In this week's episode, I interview Larry Schardt , author of My Runaway Summer - a coming-of-age and life adventure/memoir.

Larry Schardt (pronounced Shard) is on a journey of discovering and sharing the power of living a life of happiness and Success That Rocks! Larry's passion is people. He teaches at Penn State, is a motivational speaker, and a best-selling author.

His latest book, released in May is My Runaway Summer. A story about the summer of 1970, when Larry ran away from home (at the age of 15) to escape alcoholism, violence, and rage. He hitchhiked from Pittsburgh to Ocean City, New Jersey. On the road, he is conflicted about his decision - happy he escaped, yet sad his mother would worry, and terrified he would get caught and sent back home. The Jersey Shore wasn't what he expected. The story is a timeless and universal coming-of-age lesson. Larry learns the art of Peace, Love, and Forgiveness.

Step back in time and join Larry in this amazing runaway summer adventure. This spring Larry had a total of three works released. In addition to My Runaway Summer, he has a life lesson story, called "Career Magic," in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Your 10 Keys to Happiness, and a romance story, called "The Gazebo at Silver Lake," in the "Shell House" collection. Larry has 4 stories published in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. He also has several stories in various anthologies. Although he doesn't consider himself a sports writer, his book, James Conner: The Triumphs of a Football Hero, was named one of the "24 Best Sports Biography Books of All Time," by CNN, Forbes, and Inc. He also co-coordinates the highly successful Mindful Writers Retreats.

Since 2015, Larry has been writing a daily Facebook blog to entertain, celebrate, share, and pay forward the good things in life. His effort to help as many people as possible starts the day on a positive note. In his writing and everyday pursuits, Larry's passion for people, positive spirit, and zest for life shine through. He loves the outdoors, walking, reading, skiing, and music that rocks . . . from classical to Rock 'n' Roll!!!

Grab a cup of coffee and listen to this fun interview with Larry Schardt!