Jonathan Payne—British-American writer, former national security insider, and author of the award-winning Citizen Orlov—joins us on Imposter Hour.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the British government, including serving as a private secretary to two ministers and a post in Afghanistan, Jonathan found the absurdities of his work ripe for storytelling. He shares how leaving government service and moving to the U.S. sparked his fiction-writing career, leading to Citizen Orlov, which won the 2024 IBPA Silver Medal and the 2024 IPPY Bronze Medal for Suspense/Thriller.

We explore the transition from non-fiction to fiction, the inspiration behind his espionage-themed stories, and what’s in store for the sequel Hotel Melikov (coming May 2025). Tune in for a conversation full of wit, insight, and a few surprises.

In this episode of Imposter Hour with Liz & Greg welcomes the incredible actor and comedian Eugene Cordero for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode! 🌟

Recognized for his versatile performances, Eugene has made a name for himself through his work with Upright Citizens Brigade and standout roles in Loki, The Good Place, Tacoma FD, House of Lies, Easter Sunday, Black Monday, and Kong: Skull Island. Sci-fi fans know him as the voice of Ensign Rutherford in Star Trek: Lower Decks, which is now heading into its fifth and final season! 🚀

Eugene shares his journey navigating imposter syndrome, representation in Hollywood, and the joy of family and creativity. We dive deep into how cultural identity, community, and authenticity have shaped his remarkable career.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg have an insightful conversation with author Clémence Michallon, diving deep into her experiences with imposter syndrome and the creative process behind her debut novel, The Quiet Tenant. They discuss the unique challenge of writing in the second person, reflecting on how it mirrors a fragmented mind and adds a layer of complexity to the story. Clémence talks about the duality of being both a writer and a journalist, and how balancing these roles presents its own set of challenges.

The episode touches on the perfectionism that comes with writing, especially when crafting the opening of a book, which often requires numerous revisions to get just right. Clémence shares how even successful authors struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like outsiders despite their accomplishments. They explore the importance of prose quality in creating an enjoyable reading experience and the chaos, but also liberation, that comes with the writing process.

Clémence emphasizes the importance of connecting with readers and fellow authors for creative fulfillment and discusses the necessity of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy, sustainable writing practice.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with award-winning author May Cobb for a candid conversation about the insidious nature of imposter syndrome among creatives. May opens up about her own battles with self-doubt, the unique challenges she’s faced as a writer, and the intricacies of female friendships that are central to her novels.

They delve into the exciting adaptation of her hit novel The Hunting Wives, soon to be a series on STARZ, and how her Hollywood experiences have influenced her storytelling. May also shares insights into her latest novel, The Hollywood Assistant, a nonfiction passion project, and discusses how music plays an integral role in her creative process. For aspiring writers navigating their own struggles, May offers invaluable encouragement and wisdom.

Don't miss this inspiring episode as May shares her journey, struggles, and triumphs in the world of writing!

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg dive into a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed author Kellye Garrett, known for her novels Like a Sister, the Detective by Day series, and her latest novel, Missing White Woman. Kellye opens up about her journey through imposter syndrome, sharing candid insights into her struggles with the writing process and the evolution of her techniques. They explore the vital role of community in a writer's life, the challenges of navigating the publishing industry as a person of color, and the importance of authentic representation in literature.

The discussion goes deeper, touching on the power of art to drive social change, how media shapes crime narratives and the nuances of character development and family dynamics in Kellye’s work. With sharp reflections on the influence of social media and her experiences as a contemporary author, Kellye offers an engaging and rich exploration of what it means to tell stories that matter in today’s world. This episode is packed with inspiration and hard-won wisdom from a trailblazing voice in crime fiction.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, we sit down with bestselling author Alex Segura for an enlightening conversation about creativity, authenticity, and the writer's journey. As the author of Secret Identity and Alter Ego, Alex dives deep into the themes of imposter syndrome, the art of crafting compelling female characters, and the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial success.

We discuss his critically acclaimed works, unpacking the challenges of writing sequels and staying true to character development. Alex reflects on his influences, the legacy of storytelling, and how collaboration shapes his creative process. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his writing routine, the highs and lows of promoting his work, and the dual role of being both a writer and an author.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the literary world, offering insight into the power of passion projects and the shared consciousness that connects creators everywhere.

🎙️ Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of one of today’s most exciting voices in fiction!

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg engage in a deep conversation with author Katie Gutierrez about her experiences with imposter syndrome, the complexities of motherhood, and the journey of writing her debut novel, More Than You'll Ever Know. Katie shares her insights on identity, ambition, and the challenges of being a writer while navigating personal and societal expectations. The discussion also touches on the creative process, the long journey of writing a book, and the importance of representation in literature.

Katie opens up about her struggle with imposter syndrome, which intensified after publishing her novel. She reflects on how supportive parents were vital in nurturing her early writing career and how her writing identity is inextricably linked to her writing practice. Transitioning from writer to author brought new layers of self-doubt, particularly when balancing motherhood and the loss of previous identities. Her novel explores themes of marriage, motherhood, and female ambition. Katie also gives insight into the extensive editing process and how self-discovery plays a major role in her writing. Her upcoming project will tackle wealth, power, and the intricacies of a historical murder trial.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg are joined by mental health advocate and author Kati Morton (Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health and Traumatized: Identify, Understand, and Cope With PTSD and Emotional Stress) to discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among creatives. They explore Kati’s journey in mental health advocacy, the evolution of her widely followed YouTube channel, and the shifting generational attitudes toward mental health. The conversation dives into the rise of “armchair therapists,” the importance of trauma awareness, and the unique challenges of writing about trauma during the pandemic. Kati offers her perspective on balancing personal experiences with professional boundaries and how unprocessed trauma can impact critical thinking. Kati discusses the impact of social media on mental health and emphasizes curating one's feed to foster positivity. She addresses the common struggle with comparison in creative fields and explores the roots of imposter syndrome, linking it to self-esteem and past experiences. Kati highlights the importance of setting boundaries with individuals who lack empathy and shares self-care practices to recharge emotional energy. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the connection between creativity and personal trauma, suggesting that writing can be a powerful therapeutic outlet.