Conversations Feature: Grammy Award-winner Dionne Warwick

by Cyrus Webb

She is the Grammy-winning legend that has impacted the world through music for over half a century. Ms. Dionne Warwick is known not just because of her voice but because of the life she has lived and continue to live. She is a perfect example of someone understanding the importance of the moment and living NOW. 

I have had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Warwick five times on Conversations LIVE, and each time she was nothing but gracious and appreciative. During the first conversation I was joined by Susan Violante from Venezuela , an author who told Ms. Warwick that her music helped her to learn English! What an amazing opportunity: to be able to impact someone's life in such a dramatic way.

As I spoke with Ms. Warwick for this interview she shared some with me what this journey has been like for her. ""It's been a wonderful ride," she says. "I'm thankful to my supporters. I basically thought that if I stayed true to who I am and sung the kind of songs that my audience expected of me then longevity was a given."

I asked her if she believed that what people responded to with her was the soul and the love that she puts into her music. "I think it's definitely that," she replied. "The music that I've been able to sing has grown. That is the beauty of music. It has the ability to live on and on."

Though she was confident in her gift and believed it could take her anywhere, even Ms. Warwick says she never believed she would be in the business this long. "I felt that my first 10 years would be it and I would go on to teaching," she told me. "But that 10 years turned into 10 more and on and on. Now here we are."

Because she is still here, she does understand the influence that music has in our lives. "Music generally has an amazing impact on people," she says. "I could never imagine a world without music. Artists are known as the messengers. I hope the messages that I have been sending have been effective and will continue to be."

Talking about the younger generations that are discovering her music, Ms. Warwick's says this: "I certainly hope they discover some really wonderful songs that were written before they were born. I want them to enjoy the messages I have been able to bring. " Thanks to the internet, that is exactly what is happening already, and this thrills her. "It's wonderful to hear all of the comments," she says. "I am humbled by so many young people listening to my music and enjoying it. I am glad they could jump on that train and take the ride with me."

Music is not the only way people of all generations are learning about Ms. Warwick. She is still active in her charitable work and her other businesses which include writing and even a fragrance. "As a youngster my grandfather told me that we are all on this earth to be of service to each other," she told me when I asked about the work she is doing to help others. "If my talent is the way I can do that then it's very easy to do." She then added: "I think that it's a part of what we are here to do. The messages that we send are vitally important."

In 2026, she announced that her latest album DWuets would be her last, capping off a tremendous 65 year career. Staying busy and continuing her award-winning career, you can see she sets an example as to what is possible for all of us.

*     Photos provided by Double Xxposure Public Relations

Martha Stewart: Showing that Living Life Fully is a 'Good Thing'

 

by Cyrus Webb

This might come as a surprise to some, but of all the women on the 25 Women Changing the World list this year Martha Stewart is someone I have to give the most credit to when it comes to my career.

Many might now realize this but it was her book THE MARTHA RULES which she released in 2005 that was the basis for what is now Conversations Media Group. I had begun hosting the radio show Conversations LIVE and the television show Conversations with C. A. Webb 2 years earlier, and knew that there had to be a way to diversify the messages and guests I was sharing on the air. Because of Martha's book and example I brainstormed on what could be the next step. The next year (2006) I launched both Conversations Magazine and Conversations Book Club, creating a network where I could share my desire to feed your love of life.

I am not the only one who has benefited from the sheer genius and tenacity of Martha Stewart. Through her brand she has been a trendsetter that others have modeled themselves after over the years. She was the one who in 1990 took the risk of deciding to launch a magazine with her face on every issue. Because of the success of that risk, others have followed suit. She is the one who also took her love of catering and turned it into a billion dollar empire that has spawned television  and radio shows and specials, deals with K-Mart, Macys and Wal-Mart and a user-friendly website that brings it all together.

Though she has not appeared on Conversations LIVE (yet), I had the chance to thank her on her own radio program in 2009. I was a part of her "Ask Martha" segment, and before asking her about ideas for my reading parties that I was launching across the country I told her how she has inspired me and the work that I do.

Say what you will about Ms. Stewart, she is living proof that you can succeed, thrive and weather any storm if you are willing to hunker down and now give up. People are going to doubt you and even berate you, but what is important is  your dedicated to your gift and the work you are doing. As a teenager Martha's dad told her this: "You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Anything!"

In her book The Martha Rules she shares how those words from her father propels her: "To this day I can still hear those wise words. You can come up with a Big Idea for something that millions of people need and want. You can become a self-made billionaire. You can refuse to cave in to detractors and manipulators despite enormous pressure...You can emerge intact even through the toughest of times. You can do anything!" 

The same is true for each and every one of us if we believe, have the faith and are willing to do the work.

Get her new book THE MARTHA WAY on Amazon. Stay in touch with all things Martha at www.marthastewart.com.

Conversations' 25 Women Changing the World in 2026

by Cyrus Webb

There is no doubt about it: Women around the world are changing the way we look at what is possible, and they are doing it in ways that may have gone unnoticed before. .

Since 2007, Conversations Magazine has worked to spotlight women who are making a difference as well as those who are showing by example what others can do if they are willing to put forth the work and not give up. This year we are recognizing amazing women who are showing us all what it takes to rise and thrive.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce our 25 Women Changing the World in 2026.

25 Women Changing the World in 2026 (listed in no particular order)

...through Music

1. Taylor Swift
2. Ariana Grande
3. Cynthia Erivo
4. Brandy
5. Jamie Fine

... through Books

1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Dr. Velma Bagby
3. Victoria Christopher Murray*
4. Tess Gerritsen
5. Sharon G. Flake

... through Media/Television/Entertainment

1. 
   Emma Grede
2. Stacy Ike*
3. Tambra Cherie
4. Dr. Teresa A. Smith
5. Ohavia Phillips-Reed

...through Business

1.  Coral Santoro

2. Dr. Sonja Stribling
3. Kris Jenner
4. Martha Stewart
5. April Showers

...through their Missions

1. Mel Robbins
2. Melissa Banks
3. Tina Siemens*
4. Dr. Anissa Short
5. Pauline Rogers

[COOKING CORNER] Southern Sass Tofu & Greens with Red Lentil Spaghetti by Dr. Teresa A. Smith

 
Southern Sass Tofu & Greens with Red Lentil Spaghetti

Ingredients:

8 oz tofu, cubed

1 cup snow peas, trimmed

2 head bok choy, chopped

1 small onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

4 oz Barilla red lentil spaghetti pasta

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.     Cook the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2.     Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on two sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.

3.     Add the sliced onions and sauté in the same skillet until they are almost translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground ginger, snow peas, and bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4.     Add the cooked tofu back into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5.     Serve the stir-fry mixture over the spaghetti pasta. Top with pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and color. 

DDr. Teresa A. Smith is a bestselling author, media personality and speaker. Stay connected with her at www.askdrtas.com. 

[Article] Finding Your Way Through the Literary World

by Dr. Velma Bagby 

You want to write a book, but your journey isn’t simply about writing, because your creativity is the easy part. The most difficult and ​forever-changing charge you’ll face is understanding the various pieces of the writing process. Those pieces can change depending ​on what you decide to address in your writing.

In the beginning, of course​, there are the normal details you should consider. For example​,​ why? Why are you writing about the topic? Is this topic something you are compassionate about? ​Or, are you an expert on the ​​matter? The other question to consider ​is, who is your audience, and have you begun to connect with them? Your audience ​is the people you are called to address, help, support, tell, coach, ​​entertain, or serve. The audience wants to know what you have to say and is waiting for your book.

Besides your why and who or your audience​, another ​e​ssential part of our work will be the relationships necessary to support you in the literary world. Yes, this includes your audience, but ​most importantly, ​it includes like-minded people who will become your tribe of supporters.​This is not your family or friends​, and ​placing this burden on them isn't fair. These are creative experts and experienced authors who are ready to support you on your journey.

​E​ven though you are a phenomenal creative, this journey into the literary world won’t work if you solely focus on the writing. Remember the importance of relationships that will be built along the way. This relationship​ ​does​ not reference social media’s definition of “friends,” because having 1.2 million friends/followers does not meet my definition of a relationship. A relationship requires us to have a connection or bond with the person. 

I’m fortunate to have found such folks on my journey​, and I trust who they are and what they do in their profession. If any member of this tribe​ refers someone to me, I receive that person without question, because those who have formed a bond with me​ know who I am​ and what I expect. ​

Occasionally, my tribe will refer me to associates they work with as well​, and again, I trust the referral. Because I ​prioritize my relationships during my writing journey, my circle of relationships has grown as well. I have connected with other professional experts​;​ many have become my close friends. I continue to support them professionally for a variety of my writing needs​, and all of us have become trusted friends and supporters of each other. This exclusive group ​​has been vetted​; therefore​, this space is considered expensive real estate.​ You cannot walk into my life today and expect there to be an automatic connection. Building this team of supporters takes time and effort on your part.

I hope to inspire you and help you see the importance of creating relationships, especially ​with your inner circle. Here is one of my success stories​, which resulted from a referral by a member of my tribe of supporters. In November 2021, I shared my plan to move in a new direction with my latest project entitled “The CATCH No One Wants” and told her I was interested in promoting this new Christian fiction book differently from my past books. After asking her to recommend a publicist, she mentioned one she valued. She sent an email to the Publicist and me so we could connect. I followed up with an email to him on November 11, 2021. That Publicist and I have been working together ever since. The novel I discussed with him is now a series. When we connected, I had two books published. Thanks to his guidance, ​today I have two ​successful podcasts based on my writing and over 20 books​ published.

Creating a relationship and now a friendship with my Publicist is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my writing journey. Joining his team has provided me with access to even​ more expertise through the team members. As a result, establishing this relationship ​with Cyrus Webb over few years ago helped me to grow and thrive.

You can do the same. Start building those relationships​ now.

Dr. Velma Bagby is a bestselling author/speaker/media personality and Marriage Coach. Stay connected with her at www.drvelmabagby.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversations Book Club's Top 25 Summer Reads of 2026 for Adults

 

Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb is excited to share his Top 25 Summer Reads of 2026 for adults. These books have been read by Webb personally, and he feels they are just the kind of books that will keep you turning the page and wanted to share with others. 

Conversations' Top 25 Summer Reads of 2026 (listed in no particular order)

NON-FICTION TITLES 

1. Joan by Joan Lunden (Lasega Books)
2. Arsenio by Arsenio Hall (Black Privilege Publishing)
3. Unread by Oliver James (Union Square)
4. Start with Yourself by Emma Grede (Avid Reader Press)
5. Remember the Times by Teddy Riley (Gallery Books)
6. The History We Carry by Margaret Whitford (She Writes Press)
7. Faith Over Fear by Michael Leach (Harper One)
8. Phases by Brandy (Hanover Square Press)
9. Never Too Late by Marla Gibbs (Amistad)
10. Think It by Sarah Centrella (Post Hill Press)
11. My 70s Love Story: 50 Plus Years Later by Dr. Velma Bagby (Dr. Velma Bagby)
12. La Lucci by Susan Lucci (Black Stone Publishing)
13. You Can't Keep a Good Elf Down by Janne Swearengen (Dragon Breath Press)
14. Alabaster Heart by Fe Davis (Listen Linda Publishing)
15. Twice the Vows, Twice the Grace by Gregory Napier and Carolyn Napier (Married with a Purpose)

FICTION TITLES

1. You Can Tell Me by Melinda Leigh (Amazon Publishing)
2. It Started with a Whisper by Rob Shuter (Post Hill Press)
3. The Hospital at the End of the World by Justin C. Key (Harper)
4. Another Havana Hangover by Randy Richardson (Randy Richardson)
5. Massawa by Pam Webber (She Writes Press)
6. A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (Berkley)
7. Recipe for Joy by Monica Comas (Lake Union)
8. We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda (Poisoned Pen Press)
9. Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn (Thomas & Mercer)
10. With love from Harlem by Reshonda Tate (William Morrow)

Chris Collier talks Inspiration and Youtube strategies on Cyrus Webb Presents