Our Authors

Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., D. Path., D.T.M&H, Professor Emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is an internationally recognized authority on the causes and prevention of cancer, the toxic and carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants, and of ingredients and contaminants in consumer products—food, cosmetics and toiletries, and related public policy concerns. He has published some 270 peer-reviewed scientific articles and authored or co-authored 15 books.

Epstein has served as consultant to the U.S. Congress and as a member of the EPA. He has also presented to the United Nations. Epstein has been awarded numerous honors, including the 1998 Right Livelihood Award for International Contributions to Cancer Prevention, and the 2005 Albert Schweitzer Golden Grand Medal for Humanitarianism and for International Contributions to Cancer Prevention. Epstein has appeared on major national TV programs including “60 Minutes,” “Face the Nation,” “Meet the Press,” “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show and documentaries, including the 2004 prize-winning “The Corporation.”

Roy Eskapa, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who has done pioneering research with naltrexone, using it to treat patients in his private practice. He has worked closely with Dr. David Sinclair of The Sinclair Method on research into the causes and treatments for addiction. He also consults for and speaks to government, non-government, health, and education organizations on Sinclair’s revolutionary cure for alcoholism and other addictions.

Jane Espenson grew up in Ames, Iowa, where she was introduced to the writings of Jane Austen at an early age by her English lit-major mother. She eventually found herself with a long career as a television writer/producer, but she never gave up the essential love of Austen. She wrote for a number of half-hour comedies, including “Ellen,” then moved on to drama writing, including stints on “The O.C.,” “Gilmore Girls” and a five-year run on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While working at “Buffy,” she was able to write a vampire-themed comic book story in the style of Austen, rekindling her love for that kind of storytelling. She continues in television, working under a development deal with 20th Century Fox television, creating shows of her own and rereading Austen in her spare time. She’s delighted to be included in this collection.

Aja Evans is a board-certified therapist, consultant, and speaker specializing in financial therapy. With over a decade of experience in mental health, and the intimate understanding that people feel bad about their money, Aja made it a pillar in her work to help others feel supported in their financial journeys. Aja is committed to assisting people in navigating the intersection of mental health and all things “money.” In addition to her clinical practice, Aja is a consultant to FinTech companies looking to integrate the emotional side of money. She has been quoted in major news outlets such as the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Washington Post, CNBC, and NerdWallet. Coined the “feel-good financial therapist,” Aja is on a mission to get more people engaged in living their best life while attuning to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around money. When she isn’t encouraging people to talk openly about their emotions and money, she is running around after her two young children or looking into the next delicious place to eat.