Today's episode tackles a question of paramount concern for every parent, educator, and student: How are schools preparing your child for the unthinkable reality of an active shooter situation? And what protocols are in place to respond to such harrowing events? We are honored to welcome Daniel Dluzneski, a seasoned professional whose illustrious career with the U.S. Secret Service spans over two decades. Beginning his journey as a K-9 Technician alongside his trusted companion Korak, Daniel has navigated his way to a significant role within the Emergency Management Department of the Pinellas ..read more

Today, Alex delves into the enigmatic worlds of neurosurgery and thriller writing with esteemed guest Dr. Gary Simonds. Dr. Simonds, a retired chief of neurosurgery and residency program director from the Karelian Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, continues to shape future generations as a professor at the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience. The discussion explores the complexity of the human brain and the intricacies of neurological connections, as well as the psychological aspects of being a neurosurgeon. Dr. Simonds also discusses the transition from his medical ca ..read more

In this special movie watchalong episode, we delve into the 2000 sci-fi enigma that is "Supernova," Alex is joined once again by film critic Lucas Hardwick. The pair shed light on the flick's chaotic production, unrealized potential, and a surprisingly buff James Spader. We'll navigate through the film's tumultuous creation, involving directorial upheavals and script overhauls, while pondering what might have been if its ambitious concepts had fully materialized. Lucas and I will also explore Spader's transformative role in this cosmic thriller, discussing how his unexpected physicality brough ..read more

Today's episode is going to be a home run! We are rejoined by Matt Stewart, an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter at Fox 4 News in Kansas City, and author of "Unique Eats and Eateries of Kansas City." Today, he tells us about his newest work, "The Kansas City Royals: An Illustrated Timeline," an opulent and detailed account of the Kansas City Royals baseball team history. This beautiful book offers a captivating journey from the franchise's origin in 1969 to its stellar World Series triumphs, filled with rich visuals and a committed examination of the team's legacy. WANT TO WATCH THE VIDEO ..read more

On this brief episode, host Alex Greenwood takes the opportunity to make several announcements. He reflects on last week's episode featuring Linda Stewart Henley, the author of "Kate's War," the podcast's milestone 300th episode. LISTEN on ⁠SPOTIFY⁠, ⁠APPLE⁠, and WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS. Alex shares his personal excitement about returning to work in the higher education sector and teases upcoming episodes, including an interview with a neurosurgeon who wrote a thriller, a law enforcement veteran discussing school safety, and a conversation with a three-time Oscar-winning filmmaker who i ..read more

We welcome guest Linda Stewart Henley, an accomplished novelist, artist, and retired college administrator. Linda discusses her third novel, "Kate's War," which is set to release on April 9, 2024. The book, inspired by her father's unpublished memoir and his heroic actions during World War II, explores the personal dimensions of war and the oft-untold stories of those who lived through such times. Set before World War II, "Kate's War" focuses on an ordinary family's experiences and a young woman's aspirations to become a singer amidst the turmoil of an impending war. LINKS: Pre-order/buy the b ..read more

Alex is joined by Peter Malone Elliott, a talented author, screenwriter, and developmental editor whose debut novel "Blue Ridge" features the innovative dual first-person narratives of identical twin brothers. Delving into Elliott's creative roots in Virginia's mountainous landscapes and his journey through the realms of writing and screenwriting, the conversation explores the inspirations behind his unique storytelling approach. "Blue Ridge" is not just a psychological thriller; it's a deep dive into complex family dynamics, enhanced by Elliott's screenwriting prowess. His transition from sc ..read more

In this captivating episode, Alex sits down with the legendary Richard Sparks, a mastermind in comedy writing and entertainment, whose collaborations span icons like Placido Domingo, Rowan Atkinson, and John Cleese of Monty Python fame. Sparks delves into his latest foray into fantasy fiction with "New Rock, New Role," a novel drawing from his passion for online gaming and depicting a retired teacher's adventurous quest for self-discovery in the digital gaming world. Reflecting on a storied career that catalyzed Rowan Atkinson’s rise with the unforgettable schoolmaster sketch, Sparks echoes Ch ..read more

Author Dennis A. Feece discusses his novel "Love, Pride & Murder," a story steeped in the depths of human psychology and touched by biblical influence and personal experience. He explains how he combined elements of philosophy, theology, and classic mystery to create a novel that stands out in its genre. We also examine the challenges of writing in the first person while maintaining a compelling narrative and surprise endings. References are made to notable authors like Robert B. Parker, Raymond Chandler, and Dash Hammett, along with discussions on characters such as Nick and Nora Charles ..read more

Today we open up to unconventional themes as we explore the romantic and spiritual dimensions of literature with guest HL Howard. The author introduces his book, "A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist," which is deeply influenced by his personal experiences, including his corporate life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story weaves a compelling narrative of a transformative love affair with a significant age difference, urging listeners to reflect on fate and relationships. Howard's book is a melange of Eastern philosophy and Western spirituality, examining the concept of love without boundaries ..read more