Citywide Blackout

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.”