GRAMMY® Winner and three-time nominee Darlene Koldenhoven’s memoir, “Put Your Dress Down and Sing” (Sibylline Press), shows how a shy, introverted, Calvinist girl from the South Side of Chicago became known globally as the tambourine-waving choir nun in both “Sister Act” movies with Whoopi Goldberg and the featured soprano soloist in “Yanni, Live at the Acropolis,” the most popular PBS-TV Special and video seen by over 1.5 billion worldwide. And believe it or not, that’s just a portion of the amazing tales in this book. Darlene talks about the book’s origins and how she came to work with Sibylline Press. We go into the writing process, which took only a handful of months, and how she wound up needing to cut around 100,000 words from the manuscript! Darlene shares a few stories in the book, such as how the title came to be, her many years in music and the message she hopes to impart to readers. Want to pre-order your copy? Then head over to www.darlenekoldenhoven.com!

Following his time with the legendary American punk band Model Citizen, ChiodoSupply has a new venture, but with the same vibe and message. In this episode, we’re going to talk about art and speaking to the state of the world, which is captured in his new single, “Homeland.” Chiodo and I also share the hard truths of the music industry, the use of artificial intelligence in making art, and give a few tips on getting your foot in the door. Wrapping up this episode is the single that got this all started, “Wandering and Wanting.” Like the episode? Then check out more of Chido at https://chiodosupply.com/.

Just in time for the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday, author Mima Tipper has released a new book, “Channeling Marilyn.” Here’s a look at what’s in store: High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.  Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears—ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach.  Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death. Curtis and I talk all about the inspiration for this book, Mima’s second (so far!). She shares her interest in the legendary Marilyn and what she learned about her during the writing process. She talks about the creation of her protagonist, Lexa Donovan, and how the two interact. Mima also talks about the business of writing, offering her advice for taking feedback and the value of having someone to critique your work. She goes into the challenges of making writing into a business and the importance of really knowing the genre. If you like this episode, please check out www.mimatipper.com.

Author Perrin Pring joins me to talk about her recently-released book, “Cash and Gravity” (Diversion Books), set in a world where everyone’s trying to get off it as quickly as possible. In this book, Chevy Cole is a female Launch Tech Marine who lives in a world where mega corporations battle each other for Earthly metals in the pursuit of one day getting humans permanently off planet. During a battle, Chevy comes across a crash site containing a super soldier, an Ace, who has the world's first mobile fusion device. Chevy knows her corporation stole it from their rival. She is forced to partner with Dolon, a phantom, a man so analogue he can use cash and navigate by paper map, to get them to a safe house, thrusting them on a low-tech, high-stakes road trip across the American West.  We’re going to talk all about the worldbuilding and character creation that went into this as well as the many re-writes and how this changed the story. Perrin also talks a little shop and shares some advice for fellow debut writers. Like what you heard? Then check out www.psquaredbooks.com for more!

Following our talk about new music and the New England Americana Fest, Boston-based musician Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners stuck around to talk a little business—specifically, the music business. In this episode, we go into the things he thinks musicians should stop doing, as well as the different ways that they can make a living—and it’s more than just selling merch or tickets. Kier shares some really important advice, such as not waiting for things to be perfect, because that’s never going to happen. We talk a little gear talk, and Kier gives some ideas as to what an aspiring musician could buy with $100. We also look ahead to what new opportunities lie ahead for musicians and examine the notion of it being “too late” to get your start. Closing this episode out is “Goin’ Down in Style,” one of songs from the band’s new EP, ““Moonshine & Other Spirits.” Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!

In this episode, I’m reunited with Boston’s own Kier Byrnes of Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners. They’ve got a new EP out called “Moonshine & Other Spirits,” an absolutely amazing five-track collection of high-energy Americana music. Kier and I talk about the origin of this album, which all began at an off-the-grid moonshine distillery in New Hampshire (yes, that really happened). We go into the sound of the album, as well as the great guest musicians that worked with the band. Kier reflects on the band’s 2025, which saw a Boston Music Award win, shows in Europe and of course, new music galore. This is part one of our talk, and be sure to check out the second episode, where we go into the business side of music. Closing this episode out is “My Baby’s Happy,” one of songs from the EP. Want to know more? Visit https://www.kierbyrnes.com to check it all out!

In this episode, I’m joined by author  AJ O. Mason and illustrator Dominic Bustamante to talk about new sci-fi YA queer graphic novel, “Kloud 9: The Star Soldier,” which drops on July 7 through IDW. Kloud 9 follows Kal, an Earthling without much purpose in life. Cosmot’urr Col Al’neyr, Cosmo for short, is an alien struggling to find his place in the galaxy. Sparks fly when the two meet—but when Cosmo’s past catches up with him, Kal is forced to make a choice: remain on Earth or follow his crush into the great unknown. Now they just have to navigate the dangers of outer space, a megalomaniac pseudoparent, and their growing feelings for each other. AJ and Dominic share how they began collaborating on this project, and how the process went for two people who never worked together before. We dive into the Dominic’s art style and the new world of sci-fi that he got to draw. AJ talks about how he grew as a writer and the lessons learned. We also talk a little business, such as how to launch an idea from the initial concept and ways to find a publishing company. You can learn more about this talented duo at https://ajomason.com and https://linktr.ee/Dommnics.

We hope that you enjoyed Part 1 of our discussion with Lynzi and TJ of the band Pixiepunk, because there is a lot more to hear! Music, in the end, is a business, and we talk all about that aspect with TJ and Lynzi. They dive into the things that musicians should NOT be doing, as well as new opportunities down the road. The two share some hard —but very accurate — truths about the industry, and while it’s hard to hear, it’s important for people to note. They also offer some insight into what newcomers to music can do to make their mark and believe me, this is worth hearing Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials! Wrapping up this episode is the new single “Spies.”

In this episode, author Brad Barkley joins me to talk about his newest YA book, “The Reel Life of Zara Kegg (Regal House, June 16, 2026). Here’s a look at the story: “Three years after her mother’s death, 16-year-old Zara still feels like an outsider in Carolina Beach. Working during the beach’s off-season as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre—a rundown retro cinema that shows only vintage ’50s sci-fi and horror flicks, including a major Godzilla marathon—she spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups and the occasional existential crisis. Then she meets Zachary, who might be the most interesting person she’s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm and wonders if trust is possible.” Brad and I talk about the role of cinema in this book as well as the themes of grief and mental health and how they’re all portrayed. Brad shares the origins of Zara and creating the setting for the book. We talk business as well, such as how the YA genre has changed and how one prepares for the many rejection letters likely to come. We offer a few pieces of advice for prospective writers, particular those looking to break into the YA field. Like what you heard? Then visit https://www.bradbarkley.com for more.

I’ve been a fan of the band Pixiepunk for a while now, so getting to talk with members Lynzi and TJ is something I’ve been looking forward to. We had such a great time and talke for so long that we decided to make this a two-parter! So in this episode, it’s all about the music, as we dive into their (at the time) newest release “Roses,” and the interesting origin behind it. We talk about their song “I Don’t Fit In,” their response to the request to write a bio…instead, they wrote a song! We also go into the band’s origin, keeping active during the pandemic, and how they create that unique Pixiepunk song. Be sure to check out https://pixiepunk.world for more details, buy some merch, and follow their socials! Wrapping up this episode is the single “Roses.”