Stepping In to Authentic Storytelling: Navigating Loss, Trauma, and Hope with Jason and Rhonda Halbert

Written By Kara Stoltenberg

In this episode, Kara sits down with Jason and Rhonda Halbert, the husband-and-wife team behind the novel Caretaker and a new hybrid publishing company. After reading Caretaker, Kara knew she had to talk with them about their deeply personal journey. This isn't just a story about writing a book; it's a story about navigating immense loss, trauma, and ongoing challenges, including the loss of loved ones and their forever home. Jason and Rhonda share how writing Caretaker became a lifeline, a way to process their pain and find meaning amidst the chaos. They also open up about their vision for their publishing company, a space where authors can tell their authentic stories without compromise. This raw and honest conversation will leave you reflecting on your own experiences with grief, the power of creativity, and the enduring nature of hope.

Highlights:

  • The Halberts' background in the music industry and how it shaped their approach to the publishing world.

  • The challenges and compromises of traditional publishing, and what inspired them to create their own hybrid model.

  • The concept of "weariness of hope" and the importance of community and connection during difficult times.

  • How the Cereset treatment has helped Jason and Rhonda navigate trauma and access their creativity.

  • The blending of the mysterious and the supernatural with the physical world in Caretaker, and how it reflects their own search for meaning.

Quotes:

  • Practical and heartfelt advice for aspiring authors: "Don't worry about it being perfect. Just worry about getting it down."

  • "We are not in the victory and we are not the hero's arc. We're still in the middle of it all plus more."

  • “You can’t end a book on a cliff hanger.” “But our lives are on a cliff hanger!”

  • “We often pray for a clear path, but sometimes the greatest blessings come from the detours.”

  • “The beauty of life is in the unexpected, and learning to embrace it rather than resist it.”

Connect with R.J. Halbert, Jason and Rhonda Halbert:

R.J. Halbert is the husband and wife team behind CARETAKER - Book One of The Goodpasture Chronicles, a supernatural tale about breaking generational curses to forge new bonds of hope.

Jason Halbert, one-half of R.J. Halbert, is an Emmy and Grammy Award winning producer and songwriter. His songs have reached millions of listeners worldwide through multiple #1 and Platinum selling records. In addition to his 20+ year career as Music Director and Producer for Kelly Clarkson and several other notable artists, he has left his unique creative mark on numerous works in film and television. When not creating music, he loves bee-keeping, Sci-Fi, and is known to be quite a storyteller.

Rhonda Halbert, the second half of R.J. Halbert, after homeschooling their two children around the world on a tour bus, has spent the past 10 years as a successful music and television manager, guiding her clients’ relationships with labels, networks, and producers. She is also a published photographer, music supervisor, passionate cook, garden enthusiast, and spiritual practitioner.

Together, Jason and Rhonda have woven their 30+ years of life together into a riveting story, based somewhat on truth and experience, but even more so, brimming with imagination. 

Kara Stoltenberg
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Stepping In to The Healing Power of Vulnerability: Reflections on Sharing Her Story