Divided and Caged: An evening with CC Robinson (Ep. 177)

In this lively Thursday night episode from Asylum Studios in Eagle Pass, I sit down with CC Robinson—physician, public health leader, nonprofit founder, pastor, and author of the Divided dystopian series. We dig into her decade of medical and leadership work in post–civil war Sierra Leone, the grit it took to bring care to remote regions, and how those experiences shaped her storytelling. CC walks us through the Divided universe: a future America fractured along racial lines, young heroes fighting for freedom, and how real history and Cincinnati’s underground threads weave into her plots. We also explore her writing process—from a vivid 2012 dream to years of research—plus the upcoming Texas arc featuring an Independent Republic of Texas. Along the way, we swap stories on voice care, grounding in faith, preaching dynamics, and the push-pull between national unity and self-determination. CC offers listeners a free ebook of Upheaval, teases novellas (including a cartel-linked villain origin), and promises two new releases next year.

Resources and ways to connect: CC’s site is ccrobinsonauthor.com. Grab the free ebook for Joe Rooz listeners at ccrobinsonauthor.com/joerooz. Follow my show updates at joerooz.com and catch our upcoming weekend crypto chat with resident “crypto psychic” Marissa Lee. As always, send your questions and guest ideas through the site or email, and stay tuned for more author spotlights and real-talk conversations.

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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley

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(00:04:10) Cold open and show intro from Asylum Studios

(00:05:02) Thursday switch-up, schedule changes, and weekend tease

(00:05:41) Tonight’s lineup: guest Cece Robinson and upcoming crypto talk

(00:06:17) Job inspection heads-up and email list for updates

(00:10:43) Introducing guest Cece Robinson: MD, public health leader, author

(00:12:03) Icebreakers: grounding, bugs, and Texas critter stories

(00:15:43) Wind-down drinks: tea, Manuka honey, and voice care

(00:17:42) Bourbon tales, Kentucky roots, and lifestyle changes

(00:20:36) Field medicine in Sierra Leone: rebuilding after civil war

(00:24:57) From global service to Cincinnati: lessons and local tensions

(00:25:31) Cece’s path: writing first, detour into business, then medicine

(00:26:52) Why YA dystopia? Heroes, action, and amplified issues

(00:29:47) Blending dystopia with real places: Cincinnati and beyond

(00:30:52) The Divided series overview: Book 1 Upheaval, Book 2 Caged

(00:33:59) Book 3 tease: Harriet’s road trip to Texas under pursuit

(00:34:26) Origins and process: the dream, research, and character voices

(00:37:02) On memoirs, storytelling courage, and audiences

(00:37:35) Texas in Book 3: the Independent Republic of Texas idea

(00:38:38) Real-world Texas independence talk and state sovereignty

(00:48:02) Debating union vs. secession: stability, community, and risk

(00:54:37) What’s next: releases, novellas, and “walls, balls” merch reveal

(00:56:16) Hopes for readers: curiosity, hard conversations, shared tables

(00:56:47) Faith and balance: pastoring, illness, and finding rhythm

(01:03:40) Preaching styles, ministry memories, and voice wear

(01:03:44) Role models: Desmond Tutu’s courage in conflict

(01:04:56) Where to find Cece and a free ebook for listeners

(01:06:18) Wrap-up: thanks, community updates, and sign-off

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

- CC Robinson

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