A Veteran’s Voice in Crime Fiction: G.A. Sallee’s Debut Novel Arrives This Fall

Atlanta Wire Staff on August 6, 2025

By: Matthew Kayser

The thriller genre continues to capture the imagination of millions, drawing listeners and readers into stories filled with mystery, suspense, and moral complexity. G.A. Sallee, a disabled veteran and author, contributes a fresh entry to the genre with his debut novel, True Crime: Fact or Fiction, set to release this fall. With its intricate psychological twists and immersive storytelling, the book presents a compelling narrative influenced by the author’s personal experiences and a lifelong passion for writing.

G.A. Sallee was born and raised in California, with a life shaped by diverse experiences. Before joining the Army, he worked in a variety of roles, each adding perspective to his worldview. His military service included participation in the Iraq War, experiences that helped shape his resilience, discipline, and understanding of human nature.

After leaving the Army, Sallee returned to a longstanding passion: writing. “My passion for writing started in high school,” he reflects. “After the Army, I picked up the pen again and never looked back.” Now residing in South Carolina with his wife, Sandrice, their three dogs, and a supportive extended family, Sallee has worked to transform that passion into purpose.

Introducing True Crime: Fact or Fiction

Sallee’s debut novel follows Scott Townsend, a true crime podcaster who embarks on an investigation into a local cold case, hoping to boost his show’s popularity. However, when he uncovers a second, disturbingly similar murder, the story takes a darker turn. What initially starts as a research project becomes a consuming obsession. The focus shifts from “Who did it?” to “Who is watching?”

With a tagline asking, “Is it just a podcast, or is it a trap?” Sallee draws readers into a suspenseful world where the boundary between fact and fiction blurs, and every discovery seems to lead to greater danger. The book encourages readers to question the stories they follow and consider the consequences of uncovering the truth.

A Distinct Perspective on the Genre

As true crime continues to gain popularity—nearly 60% of Americans engage with true crime content monthly—Sallee offers a unique perspective with his debut thriller. His military background, combined with a clear and accessible writing style, creates a blend of emotional depth and narrative intrigue.

While working on the novel, Sallee often wrote with his dog Jake curled up on his lap. “Jake was my writing buddy. He’d lie there for hours while I typed on my laptop,” he recalls. These quiet, intimate moments contributed to shaping a story that is both tense and grounded in real-world emotions.

Looking Toward the Future

Sallee is not focused on a single book. “I’d like to publish more books—and perhaps see some success along the way,” he shares. For now, he invites readers to explore the world he has created, where fiction mirrors reality and danger follows every revelation.

True Crime: Fact or Fiction is more than just a book. It marks the beginning of Sallee’s literary journey, one that introduces a new voice and perspective to the world of crime fiction.

You can learn more and follow the release at gasallee.com. If you enjoy a good thriller or murder mystery, this is a story worth exploring.

The Discipline Behind the Growth: How David Carroll Stays DOPE

Atlanta Wire Staff on August 6, 2025

By: Alexandra Perez

Building a multimillion-dollar business isn’t just about implementing efficient systems or securing strong sales. It’s also about becoming the type of person capable of managing the demands and responsibilities that come with it. For Dave Carroll, founder and CEO of DOPE Marketing, success is not driven by shortcuts or hacks, but by discipline.

“You don’t grow a $30 million company by accident,” Carroll says. “And it’s unlikely you’ll do it without personal growth along the way.”

From giving up alcohol to creating a personal routine that might seem daunting to most, Carroll has built habits that match the scale of his ambition. For him, the growth of DOPE didn’t truly begin until he made significant changes to his personal life.

“One of the best decisions I made was quitting drinking,” he shares. “It helped me gain the clarity I needed to perform at a higher level. Once I removed that from my life, I started to see what I was truly capable of.”

This decision led to other positive changes. He began waking up earlier, running more frequently, lifting weights consistently, eating healthier, and practicing meditation. These actions were not for external validation; they were about showing up for himself with genuine intention.

“I don’t use an alarm. I just get up. Usually around 4 or 4:30. I need to take care of myself before the world has its demands.”

As DOPE scaled from under 20 employees to more than 120, the pressure increased. Such growth challenges everything: the systems, the personal well-being, and the leadership. For Carroll, fitness became the stabilizing factor.

“I run three to four times a week and lift at least three times a week. If I’m not doing both, I feel off,” he says. “Some people follow strict science. I follow what works. I look to people who’ve built significant things and maintained their peace. They all share a common thread: they move their bodies, eat well, and nurture their minds.”

Even with this structured routine, he’s the first to admit that it’s not always perfect. “There are times when I fall off, eating junk, skipping workouts, slipping into old habits. But I always come back. Because I know what it feels like to be dialed in. And I know how it feels when I’m not.”

That self-awareness helps him stay grounded when challenges arise in the business. Whether it’s financial stress, team conflicts, or unmet targets, Carroll leans into the same mindset that pushes him through tough runs or difficult hikes.

“When I’m frustrated, I remind myself that I’ve been through tough times before. You want to quit, but you don’t. You make the decision to keep going. That’s how you build stamina in business.”

What sets Carroll apart is his honesty about the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. “Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. Even when you’re surrounded by a driven team, there’s still a gap. That’s why your mindset matters. You have to be able to talk to yourself in a constructive way.”

For him, self-talk isn’t about hyping himself up or being overly critical; it’s about staying centered. “I don’t put myself down. I’m not focused on over-encouraging myself either. I simply remind myself of what’s possible. Then I get back to work.”

This balanced approach shows in how he sets goals. Not every goal has to be public, flashy, or grand. Sometimes, it’s simply about feeling good in your body. “Looking good in a T-shirt is not the same as being healthy. You can lift heavy and ignore recovery, but eventually, your body will catch up. I want to feel good while I work, not just look good in a photo.”

He admits that the internal work isn’t always easy. Tracking metrics, journaling, and meditating are all challenges for him. “I struggle with it. I miss food logs, snooze the reminders, and resist the structure. But the things I resist most are usually the ones that benefit me the most. So I try to push through.”

And when the long days hit—and they always do—Carroll comes back to what truly matters: his family, his team, and the collective vision they are working towards. “We built this roller coaster. No one’s coming to fix it if it breaks. It’s ours. So, it’s our responsibility to keep it moving.”

What makes Carroll’s story impactful isn’t just the success of DOPE Marketing. It’s the fact that his personal growth was the foundation for everything. The company couldn’t rise until he did.

“Without the internal changes I’ve made, there’s no way DOPE would be where it is today,” David Carroll says. “If you want your company to grow, start with yourself.”

How Regenerative Wellness Supports Executive Performance

Atlanta Wire Staff on August 6, 2025

By: Huey Lee

In today’s business environment, leadership performance isn’t just measured in revenue or market share — it’s reflected in the leader’s stamina, clarity, and ability to make consistent, high-quality decisions under pressure. The leaders who can maintain their edge over years, not just quarters, are the ones shaping the future of their industries.

Dr. Luis Del Rio, founder of Peak Health and author of The Science of Peak Health, believes that a new approach to executive wellness is emerging: regenerative-inspired performance strategies. While regenerative medicine is a developing field, his focus is on non-medical, wellness-based protocols designed to help leaders optimize their energy, focus, and resilience.

“Business is a performance sport,” says Dr. Del Rio. “And like any reputable athlete, leaders need structured recovery and intentional routines to perform at their best year after year.”

The Shift From Maintenance to Mastery

For decades, wellness in the workplace meant basic perks — gym memberships, occasional health screenings, or annual retreats. But Dr. Del Rio sees a shift toward a more intentional, high-impact model.

In The Science of Peak Health, he describes the concept of performance-care — proactive routines designed to enhance daily function, support recovery, and prevent the dips that come with unmanaged stress and fatigue.

“Instead of asking, ‘How do I keep going?’ the question becomes, ‘How do I go further — and still feel great doing it?’” he explains.

What Regenerative-Inspired Means for Leaders

At Peak Health, regenerative-inspired wellness is about applying insights from recovery science, cellular health, and performance psychology into practical, non-medical strategies. These may include:

Personalized hydration and nutrition planning to support consistent energy.
Structured recovery windows before and after peak work periods.
Mobility and posture coaching to reduce strain during long workdays.
Sleep and rest optimization strategies tailored to travel schedules.

These aren’t treatments for illness — they’re tools for keeping high-performing individuals balanced and capable in demanding environments.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Today’s leaders face unprecedented complexity. Technology moves faster, teams are often global, and economic pressures demand constant adaptability. In this environment, mental fatigue and physical strain can become leadership liabilities.

Dr. Del Rio notes that leaders who integrate wellness into their core strategy tend to make clearer decisions, adapt faster, and maintain stronger relationships — all critical elements in high-stakes leadership.

“Your mind works better when your body is supported,” he says. “When you’re running low, it’s not just your energy that suffers — it’s your judgment, creativity, and patience.”

From the Book: The Three Pillars of Peak Health

In The Science of Peak Health, Dr. Del Rio outlines three foundational pillars for leaders who want to sustain performance:

Clarity – Mental sharpness fueled by consistent, balanced daily rhythms.
Capacity – The ability to handle high workloads without depleting reserves.
Continuity – Maintaining performance standards over the long term, not just in bursts.

Peak Health’s regenerative-inspired protocols are built around these pillars, adapting to each leader’s specific schedule, travel demands, and professional goals.

How Regenerative Wellness Supports Executive Performance

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Luis Del Rio

How Peak Health Delivers a Leadership Advantage

Personalization Over Templates
While general wellness advice is easy to find, Dr. Del Rio emphasizes that leaders need customized solutions. Every Peak Health client starts with a wellness mapping process — not a diagnosis, but a structured look at lifestyle patterns, recovery habits, and energy fluctuations.
On-Demand Support
For executives who can’t afford downtime, Peak Health offers concierge services at home, in the office, or during travel. This allows wellness routines to integrate seamlessly into busy schedules.
Continuous Adjustment
Rather than setting a plan and walking away, Dr. Del Rio acts as an ongoing partner, refining protocols as workloads, seasons, and goals change.

The Business Case for Regenerative-Inspired Wellness

Forward-thinking companies are recognizing that supporting leadership health isn’t just a personal perk — it’s a strategic asset. A leader who consistently shows up with focus, resilience, and presence has a measurable impact on culture, decision-making, and team stability.

While outcomes may vary, leaders who work with Peak Health often report:

More consistent daily energy.
Reduced fluctuations in focus during intense projects.
Greater ability to maintain healthy routines during travel or high-pressure periods.

These advantages compound over time, creating a stronger leadership presence that can guide organizations through both growth and challenge.

Confidentiality as a Core Value

High-level leaders often cite privacy as a key factor in choosing wellness partners. Peak Health builds confidentiality into every interaction — from discreet scheduling to on-site services that eliminate the need for public visits.

“Trust is foundational,” says Dr. Del Rio. “When leaders know their privacy is protected, they can focus fully on the process.”

Looking Beyond the Individual

While Peak Health works primarily with executives, the benefits often ripple outward. Leaders who model intentional wellness can influence their teams to adopt healthier work habits, reducing burnout and improving overall organizational resilience.

In The Science of Peak Health, Dr. Del Rio calls this the “culture cascade” — the way leadership behaviors set the tone for the rest of the company.

The Future of Leadership Performance

As more leaders embrace regenerative-inspired wellness, Dr. Del Rio predicts it will become a core component of leadership development programs, not just a personal choice.

“Just as companies train leaders in communication or strategy, they’ll start training them in energy management and recovery,” he says. “It’s part of leading well in a world that demands more from us than ever.”

Final Word

Dr. Luis Del Rio’s The Science of Peak Health is more than a book about wellness — it’s a framework for sustaining leadership excellence. By integrating regenerative-inspired strategies into daily life, leaders can protect their valuable asset: their ability to show up as their best selves, day after day.

“Peak performance isn’t an accident,” says Dr. Del Rio. “It’s the result of deliberate choices, consistent routines, and the right support. That’s what we’re here to provide.”

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. Dr. Luis Del Rio’s Peak Health program focuses on optimizing wellness through lifestyle strategies and recovery techniques, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. Results may vary for each individual, and the information provided should be used in conjunction with advice from qualified healthcare providers. Always consult with a medical professional before starting any new wellness or health program.