What happens when genealogy uncovers not just names, but voices calling out from centuries past? In this episode of Spirit Talk Show, Doyle sits down with author DH (Deborah) Morris, whose debut novel The Girl of Many Crowns resurrects the forgotten story of Princess Judith of France and Baldwin Iron Arm—the knight who risked everything for love.
Morris shares how a family ancestry chart led her into decades of research, unearthing the political intrigue, cultural sophistication, and personal sacrifices of ninth-century Europe. From discovering how women were educated during the Carolingian Renaissance to exploring the weight of royal duty, her storytelling blends historical record with imaginative reconstruction to bring Judith’s world vividly to life.
Together, Doyle and Morris dive into the themes of courage, faith, and resilience that still resonate today—touching on Morris’s personal journey through loss, the importance of legacy, and why real heroes from history deserve their place alongside the myths of Superman and Spider-Man.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of epic tales, or simply someone curious about how personal ancestry can transform into timeless narrative, this episode reveals how the past continues to shape our present—and inspire our future.
Explore DH Morris’s work and her publishing company at newclassicspublishing.com, and find The Girl of Many Crowns on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
On this episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grownups, Doyle welcomes Shanti Hershenson, a 17-year-old literary powerhouse who has already written 30 books — 17 of them published. Shanti’s work spans science fiction, fantasy, dystopian adventure, and deeply personal poetry, including her acclaimed novel-in-verse You Won’t Know Her Name, which confronts the painful realities of middle-school bullying.
Her story began in sixth grade with what she calls an “accidental” self-publishing experiment, but that early leap gave her the skills to grow into a prolific author and fearless advocate for young writers. Alongside her novels — including BioLock, The Accidental Insurgency, The Chronicles of Zyle Delane, and the forthcoming Good Kids Bad Choices — Shanti uses her 67,000-strong TikTok following to connect with readers, share her process, and amplify anti-bullying advocacy.
In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, Shanti opens up about:
Writing 1,000 words every day since age 12
Balancing high school, friendships, and a relentless creative drive
Why poetry gave her the freedom to tell her most vulnerable story
How social media has transformed her career and community
The message she wants readers of all ages to hear: you’re never too young—or too old—to chase your dream
At once inspiring and deeply grounded, Shanti Hershenson proves that stories have no age limit—only courage and conviction.
Connect with Shanti Hershenson:
Website: shantihershenson.com
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/Shanti-Hershenson
Instagram: @shantihershenson
TikTok: @shantiwhowrites
Join Doyle on this thrilling episode of Spirit Talk Show as he welcomes Neil Laird—a multi-Emmy‑nominated TV producer turned novelist whose real-world experience filming lost tombs, shipwrecks, and ruins morphs into wild, genre-defying fiction.
Neil’s debut novel, Prime Time Travelers, sends a hapless TV director through a rainbow-colored time machine into ancient Egypt, where he must navigate the twelve gates of the underworld, dodge vengeful pharaohs, and film the “greatest documentary” ever—if the past doesn’t kill him first Facebook+13Neil Laird+13Neil Laird+13.
Its follow-up, Prime Time Pompeii, hurls our time-traveling crew into the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, where they uncover an epic, forbidden love frozen beneath the ash—and one character risks everything by breaking fate’s prime directive NetGalley.
As we explore Neil’s journey from producing for Discovery, BBC, PBS, and National Geographic to writing boldly queer historical fantasy, we dive into how his on-location storytelling shaped his novels—and how he channels humor, romance, and unorthodox time travel into worlds both ancient and richly reimagined.
Listen in as he discusses:
The wild genesis of Jared Plummer, narrator and reluctant action hero
Blurring documentary realism with fantasy mischief
Representing queer joy and visibility in periods that history often erases
For fans of Neil Gaiman meets Outlander, with the gentle heart of The House in the Cerulean Sea, this is an episode packed with laughs, adventure, and cerebral delight.
Discover more about Neil and his books at: https://www.neillaird.com/books
What if artificial intelligence could decode prophecy—and what if it already has? In this thought-provoking conversation, Doyle welcomes Guy Morris, a technologist turned award-winning thriller author whose work pushes the boundaries of what we believe possible. Drawing on four decades at the forefront of global business and advanced computing, Morris reveals how his Snow Chronicles series (Swarm, The Last Ark, and The Image) blends cutting-edge science, geopolitics, and timeless questions of human destiny.
From the startling true account of an NSA spy program that escaped into the wild, to the mathematics of biblical prophecy, Morris challenges us to consider whether we are already living through the end times—or simply standing at the edge of unprecedented transformation. With clarity, urgency, and a touch of dark humor, he invites us to reflect on the risks of AI, the fragility of human nature, and the enduring hope that we can still choose compassion over chaos.
Discover more of Guy Morris’s work, research, and behind-the-scenes explorations at www.GuyMorrisBooks.com.
In this episode, Doyle welcomes publishing veteran Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, for a candid conversation about how authors can publish like pros—without signing away their rights, royalties, or creative control.
With over 50 years in the book world and more than 4,000 author projects under her belt, Michelle pulls back the curtain on the myths, scams, and marketing half-truths that plague new authors. She explains the three main publishing paths—traditional, hybrid, and true indie—revealing why owning your ISBN, understanding royalties, and keeping control of your files can make the difference between profit and heartbreak.
We talk about the joy of great book design, the real cost of producing a professional-quality book, and how the most successful authors often use their books as powerful business tools rather than relying on retail sales alone. Michelle also shares the red flags to watch for, the genres to approach wisely, and why transparency and kindness are her company’s North Star.
Whether you’re a first-time writer with a manuscript in hand, a coach looking to extend your reach, or just curious about how the industry really works, this episode is packed with clear-eyed advice and inspiration to help you tell your story—on your terms.
Learn more about Michelle and 1106 Design:
Website: https://1106design.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1106design/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1106Design
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1106design/1106-design-book-covers/
Listen now and discover how to protect your vision, your income, and your voice.
In this captivating episode of Spirit Talk Show, Doyle and producer Howie welcome fantasy author J.F. Monroe, the creative force behind The Legacy of Four trilogy—a sweeping saga where humans, angels, and demons live under a fragile peace guarded by the Four Horsemen. Monroe’s worlds are rich with myth and magic, but it’s her emotional honesty and deeply human characters that keep readers turning pages long after midnight.
We talk about the emotional core of epic fantasy, the power of resilience, and why the truest magic lies in connection. Monroe shares how a spark of inspiration during maternity leave grew into an epic trilogy, why moral ambiguity fascinates her, and the role Christopher Nolan plays in her storytelling DNA.
Listeners will also hear original tribute pieces, AI-generated reinterpretations of her work, and Monroe’s reflections on vulnerability, sacrifice, and love that whispers rather than shouts. Whether you’re a fantasy lover, a writer chasing your own universes, or someone who believes in the courage to keep going, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe ready to pick up a sword (or at least a pen).
Books by J.F. Monroe:
Legacy of the Four (Book One) – Available on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible
Descent into the Void Heart (Book Two) – Available now on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Connect with J.F. Monroe:
Website: jfmonroebookshelf.com
Instagram & TikTok: @jf.munroe
Doyle sits down with Jaycee Cames—poet, visionary, and the creative force behind The Ghost Singers. From his acclaimed poetry collection Urban Rhythm and Rhyme: Poetry for the Next Generation to his genre-bending debut album All Mixed Up, Jaycee transforms grief, resilience, and joy into art that refuses to be confined.
In this episode, Jaycee opens up about:
Growing up in North Hollywood amid challenges that shaped his creative path
How poetry became both survival and liberation
The birth of The Ghost Singers after the loss of his sister Joanna, and the healing power of songwriting
Blurring genres—from heartfelt ballads like Daddy, My Dear Daddy to club anthems like Boom Boom Booty
Finding inspiration in his children, and building a legacy of resilience and joy through music
From ghostly encounters to glittering club beats, Jaycee reminds us that art is where sorrow and laughter, silence and sound, all collide. This conversation is raw, uplifting, and proof that creativity can be both survival and celebration.
Stream All Mixed Up on Spotify, Amazon Music, and iTunes, explore Jaycee’s poetry on Amazon, and watch his music videos on YouTube by searching “The Ghost Singers.”
In this compelling episode of Spirit Talk Show, we sit down with R.L. Carpentier—a former law enforcement officer turned mystery author—whose life has taken him from the gritty truths of crime scenes to the poetic silence of the Catskill Mountains.
Rodney shares how nearly two decades in policing shaped his voice as a writer, imbuing his debut novel, Our Lady of the Overlook, with a realism that can only come from lived experience. We talk about his writing process, the influence of true crime podcasts, and the grief that lit the spark behind his story. As a seasoned hiker, Rodney also reflects on how trekking the remote 3,500-foot peaks of the Catskills inspired the rugged terrain of his fictional world—and how solitude can unlock storytelling.
Together, we explore what happens when truth meets fiction, how cold cases stay warm in memory, and why small towns might just hold the most haunting secrets.
This episode is a thoughtful journey through loss, creativity, and the enduring power of storytelling
RL's Website: https://www.rlcarpentierwriter.com/books
This week’s episode is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human.
Doyle sits down with Noah May, host of Lethal Venom, a podcast known for its honesty, emotional depth, and refusal to sugarcoat the truth. Noah opens up about growing up without a father, navigating the shadows of clinical depression, and discovering the power of storytelling as survival.
What begins as a conversation about creative expression becomes something much deeper: a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of voice.
In this episode, we explore:
The true story behind Noah’s powerful Father’s Day episode
How he learned to speak openly about depression, trauma, and survival
A deeply personal reading of his original poem, Lonely Nights
His love of dystopian fiction—and a custom Hunger Games-style story written just for him
How Lethal Venom has become a platform for voices that don’t often get heard
This conversation includes an original tribute and poem written in Noah’s honor—because on Spirit Talk Show, we don’t just talk about life stories. We celebrate them.
Whether you’re walking through something hard or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a rare kind of connection—raw, real, and unforgettable.
Find Noah’s podcast, Lethal Venom, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more
Follow: @lethalvenompodcast on Instagram and TikTok
Tonight’s episode is a wild ride with artist, author, circus kid, and spiritual wayfarer Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer, a man whose life story is splashed in vivid color across circus tents, chrome bikes, and the pages of five unforgettable books.
From performing with dancing horses to pinstriping Harleys across the country, Dave’s journey winds through recovery, reconnection, and relentless reinvention. He shares how writing emerged from his sobriety work, how a childhood shaped by misunderstanding gave way to healing, and why he believes every hardship might just be a divine invitation to grow.
We talk about:
Life inside the tented circus—and what happens when the tents come down
The evolution from painter-for-hire to spiritual storyteller
Healing a broken father-son bond on the road with a carnival
Facing addiction, grief, and estranged family with creativity and grace
His free guidebook Hit the Road and Thrive — a call to chase your dream, even if you never leave home
Along the way, we hear original stories and poems written as tributes to Dave’s life—including The Painted Road, Letterfly: The Man Who Painted His Way Home, and a Western-style poem The Brush Rider that captures his legacy of artistry and soul.
Whether you’re chasing freedom or just trying to make sense of life’s chaos, this episode will leave you inspired to pick up your own brush—and paint a life that’s true.
Get Dave’s free book & explore his art at: letterfly.com
On this episode of Spirit Talk Show, we sit down with the extraordinary Bria Rose—an author who turns fairytales inside out and trauma into triumph. A former Disney cast member turned dark romance powerhouse, Bria opens up about the path that led her from Magic Kingdom dreams to publishing spicy reimaginings where the heroines have teeth and the monsters might just be soulmates.
In this conversation, we explore:
– How her time with Disney inspired bold, rebellious storytelling
– Her viral rise on TikTok and the evolution of Her Dark Promise
– Writing morally gray characters, monster romances, and why “Beauty is the Beast”
– Landing top voice actor Jacob Morgan for her audiobook
– Turning grief into a writing superpower
– Why the next era of dark fairytales will be written by women who refuse to be saved
This is not a fairytale. It’s a reckoning—and a celebration of authorship, ownership, and creating your own destiny on the page.
Bria’s audiobook drops September 3rd, and you’ll catch her live on the news the very next day, September 4th. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.
Follow and connect with Bria Rose:
Website: authorbriarose.com
Instagram: @authorbriarose
TikTok: @authorbriarose
Goodreads: Bria Rose on Goodreads
In Part 2, Doyle and co-host Howie continue their heartfelt conversation with Lizbeth Meredith, shifting from survival to healing. With warmth, wit, and insight, Lizbeth reflects on life after trauma—what it means to parent grown daughters, how humor became a tool for recovery, and why storytelling remains her most powerful form of advocacy.
Together, they explore relationship red flags, the nuances of personal growth, and the healing power of persistence. Lizbeth also shares her thoughts on creativity, writing, and the evolving landscape of storytelling—including the role of AI in capturing emotional truth.
At once laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly human, Part 2 is a reminder that healing doesn’t always look heroic—and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is share our story out loud.Guest Website: www.lameredith.com
In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, host Doyle welcomes Lizbeth Meredith—author, advocate, and survivor—for a gripping discussion about motherhood, justice, and survival against all odds. Lizbeth opens up about the harrowing experience of having her daughters kidnapped and taken overseas, and the years-long fight to bring them home.
Drawing from her memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters, which inspired the Lifetime movie Stolen by Their Father, Lizbeth shares how she navigated a legal system that often failed her, all while rebuilding her life after intimate partner violence. This episode shines a light on the dangers victims face when leaving abusive relationships, the emotional cost of parenting through trauma, and the power of community support in the healing journey.
Raw, honest, and deeply moving, Part 1 is a testament to a mother’s fierce love and the resilience that comes from refusing to give up. Guest Website: www.lameredith.com
This episode contains adult language and themes. Listener discretion is advised.
In this explosive second half of our conversation with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and podcast trailblazer Alan Katz, we dive headfirst into the chaos, comedy, and emotional fallout that define a creative life lived out loud.
Alan pulls no punches as he recounts the behind-the-scenes saga of Bordello of Blood—a production so wildly mismanaged it birthed its own podcast. From million-dollar egos to miscast villains and backdoor celebrity deals, Alan dishes the kind of unfiltered truth you rarely hear from Hollywood insiders.
Then the conversation takes a sharp and stunning turn.
We explore the real-life story that inspired The Donor, Alan’s riveting narrative podcast about sperm donation, unexpected fatherhood, and the moral minefield of DNA testing. It's a modern horror story where the monsters aren’t supernatural—they’re hiding in plain sight, wearing lab coats, or logging into ancestry sites.
And to top it all off? Alan reads an AI-generated Tales from the Crypt-style short story based on The Donor—complete with a dark twist and a dash of that classic Crypt Keeper humor.
In This Episode:
The truth behind Bordello of Blood and its infamous casting choices
How Sylvester Stallone inadvertently shaped a horror movie
Why podcasting is the ultimate tool for creative freedom
The emotional fallout of anonymous sperm donation
A hauntingly funny DNA horror story, told in Alan’s unmistakable voice
Whether you're a screenwriter, a podcast junkie, or someone wondering what secrets might be buried in your family tree—this one’s for you. Check out Alans podcast on his production company: https://costardandtouchstone.com/
Please Note: This episode contains some strong language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, Spirit Talk Show host Doyle welcomes Emmy-winning writer, producer, and podcaster Alan Katz for a revealing conversation about creativity, chaos, and the strange turns stories can take.
Alan shares how the infamous behind-the-scenes disaster of Bordello of Blood—a vampire movie tangled in studio politics and ego-driven casting—became the origin story of his award-winning show, The How Not to Make a Movie Podcast. We talk about the dysfunction of Hollywood, what it really takes to tell stories honestly, and why podcasting has become the ultimate medium for truth-tellers and rule-breakers.
This episode covers everything from unmade movies to creative resilience and the moments that made Alan walk away—and then come back—with something to say.
And yes, there’s a horror story coming. But that’s in Part 2.
For now, lean in. This is the story before the story.
Discover all of Alan’s shows: https://costardandtouchstone.com/
Explore more episodes: www.spirittalkshow.com
When Eddie Ravenscar of the Creepy Coffees Podcast joins Spirit Talk Show, things get paranormally personal. From haunted hats to ghost-infested basements once visited by Al Capone himself, Eddie brews up tales that will rattle your mug and chill your spine. He shares stories of playful spirits, doors that open on their own, and the unforgettable moment a voice told him to "get out"—while no one was there.
We dive into Eddie’s life of hauntings, heart surgeries, and haunted houses—with a few laughs, a lot of heart, and some solid advice on why you should never, ever touch a Ouija board. Plus, we learn what it’s like being followed by a ghost boy named Algernon and why some spirits just really, really want your car keys.
Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just in it for the coffee—this episode is for you.
Stay creepy. Stay caffeinated. And don’t forget to check your closet door.
Listen and connect with Creepy Coffees:
Website: www.creepycoffees.com
Instagram: @creepycoffees
Podcast: Creepy Coffees – streaming on all major platforms
In this gripping episode, I talk with bestselling author and U.S. Marine veteran G. Michael Hopf, whose post-apocalyptic novels—including the massively successful The End and Hard Times Create Strong Men—have captivated millions around the world. With over forty books to his name, Hopf brings a unique and unapologetic voice to fiction shaped by real-world grit and hard-earned wisdom.
We explore the philosophy behind his writing, the impact of military service on his worldview, and why stories of collapse and survival continue to resonate. Hopf shares his take on the dangers of comfort, the importance of discipline, and how storytelling can prepare us for uncertain times.
You can learn more about his work at gmichaelhopf.com.
He’ll return soon for a follow-up conversation on the rise of AI and its role in the shifting future—but for now, dig into this raw and powerful dialogue with a storyteller who writes like the world depends on it.
Back by request, this follow-up to one of our most listened-to episodes — S4-EP16: Quantum Consciousness & Life After Death — reunites us with Howie for another deeply curious dive into what might lie beyond this life... or right alongside it.
We explore how quantum theory might explain lingering consciousness, emotional energy, and the echoes of people who’ve passed. Could the hauntings we sense be imprints in spacetime? Could love and loss be particles suspended in quantum limbo?
Together we unpack:
Residual hauntings and the theory of quantum emotional imprinting
Superposition, memory, and the physics of unfinished business
Entanglement and why your grandmother might still be "visiting"
Whether our souls are frequencies vibrating in a multi-dimensional field
It’s speculative. It’s strange. It’s very human.
For context or a refresher, listen to the original episode that sparked this return: S4-EP16
Because the afterlife might just be quantum.
In a Spirit Talk Show first, we welcome the incomparable Mike Tentis—marketer, storyteller, chorus veteran, and now... impromptu singer! That’s right: this episode features the debut of live singing on the show, and Mike doesn’t hold back.
From turfgrass to choral harmonies, Mike shares his rich journey from Midwestern roots to Sacramento's LGBTQ+ stage. Along the way, he treats us to heartfelt reflections, a soulful tribute story (so good he wants it read at his funeral!), a hilarious tale of gopher-infused love on the golf course, and a Minnesota cow named Bessie with opinions about oat milk and sequins.
With wit, warmth, and surprise vocals, Mike shows us what it means to live with humor, harmony, and grace. This is an episode full of laughter, insight—and yes, a musical number or two.
Don't miss the one where the chorus came alive... and so did the moo.
Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.
In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:
What really went down behind the scenes of ALF
How David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecks
Why rejection stings and how to survive it
The truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressure
And how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentor
We also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.
Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.