JOHN GROOTERS | Writer, Director, Producer John Grooters is an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose mission is to “reveal the beauty of Christ to the world through excellent media.” A gifted visual storyteller with a passion for narrative depth, he has spent more than two decades crafting compelling stories that inspire audiences across theaters, museums, conferences, broadcast television, and digital platforms—spanning feature films, documentaries, teaching series, music, commercials, and animation.

His three theatrical features—Tortured for Christ, The Frontier Boys, and Sabina: Tortured for Christ – The Nazi Years—have earned numerous Best Picture and Audience Choice awards, achieved global distribution in dozens of languages, and reached audiences on every continent.

He is particularly known for transforming complex theology, biblical truth, and historical events into accessible, visually rich narratives that emphasize redemption, forgiveness, hope, and the transformative power of faith. Current and upcoming projects include Leaders at Gettysburg (releasing 2026 through America Studios, his initiative dedicated to untold stories of American history, bravery, and grit) and the animated series Bedtime with the Sheeps (launching 2026), whereas creator, writer, and director he blends joyful humor, biblical reverence, and original music into imaginative bedtime stories for families.

John also leads worship at his church and records with the Christian band Grooters & Beal. Since 2001, he and his wife, producer Judy Grooters, have led Grooters Productions in Holland,

Michigan—a full-service studio committed to cinematic excellence from script to screen.

John Grooters Links:

https://www.johngrooters.com/

https://www.americastudios.com/

https://thesheeps.com/

https://www.grooters.us/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3265218/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Mark Victor Hansen-Affectionately called America’s “Ambassador of Possibility,” Mark Victor Hansen’s life mission is to awaken the possibility in every soul. An internationally known speaker, Hansen cofounded Chicken Soup for the Soul® along with Jack Canfield, as a way to share motivational anecdotes with people all over the world.

A philanthropist and humanitarian, Hansen works tirelessly for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Childhelp USA and many others. He is the recipient of numerous awards that honor his entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic heart and business acumen. He is a lifetime member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an organization that honored Hansen with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

Grab a copy here of Ask- https://a.co/d/00lZXSPe

Aaron Poochigian is a poet, classics scholar, and translator who lives and writes in New York City. His many translations include Stung with Love (Penguin UK) — a translation of Sappho, and Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” (forthcoming from W.W. Norton). His work has appeared in such newspapers and journals as The Financial Times, The New York Review of Books, and Poetry Magazine. His new book is Four Walks in Central Park: A Poetic Guide to the Park. Learn more at aaronpoochigian.com.

Grab a copy here- https://a.co/d/0eOjyLTH

Anusia Gillespie is a lawyer-turned-novelist and RYT-200 certified yoga instructor. Her work spans the cutting edge of GenAI in the legal industry and the timeless journey of personal transformation. Her debut novel, Soul Toll (Oct. 7, 2025) blends high-achieving ambition with spiritual awakening. Learn more at www.anusiagillespie.com.

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GUEST WEBSITE: www.anusiagillespie.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anusiagillespie/

https://x.com/anusiagillespie

https://www.instagram.com/anusiagillespie/

https://www.facebook.com/anusia.gillespie.5

SUSANNE ANTONETTA’s accolades include a New York Times Notable Book, an American Book Award, a Library Journal Best Science book, and others. She writes for Psychology Today, The New York Times, Ms., The Huffington Post, The Hill, Orion, and The New Republic and has been featured on CNN. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Grab a copy of The Devil’s Castle- https://a.co/d/00jcKuAK

Debby Show (Lindstrom) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist based in California. With years of experience working with individuals and families, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and generational dynamics to her fiction. Though this is her debut novel, Debby has honed her craft through coaching, writing workshops and a lifelong passion for storytelling. Inspired by real history and emotional truths, her work explores how the past shapes who we become.

Grab a copy of Paper Roses- https://a.co/d/0aiDiwIe

I am a new children’s book author but a long-time animal lover. I have been Volunteering at the Wolf Conservation Center for almost a decade, and that is where I was introduced to Trumpet and her amazing story. I studied psychology and work as a mental health therapist. My background in psychology has influenced my writing and my mission to change the “big bad wolf” myth.

Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup series of 4 books Grab a copy here- https://a.co/d/0eEYZmeW

Brian Trapp is director of disability studies at the University of Oregon, where he also teaches fiction and nonfiction. His work has been published in the Kenyon Review, Southern Review, Longreads, Brevity, and elsewhere. His essays have been listed as Notable in Best American Essays and anthologized in the Best of Brevity.

He has received a Steinbeck Fellowship, an Elizabeth George Foundation grant, an Oregon Arts Fellowship, a Sewanee Writer’s Conference Borchardt Scholarship, a Tin House Summer Residency, and a Taft Fellowship from the University of Cincinnati, where he completed his PhD. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with his twin brother, Danny.

Grab a copy of Range of Motion here- https://a.co/d/01Mbs5yX