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1. When you aren't writing, what takes up your time?
On a business level - my bestselling book How to Live A Fantastic Life became a podcast then a syndicated radio show heard in many major cities – on 17 AM/FM terrestrial radio stations:
- Washington, DC: FM – 96.7
- Tampa, FL: AM – 1630, FM – 92.1
- Las Vegas, NV: AM – 1520, FM – 99.5
- Macon, GA: AM – 810, FM – 87.9
- Lancaster, PA: AM – 1640, FM – 102.1
- Boulder, CO: FM – 96.3
- Milwaukee, WI: FM – 90.3
- Pittsburgh, PA: FM – 94.7
- Long Beach, CA: FM – 101.5
- New Port Richey, FL: FM – 88.3
- The Villages, FL: FM – 97.7
- Colorado Springs, CO: FM – 87.9
- Jacksonville, FL: FM – 90.3
- RadioPublic
- PodParadise
- Player.FM
- Overcast FM
- Radio Vybe
- AM/FM247
- Amazon Alexa/Echo
- iTunes
- Spotify
- Pandora
- iHeart Radio
- Google Play
- Blubrry
- TuneIn
- Spreaker
- Pocket Casts
- Podbean
- Mixcloud
- Deezer
- Audible
- JioSaavn
- Podcast Index
- Gaana
- Amazon Music
- Roku
- WorldTV
- Dish TV
- Youtube
- Google TV
On a personal side – I am involved with my family – my 4 daughters, their grandchildren, and my 7 grandchildren
I love to travel and love photography.
2. How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
When I was a cosmetic dermatologist, I authored or co-authored 17 books. Since, I have authored or co-authored 3 bestselling books:
a) The Pillars of Success with Jack Canfield (NY Times Bestselling Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) and 22X Emmy Award Winner Nick Nanton
b) Business Life and the Universe Volume 1 with Corey Poirier
c) How To Live A Fantastic Life – co-written with Harriet Tinka
Although I love all my books, I am partial to How to Live a Fantastic Life.
3. Let's discuss your book The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life. You wrote this book after being diagnosed with ALS. Can you tell us a little more about that?
In 2003, when I was visiting Disneyland with my wife and youngest daughter, my life changed drastically when I suddenly developed a right foot drop. After a battery of tests, it was misdiagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). And I was told to “get your affairs in order, you have 6 months to live.”
That experience, which initially took me on an emotional rollercoaster, was a turning point in my life. Not willing to give in to the death sentence imposed on me by the doctor, I persistently searched for an alternative—and correct--diagnosis. And I found it.
Realizing that each day was a gift after that, I started to live life differently. And that transformation has led to a way of living that I shared in my book The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life which was co-authored with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and “Woman of Distinction.”
4. You wrote this book with Harriet Tinka. How difficult was it to collaborate on this project?
It was a joy. Harriet is a very special lady. She would start an idea and I would finish it off and vice versa. It’s rare people collaborate well.
5. The reviewer calls the book exciting, which is unusual for a non-fiction book. What makes this different from all other self-help books out there?
The book was meant to be a voyage of discovery. Each chapter is unique.
It begins with a quote and then a story that sets the theme. It follows with a story, a modern-day parable. Then, there is the dialogue between Harriet and me as we wrote it.
6. What was the most difficult part of the writing or publishing process?
The book How To Live A Fantastic Life was written pre-pandemic but edited in the early parts of the pandemic. Because things had not shifted completely to online, this was very difficult.
7. The reviewer shares the following quote from the book: "The theme of this book is not what happens to you. It's what you do with what happens." What main message do you want readers to walk away with?
Life is full of experiences – from the depths of despair to the height of exultation. The depths help us experience the heights. But without dealing with the difficulties, we will never be able to experience the great things that happen. How we deal with challenges gives us our successes.
8. What's your next project?
I am in negotiations with Sirius radio for a Sirius radio channel. And I will be launching a television show in the near future.
I like to end with fun questions.
9. What are you currently reading?
Allen Klein's You Can’t Ruin My Day
10. Who is your hero?
I am partial to Spiderman, but in humans, I admire Warren Buffet.
11. What's your biggest fear?
I don’t think I have one. To me FEAR means:
F alse
E xpectations
A ppearing
R eal
12. What is your favorite or most inspirational quote?
“Love – I believe that dreaming is stronger than reality. Desire is more potent than apathy. Hopes are more powerful than despair. Joy always triumphs over sorrow. Laughter is the ultimate cure for mankind’s foibles. And I believe that love is stronger than hate and is the greatest gift of all. How do I know? I have been fortunate to experience them all.”
Dr Allen Steven Lycka