Episode Description
She starts as one of the only women in her engineering program, builds a career in telecommunications, becomes a single mom, then pivots again into a classroom where she spends 20 years helping kids learn math and find their footing. That alone is a story worth hearing. But what happens next is where the imagination kicks in: she turns a painful family season and the loss of her mother into a children’s book series that helps kids laugh, feel seen, and believe in themselves.
We talk about her 10-book bug series and why “small, overlooked creatures” are the perfect way to teach big ideas like self-acceptance, resilience, friendship, and being different on purpose. She shares the meaning behind The Bug Who Wanted To Be A Bird, a story about a self-doubting ladybug who learns that chasing dreams starts with accepting who you are. We also dig into how her teaching experience shaped her approach to social-emotional learning, why reading works better when it’s joyful, and what she hopes families discuss after the last page.
You’ll also hear about publishing in multiple languages, collaborating on bright, vivid illustrations, and navigating parenting in a world full of screens and early social media. If you’re searching for inspiring career change stories, women in STEM paths, or children’s books that build confidence without preaching, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave a review with the biggest pivot you’ve made or want to make next. Find Ozlem's Books Here: https://amzn.to/4huQymH
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Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels.
Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units . He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...