The Kathryn Zox Show

First Half - Melissa Payne - In This Life or Another On the eve of his 60th birthday, small-town mechanic Rusty Wilson takes a bullet while saving patrons in a Colorado diner, only to awaken in a mysterious realm between life and death. There, he discovers that his story is not over. Reflecting on a life shaped by disappointment, grief, and painful family estrangements, Rusty is given the chance to explore the paths he never took. Guided by people from his past and present, he experiences an alternate reality, including what might have happened if he had pursued the woman he secretly loved. He also uncovers a family secret that changed everything. Now Rusty must decide whether to accept the imperfect life he lived or embrace the possibilities of what might have been. Melissa Payne is a bestselling author of six novels and holds a BA in Political Science and an MPA from Ohio University. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Half - Katie Rose Pryal PhD - Your Kid Belongs Here Blending personal experience, research, and practical guidance, Katie Rose Pryal PhD shares her journey as a neurodivergent mother raising neurodivergent children. Her work offers an empathetic and empowering perspective on parenting in a world that often overlooks the needs of neurodivergent families. She explores the unique challenges these families face while celebrating the strengths, resilience, and individuality of both neurodivergent children and their parents. She also provides thoughtful guidance on medication, addressing societal stigma and encouraging informed, personalized decisions. She helps parents navigate educational systems and advocate for their children’s rights, including accessing accommodations through IEPs and 504 plans. Her writing combines advocacy, compassion, and practical strategies to help families feel understood and supported. Her work has appeared in Catapult, Psychology Today, Slate, NPR, and many other publications.