​6th - S4 EP 182: Now Streaming

Risa August, Author of The Unpaved Road: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor


​​13th - S4 EP 17483: 

Alison Beder Solway, Author of The Miles We Run: Lessons from te Arena of Resilience


​​20th - S4 EP 184: 

Marcia Peck, Musician and Author of Water Music: A Cape Cod Story


25th - S3 EP 185: 

Qin Sun Stubis, Author of Once Our Lives: Life, Death and Love in the Middle Kingdom


September 2025

​​3rd - S4 EP 186: 

Rachelle Bergstein, Author of The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us


​​10th - S4 EP 187: 

Jason Brick, Author of There I was...When Nothing Happened: True Tales of Real Self Defense From Professionals in the Field


​​17th - S4 EP 188: 

Joan Slonczewski, Microbiologist and Author of Minds in Transit


24th - S4 EP 189: 

Derrick M. Jackson, Military Thriller Author of Shadow One (Based on a True Story)



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Do you enjoy Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt - Book Talk Podcast and Book Banter Magazine? You can make sure we can stay in business. All you have to do buy a copy of Book Banter Magazine or just buy us a coffee below. I do not make any profits from Book Banter Productions. I do not charge authors for exposure. Up to this point, this has just been a very expensive hobby, but that will have to change if we are to continue.


If you want to help keep us going , you can just click the link below and buy us a coffee or click the Book Banter Magazine ad below that to buy yourself a digital copy of Book Banter Magazine. Every magazine and coffee helps us to keep going!


Thank you!


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