Interview with Geri Spieler

Introduction:

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Guest: Geri Spieler, award-winning journalist and investigative reporter
• Geri has written for publications like LA Times and Forbes.
• She is the author of San Francisco Values, Housewife Assassin, and Regina of Warsaw.

Early Writing Journey:

• Geri never planned to write books, preferred writing short articles.
• Sarah Jane Moore, the subject of Housewife Assassin, encouraged Geri to write her story.
• Initially hesitant, Geri became intrigued by the discrepancies between Moore's stories and online information, leading her to investigate further.

San Francisco Values:

• Co-authored with her husband, aimed to address negative portrayals of San Francisco.
• Geri humorously responds to common criticisms of San Francisco, comparing it to other cities facing similar issues.

Regina of Warsaw: Geri's Third Book:

• Historical fiction based on Geri’s maternal grandmother, Regina Anticivic.
• Set in early 20th century Warsaw, the story details Regina’s courage and escape from Poland amidst rising antisemitism and pogroms.
• Dr. Lycka draws parallels between historical events in the book and current global intolerance and violence.

Regina's Escape from Warsaw:

• Regina witnessed a brutal pogrom in Bialystok in 1906, where Jews were targeted, murdered, and homes destroyed.
• Fearing for her family’s safety, Regina left Warsaw with her baby boy and eventually made her way to the U.S.
• After a stop in Paris, Regina’s journey took her to Chicago, where she faced further struggles as a single mother with limited language skills.

Resilience in Los Angeles:

• Regina’s strength continued when she relocated to Los Angeles.
• After falling ill and being separated from her children temporarily, Regina’s daughters were placed in a Jewish orphanage.
• The orphanage provided excellent care, and the family reunited after her recovery.

Lessons in Resilience:

• Geri reflects on her grandmother’s resilience and strength, which deeply influenced her family.
• Regina taught her daughters to be self-reliant, instilling in them the importance of education and financial independence.
• This strong message of self-sufficiency has been passed down through generations.

Life Lessons from Regina:

• Key lesson: Take control of your life and believe in yourself.
• Regina’s emphasis on independence and resilience is echoed in Geri’s life and career as a journalist.
• Geri shares how her grandmother’s determination shaped her own approach to challenges and success.

Responsibility to Society:

• Regina believed in giving back to society, despite her hardships.
• Geri shares personal stories of accompanying her grandmother in community efforts, such as collecting donations for the City of Hope hospital.
• This sense of duty and charity is a legacy Regina passed down to her descendants.

Final Thoughts:

• Regina’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and self-reliance.
• Geri’s message: Be aware of societal changes, protect your values, and stay vocal in the face of injustice.

BIO:

Geri is a journalist and investigative reporter. She has written for the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes, and as a Research Director for Gartner, a global technology advising company. She was a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Truthdig.com, an award-winning investigative reporting website.

She has written and published two books, San Francisco Values: Common Ground for Getting American Back on Track, published by Palmetto Publishing, and Housewife Assassin- Woman Who Tried To Kill President Ford -Creative nonfiction, published by Diversion Books. It has been optioned for a move. She is working on her third book of historical fiction. She has won many awards for public speaking and has spoken at many business and writers’ conferences.

Social Media:

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