Citywide Blackout: Recent Episodes
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Citywide Blackout is the home for artists of all kinds, from filmmakers to musicians to authors and everything in between. The show also covers comic-cons, book expos, and film festivals.
Canadian singer-songwriter Jon Mullane recently released his new five-song EP, “The Road,” a collection of music inspired in part from his trips to Nashville. Jon joins the show to talk all about that journey and the amazing artists he worked with, including Michael Delaney and Michael Jay.
Jon also talks about his growth as an artist, in part from his many years working with musician and producer Creighton Doane. He shares some insight into starting out as a musician and how to overcome the many obstacles that come up.
Closing out the interview is “Remember in November,” one of the tracks from “The Road.”
And if you want to see more, visit www.jonmullane.com.
For longtime fans, Mikel Wisler is a real blast from the past. He was last on the show in 2019 and this time, we talked for so long, we decided to release it in three parts!
This interview focuses on his soon-to-be-released short sci-fi thriller “Proxy,” released through Elzaon Films and debuting at Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival on Aug. 8. Here’s a look at the story:
“When an AI companion discovers that the woman whose body she now occupies is a victim of human trafficking, she fights to free the body surrogate before the man she was programmed to love destroys them both.”
Mikel talks about the origins of the short film, which is being released as a proof-of-concept for a full-length feature. He shares his experience working with the cast and how they all adapted to their roles. We also shine a light on Diana Porter, who Mikel worked with as a co-writer and co-director for the film.
There’s a lot more to come, so be sure to keep it here for Parts 2 and 3, and visit http://www.mikelwisler.com/ for more!
Catherine Marshall-Smith (author of "American Family") recently released her second novel, “The Resilience of Red Thread” (She Writes Press), which follows a young mother fighting to save herself when her would-be rescuer proves to be as dangerous as the man she escaped.
We talk about what first inspired the book, and how a lengthy period of research led to a significant re-write. Catherine shares the creation of Emily, Lee and Jake and how an abusive husband and would-be-rescuer have more in common than you might think.
On July 26, Catherine had her big debut party and offers some tips for those about host their own launch party and really connect with the audience.
Want to know more? Visit https://catherinemarshallsmith.com.
Kicking off a new musical venture has a lot of steps, and in this episode, we talk with Seattle/Tacoma artists Jody Ellen and Tara Chugh of the band The Sirens about some of the key first parts in the process. We also go into the different ways to grow this into a career, and how you balance the various aspects that can make it up.
Jody and Tara share the story behind the band’s recent single, “Reverberations” and the themes found within the notes. They talk about how they first met and what happened to kick off this collaboration. We also get a sneak peek at a soon-to-be-released single later this summer.
“Reverberations” wraps up this interview, and we hope you check out their other releases.
Want to know more? Check out http://thesirensband.com/. Photo Credit: Skye Warden
A longtime veteran of the music industry, Linda Viens of Girl With A Hawk joins me to talk about the band’s debut album, “Regenesis,” which was released back in June. Linda talked about how it felt to put out the album, done through Rum Bar Records. We also go into the sound of the album, as well as some of the songs and what they mean to her.
Part of the album reflects on a life lived in bands, and Linda share some stories of her many years in music and how she and the band distilled those memories into “Regenesis.” There’s also a bit of a trip down memory lane to our past years in the local music scene, including that time she was putting up flyers…you gotta hear this!
Linda also shares some advice for those about to embark on their own music debut journey, and how to get their message out for everyone to hear.
Wrapping this up is "Share It All" from the debut album.
Check out more at https://girlwithahawk.bandcamp.com/.
To say that Cleve Sylcox is an experienced writer is putting it mildly. Over the years, he’s penned 42 books, ranging from poetry to science fiction to mystery thrillers, and will soon release “The Weight of Nothing,” a collection of short stories on the topic of, well…nothingness.
In this episode, Cleve and I talk about how he got his start as a writer and his early years learning the craft and the people who helped him. He goes into the story behind the story of “The Weight of Nothing” and the many tales contained within.
We also talk a little business, and Cleve talks about the realities of making writing into a paying career and some ways to make it happen. He shares some tips on promotion and what keeps him going after all these years.
Want to learn more? Visit www.clevesbooks.org for much more, and big thanks to Jeff Royds for making this happen!
Turning writing from something you do after work to a full-time job can be a long and difficult journey, and in this episode, author Staci Lynn Wilson shares some insight into how fellow writers can make this happen. She also talks promotion options and the benefits of working with an editor or book group.
Staci has a new book out now called “Murder in the House of Mirrors” through Crystal Lake Publishing. Here’s a look at the story:
In the late 1970s, Los Angeles is gripped by terror as a shadowy figure known as The Looking Glass Killer unleashes a wave of brutal and enigmatic murders. Leaving antique hand mirrors with each victim, this relentless predator pursues a dark and twisted agenda, evading capture at every turn.
Staci goes into the origin of the book and how it ties into her own upbringing, as well as creating a new world of serial killers.
Get your own copy of the new book and her other titles at https://www.stacilaynewilson.com.
In this episode, I welcome back author Jonathan Janz, and do we have a lot to talk about!
It begins with a recent three-book deal that he signed with Weird Tales and Blackstone Publishing for his three upcoming titles—“Marla,” “The Stars Have Left The Skies” and “Panopticon.” We dive into all three books, what they’re about and the possibility of a connection between them.
If that wasn’t enough, the audiobook for “Marla” is set to be released on Aug. 18, by the wife-and-husband team of Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins. Jonathan and I talk about what makes a really good audiobook, particularly for the horror genre.
And there’s more! “Marla” is in development for television, while both “The Stars Have Left The Skies” and “Panopticon” are headed for the big screen. We can’t share all the details now, but do talk a bit about where they are in the process.
Jonathan also shares some business insight, including the importance of just writing, regardless of whether it’s your best, and a realistic look about making writing into a career.
You can learn more about Jonathan and get his books at https://jonathanjanz.com.
We’re talking all things comics on this episode, featuring “13 Demons Dead” by Adam Tierney and set to be released by IDW Publishing on Aug. 4. Here’s a peek at what lies within its pages:
“Fourteen-year-old Everly “Ev” Espada was walking home one night when she spotted her favorite teacher, Father Serrano, suspended in midair, choking and being ripped apart by something she couldn’t see. Acting on pure instinct, Ev swings a nearby pipe and shatters the illusion, exposing a monstrous demon in the middle of her school. With one lucky shot, the creature is dead. And so is Ev’s normal life.
By killing one of Earth’s Thirteen Hidden Demons, Ev has unknowingly triggered an ancient covenant. She’s been marked as the latest demon hunter, and the remaining twelve demons are already coming for her. The rules are simple and merciless: slay all thirteen within one year… or they will return more powerful, more vicious, and utterly unstoppable.”
Adam, Max and Curtis talk about what went into developing the story, which was among Adam’s early forays into the world of comics. Adam shares what it was like working with the title’s artist Saspy, and how they brought his idea to life.
From there, it’s all business, as Adam speaks honestly about the comics industry, imparts some advice on how to get started, and addresses the notion of it being “too late.”
You can learn more at http://adamctierney.com
Getting your foot in the door of the music industry is a challenge, and in this episode, the musical duo of Twayn — twin sisters Hannah and Grace —share their advice, which includes taking the opportunities when they arrive.
We talk their new single, “Wouldn’t It Be Better?” and the very personal experience that inspired it. Hannah and Grace recount their early years and how they came to be a band, and the many lessons learned on the road, particularly from the legendary Jools Holland.
Wrapping this up is their new single, “Wouldn’t It Be Better?”
Like the episode? Be sure to check out https://twayn.co.uk for new music, tour dates, and more.
GRAMMY® Winner and three-time nominee Darlene Koldenhoven’s memoir, “Put Your Dress Down and Sing” (Sibylline Press), shows how a shy, introverted, Calvinist girl from the South Side of Chicago became known globally as the tambourine-waving choir nun in both “Sister Act” movies with Whoopi Goldberg and the featured soprano soloist in “Yanni, Live at the Acropolis,” the most popular PBS-TV Special and video seen by over 1.5 billion worldwide.
And believe it or not, that’s just a portion of the amazing tales in this book.
Darlene talks about the book’s origins and how she came to work with Sibylline Press. We go into the writing process, which took only a handful of months, and how she wound up needing to cut around 100,000 words from the manuscript!
Darlene shares a few stories in the book, such as how the title came to be, her many years in music and the message she hopes to impart to readers.
Want to pre-order your copy? Then head over to www.darlenekoldenhoven.com!
Following his time with the legendary American punk band Model Citizen, ChiodoSupply has a new venture, but with the same vibe and message. In this episode, we’re going to talk about art and speaking to the state of the world, which is captured in his new single, “Homeland.”
Chiodo and I also share the hard truths of the music industry, the use of artificial intelligence in making art, and give a few tips on getting your foot in the door.
Wrapping up this episode is the single that got this all started, “Wandering and Wanting.”
Like the episode? Then check out more of Chido at https://chiodosupply.com/.
Just in time for the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday, author Mima Tipper has released a new book, “Channeling Marilyn.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:
High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.
Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears—ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach.
Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death.
Curtis and I talk all about the inspiration for this book, Mima’s second (so far!). She shares her interest in the legendary Marilyn and what she learned about her during the writing process. She talks about the creation of her protagonist, Lexa Donovan, and how the two interact.
Mima also talks about the business of writing, offering her advice for taking feedback and the value of having someone to critique your work. She goes into the challenges of making writing into a business and the importance of really knowing the genre.
If you like this episode, please check out www.mimatipper.com.
Author Perrin Pring joins me to talk about her recently-released book, “Cash and Gravity” (Diversion Books), set in a world where everyone’s trying to get off it as quickly as possible.
In this book, Chevy Cole is a female Launch Tech Marine who lives in a world where mega corporations battle each other for Earthly metals in the pursuit of one day getting humans permanently off planet.
During a battle, Chevy comes across a crash site containing a super soldier, an Ace, who has the world's first mobile fusion device. Chevy knows her corporation stole it from their rival. She is forced to partner with Dolon, a phantom, a man so analogue he can use cash and navigate by paper map, to get them to a safe house, thrusting them on a low-tech, high-stakes road trip across the American West.
We’re going to talk all about the worldbuilding and character creation that went into this as well as the many re-writes and how this changed the story. Perrin also talks a little shop and shares some advice for fellow debut writers.
Like what you heard? Then check out www.psquaredbooks.com for more!
Following our talk about new music and the New England Americana Fest, Boston-based musician Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners stuck around to talk a little business—specifically, the music business.
In this episode, we go into the things he thinks musicians should stop doing, as well as the different ways that they can make a living—and it’s more than just selling merch or tickets. Kier shares some really important advice, such as not waiting for things to be perfect, because that’s never going to happen.
We talk a little gear talk, and Kier gives some ideas as to what an aspiring musician could buy with $100. We also look ahead to what new opportunities lie ahead for musicians and examine the notion of it being “too late” to get your start.
Closing this episode out is “Goin’ Down in Style,” one of songs from the band’s new EP, ““Moonshine & Other Spirits.”
Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!
In this episode, I’m reunited with Boston’s own Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners. They’ve got a new EP out called “Moonshine & Other Spirits,” an absolutely amazing five-track collection of high-energy Americana music.
Kier and I talk about the origin of this album, which all began at an off-the-grid moonshine distillery in New Hampshire (yes, that really happened). We go into the sound of the album, as well as the great guest musicians that worked with the band.
Kier reflects on the band’s 2025, which saw a Boston Music Award win, shows in Europe and of course, new music galore.
This is part one of our talk, and be sure to check out the second episode, where we go into the business side of music.
Closing this episode out is “My Baby’s Happy,” one of songs from the EP.
Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!
In this episode, I’m joined by author AJ O. Mason and illustrator Dominic Bustamante to talk about new sci-fi YA queer graphic novel, “Kloud 9: The Star Soldier,” which drops on July 7 through IDW.
Kloud 9 follows Kal, an Earthling without much purpose in life. Cosmot’urr Col Al’neyr, Cosmo for short, is an alien struggling to find his place in the galaxy. Sparks fly when the two meet—but when Cosmo’s past catches up with him, Kal is forced to make a choice: remain on Earth or follow his crush into the great unknown. Now they just have to navigate the dangers of outer space, a megalomaniac pseudoparent, and their growing feelings for each other.
AJ and Dominic share how they began collaborating on this project, and how the process went for two people who never worked together before. We dive into the Dominic’s art style and the new world of sci-fi that he got to draw. AJ talks about how he grew as a writer and the lessons learned.
We also talk a little business, such as how to launch an idea from the initial concept and ways to find a publishing company.
You can learn more about this talented duo at https://ajomason.com and https://linktr.ee/Dommnics.
We hope that you enjoyed Part 1 of our discussion with Lynzi and TJ of the band Pixiepunk, because there is a lot more to hear!
Music, in the end, is a business, and we talk all about that aspect with TJ and Lynzi. They dive into the things that musicians should NOT be doing, as well as new opportunities down the road.
The two share some hard —but very accurate — truths about the industry, and while it’s hard to hear, it’s important for people to note. They also offer some insight into what newcomers to music can do to make their mark and believe me, this is worth hearing
Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials!
Wrapping up this episode is the new single “Spies.”
In this episode, author Brad Barkley joins me to talk about his newest YA book, “The Reel Life of Zara Kegg (Regal House, June 16, 2026). Here’s a look at the story:
“Three years after her mother’s death, 16-year-old Zara still feels like an outsider in Carolina Beach. Working during the beach’s off-season as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre—a rundown retro cinema that shows only vintage ’50s sci-fi and horror flicks, including a major Godzilla marathon—she spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups and the occasional existential crisis.
Then she meets Zachary, who might be the most interesting person she’s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm and wonders if trust is possible.”
Brad and I talk about the role of cinema in this book as well as the themes of grief and mental health and how they’re all portrayed. Brad shares the origins of Zara and creating the setting for the book.
We talk business as well, such as how the YA genre has changed and how one prepares for the many rejection letters likely to come. We offer a few pieces of advice for prospective writers, particular those looking to break into the YA field.
Like what you heard? Then visit https://www.bradbarkley.com for more.
I’ve been a fan of the band Pixiepunk for a while now, so getting to talk with members Lynzi and TJ is something I’ve been looking forward to. We had such a great time and talke for so long that we decided to make this a two-parter!
So in this episode, it’s all about the music, as we dive into their (at the time) newest release “Roses,” and the interesting origin behind it. We talk about their song “I Don’t Fit In,” their response to the request to write a bio…instead, they wrote a song!
We also go into the band’s origin, keeping active during the pandemic, and how they create that unique Pixiepunk song.
Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials!
Wrapping up this episode is the single “Roses.”
Making a comic is a lot of work, but taking that first step is the most important part. Writer/artist Mike Maihack talks about that step in this episode, as we dive into his new title, “The Moonlit Spiral,” to be released Oct. 6 through Candlewick Press.
Mike shares how those with an idea can make it happen, and not through a long-running series or a 100-page trade. He also gives a few tips as to what tools or programs are among his preferred to use.
Mike talks about the origin of this new comic, a fantasy story about two friends, Rion and Zola, on a quest to find the last treasure on the world of Helix. He goes into the art of the comic, which is just beautiful, and how he created the world of “The Moonlit Spiral,” as well as some new things he got to try.
Like what you’ve seen? Be sure to visit https://operationspacecat.com and pre-order your copy, and check out his other comics.
Emily Woo Zeller has been in the voice acting performance field for many years, and may have even voiced the audiobook you’re reading now, so she has a lot to talk about when it comes to breaking into this field and earning your spot.
This episode takes a deep dive into how Emily started off, with a really fun origin story! She talks about the steps people can take if they’re interested in trying the VA industry, and gives some very honest thoughts on what works and what doesn’t. We also talk equipment and what is essential to start off, and AI and its impact on the industry comes up as well.
Emily also talks favorite roles over the years, the different genres she has voiced, and gives a hint or two as to what lies ahead.
Like what you heard? You can visit https://emilywoozeller.com to learn more.
Zara Marielle’s empowering fantasy debut “The Cafe of Infinite Doors” (now available) follows a trapped housewife who finds shelter in a magical cafe after a fight with her toxic husband, only to be drawn into a thousand-year-old battle between two Scottish goddesses, which threatens to destroy not only the cafe, but the entire world.
In this episode, Zara talks about the origin of the story and how she developed and worldbuilt it into the final book. She talks about her protagonist Marceline, how she was created and the unique situation she finds herself in. We also dive into what it’s like being a debut author, and Zara offers some advice for those about to embark on their own literary journey.
Like what you heard? Check out www.zaramarielle.com for more info to get your copy.
Comic creator Dave Wielgosz joins us to walk a road of revenge and redemption in his first creator-owned comic, “Showdown.” The first issue drops on May 13 through Ignition Press. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
When Trish Sullivan left her hometown for college, she left behind unfinished business. Now she’s back and looking to settle up.
Trish blames Harvey Harlowe for the death of her little brother, so Trish’s homecoming is an eye-for-an-eye mission. She’s going to kill him, and Harvey should get his affairs in order. But Harvey’s dad has just died, and an injury destroyed his football scholarship. Without a future ahead of him, Trish’s challenge is all the more welcome. He’s more than ready to go down fighting, and no one is going to step in and save him.
Dave talks about the origin of the story, which he developed over the last 12 years. He introduces us to the team and shares how each one of their contributions helped shape the comic. We also talk about how he came to work with Ignition Press and how it feels to have his first creator-owned title about to debut.
We’ve got a lot to share about the business of comics, and Dave offers his advice on what first-timers can do to launch their comic. He offers perspective on past hurdles and how he overcame them and looks ahead to where the industry is going.
Like what you hear? Check out the comic at https://ignitionpress.com/pages/property/showdown.
What should be your first step as a musician? I pose this questions to singer and actor Michelle Forziati in this week’s episode. We talk about the lessons she’s learned as an artist and her advice to those just beginning their own journeys.
Michelle shares the story behind her single “Stranger” and how this pushed her into the world of music and the story behind her most recent release, “Once More.”
Michelle’s recent single, “Once More” closes out this episode.
Like what you heard? Then follow her on Spotify at https://tinyurl.com/mter4p93.
Woodstock, 1969–A cultural milestone in this country’s history. Now, add some vampires. Trust me, it works.
Now, picture yourself, an aspiring comic creator looking for that first step to make your idea a reality.
You’ll get both in this week’s episode, where I talk with SHP Comics founder and the writer behind their new title “Woodstake,” Shawn Hainsworth. Shawn and I begin with the origin of this great new comic, including how he developed it from concept to finished product. Shawn shares working artist Felipe Kroll and his reaction to seeing his art, which is really one of a kind.
Shawn also gives some tips on the best ways to get your work out into the world, and ways to convert a passerby at a convention into a potential new customer. He also offers a first step he thinks creators should take when it comes to making their comic.
Now that you’ve got all that, head over to https://shpcomics.com/ to get your copy of “Woodstake” (with a special offer!).
When it comes to launching your music, starting can be the hardest part. How long before you know if you’re ‘ready’ to play? Tyler Pollard of the Boston-based band Robotic Hawks has been in the music game for a long time and believes that there is no ‘ready.’ You just gotta go for it!
Check out this episode for that discussion, as well as a dive into their new EP, “New, Better Things.” It’s four songs of awesome, recorded by Benny Grotto/Mad Oak Studios and mixed by band hero, Paul Q. Kolderie (yes, I ask about that!). Tyler also talks about booking shows and gives us a preview into upcoming performances.
We’re going to wrap up this episode with “Heartbeat,” my personal fave off the new EP.
You can check out more at www.richardtylerpollard.com.
Ottawa-based hard rock band The Space Between recently released a new single, “Weapon of Choice,” from their forthcoming album, “Dying Sun,” and I for one cannot wait to hear the rest.
Band members Maryn Pegan and James Shaheen join us to talk about working with producer Brian Moncarz at Noble Street Studios and how this offered a brand new experience for the band.
We go into the themes and story behind the single and their vintage approach to the sound. Maryn and James talk about the origin of The Space Between and how the four members met up, and give us a glimpse of what’s to come.
Wrapping up this interview is “Weapon of Choice,” and be sure to visit www.thespacebetweenband.com for show dates, merch and a lot more.
Awhile back, we featured the single “Comets” by the Boston alt-rock duo Arrows of Athena as part of the Blackout Collection. Now, Scott Lerner and Jac-Lyn Gibson join me to talk about the 19th century story that inspired it.
We also dive into their new album, “Daydreaming,” which came out on April 3. We talk origin stories, being live on stage for the first time in awhile and what's next for Arrows of Athena.
Wrapping up this episode is “Comets,” one of the singles from “Daydreaming.”
Like what you heard? Then check out more at https://www.arrowsofathena.com.
With her new EP, “Between Then and Now,” 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie captures the space between two chapters of life and the quiet realization of how much growth happens in the in-between.
In this episode, we talk about that time and the different stories that the album covers, including a powerful dedication to her fiddle teacher. Millie also shares how she first found the fiddle and what about it drew her in. She talks about some dream collaborations and gives us a hint at her next album.
Like what you heard? Check out https://irishmillie.ca for more.
Closing out this episode is the song “Allison,” one of my favorites off the new EP.
Picture this—an island paradise, cut off from all the craziness that we see in the world today. A perfect society, where nothing can go wrong….until it does.
Author Mia Dalia joins me to talk about her new book, “Beautiful, Once,” out through Crystal Lake Publishing. Here’s a look at the story:
When a controversial tech billionaire retreats from society, he constructs a private island designed to be the ultimate controlled experiment: a hand-selected population, sustainable systems, and a flawless model for humanity’s future. A paradise engineered to perfection.
But perfection breeds boredom.
Seeking recognition—and perhaps validation—he sends a message into the cosmos, broadcasting The Island’s triumph to the universe. All hell breaks loose when something replies.
Within hours, the community fractures. Neighbors turn on neighbors. A savage, insatiable hunger spreads. Civilization unravels.
I’ve just started reading this and am loving it! Mia and I talk all about the creation of the book, the different perspectives of the characters that drive it, and get a peek at just how badly things go wrong. Mia also shares the story behind the amazing cover and gives us a look at her many works to be released in 2026.
Like what you heard? Then check out Mia’s website at https://daliaverse.wixsite.com/author.
And discover all the amazing Crystal Lake authors at https://www.crystallakepub.com.
JUNO Award-winning blues artist Crystal Shawanda’s new album “Sing Pretty Blues,” has earned her a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. It’s a real powerhouse of an album, with a range of music that doesn’t hold back.
In this interview, Crystal talks about what it means to receive this nomination and her reaction on getting the news. We talk about her many years in music and the different paths she’s taken from a country artist to singing the blues. She shares the themes and stories behind “Sing Pretty Blues” and working with her husband Dewayne Strobel on the creation process. We also talk upcoming festivals, and get a look at what’s next.
Wrapping up this episode is the single “Preaching Blues,” the strong opener to the new album. Be sure to follow Crystal on Instagram at crystalshawanda and visit https://crystalshawanda3.bandzoogle.com/home.
Between winning awards and releasing a new album, Boston’s Elisa Smith has a lot to talk about, so kick back and enjoy the stories!
Back in November, Elisa was at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to accept the Female Country Song of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards. To describe the venue as legendary would be a tremendous understatement, and Elisa shares how it felt stand on that stage. She talks about the family connection to the Opry, one of the many places she’s been to in her years of going to Nashville. Of course, we have to talk Boston venues as well.
Later this year, Elisa will release her newest album, “Perfume,” and we dive into the creation process and the folks she worked with to make it happen. We talk themes and sounds and all that her fans can expect. And of course, we look at what’s next.
Closing out the interview is Elisa’s Josie Award-winning song, “Nashville Don't Forget Me.” And if you liked that, be sure to visit www.elisasmithmusic.com for all the music and merch.
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Comic creator/writer DM Ray joins us to talk about his debut fantasy comic series, “The Madcaps,” being published by Philbo Entertainment. It’s a medieval fantasy mini-series about the reunion of four friends interrupted by a local drug problem.
Ray, Curtis and Max talk about the making of the four main characters—Dunnan, Sarlac, Chasgo and Medrakus. We dive into backstories, how the idea for the series came about, and how it feels to have it ready to go!
Ray introduces us to the team behind the comic— art by Evan Quiring, colors by Dan Kemp, and letters by Micah Myers. He shares how he met these folks and what it’s been like working together. He also talks about the experience of getting published by Philbo Entertainment and shares some advice on how others can make their own comic ideas become reality.
Like what you heard? Then connect with DM Ray on Instagram under raymondthedm.
Founded in 2021 by Shawn Hainsworth, SHP Comics is a blend of different styles and stories, from children’s imagination to horror set at Woodstock. Shawn joins us to introduce the company and how it came to be, as well as the different titles they’re working on.
One of those is “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King,” out on April 14. Deep underground, Zicky plunges into the lair of the Rat King—a tyrant amassing an army of rodents to invade the real world. A mysterious supervillain lurks in the shadows, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.
Shawn shares the origin of Zicky and how he connected with the team of writers and artists that brought the idea to life. We also dive into how those of you with your own idea for a story can make it happen.
Like what you’ve heard? Then check out https://shpcomics.com/. “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King” is available for pre-order, and there’s a lot more to check out!
Victoria Dillon’s new novel “Ava” (She Writes Press, March 3) asks a pivotal question: What if the only way to reclaim reproductive freedom was to rewrite the very nature of birth itself?
Ten years after Roe v. Wade is overturned, 22-year-old comparative biologist Larkin finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in a country where choice is no longer an option. Initially uncertain, she embraces motherhood—until a devastating diagnosis changes everything. Trapped by Tennessee’s strict abortion laws, she is forced to carry her baby, Maeve, to term, only to endure the heartbreak of losing her hours after birth.
Years later, still haunted by her loss, Larkin joins a radical scientific movement that could change everything: a groundbreaking technology that replaces gestation with incubation, allowing women true control over their reproduction. When she uses it to bring her second daughter, Ava, into the world, she believes she has finally reclaimed her autonomy. But as Ava grows and begins to question the very choice that created her, Larkin is challenged in ways she never imagined.
In this interview, Victoria talks about her background as a former research scientist and how this factored into the book, including how she developed this entirely new way for humans to give birth. She shares the day that Roe V Wade was repealed and how this singular event inspired the book. We also discuss Larkin, how the loss of her first child leads her to try this new science and the repercussion on her and her second child Ava.
If you enjoyed the interview, check out more at https://victoriadillonauthor.com/.
Kimberly Behre Kenna has become a familiar name on this show, having been featured twice already. So of course, I knew we had to have her back on for the third book in her Brave Girls Collection, “Lola Gillette and the Summer of Second Chances” out on March 3.
In this episode, Kimberly talks about the theme of second chances and how it’s featured in the book. We’re introduced to Lola, who’s desperate to complete their treasured Perfect Pairs Collection after the death of her twin sister. We talk about Uncle Milo, and how Connecticut actor and inventor William Gillette inspired him.
Want to learn more? Then check out https://www.kimberlybehrekenna.com.
Some of it comes from real life, some of it from her imagination. The result—the Carolina Crossfire Mystery series, now two books in….and more to come!
In this episode, author Wendy Gee joins us to talk about her newest addition, “Side Hustle,” and you’re going to love the story.
Charleston’s top investigative TV reporter, Sydney Quinn, lives to expose the city’s darkest secrets. So, when a former firefighter takes two paramedics hostage, she talks her way inside, offering to gather intel for the police in exchange for a story that could boost her career.
But when Sydney finds the body of her friend, a local insurance executive at the scene, the scoop of a lifetime turns personal. The hostage-taker swears he’s been framed, pulling Sydney into a web of cybercrime, stolen identities, and corporate corruption that stretches far beyond Charleston’s polished waterfront.
Wendy talks about the lengthy worldbuilding and research that she did, which included a week shadowing a TV news crew. She shows us the origin of the series and how it grew from one book to two, with a third on the way. She talks about the creation of her protagonist, Sydney Quinn, and how she handles a story that goes far beyond what she thought it was.
And of course, we get a look at Book 3.
Like what you heard? Then visit https://wendygeeauthor.com to learn more.
You can also check out our Five by Five with Wendy at https://citywideblackout.blogspot.com/2025/06/five-by-fiveauthors-work-in.html.
From years spent as a backup singer for the Moody Blues, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, and Janiva Magness to releasing her albums “Redeemed” and “Walking Around This Town,” Bernie Barlow has had quite the music career.
In this episode, we dive into her time with these musical legends and how this influenced her as an artist. She talks about her recent release, “Walking Around This Town,” and the people she worked with to make it happen. She talks about the stories contained within the songs and the most meaningful tracks. And of course, we learn about what she has planned down the road.
Closing out this interview is “Brave,” which I enjoyed so much, I had to check out the rest of the album.
Like what you heard? Then visit www.berniebarlow.com. From there you can follow her socials and purchase her music.
Horror author John Ward is back, but instead of killer clowns, we’re talking about dark entities in his new book, “A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul,” now out through Crystal Lake Publishing.
John Tinsley’s life was shattered as a child when he lost his mother in a tragic car accident—but that was only the beginning. From that moment, a dark entity marked him, one intent on destroying everything and everyone he loves. Haunted by visions, hunted by shadows, and carrying the scars of his childhood, John must now confront the darkness as an adult, facing a malevolent force that has followed him into every stage of his life.
John talks about the how his own life and the people in it provided inspiration for the book and the experience of revisiting these moments as he penned the novel. We even go into his career as a paranormal investigator and how this factored into the book. And of course, we talk about the sick cover that he used and get introduced to the brilliant mind behind it!
Like what you’ve heard? Then click on the link below to purchase John’s works. You can also find him on Instragram under john_ward_horror, where he’s always exploring the dark corners of his books.
John Ward on Crystal Lake Publishing— https://www.crystallakepub.com/product-tag/john-ward/
After a decade of working in Hollywood on shows like “Arrested Development” and a project with Danny DeVito and Jeff Goldblum, writer Jake Korell took what started as a “truly awful adult animated TV pilot,” then transformed it to a podcast series and finally into his first novel, “The Second World.”
“Mars has declared its independence from Earth. But building a country takes more than a new flag, an arena-worthy anthem, and naming Pluto the donkey the national animal. As the Red Planet spirals into political upheaval, Flip Buchanan—the irreverent, reluctant son of the most powerful man on Mars—stumbles through two tumultuous decades of alien discoveries, killer clones, and the chaos of a new nation still working out the kinks.
Always second-best in a family obsessed with being first, Flip must grapple with the absurdity of Martian society and the gravity of legacy to step out of his father’s shadow and define self-worth on his own terms—a feat that can feel as impossible as climbing Olympus Mons.”
In this episode, Jake talks about the origin of this “truly awful” story, how he adapted it to a podcast, and the ‘ah-ha’ moment when he knew he had a book on his hands. He talks about the main character, Flip Buchanan, how he came to be and his role in the story. Jake also shares some parallels between the world he treated on Mars and the one we still live on.
On her 18th birthday, Sandy Netburn marked the occasion with the release of her 14-track debut album, “Issues.” Soon after, she released the music video for the single “I’ve Got Issues,” she also directed. And that’s just the beginning!
Sandy joined us to talk all about the different themes she takes on in “Issues,” including politics and what it means to be human. She shared the creative process of the album, being in the recording studio for the first time, and what she has planned for the next project.
In addition to her music, Sandy is also a ventriloquist and podcast host. She dives into the origins of these aspects of her creative work and what motivates her to keep going.
Closing out this interview is the single, “I’ve Got Issues,” and we hope you give the rest of the album a listen or three.
Welcome to the first Citywide Bytes for 2026! Joining me is Toronto-based singer-songwriter Henry Lees to talk about his new single “Smoke,” which he co-wrote and produced with Sean Thomas, a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. In this interview, Henry talks about the origin of the song, the creative process with Sean, and what he has planned for 2026.
Closing out this interview is “Smoke,” and I hope you enjoy the funky sound.
Over the years, Citywide Blackout has featured music, books, film and comics—but how about a musical audiobook. Join us as we talk with writer Jeff Flaster for his new musical audiobook, “Following Jimmy Valentine,” out on Feb. 2.
Based on the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry, the story blends jazz music, noir comedy and a timeless tale of redemption.
At the heart of the book is reformed jewel thief Jimmy Valentine, a man trying to start anew under the watchful eye of a jaded New Orleans detective. As he falls for Annabel Adams, his hopes of redemption collide with the weight of his past.
Flaster talks about how this story came together and the many years he worked on it. Flaster shares how he blended the story with music, and even gives a few glimpses into the amazing songs that you’ll hear. He also talks about the West End icons that are part of the cast and the way they brought the characters to life.
Citywide Blackout is back for 2026! Hosts Max Bowen and Curtis Hughes recap the highlights of 2025 and look forward to a new year with many more stories from artists from around the world.
Citywide Blackout episodes will return on Friday, Jan. 16, with our talk about the audiobook musical “Finding Jimmy Valentine.”
On Nov. 14, Crystal Lake Publishing released “The Night Crew 2: Bloodlust” by Brad Ricks, the sequel to “The Night Crew.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:
The Night Crew thought they'd seen it all-werewolves, vampires, and things too monstrous to name. Michael and his team are about to face something far deadlier: a supernatural killer with an insatiable thirst for blood and a plan to unleash chaos on New Orleans. This time, the enemy isn't hiding in the dark—they're walking boldly among the living, leaving a trail of corpses in their wake.
As the Night Crew fights to stop the bloodshed, they also confront their own inner demons: haunting memories, deadly secrets, and the chilling realization that some monsters aren't born—they're made.
Brad talks about how he built on the first book to create his series and some of the elements he plans to include. He shares what challenges the Night Crew will face in the new book and the demons they’ll square off with.
We also go into how Brad came to work with Crystal Lake, as well as the story behind the chilling cover art. There’s audiobooks for all his books [with the one for “Bloodlust” soon to be released] and Brad talks about how he knows a voice actor is the one to work with.
Can a loving relationship endure career setbacks, infidelities, and mismatched sexual desires? This is the question psychologist Bonnie Comfort addresses in her book, “Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets and Sacrifice."
In this episode, Bonnie talks about her 30-year marriage to Bob, a Hollywood screenwriter, and the various challenges they faced along the way. She also shares her message to readers and how she faced her own life in the writing process.
M.B. Courtenay joins us to talk about his soon-to-be-released thriller, “A Spy Inside the Castle” (Dec. 9, Castlemartin). The book follows “reluctant” operative Ethan Briar as he explores a secluded government estate as he tries to find a mole leaking secrets to the US’ enemies.
M.B. talks about the inspiration for this book that came about during the pandemic, as well as his writing process. He dives into the creation of Ethan Briar and how he handles a discovery that he is wholly unprepared for. M.B. also shares the creation of his own imprint, Castlemartin and gives some advice for prospective writers on releasing their own debut books.
For this episode, I’m joined by Valerie Rachel and Greg Lawrence of the Americana/folk band Wayward Vine. They just released their debut album, “The Fall,” and we go into the songs they resonate with and plans for a second album.
We also talk band origins, the band’s name and how they pivoted to the Americana style. They’ve got some cool shows coming up, including one with an old friend of the show.
Closing out the interview is “Hannah,” one of the songs in their debut release.
Photo Credit: Diana Levine Photography
The year was 1986, and, perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, Robert Ellis Orrall and his band recorded their final album together. Nearly 40 years later, the boys are back with “Wrong Thing,” a heartfelt collection of music that involves some powerful connections.
In this episode, Robert shares what it was like to reunite with the band and be back in the studio after all these years. We go into the different songs and the stories behind them, including “Crazier,” which Robert co-wrote with the legend Taylor Swift back when she was just starting out.
Robert and the band haven’t just been recording new music. They’ve been on stage as well and he talks about that experience and their plan for some new releases in the future. Around 20 years ago, Robert started Infinity Cat Recordings, and talks about the industry and its many changes over the years.
Closing out this interview is “When I Need To Feel You,” a song that really connected with me.
With their sophomore album, “Fool’s Gold,” the Cape Cod-based band The Fool’s Agenda shows a more refined style and sound, and in this episode, vocalist Rhiannon Raine talks about how they got there and the new elements they got to try out.
The band formed in late 2019, and Rhiannon shares what it was like to have to suddenly stop when the pandemic hit, and how they pivoted to remain present at a time when live shows and tours weren’t an option. We talk about new projects for later this year, as well as what else they have in store for 2026.
Closing out this interview is the band’s single Dumb (Take Me Out),” from the new album.
What if you could go back and do it all over again? That’s the premise of Olivia Cuartero-Briggs’ new comic, “The College Try,” out in February 2026 through Maverick, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios.
Rachel, a desperately single Chicago comedian attends her 20-year college reunion in a disastrous attempt to win back the one who got away. But, in a magical twist of fate, she is sent back to 2003 - her sophomore year of college - for one last chance to fix it all.
Olivia, in her third appearance on the show, talks about the inspiration for the story and how her own college experiences played a role. We examine the protagonist Rachel del Rio, her flaws and how Olivia prefers to work with less-than-perfect characters.
The book takes place in 2003, and Olivia and Max dive into that era and how it felt to relive it through the pages of “The College Try.” Returning artist Roberta Ingranata brings the story to visual life and it’s her second book with Olivia, the first being “Jill and the Killers.” Olivia shares her working relationship with Roberta and what it was Ike to team up once again.
Vampires, demons, and a trip to Hell—there’s a lot to discover in author Jonathan Fortin’s Lilitu series, and in this episode, he’s sharing all the details about his recent release, “Bloody Caleb.”
22-year-old Caleb Schwartzenfeld is a vagrant violinist struggling to make ends meet in the cutthroat squalor of Victorian England. But when his hunt for a patron causes him to be sacrificed by an insidious cult, Caleb awakens in Hell: a nightmarish underworld where he cannot die, no matter how brutally the demons there torture him.
Determined to not let the agony drive him mad, Caleb makes up his mind: he will escape from Hell, reunite with the woman he loves, and get revenge on those responsible for his murder. But it isn’t long before he discovers that the only way he can return to the earth is by becoming a demon, joining the very creatures that torment dead mortals like him.
Jonathan talks about the inspiration for the story and the worldbuilding he did to create the world of Lilitu. We discuss the character of Caleb, how he changes in Hell and the choices he makes afterward. Jonathan also gives some tips about creating the world for a story and his own experience as a voice actor, which ties into the audio release for “Bloody Caleb.”
In July 2024, singer-songwriter Bess Chew released her debut single, “Getaway,” and since then she’s been performing, releasing new music and making plans for her future in the industry. In this episode, we’re talking about what got her into music, her new single “You Are” and what she has in store in 2026.
Closing out this interview is her new single, “You Are,” and we’ll be talking about the inspiration for this song.
In Alex Woodard’s book, “Ordinary Soil,” readers are introduced to a young farmer, burdened by a mysterious family legacy and modern-day despair, who attempts to take his own life, and in doing so, sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried secrets.
Alex joins the show to talk about how he met Zach Bush, M.D., and how the unexpected conversation they would have would inspire the story of “Ordinary Soil.” We discuss the different perspectives in this book that are separated by decades and what each has to share. Alex also talks about the message he hopes to impart to readers.
There is an audiobook version of “Ordinary Soil,” voiced by the absolutely amazing team of Scott Brick and George Newbern. Alex shares how he met with Scott and George, the different voices that each brings to the table and how they brought the story to life. Alex also offers some advice for those looking to bring their own stories to the world.
Let’s face it—clowns are downright terrifying and in John Ward’s new book, “Scareville 8: Food to Die For,” we’re introduced to Chunko the Clown and find out just why you never want to mess with them. Here’s why:
Traverse City, Michigan, seems like the perfect small town—until a cheerful jingle and a pudgy clown mascot turn everything upside down. When the new burger joint, Chunko Town, opens its doors, the town can’t wait to meet Chunko the Clown. But the friendly facade hides a sinister secret.
Middle graders Kira and her friends quickly learn the hard way: whatever you do—don’t anger the clown! With each daring misstep, Chunko’s cheerful grin twists into something far more terrifying, and the kids find themselves trapped in a nightmarish game of wits and courage.
In this episode, John and I talk about clowns in horror, writing for a middle grade audience, and get a glimpse into his soon-to-be-released debut in adult horror.
Picture this—It’s 1,000 years into the future, and Earth is a dying world. The ocean itself has become The Caul, a predator that lures in and devours anyone that goes near it. Humanity has fled the planet, and few people dare to return.
Mae Jameson is an octogenarian former Service agent who arrived on Earth 30 years ago to find her lover. When she encounters Siofra, a mute girl, wandering alone by the shore and returns home, they discover the girl's father, rogue scientist Carl Magellan, hanging from a noose. Unwilling to leave the matter in the hands of the facility Carl abandoned years ago, Mae takes Carl’s journals—which detail his obsession with the Caul and its mysteries—and sets about investigating.
That’s the story of “Exo,” the debut sci-fi novel by Colin Brush, out on Nov. 18. In this episode, Colin talks about what the Caul is and what inspired its creation. He and I discuss protagonist Mae Jameson and the quest before her, and the role tat Siofra plays in the book. We go into his lengthy background in literature and how that helped, and look at the possibility of a second book.
Hey everyone, let’s take a trip to Exorcism Island! It’s a tropical paradise with sunny skies, pristine beaches…..but with demons. Lotsa demons. But don’t take my word for it, here’s a look at the story:
Following a terrifying confrontation with a possessed woman, Father Gigi Amato finds himself sent to a remote Caribbean Island run by the Vatican to join a group of priests tasked with looking after the most troubled, long-term, demonic possession cases. The group of psychologically and emotionally bruised priests bicker and bond in their attempt to keep the madness of the island under control, but dark forces are working against them from all sides as evil digs its nails into their spiritually poisoned, isolated home.
This new series from Comixology launches Oct. 21 and series writer Jordan Thomas joins me to talk about the origin of the story and what it was like working with artist and longtime fiend Chris Matthews. Jordan goes into the characters and what has led to them calling Exorcism Island home and what we can expect over the next five issues.
At 13 years old, Kristina Amelong's brother predicted his own death with unsettling accuracy. No one believed him – until it happened exactly as he said.
Haunted by this, Jay’s death sent Kristina into a spiral of addiction and recklessness. Decades later, determined to understand the meaning behind his prediction, she embarked on a journey that led to resilience, healing, and a deeper exploration of the mysteries that shape our lives. This led to her writing the memoir, “What My Brother Knew.”
In this episode, Kristina talks about Jay, and the prediction he made to his family. She talks about the journey she took after her brother’s death and who she is today. We look at her decision to write this book and how her family responded to it. Kristina shares the message in “What My Brother Knew” that she hopes to impart to readers.
Author J. Lee returns with his newest book, and this one has an ending you’ll never see coming. The murder mystery “Coach’s Corner” will be released out on Oct. 14. Here’s a look at the story:
In a small rural town of 1,500 people, life is usually quiet — until the summer of 1997, when Charlie’s best friend, Barry Ray, is arrested for murder. Convinced of Barry Ray’s innocence, Charlie sets out to uncover the truth, navigating his dangerous investigation without the help of modern technology.
What begins as a simple search for justice quickly unravels his understanding of right and wrong, revealing that truth is rarely black and white — and exposing it could cost lives.
In this episode, J. Lee will talk about the unique nature of this mystery, how the setting influences the story, and solving a mystery through the eyes of youth.
In his debut book, author Todd Brown weaves a dark tale in the Southern Gothic “When Shadows Burn.” Here’s a look at the story:
In the heart of Raven’s Cross, Virginia, the decaying Scott house looms. Its broken-window eyes watch a town desperate to forget. When Roxy, a teenage girl, vanishes into a sweltering night, long-buried fears erupt, and suspicion turns savage. The townspeople turn on the newcomers, blaming them for what they refuse to face in themselves. As polite smiles crack and old grudges resurface, Raven’s Cross’s genteel mask begins to slip, revealing the rot beneath.
Timothy Michaels came to town chasing a story. A true crime podcaster investigating the haunted legacy of the Scott house, he never expected to be pulled into something so immediate—and so dangerous. Alongside unexpected allies, Tim begins to unearth a legacy of complicity and cruelty—one the town would kill to keep buried. Because, in Raven’s Cross, the shadows don’t just linger. They burn.
Todd’s book brings with it authentic queer representation and he talks about what this means to him, as well as how he goes about doing it. We look into the writing process, a sequel in the works, and the story behind the cover and title.
Todd talks with us about the story’s origin and the worldbuilding he did to craft the Scott house and town of Raven’s Cross. He talks about the house’s history and how the town itself has changed as a result. We’re introduced to Timothy Michaels and his choice to learn the history of the Scott house, as well his own past in Raven’s Cross.
This interview includes an excerpt from the audiobook, coming out later this year and voiced by award-winning VA Emily Woo Zeller.
In the recent Comixology release “Outer Lands,” a young prince living in a seemingly Ancient Grecian world is exiled to a prison isle to keep him from assuming the throne, he unintentionally discovers a massive global conspiracy. It’s a great story with a twist that will really surprise you.
Series writer Matthew Arnold joins us to talk about how the series lived for awhile in his mind, writing so much that when the time came to bring it to life, much of it was ready to go. We discuss the team behind this, including artist Davide Gianfelice, who is best known for his work on “Northlanders,” and a cover by artist Jock, whose comics work includes “Batman” and “Wytches.”
Matthew dives into the in-depth worldbuilding and research that he did for “Outer Lands” and the modern-day themes that were blended into the story. We talk about characters, specifically Prince Heron, the series protagonist who may or may not be the hero of the story. Matthew also gives advice on getting that creative ball rolling and how to find a team to work with.
In author Pamela Harris’ newest book, “Through Our Teeth,” we open with the death of Hope Jackson, and while it appears that she took her own life, her friend Liv doesn’t believe it. But as the investigation unfolds, we learn that things are not what they seem.
Join us as Pamela talks about how this grew from an idea she had 10 years ago, the complex characters she’s created, the social issues she addresses in the story, and how sometimes, things are not what they seem.
At 60 years old, author Anne Abel did something completely out of character – she flew halfway across the world by herself to follow Bruce Springsteen’s tour in Australia. Eight concerts. Five cities.
Twenty-six days. No guidebook, no plan. Just a desperate hope that his music might save her life. This story is the heart of her new memoir, "High Hopes," released on Springsteen’s birthday, Sept. 23.
In this interview, Anne talks about seeing her first Springsteen concert and the powerful impact it had. She shares what led to her following Springsteen on tour and her experiences at the different shows—even meeting the artist at one point!
Anne talks about her decision to write a memoir about these experiences and the process of putting it all together, as well as the hopeful messages contained within.
As they say, all good things must come to an end.
After six books, award-winning The Vega and Middleton series by Sue Hinkin is about to come to a close with “The Snake Handler’s Wife” (Oct. 1, Literary Wanderlust). It’s the final mystery for Los Angeles TV news journalist Bea Jackson and best friend, photographer Lucy Vega, and we talk about the final story as well as how the series got its start.
Sue goes into the characters and how they’ve changed over six books, where the ideas come from, and how she’s wrapping up the series.
On May 28, 2013, Jocelyn Rasmussen woke up and realized, with profound clarity, that she had cancer. This was later confirmed by a doctor, after which Jocelyn was told she had a small chance of survival.
Today, Jocelyn is a cancer survivor for 12 years and living a life of love, adventure and music.
During her treatment, Jocelyn began speaking with other patients with life-threatening illnesses about hope and healing, a message she brings to her memoir, “This Day Won't Come Again: Radical Presence and Life-Threatening Illness.”
In this episode, Jocelyn recounts that fateful day and what went through her mind after receiving the diagnosis. She talks about the choice to go into treatment, and how she managed the days that followed.
Jocelyn speaks on her meetings with other patients and the person that recommended she publish a book, as well as how she built on what had already been done. She explains the message of living “into the best and worst of all that arises when the possibility of our own mortality seems sooner rather than later.”
What if you could lead an entirely different life, changing the choices you once made? Would you be willing to leave the old life behind? That’s the story behind author C.B. Giesinger’s new book, “The Wall That Divides the Ocean.” Here’s a look at the plot.
Anna is satisfied with the life that she has built with her husband, Chris. Her steady, but lackluster job, and their cushion-stain-free lifestyle give her stability, untouched by chaos.
As she succumbs to her brain-swelling coma, Anna opens her eyes inexplicably to a life she would have once had. She finds herself married to a man she'd once met in Scotland, though she'd left him to pursue a more predictable path over a decade ago. He gives her life meaning and excitement, filled with the happiness and chaos that make life worth living.
Will the truth of her circumstances force her to confront her new life and return to where she came from? Or will she risk living a lie to preserve the dream she has created across the ocean?
In this interview, C.B. talks about the inspiration for the book and how she chose the cover and title. We do into the new life that Anna is living in her coma and the man she’s now married to. We talk about how it compares to her old life and the choice she has to make.
Derek Smith of Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures is back with a brand new three-part album called Temporary Circus. Act 1 was released back in May, with the second act slated for Sept. 12. The music is a wonderful, eclectic blend of sounds that showcases Derek’s wide-ranging style.
In this interview, Derek talks about the origins of Temporary Circus and what we can expect in Act 2. He shares what’s new in this release, including his wife singing on one of the tracks. We talk promotion for the new project, and how he makes himself heard amidst the ten of thousands of artists working toward the same goal.
Derek’s music has recently hit some new milestones, with songs like “Black Angel” and “White Spade Symphony” reaching 30,000 listens on Spotify, and he gives an honest take on what that means to him.
Closing out this episode is “Indie Darling,” from “Temporary Circus Act 1.”
Born and raised in San Francisco, author Brian Brady has blended the city’s endless inspiration with his lengthy career as a police officer and security executive to create his series of books. The newest, “Greed,” begins with an art forgery and theft, traveling from San Francisco to Paris to Amsterdam, but takes a twist when one of the perpetrators gets too greedy.
In this episode, Brian talks about what inspired his decision to join the writing world and the real-life cases he’s drawn inspiration from. He talks about San Francisco as a setting, the things he’s learned as a writer and give us a glimpse into his fourth book.
Heidi Yewman’s memoir “dumb girl” (Aug. 19) chronicles the physical, emotional and sexual abuse she suffered for years, and how that pain was transformed into purpose following the tragic shooting at Columbine High School. Among the victims was her beloved basketball coach.
For years Yewman has worked as a gun violence activist, producing the award-winning documentary “Behind the Bullet,” and has worked on campaign, organized vigils and asked the hard questions to gun owners.
In this interview, we talk about Yewman’s decision to share her life’s story in “dumb girl” and what it was like to revisit the experiences of her childhood. She talks about her time as an activist and the gains and losses, as well as the hope she sees with the younger generation.
In her memoir “Maya Blue: A Memoir of Survival,” Brenda Coffee takes us through the good and the bad of her eventful life, reminding us that if you keep your voice and your wits, you can survive almost anything.
In this interview, Brenda talks about how she opens the book, with a burly man telling her and hr husband that their lives wee in danger. We talk about how she chose what to include and what to leave out, and how the editing process shaped the story. She also goes into the message behind the story and how the public has responded since the book was released.
Rock band One Time Mountain has undergone a lot of changes in recent years, including a brand new lineup in 2020 when the band at that time went their separate ways.
Guitarist Brian Murphy decided to keep it going and recruited Ethan Garman, Zach Rizzo and Alec Smith, creating a lineup that brings a lot of fire and past music experience with them.
In this episode, the band joins us to talk about the new one up and how it stands apart from the previous incarnation. We go into new music, in particular, “Goin’ Crazy,” which drops the same day as this episode. We talk about future releases and plans for the band down the road.
Closing out this episode is an excerpt from “Goin’ Crazy,” and you should definitely check out the new single!
Rob Tonkin’s new book “Asshole” is an honest look at his own life, from self-destruction to eventual redemption, with a lot of hard-won insights into authentic living.
In this episode, Rob talks about his career in the music and radio industries, which while very successful, covered up wounds from his past. Rob talk about these experiences and what led him to get help from a variety of sources, and his new life on other side.
Rob goes into the writing process and the challenges of revisiting certain parts of his life. He talk about the unique title and cover photo, how both came to be used, as well his hopes for readers.
Hendrika de Vries was just a little girl when she experienced brutal violence and hunger in WWII Amsterdam. She immigrated to Australia as a professional teenage swimmer, and in her new book, “Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian,” she chronicles her experiences during this time, and how they reflect what young women go through today.
In this interview, Hendrika shares her youth in Amsterdam and the experience of growing up during the war. She talks abut the family’s immigration to Australia and how she got into swimming, even shattering a few records in the process.
Hendrika shares how she views current events and their similarities to what she went through as a child, as well as how she found the courage to overcome these struggles. She talks about th writing process and what it was like to revisit this part of her life.
JP Behren’s new book is a crime noir book with a unique take. “Murder in the Monashee Mountains” is the second book in the Travis Daniels Investigation series. Here’s a look at the story:
After escaping the cursed streets of Arkham and Miskatonic University, Travis Daniels is on the run with his ward, Leslie Owens. While searching for a safe place to hide, they witness a savage murder in the woods of Monashee Mountain. Now, he is tasked by competing interests in the town of Tonasket to discover the truth behind the murder and recent sabotage to the local logging operation. The clock is ticking as ancient rivalries threaten the innocent people of the nearby towns, the local Native American Tribes, and the tenuous peace held between the sasquatch and were-wolves.
In this interview, JP talks about the first book in the series, “Missing in Miskatonic,” and how his new book picks up where the last left off. He talks about the creation of Travis Daniels and Leslie Owens and their roles in the new story. He goes into the two sides— sasquatch and were-wolves, and how he weaves these groups into the book. He also talks planning out the third book, and working with Crystal Lake Publishing.
My next guests have had one hell of a 2024, with big wins at the Rock and Roll Rumble and Boston Music Awards. Let’s see how 2025 is going with The Ghouls.
Band members George Danahy, Peter Trainor and Jacob Babcock join me to talk about taking first place at Boston’s 2024 Rock and Roll Rumble and winning “Rock Act of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards.
We go into the release of their debut album, “Handle With Care” and the sold-out show at the Middle East. The guys also share some details of what to expect later on this year.
Closing out this interview is the single “Pocket of Gold,” from the debut album.
The Chelsea Curve have had a busy 2025.
From West Coast shows with the UK band Sharp Class to being back in the studio, this band — inspired by Boston and British culture — has done a lot, with much more to come.
In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with band members Linda Pardee and Tim Gillis about recent shows and tours of the UK, along with some of the great bands they’ve met and venues that they’ve played at. They dive into their love of mod style and sound and the unique fashion they’ve been sporting at their shows.
The band has a new single out today, July 18, called “Kindawanna” and shares what the fans can look forward to. We also talk about two recent releases, a cover of “Hey Sah-Lo-Ney” and the Andy Lewis remix of “Jamie C’mon,” and the unique sounds of both songs.
Closing out this interview is the Andy Lewis remix of “Jamie C’mon,” a truly amazing creation.
My next guest’s recent single “Almost There” really caught my attention, and now he’s here to talk about this and a lot more. Singer songwriter Ben Hutcheson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind his March release, “Almost There” as well as what motivates him to pick up the pen and write a new song.
Ben’s part of the UK country scene, which has been around for a few years now. We talk about how it’s influenced in part by country music in the U.S., but also the ways it stands on its own. Ben talks about his 2022 self-titled EP, which he did as a project for his commercial music major. He also talks collaborations and what is next for him.
Closing out this interview is “Almost There,” and I hope you’ll give the rest of his music a listen.
We’ve been a fan of the band Western Education for years now, and with their new full-length album, “Millennial Youth” they’ve hit a new high point with their music. Band members Greg Alexandropoulos (vocals, keyboards) and Will Hunt (bass, production) return to Citywide to talk about the stories told throughout the album, and how it all got started.
Will and Greg go into their favorite songs, and their criteria for how they went from 16 tracks to 13. We talk about the upcoming release show and how it’ll feel to perform the entire album. Six singles from the album were released over 2024, and we talk about the strategy behind this and the response from the fans.
Closing out this interview is the title track, “Millennial Youth.”
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the sounds of my next guest The Far Out and in just a week, they’re releasing their debut album. Ryan Fremont-Smith and Drew Phillips (AKA The Drum and Bass Connection) join me to talk all about the “Greetings From the Far Out,” out on July 11.
We take a deep dive into the sound of the new album, which includes a wide range of instrumentation and a story that brings it all together. The guys share what it was like working with the one and only Sean McLaughlin and what they have in mind for future releases.
Closing out this episode is the song “Laurel,” released on May 30 and one of the amazing tunes you’ll hear in the new album.
Boston-based Hallelujah the Hills have released a brand new project called “Deck” a 52-song, four LP collection of music more than two years in the making. It’s an epic collection of songs that encompass all sorts of styles and has been in the mind of band member Ryan H. Walsh for the last 25 years.
In this episode, Ryan talks about the origin of “Deck” and the multi-year process to complete it. He talks about the distinct sounds of each LP, as well as the artwork he created and the app that people can use to make their own 13-song collection from “Deck.”
Ryan shares the album release at Deep Cuts on June 21 and some upcoming summer shows. The album saw a ton of support on Patreon and Ryan goes into naming each supporter as an executive producer on the project.
Closing out the episode is “Crush All Night,” one of the singles released ahead of the album.
The classic tale “The Little Mermaid” gets a futuristic spin in “Sea Change” by Susan Fletcher. In this story, a gene-hack gone wrong produces babies born with an extra set of lungs and gills. Here’s a look at the story:
“Living in a post-climate change world, one young woman lives peacefully among other gene-hacked friends off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. But when she falls in love with a ‘Normal,’ someone without the gene mutation, and finds out that her father has been released from prison for the gene-hack accident, Turtle must choose between being herself among her fellow mer-friends and family or choosing to change herself to fit into the world of her love.”
Susan talks about the origins of the book and how “The Little Mermaid” influenced “Sea Change.” She shares who Turtle is, the “Normal” that she falls for, and the world they live in. We also dive in to her many other novels, which span a wide range of stories.
Picture this: A fatal hit and run has been committed, and you think you know who did it. Problem is, it’s someone you know. Do you do the right thing, or protect a person who means the world to you?
That’s the choice given to Charlotte Oakes, in Karen Uhlmann’s debut novel, “Intersections” (She Writes Press). We talk all about Charlotte and how this decision impacts both her and the plot. Karen goes into the origin of the book and how her “pantser” writing style led to some interesting changes in the story. We also talk about her shift from short stories to novels and the fun had in the writing process.
It was two years ago on June 20 that Pamela N. Harris published her young adult thriller “This Town is on Fire.”
The book takes on the internet “Karen” and how protagonist Naomi Henry responds when her best friend Kylie is shown in a video calling the cops on two Black teens. The novel dives into contemporary issues that dominate today’s headlines, making it a must-read for the digital age.
Harris talked with us about how it feels to hit this milestone and the book’s relevance to today. She talks about Naomi and Kylie and how their friendship is impacted by the viral video. We go into the YA audience and how it influenced the writing of the book, as well as an upcoming release later this fall.
My next guest has just released two new singles, but she’s far from a newcomer to the world of music. In fact, Lana Carter has been recording since she was 10 years old, and her latest releases, “Only at Night” and “Venom” mark a reinvention of herself as an artist.
In this episode, Lana talks about what led to this new chapter in her musical journey and how she’s grown as an artist. She goes into her first song at age 10, and the different topics she’s captured in her music since then. She also shares the stories behind the new singles and what led to their very different dance-pop and pop ballad sounds. We talk social media strategy, live performances, and what’s next.
Closing out the episode is “Only at Night,” which the artist said was inspired by her time going to college in New York.
For this episode, we’ll taking on a very serious topic. Babs Walters’ memoir, “Facing the Jaguar” (June 17, She Writes Press) shares her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and her journey of healing after 70 years of secrecy.
In this interview, Babs talks about her past, and how she embarked on a journey of healing that continues to this day. We talk about her parents, their own background and the decision to write this book.
Babs goes into the writing process, which was a struggle at times, and her perspective on what happened to her once the book was complete. She also shares the message for readers and her hopes for how they too can feel empowered to speak their truth.
We all like taking the train, right? So safe, so reliable, so what if there’s a chance you’ll be murdered before getting to your stop?
Well, that’s the real risk of public transit in the new five-issue comic series “Kill Train,” out through Mad Cave Studios. In the story, we meet Vanessa, a struggling artist and mother in the midst of a nervous breakdown, who discovers that she, herself, is on a Kill Train, the randomized extermination program to counter New York City’s crippling population explosion.
Now, for once in her life and with everything to prove, Vanessa decides she’s not going down without a fight.
Series writer Olivia Cuartero-Briggs joins us to talk about the inspiration for this wild series and how she came up with the concept of the Kill Train. We’re introduced to Vanessa and how the character was developed, as well as what she has to deal with. We’ll also be introduced to the team who provided the amazing art for this series.
For this episode, we’re taking a trip to the town of Cedar Plains, just a quiet place where not a lot happens…except for murder….a lot of it. Joining me is author Maggie Giles for her soon-to-be-released novel, “The Art of Murder.”
Maggie talks about the town of Cedar Plains, the real-life inspiration behind its creation and how the murders rock the quiet community. She shares the dichotomy of main characters Courtney Faith and Alexa Huston and how one accidental murder takes Alexa down a dark path. One theme of the book is if murder can be justified if it targets the deserving, and we talk about how this helps shape the story.
In 2020, author Michael Bland introduced is to Dray Quintero and his fight for freedom in “The Price of Safety.” Now, he’s bringing that story to a close with his final book in the trilogy, “The Price of Freedom.” Here’s a look at the story:
It’s 2047. The rebellion has been crushed. The Agency is reestablishing control.
Rebel leader Dray Quintero languishes in his cell, struggling against his captors' manipulations. His daughter Raven's cries torment him at night. He has doomed them both.
In this interview, Michael talks about the events that have brought us to this moment. He shares Dray’s growth as a character and if he’s wound up in the place where Michael thought he would. Michael talks about growing the story from one novel to three, and how he mapped out the trilogy.
Michael is far from done when it comes to writing and talks about the possibility of a spin-off or two. We go into his books being nominated or presented with more awards than we can count in one episode, and just what else lies in store.
This interview is a unique one, because the next guest on Citywide Bytes isn’t calling from the studio or their home, they’re on road, and among the stops will be Boston Calling.
Brady Heck and Rebekah Rafferty of the band Holy Roller join me to talk about how it feels to be back on the road after a month away and their upcoming performance at Boston Calling on May 23. We talk about their set and which Boston Calling bands they’re looking forward to seeing.
Rebekah and Brady share their origin stories of the band, as well as how the style has evolved since their 2019 album, “Holy Roller.” And of course, we go into what’s to be expected down the road.
Closing out this episode is the single “Flat Track Fire,” from the band’s 2024 album, “Good Religion.”
From Dropkick Murphys to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the punk band Rebuilder has some memorable times on stage — and later this month, they’ll be making some new memories when they play at Boston Calling.
Sal Ellington (vocals, guitar) joins us to talk about what’s in store for their set, and the bands he’s looking forward to seeing. We talk about their times with the Murphys and Bosstones and other story-worthy shows they’ve done.
Sal talks about being nominated multiple times for Best Punk Band in Boston by the Boston Music Awards and how it felt to win. He shares the band’s origin story, their most recent release, “Local Support,” as well as what’s planned for later this year.
Closing out this episode is the song “One Hundred Days,” our personal favorite from “Local Support.”
From their early days performing free shows in Philly’s Rittenhouse Square, the seven-piece band Snacktime has come a long way, and on May 25, they’ll take the stage at Boston Calling to bring a truly amazing sound to the city.
Band founder and sousaphone/bass player Sam Gellerstein joins us to talk about their formation in the summer of 2020 and making their mark on Philadelphia’s music scene. Sam shares what folks can expect at their Boston Calling show, and some of their recent (and upcoming) highlights as a band.
Sam talks about the band’s new single “Sunshine” and the story behind it, as well as how they grew into their current musical style. We talk origin stories, what folks can expect in the future, and the impact the band has made over the last five years.
Closing out the show is the new single, “Sunshine,” an upbeat tune with a great message.
As PAX East returns this weekend, we’re sharing some interviews done at the 2024 PAX East by Ben Chou.
In this episode, Ben talks with Jim Fitzpatrick for his first game, Mission to Planet Hexx! Ben speaks with Jim about his path as a game creator and journey of developing his game, Mission to Planet Hexx!
Following this, Ben chats with Scott "Doeboy" Doe, local Twitch streamer, musician, Esports commentator and retro game enthusiast. Doeboy talks about the passions and experience of the gaming and entertainment industry as well as his experience at PAX as an attendee and a presenter during PAX's 20th anniversary.
In the final interview for the 2024 PAX East, Ben talks with Brandon "IamBPala," local Twitch streamer, YouTuber from New Hampshire and professional video tech specialist. Ben talks with Brandon about the game industry, gaming and experiences at PAX over the years, in particular at Pax East as PAX celebrates its 20 years of existence.
Jeremy D. Baker is a former US Army counterintelligence agent and combat veteran. He’s served alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan and is a PTSD survivor. Over the past 20 years, his work in national security has focused on intelligence, counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, climate risk and resilience, and cybersecurity.
That experience was an integral part in the writing of his debut novel, “The Guilty Sleep,” out in print, e-book and audiobook this May. Here’s a look at the story:
Afghanistan vet Dexter Grant is broke, reeling from PTSD, and on the verge of divorce when he's approached by his old Army buddies to help rescue their former interpreter, the man who once saved Dex's life. It means ripping off a vicious queenpin's drug proceeds — but not to worry, they have it all worked out. And if anyone can pull it off, it’s Dex’s former team lead, Staff Sgt. Saenz.
Tempted by an easy score that could make his own problems disappear and imbued with new purpose, Dex agrees to play his part. But just as in combat, the best-laid plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy. When the heist goes off the rails, Dex’s wife and daughter become targets for bloody revenge. Dex must face down his spiraling inner darkness and call on all his strength and training to save his girls. In his quest, he'll learn there was much more to this heist than he ever imagined.
Jeremy holds nothing back as he talks about how his time in the Army and working with the government helped shape his protagonist and the story itself. He talks about the elements he sought to avoid, so as to keep the story more authentic. He also goes into how writing helped him deal with the challenges he faces today.
His book has received a lot of advance praise, including Lee Child, who called it “A terrific debut—fast, tough and hard, shot through with hard-won authenticity and deep humanity.” Jeremy shares his reaction to this and how, as an author, it feels to receive such high praise.
Jeremy is an avid reader and name-drops quite a bit, which of course leads us to ask about his favorite authors and dream collaborations. He’s a big horror fan and we go into a potential shift to this genre and the type of book he’d like to write. And naturally, we talk about a potential future for Dexter Grant in other stories.
Writer/director Josh Mendoza is already well known in the world of film, and he’s used those skills to create his debut novel, “Shadow of the Eternal Watcher.” Here’s a look at the story:
Lately, Duster Raines has started seeing an alternate version of reality where he leads a life of importance, wealth, and power. Visions so vivid they seem more real than the life he lives as a PI, scrounging the gutters of Los Angeles for an easy buck. It*’s enough to drive anyone insane.
Pulled into a missing persons case he never wanted, Raines finds himself framed and hunted by the government. But as he searches for answers to clear his name, he discovers a truth he never could have imagined. He possesses the ability to bend spacetime to accomplish incredible feats. With these powers, maybe he’s got a shot at the life he deserves. There’s only one problem standing in his way—the other Duster Raines.*
Josh and I talk about what inspired this blend of science fiction and LA film noir and how the two sides came together. He shares the background of Duster Raines and how he adapts from being a down-on-his-luck PI to a reality-crossing being with reality-warping powers.
Mendoza is the founder of Strike the Sun Entertainment, and we talk about going from the realm of script writing—where brevity is key—to the wide-open spaces of novels. He shares the revision process, plans for a sequel and maybe, just maybe, a film adaptation.
From playing shows to being recognized by WBUR, the Boston trio Falsely Accused has been on the move, and with their new EP, “Unbroken,” they pack a lot into five songs. Band members Mike Azzolino, Matt Tavano and Mark Young talk about the new elements from their last release, “Compression,” and how their music has grown since the 2021 album.
We go into the different places the band has played at and what’s on their musical bucket list. Mike, Matt and Mark give us the band’s history, and their time working with Kennedy Studios in Burlington, Massachusetts. We talk about being on WBUR’s “14 NE musicians to listen to this winter” list, how they’ve grown the band since they first formed and what we can expect down the road.
Closing out this episode is “Witches” from the new EP, and you should definitely check it out.
Let’s face it—the ocean is a damn nightmare and our next guest gives us one more reason to stick to shore. Joining us is Julie Hiner for her new book, “Fear of the Deep” out through Torrid Waters, an imprint of Crystal Lake Publishing. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Bailey, a lifeguard with a heavy metal heart and a Jack Daniel's addiction, has long avoided the deep sea since a haunting accident. San Diego's sunny shores provide a facade of normalcy, where her nights are drowned in music and whiskey, and her days are spent keeping a safe distance from the ocean's grasp.
But the sea has a way of claiming what it wants. The discovery of a woman's body, marked by peculiar and familiar blue marks, washes up on the beach, forcing Bailey to confront the fears she's been running from. Deep beneath the waves, something sinister lurks, a nightmare born from genetic engineering gone awry. As Bailey delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a web of horror and science fiction, where sea creatures of the darkest depths become terrifyingly real.
Sounds terrifying, right? Well, Julie has a lot to talk about, as we explore Bailey’s character and just what happened to keep her on land as much as possible, and what brings her back to the deep. We talk monsters and other works that helped inspire “Fear of the Deep.”
Julie shares what it was like working with Torrid Waters and Crystal Lake Publishing and creepy-as-hell cover that was made for the book. We also explore what’s next and if this deep sea horror story is one Julie will return to someday.
When it comes to sharing their message, Boston alt-rock band Tell has rarely held back. In fact, as David Wildman tells it, one of his new releases is an honest “fuck you” to the internet. Yep, this is not one for the kiddos.
In this episode, David talks about the story behind the band’s March release, “Sweet Proximity” their forthcoming single, “Boiling the Ocean.” David talks about being a musician in the digital age and how this changes the game, both for good and bad.
“Sweet Proximity” underwent a lot of changes along the way and David shares its evolution from a slower song to something more rocking and the ways it pairs with “Boiling the Ocean.” We also talk about cool cover art and how it expresses the music. And of course, we share details about their upcoming show and what else we can expect.
Wrapping up this episode is “Sweet Proximity.”
This May, the Boston-based Nate Perry & Ragged Company will join some of the best musicians today when they take the stage at Boston Calling.
Band members Nate Perry (singer), Connor Milligan (bass player) and Mike Chandler (lead guitarist) join us to talk about what being part of BC means to them, the bands they’re looking forward to seeing and what we can expect from their set.
In 2024, they released their debut EP, "The Otherside of Everything," and we go into the stories behind the music and how the name of the album came to be. We also get a history lesson on the band and learn what they have planned for down the road.
Closing out the episode is “All I Need,” one of the amazing tracks from the album.
Fifteen years ago, actor Thomas Jane and David James Kelly co-wrote the script for “The Lycan.” Different attempts to bring it to life fell by the wayside, but the time has come and the first issue is now available through Comixology. Here’s a look at the story:
The story takes place in 1777. After a successful expedition in Africa, a hardened band of international big game hunters set out to return home with their bounty when their voyage takes a turn and the men are shipwrecked off a small British island.
Under the tutelage of Absalom Coffin, the men make a deal with Lord Ludgate, ruler of the island. In exchange for fresh supplies and the repair of their good ship The Calydonian, the men are assigned a task they are particularly well suited for: find the Berserking Beasts that have been eating his subjects, including a group of young Benedictine Nuns, and destroy them. But the men encounter more sinister and dangerous beasts than anyone expected.
In this interview, Thomas gives us the history behind “The Lycan” and how we’ve come to issue #1. He talks about working with write Mike Carey and artist Diego Yapur and the amazing talent they brought to the project. He gives a glimpse of what’s to come over this six-issue series.
We take a look at some of the characters, including Absalom and Sister Trent and what inspired them. Thomas also gives his take on the look of the comic and how he got into comics in his youth.
It was August of 2023 and Lorenza Wildcard was on the show to talk about the beginning of her musical journey. Today, she has appeared on multiple podcasts and shows, performed all over and received a slew of awards.
In this episode, we look at some of the highlights of her career and what keeps her going. She shares some performance milestones, including the famous Dublin Castle in London. She talks about the lessons learned, both on stage and in the studio and how she views her time as an artist after a couple years.
Lorenza released “My Worth” in January, and she talks about the story behind the song and gives us a glimpse into what she has planned next.
Closing out the interview is the newest single, “My Worth.”
Our next guest was last on the show in October 2023 for her mystery thriller “Twisted” and now, Maggie Giles is back with “Wicked,” the new title in the series, out on April 22.
While the mystery behind the robbery and murders in “Twisted” was uncovered a few months back, there is still a very large loose thread that Detective Ryan Boone desperately wishes to tie up. He convinces his superiors to allow him to travel to Ottawa, where he’s uncovered a lead into a conspiracy that hints what happened in Toronto has nationwide and horrific implications.
Meanwhile, former detective Cora Porter has moved to forensics, but when a strange case involving a murder, a runaway and a case of mistaken identity hits close to home, she squeezes her way into the investigation. It also doesn’t help that a certain visiting detective has caught her eye, and is also willing to work with her on the case.
Maggie talks about the ‘loose thread’ that ties the two books together and what sends Boone to Ottawa. We go into the new mystery of “Wicked” and learn about antagonist Blaine Roche and how they’re able to keep ahead of the detectives. Maggie shares how she devised the crimes of the new book and how she gets into the head of a criminal mastermind.
Author Nancy McCabe’s new book, “Fires Burning Underground” takes us through the life of Anny as she copes with the death of a friend, her family’s religious home and questioning her own sexuality.
Nancy and I talk about what inspired the book and how it reflects on her own life. She goes into the development of Anny’s character and navigating the many aspects of the story. Nancy shares how it felt to revisit her life in the pages of this book and if she views the middle-grade age group any differently.
She goes into about the lessons she presents as a writing teacher and what we can expect as she brings one journey to an end and begins a new one.
It was during the pandemic that radio personality Kristen Eck decided to make a long-term dream a reality with the launch of Bumblebee Radio. Five years and hundreds (maybe thousands!) of songs later, the Boston-based station is marking five years on the air.
In this episode, Eck joins us to talk about the station’s early days and how it’s thrived since 2020. We go into the ins and outs of running a station, including how she gets the rights to so much music and how to make your own studio! We also talk about plans for the big 5 and what we can expect in future years.
In his book, “Boy With Wings,” (Koehler, March 15) author Mark Mustian explores the history of the American freak show and what it means to be different in this world.
Johnny Cruel is born with wing-like appendages. Is it a miracle, or is he cursed? Is he an angel or a horror? Struggling to find his place in the world, Johnny ends up in a freak show traveling the 1930s South, where he bares his back to onlookers who come to gape, laugh, recoil and fawn. While looking for a place to call home, Johnny notices a strange man who pursues him. What does this man want, and can he be trusted?
In this episode, Mark talks about the history of the American freak show and how it remains a presence in 2025. He shares how he developed the character of Johnny and how his story develops over the course of the story. We talk about how he embraces, and struggles, with his “fame” and the mysterious person who pursues him.
Mark is also the founder of The Word of South Festival, which takes places April 4-6 and what people can expect from this great blend of literature and music.
Every band has their firsts—first album, first show, first tour. In this episode, the three-member chiptune band Battlemode talks about their first performance at the upcoming Boston Calling. Band members Biff and Astro talk about how this appearance came to be and the musicians they’re looking forward to seeing.
Boston has a great chiptune scene and Biff and Astro take us on a tour of what makes it so awesome. We learn about some of the other chiptune artists they’ve worked with and their Boston Bitdown festival, which takes place this weekend. We also talk about what else they have planned for the rest of 2025.
Closing out the episode is the track “Just Pretend.”
For her new book, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood,” Julie Ryan McGue shares the story of her and her twin sister growing up in their expanding adoptive family.
In this episode of Citywide Bytes, she talks about the family story and adapting it for this book. She also talks about how the book expands on her previous novel, “Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging.” We learn about the ongoing book tour she has and how it feels to be recognized by receiving Literary Titan and Independent Press awards.
At Citywide Blackout, we don’t toss around the word “legend” casually — but this time, we feel it applies.
Linda Viens and Richard Lamphear of Girl With a Hawk join us to talk about Viens’ recent induction into the New England Music Hall of Fame as part of the solo artists of 2025. Linda talks about the experience of hearing her name announced at the ceremony and what it means for her as an artist.
Linda and Richard talk about the formation of Girl With a Hawk in 2020 and the band’s recent single, “Share It All.” The two have been part of the Boston music scene for decades and talk about their favorite venues and musicians. We take a walk down memory lane and discuss the different places we’ve seen shows at and how the scene has changed over the years.
Closing out this episode is “Share it All.”
From past musical projects to years of world travel, Paul DePasquale has a number of influences as an artist, which have all played a role in his new album “Mister Silence” under his Ghost on TV project.
In this episode of Citywide Bytes, Paul talks about how the new album came together and the ways that his time in Japan, working with the band Vary Lumar and others helped shape the sound.
He goes into his new mindset of freeing himself and the ways this helped him as an artist. We also talk about his many years collaborating with Sean McLaughlin of 37’ Productions and his role in “Mister Silence.”
Wrapping up this episode is the title track, which we really enjoyed. Be sure to check out this and the rest of the album.
For this episode, we’re going to pivot from the authors we’ve been interviewing and focus on the music with Derek Smith from Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures.
Derek talks about the new album, “Opus,” described as a sort of “best of” collection of music, though the tunes here are all new. Derek shares his exploration of different music styles and how it all came together for the 10-track lineup.
We also go into the band’s origin, his musical parentage and how he settled on such a cool band name. Derek talks about the cool cover art made for “Opus” and his dad’s own artistic contributions. And of course, we talk about the plans in place for 2025.
Closing out this episode is “Preacher,” one of the tracks from “Opus.”
Our next guest was last on the show in 2010, and we’re welcoming him back to talk about some absolutely beautiful new music. Musician and composer Kevin Williams joins me to talk about his recent release, “Ways to Break a Window,” an 11-track album of instrumental music that is incredibly layered with different sounds and effects.
Kevin talks about the inspiration behind the album, which is a return of sorts to him producing his own music. He shares the story behind the sounds and how he got to experiment with different techniques during the production process. And of course, he tells us about the cool story behind the album’s name.
Closing out this interview is the song, “Bulbous Intent,” and I highly recommend listening to the entire album.
Longtime listeners will know that when it comes to comic-cons and arts festivals, we’re always down. But for this week’s guest, we’re not headed to Boston or New York City—we’re going to Italy to get a closer look at the Lake Como Comic and Arts Festival, which takes place May 16-18.
Steve Morger, the co-founder of the festival, talks with us about how this unique event got its start and the growth he’s seen over the years. We hear about some of the guests, Steve’s personal favorites and what he enjoys the most about this comic-con by the lake.
The location of the festival— the historic Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Lake Como Italy—is perhaps the best part, and Steve shares how he found the place and why it’s remained their home all these years.
Author Evette Davis joined us last October to talk about her new release, “The Others,” and now she is back with a new book, “The Gift,” out on March 18.
The book, second in her series, features Olivia Shepherd—a reluctant empath who is now exploring her abilities and new role—traveling to Eastern Europe to learn about an act of terrorism that has struck the Council.
This book features a new nemesis, family secrets, and Olivia forced to choose between destiny and her own desires.
Evette talks about Olivia’s evolution as a character and where she is in her story when Book 2 kicks off. We go into the family secret and how it impacts her, as well as the 1,000-year-old vampire that is on her trail.
Evette has a third book set to be released later this year, and we go into what readers can expect as Olivia’s story continues.
I hope you enjoyed our first episode of 2025 with LJ Cohen, because we’re keeping things rolling with the writers. Jeffrey Gardner is part of the upcoming “Shapers of Worlds” Vol. 5, an anthology of science fiction and fantasy stories out in March through Shadowpaw Press.
In this episode, Jeffrey and I talk about his story, “Magic That Cannot Be Undone,” which ties into his existing novels and the new angle it gives on one of his characters. We talk magic, the price it takes, and the path of the mage. Jeffrey shares how he went from novel to short story and the challenges that entails.
We talk about Jeffrey’s work in genetics and biochemistry and how he shifted from technical papers to novels.
For this episode, we’re headed back to the film set with director, writer and actor Adam Griswold for his upcoming movie, “The Other Christmas Show,” which premiers on March 15. Here’s a look at the story behind the story.
For years, Aaron Hawthorne and his theater company staged ambitious musical productions in a suburban New England theater, and ultimately went their separate ways when the shows failed to find much of an audience.
However, when Aaron learns that a famed Broadway producer is staging a new production of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol in his hometown theater, he sees it as a chance to finally be noticed and reunites his old team to scrape together a Christmas show of their own to be performed the night before.
As the team powers through the setbacks and complications of bringing their show to life, it starts to become apparent that the Broadway troupe that’s invaded their town may have a hidden agenda.
Joining us for this interview is Adam, along with cast members Bob Tourangeau, Ritik Rao and longtime friend of the show Kate Eppers. We talk about how this film came to be and hear from the cast about their roles and experiences on set. Adam shares how he brought such a massive cast together and the different locations used in the filming process.
Adam’s been making movies through his company, Smoking Bottle Entertainment, for the past decade, and talks about his past films and what it’s been like to working in the New England film scene.
Our first Citywide Bytes of the new year features friend of the show LJ Cohen for her soon-to-be-released book, “Litany for a Broken World” (Feb. 10). In it, three strangers are drawn together in a conflict that threatens not only themselves, but all reality.
In this episode, LJ talks about her characters and the reality-spanning conflict they must face. We go into the development of the protagonists and how they face this challenge. “Litany for a Broken World” is the first in a new series and we get a peek at what is next. We also look at the cover art, which is just amazing!
We’re getting 2025 off to a stellar start with one of the greats of the writing world! Author Jonathan Maberry is a NYT bestseller and 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner. He’s the creator of the Pine Deep Trilogy, V-Wars, Rot and Ruin and of course, the Joe Ledger series among many others.
In our first episode of the new year, Jonathan talks about “Burn to Shine,” the 14th book in the Joe Ledger series. In this book, a covert group is infiltrating the world’s most secure bio-weapons research sites. All across the country, people are acting as human ‘disease bombs’ by infecting themselves and walking into public places. And heavily-armed groups of illegal private soldiers are massing for some unknown strike.
Old enemies are rising and joining forces to hit Joe and his team with one devastating blow after another. What is the end game for all of this madness and terror? Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Joe Ledger has to find a way back from the fires of grief in order to make a stand between these enemies and millions of potential innocent lives. But Joe has allies, too. His team, the vicious fighters of Arklight, and friends who may or may not be entirely human.
Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? Jonathan, Curtis and Max talk all about the new book, the fights awaiting RTI and some callbacks to characters in past books.
Jonathan also talks about Joe Ledger, what defines this character, and how his trauma over the years has shaped him. We learn what keeps in the fight and why after all these years, he has no plans to back down.
We also talk about the big news that the Joe Ledger series has been optioned by Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick movies to be optioned for TV development. Jonathan talks about how he and Chad met and the process of working together. We dive into potential actors to play Joe and where we are at in the production process. “Rot and Ruin,” his young adult zombie series, is in advanced development by Alcon Entertainment and we go into how that has come along.
After all these years, working in novels, comics, and much more, one would think that Jonathan Maberry has done it all, and we ask about his “Mount Everest” accomplishments and what else he wants to do in his career.
This December saw the return of the Rhode Island Author Expo, run by the Association of Rhode Island Authors. Along with emceeing the event, Citywide Blackout co-host Max Bowen sat down with some of the many talented writers to talk about their new releases, story inspirations, character development, and what we can expect down the road.
McLaughlin shares details of upcoming books
Heidi McLaughlin, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, joins me to talk about her two upcoming novels, “Sail Away With Me” (Dec. 31) and “The Art of Starting Over” (Feb. 1). Both are romance stories, and we go into the details of the potential couples, her character development process and how these fit into her over 60 previous works.
Getting married in 1979 Moscow
Joann and Jim Mead have an interesting story about how they met—in Moscow 1979. In their new book, “Married in Moscow: A Red-hot Memoir during Cold War Times,” the couple talk about what brought them to Moscow in the first place and their memorable moments there. Joann and Jim share their first impressions of each other and how they went from two strangers to a marriage that lasted the years.
From travel blogging to crime thriller
To say that C.B. Giesinger has had a wide-ranging writing career would be putting it mildly. From her travel blogging, where she shows readers some of the best places to check out across the globe, she’s also tried her hand at all sorts of genres of books. Most recently, she released “Where the Salt Water Ends” a thriller in which the mother of a missing child begins an investigation when other kids are taken, and the truth is not something she wants to learn.
C.B. and I talk about her different types of writing, portraying strong female characters, and future works.
YA author is back with second “Courage Kids” book
In 2023, I got to meet debut author Nishita Roy-Pope to talk about her first book. “Courage Kids: The Secret Soccer Ball.” Now, Nishita has continued the series with “Courage Kids-Robots, Sharks and the Missing Glow” and with a name like this, you just know it’s going to be a great story. Nishita talks about what inspired this book and how it continues the first one. We also go into this new role for Nishita and how she plans to grow it in the future.
Kelly Swan Taylor shares the newest story in teen mystery series
Kelly Swan Taylor is now in the fourth volume of her Wright Detective series, this time set amidst a new love for her protagonist, Tessa Wright. We explore the different ways that the series has progressed and how Tessa has changed since the first book. Kelly also shares the role that Tessa’s love interest Mason plays in the new book as well as the potential for new titles.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so it’s only fitting to mark it with Kevin Moore’s new book, “Christmas Stories, Vol. II.”
Kevin may love Christmas even more than I do, as his new book is a collection of Yuletide-themed short stories, including “a young boy who creates a profound and mystical Christmas for his community, a woman who stumbles upon a mysterious pink gift card filled with unexpected surprises, and a troubled young man who hears the magical sound of snowflakes falling” according to the story synopsis.
Kevin talks about some of his favorite aspects of the stories and how writing one led to another, then another, and wound up as a new book. He employs a technique called ‘lucid dreaming’ which has helped with his writing. Kevin shares how lucid dreaming is done and the insight it has offered to his work.
And of course, we talk about the holiday and why it’s so special to him.
Welcome to our final episode of Citywide Bytes for the 2024 season. We’re taking a break to recharge and come back in 2025 and believe me, we have a lot planned.
Capping off this season I am very excited to be talking about the musical audiobook “Hannah: The Soldier Diaries” and joining me is the story’s creator — theater writer, producer and author Steve Wallis.
Here’s a look at the plot:
When the gorgeous Hannah meets Lance Corporal Jack Webb in summer 2012, she is quickly smitten. However, Hannah has to decide quickly whether to embark on a whirlwind affair or walk away, as the couple only has four weeks together before Jack has to return to the army to fight in the Afghan War. Hannah follows her heart and spends the most amazing four weeks of her life with Jack before he has to leave. Then, over two months later, Jack is missing, and Hannah — who is three months’ pregnant — is beside herself with worry. Out of nowhere, a face she knows only too well appears at her door. Are all Hannah's worries over? Or is this the beginning of the end for Hannah and Jack?
Steve and I go into the origins of the project and how his own grandparents’ relationship amidst World War II inspired the story. Steve talks about the main characters, Hannah and Jack, how they were created and how they grow over the course of the story. We also talk about the stage version that’s been done and learn some big news about a new project!
Zoe Wright provided the narration, voices and singing and we learn how she and Steve met and the collaboration process as they brought this story to life. “Hannah” has a second part dropping in December and we talk a bit [just a bit!] about the cliffhanger ending and what lies in store.
In our final pre-show interview for the Rhode Island Author Expo, I’m getting a lesson in the 52-Star Code System from Karyn Chabot Martino. I’d need all day to expound on Karyn’s lengthy educational background, but suffice it to say, if it’s out there, odds are she’s studied it.
Case in point—years ago she learned about the Star Code System and in this episode, we’re going to hear what that is, what inspired her to write about it and how her five-book series builds on what she’s already learned.
The system is linked to the classic playing card deck and she talks about how the different suits and cards are a language all their own. These codes, according to Karyn’s web site, “unveil the probabilities of fate, the possibilities of destiny, and the concepts of free will, allowing humans to revolutionize the understanding of themselves, consciousness, and life itself.”
In the third installment of our pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, Richard Harrington takes us on a tour of his “Tender Purdy Mysteries” series, now in its second volume. Tender Purdy has an IQ of 180, can solve complex cases….and is only 5 years old.
Richard talks about how he came up with the concept, and went from initial idea to completed book. He explains who Tender is, how she became a junior sleuth, and the challenges that await her in the books. We also get a sneak peek at what future stories have in store for the readers.
The four-piece rock band Western Education is another old favorite from our Boston days. We’ve seen them on stage many times and it’s always been a blast, so of course, we had to have them on.
Band members Greg Alexandropoulos, Will Hunt and Devin Vaillaincourt join us to recap their most recent singles, which touch on some pretty serious topics, such as the loss of a loved one to cancer and trying to help someone dealing with mental health struggles. The band talks about the real-life people whose stories inspired the music and what it means to share them.
Western Education has been around since 2012, and we go into the “good ol’ days” of promoting music, how things have changed and how they’ve changed with them. We talk about favorite Boston venues – ours and theirs -- and some of the stages they’ve performed on.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from the band’s recent single, “Catherine What Have You Done” and closing things out is the new release, “Madeline in the Hurricane,” which was released on Nov. 15.
In our second episode of the pre-Rhode Island Author Expo interviews, I’m joined by New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today-bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin. Heidi has a new book out on Dec. 3 called “Forever My Boy,” which provides a new angle on “Forever My Girl,” which was adapted to a movie in 2018.
Heidi and I talk about the book and the new direction it goes in, as well as how it fits into the Beaumont Series, which “Forever My Girl” kicks off. We talk about the characters and the different things we’re learning about them in the new book as well as revisiting “Forever My Girl” in the writing process.
We also go into her 60-plus books since 2012 and how she has made such a massive collection work.
Jeff Michaels of the Jeff Michaels Band is an old friend from our days in Boston. It’s been a while since we spoke and there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get to it!
Curtis, Max and Jeff talk all about their days in the Boston music scene and some of Jeff’s favorite venues to perform at. Jeff goes into a long break he took from music and the old friend who got him back to it. He shares some personal stories that are captured in his songs, especially “Luckiest By Far.”
While some musicians will opt for the crowdfunding, Jeff received his support from the State of Massachusetts and talks about all that he was able to do with the cash. He also goes into his relationship with fellow musician Scott Barkan and what he brings to the musical table.
Jeff shares some plans for the future, which include lots of new music, as well as his thoughts on getting back on stage. We also talk about how after 20 years, he remains relevant as a musician.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from Jeff’s single, “Lost in the Night” and closing out the show is “Luckiest By Far.”
On Dec. 7, the Rhode Island Author Expo returns, and we’re previewing this event by speaking to some of the writers who will be there. First up is Scott Jablonski, a writer, musician and teacher who has been encouraging kids to become their best version through his “Stand Out! Stand Out!” series.
In this interview, Scott talks about his work as a teacher and how it’s tied into his writing and music. He shares his hopes for the children that read his books and some of the messages he’s imparting through them.
For this episode, we’re talking all about dogs, and how one dog named Milo and his owner overcame their difficult pasts.
After the untimely death of her beloved pet, Mattie, author Anne Abel rescued an initially aggressive dog named Milo. Anne's commitment to Milo's rehabilitation became a powerful metaphor for her resilience and growth. Amid many challenges and recovering from childhood trauma, Anne found strength, rediscovered her capacity to love and transformed both herself and Milo in the process.
Anne wrote about this in "Mattie, Milo and Me," and we talk all about those early days with Milo and how she helped to ease his aggressive tendencies. She talks about her own past trauma and how working with Milo changed that, as well as sharing the story multiple times as part of the Moth StorySLAMs.
To wrap up our Halloween coverage, we’re talking historical fiction, steampunk and Tesla….no not that Tesla. Joining us is author Matthew Donald to talk about his new book, “Teslamancer.”
The book is Donald’s second in this alternate history steampunk series, following “Teslanauts” in 2022. In the new book, protagonist Raymond Calvert is an experienced Teslanaut, completing missions across many countries, thwarting numerous underground factions using Tesla's cutting-edge volt-tech. In 1924, the world braces for the emergence of the Teslamancer, the ultimate wielder of Tesla's breakthrough science.
In this interview, Matthew talks about what inspired the series and how he changed history for the books. We go into Raymond’s character and how he’s changed over the two books and what lies in store over the next three titles. And of course, the interview wouldn’t be complete without talking about the tech to be found in this series.
In her first in an urban fantasy trilogy set in San Francisco, Evette Davis has created a “secret society of supernaturals who seek to slow the spread of facism.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Olivia Shepherd is a political consultant with a secret: She’s an empath, with the power to experience the emotions of those around her. Keen to keep her supernatural abilities hidden, Olivia's world is upended when Elsa, an ancient time-walker, appears in her kitchen, unveiling a destiny she never knew she had.
As Olivia delves deeper into the hidden world of the "Others" who lurk beneath San Francisco's foggy streets, she finds herself drawn into the clandestine organization of The Council–who seek to influence humanity from the shadows–and Gabriel Laurent, the enigmatic leader of a realm where vampires, witches, fairies and demons navigate a delicate balance of power.
In this episode, we go into Olivia’s character, her abilities, and how she finds herself amidst this conflict. Evette shares Olivia’s motivation and how she handles this new world that she finds herself a part of.
We talk about the fantasy aspect of the story and why she chose to place it in San Francisco, where she lives. We even go into what will be happening in her next two books, but no spoilers here!
Whatever you do, don’t eat the pie. That’s it. That’s all the warning you get.
In Monique Asher’s new book, “Don’t Eat the Pie,” we’re taken to Camillia Island, where Sam moves her family after her mother-in-law falls ill. All seems well and there’s even a pie competition, until Sam’s daughter Emma begins seeing ghosts who try to warn her of something.
Monique talks about the absolutely amazing cover art and introduces us to the artist who created it. We talk about what inspired the book and her writing process. Monique goes into Camillia Island, what makes it the way it is and the things Emma sees.
And speaking of hauntings , Monique is also the co-host of the “Stay The Night Podcast” and shares her experiences recording the episodes at some of the most haunted places around.
Curtis and I have been friends with the Boston-based Three at Home for many years, and shared many a show together. In this episode, we take some time to catch up with the rock/pop trio to see where they’ve been and what’s in their future.
Band members Dann Russo, Mary Casiello and Kari Paisley-Flango talk about some recent shows in Boston and the Steam Kettle Festival at Hale Reservation in Westwood. Kari joined the band in 2022, and talk about how they met with Dann and Mary and their experience being part of Three at Home.
Boston has been a big part of all our lives and we take some time to go into the changes we’ve seen in the city, its role as a place for the arts, and the challenges and opportunities that it’s created for the artistic community in recent years.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from "Mama Werewolf" a Brandi Carlie cover and which the band performed at the Steam Kettle Festival, featuring Kari on lead vocals. Closing the episode is "Just Like This" an original by the band and recorded before Kari joined the band.
We’ve all had some pretty intense nightmares, but hey, they’re all dreams, right…..right? Our next guest shares a world where dreams can indeed kill you.
Author Deirdre Swinden joins us to talk about, “Somnium” to through Crystal Lake Entertainment. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Immerse yourself in a terrifying blend of psychological horror and high-tech science fiction in this riveting novel where dreams can kill. Gillian Hardie experiences nightmares so intense they threaten her very existence, thanks to a glitch in Somnium Corporation’s groundbreaking dream advertising technology. Every night, her sleep unleashes monsters that her body reacts to as if they were real, pushing her to the edge of despair.
Armed with her lucid dreaming skills, Gillian battles these horrors, but when an accident traps her in a perpetual dream state, she must rely on Nathan Keller, a nightmare warrior, and Dex Cooper, an Operator, to navigate this nightmarish reality. With her darkest fears manifesting like never before, Gillian faces a race against time to survive a threat that could unleash unimaginable horrors from the depths of her mind.
Deirdre goes into the creation of her nightmare world, and the terrors that stalk Gillian. We learn about how she blended sci-fi and horror, and how she researched the dream technology that’s used. She talks about the writing process for her debut book and how she came to be working with Crystal Lake Entertainment.
Let’s face it, cities are just awesome. Whether it’s Boston, Paris, London, they have a life all their own, and sometimes, they wind up as characters in a story.
That’s the premise for our latest Citywide Bytes interview with R.B. Wood, Mike Allen and Xan van Rooyen to talk about “Winter in the City,” a collection of 18 different stories from new and veteran writers from around the world. As the book’s editor, R.B. goes into the book’s origins and how he found the many writers, while Mike and Xan talk about their stories and why they chose their particular cities.
The book’s going to be related on Dec. 10 through R.B.’s Ruadán Books and he shares what it means for this to be the company’s debut release.
Let’s face it, family can be a challenge. But when that family is a group of supernatural shapeshifters? Well, that’s a horse—or a wolf—of a different color.
In our newest Citywide Bytes interview, I talk with author Lisa Diane Kastner for her recently-released book, “Family Pack,” the sequel to her 2022 release, “Cure.” The book continues the story of Luna Auber, whom after her brother dies suddenly learns that she is both a shapeshifting lycanthrope and the descendent of a legendary female Viking warrior.
In “Family Pack,” Luna’s epic journey continues amidst a conflict between The Lycanthrope Society, which believe that humans and lycanthropes should exist in harmony, and The Righteous Group, which believe that lycanthropes are intended to rule over all other species.
Lisa talks about the series got its start on a dare from fellow author and New York Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry, and full disclosure, I nerd out quite a bit here. When one of the greats of the writing world dares you to do something, you just gotta!
We also go into how Luna’s progressed on her journey in this new life and the conflict that she’s about to be a part of. Lisa talks about Luna’s powers and how she adapts to this new world as well as how the character and author parallel one another.
And if anyone out there wants to make my dream of Citywide Blackout cookies happen, I’m here for it!
When I first heard the music of Imaginarium, my thought was “Damn, this is good,” followed quickly by “We gotta get this band on the show!” And here we are.
Band founder Anton de Bruin talks about how the group came to be as well as the musical backgrounds of the different members. We look at the eclectic sound, a blend of funk, jazz, and reggae and how it all comes together through the different members. The band is based in the Netherlands, and Anton shares some of the shows they’ve done and where they’d like to play next.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Gabobo” and wrapping things up is “Kaleidoscope.”
Music has always been a part of Todd Hearon’s life and following a brief break for other creative pursuits, he’s returned with a three-part album release and in this interview, we dive right into what this is all about.
The Texas-born songwriter goes into the story behind his most recent release, “Impossible Man” and how it follows his 2021 and 2023 albums, “Border Radio” and “Yodelady.” We also talk about his musical hiatus to go to grad school in Boston and co-found The Bridge Theater Company, an independent troupe in Boston’s Theater District.
Todd shares how his poetry and other writings blend with his music, and gives us the story behind Myrtle, his 1950 Gibson J-50.
Opening the interview is an excerpt from “Guillotine” and closing things out is the song “Looking Glass,” both of which are from the new album.
In author Donna Levin’s new book, “The Talking Stick,” we meet Hunter, who has lost…..well, just about everything. Her husband has left her for her former friend, now best enemy Angelica. She has no job, no prospects, and is unsure of what comes next.
That “next” happens while exploring a San Francisco flea market. Here, she’s sent on a journey with three other women who join her journey to reexamine pasts, explore grief, addictions, parenting, and marriages, and discover that some of their most-cherished memories are romanticized versions of the truth.
In this interview, we look at what inspired this book and introduced to Hunter and Angelica. Donna talks about the element of a Talking Stick and why it was included in the book. She shares a look at the journey Hunter’s on and the people she’ll be sharing it with and just where it’s all going.
Singer-songwriter Tyler Herwig believes that if he can help even one person through his music, then that is a job well done. In this episode, he talks with us about how his wife inspired him to pursue music as a full-time career and some of his experiences along the way.
In fact, Tyler’s most recent release is “All Yours,” a message of thanks to his wife for her many years of support as he’s made his art his new career.
In fact, he performs around 280 shows a year and talks about how he maintains such a rigorous schedule and his goals in the future. He shares a few show memories and what he views are his highlights as an artist. Tyler also shares some news of his upcoming music.
Opening the show is an excerpt from “Enough” and closing the episode is “All Yours.”
Singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz is back for what has become a yearly check-in and man, there is a lot to talk about. Over the last 12 months, he’s released tons of music and we go into the songs and the stories behind them. Dany also talks about how he puts himself into his songs. We also give some previews of what he has planned for the rest of this year and into the next.
The last year has also seen a lot of memorable appearances, such as at the recent North by Northeast Festival and as a judge for the Juno Awards. Dany, Max and Curtis talk about what that was like and Dany’s experience getting to choose his picks for the Adult Contemporary Category.
Dany also shares some of the many artists he’s collaborated with and the amazing results of these musical partnerships. We talk a little business as Curtis asks about the stunning social media presence that Dany’s built since he started this journey just a couple of years ago.
Opening this interview is an excerpt from “Until the Seas Run Dry,” Dany’s newest single and bringing things to a close is “Roads and Roses,” one of our personal favorites.
After hearing this interview, I hope you’ll all be a little more careful when you open that random email. Because you never know.
Author Justin Lee is back with a new book, “The Reluctant Reckoner” (Oct. 8) and in this episode, we talk all about protagonist Mark Righters, an ordinary man caught in a world he is wholly unprepared for. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
An honest accountant who likes to keep it simple, he's been at the same company for 23 years and prefers things the way they are: steady, with little excitement, and even less change. His health, 8-year-old daughter, and small suburban home are all he needs. But after that e-mail, everything is at risk.
Somehow framed for a financial discrepancy that could send him to jail, at first, he's just bewildered. But when the crime mysteriously disappears just as quickly as it emerged, it's clear just how outmatched Mark really is.
Then he's kidnapped, blindfolded, and given a timeline to steal confidential information. He doesn't know who the perpetrators are, what they need it for, or why they asked him. But he does know they know things about him. Personal things. Things they can't possibly know.
Justin and I talk about the kind of person Mark is and how he navigates this plot. He goes into his growth as a writer and the new territory he got to explore in this, his fourth book. We also look at how, after four books and several awards, Justin feels that he has “arrived” as a writer.
Author and storyteller Matthew Mercier has a certain claim to fame—he once lived in the Bronx home of Edgar Allan Poe. In fact, the experience was so life-changing, he made it the subject of his recently-released book. “Poe and I,” out through Crystal Lake Entertainment. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Jonah Peabody takes a job as caretaker and head docent for a historical house in The Bronx that once served as the last home for Edgar Allan Poe, a job that requires him to live on the premises so he can give tours on the weekend. To be more precise, he must live in the basement of Poe’s home—Poe’s Basement.
This is Matthew’s first book and in this episode, we talk about the writing process and what of his own experiences made it into the story. We talk about his protagonist, Jonah Peabody and how he and Matthew relate. He also shares some memorable times living in the home of one of the legends of the horror genre.
On Oct. 22, the world will be introduced to, as writer Helen Mullane puts it, “the acid-drenched, blood-soaked journey into the heart of rock n’ roll excess” and I could not have done a better job summing up “Groupies,” a new five-issue series which debuts on Oct. 22 through Comixology.
Helen and I go into the origins of this series, and how she and co-creator/artist Tula Lotay shaped the story. Helen shares her interest in the world of groupies and how she dove into it to craft the characters. She talks about working with Tula and how she applied her art style to the story. We even give a few hints as to what you can expect, but you’ll need to read “The Groupies” to find out what happens!
Three couples. A weekend at a secluded lake house. What could go wrong?
Quite a lot, as it turns out. Joseph Falank’s new book, “The Vanishing at Echo Lake” (Oct. 22), combines the each couple’s relationships issues with a mysterious cabin where the living have a tendency to go missing without a trace.
Joseph talks about what inspired the book, not his first in the horror genre, and how he created both the world of the cabin and the people, in a way that makes them matter to the reader. He goes into the force surrounding the cabin and how we learn of its effect on the people there. The book’s set amidst the COVID pandemic and we look at why this was done and how it impacts the story.
Joseph even gives us a sneak peek at his next project, a fantasy story that his daughter helped inspire.
Over his lengthy musical career, Michael Botte has seen it all and played it all, and in this interview, he shares it all—how it started, how it changed and how he feels to be a recent International Singer Songwriter Association award-winner for Male Emerging Artist of the Year.
Michael goes into his recent single release, “Dance With Your Shadow” and the upbeat reggae style that he got to incorporate. We talk about the genre-jumping he’s done and how he views his own sound. We learn how he met Bob Beals of Sound Foundation Studios and the great working relationship they’ve enjoyed over the years.
Michael’s merch bears the word, “#musicismytherapy” and he shares how this part of his life has helped him with his mental health and the impact he hopes to make through his music.
Closing out the episode is Michael’s single, “Dance With Your Shadow.”
It was in 2018 that the three-piece band Robotic Hawks came together and, in that time, they’ve taken many a stage and radio show and, in this episode, we’re going to hear all about it!
Band members Tyler Pollard (Vocals/Bass), Brian Sturk (Drums) and Shawn Doherty (Guitar) give us the whole backstory—how the band came together through a Craigslist ad and some of their favorite venues over the years. This includes some of Curtis and I’s most beloved venues, the Middle East and the Sinclair.
We talk about how the band’s style has evolved with the release of their new EP “All Business” as well as their unique style and how it’s been perceived over the years. We also go into the collaborative process behind their songwriting. Shawn, Tyler and Brian give us a look as to what’s next for Robotic Hawks and we highlight some upcoming shows.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “High Maintenance” and closing things out is “Wishing Well,” both of which are from the new album.
When author John Raposa was last on the show, it was in 2017 for his dystopian thriller “Children of Apis” series. Now, he has a new book out, “All In The Cards” and while the book is indeed a thriller, this has a much darker tone. Here’s a look at the synopsis:
Danny and Leigh are your typical teenagers until a mystical deck of cards comes into their possession. What started as an innocent visit to a gypsy's tent results in a decision that alters the path of their lives.
For Danny, the cards are both intriguing and addictive. To Leigh, they have a dark quality that should have been left alone. As the lives of Danny and Leigh unfold, the cards' sinister nature begins to emerge, and their dark powers have a chilling reach.
As the cards' predictions are revealed, Danny and Leigh are forced to question everything they thought they knew. Are the cards really predicting their future, or is it all mere coincidence? And what is the true purpose of this sinister deck?
In this episode, John, Curtis and Max talk about where the idea for the book came from, and his use of a regular deck of playing cards for this dark presence. John goes into the new experiences he had in the writing process for a psychological thriller and how he developed his main characters.
How does one judge the impact of their work?
It’s a topic that I talk about with author, activist, and teacher H.D. Hunter in the latest episode. He has a new book out on Aug. 20, “Something Like Right,” and it’s his first foray into the world of young adult fiction. We talk about what new lessons this offered after working primarily in elementary/middle school fiction and how he enjoyed the experience.
H.D. shares the origin of Zay, the main character of the book, and his role in the story, which touches on themes of love, broken families and healing from generational trauma. H.D. shares how Zay came to be, and their evolution during the writing process, as well as the possibilities of more books in this genre.
We also speak on the “Futureland” series, a trilogy which recently came to its conclusion. Set in a theme park where literally anything can happen, it’s focused on Cam Walker and his family, the park’s creators, and their many adventures over the three books. We dive deep into this, as well as what may be next for the series.
H.D. has had the chance to reach many young readers through this work, and we talk about what he hopes they have taken away from the experience.
PHOTO BY CALDWELL PROPHOTO, LLC. TAKEN AT GARDENS OF BABYLON LANDSCAPES, NASHVILLE, TN
On our latest episode of Citywide Bytes, singer-songwriter Haley Verrall joins me to share the story behind her latest single, “Peach Iced Tea.” It’s an upbeat tale and a shift from some of her past work. We talk about this and some of the different sounds she’s tried out since she began releasing music.
We also talk about some her past music, including “Late Bloomer,” which was part of a past edition of the Blackout Collection.
Since college, Haley has run Singing for Smiles, performing for senior citizens. This came about from when she sang for her grandmother and we go into what she’s done over the years.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Late Bloomer” and closing things out is “Peach Iced Tea.”
The next guest on Citywide Bytes came to our attention with his single “Theory of Mind,” and now, he’ll be talking about some great new music he has to share.
A sound inspired by synthpop, punk, 90s techno and 16-bit videogame soundtracks, Bjorn Felle’s style is always changing and in this episode we learn about the twists and turns he’s taken since starting his musical career. We dive into is new album, “Paradise Moon” and learn about the new sounds he got to try out as well as some of the past sonic experiments he’s conducted.
Bjorn also shares some show stories and gives some clues as to what he’s got in the works, both in the studio and on the road.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Dopamine” from the album “Extreme Hazard Planet” and closing out the episode is “Welcome To Paradise Moon,” the lead track from “Paradise Moon.”
With his new book, Bill Mullen is making the pivot from thriller to horror. “The Thing in the Wind” goes on a dark journey through the Canadian wilderness, but there’s a lot more to it. The book is now available through Crystal Lake Entertainment, here’s a look at the story:
A search party stumbles upon an unspeakable horror that threatens both their lives and sanity.
In the heart of the Canadian wilderness, a harrowing tale of survival and psychological horror unfolds in this gripping novel. Amidst the vast, unforgiving landscape, a woman’s world is shattered by the mysterious disappearance of her mother in the remote reaches of northern Saskatchewan. Along with her father and a small, determined search party, she embarks on a desperate quest for answers, only to encounter an unspeakable terror lurking in the shadows of the ancient forests.
As the group navigates the treacherous wilderness, their journey becomes a chilling fight for survival against not only the harsh elements but also a malevolent force that defies explanation. Haunted by eerie premonitions and the feeling of being stalked by an unseen entity, they begin to realize that they are facing a horror far beyond their wildest imaginations.
Bill, Curtis and Max talk about the origins of the book and the work that went into it from a research and story building perspective. Bill shares his love of horror and how it went going from his thriller “Red Nocturne,” to a much darker tale. He also goes into the location for the book and how this shapes the story to come.
In our newest episode of Citywide Bytes, I’m joined by Jeneen Terrana, who’s been releasing music since 2002 with her debut album, “Just Me.” Since then, she’s performed all over the US and toured in Europe. Most recently, she released the single “Good Girls Get the Blues.”
Jeneen takes us back to the beginning with what got her into music from her time spent as an actress and why she’s remained there for so many years. She talks about her new single “Good Girls Get the Blues” and the collaboration process with some amazing musicians.
Over the years, Jeneen has toured all over, and during this call she’s currently on the road. She talks about her time in Europe and the memorable experiences she had.
Closing out the interview is the new single, “Good Girls Get the Blues.”
CONTENT WARNING: This interview contains recounts of trauma and abusive relationships.
Penny Lane’s debut memoir “Redeemed: A Memoir of a Stolen Childhood,” (She Writes Press) is a story of personal redemption. Torn from her home by a Hungarian father she doesn't know to enduring abuse and neglect from a stepmother, Penny's journey leads her to another form of captivity: fundamentalist Christianity. It's a tale of resilience against abuse, trauma, and oppressive odds, navigating both family and religious turmoil to ultimately find her way home.
In this episode, Penny shares what led her to share her story with the world, and her process of recounting her abusive relationships. She hold nothing back as she talks about what she endured and how she made it through to a live of love and happiness.
Penny shares her experience with a Fundamentalist Christian world and how it impacted her years later. She talks about the message behind the book and her hopes for what readers will take from it.
This interview was arranged with the help of Books Forward.
Who here likes weird fiction? Wow, that’s a lot of hands. Ok then, listen up, because NecronomiCon Providence is the place for you!
In this episode of Citywide Bytes, Ken Vaughn, director of core programming for this bi-annual showcase, talks about the panels, guest speakers, special events and much more that await those eager to check out this weird and fun convention. We spotlight the guests of honor and Ken talks about the work to bring them all together.
We also look at how this event has grown over the years from its inception in the 90s to what it has become today. NeconomiCon takes place from August 15-18 in Providence, Rhode Island at the Omni Hotel.
I’ve been a fan of both professional wrestling and comics for many years, so getting to talk about both for this interview was just perfect.
Writer Clay McCormack, artist Ricardo Lopez Ortiz and I dive into “Hard Style Juice,” a new series that you can only see on Comixology Originals. Here’s a look at the story for those new to it:
Wrestling is big business in arenas across the country, and for the Castros, it’s the family business. "King" Castro is the patriarch of the family, he’s also the manager, booker, promotor, MC, and owner of the local independent wrestling promotion KCPW, King Castro Pro Wrestling.
His daughter, Ramonita "Mona" Castro, has dreams of going to business school, but also has a penchant for wrestling. And his son, Rey Castro, is the star. A real showman, Rey is known as the "King of the Death Match," and he's on the verge of getting a contract to go pro.
Pro wrestling built the Castro family, and now it’s about to tear it apart. A shocking in-ring death sends the family spiraling out of control, and down the path of revenge as one big question rears its head: was it an accident? Or was it murder?
We talk about the series origins, and how Clay and Ricardo’s interest in wrestling played a role in shaping it. Clay talks about working with murder mysteries and how he paces the story, while Ricardo shares how he captured the feel of the wrestling world and his favorite parts to draw.
The series is now three issues in, with the fourth to be dropped on July 16, and we go into where the story is now and a few hints as to what we can expect in future issues.
Since 2022, singer/songwriter Abijah Perry has been making some amazing music, including our personal favorite, “Love Overnight.”
In the newest episode of Citywide Bytes, she and Max talk about what got her into music, how she landed her mellow folk-infused style and how she’s defining and refining her sound. She shares how she fell in love with music and her choice to pursue it as a career.
Abijah also talks about the stories she’s sharing through her songs, future projects and the family influence that inspired her love of all things music.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from her single “Color Theory” and closing the show is the complete “Love Overnight.”
It was in 2017 when the original six members of The Midnight Wrens came together, and since that time, they’ve made some amazing music in the New England area. In this episode, band songwriter/guitarist Tom Powley joins us to talk about how the Wrens came together and their journey over the years.
Tom goes into their new EP, “The Songbird Collection,” a five-track EP that touches on different aspects with each song, and shares some of the stories behind the music. We also look at the band’s upcoming show on July 25 at The Word Barn and the release of a band-inspired IPA with Exeter Brewing Co.
Big thanks go to Sarah Blacker, who made the introductions that led to this interview.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Come Home” and closing things out is the full track “Mona Lisa,” both of which you can find on “The Songbird Collection.”
It was back in March that I first heard “I Know” by Perdys and since then, it’s been a blast exploring this work of Scandinavian producer/songwriters Nalle Ahlstedt and Anders Borgius.
In the newest episode of Citywide Bytes, Max and Anders talk about how he and Nalle first met and the choice to form Perdys. Of course, that wasn’t the band’s first name, and we go into how they went form Perk to Perkless and how they landed on Perdys. We also talk about the story behind “I Know,” the cool cover art, and what we can expect later this year.
Closing out the episode is “I Know.”
Horror author Thomas Smith has written some wildly terrifying tales over the years, and in his new horror collection, “Other Places” (Cemetery Dance), he brings us 16 different stories, all in his signature style.
In this interview, Thomas talks about the phone call from friend of the show Kevin Lucia that got this book rolling, and how he created each story. We learn which was the most fun to write, and get a peek at some of the themes and ideas he incorporated.
We look at the dedication to fellow horror writer Joe Cherkes and the history between the two that led to Thomas choosing Joe for this honor. Thomas talks about his own type of writing and what he hopes the reader gets out of it—and you may be surprised by what he has to say.
Our next guest for the Citywide Bytes interviews has just dropped his first novel, “The Longitude of Grief,” a coming of age story about a boy named Henry and his attempts to escape a world of betrayal.
But for author Matthew Daddona, it’s far from his first foray into the literary world—in fact, he’s been working in the publishing world for years for such companies as Penguin Random House and Dey Street Books/Harper Collins, so he knows a thing or three about getting a book out there.
In this interview, Matthew shares what inspired this book, which he worked on for six years. We go into how it changed over that time and what’s different in the final version. We also talk about how working as a book editor helped him during the writing process and get the story behind his main character, Nick Manero.
This interview comes to us through the good folks at Books Forward PR, and you can learn more at www.booksforward.com.
Calling Kenny J a positive individual would be a massive understatement. This South Carolina-based songwriter and producer is hoping to spread such a message through his new music, which culminates in a summer album release.
Originally slated to be our new Citywide Bytes interview, some connection issues arose and we decided “hell with it, the show must go on!”
So, we dove into the meaning behind Kenny’s upbeat outlook on life. He also shares the sad news of his wife’s passing last year and how this inspired him to write “You’re a Woman.” Kenny talks about his late wife and it becomes clear that she is a part of what makes him the person he is today.
Kenny’s not just a songwriter—he’s worked as a producer since the 1990s and we learn how he got into that industry and his current projects.
Richard Farren Barber is the author of dozens of books, novellas and short stories over 30 years, and in this episode, we see his creative spirit at work in “One of the Dead,” released through Crystal Lake Entertainment.
In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with Richard about what inspired a story wherein the undead look just like us and spread, not through devouring the living, but by stealing their life force by touch. We meet Nick, the protagonist and learn how he must fight the living dead when they go after his girlfriend Abby, a task that he is wholly unprepared for.
Richard shares the inspiration for the creepy-as-hell cover for “One of the Dead,” which features a figure in yellow wandering through a graveyard. Speaking of settings, the locations for the book came from Nottingham, where Richard has lived for many years and he talks about how they influence the story.
16-year-old pop artist Sydney <3 joins the newest Citywide Bytes episode to share the backstory for her two singles, “Picture Perfect” and “Anywhere But Here.” Both songs were recently released, marking her debut as an artist.
Sydney <3 talks about what inspired her to go into music, including working with industry greats like Adam Hurstfield and Orlando Calzada. She also shares her memories of being in the recording studio for the first time. Her music includes both English and Korean lyrics and she shares about why this was done and what it adds to the music. And of course, I ask about the symbol after her name.
Opening the song is an excerpt from “Picture Perfect,” and “Anywhere But Here” closes out the episode.
For Dallas-based musician Sister Shalom, music began at a young age and has taken many turns along the way. Likewise, her life as a person of faith has seen some changes and in this interview, she shares both aspects of her life.
Sister Shalom began her ministry as an independent artist in 2020 and since then has releases some singles and the EP “Genesis” earlier this year. She talks about her style and the other types of music she explore growing up. We go into her time away from the Word of God and what brought her back, as well as sharing her faith through her music.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Sister Shalom has called Dallas, Texas, home since 2018. She talks about some of the venues she’s been to and tackles the question: Is this her home now?
Opening this show is an excerpt from her song, “Clean Heart,” and closing the episode is the complete “Don’t Let the Devil Ride.”
Following her appearance last August, Boston-based musician Jennifer Tefft is back, this time to talk about her new band, Jennifer Tefft & The Strange. Joined by her bandmate “Sharky” we talk about their new album, “Strange Beginnings,” which dropped on May 17.
Jennifer and Sharky share the musical journey that the album takes us on, starting with the recent single releases “Caffeine” and “Going Out.” We go into their upcoming shows, including a performance on WMFO for Live Music Day.
Along with his music, Sharky is also a visual artist, and designed the band’s merch along with working on the cover art for the recent releases. We also get some hints as to what the future has for Jennifer Tefft & The Strange.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from “Caffeine” and closing the show is “Going Out” in its entirety.
Douglas Knight of Crosseye Comics is back to talk about the newest issue of “Super Wicked White Cell Squadron,” a series launched last year and based on his time in the hospital as a kid undergoing cancer treatment. The comic is dedicated to the doctors that took care of him and which Knight wrote, drew and colored.
This series features a team of heroes inspired in part by the doctors Doug knew as a child and we talk about these real-life heroes. The 70-page first issue was released in 2023 and we look at how the story of SWWCS continues with the second issue. Unlike others in the creative fields, Doug chose not to back this through sites like Kickstarter and goes into what led to this decision.
The series gives a nod to shows like “Power Rangers,” and Doug shares how the costumes, mech designs, and villains all came to be. We also get a look at what he plans next in this series, and the many other projects he has in the works.
The newest guest on the Citywide Bytes live show has worked on award-winning titles such as “Banned Book Club,” “Occulted,” and is here to talk about two great new titles.
Ryan Estrada joins me to dive into “The Silver City,” the second part in the “Student Ambassador” series, which features a new adventure with main character Joseph Bazan. We talk about Joseph and how he came to be as well as how he fares in the newest mystery. This comic is based on a very real place and Ryan goes into how he world-built the newest comic.
For “No Rules Tonight,” Ryan worked once again with his wife Kim Hyun Sook on this very real look at South Korea in the 1980s. We talk about what the country was like in this time period and how this influenced the story. Ryan shares the collaboration process with his wife and how this continues the story found in “Banned Book Club.”
Many know Don Silver for years in the music industry as a producer, talent scout and much more. But Silver’s also an accomplished author, as we see in his soon-to-be-released book, Scorched (May 7, Holloway Press). Here’s a look at what’s in store:
After his father's sudden death, 14-year-old Jonas tries to support himself and his mother by selling weed and tranquilizers at parties–until he gets busted and sent to a boarding school for fatherless boys. To survive Lafayette Academy, Jonas and his four roommates form a tight bond. The boys vow to have each others’ backs for life--but that promise is broken the weekend before graduation when they’re drawn into a violent encounter that results in a man’s death. Twenty years later, when one of his old roommates shows up unannounced, Jonas is forced to confront his complicated past once and for all.
Max and Don talk about the origins of the book, how he got into the head of Jonas, and how the main character changed over the course of the writing process. Don talks about how he got into writing in the first place and three books later, if he feel he has “arrived.”
This is Don’s second book in the “coming-of-age” genre and we go into what about this type of story appeals to him. We also shed light on the rest of the cast, and how they grow the story in different ways.
In our most recent episode of the live show Citywide Bytes, I’m joined by Mark Femino, and if you’re in the Boston music scene, that’s a name you likely know. Mark’s been a professional musician, performer, and teacher for nearly 30 years and actively toured in the mid-90s with the jam band, Blind Man’s Sun.
Today, Mark is a seasoned musician and, in this interview, we talk all about the path he took to get here, including the recent release of his single, “Damn Girl,” a really interesting take on a breakup song. Mark also has a new acoustic album called “These Are The Moments,” and he shares some of the stories he’s captured in these eight songs. We also get a couple live songs!
Following this interview is the new single, “Damn Girl,” in its entirety.
Dennis Hopeless is known for titles such as X-Force, Darth Vader, Suicide Squad and Invader Zim. Now, he shares a true-life story in the Comixology-exclusive title “She’s Running on Fumes.”
Set in Deepwater, Missouri circa 1984, a criminal named Jody is severely injured in a car wreck and his wife discovers he was a drug trafficker and begins her own criminal career in a desperate bid to keep her family afloat. The twist is that this tale of crime and survival is inspired by Hopeless' own parents.
In this episode, Dennis talks about what led him to bring his family’s story to this new series and how his mother helped him to collect all the details. We talk about his past work, which includes titles like X-Force, Spider-Woman and Suicide Squad and how at times his own backstory inspires what he’s written.
Dennis goes into the fiction portion of “She’s Running on Fumes” and how he views this portion of his life, which he witnessed at a very young age. He talks about how he views his father as a person, all these years later.
Our next guest in the Citywide Bytes series is set to release an 8-issue dark comedy series, “So-Called Living” set in a world much like our own…Well, except for all the vampires, werewolves and zombies, that is.
Mark Maia’s story focuses on a guy named Jack, whose life is turned upside down when he finds himself unwillingly transformed into a vampire. With the help of his friends, he tries his best to adapt to this new way of "living." Unfortunately for Jack, he's gotten himself mixed up with the wrong kind of "people," and "living" is about to get difficult.
Mark talks about what inspired the series and introduces us to Jack and how he manages life when he’s technically no longer among the living. He talks about the great art team he worked with and the choice to utilize AI in one of his covers.
There’s a Kickstarter going on until April 25, and Mark talks about meeting (and exceeding) his goal and how it feels to know the project is fully funded. He also provides a few glimpses into what else we can expect in this series.
Ever been to a dinner and you just know it’s going to go badly? Well, you may have a new perspective after reading Amanda Blake’s extreme horror story, “Question Not My Salt,” available through Crystal Lake Entertainment. Here’s a little taste of what’s in store:
“Sierra's first American Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable when her college roommate, Zoe, invites her to the Samuels family feast. But as the ten-hour banquet unfolds, it becomes clear this is no ordinary holiday gathering. With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn.”
Amanda joins us to talk about how this book came to be and some inspiration received from greats like “Hannibal” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” This began as a short story and we go into how it grew into the 150-page book it is now, as well as how Amanda likes to pace the more intense scenes.
As they say, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ but the art for “Question Not My Salt” gets a lot of talk as we dive into this macabre design. Amanda talks about how the characters of Zoe, Sierra and Mother all fit in and how Sierra handles this rather unexpected family dinner.
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Oh, what’s that? It’s a real crime? And we need to solve it? And we could be killed? Yeah, that’ll be fine.
In the Oni Press four-part series, “Jill and the Killers,” teenager Jill Estrada is dealing with the unsolved disappearance of her mother, a police detective, and trying to get back to a normal life. . . . even as her friends become obsessed with Box Killers, a true-crime subscription game where each month’s “unsolved case” is custom-tailored to the life of its player. There’s only one catch: Jill’s game seems to be all too real—and when her clues begin to connect the dots to a very real series of disappearances in her hometown, Jill and her friends must conquer their fears and own personal struggles to solve the case.
Series writer Olivia Cuartero-Briggs joins us to talk about its origins, as well as why she chose to use a subscription box as the vehicle for the story. Olivia worked with artist Roberta Ingranata on “Jill and the Killers” and we talk about how the two met and the collaboration process. Olivia’s worked on murder mysteries before and goes into how the past experience informed this new project.
We’ve gotten the chance to read the final issue (out on April 17), and while we won’t be giving out any spoilers, Olivia does share how she devised the end of the series and hints at a possible continuation.
In the latest live episode of Citywide Bytes, Max talked with author Joseph Macolino for his recently-finished (or is it?) “Evorath Trilogy.” He released the third book, “The Battle for Erathal,” and we go into how this wraps up the story, as well as what he has planned next.
This series is years in the making, and Joseph talks about the lengthy world-building he did, which included a lot of education to expand his knowledge and create a more varied Evorath. He also shares the character creation process, how he’s seen them grow, and the challenge of deciding when certain ones need to meet a grisly end.
Our next guest is a familiar name, having been featured as part of our artist Q&A series. We had such a great time, we knew we had to have him back to talk about his third book. Author Tim Facciola joins us to talk about his soon-to-be-released “The Age of the End,” out on April 16. Here’s a quick synopsis of the overall story.
In a world where blood is a short resolution for rebellion, Zephryus only knows two things: he is prophesied to bring peace and balance to the world, and he doesn’t remember anything before his life as an enslaved gladiator. With the fragmented shards of his memory, he is bought by the prince to fight in the gladiator ring, and spy on the queen’s bloody rebellion against the king. Fighting as a gladiator means fighting for his life, and as he faces the prince’s foes and thwarts the queen’s plans, he also discovers that there is more injustice in this world than he imagined. Will Zephyrus be able to stay alive long enough to enact his revenge? Or will the vengeful plot within this royal family keep him from fulfilling his destiny?
Tim shares the inspiration for this book as well as the 10 years he spent developing the world and its characters. He explains how Zephyrus’ amnesia shapes the story, as well as the extensive psychological research he did during the writing process.
Tim talks about the story’s conclusion (with no spoilers!) and the possibility for spinoff or prequel down the road. We go into the many reviews he’s gotten, if he reads them, and how such feedback affects him as a writer.
Over the years, brothers Brandon Brodzinski and Johnathan Rockwood with Donny Hoover III have made a lot of memories while playing in Escape The Paradigm, and they hop on the show to give us all the details.
From touring with All That Remains to playing some kickass full houses, there’s a lot to go over, along with how this three-member band came together and what’s kept Escape The Paradigm going for more than a decade.
Escape The Paradigm came to our attention through Curtain Call Records and we go into how the band came to work with them and how that’s gone. We also talk live shows, recording their two albums, “Mistaken” and “All Fall Down,” and what is planned for later this year.
Opening the episode is a brief excerpt from the Escape The Paradigm’s “Villain,” and closing things out is the complete “Fixated.”
The lesson here is to make the call…the worse thing they’ll say is no.
Years ago, Andrew Yampolskyi took that chance when he reached out to Sunset Alliance of California, and in 2021, his band Homeless Radio released their debut EP, “The Truth.”
In our March 30 Citywide Bytes show, Andrew joins Max to talk about how this Ukranian rock band formed in 2016, making a name for themselves locally and growing over the years.
The band faced adversity in 2022 during the Russian invasion, dispersing its members across Ukraine and Andrew shares how they continued to make music, releasing two singles, “About You” and “Submarine,” the latter of which was a tribute to a novel of the same name.
Closing out this episode is the band’s recent release, “Submarine.”
I’m not gonna lie—I’ve been looking forward to this all week.
In this episode, YouTuber The RealGMat joins us to talk about his many years on the platform and how it all got started. With over 30,000 subscribers, GMat goes into the community that he’s built and the interactions he has via his videos and Twitch streams. He talks about some of the different videos he’s done and his first videos.
Along with his own channel, he’s worked with companies like Gameology and Watch Mojo and shares the various memories made along the way.
Last December, seeking a new creative outlet, GMat released the EP “Little Fish” under the name Brotherband. He goes into the creative process, including the stories behind the songs, the contributions of Charlie McCosh and Jesse Kluytmans, and how it felt sharing it with the world.
Closing out the episode, we’ve got “Half Star Bay,” from the “Little Fish” EP.
They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Nick Roberts’ new release, “Mean Spirited,” it’s that wonderfully terrifying art that captures the feel of this new horror story. The book is released through Crystal Lake Entertainment.
Released just a day before this recording, the story centers on how an alcoholic teacher and father’s world spirals out of control when a former student is killed and he is left with her dog and the dark presence that follows it.
Nick and Max talk about the creation of Matt Matheny and why Nick went this type of character, as well as how he handles the challenges that await. His ex-wife, Lucy, also plays a role and we look at how the two work together to unravel what is going on. We discuss the dog, Conehead, and get a glimpse into the darkness that follows him. Nick also talks about the amazing cover art and the different aspects of the book that it captures.
Ezekiel Kincaid, known as “The Pastor of Horror” and “The Paranormal Pastor” returns to the show to talk about his new book. “The Tetromet Tapes,” a part of his ongoing Tetromet Universe.
Set in 1990 in a small town in Louisiana, the book adapts the found footage movie style as a literary device. Five 12-year-old boys find some VHS tapes in the trash can of their neighbor, Edgar Craddock. The sickening footage leads the five friends down a rabbit hole of shadows and darkness, seeking to discover the truth around an ancient cult, a haunted road, and Edgar Craddock.
Ezekiel and Max dive into just what is on the tapes and where the footage leads the boys. He talks about Edgar Craddock, a character which plays a wider role in the Tetromet Universe. We also learn about the five boys, who reflect Ezekiel’s childhood friends, and how their different personas drive the story.
The book is currently out on Amazon and Godless, an e-book publisher launched three years ago and Ezekiel shares how he came to work with them. And of course, no horror conversation is complete without talking about the book’s epic cover.
The Sea Gods have gotten off to a great start with their debut singles, “Are You Here Now” and “Tell Me,” and they’ve got a lot more in the works. In this recording of our March 9 Citywide Bytes episode, band founder Jack Flint tells us how he, Marty Taylor and Carl Donoghue met and what led to the band’s founding. Each band member brings a lot of experience with other projects, and we go into how the past work may influence the current.
Jack and I talk about the stories behind the two singles. “Are You Here Now” has a message of living in the moment, not regretting the past or fretting the future. “Tell Me” came from a very challenging part of Jack’s life and we talk about how the hard times inspire the best music.
Closing out this episode is “Are You Here Now.”
Author Maria Guglielmo was last on the show some years back for her debut book, “Summoned,” and since then, she’s been up to quite a bit, including debuting her new “Riftworld” series with “Witch City Rift” and “Rifted Hearts,” which drops on March 19.
Curtis and I talk with Maria about this new series and what went into building the world behind it. We do a deep dive into her main character, Remi Gatti, a con man who seems to find himself in over his head in both stories. We look at his power to manipulate sexual desire and the role this plays in the story, as well as the mystical realm that extends into Boston and Salem.
There’s a mysterious figure called The Matchmaker in both books and we talk about just who this person is and how they’re influencing the tale.
For our newest Citywide Bytes, Max is talking with Chris Lengyel, as he puts it “a dude who does magic tricks.” And he’s been doing them for almost 20 years, for the likes of Las Vegas duo Penn and Teller, TruTV's "Impractical Jokers" and the cast of NBC's "The Voice.”
Now, Chris is hitting the road, embarking on his Illusions Plus Alcohol (I.P.A.) tour. On this live interview, we talk about where he’s going and what people can expect at his shows. He shares some backstory on how he got into magic in the first place, and growing what began as a hobby into his career. Chris talks about meeting Penn and Teller and the impromptu performance he did, and we discuss his favorite tricks and some that even he steers clear of.
Well, if the world has to end, at least it looks amazing.
Comics great Scott Snyder has teamed up with his son Jack to pen the ComiXology series “By A Thread,” now three issues in, with issue four to be released on March 26.
Set amidst a desolated Earth, The Shroud has consumed nearly the entire surface of the planet, with just a handful of outposts remaining. Jo and his friends live on five “Needles,” spikes of diamonds, the only substance that The Shroud cannot devour. It’s a hard life, but the appearance of a strange traveller gives hope to a legend of an untouched island where life can thrive once more.
Scott, Jack and I talk about how this series grew from a writing exercise to published comic. This was Jack’s first foray into comics, and we go into how he viewed the experience and the lessons learned, both for he and his father. The series was drawn by Valeria Favoccia (Beatrix Rose), colored by Whitney Cogar (Giant Days), and lettered by Tom Napolitono (letters), and we talk about how this team collaborated and produced some of the best art I’ve ever seen.
Jack helped create the diverse cast, and we look at each person’s role and how the characters were created—both the heroes and villains. Though the story is nearing its end, more is planned for “By A Thread,” and Scott shares a few details on what we can expect.
Our next guest was among the first on Citywide Blackout, and so it’s fitting that she joins us for our post-hiatus interview. Singer-songwriter Sarah Blacker is back with a new EP, “Horizon Line”
“Horizon Line,” Sarah Blacker’s new studio EP is described as a “raw, stripped down and vulnerable, just the way she wanted it to be.” Recorded (mostly) live and mixed at Boston Music Award-winning producer, Sean McLaughlin’s 37’ Productions studios, it was performed and co-produced by Blacker and her husband, Aaron Z. Katz (Percy Hill, the Dejas).
In this interview, Curtis and Max talk about what went into this new production and her longstanding collaboration with McLaughlin, another mainstay in the Boston-area music scene. She goes into her recent release shows, including Club Passim, where she has played for years.
There’s some retro talk this time as we dive into promoting albums in 2024 and how Sarah has changed her strategy since releasing “The Only Way Out is Through” in 2009. Those of us born in the 80s will likely find a lot to relate to.
We’re opening the interview with an excerpt from the title track and closing things out with “Walk On.”
This episode kicks off a brand-new segment called Citywide Bytes, where I do live interviews on the Citywide Blackout Instagram page. This is the recording of that interview, so be sure to check out the live segment, every Saturday at 10 a.m. EST.
Opening this new segment is poptimistic-rock artist Nadia Vaeh. She’s released two amazing singles, “Sorry I Was Not OK” and “When U Think About Love,” on Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, respectively, and we go into the inspiration for these singles and some new musical styles she’s tried out. We also talk about how music has helped in the past to get through the difficult times.
Nadia shares the creative process behind the amazing music videos made for both singles, which were directed by film producer Jessica Farmer. Both videos are unique, with a different storytelling method, and Nadia shares the creative process of working with Jessica.
Closing this episode is one of Nadia’s new singles, “Sorry I Was Not OK.”
If you’ve been in the Boston music scene, the name Valerie Forgione is likely a familiar one. She made her name as the lead singer of the band Mistle Thrush, and now she’s back with a new solo project, Lovina Falls—trust me, this is one to check out.
In this episode (the first recorded in 2024), Valerie and Max talk about the origins of Lovina Falls, the name of which is family-inspired. While all the music was written, arranged and produced by Valerie, she had some help in the recording portion—from none other than her former bandmates in Mistle Thrush.
We talk about the sound of the debut album, “Calculating the Angle of Our Descent,” how it’s defined, and what we can expect from this great solo project. Valerie had been out of the music scene for a little while, and shares how it feels to be back on stage.
Opening this episode is a brief excerpt from the song “Vaulted,” and closing it is the complete “Hologram,” both of which you can find on the Lovina Falls debut album.
Over the course of several years, author and artist Glenda Goodrich discovered herself through a series if wilderness quests. Traveling into the remote wilds of Oregon, Washington and California, she learned about life, death and what it means to be happy—and chronicled those experiences in her new book, “Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions.”
In this episode, Glenda talks about the inspiration for her journeys and what she experienced while on them. We talk about the things she learned and how it’s influenced the person she is now. She also talks about the decision to write the book and the editing process—both with an editor and a writing group—that shaped the final product.
Currently residing in Nashville, singer-songwriter Kaitlyn Croker has made a name for herself with her debut singles, “Dead Man Walking” and “You’re the Hero.” In this interview, Max and Curtis talk about these two songs and their varied styles. Kaitlyn talks about how she’s been exploring music and some potential new paths she’d like to walk.
“You’re the Hero” has a very personal connection, as it’s a reflection on military families. Kaitlyn’s father was a fighter pilot for 26 years and now works for the Pentagon and she talks about her experiences being in a military family.
Raised in Maryland, Kaitlyn recently made the trek to Nashville and she shares some of her experiences there. She also talks about the influence of the city and how she’s changed as an artist.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from “Dead Man Walking” and closing this out is “You’re the Hero.”
In this episode, we’re talking to four of the horrific minds behind two recent releases by Crystal Lake Publishing: “Never Wake: An Anthology of Dream Horror” and “Dark Tide 10: The Dead Shall Rise.”
In the first interview, Max talks with Kenneth Cain and Tim Meyer, the editors of this collection of short stories with a dream horror theme. We talk about what dream horror is and how the different authors express it in their stories.
Kenneth and Tim go into the editing process and how they worked with the different authors to improve their work while at the same time preserving their original voice. We talk about the book’s cover art, which has a wonderfully trippy cover.
Following this, Max and Curtis are chatting with Armand Rosamilia and Erin Louis, two of the three writers who contributed to ‘The Dead Shall Rise,” a collection of zombie stories. Jay Wilburn, who wrote “Prepare Because Death is Coming” passed away in 2022. Armand and Erin talk about Jay’s story and their experience with him as a writer and friend.
We also go into their stories—Armand’s has a family on vacation when the zombie apocalypse breaks out and Erin’s main character Tiffney leading a group of survivors at a strip club assaulted by the living dead. Both talk about their interest in zombies and the new directions that this book took them in.
In her Depression-era thriller “The Human Trial,” author Audrey Gale shares the story of Dr. Randall Archer, who changed medicine forever with his groundbreaking microscope. Overnight, he’s catapulted from the steel mills to the upper echelon of Bostonian society. But many challenges await, from the devastation of the Great Depression to the battle to maintain his place.
In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with Audrey about what inspired this book and the creation of Archer. We look at her own experience with medicine and how this shaped the novel, as well as the research done. Audrey talks about Archer’s ascension and how this impacts him, as well as how he has to fight to keep what he’s earned.
For my next guest, between all she does on set, behind the camera and behind the mic, I’m glad she found the time to talk with me. This episode features Las Vegas-based actress, podcaster and writer Tonya Todd.
Tonya and I dive into her various projects, starting with her work on the series “Dark Ops,” which is on Knight TV+. Dark Ops follows the inner workings of the FBI's Behavior Analysis Unit 2 whose mission is to hunt down and dismantle ransomware crime syndicates global and we take a close look at Tonya’s character Senator Anne. This is a part she had little time to prepare for, and we talk about how she got into character, as well as the ways that she made Senator Anne her own.
Tonya is also working on the short film “Mourning Sacrifice,” wherein a detective helps a woman find her missing husband. This film is Tonya’s directorial debut, and it’s also based on a short story she wrote. She shares the casting process, how the characters changed the story, as well as being in the big chair for the first time.
The weekend of Dec. 2 saw the return of the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Citywide host Max Bowen was there to not only emcee the event, but interview some of the great writers who were there.
Kicking off this episode is Nishita Roy-Pope to talk about her new book, “Courage Kids: The Magic Soccer Ball.” It’s her debut book and we talk about how her background in business and as a diversity leader helped prepare her for this new role. Nishita talks about the different characters, how her kids helped with the ideas and what she hopes people take away from the story.
Up next, Ann Watt channels her 30 years as a critical care nurse into a memoir, “When Being a Nurse was Fun.” She shares a few stories from her time as a nurse and what inspired the book. We go into what nursing was like pre-COVID and how the pandemic changed everything.
Keith Carreiro is no stranger to the show, having been on before to talk about his nine-book series, “The Immortality Wars.” This blend of science fiction and fantasy centers on Pall Warren, a 16th-century warrior who wakes up to find himself in the far future. He’s now four books into the series with the release of “The Pilgrim” and we look at how the story has advanced.
Kelly Swan Taylor brings a little mystery to the show with her series “The Wright Detective,” now three books long. Tessa Wright is a seventh-grade student who solve mysteries with her friends. We talk about the main character’s creation, along with how her friends and father—also a detective—factor into the books. Kelly has a new book, “Frozen in Time,” and we talk about the intense plot that awaits.
Maggie Kozel brings things to a close with her book, “My Legs are Crying.” Like Ann, this book is centered on real-life experience in the medical world. Maggie’s book is based on her work with emotional-based illnesses, and we go into what they are and how her work impacted medicine.
Sterling Golden is retiring.
Those are four words I never thought I’d say. But, here we are. As of Jan. 1, 2024, Sterling Golden will bring a 15-year career in music, nightlife, events, radio, and podcasting to a close and enter his next phase-focusing on family.
In this interview, Sterling and I talk about the decision to retire made early this year and how he’s processed it in the months that followed. Sterling shares his thoughts on stepping down and how he’s already begun adjusting to his new role.
But the man isn’t quite done yet. He has two interviews dropping this month, as well as a final, 23-hour playlist covering some of his favorite music from 1976 to present. Sterling gives a few previews as to that you can expect, but trust me, you’ll want to check them out and hear the full stories.
Fifteen years is a long time in any industry, and Sterling and I talk about some of his best moments and memorable encounters. We look at business left unfinished and if there’s any chance that Sterling Golden will return to the world of nightlife. He also talks about his last live event and the experience of being on stage for the final time.
For Roberta Kuriloff, much of her life has been spent finding her home—from living in an orphanage following the deaths of her mother and aunt and separation from her father to standing on a plot of land in Maine preparing to build her new house.
In “Framing a Life: Building a Space to Be Me,” Kuriloff chronicles this journey, bringing together several journals that she kept over the years. The book details an eight-year spiritual quest where she explore her Jewish roots, how she came to understand the losses and the influence they had on her, and discovering her sense of self.
In this interview, Roberta speaks with Max on the concept of ‘home’ and what it means to her. We talk about the writing process and what inspired her decision to share the story with the world. Roberta shares the losses she’s endured, and how she’s grown through them into the person she is today. We also go into the spiritual quest and what she experienced during that time.
Since hearing, “Pottery God” from Gabby & The Gondolas, it was clear this was a band to watch. The mix of sounds and honest lyrics were refreshing and compelling to listen to and it’s clear there’s more to come.
In this interview, Max and Curtis chat with Kyle Neveau, the band’s founder. We talk about how Gabby came to be and the origin of this unique band name. We do a deep dive into their EP “Pollyanna” and the diverse sounds and stories that make it up. It’s described as “a snapshot in time” and we go into what that means and the timeframe Kyle wanted to capture.
Kyle also talks about the move he made from San Clemente, California, to Knoxville, Tennessee, and his experiences over the last couple years. The episode wouldn’t be complete without talking about the stealer cover art for “Pollyanna,” and we give a shoutout to the artist behind this amazing creation.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from the debut single “Pottery God” and closing out the show is the follow-up, “Steamed Rice.”
The Boston Asian American Film Festival has a special meaning for us, as it’s one that we had the pleasure of covering back in the show’s early days. In October, the festival returned for its 15th year and my co-host Ben Chou was there for it. In this three-interview collection he speaks with the great filmmakers whose works were screened as part of BAAFF.
First up is Michele Rae Jouse for her documentary, “Nurse Unseen.” The film explores the little-known history and humanity of the unsung Filipino nurses risking their lives on the frontlines while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets.
Michele talks about the personal connection to the story, as well as the much wider tale told through the 92-minute film. She and Ben look at the history behind the Filipino nurses, as well as the many interviews done as part of the writing process. They talk about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the healthcare community.
The next interview is with Director/Producer Jennifer Takaki, Executive Producer George Hirose and Producer Linda Lew Woo for the documentary “Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story.” Corky Lee passed away in 2021, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is an intimate portrait of the life, work, and advocacy of pioneering Chinese American photographer Corky Lee. Takaki followed Corky Lee for nearly 20 years, documenting triumphs and tragedy.
Jennifer, Linda and George go into the 20-year process and all the things they saw and memorable moments of the filmmaking process, of which there were many. They talk about Corky’s five-decade career and the many, many things he photographed and the advocacy aspect of his work. They talk about the importance of having a good editor on the project and what they hope people take away from watching the film.
Closing out this episode is Jonathan Hsu, the producer of the narrative feature “Starring Jerry as Himself” and narrative short “Closing Dynasty (aka. Queenie).” The first film shows how a family documents how their immigrant father Jerry, a recently retired Florida man, was recruited by the Chinese police to be an undercover agent, only to discover a darker truth. The short shows us how on a school day, a 7-year-old hustles strangers for money on the streets of New York City.
Jonathan takes us through both films and the stories behind both and Ben offers his own perspective and how it impacted him. They talk about the shared theme of both films and how they were developed from there. Jonathan talks about personal connection with “Starring Jerry” and how the strong familial connection influenced the story.
As the big day approaches, here’s the final of the two-part series previewing the Rhode Island Author Expo, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It’s a free event with more than 100 writers, panels, raffles and more.
David Shoorens is up first and his book, “The Refuge,” may have that “ripped from the headlines” sound, but I assure you, it is a work of fiction….for now. The U.S. is a broken country, with a far-right president granted unprecedented power over their political opponents. We talk about the story and how it came to be, the characters that inhabit it, and his take on the world as it is now.
Closing this episode out is Thomas Brillat with his first book, “Ekaternia.” The main character Ekaternia is a relative of Tom’s and he talks about how he learned of her story, and how he turned these family tales into a completed book. He goes into the more memorable stories and how he wrote what was effectively a ‘practice book’ before writing this one.
Maya Golden’s life seems perfect—award-wining journalist, loyal wife, and a new mom. But in private, she battled addiction, perfectionism, and rage from sexual abuse at the hands of many people. In her new memoir, “The Return Trip,” (Rising Action Publishing Collective) Maya shares her journey to end the secrets of her life and the three moments of divine intervention that saved her.
In this interview, Curtis and Max talk with Maya about what inspired her decision to share her story, how it helped in the healing process and what she hopes readers take away from it. We look at the writing process and how the story was helped by her editor and the many writing groups which she’s a member of.
Pitching a story is old hat for a veteran journalist like Maya, but a novel is an entirely different matter, and we look at how long it took before a publisher says “yes.” Maya talks about the challenge of coming up with a title that really encompasses the story. We also look at the next book she has in the works and the new paths it’s taken her down.
It’s that time again—the return of the annual Rhode Island Author Expo, happening on Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. As part of our coverage, I’m once again previewing this event by speaking with a handful of the 100-plus writers that you can meet there.
Opening this episode is Brielle Lilygarten, who’s released two children’s books: “Fishy Fishy” and “Fishy Fishy Goes to School.” Brielle and I talk about how she’s made the pivot from middle school teacher and realtor to children’s writer. We look at the lessons she hopes that readers take from these books and what we can expect down the road.
After that, it’s Paul Mainville for his book, “Fifteen Miles: One Man’s Journey to Find Family and Self.” It’s based on Paul’s journey to meet his birth family years after learning that he was adopted. Paul talks about the process of writing his debut book and what he experienced reliving this part of his life. We go into the significance of the title and if we can look forward to another book in the future.
It all starts out with a simple jewelry heist…until things take a most unexpected turn!
When cracked open, the case morphs into a full-fledged murder investigation with an unknown drug that seemingly connects a string of deaths. Quite a story, eh? Well, buckle up, because in this episode, Curtis and I talk shop with author Maggie Giles for her new book, “Twisted.” Along with being a great crime thriller, the story explores the different sides of crime and mental health and asks the question: How much are we responsible for when we aren’t fully in our right mind?
Maggie shares the origin of this story and all the different changes she made from first draft to finished product. This includes cutting down the narration from multiple points of view to just a few. She shares the lengthy research she had to do and how her time with Women’s Fiction Writers Association—including being in charge of social media—benefitted her during the story crafting process and in promoting her works.
Maggie takes us into the minds of her characters, which run the gamut of personality types. She talks about who made the final cut and which names got left behind (and may come back in a future book?).
It’s that time of year, so what better to talk about than a three-story release form Crystal Lake Publishing? “Dark Tide 9: An Unholy Triquetera,” features new works by William Meikle, Curtis M. Lawson, and Jason Parent.
Jason joins us to talk about his story, “A Knot Within a Knot,” in which the survivor of a plane crash finds himself going from bad to worse. Meanwhile, an elderly woman faces off against a god of night and his steed from the confines of her airplane seat, while another hides from night and storm in the hope of a new dawn.
Jason, Curtis and I talk about how this book got its start and the different stories done by Parent, Lawson and Meikle as well as the different myths and legends that each writer utilizes.
I love a good fantasy story, so it was a real pleasure to speak with Dr. Michael Nelson and his daughter Isabelle for their “Annie Abbot” series, now two books in with “Annie Abbott and the Druid Stones,” and “Annie Abbott and the Race to the Red Queen.” The story’s got a real-life inspiration, as some of the people and locations are based on Michael and Isabelle’s own adventures around the world.
It was great to talk about the writing process and how these two decided to pen a fantasy story. Michael has his own writing background as the name behind the Emmett Casey Chronicles trilogy and talks about the challenges and fun of pivoting to this new genre. Isabelle shares her own experiences as a writer and how it’s been crafting the worlds, creatures and magic of these books.
Recently, the two took part in CastleChaos MultiCon, which took place in an actual castle! This sounds like a blast and Michael and Isabelle share some stories from the event.
The name Scott Hoffman (AKA Babydaddy) is well known in the world of music as co-founder of the disco glam band Scissor Sisters. And now we can add “comic writer” to his resume with the release of his two series, “Nostalgia” and “Wag,” both available through Comixology Originals.
Scott and I talk about how both these series came to be. “Nostalgia” is about a reclusive rock star in a dystopian future, and you can bet Scott channeled some of his time in the music industry into this title. We also go into the sick artwork, which is some of the dreamiest, trippiest drawings I have seen.
Next is “Wag,” also in a dystopian future, but that is where the similarities end. Wag is the story of a loner in a post-apocalyptic world, who hears voices in his head. We talk about the legwork that went into creating the character and the world he lives in.
Let’s face it: politics is pretty nuts. And who better to capture that wild, sometimes insane nature than George Franklin, a longtime lobbyist in Washington, D.C., Congressional candidate, and author. In his new book, “A Feeding Frenzy in Washington,” this former Fortune 500 corporate executive and Capitol Hill staffer pokes fun at DC and the politicians who comprise the circus we call Congress.
But don’t let the characters fool you—this is entirely a work of fiction. No, really, it is.
In this episode, Curtis and I talk with George about what went into writing this book, his fourth to date. He talks about the characters and some real-life inspiration that worked its way into their creation.
George has worked in Washington longer than some of us have been alive, and shares some of the people that he’s met that resonated with him. He defines just what a lobbyist is (surprisingly, the movies and shows have it wrong!) and the work he did over the years.
Of course, this interview wouldn’t be complete without asking George the all-important question. When it comes to democracy in 2023, are we going to be OK?
Recently, Ben Chou and I went to the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE). For me, it’s been many years since I went there, and remember what a great collection of comics they had, many of which I still have today.
Well, this year did not disappoint. Held at Boston University’s Fuller Building, the event featured dozens of comics creators, some at the start of their careers and others with a slew of titles to their names.
In this episode, Ben and I talked with a some of artists and one of the minds behind the event (who is also an artist, so remember that!). First up is Savannah Strodder. This was her first MICE and we talk about the experience, the people she met and some important lessons for her artistic career.
Savannah has a comic out, “Mundae,” with beautiful illustrations and absolutely no text, so the reader can make their own story. I really like the concept and yes, I purchased a copy. I wonder how my story will go…..
Hannah Templer may be a familiar name—she’s worked on titles like Doctor Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more. Hannah also has a great series called “Cosmoknights.” It’s all about a ragtag group of space gays out to save princesses from the patriarchy. Needless to say, I bought both volumes shortly thereafter.
We go into the origins of the series, how it’s grown over the years, and what we can expect in the forthcoming third volume. Hannah also shares some of her times at MICE and what she likes about the expo.
Tak Toyoshima is perhaps best known for his Secret Asian Man comic, and for years he was an exhibitor at MICE. Well, he’s also one of the organizers as the Art Director, and let me tell you, that’s no cake walk. Ben took the lead here, and the two talk about what led to Tak taking on this new role and what it’s been like.
Tak gives us some history on Secret Asian Man as well as some other projects he’s working on (hint: think Choose Your Own Adventure). He and Ben talk about the state of the comics industry and the pros and cons of the recent changes that it’s seen.
Wrapping this episode up is Shaina Lu. Like Savannah, this is her first time at MICE and she shares the great memories made over the weekend. Shaina is in the process of releasing a new comic, “Noodle & Bao,” all about a food cart that stands against a hip new café and gentrification.
Shaina said the series takes a cue from what she has seen in Boston’s Chinatown and we go into that as a theme. Shaina is also an art teacher for elementary students and we look at her teaching style and how she helps guide the next generation of creatives.
The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) is an event that will always have a special place in my heart. It was among the first events that we covered on this show, and I loved the diverse assortment of films that were shown.
From its early days hauling the films in a box from venue to venue, BAAFF has grown a lot over the years, showcasing films from around the globe by some of the best in the business. Now, in 2023, it’s entering the 15-year mark, and doing so with works in every genre, from Oct. 12-22. Festival Director Susan Chinsen joins me for a rundown of the event, which will include both in-person and virtual screenings.
Susan and I talk about some of the names you’ll see at the festival, as well as its growth over the last decade and a half. She shares some of the early memories as well as what she sees as BAAFF’s impact on the film world after all this time.
It’s that time of year and we’re kicking it off with one hell of a horror story! Friend of the show Kevin Lucia joins us to talk about his debut novel, “The Horror at Pleasant Brook,” out on Oct. 13 through Crystal Lake Publishing.
This Halloween, a malevolent, creeping horror invades a small, isolated town nestled deep in the Adirondacks. It cares nothing for this town’s secrets, prejudices, or flaws. Its only desires are to consume everything in its path and spread, until nothing else remains.
A small group of people stand in its way. They are the leftovers, the ignored, the excluded, and the dismissed. However, as the evil grows, they prove to be the only ones strong enough to stand and fight.
Cool synopsis, huh? Kevin, Curtis and I talk about the menacing force that we’re introduced to in the first chapter and the real-life origin that happened during his day job as a teacher. Kevin’s a familiar name in the horror publishing industry through his work at Cemetery Dance, and he shares how this helped him in the writing process.
We’re introduced to some of the heroes of the story and what makes them stand out, and discuss some of the character types that reflect life in 2023. We look at some of the tropes in horror and the ones he hoped to avoid in this story.
In his recently-released book, “These Things Happen,” writer Michael Eon weaves his own battles with substance abuse and a challenging childhood into the story of Daniel Zimmer. I loved this book from the first page and was drawn into the story of Daniel’s early life, which we see transposed with his later years. This book is available through Girl Friday Books.
The characters are really amazing, from Daniel’s brother Max—whose struggles with mental health frame much of his life—to love interests Jill and Brie, to his father. Michael and I talk all about the many people in the book, some of whom came right from Michael’s own life, and the different roles they play. Music from bands like The Ramones and Black Sabbath plays a strong part in Daniel’s upbringing, and of course we take the time to nerd out about favorite bands and songs.
Michael also talks about his childhood and his battles with substance abuse. The author shares a lot of details, and we go into who the theme of substance abuse and the message for the readers.
I think we can all agree on that one, right? So of course these creepy dolls would find themselves into the pages of William Sterling’s soon-to-be-released book, “String Them Up,” out on Sept. 22 through Crystal Lake Publishing.
In this interview, William takes us through the town of Hollow Hills, which is plagued by a series of brutal murders. We meet the toymaker, once a beloved member of the community, now the prime suspect in the killings. William talks about Sinclair Redman, a man with a dark and haunted past who must unearth the truth behind the killings as the bodies continue to pile up.
William talks about the concept of toys in horror and why it appealed to him for his new book. We look at his first time working with a publisher and his own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to promoting his work. Plus, there’s a great giveaway for those that pre-order the book!
As it says in his bio, Jonathan Panetta is “trying to heal the world with a hard rock brain and a punk rock heart.”
In this episode, we talk about how songs like “Inner Demons” deal with mental health and what he hopes people take from listening to them. Jonathan shares the creation process behind his new EP and the different avenues he goes down when it comes to sound and style.
Jonathan’s done some collaborating, particularly with friend of the show Dany Horovitz on the single “Make Use of Your Time,” which was inspired by the “Life is Strange” video game series. We talk about working with Dany, how this happened, and other artists he’s worked with. Jonathan and I do a little nerding out over the game, the amazing soundtrack and some of the takeaways from the story.
“Inner Demons” also has its own music video, and Panetta worked with Nesskaf Productions and we look at the planning process and cool visuals seen throughout.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from “Make Use of Your Time” and closing things out is the full track, “Inner Demons.”
In mystery thrillers, a death often happens right off the bat. Such is the case with our next guest, but we also get a slew of tightly-held family secrets.
In this interview, Curtis and I sit down with author Susannah Marren to talk about her newest book, “Maribelle's Shadow,” in which the death of Maribelle Walker’s adored and impressive husband Samuel unearths the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters. Curtis and I talk about the theme of secrets, a common element in Susannah’s work and why it plays such a prominent role. We also look at how Samuel’s death leads to those secrets being revealed.
Susannah has a long career in teaching gender studies and guest teaching creative nonfiction. She talks about the research she did for the book, which included interviewing many women across the country, and what she learned. She also shares her favorite and most challenging parts to write.
If you’re part of the Boston music scene, then the name Jennifer Tefft likely rings a bell. If not, you’ve got some listening to do!
In this episode, Curtis and I talk with Jenn about the recent release of the acoustic version of “Going Out,” all about escaping for a night on the town. We talk about its sound and what the full band version will be like. She’s got another single, “Love & War,” and goes into what we can expect from that. Part of the process included working with musical heavyweights Munk Duane at Bad Stella Studios and Hans DeKline, a Grammy winning Los Angeles mastering engineer.
Jenn has been part of the Boston scene for some time and we talk about her fave venues, both past and present. We look at the state of the scene and get her take on all the recent changes. Jenn also share some stories from her time as a music teacher and the lessons she works to impart.
We kick off the show with an excerpt from “Love & War,” and end the show with the full “Going Out.”
You’ve toured the world of superheroes in author Ryder O’Malley’s Heroes of Vanguard series. Now, it’s time for something a little bit darker.
This writer (whom I have never spoken to before, honest!) used his love of comics to craft a M/M romance series, now four books long. On Sept. 14, Ryder debuts the Villains of Vanguard with the first installment, “Corrupted Desire.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:
The world is going to burn, and I’m the one holding the match.
Prison hardens a man. Even worse, my ex testified against me in court. Ten years into my sentence and the inmates of Cold Iron fear me. It’s lonely, but it’s the price of survival. This isn’t the place to think about friends, let alone a relationship.
When Vanguard needs a criminal with my fiery skills, my time in the slammer is cut short. To keep my freedom, I only have to put down a Southland’s newest king pin. It’d be easy if the local do-gooder stopped interfering. Gallant won’t be the reason I get locked up again. If he wasn’t smoking hot, I’d crush him. On second thought, maybe he needs a pounding.
The heroes are playing with fire, but I’m not the one about to get burned.
Ryder and I dive right in, starting with the origins for this series and the climactic battle of shifting from his previous work to the world of romance. He takes us on a journey through the process of how romances are written (and Hallmark movies too, apparently) and the unique style he’s going for. We even get treated to a brief excerpt from the writer himself!
Buckle up folks, this one’s gonna be epic.
Therapy is one of the most important tools to help someone who has experienced from abuse—but it’s so expensive that many cannot access it. That’s where Help; Hear; Heal comes in. Since their founding, they’ve connected people with the resources to get the help they need.
Founder and CEO Todd McKay joins us to share the organization’s progress since it was launched just one year ago and some of the dedicated people who’ve joined. We discuss how they provide financial support to help people access therapeutic services and how they can sign up if needed. Todd also talks about their partnership with Thriveworks and what they’ve done together.
Todd shares some personal stories regarding a member of his family who was assaulted and how this led to Help; Hear; Heal’s founding. We discuss the stigma for those who need therapy, both men and women, and the challenges they face while on this journey.
As the man said, “I’ve shot them all and I’ve got the stories to prove it.”
Over the last four-plus decades, Chris Cuffaro has photographed the biggest names in the music industry and now those photos—and the stories behind them, have been collected in a new app called “Greatest Hits.” Using the app, you can see some of the photos he took of all the greats and hear a brief tale of the experience.
But this is just the beginning, Chris says.
In this interview, we talk about the app’s origins and how he came to work with the New Zealand-based digital media team at iSPARX. We talk about how he spent 12 years going through his countless photos to select the best—in black and white, of course—and record the stories that he remembers best.
We also dive into Chris’ past—the inspiration he received from legendary photographer Richard Avedon and how taking photos at local concerts led to a career that has put him in the same room with the likes of Rob Zombie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ice-T. We talk gear for a bit, his preferences and the importance of staying current in a business where the equipment is always changing.
Chris shares his plans for the future of the app and how he plans to grow it in the years to come.
Did I say paradise? Because I meant wasteland….as in, there’s a part of the world called “The Wastes.” It’s just one of the many things that we go into talking with author Noah Lemelson for the continuation of his steampunk-apocalyptic-noir trilogy, “The Lioness and the Rat Queen” (August 29, 2023, Tiny Fox Press).
But that’s not all! For this episode I welcome back Curtis Hughes as my new co-host. Curtis was a part of the show way back when, and instrumental in its early success with his keen mind and quick wit.
Together, Curtis and I look at how this book picks up following Noah’s first novel, “The Sightless City,” and find a murderous tycoon on the run, and three vigilantes out for revenge. We dissect the characters of Lazarus Roache, Marcel and Sylvaine and look at what each brings to the story and what they experienced in the first book. Curtis and I talk with Noah about the worldbuilding that went into this series, as well as his pivot from a career in biology to creative writing.
With just two songs, singer-songwriter Lorenza Wildcard has captured the attention of the music world, being named an artist of the month and charting high on several stations. She joins Citywide to talk about her debut singles, “You & I” and “My Army.” Both songs come from different points in her life—the first from one of her most difficult moments and the other showcasing the strength to move forward.
We look at how she went from recording a song at home during the early days of the pandemic to meeting with a producer to get the track recorded. We talk about her early success, how this influences her as an artist and pushes her to that next level. We also look at the very different sounds of “You & I” and “My Army” and her process of experimenting with different styles.
Opening this episode is an excpert from “My Army,” and closing the interview is the full “You & I.”
Author Robert Bly is a longtime fan of—and writer of—the world of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. But what is a black hole? And how does warp speed work? And how many kinds of demons are there?
Robert set on the most epic of quests in “The Science Fictionary,” now available through Crystal Lake Publishing helping reader to understand the unique language of these genres. In this interview, we talk about what inspired this book and how he went about learning the precise definitions for all sorts of words. We look at those that really stumped him and the process of defining words that have been anything but.
We also look at Robert’s lengthy writing career and how this all helped in his research and writing. The book also includes over 50 illustration and we talk about how these came to be.
After hearing James Dunne’s single “Black Train,” I immediately thought, “I need to talk to this guy.” And here we are.
James and I talk about is first single, “Duty,” which reflects on is own time serving in the British Armed Forces and the other tales he covers in the EP, released earlier this year. Music has been a part of James’ life for years but it’s only recently that he decided to release it and we look into what led to this.
James and I talk about the music video for “Black Train” which features—you guessed it—a black train. There’s a story with this one, and the visuals are amazing. We also talk about the reception he’s gotten since the release of his music and the different folks he’s met as he’s begun this new part of his life.
Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Black Train” and closing the show is the full song.
In author Kimberly Behre Kenna’s first book, “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade,” we’re introduced to a young girl determined to save the environment. It’s the first of the Brave Girls Collection, and on Aug. 3, we get to meet the newest protagonist in the series, “Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm.”
In this book, Jett is fighting two battles—one against the censorship of books at her local library. The second is her secret personal trauma, which reflects that of the author. In this interview, Kimberly and I talk about the choice to include her own struggles and how it shapes the character. We talk about central messages and what she hopes people take away from the story.
We discuss book censorship in the story and the motivations of those behind it, as well as how Jett fights back and the friends who stand by her side. Kimberly wrote “Jett Jamison” well before book censorship became the hot-button issue it is now and we give our takes on what’s going on in the world.
Libraries have been important places for both of us, and Kimberly talks about her younger years roaming the stacks looking for the perfect tale. She and I share our favorite books and experiences as young readers.
It was in 2019 that I first interviewed Florida-based singer-songwriter Frankie Raye. Since then, she’s played hundreds (yes, hundreds) of shows, debuted at The Bitter End in NYC, and gotten the chance to try out voice acting in “The Boar Knight” podcast.
In 2021 alone, Frankie booked over 300 shows and talks about her approach with a venue, especially one she’s never worked with. We go over her time at The Bitter End, a first for her as a performer and talk about some potential future Northeast shows. Frankie also shares the stories behind her recent single, “Foot in Mouth,” which is about being content with where you are in your journey, specifically in the music business.
Frankie takes us through her time with “The Boar Knight” podcast as Dr. Comet Chianina of the United Bovine Science Coalition on Episode 13, “Up, Up and Away.” We talk about getting into character and some future episodes.
Opening this episode is an excerpt from her single “Over Now” and closing out the show is “Foot in Mouth.”
The crew from the romantic comedy “Plus 1s” is back on the show, but this time it’s a few new faces. Producers Kimmie Johnson, Emily Baeza and Aries Fung join me to talk about the film’s debut as part of the recent Roxbury International Film Festival before a sold-out audience. The producers and I talk about the experience and what the fans wanted to know.
Kimmie, Emily and Aries’ roles went well beyond being producers and we talk about the different challenges they took on during the filming. Trust me when I say they had a lot to deal with, but took it on with their diverse film backgrounds. They also share what about the movie made them say “I want in.”
Science fiction and faith—two topics that, as it turns out, work pretty well together, and my next guest— author, musician, and artist Nancy Joie Wilkie—shows this with her soon-to-be released book, “Faraway and Forever,” a collection of five novelettes. The book is set to be released on July 18 through She Writes Press and is now available for pre-order.
Nancy and I take a walk through the different stories, which range from contact with another world to a planet where wishes are grown. Quite a lot happens in these tales, and Nancy shares with us where the ideas came from and the editor who helped hone them into the final form.
This is her second book with “Seven Sides of Self” published in 2019 and she and I look at how the two books meld together. She also gives a few hints as to what we can expect with “The River Keeper and other Tales,” which is set for a 2024 release.
The stories blend sci-fi, a bit of fantasy and some faith, and Nancy shows how the different elements are woven together. She even shares her favorite story!
In April of 2020, singer-songwriter Stephanie James and I discussed her (at the time) recent move from Boston to Los Angeles. Now, she’s calling Beantown home once more and there’s been a lot learned along the way.
In this episode, Stephanie and I reunite to talk about her experiences on the West Coast—the people, the places and of course, the music. She talks about some of her favorite spots to catch shows or just grab a slice of pizza. We look at the life lessons her time in LA taught her and how she’s grown as an artist.
Stephanie dives into life in Boston and the people she’s happiest to be around. Of course, she’s been playing lots of shows, including some with Sofar Sounds, and we talk about the venues she’s been a part of as well as changes to the city’s musical world. We also discuss her recent single releases, “I Could Use a Laugh” and “Just Like Me.” Both come from some tough experiences, but you may be surprised to learn just who they’re about. I know I was.
Opening the show is an excerpt from “I Could Use a Laugh” and “Just Like Me” closes out the interview. There’s lots more in store, so be sure to check out her site and socials for all the details.
Joining me for this double-header are the bands The Humble Cartel and Typical Light. The guys from HC— brothers Kye (vocals) and Jesse (guitar) Mykietiak, Andrew Logsdail (guitar and keys), Dylan Cave (drums) and Pierre Konan (bass)–are up first, and the band is described as genre defying with a sound that spans the musical spectrum….and you know what? That’s very true. We talk about their unique style and how it’s evolved since the band formed. We talk about their recent release “Dance with You” and the new paths it goes down from previous singles.
Following this it’s the synth-pop duo of Typical Light— Hélène (vocals, synthesizer) and Hakim (vocals, guitar, bass, drums, synthesizer). They formed in 2020 and have since released a debut EP, “Sweet,” and a single, “Imaginary Ride,” off their soon-to-be-released album through H1Massive. I have been loving the music and we look at how these two came together and the unique sound that they’ve created. While Hakim has been making music for years, Hélène is very new and we look at how she’s learned along the way.
To close things out, give a listen to “Imaginary Ride,” with much more to come.
It’s been awhile since we’ve featured a filmmaker, and this a great way to dive back into this world. Joining me to talk about their soon-to-be-screened short film “Plus 1s,” is Writer/Producer Liz Eng and Co-Directors David J. Curtis and Katelyn Grace Reddy.
“Plus 1s” is an independent, romantic-comedy short film featuring two best friends determined to find their plus-ones for their best friend’s wedding. This romantic-comedy embraces inclusivity, especially in celebrating WOC and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Liz, David and Katelyn talk about the story behind the film, shot over eight days, seven locations, a cast of 15 and crew of 35 (plus one dog!) and a budget of around $18,000. We look at the themes of inclusivity and the communities represented and why this was important to the creators. We also talk about the upcoming film screening, being held this Friday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Fine Arts. There will be a Q&A following the screening.
Also, this episode was on the short side, but we’ll be doing a more in-depth interview (or two!) in the very near future.
When last we spoke with Nick Roberts, it was for his terrifying release, “The Exorcist’s House.” Nick is certainly not one to sit idle and in this episode, we talk about the upcoming release of “It Haunts the Mind,” available on June 16 through Crystal Lake Publishing. These 15 stories balance the terrors of the supernatural with real-life horrors, confronting demons both real and imaginary.
Nick and I go into the theme of addiction—which we see in many of the stories—and why this was important to him. Nick talks about the amazing artist who did the cover and we go into some of the more memorable covers we’ve come across. Many of these stories are years old and Nick goes into what updates he made for this new collection.
In this episode, we’re pairing authors Kris Spisak and Daniel Kim to talk about their books. Thanks to Books Forward PR for arranging these interviews!
Kris Spisak takes on a tour of her family’s history with her debut fiction novel, “The Baba Yaga Mask.” When their Ukrainian grandmother is lost on a trans-Atlantic flight, sisters Larissa and Ira are swept into a quest across eastern Europe to find the woman who had always told more tales than truths. Kris talks about the real-life events that factor into the book, which has two intertwined stories—one in the past and the other in the here and now. We talk about the extensive research and the unexpected error that was caught. This novel also has an audiobook version and Kris shares how this changed the story in a great way.
Daniel Kim, at only 14, has published six books with his brother Benjamin on the environment, the animals who call it home and our role to make things better. They’ve made waves in Korea and on June 8, the books make their U.S. debut with “The Whale Who Refused to Poo.” In this interview, we talk about how the brothers discovered their love for the environment and what inspired them to become activists. We look at the book series and how they work together on the writing and illustrations. Dan also shares his hopes for the series.
I’ve known the duo of Plastic Angels (Bethany and Jeff Lawson) for years and when I heard they moved to Nashville, a catch-up interview was always on my mind. Well, here we are! Bethany and Jeff talk about what prompted the move and those early days, especially as COVID set in. We look how things were in Nashville during the pandemic and the work to keep the legendary music scene on track. Compared to where I live in Massachusetts, it’s a very different experience.
Everyone knows Nashville is a haven for the best of the best of the music world and I hear about the big names they’ve encountered in the most random situations (one story involves onion rings). We look at the influence of being among such greats and if it’s had an impact on who they are and what they do.
Since Plastic Angels became Nashville residents they’ve been very active, both on stage and off. I ask about live shows and some of their favorite places—trust me, it’s a nearly endless list of options. We hear about the recent releases, “I Want Me” and “Living Proof” and the stories behind them plus their plans for the future.
Wrapping things up is “I Want Me,” a truly powerful song. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my bags packed, ‘cause Nashville is calling.
Writer Miles Gunter, artist Briane Andan, colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Taylor Esposito have created “Grammaton Punch,” an action-packed comic book series about a boy who sees and fights ghosts, available only on Comixology. I’ve been loving this series and getting the chance to talk with Gunter about how it came to be was a blast.
Gunter and look at the series origins, including the concept and working with Andan, Loughridge, and Esposito. He and I dive into the horror and video game influences, with a bit of anime thrown into the mix. We talk about main character Van Nguyen, who has the ability to see and touch ghosts, his struggles in the role of protector, and how he approaches being the hero in the series.
In Michael Bland’s debut novel, “The Price of Safety,” we’re introduced to Dray Quintero and his mission to save his daughter from a crime she didn’t commit. As intense as that was, things get taken to a whole new level in “The Price of Rebellion.” Here’s a look at the synopsis.
It’s 2047. Secrets have been revealed. And Washington wants revenge. Dray Quintero learned an ugly truth: the leaders in D.C. are fake. Using his technology, they’ve stolen the identities of those duly elected to Congress and are determined to stay in power. After revealing the dangers of their government-mandated implants to his fellow citizens, Dray joins the already-underway rebellion. Before he can strike, The Agency attacks with devastating consequences. Dray and the other survivors are forced to run as Agents hunt them.
Michael and I talk about how Dray has grown as a character from the first book and the challenges that await in the second. We look at how Dray learning his tech has led to the takeover of D.C. affects him and how he manages as a part of the rebellion.
In the future, everyone has a microcomputer in their brains and computer-screen lenses in their eyes. Kind of like what we have now. Michael tells me how current technology and politics influenced that of “The Price of Safety” and what awaits us in the next book.
This episode has some great lessons to share. To open, Jonathan Kroll has taken his 20 years’ experience as a leadership trainer and provided the best lessons in his new book, “Preparing Leadership Educators.” In this book, Kroll helps leadership educators who want to refresh their pedagogical knowledge and revitalize strategies. We talk about what makes a strong leader, elements of leadership from the past that need to change in 2023 and what the book provides that sets it apart from the many others on this topic.
Following this, Suzanne Marriott and I talk about her soon-to-be released book, “Watching for Dragonflies: A Caregiver’s Transformative Journey.” The book follows Suzanne as she becomes her husband Michael’s caregiver after he’s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We talk about how she took on the role and the changes it created for their relationship, both good and challenging. We also look at the resources she had access to, how it helped her, and how she’s transformed from the experience.
It was just one year ago that I first interviewed singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz and it was such a blast I figured “Let’s do it again!”
So here we are, recording one year exactly from the date the last interview dropped and so much has happened. Earlier this year he released a new EP, “The Candle is Worth the Game,” and since then he’s dropped the singles “Don’t Look to Me” and “Sorry From the Road,” both of which will be on his next album, “Phanerorhyme,” named in part for mind-altering drugs. Yeah, you can bet I ask what that’s all about.
Along with the new album, Dany and I spend some time talking about the new sounds and instrumentation he’s explored while recording the new tracks. We go into the folks he’s worked with, what they’ve brought to the table and the amazing music that’s come from it. His debut album “Free Times” was released a little over a year ago and we talk about how he’s grown as an artist.
Afterward, kick back and enjoy “Sorry From the Road” and “It’s No Use Trying to Change Me.” If you’ve heard some of his earlier work, you’re gonna like the new paths he walks with these.
It seems like he was just here, but nevertheless, we welcome back Jon Merz, this time to talk about his lengthy writing career. Standing above his many, many titles has to be the Lawson Vampire Series, now being developed into a television pilot. This series began with the first book, “The Fixer” in 2002. Now, 35 books later, it’s still going strong.
Jon and I dive into the story behind the story, how it all kicked off and why it was originally intended to be just one book. Things changed, however, and we look at the expansion of the series and the different adventures the main character has been on.
Speaking of which, meet Lawson: vampire by birth, Fixer by trade. His mission: preserve the secret existence of living vampires by any means necessary. Jon and I take a walk through the vampire world, Lawson’s role in it and how he’s changed over 20 years.
It's no secret that writing today is a very different industry. An author can’t expect to make it with just print or even e-books, and Jon shares some of his insight and what led him to pursue different avenues to make his writing career pay off.
I’ve been a longtime fan of the Lackadaisy webcomic, so when I heard it had been adapted into an animated pilot, my only question was “How do I see it!!” The pilot, around 23 minutes long, is a superb creation with stunning animation (Don Bluth’s movies came to mind), brilliant music and some of the best voice work I’ve heard in awhile. I’m sincerely hoping that more episodes get released.
Joining me for this episode is Comic Creator Tracy Butler, Director Fable Siegel, and 3-D Layout Artist Zachary Nall. We talk about how this pilot came to be and the adjustment to the story. Tracy and Fable share how they met and the collaboration process. Zachary goes into about the different challenges of animating a series set in the 1920s and we dive into the extensive research needed for everything from trash bags to firearms.
But this show wouldn’t be complete without the sounds. We also talk about the exceptional music done by Sepiatonic and the diverse and talented voice crew that brought this fantastic cast of characters to life. And of course, we look at what’s next for the series, both comic and animated.
A haunted item is a familiar element in horror novels, but a haunted desk? That’s a new one to me and I am here for it! Continuing our series of interviews with authors on Cemetery Dance, Philip Fracassi joins me to talk about his recent novel “Gothic.” Here’s a look at what lies in store:
*On his 59th birthday, Tyson Parks—a famous but struggling horror writer—receives an antique desk from his partner Sarah in the hopes it will rekindle his creative juices. Perhaps inspire him to write another bestselling novel and prove his best years aren’t behind him.
A continent away, a mysterious woman makes inquiries with her sources around the world, seeking the whereabouts of a certain artifact her family has been hunting for centuries. With the help of a New York City private detective, she finally finds what she’s been looking for.
It’s in the home of Tyson Parks.*
Philip and I look at the haunted desk and why he went this route, as well as its history and why others are looking for it. We talk about Tyson and how he’s changed, as well as where he falls on the hero/villain spectrum. We also take a look at his forthcoming novel, “Boys in the Valley,” out later this summer.
In 2019 on Piano Day, Adrian happened to tune Mariko’s piano. He asked if she wanted to play together; she said maybe. Realizing she might be able to return to her long-lost passion, music, they connected and started rehearsing with the hopes of playing out.
And then the pandemic happened.
But that didn’t stop Adrian and Mariko. They kept playing and sending ideas and soon after had a catalog of 50+ songs, which led to their first album, “Ignite the Sky.” In this episode, we talk about the origin of the A.M.s and how the experience has allowed them to grow as artists. We examine the story of “Ignite the Sky,” which chronicles Mariko’s journey of finding her birth parents during COVID, while processing the events and struggles of 2021 in quarantine. We also see how the two—despite living several hundred miles apart, have been able to play out now and again.
Following this, enjoy the single, “Ignite the Sky.” I really enjoyed this entire album, and hope that you check it out.
In this episode, author Kimberly Kenna and I discuss the very unique main character in “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade,” the first installment in the new Brave Girls Collection. Artemis Sparke is always more at home in the natural world than with humans.
But when her favorite salt marsh is threatened and all evidence points to the historic hotel where her mother works, something has to be done. With her friends Warren and RT and help from deceased ecologists, Artemis works to untangle the clues and finds family secrets that could be the key to saving the marsh.
Kimberly and I talk about the inspiration for his character and how it ties into her own life. We look at Artemis and what makes her the way she is and why it was important for the story. We talk about the environment and its role in the book as well as her decision to use part of the proceeds to support Save the Sound. Kimberly also goes into future installments of the Brave Girls Collection.
To say that Hollis Morrisette has a lot on his plate is putting it very mildly. Between acting, modeling, writing and music, it’s hard to imagine how he makes time for it all. But make time he does, and in this interview, we talk about the many, many aspects of his creative life.
When he was just 5 years old, Hollis knew he wanted to live in Los Angeles someday and he speaks on those early day and how his life changed. He talks about his choice to take on so much and how he’s adapted to the challenges they’ve presented. We also talk about the necessity of a team and the different people Hollis works with.
Following this, enjoy “I Can’t Hate You,” one of the recent singles that Hollis has put out.
Who doesn’t love a good movie? No matter the genre, it’s a chance to escape from this world into a whole new one. And the rarer the better, right? Well, maybe not in this case.
In Preston Fassel’s new book, “Beasts of 42nd Street,” we’re taken on a trip to New York’s 42nd Street, a place where, no joke, getting stabbed and robbed isn’t all that unusual. In this kingdom of the damned we meet Andy Lew, an unrepentant junkie, voyeur and degenerate, only tolerated by the more dangerous men around him because he keeps the projectors at the Colossus theater running.
There’s something unique about Andy, though. He owns a movie—the only one of its kind. No one knows who made it and only he knows where it came from. The woman it stars is beautiful beyond imagination—and the images it depicts are worse than the darkest depths of Hell.
I loved the premise for this book and so Preston and I go on a trip to 42nd Street to meet Andy and learn what makes him such a scumbag. We talk about the movie and the grindhouse style of cinema that inspired it, something that Preston knows a lot about. We also see how 42nd Street has changed and what Preston learned when he went back a few years ago.
Generations may be a relatively new band, buts its members have a wide array of past experience. In this episode, the guys join me for a look at where they all came from and how the band came to be.
We look at how the past projects they’ve been involved with influenced the sound of their debut single, “Dreambound,” and what we can expect in their upcoming album release. Plus, they talk about the music scene in their area and one very interesting sound guy.
After this, kick back and enjoy “Dreambound,” which has a great intensity and a very cool sound.
My next guest is someone I’ve known for a long time, so it surprised me to realize he’d never been on the show before. Well, that just gives us a lot to cover, doesn’t it?
Actor/writer/model Jon Merz and I talk about opening the doors to Ten 21 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a full-service company that does demo reel scenes, book trailers, script work and a lot more. We talk about the decision to launch his own company and some of the folks they’ve been working with. We touch briefly on his latest project, an adaptation to his successful vampire book series, and will do a deeper dive in a future episode.
Jon’s acted for many years and perhaps his biggest milestone to date was his role in the Whitney Houston biopic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” We talk about being around some of the biggest names working today and how he prepared for his role. This May, he’ll be taking the stage in “Hunting Whitey” on May 16 at The Wilbur and shares the challenges of stage vs. screen and his techniques for this kind of performance.
Interested in a gripping murder mystery with all kinds of cool twists? How about a story of a family home with a web of secrets? Either way, this episode has you covered!
Up first is Priscilla Paton to talk about her new book, “When the House Burns,” third in the Twin Cities Mystery series. A murder case with a commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, this book brings us back to Detectives Erik Jansson and Deb Metzger as they search for the killer of an adulterous real estate agent. Priscilla and I look at where the series is now and why she decided to set amidst the backdrop of current events. We also talk about the detectives, their relationship and how its evolved throughout the series.
Following this is Julia Brewer Daily for her new book, “The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch.” The story focuses on Emma Rosales, heiress of the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn. Running the ranch is something Emma could handle with her eyes closed…if The Thorn were any ordinary property. Julia and I look at the real-life inspiration among the ranches of Texas, how her upbringing leant itself to the writing process and the secret of The Thorn.
Singer-songwriter Ela Ozturk draws on a lot of inspiration for her work—from the musical side, it’s the likes of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Adele.
From her family, her Turkish background also plays a strong role in the creation process, whether it’s the region’s signature sounds or those currently performing who call Turkey home. In this interview, Ela and I talk about how these two sides have shaped her as an artist.
Living in the Bay Area, Ela’s become pretty connected to the music scene there, and shares some of her favorite places to perform or see shows at, as well as the different artists she’s come across.
“Circle Back To Me” is about wanting the person to find a way to return into your life even though you’ve both moved on, are older, and we look at the real-life story behind the song. We talk about how she’s grown as an artist since the release of her first single, “Bad Habit,” and her plans for this year.
Following the interview, enjoy the new single, “Circle Back to Me,” and be sure to check out the rest of her music.
I’ve been a longtime fan of the webcomic “Let’s Play,” so when I heard that it was being adapted into a dating game called “Everdate,” I had to learn more. Series creator Mongie (Leeanne Krecic) and I talk about how the goal of getting into gaming and working with Always Imagine to make it happen. We dive into how the game will be played and the creative approach they’ve taken.
Players will be able to play as one of 12 canonical characters and interact with other characters throughout the world. This game mode will be handled like most popular dating simulation games, with information shared between characters that may be vital in contributing to a successful date. Fans of the series will love getting to spend more time with their favorite characters, and we look at how their different personalities come through.
There’s a Kickstarter going on until March 16, and Mongie shares the different tiers, how it feels to well exceed the original goal and how this success will impact the final product.
For this episode, I’m joined by Todd Keisling, author of “Devil’s Creek” a book that creeps the hell out of me after just a few chapters. It’s the author’s eighth book and unsurprisingly, has been nominated for a Bram Stoker Award, the highest honor in the genre.
Todd and I sit down to talk about the world he’s created in this new book, which centers around a death cult in a rural community and those that manage to escape it. We explore the mentality of its leader, Jacob Masters and how he led a community from its normal life to their grisly end. Jack Tremly, one of those brave enough to deft Masters, is the main character of the book and we talk about his role in the years that follow.
Todd has dedicated the book to Frank Michaels Errington and Matt Molgaard and he shares who these people are and the influence they had on the novel, as well as the forward written by Ronald Malfi. This book goes to some extremes and Todd talks about just how intense he’ll make a book and where he draws the line.
It’s comics time! Lately I’ve been reading the new series “The City,” and after checking out the first two issues, Writer David Choi and I sit down to delve into his debut title. We talk about the gang war that has engulfed the city and the folks responsible, Jericho, K, and Comox, and the role that each plays.
David talks about how he met Illustrator Dicky Siregar and Colorist Dave Praetorius and what led them to take “The City” from concept to published product. But publishing is just part of the process! What follows is the hustle to get each copy into the reader’s hands. If you’ve seen the comic’s Instagram, you know that hustle is real and David shares some of the different ways he’s been getting the word out.
From the opening pages of John Mantooth’s newest horror tale, “Holy Ghost Road,” we’re plunged into the thick of the action. The story is seen through the eyes of Forest, a 15-year-old who’s just witnessed Pastor Nesmith forging a pact with a demon. She’s on the run to find her grandmother, the only person who can make sense of what’s happening and maybe, maybe put a stop to it.
Unfortunately, Granny is 40 miles away, and Forest is on her own with no car, no phone, and an entire congregation on her trail. To reach Granny, Forest will have to learn to see the world true, even as the demonic and the sacred wage war for her soul.
This book has been a great read, and so I’m very excited to talk all things scary with the author. John and I talk about the choice to make this a first-person viewpoint and how that influences the story. He shares some of the real-life influences and their role in the book.
John’s also a crime writer, having written three novels under the pseudonym Hank Early, and he talks about how the two styles cross over and which of the two genres is his favorite. We also go into his recent time with Cemetery Dance Publications—through which this book was released.
With a high-energy, upbeat style, the funk band Carter & the Capitals bring a sound that you can’t help but dance to. This five-piece from Edmonton, Alberta released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and since then have played some amazing shows.
Frontman Lindon Carter joins me to talk about how the band got its start and their early years on stage and on the road. We go into how things changed when COVID hit, and what it’s been like being back in the groove. Recently, they released “Lovely Lovely Lovely,” their first new music in three years. We go into how the band has evolved over that time and the new sound that comes through in the single.
Following this, enjoy the funk/pop sounds of “Lovely Lovely Lovely,” a preview of sorts of the band’s future releases.
To look at the lives of Brooke, Elizabeth, and Susan, one may think they have it all. They’ve made their mark in the city of Manhattan and are living the good life. But a closer look uncovers a variety of challenges—Brooke questions her marriage as she embarks on a new venture; Elizabeth receives a shattering diagnosis and remakes herself to recover some semblance of identity; Susan admits that her sexual and romantic preferences do not lie exclusively with men. Each of these characters has their own journey, and it’s in confronting it that we get “Friends with Issues,” written by Meredith Berlin and available as of Jan. 24.
I’m a little ways into the book and I found myself drawn in by the realistic cast and intertwining plots. Meredith and I talk about the creation process for each character and how it was fueled by her own experiences. We look at her many years as the editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine and Soap Opera Digest and how it helped prepare her for the role of novelist, as well as the lessons to be learned.
Ever had a random meeting with someone that stuck with you long after it was done? Jarreau Williams has, and it was such an inspirational moment that it wound up being the subject of his new single, “Cherry.”
This high-energy dance-able song shares the story of how he was approached by a woman in the bar of a Baltimore restaurant. She was waiting for some friends, and the two struck up a conversation, but she left before he could even get her name. See, “Cherry” isn’t just the song’s title, it’s a sort of code for this interesting person.
We talk all about the story behind the song, plus working with Virginia-based producer Austin Bello, whom Jarreau collaborated last year for “All The Cards.” Jarreau has a great show lined up for the single release, and we give you all necessary details if you happen to be in the D.C. area.
Plus after we’re done, give the new track a listen—and maybe you’ll have your own memorable meetup.
Cort Casady, winner of two Emmies and three NAACP Image Awards, joins me to talk about his newest project, and one very close to his heart—his new book, set to be released on Jan. 17. It’s a weaving of two stories: he and his wife’s journey as the parents of triplets and seeing how the country they call home has changed across three generations.
“Not Your Father’s America: An Adventure Raising Triplets in a Country Being Changed by Greed” dives into the choice to have children and the struggles encountered—as well as their choice to utilize IVF and the unexpected results. Cort and I talk about America over the years, his feelings on current affairs, and the stories contained in the book and how the two subjects are intertwined.
One of my favorite events to cover is the Rhode Island Author Expo. Held in early December, it’s a showcase of more than 100 members of the Association of Rhode Island Authors. This event is an amazing collection of local authors, and in this episode, we’ve got a collection of interviews with just a few of them.
First up is Alison O’Donnell, author of “Stupid Cupid: A Survivor's Guide to Online Dating” and “The Adventures of Gizmo,” and also longtime comedian. We talk about what led to both books and how her work in comedy ties into being a writer.
Next up is Amanda Quay Blount for her debut novel, “Meet Me At the Biltmore,” a deep dive into the history behind one of the most famous hotels in Rhode Island. She shares the different (and somewhat odd) stories she captures from the hotel’s 100-year history.
To wrap things up its Richard Rezendes, author of “A Haunting in Mattapoisett,” based in part on the town’s history as the epicenter of Bridgewater Triangle, an area known for its many supernatural occurrences.
For our final episode of 2022, I’m happy to once again be sitting down with author Michael Kaufman to talk about is soon to be released book “The Last Resort,” second in the Jen Lu series. Here’s a quick look at the synopsis:
It’s March 2034, six months after D.C. police Detective Jen Lu and Chandler, her sentient bio-computer implanted in her brain, cracked the mystery of Eden. But the climate crisis is hitting harder than ever: A mega-hurricane has devastated the ecosystem, and waves of refugees are pouring into Washington, D.C. The rich live forever while the desperate scramble for the modified longevity treatment.
Then, the death of lawyer and media darling Patty Garcia, who won a court case for massive climate change reparations to be paid out by oil, gas and coal companies, signals a glaring red flag to a wider conspiracy. Jen and Chandler are called in to crack the case. Signs point to Patty’s ex, James Culpepper, a former oil giant, but as the
duo dig deeper, they turn up more suspects who might have an even greater motive for killing Patty.
Jen’s search puts her in the crosshairs of those who will ensure the truth never comes to light, no matter the cost. As she continues to delve deeper into the seedy underbelly of the city, she has to move quickly — before she becomes next on the killer’s list.
Michael and I talk about Jen and Chandler, both on their roles in the book and how they’ve changed since the events of the first novel. We dive deep into Chandler’s function and how it reflects current technology as well as its future potential.
Micael’s worked for years to end violence against women through the White Ribbon Campaign and help men to identify their misogynistic tendencies. We talk about the role this plays in his writing and what he hopes to accomplish with Jen as his lead character.
- An aging TV star’s murderous plan to rekindle her glory days
- A father who returns from war forever changed
- Human lab rats who die again and again
- A farmer who obeys the dreadful commands of the sky
These are just a handful of the 22 short stories that you can find in Michael Harris Cohen's recently released book, “Effects Vary.” We talk about the history behind them, what led to releasing the collection, and the careful process of deciding their order.
Part of the publishing process is unfortunately getting rejected and Michael shares some of the “No's” he's received, including the rares time when a publisher gave some insightful feedback. Michael teaches creative writing and literature at the American University in Bulgaria and we talk about the lessons imparted to the students and tips about getting their work seen by the world.
It’s an all-music episode! Senseless Optimism of Boston joins me to catch up on all that’s happened since we last spoke, and believe me, a lot has happened! The singer-songwriter released the new single "Done" on Oct. 7 with a brilliant music video shortly afterward. She’s also been nominated in the Boston Music Awards and New England Music Awards, taking home multiple titles in the latter. We talk about the new sound and what went into it as well as her planning for the music video.
After this, enjoy the new single, which incorporates music of her West African roots, most notably elements of Soukous and Makossa.
Following that, Canada-based band Selfish Bodies and I dive into their origin in early 2018 and how their style changed as the lineup shifted. We talk about their plans as a band and how those had to change when COVID hit, and how they’ve gotten back into the flow as things reopened.
To close things out, we’ve got their recent release, “Bambi Legs.”
Here’s part two of our preview interviews for this year’s Rhode Island Author Expo! This is just a sampling of the many great writers you can meet there.
First up, it’s suspense writer Sharyn Haddad Vicente, for her debut book “Love Me,” first in the Paige Vale Psychological Thriller series. Set in an idyllic New England town, the police soon find themselves facing a dire challenge when a serial killer begins leaving bodies in their wake. Enter Paige Vale, a high school student who uncovers unsettling facts about the crimes and leads the police to learn that little is as it seems.
After that, it’s Christine Carr, author of “Mother Daze, Tales from the Imperfect Playground” and “Corwin and Friends: We Can Do It.” We talk about both titles as well as the character of Corwin, who was created in February of 2020 with the idea of sharing heartfelt messages of hope and courage at a time when we all needed a sense of care and reconnection.
Award-winning journalist Mary Ford has made the transition to novelist with “Boy at the Crossroads: From Teenage Runaway to Class President.” The book is a collection of some of the amazing stories lived by her husband Conley. Here’s a look at what’s contained in the pages:
Tennessee, 1955. Conley Ford learned quickly the world's full of hard knocks. Seeking the wrong kind of excitement, the restless 13-year-old falls in with a group of older boys joyriding in stolen Mercury cars... until he is arrested and put on probation. With a harsh father waiting and too embarrassed to face his classmates as a jailbird, the impetuous youth leaves town, making it all the way to New Orleans.
No stranger to demanding work from the age he was old enough to walk, Conley uses his wits and street smarts to commandeer a hot dog cart and make some cash. But when a turf war and a near-fatal accident sends him back home, the resourceful teen faces a choice between staying in misery or once more striking out into a dangerous world.
Can this troubled young man ever find somewhere he can thrive?
Mary and I talk about her choice to write the novel and the way Conley collected them. She shares some of his experiences and how she decided which to include. She also goes into the research done to set the scenes.
The book has gotten some great reviews and Mary has hosted a number of book readings and signings. We talk about what this has meant to Mary and the people she’s met.
A highlight of my year, the Rhode Island Comic-Con is a place to meet some of the best area creatives—fantasy and sci-fi writers, comic creators, and cosplayers. Joining me was Ben Chou, my co-pilot for these events.
Kicking things off is Stevie Oaks, whom I met at last year's RICC. He was just starting out, and has had one hell of a year! We talk about his TikTok channel and the amazing response he's had, working at other cons, and plans for the next year.
After that, it's author M. Z. Medenciy for her recently-released book “Island Eight.” It's a cool story with a main character that takes a page from M.Z.'s life and an epic world we get to explore together.
If you've been to any of the New England cons, you've likely had the pleasure of meeting Matches Malone, who's been cosplaying as the Dark Knight for 30 years. We talk about how he got into the role, and people he's met, and working with all sorts of area charities.
To close out this episode, here's an interview I did with author Debra Zannelli. We talk about her five-part realistic vampire series, with themes of family and abuse, and the work that went into it.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with comic creator Jade Lowder for his soon-to-be-released “It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” his first book (hopefully of many) with Lesser Known Comics. Have a read at what's in store:
“It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” is the tale of a Werewolf Punk Rocker roaming the empty desert highways of the American southwest in a vintage hot rod searching for the next gig, mayhem and a healthy dose of carnage. But what happens when this lycanthropic motor-head encounters a group of local reprobates harassing a seemingly defenseless damsel in distress and furthermore what happens when this apparent damsel is not as she first appears and is keeping some secrets of her own?
As you can see from the cover, Jade has some amazing artistic skills, and we talk about how he developed them following his classes at the Kubert School. Jade has a Kickstarter for the title which has already surpassed the goal and shares that experience.
Jade and I dive into his work with Lesser Known Comics and the chance posting that led to this partnership. We look at the changing landscape of the comics industry and how he got his start, both as a creator and a fan.
Who wants to hear from more horror writers? If your hand’s in the air, then kick back and enjoy hearing from author Jonathan Janz, who has a new book out on Nov. 11 through our friends at Cemetery Dance Publications. Here’s a look at the story:
In the spring of 1912, American writer Arthur Pearce is reeling from the wounds inflicted by a disastrous marriage. But his plans to travel abroad, write a new novel, and forget about his ex-wife are interrupted by a lovely young woman he encounters on a London-bound train. Her name is Sarah Coyle, and the tale she tells him chills his blood.
Sarah's younger sister has been entranced by Count Richard Dunning, who is rumored to dabble in bizarre religious rites and experimental medicine. Arthur agrees to help, but he has no idea of what awaits him at Altarbook, Sarah's ancestral mansion, or the remote English countryside, where Count Dunning and his followers are about to unleash an unholy supernatural power.
Jonathan and I head right into the story—we talk about Count Dunning and how he came to be, Sarah’s role, what leads Arthur to join her, and what inspired some of the settings.
Brian Keene has called Janz “One of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade,” and we talk about what such praise means, as well as the influence that Keene has had on his work. Jonathan and I dive into his personality and how he sees himself after publishing more than a dozen books. Jonathan works as a high school writing and film teacher and we discuss how he works with young creatives.
It's that time again! The Rhode Island Author Expo is around the corner and leading up to this I'm chatting with some of the great writers who will be there. The expo takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Warwick, Rhode Island.
First up, Evelyn Audet and I talk about the soon-to-be-released book about her years spent living on a boat and sailing around the Caribbean, along with a delightful children's book, and environmentally-conscious YA story.
Keith Carreiro is a longtime friend of the show and we dive into his nine-part series, “The Immortality Wars.” We look at the world he spent a long time creating and the different creatures that inhabit it.
To close out this episode, here's an interview I did with Debra Zannelli at the recent Rhode Island Comic-Con. We talk about her five-part realistic vampire series, with themes of family and abuse, and the work that went into it.
Hope you're not afraid of heights, because in this episode, we travel all the way up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Author David Sklar and I talk about his recently-released book, “Moonstone Hero,” and here's a look at the story.
What do you owe to someone whose life you’ve saved? What does that person owe you? In the early 1970s, an international group of tourists find themselves intimately connected to one another as they attempt to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. After several miles of progress, the expedition suddenly becomes derailed when one of the climbers becomes gravely ill. Struggling with the effects of high altitude and freezing wind and snow, the climbers must confront their fears and personal limitations as well as their responsibilities to a sick stranger.
After a young medical student struggles over a mountain pass, determined to keep this man alive, he must soon grapple with the aftermath of his actions. Romantic feelings crop up where they shouldn’t, and he worries that he may cross a line, betraying the man he saved, and possibly his own integrity.
This book is largely true, and we explore the real-life story and what inspired David to turn this into his new novel. We look at the people behind it and David talks about meeting up with the one of the people from the book.
David's no stranger to the publishing house, having authored or co-authored more than 200 articles about medical education, emergency health care, and global health. He's also written “La Clinica,” a memoir of his experience as a volunteer in a rural Mexican clinic and “Atlas of Men,” an award-winning novel about a secret research project. We look at what was new with the writing process for “Moonstone Hero” and the challenges it provided.
Emergency room physician-turned-writer D.A. Mucci is back with a second book in his fantasy series, “Ignatius and The Battle at Dinas Affaraon.” Have a look at what lies in store:
Fifteen-year-old Iggy is prepared to face his first days of high school . . . but is he ready to face mythical creatures, black magic wizards, and sword fights where people get killed? Iggy’s never thought of himself as a fighter. But as he learns more about the strange place he’s landed, one thing becomes abundantly clear, in the World of Skye they need a hero. And Iggy just might be the one they’re looking for, even if he’s not so sure. In this thrilling continuation, readers will discover new characters, dive deeper into the world and hold on tight as twists and turns abound. This looming battle is epic and could change Iggy’s life.
D.A and I talk about what took him from the emergency room to the bookstore and the various fantasy writers that his children introduced him to. We talk about the challenges he faced as a writer and developing the vast world of his books, which include people, creatures, and even languages. Yes, that's right—he created several languages just for his fantasy series.
D.A.'s books have seen tremendous success, including an interview on Good Morning America and companies approaching him about an animated adaptation of the story. We also look at the epic cover art and the mind behind the greatness.
Fans of the Boston music scene will recognize songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Christopher James Martin from his work with the band All Eyes On Me. Well, Christopher is back with a new project, Only Child, and recently released the first single “Don't Call Me BB” and the music video in August.
In this interview, we look at the new solo venture and how the songwriting process has changed. Christopher has many friends in the local scene and we talk about their influence in the creative process. The single and forthcoming EP, “SRS ONE” were produced by Boston electro queen Casey Desmond, and we talk about how the two met and what it was like working together.
The glitzy music video for “Don’t Call Me BB” was directed by Mary Lee Desmond at Magic Room in Brighton. Kaitlyn Ciampa teamed with the Desmonds on filming the visual, as well as stylizing Martin’s hair and makeup, with fellow musicians Kara MacDonald, Alison Pappas, and KT Sullivan, and we look at how this went from concept to filmed video.
Following this, I've got the new single, “Don't Call Me BB,” a truly unique musical experience.
Sam. Fucking. Raimi.
I think I can stop there.
No? OK then, onward we go! For this episode I'm continuing my interviews with amazing talent publishing books though Cemetery Dance Publications. Ian Rogers joins me to talk about his soon-to-be-released collection of 22 horror stories, “Every House Is Haunted.”
Perhaps the biggest news is that the book was optioned by Sam Raimi and a feature film of one of the stories, “The House on Ashley Avenue,” is currently in development at Netflix. Script by Jason Pagan and Andrew Deutschman, directed by Corin Hardy, helmer of “The Nun” and “Gangs of London.” We talk all about this, how Ian met Sam Raimi and what the process has been like.
Next, we dive into the book itself, of which the stories include:
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A mysterious double murder draws the attention of an insurance company with a special interest in the paranormal.
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A honeymoon cabin with an unspeakable appetite finally meets its match.
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A suburban home is transformed into the hunting ground for a new breed of spider.
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A nightmarish jazz club at the crossroads of reality plays host to those who can break a deal with the devil...for a price.
Ian talks about where the ideas came from, which story was the first to be published, and some of his favorites, as well as whether anything was changed from when they were first written.
With a name like “The Pastor of Horror,” you just know this episode's going to be a good one! Author Ezekiel Kincaid joins me to talk about all things spooky, including his recently-released “The Dawning,” Book 1 in The Dreadful Death series. As always, I've got a little peek into what lies within the pages:
On a cold November night in 1817, a seven-year-old girl named Theodosia Whitefield finds a door leading to another world. She feels a pull towards a dark, celestial being who beckons her, and senses his presence growing each day. In an old rocking chair by her bed, a seeming friend appears and helps her navigate through this new world.
Little by little, Theo's innocence changes as the dark creature edges closer to her reality. The little girl begins to grow into something sinister and evil. Shedding her youth and innocence, her demon friend paves the way for Theodosia to meet the entity named Tetromet, The two meet and the horror and madness blossom in Theo, leading to unprecedented depths of terror.
The charming countryside of North Carolina makes the backdrop for the insanity and evil emanating from this child. She wreaks havoc on her family and friends as her power grows. It all comes to an insidious, nightmarish end, with questions of faith, sanity and above all, God and evil.
I've read some scary stuff over the years, and this may well be the best. Ezekiel and I talk about Theodosia, the dark being, and how she changes over the course of the series. We talk about the best ways to off a character and how it fits in with the overall story.
Ezekiel's 20-plus years in ministry have afforded him the opportunity to encounter people from all walks of life and in a myriad of situations and we talk about how this has factored into his work. We look at how he made the transition to writing and how the people in his life reacted to it.
In addition to his writing, Ezekiel has done some work in haunted house investigations and tells us how to tell the real deals from the bogus places. We also look at some of the most memorable sites he's been to. And of course, we lean how he came to be known as “The Pastor of Horror.”
It was last fall when international singer-songwriter Heerraa and I met on this show and she is back with a lot to share.
To start with, a slew of awards and honors, including the ICon Award, Female Single of the Year from ISSA, and Entertainer of the Year from the Rampage Music Awards. We look at how that influences her future work and the example she's setting for the next generation. She's also been doing work with Harvard as the Director of Communications at Harvard Extension Student Association.
Over the last year Heerraa's released a number of new singles, including “Peter Pan,” which she wrote at 15 and we talk about what inspired her to release it and if anything was changed. She also partnered with Autumn Helene for “Morning Light” and we dive into how the two meshed as artists.
Following this, enjoy “Across The Universe,” released as part of Harvard's Undergraduate Songwriters Collective latest album.
If you're the type to wonder if that creaking sound is a restless soul, best to skip this episode. For all you horror fans, welcome! Author Thomas Smith joins me to talk about his book, “Something Stirs,” out on Oct. 13 through our friends at Cemetery Dance Publications. Here's a look at what lies within these pages:
Ben Chalmers is a successful novelist. His wife, Rachel, is a fledgling artist with a promising career, and their daughter Stacy is the joy of their life. His novels have made enough money for him to provide a dream home for his family. But there is a force at work in their lives. A dark, chilling, ruthless force that has become part of the very fabric of their new home.
A malevolent entity becomes trapped in the wood and stone of the house and it will do whatever it takes, to find a way to complete its bloody transference to our world.
Local Sheriff Elizabeth Cantrell, and former pastor-turned-cabinetmaker Jim Perry are drawn into the family's life as the entity manipulates the house with devastating results. And it won't stop until it gets what it wants. Even if it costs them their faith, their sanity, and their lives.
This is actually a re-release, since the book was originally published in 2011 through a different company. Thomas and I talk about what readers can expect in this updated version, as well as how he came work with the fine folks at CDP.
We dive deep into the story behind the book and how Thomas created the menacing presence within the Chalmers' home. This is a Christian horror novel, and if that's a new term for you, you're not alone. We look into what that genre is all about and what can—and cannot—be done in this kind of book.
After hearing “Into The Deep,” the debut EP from Dani Teveluwe, I knew right then that she'd be a grat guest for the show, and here we are! In this interview, we talk about Dani's decision to go from primary school teacher to musician and how that change has gone. Dani shares the doubts she experienced as well as how the experience has changed her.
Along with the EP, Dani has a music video out for “Double Shot,” a song centered on a person who's hurt so badly that they wind up hurting others. The video is filmed in a school setting with a group of children, an unexpected frame for the story and Dani shares what led her to go in this direction.
And this conversation wouldn't be complete without us talking about the cover art, done by Tamara Armstrong. It's simply amazing and we go into how the two met and worked together.
Following the interview, enjoy two songs from the EP, “Double Shot,” followed by “Sweet Summer Nights.”
What if you showed up one day and couldn't remember a thing about you, but knew that the life you led wasn't your true one? It's an interesting premise, and the one explored in Lisa Sherman's debut book, “Forget Me.” Here's a look at what's in store:
Who’s that girl? After being fished out of a river in small-town Wisconsin, Wanda Dellas is lucky to be alive – yet, she can’t help but feel like something’s wrong. Wanda is living someone else’s life: that’s the sense she’s had since an accident robbed her of her long-term memory. Barely scraping by, Wanda cleans offices at night in order to support her young daughter. She tells herself that anyone would believe they’re meant for a different existence. Yet she can’t shake the sense that she’s missing something—and that the past she’s been told belongs to her is not the whole story.
Claire Stanbrick’s photo is all over the news. A missing businesswoman who’s presumed dead, Claire bears a striking resemblance to Wanda. After learning that Claire went missing around the same time as her accident, Wanda embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past. Yet with each additional clue she uncovers, Wanda faces new dangers that threaten her life . . . or is it Claire’s?
Lisa and I explore how identity and memory tie together, and if one can exist without the other. We look at Wanda's quest to discover the truth about herself and the obstacles in her way. Lisa is a lawyer-turned-author, and shares how her legal background helped with the writing process. This may be Lisa's first book, but it's not her last and we talk about future titles and what lies in store.
What if you showed up one day and couldn't remember a thing about you, but knew that the life you led wasn't your true one? It's an interesting premise, and the one explored in Lisa Sherman's debut book, “Forget Me.” Here's a look at what's in store:
Who’s that girl? After being fished out of a river in small-town Wisconsin, Wanda Dellas is lucky to be alive – yet, she can’t help but feel like something’s wrong. Wanda is living someone else’s life: that’s the sense she’s had since an accident robbed her of her long-term memory. Barely scraping by, Wanda cleans offices at night in order to support her young daughter. She tells herself that anyone would believe they’re meant for a different existence. Yet she can’t shake the sense that she’s missing something—and that the past she’s been told belongs to her is not the whole story.
Claire Stanbrick’s photo is all over the news. A missing businesswoman who’s presumed dead, Claire bears a striking resemblance to Wanda. After learning that Claire went missing around the same time as her accident, Wanda embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past. Yet with each additional clue she uncovers, Wanda faces new dangers that threaten her life . . . or is it Claire’s?
Lisa and I explore how identity and memory tie together, and if one can exist without the other. We look at Wanda's quest to discover the truth about herself and the obstacles in her way. Lisa is a lawyer-turned-author, and shares how her legal background helped with the writing process. This may be Lisa's first book, but it's not her last and we talk about future titles and what lies in store.
I’ve been a longtime fantasy fan, and so it was a real pleasure to speak with Alison Levy’s new book, “Blue Flame,” part two of the Daemon Collecting series, out on Oct. 11 through SparkPress. The new book continues the adventures of Rachel Wilde, who comes from a dimension adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil).
While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.
In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.
Alison and I dive into the worldbuilding that went into this book and the new characters that we meet. She talks about the daemons and the system of magic she created and how it all works. We look at how writing this book compared to her first novel, “Gatekeeper,” and her plans for the release of “Blue Flame.” Along with being a writer, Alison is also a mental health advocate, and we go into how writing the new book helped and how it can be a platform to help others.
I’ve been a longtime fantasy fan, and so it was a real pleasure to speak with Alison Levy’s new book, “Blue Flame,” part two of the Daemon Collecting series, out on Oct. 11 through SparkPress. The new book continues the adventures of Rachel Wilde, who comes from a dimension adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil).
While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.
In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.
Alison and I dive into the worldbuilding that went into this book and the new characters that we meet. She talks about the daemons and the system of magic she created and how it all works. We look at how writing this book compared to her first novel, “Gatekeeper,” and her plans for the release of “Blue Flame.” Along with being a writer, Alison is also a mental health advocate, and we go into how writing the new book helped and how it can be a platform to help others.
As we close on Halloween, it makes perfect sense to welcome back one of my favorite horror authors, Kevin Lucia. This time, we're diving into the small press industry with a look at his role as e-book and trade paperback editor at Cemetery Dance Publications. It's a significant change for the press and one that's upped their status in a big way.
In this episode, we talk about what this means for the company and the work that made it happen. Kevin addresses the publisher's past issues with making deadlines and the complete turnaround that he's witnessed.
But that's not all! Kevin has some new projects in the works, including “The Horror at Pleasant Brook,” out this Halloween. Along with a look at the story, we talk about the kill factor in horror books and some of his best methods to end a character. Hey, it's a horror episode, what did you expect?
As we close on Halloween, it makes perfect sense to welcome back one of my favorite horror authors, Kevin Lucia. This time, we're diving into the small press industry with a look at his role as e-book and trade paperback editor at Cemetery Dance Publications. It's a significant change for the press and one that's upped their status in a big way.
In this episode, we talk about what this means for the company and the work that made it happen. Kevin addresses the publisher's past issues with making deadlines and the complete turnaround that he's witnessed.
But that's not all! Kevin has some new projects in the works, including “The Horror at Pleasant Brook,” out this Halloween. Along with a look at the story, we talk about the kill factor in horror books and some of his best methods to end a character. Hey, it's a horror episode, what did you expect?
Ethan Seitzer was only 9 years old when he passed away, but in that short time he impacted countless lives. Whether it was through his easygoing nature, the way he accepted people, or his unique artwork and poetry, Ethan brought so much to this world, all of which is chronicled in “The Fun Master,” written by his father, Jeff Seitzer.
In the book, Jeff talks about parenting a child with special needs while dealing with his own medical issues. He holds nothing back, talking about Ethan's passing, the decision to write this book, and how the experience helped him cope with the grief. Jeff shares what his life was like prior to being a parent and what he expected it to be—and how very different it turned out. No doubt this was a difficult journey, but amidst the challenges are many wonderful memories.
Ethan Seitzer was only 9 years old when he passed away, but in that short time he impacted countless lives. Whether it was through his easygoing nature, the way he accepted people, or his unique artwork and poetry, Ethan brought so much to this world, all of which is chronicled in “The Fun Master,” written by his father, Jeff Seitzer.
In the book, Jeff talks about parenting a child with special needs while dealing with his own medical issues. He holds nothing back, talking about Ethan's passing, the decision to write this book, and how the experience helped him cope with the grief. Jeff shares what his life was like prior to being a parent and what he expected it to be—and how very different it turned out. No doubt this was a difficult journey, but amidst the challenges are many wonderful memories.
The life story of U.S. Air Force veteran Richard Earnest Evans is certainly filled with amazing tales—such as how he became the B-17 "Flying Fortress" pilot for Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, Commander of the British 8th Army.
But this is just one of several stories compiled and self-published by his daughter, Barbara Kinnear as “Richard Eager: A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts to General Montgomery’s “Flying Fortress.” Better known as Richard Eager, Evans began working on this book after his service, but passed away before the book was completed.
In this episode, Kinnear talks about her father’s time with the Air Force and all the things she learned through his stories. The book also looks at Richard’s time growing up and we talk about life back then.
Kinnear talks about the fire that claimed their home and—she thought at the time—the entire collection her father had worked on, only to make a welcome discovery later. She shares the experience of growing up in the armed forces and the perspective on her father’s service through a child’s eyes.
The life story of U.S. Air Force veteran Richard Earnest Evans is certainly filled with amazing tales—such as how he became the B-17 "Flying Fortress" pilot for Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, Commander of the British 8th Army.
But this is just one of several stories compiled and self-published by his daughter, Barbara Kinnear as “Richard Eager: A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts to General Montgomery’s “Flying Fortress.” Better known as Richard Eager, Evans began working on this book after his service, but passed away before the book was completed.
In this episode, Kinnear talks about her father’s time with the Air Force and all the things she learned through his stories. The book also looks at Richard’s time growing up and we talk about life back then.
Kinnear talks about the fire that claimed their home and—she thought at the time—the entire collection her father had worked on, only to make a welcome discovery later. She shares the experience of growing up in the armed forces and the perspective on her father’s service through a child’s eyes.
Author Joseph Falank's new novel, “Renewal” (Sept. 13 through BHC Press) is a powerfully written and incredibly honest story of a family coming to grips with the reality that their patriarch is afflicted with Alzheimer's. Here's the synopsis of the story:
It's been two years since aspiring novelist and English teacher Malcolm Aton has had any contact with his family. Ever since his divorce and the loss of his mother to cancer, his relationship with his father has been strained.
When he receives an urgent text from his brother, he learns the devastating news that their father's memory issues have progressed. He's now violent and at the end stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Although confrontation with his father is imminent, Malcolm reluctantly agrees to return home for the weekend and take on the mantle of caregiver while they contend with the difficult decision of how to care for their father. As is the case with everything involving his family, nothing goes as expected.
Joseph and I talk about the relationship that Malcolm and his father has and what it is like to reconnect after two years. He sheds light on how Malcolm adjusts to being his father's caregiver and the impact of their roles being reversed. We also talk about the affect Alzheimer's can have on the patient's loved ones and the new challenges they will have to overcome.
This is Joseph's fifth book and we discuss the subjects of “The Painted Lady,” “Disconnected,” and others and the inspirations which led to them. Personally, I cannot wait to read “Disconnected.” He also shares some of his ideas for future works.
Author Joseph Falank's new novel, “Renewal” (Sept. 13 through BHC Press) is a powerfully written and incredibly honest story of a family coming to grips with the reality that their patriarch is afflicted with Alzheimer's. Here's the synopsis of the story:
It's been two years since aspiring novelist and English teacher Malcolm Aton has had any contact with his family. Ever since his divorce and the loss of his mother to cancer, his relationship with his father has been strained.
When he receives an urgent text from his brother, he learns the devastating news that their father's memory issues have progressed. He's now violent and at the end stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Although confrontation with his father is imminent, Malcolm reluctantly agrees to return home for the weekend and take on the mantle of caregiver while they contend with the difficult decision of how to care for their father. As is the case with everything involving his family, nothing goes as expected.
Joseph and I talk about the relationship that Malcolm and his father has and what it is like to reconnect after two years. He sheds light on how Malcolm adjusts to being his father's caregiver and the impact of their roles being reversed. We also talk about the affect Alzheimer's can have on the patient's loved ones and the new challenges they will have to overcome.
This is Joseph's fifth book and we discuss the subjects of “The Painted Lady,” “Disconnected,” and others and the inspirations which led to them. Personally, I cannot wait to read “Disconnected.” He also shares some of his ideas for future works.
Fans of our four-legged friends won't want to miss this one! Author and dog trainer Victoria Schade recently released her sixth book, “Dog Friendly” a story with amazing depth and thoughtful characters. Here's a look at the summary:
Exhausted veterinarian Morgan Pearce is feeling overworked and under-thanked, so when two favorite clients ask her to watch their special needs senior dog in their Nantucket home, she jumps at the chance for a summer break. She hopes her time on the island will be a reset from the stress of her everyday life, but her chill vacation vibe takes a hit when she gets roped into fostering a challenging, anxious dog and helping plan the local rescue group’s glittery annual fundraiser.
Her trip starts to feel more like a vacation when Morgan begins falling for Nathan Keating, an irresistible entrepreneur who thinks every problem can be solved on a surfboard. Just as the summer is shaping up to be the magical refresh she needs, thanks to a fling that feels like the beginning of something real and Hudson, the foster dog who reminds her how much she loves her job, a visit from her estranged brother and the discovery of who Nathan really is changes everything. Morgan finds herself at a crossroads, trying to determine if mistakes from the past must define the future, or if she should forgive, forget, and grab hold of a chance to finally rescue herself.
This book required a lot of research into the lives of veterinarians, and Victoria shares what she learned, including a condition related to those who get burned out over the years. She's even heard from the experts and talks about that feedback.
Victoria's books have run the gamut from animal care to fiction, and we talk about that transition and what it was like. We look at the sources of the ideas for her various fiction stories and how they're developed from concept to finished work.
I love a good comic, as you all know, so this episode is one I am very happy to share. Douglas Knight, founder of Cross Eye Comics, joins me to talk about his new series, CHIASM (kai-ahz-em). It's the story of his life.....sort of. He talks all about the main character Desmond Phillips, who undergoes an operation to implant an alien molecule in his optic chiasm to combat and eliminate the cancer in his head. It's got a strong real-life connection and Doug and I look at how it influenced the story.
There's currently a Kickstarter going for the series and it runs until Aug. 28. The cool thing is that it's already well past the goal (you should support it anyway!) and Doug talks about what it means to have such support from the fans and readers.
We also look at how Doug got his start in comics and the different titles that inspired him along the way. He talks about working as a comic artist while being legally blind and how he's developed his very cool and unique style.
We all have a dream for our lives, but it's getting there that takes work. In this episode, entrepreneur Keddrain Bowen details how he started his journey from the trunk of his car at 23 years old to being the founder and president of Fanatics 101. We talk about that journey and it's different twists and turns, and what led him to chronicling this in his book, “The Dream Is Free: The Journey to Success is Sold Separately.”
Keddrain and I talk about his leadership style, how he helps his employee overcome their challenges, and keeping a growth mindset. He looks at his definition of success and how his own codes and morals influence his choices. We also look at his plans for the future and how he'll achieve his goals.
Author Faith Pierce never wanted to work in horror. But after experiencing a recurring nightmare that she couldn’t get out of her head, she decided to turn it into a short story. That story evolved over the years into “The Face You Wear,” her debut novel, set to be released on Aug. 12 through Crystal Lake Publishing. Here's a look at what's in store:
Jana overcame a bleak, poverty-stricken childhood to achieve her version of the American dream. She has her own home, a successful career, and a new husband who offers everything she hoped for in a normal life.
Her tight grasp on stability however begins to slip with disturbing dreams about her husband Michael. A figure in the bedroom doorway watching her sleep, night-time conversations Michael claims never happened, someone lying beside her at night when Michael later says he wasn't there.
Old anxieties and paranoia begin to surface as Jana becomes increasingly desperate to discover if the true threat is her mind, her husband…or something darker.
Pretty terrifying, isn't it? Faith and I spend time with the nightmare itself and how she built on this to become a complete story. We look at Jana and Michael, how the two play off one another and the ways they react to the building tension. We talk editing and how this changed the story and the all-important question—will there be more?
This episode takes us into the musical world of Joseph Mossbridge, currently in Boston and soon to be moving to Los Angeles. We take a look at how his career kicked off and the fanbase he's built from his debut album, “Take My Time.” Much of the music on this album takes a page from what he experienced during the pandemic, including having to leave LA, where he was working when March 2020 happened.
Joseph's music blends all sorts of styles, including rap, EDM, and pop. We look at how these different sounds come together and what he's hoping to try out in future releases. We also shine the spotlight on the many people he's worked with to bring “Take My Time” and other songs to life.
Afterward, enjoy “Goodbye,” from Joseph's debut album, a look at the major move he had to make.
This episode is a double musical header! Up first is Boston-area singer-songwriter Linda Marks, a longtime friend of the show. We talk about the new music released this year, some of which found its origins in violent shootings and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Linda and I discuss the messages shared in the music and how she maintains a positive mindset after the last few years.
Following this, here is Linda's recent release, “Our Children's Prayer,” written after the Uvalde shooting from the children's point of view.
Our next guest is Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and actress Sarah Tolle. Like Linda, Sarah shares some uplifting themes in her work, such as body positivity and loving yourself. Sarah talks about what inspired her to publish her music beginning in 2021 and her goals as an artist. We've heard a lot on this show about the music scene in Canada and Sarah provides first-hand perspective of what it has to offer. We also dive into Sarah's film career and the roles she'd like to pursue.
To close out this episode, enjoy “Game We Play,” by Sarah Tolle which looks at the funny things we're told to do with our lives.
On July 29, Gwendolyn Nix's new book, “I Have Asked To Be Where No Storms Come,” will hit physical and online shelves. But before that, kick back and enjoy this conversation on the story, characters, and a lot more. Here's a quick look at the plot:
The fact of Domino Bluepoint's afterlife is simple: he's a half-breed witch from a people without a name, living out a cursed Butch Cassidy existence… and no one wants to be stuck in Hell with witch blood. When he discovers bounty hunters are on his trail, and his brother, who wields insurmountable power, has struck an ill-made bargain with an ancient being of lighting and thunder, Domino is determined to fight his way out of the underworld no matter what the cost.
Yet, he soon learns an even darker power resides behind his cursed lineage, one buried deep in the earth and who will use his brother for its own gains. Desperate to escape their own destines, the two must decide if they will save the world… or let it burn.
Gwendolyn and I talk about Domino's character and where he stands—hero, or villain? We look at other characters and the roles they play in the story, which takes place in a detailed version of Hell. Believe me, we spend awhile delving into this. We also look at release day and Gwendolyn's plans for it.
From playing in an alt-country band to the atmospheric styles of his current project, Gold Light Hour, Christ Gutierrez has taken on a number of genres. In this interview, we talk about the varied and unique sounds of Gold Light Hour and his DIY, self-taught approach. He's recently been back on stage courtesy of the good folks at Tiny Oak Booking and we go into what a show with him sounds and looks like.
Chris and I dive into his new album, “Music of Sex and Horror,” and all the cool stories behind the music. Chris hopes to get into the film scoring field, and we talk what kinds of movies would be the best fit. I'll bet you can never guess his answer.
Following this, enjoy two tracks from the new album, “Morph,” followed by “Warm.”
Diagnosed with an aggressive, terminal cancer in 1998, Glenn Rockowitz was told he had three months to live. After the diagnosis, his father prayed to take his cancer from him. So, when Glenn’s father received his own terminal diagnosis less than a week later, the two faced their final moments of life alone, and together. That journey is captured in Rockowitz's new book, “Cotton Teeth.”
In this interview, Glenn talks about the day he received the diagnosis, his conversations with his father, and how their relationship changed during their treatment. Glenn shares the writing process and how he approached sharing such a personal time of his life with the world. Included in the book is a letter that Glenn wrote to his son when he thought his diagnosis would prove terminal.
“The Panic”—a five-issue apocalyptic comic series on Comixology—has quickly drawn me in with its deep characters and gripping story. So, I just had to speak with series creator and writer Neil Kleid for this episode.
In The Panic, ten strangers become trapped on a PATH train beneath the Hudson River when their car comes to an unforeseen halt. They are forced to depend on each of their fellow commuters in order to survive. Things go very wrong as they work their way above ground and those left must fight their way through more than rubble to make it to safety. But the darkness is closing in, and with it their own individual fears and paranoia—along with cultural, racial, and political biases. It’ll be a long road to the end of the tunnel . . . that is if they don’t kill each other before they get there.
Neil and I talk about the origin of this series, which began as a novel set amidst Sept. 11, 2001. We look at how the story was updated and adapted to a comic format, and what had to be changed during this process. Neil worked with Andrea Mutti as co-author and artist, and we talk about the gritty visuals and how they came to be.
Neil also shares the theme of loss of control and security, how they are utilized in “The Panic.” We dive into the different characters and how they interact as they try to save themselves and learn what happened.
In Mary Keliikoa’s “Kelly Pruett Mystery” series, a grieving single mother inherits her late father’s PI business, and begins tackling mysteries on her own, leading her into dangerous territory.
Following the success of the series debut, “Derailed” (2020) and sequel “Denied” (2021), Keliikoa has released another installment,“Deceived,” through Camel Press. Here's a look at the plot for the new book.
Kelly finally feels like she’s coming into her own. With her personal life well on track, a gig uncovering what drove a client’s granddaughter underground could be good for business. But after her undercover operation at the homeless shelter reveals rampant drug dealing, she’s suddenly kicked off the case... just as another girl goes missing.
Vowing to expose the truth even if it means pro-bono work, Kelly is taken aback when her half-sister helps her hunt down answers in a tent city brimming with distrust. When her investigation doesn’t move quickly enough to save a second woman from a vicious murder, Kelly doubles her efforts unwilling to accept defeat.
Mary and I dive into the plot of the new book, as well as Kelly's challenges from the other two. We look at how the main character and author have grown over the years, and how Mary feels about her writing career with three titles now released.
Mary talks about her work as a legal secretary and how this helped her as a writer. We look at the stereotypes of mystery books and some of the things she strove to avoid in this series.
It was during 2020 that Mark Bernal began working with various illustrators to create the first pages of Lesser Known Comics. Since then, LKC has grown to a 14-person company, with writers and artists in New York, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, California, and Washington, as well as Argentina and Spain. The company creates and publishes its own original comic books while also publishing independent creator-owned comics.
In this interview, Bernal and Writer/Illustrator Rey Garza talk about the origins of LKC and how it's grown so much over just two years. Garza shares how he launched his own title, “Tank McGreggor,” a comedic sci-fi action title with one of the most unique main characters I've encountered. We look at the world of indie comics and how things have changed, allowing more creators to pursue their dreams.
Much of the company's releases are done through Kickstarter packages, and they've exceeded these goals time and again. Mark and Rey give their takes on this and what it means for the company and its future.
From nearly the start of their romance, author Joni Sensel knew she would lose the man she loved after experiencing a dark premonition. Though she kept this secret, upon his death she was compelled to share it in her memoir, “Feeling Fate: A Memoir of Love, Intuition, and Spirit.”
In this interview, we talk about the premonition and how she knew it was real, sharing the story with her family, and what she's chosen to include in the book.
After that, the Americana band June Star and I dive into their new album, “How We See It Now,” their 17th release to date. Band members Andrew Grimm and Dave Hadley talk about the new directions they went in with this one and some of the folks they worked with.
June Star is part of a really cool Boston show on June 28, but they also have more than 50 shows planned for the summer. We look at some of their stops, favorite places to play, and how they manage such a busy schedule. Plus, the guys play a couple songs for us!
After reading just a couple chapters of Robert Goldstein's fourth novel, “Will's Surreal Period,” I have to say I was completely hooked, so it was a blast to speak with the writer on the various ins and outs of the characters, theme, and setting. Here's a quick look at the synopsis:
When William Wozniak, a San Francisco artist who has struggled for years in obscurity, suddenly and inexplicably finds himself painting in a startlingly new surreal style, he is embraced by the art world.
But health issues lead him to a neurologist, where Will discovers that his new artistic style is the result of a life-threatening brain tumor. He must decide whether to have surgery to remove it—relegating him to painting once again in the drab style that defined his years of anonymity—or allow the tumor to grow and most likely kill him.
To make matters worse, William and his wife Rosemary are struggling financially, having been disowned by William’s father Arthur, a cantankerous and homophobic old widower. Arthur is cared for by his younger son, Bertram, in a big house in Scarsdale, New York. But when Bertram, a gay man in the closet due to his fear of being disinherited, finally comes out, Arthur decides to switch allegiance to Will and move to California.
A mess ensues.
And it remains to be seen whether Laurel, a portly, progressively minded California real estate agent who’s taken an improbable liking to Arthur, will make the situation better—or worse.
Robert and I look into the choice that his main character has to make and how this blends with the other storyline of the dysfunctional family. We talk about his choice to retire in his 50s and pursue writing and how it's defined him as a person. Robert shares the stories of his first three novels, how they're all tied together and at the same time, stand alone.
I have to say, this episode was a blast to do. I've been a fan of “Enjoy The Show” on Tapas for some time now, so getting to talk with series creator Jenna Ashton is something I've been looking forward to for awhile. Here's the series synopsis for those not already reading.
Seeking a new (and independent) lease on life, Violet flees her sleepy hometown for the bright, flashing lights of Las Vegas! Hoping to find herself, she instead finds a part-time job full of quirky coworkers, cranky customers, and...romance?
Jenna and I dive into how the series came to be as well as the real-life inspiration she got working in a movie theater. She talks about the vast array of characters and which ones have counterparts from her life.
Jenna works with a team to make this comic what it is, but a solid share of the work is hers, so we look at how she balances the demands of the comic with the rest of her life. Recently, “Enjoy The Show” was relaunched and we talk about how it happened and the opportunity if provided for a new art style and animations.
Launched in March 2020, the Boston-based online station Oh Hello Boston has achieved a lot in a short time and we are damn glad it's here. Station founder Sooz joins me to talk about how the station got its start amidst the hardest days of the pandemic. We look at her joining forces with long-time Boston music scene personality Michelle Dipoaola. Together, they developed a massive library of music by bands in Boston and around New England.
But Oh Hello Boston is far more than music. The station is home to such shows as Decade Stroll, which plays one song per decade ('80s to '20s) across five-song blocks and New England Roots Reggae,which explores the region's reggae history and its current artists. It also re-broadcasts local staple On The Town With Mikey Dee. We look at the different programs and how Sooz came to work with these amazing people.
Kicking off this episode, Dr. Jess Wright makes the move from renowned psychiatrist to novelist with his new book, “A Stream to Follow.” This book explores and heart and mind of Bruce Duncan, a WWII battlefield surgeon adjusting to life after the conflict's end. But for Bruce, the battle is far from over. Haunted by the soldiers he tried to save, a own near-death experiences, and lost love, Bruce has far to go.
Dr. Wright and I talk about the creation of Duncan and how his own relatives who served in WWII helped shape the story. We talk about mental health in the 1940s and how difficult it was for anyone—especially men—to talk about it. Dr. Wright also looks at his years of writing medical books and the challenges he faced when it came to penning a fiction book.
Our second interview welcomes back Pearl Cutten, who's been on the show before. She's got two new singles to share— “Change” and “Far Away.” Both are upbeat, catchy tunes, which is something we could use right now. Pearl talks about the stories behind both songs, especially “Change” and how it's focused on not being afraid to tear down what you have for something new.
These two singles also tie into Pearl's background and we look at those elements and why it was so important for her to include them.
After these interviews, enjoy the two songs, which will both be on Pearl's upcoming album, “Fragments of My Soul.”
Author Anne Whitney Pierce has called Cambridge home for her entire life, and over the years has seen a lot happen in the 02138 zip code. In her new book, “Down To The River,” we see the lives of Boston elite as they begin to fade into obscurity. Stuck in a powerfully dysfunctional family, their children enter the world of Harvard Square at the height of the Vietnam era. As they cling together for comfort and support, they are pulled by the Cambridge undertow as politics, sex, drugs and rock and roll sound their siren call.
Anne has so many stories of Cambridge to share and in this episode, we see what the area was like—both through the eyes of the teenager she was then and the person she is now. Anne takes us through the character creation and how the environment of one of Boston's most notable neighborhoods shaped them. We look at what it's like to write for the market and how that can pose a challenge when it comes time to decide what the story will be.
The recently-released comic series “I Am The First” is a powerful story that touches on subjects like bullying, grief, and even suicide. But there's another message as well—that hope is still out there. The comic is the brainchild of author Jeremy Flagg and working with illustrator Amanda Kahl, they have created a story that has resonated with readers in a number of ways.
In small-town Maine, standing out in a crowd can be dangerous. Alec hasn't had an easy life. After his father died, his mother married Don to help make ends meet. What she didn't know, her second husband would turn into an alcoholic leech. Worst yet, his drunken rages are directed at Alec, the son he never wanted.
To make mattes worse, Alec has a secret even he doesn't understand.
Then there's Roxanne, a friendship that fell apart as Alec struggled to cope with the death of his father. Despite the walls he's erected to shield himself from the outside world, Roxanne is determined to be more than a sidekick in his life. So when the comic book aficionado discovers her friend has gifts beyond the average lanky-teenage boy, she is determined to teach him what it means to be a hero.
In this interview, Remy and Amanda talk about how they came to work together on this project. Amanda dives into the process of creating the visuals while Remy shares the challenges of being a novelist and writing something where brevity is they key. We talk about the different messages behind the series and the response they've gotten from readers. The series is currently in issue 2, with the third to be released later this summer.
BONUS TRACK—Jen Kearney talks about the overseas tour that helped inspire “Atlantic”
It's a musical playground in this episode! Canada's Jordan Jones opens the show with a deep dive into his new singles, “Break My Heart” and “Stumble.” These songs represent a shift in his lengthy career, and we talk about past projects and what led to this new style, a more pop/soul flow.
Jordan and I go into the music business and what he's learned over the years. We talk about different ways to monetize music and some different ideas he's been considering. Jordan's recorded a lot of his songs with Velveteen Music in Edmonton, Alberta, and he shares how he met this studio and what it's been like working with them.
During the break, enjoy “Break My Heart,” which has a very real story behind it.
Following this, Boston's Jen Kearney and I talk about her two-year tour of the UK and London, the many shows she saw, and the artists she met. Jen recently released an EP, “Atlantic,” which partly came about from the tour. It's a sampler of sorts for an album coming out later this year, and we talk about the different styles she's been using.
Closing out the episode is “Writing On Water,” one of the singles from the EP.
BONUS TRACK: Nice Vice and I talk 90s music and his arrival as an artist
It's a blend of rock music and horror stories in this episode. Up first, author Dan Franklin and I do a deep dive into his debut book, “The Eater of Gods.” Here's a quick synopsis for those curious:
Nothing really dies if it’s remembered, his wife had told him.
In the dying village of Al Tarfuk, lost among the war-stained dunes of eastern Libya, professor Norman Haas learns the location of the tomb that had been his wife’s pursuit. The final resting place of Kiya, the lost queen of Akhenaten, whose history had been etched from the stone analogues of history for her heresies against the long absent pantheon of Egyptian gods.
He never expected to discover that the tomb was the final resting place for more than the dead. And as his team of researchers find themselves trapped inside the ancient tomb, Norman realizes all too soon that his wife was right—
Nothing really dies if it’s remembered…But some things are best forgotten.
Dan talks all about the real-life story behind this book, and how the editing process helped him as a writer. We swap tales about meeting legends in the writing world and ways to boost your skills in both telling tales and spreading the word. Dan takes us through the worldbuilding he did, the endless research, and how he made the characters who they are.
After that, Nice Vice and I talk about his new single “No Ends,” which looks at being in your 20s and the personal strife of having to figure that out. We talk about the bands of the 90s that helped shape his sound, and where he's going with his debut EP, “First Dose.” At the end of the show, be sure to give the new single a listen, I can promise you won't regret it.
Horror fans, turn the volume up, because this is one is not to be missed! Author Nick Roberts and I talk about his soon-to-be-released book, “The Exorcist's House,” available through Crystal Lake Publishing.
Here's a look at the synopsis:
In the summer of 1994, psychologist Daniel Hill buys a rustic farmhouse nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia. Along with his wife, Nora, and their teenage daughter, Alice, the family uproots their lives in Ohio and moves south.
At first, they are seduced by the natural beauty of the farm and enjoy the bonding experience of fixing the old house, but that all changes when they discover a hidden room in the basement with a well, boarded shut and adorned with crucifixes. Local legends about the previous owner’s predilection for performing exorcisms come to light, but by then, all Hell has broken loose.
In this episode, we look at the different types of horror and which ones Nick prefers to write in. He talks about the research needed and how he makes his book stand out among similar titles. Nick's already got one book out, “Anathema,” and we look at how the first novel informed the writing of the second.
BONUS TRACK: Leezy talks about her battle with addiction and how it inspired “Sierra”
Singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz is back, and he has some big news to share. His debut album “Free Times” is now available! Dany joined me last fall to talk about his singles “Seasons Change” and “Moving On,” and along with these two songs, the album features another eight with an array of sounds and tales.
Dany and I talk about the response the album has seen from fans and music journalists in Canada, where he lives. He shares his poetry and how it ties into his music as well as the real-life connection behind the songs. Dany worked with some amazing people in bringing this album to life and he talked about the process. In addition to the album, a music video release for his song “Scar” was released and we go into how the two mesh.
Following our discussion, enjoy “Scar,” one of my faveorite tracks from the album.
And in the second interview, Chicago-based artist Leezy dives into “Sierra,” a new single that takes us through her battle with addiction when she was 18. Leezy talks about how it all began and the work she put in to become sober a year later. Leezy's mother inspired the song, and was a pillar for the young artist as she sought treatment, and even had a brief role in the music video for “Sierra.”
As the episode comes to a close, check out “Sierra,” which shifts from a mellow tune to a rock-themed sound, matching the artist's battle.
It was last November at the Rhode Island Comic-Con that I met comic writer and artist Rich Woodall. After a little schedule tag, we got the chance to talk all things comics. Rich's resume in the field is lengthy, and includes working on major titles such as Savage Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well as his many indie creations.
In this episode, Rich and I talk about his work as co-publisher of Black Caravan. An imprint of Scout Comics, Black Caravan publishes horror and sci-fi comics, and we look at the various titles they have out and what is planned for the near future. Rich shares his origins in the comics industry, how he met the folks that gave him his start and the many amazing people he's worked with over the years.
Boston-based artist Matt Jatkola of JATK is back, and he has some big news to share—his debut album, “Shut Up and Be The Light” is set to drop on April 15 in CD, digital and vinyl format.
In March 2020, when everyone was avoiding hospitals due to the oncoming pandemic, JATK was headed directly into one. The songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist had just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and the subsequent cancer journey, treatment, recovery, and everything else that has happened in the two years since shaped the album.
In this interview, Matt talks about his mindset two years ago and why making a new album was such an important goal. Matt worked with 20 different artists, and we look at who these people are and how he made such a massive collaboration happen. The album was recorded and mastered entirely from Matt's home and we see if this has become his new preferred method of music production.
Matt talks about his own way to “Shut Up and Be The Light” and how we can keep negative, toxic thinking out of our lives as well as what he hopes people take from the listening experience.
Following this, enjoy “Conscious Wonder,” one of the tracks off the new album. I genuinely enjoyed the diversity of sounds, and hope you do too.
Picture this—you're cleaning out the home of a relative who's passed on when you find a scrapbook and the message “Please finish this story.” What's your answer? For author G.S. Boarman, that answer was “Yes,” and we all benefit with the new book “One April After The War.” Here's a quick synopsis:
Fresh from concluding a counterfeiting sting in Cincinnati, Secret Service agents Merritt and Argent are tasked by President Ulysses S. Grant to convince Miss Warner to return with them to Washington, D.C. For the two Treasury agents, this simple assignment to escort the socially awkward and willful young woman on an 800-mile railroad journey from Louisville, Kentucky to the White House proves far more interesting and difficult than the men could have ever thought possible. And, in the face of danger, it may just turn out that Mary is more of an asset than a problem for the two agents.
In this episode, G.S. and I talk about the discovery and what led them to complete the story, a gripping historical adventure set right after the Civil War. We're introduced to the origins of the Secret Service, a much different organization than the one we know today. We also learn about the main characters, Secret Service agents Merritt and Argent and Mary Warner, and the work that went into creating them.
This book explores the themes of mental illness and sexism and what is was like to be mentally ill in the late 1800s. G.S. and I also look at the endless research that was done (enjoyably so) to make this book happen.
Annie’s devoted her life to raising four sons and volunteering wherever she’s needed. Most people consider her a saint—but they don’t know she’s hiding a big secret. When this secret finally catches up with Annie, best friends Jo and Sondra rush to her side. An adventure in the great outdoors leads to a sharing of pasts among the three friends in Kristine Ochu's debut novel, “Campfire Confessions,” now available through BooksFluent.
In this episode, Kristine and I talk about Annie, Jo, and Sandra and what each brings to the story and how they drive the plot. Kristine goes into the creation process and how she crafted this cast.
Kristine has a pretty diverse background as a log-rolling champion, international human resource executive, motivational speaker, and longtime screenwriter and we look at how all these experiences factored into the story.
BONUS TRACK: Constellation Myths talk about their unique cover of “Young Lions”
This interview is one that I've been looking forward awhile now. Why? Because web comic creator Arechan has announced her new series, “Senorita Cometa!” This comic will be available only on Webtoon on March 25, and I am here for it!
This comic takes a much darker turn, with main character Alex investigating the disappearance of her friend. This story touches on the real-life situation in Mexico, where organized crime runs rampant in some areas, and authorities having little or no means to stop them. Arechan shares some of her experiences with this and how it influenced certain scenes. We also talk about the challenges she faced writing such a serious story after recently completing the light-hearted romance series “LUFF.”
We also talk about the main characters—Alex, the hero of the series, along with Detective Puig, and Adalmundo. Each has a great story behind them, with Arechan's husband being the mind behind Adalmundo.
After this interview, I am joined by the band Constellation Myths, who will be releasing their rendition of “Young Lions,” one of their favorite Constantines songs from the 2003 album “Shine a Light.” We do a deep dive into their version of the song, which is far different from the original, and the origin of their cool, laid-back country tune.
As this episode wraps up, enjoy Constellation Myths' “Young Lions” and be sure to get your copy when it drops on March 18.
I'm very excited to welcome back comic artist and creator Jason Loo to look at the ComiXology Originals series “The All-Nighter.” The series is now complete and will be available in print on March 16.
Main character Alex is bored—flipping burgers for strangers all night is no way for a vampire to live. But he and his fellow vampires Joy, Cynthia, and Ian have agreed to blend into human society. Inspired by superhero movies, one of few passions in his un-life, Alex decides to don a cape and start fighting bad guys. But his decision will have bigger consequences than he realizes—for himself and for everyone he wants to protect.
Jason and I talk about the origin of the series and working with co-creator Chip Zdarsky, with whom Jason worked with for “Afterlift,” another ComiXology Originals title. That project went on to win the Eisner Award, and Jason shares the experience at winning one of the biggest awards in the comics industry.
Marvel is one of the many companies that Jason has worked with, and he talks about getting to do the art for some of his favorite titles. His life is a busy one, with a day job on top of his comics projects and gives some insight into how to balance such a busy schedule.
Mark those calendars for March 1st, because Somerville-based author Ariane Torres has some big news to share! Her debut book, “We Are The Kings,” is set to release through Bold Story Press.
The story centers around Marcella as she grieves the death of her grandmother, unearths family secrets, and refuses to settle for a predictable life or a boring man. While Marcella is sifting through her family’s conflicting and fading memories, she puts into words what no one else will say out loud, revealing not only what may or may not have happened, but what is truly at stake when a woman tells her story.
In this interview Ariane and I talk about Marcella, her role in the story and the personal traits that she shares with people in the author's life. We look at the different themes and how they're explored in the book as well as why Ariane wanted to include them.
Ariane's background includes majoring in Russian Studies and English Literature and graduate work in prison architecture and aging in prison. These played a role in the book and its writing and we talk about how it happened.
As we're recording this episode, author Emilya Naymark is getting set for the release of her brand new book, “Behind the Lie,” which picks up where “Hide In Place” left off. In this sequel, her character Laney Bird’s closest friend vanishes in the aftermath of a shooting which may implicate Laney’s son. We look at how the two books connect as well as how they can be read as standalone stories.
Laney as a character has become someone very close to Emilya and we talk all about how the close connection influenced the plot. We also talk about how Laney came to be and how she takes on the different challenges that the story offers.
Emilya's husband, an NYPD officer for 20 years, contributed to the process by providing his take on the story, which helped to craft a more accurate and realistic book. We look at what elements made it into the final story and what were left behind.
Welcome back! After a brief hiatus to deal with some personal issues, we return with LA-based pop artist YAQI. She's just dropped her newest single “I'm On It,” and there are some cool stories behind this song. We go into the sound of the song, her precise rapping style and how this all came together over a six-plus hour session.
A theme of the song is about focusing on your goals and not doing what others tell you, and this certainly reflects YAQI's own life. In addition to her music, she has a Master's Degree from the New York Film Academy and has been in a number of short films. She talks about her different villain roles and how it's so comfortable for her....yeah, I'm a little concerned too. We also look at her dream role and the person she'd like to work with above all others.
After this, enjoy “I'm On It.” I know I did!
After hearing “A Part of Me” by Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Sarah Krohn, I knew this was an artist to have on the show. So, here we go! Sarah and I talk about how she's grown as a musician from her debut album “81” at age 14 to her most recent single, “Sanguine in Blue,” released last December.
“A Part of Me” shares the theme of growing up and leaving home, which ties into her recent move to college in Ohio. We also talk about her recent work with friend and fellow musician Dani Jimenez and her band, Almost Tuesday.
Going to the School of Rock has offered Sarah a lot of opportunities beyond the classroom—including performing at Lollpalooza and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and she tells all about these experiences. She also goes into what she learned at School of Rock and how she's continued her musical education since.
Afterward, enjoy two of Sarah's songs—“A Part of Me” and “Stardust,” which is from her debut album.
Taryn and Juno of Sorry Mom, a New England-based femme queer punk band, join me to talk about the different scenes that they've connected, both in the Boston areas and others. This was best seen at a show they did at Bowery Electric, one of the last ones for 2021.
Taryn, Juno, and I look at their plans for 2022, which will include more shows and plans for new music releases. We also talk about other cities they've played in and others where they'd love to do shows.
Following this, check out “Awesome Party, Dude!” and “Hit The Back.”
Happy New Year and welcome to our first episode of 2022! We've got some high hopes for this year, so let's get it started off right with Leah Hinton to talk about her new single “Away.” This song takes Leah in some new musical directions with an upbeat, hopeful message. We dive into this and the contribution of Jodron Peace, who she's worked with in the past. Speaking of that, we look at the other artists she's worked with and what makes a truly great partnership among musicians.
Leah calls New York City home, but that wasn't always the case. She's born and raised in North Carolina and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. We talk about what each location offered her and some of her favorite places to check out shows.
Following this interview, enjoy the new single, “Away.” I really dug the vibe of the song and the message Leah shares.
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz joins me to discuss his recently-released singles, “Seasons Change” and “Moving On.” Both deal with the concept of moving forward from tough times, and Dany and I talk about the real-life experiences that influenced them. Dany launched his music career just a year ago and we look at what inspired him to take the tunes he'd been working on for years and share them with the world.
After this, kick back and enjoy these two singles. Both have a different sound, and have a strong message to share.
LA artist XOHA is up next, and we dive deep into her debut single, “Outsider.” The track is honest and heartfelt, describing the often undiscussed inequalities in America. XOHA and I talk about what she's seen of these inequalities and how she crafted the lyrics. We also look at her unique musical style and the different influences throughout her life.
To close things out, enjoy XOHA's new single, “Outsider,” a standout song both for its music and the story.
In the second episode of my interviews with some of the many authors who attended the ninth annual Rhode Island Author Expo, I'm talking with Michelle Fishpaw for her debut novel, “Claire's Voice,” which chronicles her family's quest after their daughter is shaken by a babysitter. We talk about how she shared such a personal story and the process of writing her first book.
Next up, I welcome back Keith Carreiro for his nine-part fantasy series, divided into three three-part sections. He's currently in the process of writing the second part and walks us through the story so far and what people can expect.
Herb Weiss was on the show a few years ago for his book, “Taking Charge,” a collection of columns he's written on issues facing senior citizens. For this interview, he's back with a second collection, and we talk about the issues facing seniors today.
J.J. Partridge is a new face for the show, and he's got a lengthy series of mystery books featuring his character Algy Temple. J.J. and I talk about Algy and how they came to be, as well as the different stories he's written.
A couple weeks ago, one of my favorite events, the Rhode Island Author Expo, saw its big return to an in-person format. Over 100 authors attended, and there were panels for book marketing, hybrid publishing, world-building and much more. I was there to emcee the show, as well as interview some of the great writers.
Opening this episode is Tim Jones, creator of the Sour Grapes comic. We go into the origins of the comic, its many characters, and how Tim's gotten it into so many newspapers over the years.
After that, Angelina Singer and I catch up after two years, and she has quite a bit to share. She's released her Rewind Duology and worked with Chelsea Kwoka to create the audiobook version.
To close out this episode, MC Madjoucoff and I talk about her book, “Fried Catfish,” a comedy/drama all about the world of catfishing.
This episode takes a deep dive into “Residency: Playing Doctor” by John Lawrence. It's the second in a comedic three-part series focused on his more than 20 years in medicine. The newest book (available Dec. 27) takes us through his medical training and time as a junior doctor.
What's interesting is that medicine was the last thing that John wanted to do with his life, and we look at how he wound up in medical school, as well as what the experience was like for him. John and I talk about what inspired him to write this series and how he decided what to include.
John's also worked in the film world, and we see how working on screenplays tied into his books, particularly his confidence in his writing abilities.
For this episode, I sit down with rapper/producer Deshawn White to talk about his recently-released single, “Control,” a tribute to the upcoming “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The song took Deshawn in some new directions, including getting into character, a first for him. We also nerd out a bit on the film franchise and talk about the different actors who've played the wall-crawler over the years.
But there's much more! Deshawn's career began when he was just 12 years old. We look at this early work, and what happened that led to him releasing “Hold On” in 2011, his first Christian single, followed by “Before The Ceiling Falls” in 2015. Deshawn and I talk about the role religion has played in his life and why he felt so strongly about dedicating an album to it.
In 2022, Deshawn will relase “BOATS” or “Based On A True Story.” It's a summation of his life—both the good and the bad, and he holds nothing back as we talk about the different tales that he'll share. We also look at what's next, and the answer is pretty interesting.
Following this, enjoy Deshawn's new single “Control.” It's a really powerful song and compelled me to check out the rest of his work.
Just in time for the holidays, author Mark Sheldon joins me to talk about the final chapter of his Sarah Killian series, “Sarah Killian: The Marching Tides,” available on Dec. 10 through Crystal Lake Publishing. Here's a little excerpt from the plot, written in Sarah's rather unique way.
For my final mission, I (begrudgingly) team up with my good for nothing, S.O.B. assassin ex, Jason. Why would I do such a crazy thing? Well, aside from the obvious answer that I am crazy, we are fleeing from the mysterious organization known only as the Marching Tides—a collective hell-bent on bringing down the Trusted Hierarchy of Everyday Murderers (T.H.E.M.) and exposing their shady dealings to the world at large.
Pretty cool, huh? And in this episode, Mark and I dive into the plot of the final novel, as well as some of the twists and turns of the series. We look at Sarah's character, how she came to be, and what led Mark to write this interesting take on the world of serial killers and assassins.
In this second collection of interviews previewing the annual Rhode Author Island Expo, I'm talking with Apryl Scott about here recently-released book of poetry, “The Book of Jade.” The book was written following a powerful spiritual moment in the author's life and we talk about what that was and the change it led to. We also get a few readings from the book, and also talk about Wrestless Communications, which she founded.
Following that, it's writer Elizabeth Devlin for her book, “Home Waters.” It's a blend of drama and science thriller when Becket Fallon learns of a toxic algae that could threaten the entire East Coast. Elizabeth talks all about the research she did for this novel and the amazing folks she worked with to develop the very realistic scientific threat.
ShellzDaGod's a familiar face from the show and in this episode he joins me once again to talk about things resuming some form of normal. For Shellz, that includes being back on stage in front of a crowd, and he gives a heads-up on what he has in store in 2022.
And in bigger news, Shellz recently became monetized on Instagram! He said the news came out of nowhere and we look at the posts he's made, including some that preview his new music.
After this, I've two of Shellz's songs for you. Up first it's “Into Something,” followed by “Daddy Is A Joke.”
BONUS TRACK-Sal Abbinanti releases his cult classic Atomika: God is Red” in omnibus format
It's a dual-comic episode! First up is four-time Eisner-nominated writer, designer, and publisher Christopher Sebela to talk about his newest series, “.Self,” which you can only find on comiXology Originals.
In .Self, Natalie Winters seems to have a perfect life. But when her Postscript account is hacked, Natalie’s backup files are torrented online and people begin making bootleg copies of her. We talk about Natalie's role, the perception of a perfect life and why she's so determined to get it back. Chris also talks about the character-building process and the different personalities he's created in the many titles he's worked on.
Chris also has a Kickstarter for a new title, “Foulbrood” which has him working once again with artist Claire Roe and we talk about the real-life news story that served as inspiration for a series that explores bees, crime and the intersection of bees and crime.
After that, I welcome back Artist Sal Abbinanti to talk about the upcoming release of the omnibus edition of his classic title “Atomika: God is Red.” He also has a Kickstarter going that runs until Dec. 2. It's already well past its $25,000 goal and we talk about that and the vast list of artists that are contributing to this new edition.
Sal dives into the history of the title and all the challenges he faced when trying to get it published. We talk about the story and the research that went into building it.
This year marks the big return of an in-person Rhode Island Author Expo. And so, I've been doing interviews with some of the great authors who will be part of the event.
First, Lisa Jacob and I talk about her recently-released book “Carnival Farm,” as well as a series of short stories based on Tarot Cards. We also look at her podcast, Dark Mystic Quill.
Next up is Peter O'Donnell, who was on the show two years ago. He's been busy in that time, putting out the first two books of his “In The Giant's Shadow” series, a blend of thriller and science-fiction elements, and we go deep into the story and future of the series.
Our final interview in this episode is with Christine Lajewski, who has some of the most terrifying horror stories I've ever read. We talk about what makes a good horror story and the short tale she has included in the Wicked Women anthology.
Author Evelyn LaTorre shares the story behind her marriage to Antonio, a man she met while serving in Peru as part of the Peace Corps in her new book, “Love in Any Language.” It's the continuation of her first book, “Between Inca Walls,” and illustrates the trials and joys in the blending of two cultures.
In this episode we dive deep into her meeting Antonio and their early years together. Evelyn also shares what led her to write the book and how she decided what to share. We talk about what makes a cross-cultural relationship work and the things she learned during her time with Antonio.
Well, the title says it all! On Nov. 5 and 6 I had the chance to reunite with the convention community at one of my favorite events—Rhode Island Comic-Con. I checked out the amazing cosplays, met cool creatives and bought some great merch over the weekend. And of course, many interviews were done.
To start, I met up with Author Coral Isabella Aurora to learn about her new book and the messages about bullying and treating others fairly.
Next, the writers from the comic Starside catch me up on a series I got into two years ago and give a few hints about the story's future.
Cosplayer Stevie Oaks shares his dead-on impersonation of Peter Griffin and what it's been like being at a convention for the first time as one of the guests.
On the convention's second day, I chatted with Wayward Raven founder Mark Frankel about the diverse stories they publish, a special request for submissions, and why in their comics, dead is dead.
Bringing this episode to a close is Khepera Cosplay, who shares how it feels to be back after two years and the various villains she's cosplayed as.
Singer-songwriter Stephanie Mathias is back once again, this time joined by fellow musician Jarreau Williams to talk about their new single “Starting Over.” Jarreau sent Stephanie this song as she was recovering from the miscarriage she had in December 2020. It speaks to how universal it is to start over after tragedy strikes and tells her personal story of starting over, with a real-life happy ending because it was released on Oct. 1, right before the baby was due.
Stephanie and Jarreau go in-depth on their working together on the song. It's not the first collaboration, as Jarreau was in Stephanie's music video for “Hero Side.” We talk about the concept of starting over and how it's applied to Jarreau's life, as well as the response they've received since the song dropped.
A music video for “Starting Over” is set to be released on Nov. 12—produced by Jeffrey Perkins of J. Perk Productions—and we give a few hints on what people can expect.
Following this, enjoy the new single, “Starting Over.” I'm a fan of both artists and think the song really plays to both of their strengths.
We're back in Boston for this episode, talking with the band Constellation Myths. Band members Josh Goldman, Justin Kehoe, and Molly Seamans share their past work and how it changed to this new Americana sound.
Josh and Justin have a lengthy career in the Boston music scene and talk about what they had to learn for this new project. Molly talks about how she came to be in the band and her own musical experience, which includes playing in the band Tom Thumb.
We also talk about the theme of the tension between city and country and how it's shown in the lyrics and the music, as well as when live shows for the band could happen.
Following this, I've got two of the band's songs for you—“It Would' ve Been Enough” followed by “Suffer.”
After a long career in the corporate world, LA-based Nolo Grace decided to jump into a new career in music. This has led to a lot of success, including her debut “Wake Up,” featuring Sean Kingston and some amazing music videos. We talk about her decision to switch from one role to another and early days.
Nolo and I talk about her relationship with music producer Martin Wave (aka Lars Martin) and how the two work together. Nolo also speaks about her doubts going into her music career and how she feels about it now. We also look at her cool R&B/pop style and how it came to be.
I'm probably the least qualified person I know to talk dance—fortunately, my next guest, New York native Tomoe ”Beasty” Carr is an expert on the subject. Recently, Beasty was crowned winner of the Red Bull Dance Your Style qualifier in Boston and will head to the U.S. Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals taking place in Washington, D.C from Oct. 23. Download @Caffeine to watch it live at 7PM ET.
For this episode, Beasty talks all about the world of battling in the dance world and some of the competitions she's taken part in. We also look at her background and building a career in dance, which includes training in Japan at Next Generation Dance Studio under the tutelage of Cebo for 10 years. She is well versed in hip hop, house, waacking, locking, popping, breaking, and ballet & modern.
For years, publishing a Halloween-themed collection has been the dream of author Kevin Lucia, and on Oct. 22, it comes true with the release of “October Nights” through Crystal Lake Publishing. Set in the fictitious town of Clifton Heights, the book contains four shared-world tales of small-town Halloween horror.
In this episode, Kevin and I walk through the world of Clifton Heights and how it came to be. We look at characters in horror, and what makes them truly matter to the reader. Kevin and I run through each of the stories and how these made the final cut as opposed to other idea (which any good writer has a ton of!).
Last spring, at the height of the pandemic's first wave, Kevin saw the publication of his first hardcover limited edition novella from Cemetery Dance Publications, “Mystery Road.” We talk about how the last year and a half has been and how it influenced him as a writer.
I recently had the chance to check out “Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms,” available through Oni Press. The story, it's true-to-life characters and the world behind them were such an immediate draw that I read it three times.
Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian starting her senior year of high school who’s under pressure to join the cheerleading squad to make friends and round out her college applications. Her former friend Bebe is a people-pleaser, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life in order to maintain their support of her transition.
In this episode, Writer Crystal Frasier and Artist Val Wise share their experiences working together for the first time. We take a long look at the characters of Bebe and Annie, how their friendship deepens throughout the book and what each brings to the overall story. We talk about transgender characters in comics and how this has changed in recent years as well as Aunty Jen, to whom the book is dedicated.
Imagine this: The Grim Reaper approaches you one day and asks if you want their job. Crazy, right? But it's this idea that kicks off Jessica Vitalis' book “The Wolf's Curse.”
The Great White Wolf is very, very old. And she is very, very tired. For hundreds of winters, she has searched for someone to take her place. But she is invisible to most people. In all those years, only three have seen her. One died young. One said no. One is still alive — a 12-year-old boy named Gauge.
In this interview, Jessica and I talk about worldbuilding and character creation that preceded writing the book and how she is reflected in Gauge. She takes us through the process of becoming a published author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins and her advice to those with a book and the goal of seeing it on store shelves.
Jessica and I also dive into her other work and what about this story made it stand out from the others. She talks about her transition from Columbia grad to writer and what she had to learn along the way.
What if you lived in a world full of superheroes? Would you be amazed every day to see people who can perform impossible feats or would they just be part of the landscape? In this episode, “Astonishing Times” co-writer and co-creator Frank Barbiere joins me to talk all about this new five-part series, which you can only get at comiXology Originals.
Noah Sans, a young reporter living in the shadow of his father, lives in a world full of superheroes—but no one seems to care. After a world changing event called The Cataclysm, people moved on, and now heroes are old news. But when Noah begins investigating a mysterious murder, he comes face to face with his most revered heroes and is forced to confront a secret past that could change the world forever.
We talk about Noah's character and his perspective on the world of heroes and himself, especially when compared to his father, a journalist who was friends with the greatest heroes. We look at the world creation and how he and co-writer Arris Quinones crafted the cast.
Frank also talks about working with Arris, who is no stranger to the world of comics (he's the host of YouTube's Variant) but newer to writing them. We also look at the rest of the team and brilliant work they did bringing this idea to life.
After hearing international singer-songwriter Heerraa's new single “Feel Alive,” I knew that had to learn more about her. And the more I learned, that more I was interested in her being a guest on Citywide, so here we are! In this episode, we dive into the new song and what inspired the upbeat sound in a time when things can look pretty grim. Heerraa talks about the different people she's met in her music career and the lessons they've had for her.
In addition to music, Heerra's a co-founder of nationwide youth movement, Ascendance. To date, the team has impacted over 13,000 students through their programs, student-led conferences, monthly web series and more. We talk about how the organization got started, what it's done so far, and plans for the future.
Following this, enjoy the new single, “Feel Alive.” I was so hooked by the song that I listened to the rest of her work and I hope you do too.
If you're at all connected with the local scene of Boston, the name Gene Dante and the Future Starlets is a familiar one. It certainly is to me, and it's with great pleasure that I interviewed him for this episode! We talk about the band being back on stage at Ralph's Rock Diner and how it felt to play for a crowd once more.
Recently, Gene released two new singles, “High Time” and “She's Outside.” "High Time" is all about showing narcissists the door and removing the bad seeds from your life and Gene talks about how his own experiences with folks like this influenced the song. We take a look at the amazing music video by Director Silvia Graziano and what made it happen.
We also talk about the impact that the band has had over the years and the kind of effect that Gene hopes comes from all these years in music.
Following this, kick back and enjoy “High Time.” It's a great example of the band's glam rock sound and doesn't disappoint!
Over a century after women were granted the right to vote, Galia Gichon explores this pivotal moment through her new book, “The Accidental Suffragist.”
It's 1911, and Helen Fox is a factory worker living in New York's tenements. When tragedy strikes in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Helen is seduced by the cause for women’s suffrage and is soon working alongside famous activists.
In this interview we look at how this subject came to Galia's attention and the research she undertook to learn all about it. We learn about Helen Fox, her motivation to join the movement, and how she changes as a person. Galia's been able to hold several in-person readings and book events and talks about the experience of being in front of an audience.
It was seven months ago that writer David Rohlfing made his Citywide Blackout debut for his first book, “Deliberate Duplicity.” And now he's back with a prequel story, “Cold Consequences,” which sees Det. Sasha Frank five years younger and on the trail of a murderer following a drug deal gone wrong.
David and I talk about the quick turnaround from the first book to the second and how he learned from his debut novel. David takes us through the book (not everything though, you gotta get your copy to see how it ends!) and how different a person Sasha Frank is five years ago.
We also look at the return of in-person events and if David has any planned at this time. He's done plenty of virtual events as well as interviews with the media and we talk about how he's adapted to the electronic format of book releases.
It all started with a Tweet that read “Music Coming Soon.” Those three words kicked off a flurry of guesses as to who 4 Minutes Later really were and what they were all about. After three years, Junyor and Moon got to unveil this new project, a blend of styles called Alien Pop.
In this interview, we talk about the group's origins, what it was like to keep a secret for three long years, and how it felt to finally tell the world. Junyor and Moon explain to me what Alien Pop is and how past projects influenced their current style.
I'm not that familiar with the music scene in Canada, and Junyor and Moon walk me through it, introducing artists that they've worked with and others that I'm dying to check out.
Following this, kick back and relax with the group's new single “In My Head.” It's the first song of theirs that I heard and led me to checking out their entire discography.
This one has been a long time coming. I've been a fan of Kristian Montgomery and The Winterkill Band for awhile now, and in this episode we get to hash things out for his newest album, “Prince of Poverty.” It's one of three recorded during the pandemic and this fall he'll release “A Heaven for Heretics."
Kristian has been a part of the Boston Music Scene for some time and talks about the way he fits in (and sometimes doesn't). He talks about the challenge in getting noticed in the U.S. while at the same time he's become well known in Europe. He's also done shows over there and shares some tales about the audiences and what they're like.
We also do a deep dive into his newest album, “Prince of Poverty,” released earlier this year. The album touches on a lot of different subjects—from judgement over the past to America and how he views it.
After this, enjoy two songs from the new album, “American Fire” and “A Warm Grave.”
BONUS TRACK-LX looks at destructive relationships in new single
In the newest episode I head to LA (virtually at least) to talk with Julianna Joy, who's made a life and career for herself in music. We talk a lot about the support that artists don't get and how it's impacted them. It's mind-boggling to think of this given the money that revolves around shows and we look at how this needs to change.
We also talk about her newest singles, which include “Don't Come to LA” and “Spirits.” There's a story behind the tunes, which focus on a relationship that just didn't work out and the artist making the tough call to let it end.
After this, kick back and relax with the new single, “Don't Come to LA.”
Following the music break, I talk with LX for her new single “Naked Truth,” which shows the reality behind getting out of a destructive relationship, while also celebrating being able to end it in the first place. LX and I talk about the real-life relationship that inspired the song and her own battles with these kinds of confrontations.
After this, enjoy the new single, “Naked Truth.” I dug the honesty of the song as well as the style.
I'm excited to once again sit down with writer Robert Stadnik, creator of the popular Exodus series. We look at a series of short stories he's working on that expand on characters, plots, and events of the series. We also talk about the future of the Exodus series and if Robert think it will eventually be finished.
Recently it's been announced that book expos and conventions will be returning, with some already held, and Robert discusses what he plans to do and if he feels ready to get back amongst the crowds.
Ten years ago, Robert wrote a superhero story “Tales Of A Former Child Superhero.” We talk about the genre and how he got into it, and his plans for further developing this and other stories.
In 2018, author J. Lee published his first book, “The Hubley Case,” introducing the world to the character Ben Siebert. At the time, it was supposed to be a one-off story, with no sequels planned. But the fans spoke, telling Lee that they wanted another adventure for Siebert—and so we have “The Silent Cardinal,” available on Aug. 3.
In this interview, Lee and I talk about his feelings as release day approaches and plans for in-person events now that such things can be done. We look at the continuation of the story and how Ben grows as a person. We also talk about the villains and how to make such characters unique in a world where thriller bad guys are so prevalent.
Lee also talks about the complex story he created and how it all came to be, as well as his planning process and outlining.
As the title says, it's dual Boston artists in this episode. Kicking things off is singer-songwriter Linda Marks, who has a brand new album out called “Monuments of Love.” Inspired by and written during the pandemic, the album touches on a lot of the last year, from the health risks we were all faced with to separation anxiety to lost moments with loved ones.
Linda and I talk about how she stayed creative during this difficult time, even hosting a regular livestream music series. We also look at how she completed two other albums, “The Piano” and “Songs at the Heart of Life” during COVID. Linda also has a big triple album release show planned for Aug. 1 at The Burren in Somerville.
After Linda's interview, enjoy one of the tracks for the new album, “Prayers,” written for a musician friend who battled a hellish case of COVID but is now on the mend and singing once more.
Following this, I'm back with Daniel Promotes, and we also find ourselves chatting about the last 15 months and what it's been like for him. Daniel's also been hard at work joining Ambitious Writerz, and it looks like there's going to be touring in the near future. We look at the Boston rap scene and how it weather the pandemic, focusing on some artists who really made their mark with new releases during this time.
Recently, I had the chance to read the new graphic novel “Adora and the Distance,” available exclusively through comiXology Originals. It was created and written by Marc Bernardin, who has a lengthy history in television, journalism, and comics.
“Adora and The Distance” is an amazing story about a young girl named Adora who faces a violent force called The Distance, a city-killing threat. Rather than wait for it to bring an end to her home, she and a group of adventurers set on a quest to stop it.
The story is years in the making, and Marc and I talk about how it came to be and the hurdles faced pitching it to publishers before connecting with comiXology. “Adroa and The Distance” is inspired by Bernardin’s daughter who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, and we talk about what it's like raising a child on the spectrum and how they're often portrayed in media.
Marc and I also talk about the team he worked with. This includes Ariela Kristantina (Illustrator), Bryan Valenza (Colorist), Bernardo Brice, (Letterer), and legendary comics editor Will Dennis. I learn how they worked to create the vivid, lush world found in the pages of this comic and how it even influenced some of the story.
Boston singer-songwriter Matt Jatkola returns to talk about his newest singles—“When Tomorrow Comes ” and “Japanese Butterfly.” Both were written at different stages of Matt's battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. “When Tomorrow Comes” was written shortly after he received the diagnosis in early 2020, and “Japanese Butterfly” was penned as his treatment was nearing its end. Matt's been cancer-free for nearly a year now.
We talk about Matt's mindset when he began writing the songs and why he wanted to share the story through his music. Matt shares his feelings when he was diagnosed and how it feels to have a clean bill of health. We also look at Matt's interest in professional wrestling and how it helped him to get through both his treatment and the pandemic itself.
Keep listening after this interview, because I've got both songs for your listening enjoyment. They have very different sounds, both of which I really liked.
Boston's Dan Nicklin and I dive deep into the history and amazing work being done by Henley Row Studios. Nicklin founded this years ago and in that time it's undergone a lot of growth. Nicklin talks about the studio's creation and some of the artists he's worked with. The studio has released a number of great songs under The Henley Row All-Stars, which features a revolving cast of musicians.
Nicklin's a member of the band OldJack and they've got a new single out called “Take a Picture.” The song has a strong message about social media and mental health, which Dan outlines as well as past works that have a similar theme. It's an issue that many are dealing with from the pandemic and we need to keep in touch and offer a friendly ear when needed.
Live music has begun to return and Dan and I talk about comfort zones and how people feel about being back in crowded venues after more than a year in COVID. OldJack has some shows scheduled and we talk about how it feels to be back on stage.
Following this, enjoy the new single, “Take a Picture.”
Comic writer and artist Jeremy Haun joins me again, this time for his exciting new project, Haunthology. It's a 144-page collection of more than 20 black-and-white horror stories, all written, drawn, and lettered by Haun. Currently there's a Kickstater page for the comic with some amazing rewards, including digital and print copies, an enamel pin, T-shirt, and much more.
When the pandemic hit last March, Jeremy's life went from over-full to a complete stop. It was a tough time as all the projects he was working on paused, some for good. He said that storytelling makes him happy, and what began with a three-page tale has grown over the last year into this amazing collection.
In this interview, we talk about the concept and how it helped him through a very difficult year. Jeremy also talks about how horror can comment on the world around us, and what Haunthology has to say about the events of 2020. We look at how the experience has influenced his plans for the future and what it'll mean once the world of conventions comes back.
Jeremy takes us through the world of Haunthology and some of the different monsters, nightmares, and apocalypses he wrote about. We also look at the different story elements and how they're also found in his other works, such as “The Red Mother” and “The Realm.”
In her new book “Fierce and Delicate,” Renee Nicholson looks back on her 14 years as a ballet dancer, which began as a child and ended abruptly with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Renee pulls no punches in this book—written as a collection of essays—and talks about the internal struggles experienced when it came to certain topics. As she puts it, nearly everything was taken out of the book at one time or another.
Renee and I talk about the direction her life took after her time as a dancer ended. This includes a new teaching role and she reflects on how her time in ballet prepared her, from guiding young dancers to dealing with their parents. We also look at the ways that the dance world has changed, how young dancers are learning from one another, and the way they're planning for the future.
“Fierce and Delicate” isn't Renee's first foray into the writing world and she talks about working in Narrative Medicine, where she helps people in difficult medical situations to share their stories.
The name Marjory Stoneman Douglas is one that many find familiar and in her new historical fiction novel “Among the Beautiful Beasts,” author Lori McMullen takes on Douglas's story. The book blends an urgent midnight chase through the wetlands with deep dives into her journalism career, environmental activism, and much more.
In this episode, Lori and I talk about what led her to writing about Douglas' life and the different avenues down which the research took her. The midnight chase that opens the story didn't actually happen and Lori talks about the role it plays in the book.
We look at Douglas' life—spending her childhood in New England nursing her mother, marrying a swindler 30 years her senior. writing for the Miami Herald, and protecting the Florida Everglades. Lori and I also look at Douglas' legacy and the many different stories she's left behind.
BONUS—WALLIS talks about following up on the success of “Lonely Christmas”
Opening this episode is comic writer Ricardo Sanchez, who describes the recently released “Shy Ninja” as a labor of love. It was his daughter Adara who came up with the concept, and the two worked together to further develop the story. Adara also made some amazing concept art, which is reflected in the work of illustrator Arianna Florean.
Shy Ninja is a graphic novel about a shy adolescent girl who finds her inner potential while combating her social anxiety disorder… at a local School for Ninjas. Young Rena suffers from social anxiety disorder. It keeps her from engaging at school, from hanging out with her best friend in person, or participating in any sort of group activity. Pressed by her mother to find some social outlet, she enrolls in a School for Ninjas as a joke—and in an instant, her life changes.
Rick and I talk about the origin of the comic as well as how he and Adara built the world of “Shy Ninja.” We look at working with Arianna Florean and the back-and-forth as the issues progressed as well as Adara's input for the art.
Following this, I sit down with WALLIS to talk about her new single “Another Day.” Her first song was a tremendous hit, with over 1 million views of her music video. We talk about the pressure of following up on that success, as well as the adventurous recording process.
After the interview, I've got the new song for your listening pleasure. I really dug the fusion of different styles.
A few years ago at Boskone, I had the chance to meet author Robert Redick to talk about his book “Master Assassins.” Well, he's back with a sequel, “Sidewinders,” which hits bookstores on July 6 and in e-book format.
“Sidewinders” continues the story of the Hinjuman brothers, Kandri and Mektu. The story takes place in a lethal desert twice the size of the Sahara, and features giant man-eating spiders, nomadic shape-shifters, and carnivorous plants—all while the magical servants of the tyrant they have wronged chase at their heels.
Robert and I go into the worldbuilding from the first book and how he continued it in the sequel. We talk about the fantasy genre and its struggles with misogyny and how this has improved in recent years. Robert has gotten to travel quite a bit and we look at the places he has been and how it's influenced the book.
Former Citywide co-host Jeff Royds returns with a brand new project, Burnt Endz, and the debut album, “Soundtrack to the Apocalypse.” It's a rock-infused EMD collection with a story of alien invaders that hit the human race with a zombie apocalypse.
Jeff is best known for his work with the band We Are Bullethead, but the kind of music in Burnt Endz has been a love of his for years. In making the album, he dove into the genre and found some great new artists. Jeff and I talk about the different things he had to learn or re-learn when making the album.
Following this, enjoy three songs from the album—“Now Let's Go Kill Some Mutha F@_King Zombies,” “The Sky is on Fire,” and “Zombies v Aliens.”
He's back! Sterling Golden—DJ, radio personality, and writer—joins me to talk about the upcoming third season of his podcast, The Sterling Perspective. He's got a brand new panel—Racine In the City, Tanya the Empress and Jeniffer Mariel Ruiz—and shares how they all met and what led to them joining the program.
The Sterling Perspective has had an interesting two seasons, and we talk about some of the more memorable episodes, including one in which Sterling dives into his journey to Brazil. It's one of my favorite episodes. Sterling also looks back to Season 2, which almost didn't happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as he explains, telling him that something cannot happen often yields the opposite result, and we learn how he made the show go on.
BONUS INTERVIEW—LA-based pop artist Sheer explains the story behind her new single
I've been loving the new comic series Hailstone, and in this episode, I sat down with writer Rafael Scavone to talk all about it.
Taking place near the end of the Civil War, the series is set in the small town of Hailstone, Montana. A brutal winter has closed the roads and left nothing for the town to eat. But even worse, people have been disappearing one after another! Sheriff Denton Ross and his deputy Tobias start down a dangerous path as they investigate the disappearances, the army's factory, and just why it is in this isolated place.
Rafael and I go deep into the origins of the story and the team he worked with. It's one of his first creator-owned titles and he talks about what this allowed them to do. We look at Sheriff Ross and his role in the story, and give a few hints into his history in Hailstone.
After the break, LA-based pop artist Sheer goes into her new single “Beep,” which is being released on June 18. The message behind the tune not settling for less than your worth, and we explore how this came to be. Sheer and I talk about the recent music video that was made for “Beep” and the chemistry with her fellow cast member that made it work.
Following the interview, enjoy the new single. I really liked the unique elements that make it stand out from similar pop songs.
In “Closer to Fine,” author Jodi Rosenfeld brings a coming-of-age tale set in Boston, where she lived for many years. The book showcases Rachel Levine, a twenty-something Jewish, bisexual woman finding her adult footing. While not an autobiography, Jodi did look to her time in Boston when creating the world for the book.
Along with the background for the story, we talk about Rachel, the many teachers met and the lessons that each offered. Jodi talks about the editing process and what that this debut writer learned. We also look at She Writes Press, which published the book, and what it was like working with them.
Author Patry Francis' third book, “All The Children Are Home,” follows a foster family through 12 years of dazzling triumph and wrenching heartbreak. The book is full of wonderfully diverse characters, and we talk about the creation of each and what they bring to the table. Patry also looks at the real-life story that influenced the book.
This book is very different from her first two, and Patry talks about what brought about this change, as well as the new experiences that came with it.
Though they never met, writer Robin Clifford Wood felt a powerful connection with Rachel Field—so much so that she decided to write “The Field House.”
Rachel Field was a National Book Award-winning novelist, a Newbery Medal-winning children’s writer, a poet, playwright, and rising Hollywood success in the early twentieth century. When Robin found herself standing in Rachel Field’s on an island near Maine, she began writing the first-ever biography on Field.
In this interview, Robin talks about the research process and the many people who helped, including members of Field's family. We look at what is included in the book and how she knew when to stop writing and seek out a publisher.
A few months ago, I interviewed Tara Kelly to talk about her newest music video. This time, we cover a lot more ground as we look at her decision to move to Los Angeles, what it's been like, and how her music has flourished.
Tara's folk-infused style has changed a lot over the last year. We look at the new direction she's gone in during the pandemic, when shows and touring came to a halt. We also talk about her personal style and how it reflects her music.
Tara's music career is still in its early stages, and we look at her goals, both in the short-term and down the road.
Following this, enjoy Tara's new single “Play With Fire.”
Murder meets the absurd in “Summer Club,” the debut novel by journalist Katherine Dean Mazerov. In this interview, we talk about what led her to go from writing the news to writing her own book, and the real-life drama that inspired it.
Katherine dives deep into her main character, Lydia Phillips, who is herself a former journalist. When a dead body shows up at the Meadow Glen Swim and Tennis Club, Lydia resumes her role as a reporter to get to the bottom of the mystery. We also look at the lessons and challenges that awaited Katherine in the world of book writing.
In this episode, author R.B. Wood takes us to New Orleans for his book “Bayou Whispers.” Jeannine LaRue, the sole survivor of her family after the devastation brought on by Hurricane Katrina, uncovers a family history of dark voodoo magic and an unholy alliance with an ancient evil Haitian god.
R.B. and I talk about the story behind the story and his own experience in New Orleans, both before and after Hurricane Katrina. He provides an in-depth look at the characters and the roles they play in the book. We also look at the lengthy world building that took place and research R.B. did to prepare for the writing process.
R.B. also talks takes us through the Word Count Podcast, which he hosted for 100 episodes. Writers are invited to record audio versions of short stories, usually based on a prompt. We talk about the many writers he's worked with and some potential future show ideas.
In her new book, ““Lemons in the Garden of Love” (available May 11 from She Writes Press) Ames Sheldon looks at her ancestor who helped found the Birth Control League of Massachusetts, now known as Planned Parenthood. She talks about what it was like to explore her family history and how she adjusted it for her characters, Cassie Lyman and Kate Easton.
Ames and I talk about women in literature and how her characters fit into this world, as well as how they stand apart. Ames looks at her past works and the new directions she goes in.
Boston's Lisa Bello is well-known among the city's rap artists, but that wasn't always the case. In this episode, she talks about how she got her start and the many collaborations she's formed over the years. She also talks about the work that was required to make her presence known.
We look at Lisa's two newest releases, “Overnight Shift” released just a couple weeks ago, and her self-titled album which came out last December. These albums both have unique sounds, and we dive into the different artists she worked with, which include June Jissle, Jeffandy AllTogether, Chalease, Ananda Nakira, and Oompa. Lisa shares the story of how they all met and what led her to working with them.
Most recently, Lisa has entered the world of voiceover work, and she speaks about how her years in music helped prepare her for the role. She's done projects of all kinds, from commercial work to songs used in cheerleading competitions.
Following this interview, enjoy these songs from “Overnight Shift.” First up is “Back to Work” followed by “Temp Service.”
It was four years ago that lifestyle writer Hilary Sheinbaum took a bet with a friend to take part in Dry January, a month-long abstaining from drinking—and she's done it every year since. This led her to further explore this concept in her new book, “THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month.”
In this episode, Hilary and I talk about the bet she made with a friend to take on Dry January, what she gained from it, and what kept her going in the years that followed. Living in New York City, drinking is a big part of the social life, and so we also look at some of the new things she tried and how the bar experience changed.
In 2016, Lamar Letts was a finance major at Northeastern University in Boston when a career-ending injury led him to lay the foundation for the vitamin drink Hylux.
In the years that followed, Lamar navigated the complicated world of business. Some of the lessons he learned in the classroom, but many more awaited him as he grew Hylux from an idea pitched to people at the gym to being available on store shelves and online.
In this episode, Lamar talks about the company's early days and how he learned the 'elevator pitch.' He shares some of the important advice his parents had and how they supported his idea. Lamar also talks about the last year and how the pandemic forced a change in his business plan.
It's been a few years, but Boston-based singer-songwriter Prateek is back! A lot has been happening over the last few years, including the release of his debut album, “The Band’s All Gone,” a live recording at Q Division Studios. We also look at his newest single, “Wrong” and the difficult time from Prateek's younger days that inspired the song.
Prateek has been public about his struggles with mental illness, and in this interview we take a deep dive into it. He talks about how it's affected him as well as the help he's gotten. One of the takeaways from this discussion is that help is always available.
We also look at the last year and it's impact on the Boston music scene. Prateek talks about a year without shows and how he's moved his creative energies in new directions, including establishing a Patreon page and doing a number of livestream shows.
After this, enjoy two of Prateek's singles, “All The Stars,” followed by “The Gang's All Gone.”
BONUS—Zola speaks on courage in the face of bullying in new single
I've known Rhode Island author Christopher Paniccia for years, so it's a welcome sight to have him back on the show. A few years ago he launched a new fantasy series and we talk about the newest novel, “The Dark Kingdom.” Chris walks us through the story, which centers on a young man who learns of his family secret, one that changes his life forever.
This book was recently released, and for artists, the last year has been a hard one in which to put out their work. Chris and I look at his strategy when going to expos and book signings isn't an option.
After this interview, I've got a new single from John Powhida International Airport, “Michael 3 O'Clock.”
Following this interview, Boston's Zola and I take a deep dive into her new single, “Not Like Other Girls.” The song looks at standing up in the face of a bullying friend, and Zola shares what led this to be the theme. We also dive into her style, which blends rock, piano, and synth.
After this interview, kick back and enjoy the new song. I really dug the style and the message is a powerful one.
Since 2010, author Robert Stadnik has dwelt within the Exodus Universe, a science fiction book series that he created. On April 20, he'll release the eighth book in the series, “The Infinite Retribution.” We talk abotut what kicked off the series and how the stories and characters have changed over the last decade.
Robert and I dive into the story behind the newest book. In it, humanity is ready to resume exploring space after nearly a century of oppression by The Screen, thought to be long-dead. But what was to be a routine survey mission takes a turn as humanity’s greatest enemy is found hidden on a remote planet. We talk about the theme of revenge and its role in the story, as well as Robert's own view of it.
We also talk about the many fans of the series and some of the things they've asked of the author. This includes offering criticism, and Robert shares some of the interactions he's had over the years. We look at a year without book expos and conventions and how it's effected him.
A career in music is far from easy, but for Nashville-based Kyle Elliot, it's one of many that he's got going on. In this episode, we look at his work in music, but also running businesses with his family and how he balances everything.
Kyle shares the challenges he faced with his start in music and how getting fired from his day job wound up being the best thing that ever happened. He's already hit some milestones, such as performing on some of the biggest stages in Nashville.
Kyle collaborated with Stephanie Nash for the song “Never Break,” and he talks about working with her as well as other artists that he's been inspired by.
Following this interview, enjoy his latest single “Empty,” a story of love and loss and how alcohol is used to fix a broken heart.
Many musicians have a “to do list” for their music video, and in the case of Ariel Bellvalaire, it's playing guitar on the back of a motorcycle. In the video for her single “Elastic,” Ariel got to live this goal and a lot more. We talk about what went into making this video happen as well as the story behind it.
Ariel also shares her musical journey from Windsor, Connecticut, to Los Angeles and her time exploring the city's music scene. She's well known for her stage performances and talks about how she learned her acrobatic skills.
After this, Anushka Jag and I look at the music video for her song “Hurricane.” The song has a great sound, blending Indian music with electronic styles.
After Ariel's interview, enjoy her song “Elastic,” and at the end, I've got Anushka's single “Hurricane.”
UK-based country artist Charlotte Young kicked off her music career in early 2020, just as live music came to a halt worldwide. Her debut album “Blown Away” has gotten a great response, and on May 4, “Coffee and Conversations” will be released. We talk about how she got her start in music and what it was like to launch at a time when social media was the only promotional tool available.
Charlotte and I talk about her style, which ranges from chill folk-infused tunes to pure rock goodness. She shares stories from her early days playing cover songs and what led her to release her own music. Her most recent single, “On The Loose,” was made with fellow UK artist Georgia Nevada, and Charlotte talks about what it was like working with her.
Following this, enjoy “Whiplash,” Charlotte's debut single.
BONUS—I talk new singles and new directions for Thieves & Lovers
This episode is all about what's new—new sound, new styles, and new plans. First up it's the UK-based country duo Adele & Andy. They've got a new album out, “Where I Belong,” and we talk about the new things they're trying. We also talk about their origins and what led them to make the leap into music.
After that, Brandon Stoner from the Pennsylvania-based band Thieves & Lovers joins me to catch up on what they've been up to. It's been about a year since we last talked and they've got some great new releases to discuss.
After the Adele & Andy interview enjoy their single “Misty Eyes” and at the close of the show, kick back with “Conversations Kill” and “Stolen” from Thieves & Lovers.
LA-based artist Amiena is no stranger to the world of music, having released albums since 2017. But her latest work, “Halo,” kicks off a Version 2.0 of sorts, with a new style, approach, and vision. She and I talk about the new challenges she's taken on and some of the things she's learned in the process.
“Halo” takes on the theme of hypocrisy, which she's dealt with personally and professionally. We also look at other topics she hopes to work with in the future. Amiena shares what led her to this change in her music and some future goals.
And in a bonus interview, singer-songwriter Payson Lewis has a single being released on March 26 called “In Your Heart.” The song takes on the toxic relationships that many of us have dealt with, and we look at the real-life story the inspired it.
Singer-songwriter Stephanie Mathias is back with a lot of great news to share. She was last on the show in May 2020, as the pandemic was becoming a long-term situation. In that time she has remained very busy with new music, including “Hero Side” released last October and “Blue Diamond Light,” available on all streaming platforms on March 26.
Stephanie and I talk about her work over the last 10 months, including the influences for the two songs and how real life played a role. She has a music video out for “Hero Side” and we talk about Jarreau Williams, the artist she worked with and her plans for the production.
We also look at other artists she'll be working with in the future, including a cool podcast that she's become a part of.
Following this interview, enjoy “Hero Side,” followed by “Blue Diamond Light.”
Michael Kaufman returns to fiction with his new book, “The Last Exit.” Set in Washington, D.C. in 2033, climate change has hit hard, fires are burning, unemployment is high, and controversial longevity treatments are only available to the ultra-rich. Michael talks about the different elements he weaves together in this novel and how he balances them out.
We also look at how he's promoting the book at a time when book festivals aren't happening. Michael talks about the different ways he's interacting with the fans and what they've had to say about the book.
Michael also talks about the main characters, Jen Lu, and Chandler, a computer in her brain that assists her with police work. We look at the balance between the two and how they work as a team.
Author Ana Lal Din joins me to talk about her debut novel, “The Descent of the Drowned,” available on March 15 through White Tigress Press. This story takes elements of Ana's background, and is set in a Indo-Persian world with aspects of Pre-Islamic Arabian mythology.
The book focuses on Roma and Leviathan, two characters who could not be more different. Fate has other plans, however, and puts them on a quest to find an ancient treasure that will doom humankind should it fall into the wrong hands. She talks about both characters, one of whom struggles with a mental illness. It's something that Ana is very familiar with, having worked for years with her own mental health issues.
We also look at the art of the story, both on the book's cover and some amazing creations done by adamar.art on Instagram. Ana also gives some hints at future projects.
BONUS—Tara Kelly talks about the adventure of making her new music video
It's a mix of musical styles in this episode. To start off, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Lewis Ciavarella has been up to quite a bit over the last year. He talks about what it was like when live shows stopped being an option and how he kept things moving forward.
He's got a new album out called “Two” and the electro/pop styles are really something. We talk all about his development as an artist, which has included a lot of time spent busking as well as working with Kelly Rowland following an appearance on The Voice.
Plus, we've got another bonus interview for you. Tara Kelly, who hails from Los Angeles, has a new music video out for her single “The River.” This song is based on a real-life cheating boyfriend, and actor Hunter Garner brings his A-game to the production. We also look at some unexpected hiccups and how the creative crew worked around them.
Following Lewis' interview, enjoy his single, “New Sun,” and at the end of the show, kick back with Tara's “The River.”
In this episode, writer Sarah C. Patten take readers into a world of love and espionage with her debut novel, “The Measure of Gold,” available on March 2.
The year is 1940. Following the death of her father Penelope receives a letter from her longtime friend Naomi, urging her to join her in Paris. There, she falls into the esoteric world of alchemy and espionage, and spies on the clients of a powerful French brothel.
Sarah and I talk about the lengthy research that went into this book, as well as the different turns it took in the worldbuilding process. We look at her background both as a writing teacher and short story writer and how both helped prepare her for this new milestone in her career.
Sal Abbinanti has been a part of the comics industry for years, working as a media rep for some of the biggest names in the business. But Sal is a creator as well, and very soon his new comic “The Hostage” will be available to readers.
The story is based on a trip Sal took to Rio de Janeiro. There, he saw the abject poverty that so many lived in, including children. “The Hostage” is his tribute to the country and the kids. Sal and I talk about the work that went into this, from the world-building to his rather unique art style. We talk about his work in comics, and what he's learned about being an indie creator.
Sal launched a Kickstarter to support the project, and it's available until Feb. 25. Follow the link to become a supporter and get some amazing tier rewards.
In this episode, I talk with Ontario-based musician Arielle Perez, who recently released her debut EP, “Fourteen.” This five-track album looks at the themes of bullying, loss of a loved one, and finding your way through life, and we talk about how real life inspired her music. Her songs all have music videos to go with them, and she walks us through the planning process and the folks that she worked with.
Arielle is also a model, having been on the cover of CAN Kids Magazine in 2020 and we look at the role that modeling plays in her life and the common ground between it and music.
After this, enjoy two tracks from her EP, “Find the Way” followed by “Without You.”
But wait, there's more! Wakefield-based artist Natalie Joly joins me for a new segment, where we check in with past guests to see what's new in their world. Natalie just finished a new single, “Yours To Stay,” and the music video, which she filmed in an abandoned mansion. Following the interview, kick back and enjoy the new tune, which will be available on all streaming services on Feb. 26.
In this episode, 15 year-old-WALLIS, a singer/songwriter from Philadelphia, talks about how she continued to create and perform during 2020 by writing songs with her father. Her debut single, “Lonely Christmas,” embodies the complexity of the season as people find new ways to be together while staying physically apart.
WALLIS also talks about working with her father on the song, as well as the music video she made with her family and how they worked within the limits brought on by the pandemic. Her song and the music video have been a tremendous success, earning thousands of streams and over 1 million views.
WALLIS has been active in the Philly art scene through her music as well as acting, and she shares some of her experience, including being part of a show at the Walnut Street Theater.
Following this, enjoy Wallis' debut single, “Lonely Christmas.”
The London-based pop band KIN have been making the most of 2020, releasing three new singles and music videos. In this episode, band members Grace and Adam talk about the story told in the videos and how they worked with the limitations brought on by the lockdown.
The band—Grace, Adam, and Ritu—all have lengthy creative backgrounds, including modeling, starring in Netflix shows, and on stage with the National Theater. We look at how they've been able to apply this work to their music and some of the different directions it's taken them in.
The members also have a lot in store for 2021, from new EPs to live performances—which I sincerely hope can happen.
Following this, enjoy the band's recent single “L.O.V.E.” I really loved the vibe of this song, and the music video touches on the festivals that we all miss.
Author Joan Law Lowell and I sit down to talk about the lessons found in the Bible, but shown through a very unique lens. Her book, Teach the Little Spirits: The Ten Commandments introduces young children to the concepts of the Ten Commandments through the daily adventures of animals down on the Lord’s Little Farm.
Joan and I talk about how she went from concept to finished product, and some of the changes that got made along the way, including a fact-check to make sure the book was Bible-friendly. Joan also shares the worldbuilding process and the many characters to be found in the book.
In this episode, Boston-based bedroom pop artist Senseless Optimism and I talk about what led her to produce and release three EPs and several singles since last July. She talks about the evolution of her style of music and what she's learned as a self-taught artist.
We also look at how she's grown as a musician and what led her to include of her personal life in her music, including her most recent release, “Half a Home.” And I'm very excited to ask about her upcoming virtual show for ONCE Somerville and the unique path she took for her performance.
Following this, enjoy her song, “Lonely Daze.” Thanks go out to Mark Kaye of Hear Now Live for his help arranging this interview.
Think the future's always going to be a great place? Prepare to have those expectation shattered with the new comic series “Space Bastards.” Writers Joe Aubrey and Eric Peterson join me to explore the universe that they have created, one in which the Intergalactic Postal Service is staffed by a pack of insane, blood-crazed mercenaries.
We meet Manny Corns and Davey Proton, the two main characters of the series and dive into their origins and some of the potential directions they're going into in future issues (but no spoilers!). We also talk about the artwork by The Boys artist and co-creator Darick Robertson and the process of bringing the story to life.
This is Joe and Eric's first title and we look at the buildup to the release of the first issue earlier this month and their reactions to the many positive reviews.
Just what scares a horror writer? It's a question that author Michael Shutz answers in this episode and connects to his newest book, “Plank Children.” In this story, Miles Baumgartner follows a trail of rumors and half-truths after seeing a photo of his deceased nephew (looking very much alive) on Facebook. His search leads him to St. Hamelin's, but soon learns that this abandoned reformatory is not as empty as it appears.
Michael and I talk abut the creepy cover that he chose for the book, and how he likes to take on his own fears when writing. We look at the true history that gets woven into the story, and some of tropes he worked to avoid in the writing process.
We also talk about the journey from concept to publication and some of the different publishers that he's worked with, as well as how self-publishing has evolved to become a legitimate option.
A year and a half ago, I first interviewed England-based singer/pianist Jerry Hull. Since that time, he's been anything but idle, putting out two albums and a compilation. Jerry and I talk about the different stories he takes on in the new releases, “They're Looking for Me” and “Ordinary Man,” as well as the signature sounds of each one.
Jerry is originally from Memphis, Tenn., but moved to England 19 years ago. As he approaches this major milestone, we talk about life in the town of Hull and how he's adapted, as well as if he ever considers returning to the U.S. We also look at how he's kept his creative energy going since last March.
After this interview, enjoy three of Jerry's songs—“1969 Mexico Connection,” “Antoinette,” and “Victim of Circumstance.”
After an 18-year hiatus, Kieran Lancini is back in the music scene in a big way. This UK-based country singer-songwriter from North Queensland, Australia saw success at an early age after being named Star Maker Winner at the 2002 Tamworth Country Music Festival. This led to worldwide traveling and touring.
Things happened and Kieran thought his music career was a thing of the past, but after attending the Star Maker 40th anniversary show, he felt the fire inside him and decided to jump back in with two singles, “The Reason,” followed by “I Need You.” We talk about the process of re-becoming a musician and how it felt to once more release new songs.
Kieran looks back to his time with Star Maker and some of the more memorable experiences at the show and other highlights of his music career. He also talks about the future and what plans he's got in store.
Following this interview, enjoy “The Reason” and “I Need You.”
In this episode, David Rohlfing talks about the writing process for his debut novel, “Deliberate Duplicity.” Originally at nearly 200,000 words, a heavy editing process gave Rohlfing a lot of writing lessons, mainly on how much detail is enough.
This novel explores the twisted, vengeful mind of a serial killer, and follows the dedicated detective, Sasha Frank, who’s hell-bent on solving the mystery behind a string of gruesome crimes. Rohlfing talks about what makes a good villain for this kind of book, as well as the story behind the main character.
My first episode of 2021 features Austin-based rocker Hanna Barakat talking about her debut album “Siren,” which encompasses 10 years worth of music. We talk about the production process and the different sounds that the album showcases.
Hanna is originally from Texas but spent some time in my old stomping grounds of Boston as a student of Berklee College of Music. She shares the story of how this came to be and some of the unique lessons she learned while in the city. Ironically, much of her band also went to Berklee, though they wouldn't meet until after that time.
Like many other artists, Hanna has seen her career suffer during the pandemic, and talks about some of her plans for 2021, which will include some new music.
Following this, I've got two tracks from the album, “In the Night,” followed by “Siren.”
When Annette Berkovits' son was taken to the hospital for a stroke, she found writing to be a comfort, putting down her thoughts on faith, hope, and guilt. At the time it was just meant for her own eyes, but as she continued to write, the decision was made to collect these poems into her new book, “Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted.”
Annette talks frankly about what led to her son's stroke and his life today, particularly his love of music. We talk about her faith in science and how she kept it during this time, as well as how she stays positive. Annettee also shares one of her poems during the interview.
Webcomic creator Arechan is back on the show to discuss the final episode of her amazing LUFF series on Webtoon. This one is full of spoilers as we go in-depth on the final episodes. We talk about the story's conclusion and what it means for the cast, just what happens to them following the conclusion of LUFF, and perhaps most importantly, which guy was the perfect match for Beatriz Torres. We also look at the song “Someone Else's Deam” by Absofacto, which was used in the final episode.
Arechan and I also look at the meaning behind the series and the message that she hopes all the readers took away once LUFF concluded. She talks about the different directions that the story went in and how she planned it all out. She also talks a bit about some other ideas she's hoping to begin work on.
It's no secret that Arechan and LUFF have a slew of fans, and for this episode, we asked them what they'd like to know. The response was tremendous, as around 100 people posted questions to Instagram and Twitter. These include whether Beatriz, Daniel, and Julian enter into a polygamous relationship, the mixture of the romance side of the story with the political, and what led to her to pursue webcomics in the first place.
In this episode, Birmingham-based pop artist Hazel-Eyed Rose talks about her recovery from psychosis, anxiety, depression, and escaping from an abusive relationship in her new single “Out In My Mind.” Hazel talks about that journey, and how she views recovery, whether it's a mark on the road or a longtime process.
Hazel shares her experience being in the recording studio for the first time and what led her to choose electronic pop as a genre, as well as what other styles she's considering. We look at the music scene where she lives and some of the places she would go to prior to the pandemic.
Following this, enjoy her debut single “Out In My Mind.” I really dug the style and her vocals are amazing.
Poet Quinn Bailey always had a strong connection to the natural world, so much so that it's become his career. His new book, “The Currents Of The World,” collects a variety of poems shaped by witnessing, again and again, the power of nature. The poems have a pretty straightforward approach, but touch on a number of themes, such as the beauty of nature, the joy of dance, and trusting growth to happen in its time.
Quinn and I talk about the origins of the book and how he came to the attention of Homebound Publications. He looks back to how he first connected with nature and his favorite settings for writing his poems. We also talk about how he came to the decision to collect his poems and find a publisher to share them with the world.
To close out the interview, the author gives us a reading, sharing two poems—one from the book, along with a brand new one.
It was a year and a half ago when I talked with writer Jim Zub about the ComiXology Originals series Stone Star. A month ago, the second season began and Jim and artist Max Dunbar join me to talk about what we can expect from the story and the many characters.
Jim provides insight into some of the major plot points of Season 1 and how they'll factor into the new season. He also talks about what it means to have a creator-owned series and the directions the team has been able to go with it.
Max and I talk about the unique art of Stone Star, which features some amazing creature designs and landscapes. Max dives into the process behind his work, and some of the more fun aliens he got to make.
Of course, comic-cons have been among the many casualties of 2020, and Max, Jim, and I share some stories from past cons and offer some tips for up and coming artists who want to take advantage of the networking opportunity that these events provide.
Big thanks goes out to Superfan Promotions for arranging the interview. And if you're not already doing so, subscribe to ComiXology Originals for $5.99 a month to get access to thousands of digital comics from companies such as Marvel, DC, Image, Boom Studios, and much, much more.
Who says that the pandemic can't have a silver lining?
Michael Cooke's career in the stage and screen was well underway (including a role in a new Netflix movie!) when COVID-19 brought such productions to a screeching halt. Undeterred, he decided to use the free time to learn the skills needed to break into music. The result—his new album, “Doin Alright,” a powerful and uplifting collection of songs.
Michael and I dive deep into how his foray into becoming an Olympic athlete led to working on dozens of plays, films, and television shows. He talks about meeting one's heroes as well as those in the industry that he'd love to work with.
We also look at his debut album, and his first time in the recording studio. Michael talks about the message he hopes to pass on through his music.
Following this interview, enjoy “Loosing My Mind For Nothing,” from the debut album.
From heart surgery to Hitler's family, author Elizabeth Splaine covers quite a bit in her books. In this interview, she and I talk about her newest book, “Swan Song of a Jewish Diva,” slated to be released late next year. In this book, a Jewish opera singer rises to fame and becomes Hitler's obsession. In what has become the norm for her work, this book called for a lot of background research, and the result is a lot of learning for Splaine.
We take a long look at some of the new ground she covered, and share a few interesting historical facts. Splaine's most recent book, “Devil's Grace,” also taught her much, but began with a strong suggestion that she write about the light. She also recorded the audiobook, soon to be released, and she shares how her background in opera helped prepare her, as well as the new tricks she had to learn.
Brooklyn-based “FONK” artist Francis Aud joins me to talk about his new single “Codeine Kiss,” as well as the music video released in mid-November, including a soon-to-be-famous dog. He's been pretty active during the pandemic, and we talk about how he kept the creative energy going.
Aud's been making music since 2017, and shares what got him into music and his accomplishments over the last three years. This includes making children's music, and we discuss what goes into making tunes in this genre. It's a pretty cool story and really shows the range of his creativity.
After the interview, enjoy the new single “Codeine Kiss.”
In one of two interviews with the Keynote Speakers of the Rhode Island Author Expo, Elizabeth Beisel—a three-time Olympic swimmer, two-time medal recipient, and Olympic captain—talks about her recently-released book, “Silver Lining.” The book looks at her struggles with anxiety and stress that came about from her time at the Olympics, and how she ultimately overcame them.
In her book, Beisel opens up about her doubts and insecurities, and we talk about some of the ways she's been able to work past those. She shares some great stories from her time at the Olympics, including the times she—almost—got the chance to meet her heroes. Beisel also shares the next phase in her career: working as a color commentator for NBC.
In this recording of an Instagram livestream, UK-based R&B artist Dean Chohan talks about the music videos for his new singles, “Got Me Loco” and “Money.” There are two songs that tell a love story, the first being the roller coaster that is love and the second being one person living with a secret and needs to make a decision on the future of the relationship. Both videos are so well done and this could easily be a Netflix series.
We also talk about the people Dean worked with for the video and the chemistry they shared that made the production a success. He's also gotten to know a number of great artists, and he gives them some love during the interview.
Following this, enjoy the single “Got Me Loco.” Dean's got such a cool, mellow style, and the music is really amazing.
In the final interview for the annual Rhode Author Island Expo, Debbie Tillinghast returns to talk her soon-to-be-released book, “A Dream Worth Keeping.” The book is centered on Martha, who divorces her controlling and unsupportive husband Tony, deciding to pursue her dream of being a pastry chef. But first, she has a journey to take, because in order to love again, we have to love ourselves first.
If you're a fan of the Marvel series of shows, then odds are you've heard the work of Zachary Kibbee. He's my guest in this episode and his work can be heard in over 100 shows, movies, and ads. We talk all about that and the changes that it allowed him to make, including quitting his day job and becoming a full-time musician.
Zachary's got a new album out, “Life in Low Fidelity,” and we look at some of the new sounds he's using, with much of the work done in his home studio. It's a big investment, but one that he said paid off big time in allowing him more freedom when it comes time to record.
Following this, I've got a track off the new album, “Somewhere to Put My Gold.” I really loved the intensity and diversity of sounds he uses, and as he said, you can't just keep making the same song.
Oxford, England-based rapper Half Decent has a new album out, “Groundhog Day,” which covers his 16-year music career across 18 tracks. He raps about anything and everything, and we go deep into the different topics included in his music.
Over the years, he's had the chance to collaborate with artists such as MC Lars, KRS- One and Kellindo, and we talk about the chances he's taken in reaching out to them, and the different ways it's paid off. Half Decent also gives us a look at what his live shows are like and some plans he has in place for 2021.
Following this, enjoy one of my favorite track off the new album, “Made Of.” I absolutely loved his surgical style and precision flow.
Welcome to the second collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.
My first interview in this segment is with Dana Vacca for her Freedom Series, which entails Freedom Calling and The Edge of Freedom. Set in the Civil War era, these books focus on escaped slaves and their journey toward freedom.
Next is Christine Lajewski, whom we last had on the show about a year ago for her book, “Bonebelly.” and we kick things off with her short story that is included in the Wicked Women anthology. She also talks about the horror genre, how to pitch, and the kinds of books she enjoys.
The final interview in this segment is with Joann Mead. She has a new book out, “Designer Baby,” the third in her Underlying Crimes series. We look at the villain Tiger Girl and her scheme to create the perfect babies, plus the real science behind the story.
London-based songwriter Chashe has certainly had an interesting life story. Born in Zimbabwe, educated at the University of Cape Town and Berklee College of Music in Boston, she has a lot of stories to share. We talk all about her time in Boston and the different bands she got the chance to see, with plenty of my own stories from living there.
Chashe's mom has been a central figure in her music career, whether it was encouraging her to pursue her dreams at a young age, to being the ultimate 'band mom' today. She also talks about working with her partner in the studio and how they complement each other as a team.
“Lucid” is Chashe's newest album, and it's an eclectic mix of styles and sounds. We look at the different stories she shares, from there being no rules when it comes to love, or moving ahead without looking back. She's also got new music in the works, and potentially some events to look forward to.
Following this, kick back and enjoy “Lucid,” followed by “9:45,” both from the new album and two of my favorites.
In this episode, Mykaela Jay talks about what led to her moving from Australia at the age of 19 and living and playing in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. This includes busking with a circus performer, and would eventually lead to her heading back home. She also talks about the many charities she has worked with, as well as the activist causes she has taken on, both through volunteer work and in her music.
Mykaela has released two singles so far, “A Dog’s Way Home” and “Purple Flowers” and her debut album “Mother Dearest” will be released early next year. We discuss the many people she's worked with and some of the impromptu additions that have been made to the songs. She's also returned to the stage and we talk about how it feels to be back before a live audience.
Following this, enjoy her single “Purple Flowers.” It's got a jazzy, soulful style that I really loved.
Writer Jeremy Haun joins me to delve into the comiXology Originals title “40 Seconds,” which he worked on with artist Chris Mitten, colorist Brett Weldele, and letterer and designer Thomas Mauer. Jeremy and I talk about the origin of the story, the process of bringing it to the page, and some cool details that tie into his other works. We also go into the changes that the comics industry has seen and how indie creators now have a better chance of bringning their work to a wider audience.
In this interview, Wakefield-based solo artist Natalie Joly unveils her new single, “Running Circles,” which drops on Nov. 6. Recorded during the pandemic, this song took Natalie in some new directions, which she goes into, as well as her plans for releasing it with shows and tours not on the menu.
Natalie is a full-time musician, and she defines what that means and how it goes far beyond playing at clubs and going on tour.
Following this, enjoy two of her songs, “You Oughta Know,” followed by the new single “Running Circles.”
I've been looking forward to this one for awhile! Arechan—writer/artist behind the Webtoon title LUFF—joins me to give listeners a tour of the world behind this amazing comic. We talk about the worldbuilding that went into it, including the LUFF system and how it becomes such a central force that influences all aspects of people's lives. We go into the characters, Daniel, Julian, and Beatriz, and how they've changed over the course of 89 episodes.
Welcome to the first collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.
First, Stan Carpenter joins me to talk about his history-inspired titles, which include a look at how World War II would have gone if the attack on Pearl Habor had never happened.
Next, Barbara Ann Whitman and I discuss her debut novel, “Have Mercy,” which came in part from Whitman's many years as a social worker.
Last in this episode are the writing brothers, David and Daniel Orsini. David is first and gives a detailed recap of his book, “The Weaver of Plots.” Following this, Daniel talks about his three books of metaphysical poetry.
