MSI Press Blog

  Recently released: audiobook edition of  Of God, Rattlesnakes, and Okra  by J Bennett Easterling. Book description: A heaping slice of old-fashioned Southern storytelling, this book gives readers a taste of genuine American life that will keep them coming back for more. Join the journey as a preacher's kid survives his father's stern discipline, rattlesnakes, and harvesting okra. The deep-fried characters are unforgettable, and the furry and feathered folks will steal the heart of animal lovers. Soaked in faith, people survived the lean, mean times, thanks to the velvet hearts they carried under their calluses, hard work, the good sense to laugh at themselves, and, often, the hand of God. What a delightful legacy they left us! Once you pick up this book, you'll be pleading, "Don't stop now and don't ever grow up!" Keywords: Southern storytelling; Preacher’s kid memoir; Rural Southern life; Christian humor and faith; Animal stories; Southern childhood mem...

  Today's Publisher's Pride is  Mental Health Mayday,  by Gregg Bagdade, which reached #282 on Amazon's bestseller list for psychology education and training and #345 for safety and first first aid. Reviewer:  "saved my life" Book description: From their swearing-in all to the way until retirement, even the most hardened firefighters can be affected by mental health concerns. A fascinating look behind the scenes of the career of a firefighter, this book explores the why and explains the how to better prepare these individuals for a healthy and productive career and life, based on the author's personal experience as a counselor, who also has 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic. Firefighters can learn how to acknowledge their mental health issues, such as PTSD, addiction, or anger issues while developing strategies to address these concerns with techniques and solutions throughout their career. This powerful book is part memoir and part call to action. Throu...

  Yes!  Racing against Time  by Jeffrey Weiss is now available on preorder: The paperback is available now on pre-order at the  MSI Press webstore . Get a pre-order 25% discount with coupon code FF25. It will be available soon on Amazon and B&N as well. The e-book is available now for pre-order on  Amazon Kindle . The book will be released on October 1, 2025. A perfect reading to start on Fitness Friday. Stand by and be ready! Book Description: In  Racing Against Time , Jeff Weiss shares the story of his late middle-age transformation.  Weiss went from running a first 10K race at age 48 to becoming an Ironman and ultramarathoner by his late 50s.  Along the way he discovers the extraordinary physical and emotional benefits that flow from chasing ever-increasing fitness goals.  Weiss’s journey shows us that we have the power to influence how we age, that goal-setting and adventure are not solely the province of the young.  At a time wh...

  June is Effective Communication Month, a time to reflect on how we connect, express, and understand one another. While speaking clearly and persuasively often takes center stage, we too often overlook the true backbone of communication: active listening—especially in cross-cultural settings, where understanding nuances can mean the difference between collaboration and conflict. Why Active Listening Matters Across Cultures Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about intent, context, and cultural expectations. A phrase that seems straightforward in one language might carry layers of implied meaning in another. In some cultures, silence is a form of respect, while in others, it signals disengagement. Without actively listening—not just to words, but to tone, gestures, and pauses—we risk misinterpretation, frustration, and missed opportunities for connection. The Hidden Barriers to Understanding Even with the best intentions, cross-cultural exchanges are rife with challenges...