Ep. 22-2025: Rob Hart

I sat down with Rob Hart, the critically acclaimed author of The Warehouse and The Medusa Protocol for a fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation about villains, twists, and how to create characters who are both deeply flawed and utterly compelling.

We also discuss whether or not you can benefit from reading your reviews (both good and bad) and what kung fu movies and musicals have in common—and what storytellers can learn from them.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 21-2025: SA Barnes

Author S.A. Barnes joins us this week on The Story Blender to discuss her latest sci-fi horror novel, Cold Eternity, a gripping, atmospheric story of survival, secrets, and what happens when rescue comes too late.

We explore how important it is to find stories that speak to you, what it really means for a book to stand the test of time (it might surprise youn), and why isolation makes the perfect backdrop for horror.

If you're a fan of Alien, The Thing, or psychological thrillers in space, this episode is for you. Listen now.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 20-2025: Sandra J. Paul

This week, Belgium author and screenwriter Sandra J. Paul joins me to talk about crafting suspense, plot twists, and the art of keeping readers guessing. Known as “the queen of twists,” Sandra has written more than 30 novels, including several innovative flip books. Her novels are available all over the world. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation. Listen now:

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 19-2025: Robert Walker

This week on The Story Blender, we’re diving into myth, adventure, and the power of storytelling with Robert A. Walker, author of the Seven Gods series. We explore his process of listening to characters—and what that even means—and responding to the story as it unfolds, providing an intimate look at their struggles and journeys. He also shares inside info about his latest book Two Crowns, Three Blades and a word of advice he would give to his younger self that might be good for all of us to listen to today. Give it a listen!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 18-2025: Susan Walter

This week’s guest, Susan Walter, moved to Los Angeles after flubbing an interview to be a newscaster, hoping to work in film and television production. Upon realizing writers were having all the fun, Susan became a screenwriter, then a director. She made her directorial debut on "All I Wish" starring Sharon Stone, which she also wrote. Susan transitioned to writing novels during the pandemic so she could murder people without consequences. She has a new book called LETTERS FROM STRANGERS and lots of great advice for novelists and screenwriters. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 17-2025: Meg Serino

This week I talk with novelist Meg Serino about her new novel, ANNAPURNA. We explore the issues that fiction allows us to evaluate, the crossroads that we face, and the new insights that stories can bring us. We chat about the importance of forgiveness and grace, extending them toward yourself, and shaping stories that really enrich people on an emotional level. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 16-2025: FRIENDS and FICTION

This week I chat with the bestselling authors from the popular podcast, Friends & Fiction. We dive into their advice on what writers should focus and what to avoid, the advantages and drawbacks of stepping out on a limb, and lessons learned from unexpected places. We also talk about their books, their podcast, and how to connect with a community of 250,000 committed readers and writers. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 15-2025: Samuel Marquis

Have you ever heard of the infamous pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard? Have you ever been interested in the golden age of pirates, privateers, and the truth behind the legends? This week, I interview Samuel Marquis, the author of the new book “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal.” Marquis shares fascinating insights on pirates, storytelling, the way fiction wears with truth in legendary stories, and what it means to be “a villain all nations.”
Check it out.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 14-2025: Michael Carson

This week I catch up with Michael Carson, the president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the site of the contemporary storytelling revival. We discuss the power of stories to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring people together. We talk about the dance of audience and teller, how important it is to respond to your listeners even as you tell your story, and why there is no one right way to tell a story. Check it out and learn more about the International Storytelling Center and the amazing programs they offer year round.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 13-2025: Jaclyn Goldis

This week I chat with suspense author Jaclyn Goldis about her writing process, the importance of curiosity, plunging into reality through fiction, writing advice you’ve heard but should never follow, whether or not to write every day, what success as an author truly looks like (it might surprise you) and more. We also discuss her latest book, The Safari. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.