Spirit Talk Show - Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups

S6-EP6: Fantasy, Trauma, and Storytelling as Survival with Richard Spiegel

Some stories entertain.Others quietly keep us alive.
In this powerful and deeply human episode of Spirit Talk Show: Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups, Doyle is joined by Richard Spiegel, a prolific fantasy and dark speculative fiction author whose work lives at the intersection of imagination, trauma, love, and resilience.
Richard is the author of five published novels—with many more already written—and the creator of expansive story worlds including the Wolves and Ravens trilogy and the ongoing Eternal Nights saga. His writing blends fantasy, paranormal elements, romance, and psychological realism, not as escape, but as a way to understand what it means to survive.
This conversation moves far beyond craft talk.
Richard speaks candidly about:
Writing as a form of emotional containment and release
Living so deeply inside fictional worlds that they rival reality
Military service, medical retirement, and the unseen cost of sacrifice
Why fantasy isn’t the opposite of truth—but one of its most honest languages
Creating characters who endure trauma, break, recover, and keep going
He describes himself less as an author and more as a correspondent—someone recording events as they unfold in worlds that feel fully real to him. That intensity allows him to write full novels in weeks, but it also carries a cost, requiring constant grounding, support from his wife, and an ongoing negotiation between imagination and everyday life.
The episode includes:
A moving tribute story honoring Richard’s work and its emotional impact
A poem inspired by his fiction and the spaces it creates for readers
A live excerpt from Broken Angel, the harrowing conclusion to Wolves and Ravens, exploring sacrifice, love, and irreversible choice
Together, the hosts and Richard reflect on why readers binge his books, why he avoids filler and spectacle, and why he believes the most important stories leave room for the reader’s own imagination to do part of the work.
At its heart, this episode is about storytelling as resilience—about how imagined worlds help us process real pain, how darkness can be approached with care instead of fear, and how fiction can become rehearsal for being human.
These are not stories that distract you from life.They sit beside you in it.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP5: Tiny Worlds, Borrowed Light, and the Stories That Refuse to Stay Quiet

What happens when you stop chasing spectacle—and start chasing truth?
In this richly layered episode of Spirit Talk Show: Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups, Doyle sits down with Sacramento filmmaker, actor, musician, and creative instigator Sean Kilcoyne for an evening that drifts effortlessly between laughter, philosophy, memory, and imagination.
Sean is the kind of storyteller who builds entire worlds from small rooms: public-access studios, festival-bound short films, late-night scripts, and borrowed light. From Chowder Heart and Family to Regional Treasures: Digging for Freedom, his work reminds us that storytelling doesn’t need million-dollar budgets—just heart, curiosity, and the courage to believe small stories matter.
Together, Doyle and Sean explore:
The hidden magic of Sacramento’s scrappy creative scene
Making short films as acts of faith rather than commerce
Family as collaborators, anchors, and co-creators
Why comedy, sincerity, and rebellion often live in the same breath
The episode unfolds as something more than an interview. Through live readings of AI-inspired plays, poems, and surreal short scenes—a vending machine that knows too much, strangers bonded by a shared dream in a DMV line, a lost-and-found desk that returns forgotten moments—Sean steps fully into the act of storytelling, revealing how art becomes a mirror rather than a mask.
There are detours into music, mysticism, aging, parenthood, creative burnout, ethical dilemmas in art, and the quiet ache of the roads we didn’t take. There’s laughter, awkwardness, sincerity, and the sense that something real is happening in the room.
At its core, this episode is about one essential truth:Storytelling is connection.And sometimes the most honest stories don’t live in Hollywood—they live right here, told by people who keep showing up with a camera, a question, and a contagious laugh.
Settle in.Dim the lights if you feel like it.You’re not just listening to a story tonight—you’re stepping into one.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP4.5: A Special Engagement Planet Man – Episode 6: Billy and Jane Need Help

Dantro and Pat risk everything as they slip into Marston’s palace through a hidden tunnel, searching desperately for Billy and Jane before it’s too late. Deep behind enemy lines, every step brings new danger. Meanwhile, across the galaxy, the League of Planets prepares for open war against Marston, setting the stage for a conflict that could determine the fate of multiple worlds. Tension rises on all fronts in this suspenseful chapter of The Planet Man.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP4: Jonathan Hutton: Unflappable – Soaring Beyond Diagnosis

In this moving episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups, Doyle sits down with writer, paraglider pilot, and rare cancer survivor Jonathan Hutton, author of Unflappable: Soaring Beyond Diagnosis.Jonathan’s journey begins with an unassuming runny nose that turned out to be a rare, incurable head and neck cancer. What followed was a 16-year odyssey through surgeries, treatments, loss, and rediscovery. Yet, amid the pain and rebuilding, Jonathan found new meaning—in the air. As a paraglider, he learned to trust the invisible, to find lift where others saw only gravity, and to write about life not as triumph, but as motion.Doyle and Jonathan talk candidly about illness, identity, faith, and the courage to keep rising when control is gone. Together, they explore how writing can become an act of flight and how healing isn’t about being cured—it’s about learning to live inside a body that has been remade.Listen for:How Jonathan found freedom and creativity through paraglidingWhat it means to “fly afraid” and write honestly about survivalThe role of faith, fear, and humor in facing mortalityA powerful tribute story and poem celebrating Jonathan’s resilienceUnflappable is available now at unflappable.press and on Amazon.“Life isn’t about escaping gravity—it’s about learning how to dance with it.”
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP3.5: A Special Engagement Planet Man – Episode 5: Kidnapping Order

The war escalates beyond Earth as Dantro takes the fight into space itself. With Martian forces pressing their advantage, the Planet Man and his allies engage in a high-stakes confrontation among the stars. As ships collide and strategies are tested, courage and ingenuity become Earth’s last defense. Victory is uncertain, danger is everywhere, and the future of two worlds hangs in the balance in this pulse-pounding chapter of The Planet Man.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP3: Riding the Waves of Reality: A Life Lived Between Horizons with Alison Gieschen

Author, adventurer, and lifelong dreamer Alison Gieschen—known as the nautical novelist—shares her remarkable story of courage, creativity, and reinvention.After three decades running an equestrian program, Alison and her husband sold everything to pursue a dream many only imagine: circumnavigating the globe on a 43-foot sailboat. Their voyage has taken them through 46 countries, across the Panama Canal, and into the heart of what it means to live freely and fully.From terrifying storms and miraculous rescues to the quiet awe of Polynesian sunsets and island friendships, Alison transforms every experience into art. Her works—Blue Ridge, Riding the Waves of Reality, The Legend of Altor, Julie’s Vaulting Dream, The Seven, and her forthcoming Sienna: A Mermaid’s Tale—weave myth, truth, and the spirit of adventure.Discover more about Alison’s writing, voyages, and creative journey at alisongieschen.com
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP2.5: A Special Engagement Planet Man – Episode 4: The Attack on Earth

The threat becomes reality. As Mars launches its long-anticipated assault, Earth faces destruction from the skies and beyond. With defenses failing and panic spreading, Dantro races against time to counter Marston’s plan and protect the planet he has sworn to defend. Loyalties are tested, sacrifices loom, and the true cost of interplanetary war comes into focus as The Planet Man pushes the story into full-scale conflict.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP2: Hush No More: The Truth Michael D. Selig Says We’re Not Ready For

We launch the new year with a guest whose life reads like a classified dossier—and whose message may define the decade ahead. Michael D. Selig, former Marine Corps aviator turned bestselling author of Hush, steps into the Spirit Talk Show studio to reveal what he believes is humanity’s most important, most suppressed truth: we are not alone, we have never been alone, and the world is racing toward an event that will change everything.Selig’s novel may be fiction, but the research behind it—military recoveries, multidimensional beings, covert programs, and a rising planetary shift—is very real to him. In this gripping conversation he explains why 2027 looms large, why love might be humanity’s ultimate superpower, and why our understanding of ghosts, angels, and the paranormal may all point to the same hidden reality.This is not just an interview.This is a warning, an invitation, and a spark for the year ahead.Explore more from Michael D. Selig:https://mdselig.com/https://www.facebook.com/michael.d.selighttps://x.com/QHRPubhttps://www.instagram.com/real.mdselig/
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S6-EP1: The Queen of the Treasure Coast — Shelita Taylor on Drag, Resistance & Radiance

This is not just the start of a new season — it’s one of our longest, most powerful, and most beloved episodes yet. We are honored to launch Season 6 of Spirit Talk Show with a true icon: Shelita Taylor, the Queen of the Treasure Coast. A dazzling drag performer, activist, and storyteller, Shelita’s journey from small-town Florida to the heart of Sacramento is as riveting as it is inspiring.In this special season opener, Shelita opens up about:Her early awakenings and the “second coming out” of becoming a drag artistBuilding community and leading resistance in the face of anti-drag legislationThe spiritual and political power of performanceFinding queer joy, chosen family, and self-worthThe art of reinvention, resilience, and rhinestonesFrom heartfelt tributes to laugh-out-loud moments, this premiere is a glittering testament to what it means to live authentically and courageously. Shelita doesn’t just light up the stage — she lights the way.Don’t miss this radiant and unfiltered conversation kicking off a brand-new season of stories that connect us.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP27.5: A Special Engagement Planet Man – Episode 3: Marston To Attack Earth

In this thrilling installment of The Planet Man, the stakes skyrocket as Dantro and Pat find themselves prisoners of Marston, the ruthless ruler of Mars. With Earth’s fate hanging in the balance, the intrepid Planet Man must confront betrayal and danger head-on—especially when Slats appears to switch sides. As alliances shift and peril mounts, the battle to defend Earth and resist Martian domination begins in earnest.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP27: Finale - Marked by the Unknown with Scott Wells

In the chilling and unforgettable Spirit Talk Show Season 5 finale, Doyle welcomes bestselling thriller and horror author Scott Wells, whose breakout novel Marked by Ouija has captivated readers around the world. Wells—an award-winning screenwriter, immersive event architect, and survivor of his own real-life haunting—joins Doyle for a deeply personal and eerie conversation that blurs the line between truth and fiction.Together, they unpack the terrifying true story that inspired Marked by Ouija: a teenage night gone wrong, a mysterious death, and a warning from beyond that still echoes 38 years later. Scott opens up about guilt, grief, the paranormal, and the strange rules that govern what happens when we try to talk to the other side.This emotional finale also explores Wells’ journey from a closeted Mormon kid in a small Idaho town to a bestselling author and fierce advocate for those processing trauma through storytelling. Doyle and Scott connect over faith, fear, resilience, and the need for hope—proving that even in horror, there’s a heartbeat of humanity.Tune in for a conversation full of chills, heart, and revelation. A perfect close to Season 5… and a haunting promise of what’s yet to come.Learn more about Scott and his work at www.scottwellsauthor.com.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP26.5: A Special Engagement Planet Man – Episode 2: Cosmic Communicator

Special Engagement by Spirit Talk ShowWith the crew of Earth’s first Moon rocket now safely aboard Dantro’s interstellar craft, the journey to Planeria Rex—capital of all planets—begins in earnest. The humans, still stunned from their near-fatal lunar mission, discover that their rescue is only the beginning of a much larger destiny.But the voyage is suddenly interrupted.A vast swarm of meteors erupts across their course, hammering the ship with deadly precision. Dantro realizes instantly that this is no natural occurrence. A force is targeting them. A warning. Or a trap.Far away, on the red sands of Mars, the ruthless Marston, self-proclaimed ruler of his world, sets his dark ambitions into motion. His objective is unmistakable: the invasion and enslavement of Earth. His instrument of conquest is a powerful and mysterious device—the Cosmic Communicator—capable of reaching across the void to command forces yet unseen.As the meteors close in, the rescued Earthlings face their first true test of survival in deep space, unaware that they are already entangled in a conflict that could reshape the fate of worlds.Originally produced around 1953, Cosmic Communicator continues the thrilling serialized saga of The Planet Man, here performed and revitalized by Doyle and Friends.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP26: Steve Gallegos: Unshackled – The Power to Yell Cut on Your Old Story

For this Christmas Eve episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups, Doyle welcomes the radiant and inspiring Steve Gallegos — a man whose life reads like a movie, and whose message will stir your soul.Known as America’s Ambassador of Success, Steve’s journey spans from a childhood in Chile to the United States Marine Corps, the courtroom, the stage, and beyond. He’s been a police officer, trial lawyer, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker — but his true calling is helping others reclaim authorship of their lives.In this heartfelt, laughter-filled, and deeply moving conversation, Steve shares how he once convinced President Ronald Reagan to help him become a U.S. citizen, how the Marine Corps taught him the power of “never leaving anyone behind,” and how a single life-saving decision at seventeen set him on a path to love, purpose, and freedom.Together, Doyle and Steve explore what it means to yell CUT — to stop living by someone else’s script and start directing your own story. They talk about programming, self-worth, love, and the kind of masculinity that heals instead of harms. It’s a conversation about breaking patterns, lifting others, and believing again — perfect for a night when the world pauses to remember hope.Listen for:How Steve’s “rule-breaking for good” got the attention of a U.S. PresidentWhy “you are not your story” might be the most liberating truth you’ll ever hearThe Marine Corps lesson that became a philosophy for livingThe origins of Unshackled — and how to yell CUT on fear, shame, and controlA heartfelt exchange on kindness, manhood, and loving freelyThis Christmas Eve, let Steve Gallegos remind you: you are the writer, producer, and director of your own life — and it’s never too late to start a new scene.Connect with Steve Gallegos:stevegallegos.com | Author of Unshackled: For Women Ready to Yell Cut and Write and Direct Their Own Lives“If I can help just one person tomorrow — that’s what I want to do.” – Steve Gallegos
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP25.5: Special Release: Planet Man – Episode 2: : Orbit the Moon

Special Presentation by Spirit Talk ShowEarth’s first rocket ship hurtles through space on its historic voyage to the Moon — until catastrophe strikes. Systems fail. Trajectory falters. And the crew faces the terrifying truth that their mission, and their lives, may never return home.At the final moment, a mysterious ship appears. Onboard is Dantro — The Planet Man, a guardian of interplanetary peace who intervenes just as the doomed lunar craft spirals toward destruction. His daring rescue sparks an alliance that will carry Earth’s explorers far beyond the Moon and into the unfolding wonders and dangers of a vast galactic civilization.First broadcast around 1953, Orbit the Moon stands as the dramatic beginning to one of early radio’s most imaginative space adventures — now re-envisioned and performed by the Spirit Talk Show ensemble with modern sound artistry, narrative clarity, and the unmistakable performance of Doyle.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP25: Radical Compassion: Ann Russo on Healing Religious Trauma and Reclaiming Identity

In this deeply moving episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grownups, Doyle sits down with Ann Russo, founder of AMR Therapy, feminist therapist, educator, and visionary leader in inclusive mental health care.From her early curiosity about faith and identity to the creation of the groundbreaking Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), Ann shares a journey rooted in empathy, courage, and radical honesty. Together, they explore the intersections of spirituality, queerness, and healing—how communities of faith can both wound and restore, and what it truly means to reclaim authorship over your own story.Ann opens up about her work with LGBTQ+ individuals, her fight to dismantle stigma in traditional therapy, and her forthcoming book on religious trauma. She and Doyle delve into the importance of self-love, authenticity, and the evolving conversation around masculinity, compassion, and social justice.Featuring Ann’s own reading of her tribute poem and story, this episode becomes a meditation on resilience, truth, and the sacred act of becoming whole.Listen if you’ve ever questioned belonging, faith, or the narratives that define you—and if you’re ready to rediscover the power of healing through compassion and courage.Guest Links:🌐 annrusso.org💬 Learn more about AMR Therapy and the upcoming Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM) publication (PESI, 2026).
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP24.5: Special Release: Planet Man – Episode 1 - Launch to Adventure!

This exclusive special release is part of the Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grownups archive series, featuring a fully acted and sound-designed revival of The Planet Man, lovingly recorded by Doyle more than a decade ago. In this limited-run sci-fi event, listeners will hear Doyle step into several character roles, bringing new life, personality, and dimension to this classic 1950s radio adventure.Originally produced in New York and syndicated in the early 1950s, The Planet Man followed Dantro, an agent of the League of Planets, as he protected the galaxy with courage, curiosity, and a deep commitment to interplanetary peace. Though much of the original cast remains unknown, the imagination behind the series has endured for generations.In this premiere episode, Orbit the Moon, Earth’s first rocket ship to the Moon veers toward catastrophe—until a mysterious cosmic guardian intervenes. Dantro saves the doomed crew just moments before disaster, setting in motion a sweeping adventure that spans alien civilizations, political intrigue, and the fragile alliances that hold the universe together.What you’re about to hear is retro sci-fi rebuilt for modern ears: immersive soundscapes, character-driven performances, and a nostalgic narrative elevated through Doyle’s multi-role acting and contemporary audio production. These special releases celebrate the magic of vintage storytelling while honoring the joyful creativity that inspired Doyle to record the entire series long before Spirit Talk Show existed.Settle in, dim the lights, and journey back to the Golden Age of radio drama—reborn.The adventure begins now.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP24: Law, Literature, and the Power of Perseverance: Michael Stockham on Finding Truth in Fiction

In this episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups, Doyle sits down with Michael Stockham — Cornell Law graduate, veteran litigator, and bestselling author of Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer and the Jake Fox thriller series. For over two decades, Stockham has commanded the courtroom by day and the page by night, transforming real-life legal battles into stories that pulse with humanity, tension, and moral complexity.Together, Doyle and Michael explore the delicate balance between justice and empathy, the aging prison system, and the haunting real-world inspiration behind Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer. They dive into how perseverance, purpose, and the art of storytelling have shaped his remarkable career — from representing prisoners in civil-rights cases to crafting high-stakes legal thrillers that blur the line between truth and fiction.This conversation moves from the heart of the courtroom to the quiet of the writing desk — touching on family, creativity, and even a few beloved rescue animals. Michael’s insights remind us that whether in law or literature, every story has the power to heal, reveal, and endure.Listen for:How real trials shaped Confessions of an Accidental LawyerThe ethics and empathy behind courtroom dramaBalancing creative passion with a demanding legal careerMichael’s take on AI, writing, and the future of storytellingA blend of intellect, humanity, and heart — this is one story you’ll want to hear all the way to the verdict.(Find Michael’s work at jakefoxthrillers.com or on Amazon under “Michael Stockham.”)
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP23: Tim Reuben — Tequila: A Global Saga of Family, Power, and Survival

In this gripping episode of Spirit Talk Show, Doyle welcomes Tim Reuben — Harvard-trained attorney, seasoned trial strategist, and author of the explosive international thriller Tequila: A Story of Success, Love, and Violence.Tim spent decades inside real courtroom battles, navigating the razor-sharp world of high-stakes litigation. Now, he channels that lifetime of experience into a sweeping novel that spans generations and crosses continents — from the agave fields of Mexico to Manhattan boardrooms, Miami mansions, the Scottish moors, and the dangerous underworld controlled by cartels.At the heart of Tequila stands Maria Ramirez, the brilliant and resilient CEO fighting to protect her family’s multibillion-dollar tequila empire from betrayal within: her volatile brothers Miguel and Tomaso. Alongside her is Brian Youngman, an idealistic Los Angeles attorney whose moral clarity is tested in ways he never imagined. Their world is one of loyalty, ambition, power, and the complex human choices that rise when survival is on the line.In our conversation, Tim shares:• How decades as a trial attorney shaped the moral core of his characters• The real cases and real personalities that inspired Miguel, Tomaso, Maria, and Brian• Why the cartels’ shadow looms so large across modern Mexico• His love of travel, and how global settings became an essential character in the story• The surprising emotional truths that emerged while creating this dangerous, sprawling saga• Insight into the “Spirits Series” — including his completed prequel Vodka or Gin and the upcoming sequel Whiskey SourTim’s storytelling is bold, cinematic, and sharply human — the kind of writing that refuses to let you walk away unchanged.Purchase the Book Before Christmas:Tequila: A Story of Success, Love, and Violence is available now on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Story-Success-Love-Violence-ebook/dp/B0FDH5FYHMLearn More About Tim Reuben:Website: https://www.timreuben.com/Settle in — tonight we’re diving into cartel territory, courtroom warfare, family empire, forbidden love, betrayal, justice, and what it takes to keep your soul intact when the world around you is burning.This episode is one you’ll feel long after the final page.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP22: The Warrior Who Knelt: A Thanksgiving Conversation with Pat Welsh

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grownups, Doyle welcomes Pat Welsh — a man whose life reads like a testament to gratitude, resilience, and faith. From being left at an orphanage in Dublin at three days old to leading one of America’s toughest police departments, Pat’s story embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving — finding grace through hardship, purpose through service, and love through loss.Together with co-host Howie, Doyle explores Pat’s extraordinary journey — from his early adoption and Irish roots to decades spent serving as a police officer, district attorney, and mentor. Pat shares the lessons behind his book Warrior Servant Leader: Life Behind the Cross, revealing how real strength is found not in control or command, but in humility, compassion, and gratitude.The conversation unfolds with rare honesty as Pat opens up about losing his son, the grief that nearly broke him, and the faith that carried him home again. Through stories of leadership, redemption, and everyday heroism, he reminds us that courage isn’t loud — it’s quiet, steady, and thankful.Listeners are treated to a stunning original tribute story, The Man Who Stayed Standing, and a poem, The Warrior Who Knelt, both written in honor of Pat’s remarkable life. Pat also reads Life Behind the Cross, a reimagined reflection on what it means to serve with purpose, lead from the heart, and live each day as a gift.Highlights include:Pat’s journey from an Irish orphanage to police leadership in America.The true meaning of a warrior-servant-leader mindset.How faith and love helped him endure unimaginable loss.Lessons from his podcast The Warrior Servant Leader and his upcoming project Patty’s Pub.The simple creed that guides his life: Do the right thing, at the right time, the right way, for the right reasons.This Thanksgiving, join us for an episode filled with reflection, gratitude, and grace — a heartfelt reminder that even in a divided world, love and faith still build bridges stronger than fear.Find Pat Welsh:Website & Podcast → thewarriorservantleaderpodcast.comBook → Warrior Servant Leader: Life Behind the CrossLinkedIn Newsletter → The Warrior Servant Leader
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP21: Fry Your Chickens: Phil Barth on Stress, Humor, and Finding Joy

What if the voices of doubt and stress in your head weren’t scary monsters but… chickens? In this laughter-filled and deeply insightful conversation, Doyle welcomes keynote speaker, author, and humorist Phil Barth—a man on a mission to help us “fry our chickens” and reclaim joy from stress.Phil opens up about his unforgettable run on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, how a Toastmasters speech and a rubber chicken reshaped his career, and the heart attack that pushed him to rethink everything about stress management. With warmth and humor, he explains why stress can’t be eliminated—but optional stress can—and shares strategies for finding gratitude, choosing laughter, and staying resilient.Along the way, you’ll hear:The origin story of the “chickens” that represent our inner voices of doubtHow humor helps us remember life’s most important lessonsWhy gratitude is the simplest and most powerful way to reset a stressful dayA playful radio play (complete with clucking chickens) that proves stress-busting can be funFrom rubber chickens to life-changing insights, this episode is a reminder that resilience doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be joyful, playful, and deeply human.Learn more about Phil’s work and his book Fry Your Chickens: Seven Strategies to Get the Chickens Inside Your Head to Shut the Cluck Up at PhilBarth.com.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP20: The Girl of Many Crowns: DH Morris on Ancestry, Defiance, and Reclaiming Forgotten History

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.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP19: Shanti Hershenson: At 17, Thirty Books and a Mission to Inspire

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 12Balancing high school, friendships, and a relentless creative driveWhy poetry gave her the freedom to tell her most vulnerable storyHow social media has transformed her career and communityThe message she wants readers of all ages to hear: you’re never too young—or too old—to chase your dreamAt once inspiring and deeply grounded, Shanti Hershenson proves that stories have no age limit—only courage and conviction.Connect with Shanti Hershenson:Website: ⁠shantihershenson.com⁠Amazon Author Page: ⁠amazon.com/Shanti-Hershenson⁠Instagram: ⁠@shantihershenson⁠TikTok: ⁠@shantiwhowrites⁠
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP18: Neil Laird: Time-Traveling TV Producer Turns Ancient Worlds Queer, Wild & Wonderful

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 heroBlurring documentary realism with fantasy mischiefRepresenting queer joy and visibility in periods that history often erasesFor 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
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP17: Prophecy, AI, and the Human Future with Guy Morris

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.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.

S5-EP16: Publishing Without Losing Your Soul — Michelle DeFilippo on Spirit Talk Show

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/1106DesignPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1106design/1106-design-book-covers/Listen now and discover how to protect your vision, your income, and your voice.
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-UpsHosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it.