Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello! I’m Joshua Shuster, though my students know me affectionately as “Mr. Shu.” I’m a dedicated educational professional with over a decade of experience transforming students’ academic journeys in Chicago. Currently, I serve as an Academic Intervention Teacher, specializing in Mathematics and Reading for students from 1st through 8th grade. I hold an undergraduate degree in Biology & Education-Psychology from Ball State University, and I’m currently pursuing my M.Ed. at Loyola University with endorsements in English Language Learners and Learning Behavior Specialist; I’ll graduate in May 2026. Beyond traditional education, I’m an entrepreneur who founded and operates Shuster Visionaries, a business specializing in Writing, SEL, Executive Function, and Test Prep. I’ve developed the innovative MAPS Method that transforms struggling students into confident, independent learners. Beginning August 2026, I am planning to work toward a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership because I believe in staying at the forefront of educational practices.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need”?
A2. The biggest challenge was translating complex philosophical concepts into practical, everyday language that anyone could understand and apply. I wanted to honor the wisdom of great thinkers like Gandhi, Aristotle, and Einstein while making their insights accessible to busy families struggling with financial decisions. Another challenge was being vulnerable enough to share personal experiences and observations from my 12-year educational career without compromising student privacy. I also had to balance being encouraging about pursuing dreams while being realistic about distinguishing between healthy wants and destructive impulses. Finding that sweet spot between inspiration and practicality required multiple drafts and a lot of soul-searching.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Beyond the philosophical giants I quote throughout the book—Gandhi, Aristotle, Einstein, and Churchill—I’ve been deeply influenced by educational psychology texts and behavioral economics works that explore decision-making. The Dalai Lama’s writings on mindfulness and choice have shaped my understanding of conscious living. C.S. Lewis’s ability to make profound truths simple and accessible has been a model for my own writing style. As an educator, I’m also influenced by authors who write about learning differences and student motivation. My goal was to write something that combined the wisdom of classical philosophy with the practical insights of modern psychology and education. Additionally, I’ve been following and reading more modern books from authors such as Stephen Covey, Mel Robbins, Brene Brown, Joseph Nguyen, John Kim, Mark Nepo, Brianna Wiest, Bianca Sparacino, Heidi Priebe, and Louise Hay…just to name a few.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite place is actually right here in Chicago, specifically the neighborhoods whereI live and where I work with families and students. There’s something incredibly grounding about walking through communities where I see the real-world impact of the concepts I write about. Whether it’s the West Side, where I witness families making tough choices between needs and wants daily, or the lakefront, where I can reflect on the bigger picture, Chicago represents the heart of my work. The city’s diversity and resilience constantly remind me why understanding the difference between needs and wants matters so much. It’s where theory meets reality, and where I see the transformative power of making conscious choices every single day.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A5. Growing up and especially after 12 years in education, I kept seeing the same pattern: Friends, students, and families struggling not because they lacked resources, but because they couldn’t distinguish between what they truly needed and what they thought they wanted. I watched brilliant kids fail because their families prioritized the latest gadgets over educational support, and I saw friends stress themselves into illness chasing lifestyle wants while neglecting basic needs. The breaking point came when I realized that many of the behavioral and academic issues I was either addressing in school or in my personal life actually stemmed from this fundamental confusion at home. I wrote this book because I believe that teaching people to make this distinction isn’t just about money—it’s about creating the foundation for a purposeful, satisfying life. Everyone deserves that clarity and peace.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A6. The actual writing took about eight months, but the ideas had been developing for years through my work with students and families. I’d been taking notes and observing patterns in my educational practice for over a decade before I realized I had a book’s worth of insights. The writing process involved early morning sessions before school, weekend marathons, and lots of late-night reflection after particularly challenging days with students. I wanted to make sure every concept was tested, not just in theory but in real-world application with the families I serve. The dedication page mentions people who “have come into my life for no other reason than to teach me a lesson”—many of those lessons took years to fully understand before I could write about them authentically.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. “The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need” is published by Pine Tree Press and is available through all major online retailers. Readers can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble online, and other major book platforms. I encourage readers to check their preferred online bookstore, as we’ve worked to make it widely accessible. For those who prefer to get it from me directly, I’m going to create a space to do that, where it comes personally autographed. The goal was to make this book as accessible as possible because the principles inside shouldn’t be limited by where someone shops for books. For now, feel free to reach out to me and I can direct anyone where they need to go.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Power Of Want & The Feeling Of Need’?
A8. The title came from countless conversations with families where I noticed people would say “I need this” when they actually meant “I want this.” The word “power” represents the strength that comes from understanding your genuine wants, while “feeling of need” captures how urgent our wants can feel even when they’re not actual necessities. We wanted a cover that felt both approachable and substantial—something that would appeal to busy parents but also convey the serious, life-changing nature of the content inside. The design process involved multiple iterations with Pine Tree Press, always keeping in mind that this book needed to feel welcoming to people who might be struggling financially or emotionally with these very issues.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.
A9. I constantly drew from real experiences with students and families, changing details for privacy but keeping the emotional truth intact. Each chapter tackles the concept from a different angle—philosophical, practical, psychological—so I never felt like I was repeating myself. I also made sure to include diverse voices through the quotes I selected, from ancient philosophers to modern thinkers. What kept me most engaged was remembering specific students who needed these lessons. When I was writing about the power of choice, I was thinking about some former students who transformed their lives by learning to pause before acting on impulse. Those real faces and stories kept both the writing and the content authentic and dynamic.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. “Write like you’re having a conversation with someone you care about who really needs to hear this.” That advice came from a mentor early in my educational career, and it shaped not just my writing but my entire approach to teaching. It’s why the book feels personal and direct rather than academic or preachy. I wrote every chapter imagining I was sitting across from a parent who was stressed about money, or a young adult making their first major financial decisions, or one of my students who needed to understand why their choices matter, or even myself, and why I need gentle reminders too. That conversational tone made the writing process feel natural and ensured that complex ideas remained accessible. The best writing advice is often the simplest: remember that there’s a real human being who needs what you have to offer.
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