Voices of Courage with Ken D Foster

Guests, Dan Schuck and Nancy Erickson

Guest #1 - Dan Schuck

Dan Schuck is a Business Consultant and Life Coach who helps focus on Perspective, Stress Reduction, and Life Balance. 

With a 25-year career in the Financial Services and FinTech industry, Dan has been able to work with many of the country’s thought-leaders working to help people to develop strategies for balanced goals and life plans.

In 2018, as a result of mental health related tragedy in his family, Dan used his drive and storytelling abilities to author a “children’s book for grown-ups”, to raise awareness and motivation for proactive mental health care in the county. 

He is also the CEO of Glass Half Question which provides Educational and Entertainment services, namely, providing training and motivational speaking services in the field of self-esteem and life-balance.

Dan lives in Long Beach, California and is the father of 12-year old twin sons.

Dan Schuck / A Glass Half Question - Talking Points

Book Title: A Glass Half Empty? Or Half Full?: A Children’s Book for Grown-Ups

• Self-Published Spring 2018,

• Re-published with Archway Publishing (Simon & Shuster) December 2018

• Available at Bookstores, on Amazon, and at Barnes & Noble.com

Why was this written?: A life-long journey to help others (my employees, my friends, and my family) with the fundamental questions of Perspective led me to develop this content. I’ve used it as a career coaching tool, a team leaders motivational speech, and a bedtime story.

Why was this published?: I had been preparing this as a one-off gift for my girlfriend and partner, Hollywood Producer Jill Sobel Messick, of Mean Girls fame, when she died of bipolar related suicide. My desire to honor her and support the cause of mental health with this content drove me to publish the book. Donations from sales go to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Why a “Children’s Book” for Grown-Ups?: This seems like a very simple Question – but one we need to use a child-like approach to really comprehend. I’d admired similar books such as Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson and even Oh the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss and chose this very simple format to help drive understanding and spark thought and discussion.

The Messages of the Book:

1. If the Glass represents any aspect of your life, then it’s never exactly half empty or half full.

2. What you pour into your Glass matters and you can’t always control what gets poured into your glass.

3. You get to choose how you manage your glass – and what you Pour into other people’s Glasses. Hatred or Love.

4. Too empty is a problem – we all know that. But too full is a problem also and that is a form or RISK.

5. Half Empty is GOOD – because it means there is some in your Glass – and room for some more. That is called OPPORTUNITY.

Where can I get it?: Bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at https://www.glasshalfquestion.com/

What’s next?: I have had so many follow-up questions from these kinds of interviews and people contacting me through the website and my social media accounts. People want to know more about HOW to use this perspective thing I am describing in the book.

So, I have been running a Web-Series where I give tips-and-tricks about using perspective in daily life. This is called “Practicing Perspective” and can be found on the GlassHalfQuestion YouTube Channel and the GlassHalfQuestion Facebook Page.

Using the feedback I am getting from that work, I am likely to have second, probably slightly longer, book in the next year.

Guest #2 - Nancy Erickson

Nancy Erickson is known as The Book Professor because she helps people who aren’t writers become authors of high-impact nonfiction books that can change lives, save lives, or transform society. She works with public speakers, coaches, physicians, attorneys, financial planners, small and large business owners, and everyday individuals to translate their unique message into a book that can change the world, one reader at a time. All you need is an idea for your book to get started.

Using a step-by-step process that Nancy developed, you will construct a BookMAP that allows you to write and publish your book in an organized and efficient manner. Your finished book can establish you as an expert in their field, increase your credibility, and attract a following, and because of the process Nancy developed, it can be re-purposed for workshops, speaking engagements, seminars, podcasts, blog posts, and online classes.

Nancy Erickson is the owner of three book-related businesses: The Book Professor, Stonebrook Publishing, and Bookarma.net.