Episode 317 Guest: Mike Bockoven Novel: Come Knocking --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I'm excited to welcome author Mike Bockoven to discuss his new novel, Come Knocking , set to release on July 1st on Skyhorse Publishing . This thrilling narrative blends elements of horror and interactive theater, offering readers a unique experience that delves into the darker sides of human behavior and entitlement. Mike shares the inspiration behind Come Knocking where he explores the chaos that ensues when an interactive theater production goes horribly wrong. With a background in community theater and a passion for horror, Mike discusses how the dynamics of audience interaction can shift dramatically as popularity grows, leading to a spiral of entitlement and cruelty. We dive into the literary influences that shaped his writing, including the haunting themes found in Dante’s Inferno and The Canterbury Tales. Mike reflects on his journey as a writer, the challenges of crafting distinct voices for each character, and the importance of creativity in the face of adversity. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler ---- Episode Links: Purchase on Amazon MikeBockoven.com Purchase at Sower Books (Lincoln, NE)…

Salt Lake Dirt with Kyler Bingham Episode 316 Guest: Ewan Morrison Book: For Emma --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m thrilled to welcome author Ewan Morrison to discuss his new novel, For Emma , set to release on June 17th. This haunting narrative follows Josh, a father grappling with the loss of his daughter Emma, who tragically died during a brain chip experiment. As he spirals into grief, Josh begins to hear Emma's voice guiding him towards a path of revenge against those he holds responsible for her death. Ewan dives deep into the complexities of parental grief, the moral ambiguities of revenge, and the chilling implications of modern technology. He shares the inspiration behind the story, rooted in his own experiences with loss and the haunting presence of loved ones after they are gone. Through Josh's recordings to Emma, we explore the intimate connection between a father and daughter, as well as the darker themes of mental health and societal pressures. Join us as we unpack the emotional weight of Ewan's writing, the philosophical questions raised by Emma's insatiable curiosity, and the broader implications of AI in our lives. This conversation is sure to resonate with anyone who has grappled with loss, identity, and the quest for understanding in a rapidly changing world. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler --- Episode Links: Ewan Morrison's Website Purchase For Emma Substack: @untopia --- SLD Links: Salt Lake Dirt Substack…

Episode 315 Guest: Matthew Gasda Novel: The Sleepers --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m excited to welcome writer, director, and critic Matthew Gasda to discuss his new novel The Sleepers . This intricate narrative weaves together the lives of three characters, offering readers a deep dive into their internal struggles and the contrasting perceptions of their outward lives. Matthew shares the fascinating genesis of his book, revealing how a moment of inspiration sparked the initial writing process back in 2017. He reflects on the evolution of the story, noting the shifts in cultural context that occurred during its long journey to publication. With a background in playwriting, Matthew discusses how his approach to character dialogue and narrative structure has influenced the novel, making it feel both modern and reminiscent of classic literature. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler --- Episode Links: Purchase The Sleepers The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research Substack: @matthewgasda IG: @bkcentertheatreresearch…

Salt Lake Dirt with Kyler Bingham Episode 314 Guest: William Cooper Book: How America Works ... And Why it Doesn't --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I’m thrilled to welcome back author William Cooper to discuss his insightful nonfiction book, How America Works and Why It Doesn't . In this thought-provoking guide, Will delves into the intricacies of the U.S. political system, exploring the deep-rooted dysfunction that continues to shape our democracy. Will shares his motivations for writing the book, which stem from his observations during and after the Trump presidency. He highlights the alarming polarization in American politics and the role of tribalism and social media in exacerbating these divides. Through engaging anecdotes and clear analysis, he sheds light on the challenges of civic ignorance and the importance of understanding our political institutions. Join us as we explore key themes such as confirmation bias, the impact of social media on political discourse, and the historical warnings from our founding fathers about the dangers of political factions. Will's accessible approach makes this a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the complexities of American governance. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler --- Episode Links: Will-Cooper.com Purchase the Book Listen to our previous interview with Will…

Episode 313 Guest: Noël Stark Book: Love, Camera, Action --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I welcome author Noël Stark to discuss her debut novel, Love Camera Action . Set against the backdrop of the film and TV industry, this romance novel follows a female director who unexpectedly steps into a high-pressure role after a male director is fired due to controversial comments. As she navigates the complexities of her new job, she encounters a talented yet difficult director of photography, leading to a captivating enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Noël shares her journey into novel writing, revealing how her experiences in the film industry shaped her storytelling. She reflects on the importance of representation in romance literature and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life as a single mother and a writer. The conversation also delves into themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler --- Episode Links: Noël Stark's Website Instagram: @noelstarkauthor TikTok: @noelstarkauthor Purchase Love, Camera, Action…

Episode 312 Guest : Lou Vairo & Michael McKinley Book : Lou Vairo: The Godfather of U.S. Hockey --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I sit down with Lou Vairo, a legendary figure in the world of hockey, and his co-author Michael McKinley to discuss their captivating autobiography, Lou Vairo: the Godfather of US Hockey . Lou shares his incredible journey from a kid in Brooklyn to becoming a pivotal figure in American hockey, revealing the twists and turns that shaped his life and career. Lou gives vivid recollections, including his experiences in the army, his fascination with Soviet hockey, and the lessons learned from his travels. Michael provides insight into the writing process, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought Lou's remarkable story to life on the page. Thanks for tuning in! Kyler --- Episode Links: PURCHASE Lou Vairo: The Godfather of U.S. Hockey Libertayo.com…

Episode 311 Guest: Rachel Suissa Film: Greek Mothers Never Die --- Today on the show I welcome filmmaker and actress Rachel Suissa. Her latest project Greek Mothers Never Die will be available on VOD May 9th. Hilarious and heartwarming, the film delves into the complex relationship between mother (Despina) and daughter (Ella). Make sure to pre-order the film on your favorite VOD site. Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Film Synopsis: "Ella‘s story begins in Greece, she is the only child of Jack, an American singer-song writer and Despina, a Greek, zany, overprotective Gyros owner. Nick, Ella’s only friend, is a 10 year old shy, nerdy looking boy. Ella and Nick grow and their friendship turns into love, but in 2010 the Greek economy collapses. Nick vanishes and Jack dies. Despina and Ella have to move overnight to America for their survival. Now, Ella is a 27 years old late-bloomer — with zero love life — dreaming of becoming a singer, but Despina pressures her to take over the Gyros. During their daily fight, Despina drops dead of a heart attack, only to return as an intervening ghost, haunting Ella with unwanted advice andromantic guidance after Nick resurfaces as a handsome doctor (and something of a playboy). In this supernatural heart warming romantic comedy — drenched in Greek drama — Ella will ultimately take control of her life, find the meaning of true love and learn how to deal with the passing of her mother." (Source: GreekMothersNeverDie.com ) --- Episode Links: Greek Mothers Never Die website IG: @greekmothersneverdie IG: @suissarachel…

Episode 310 Guest: Skip Heller Album: Mojave After Dark (Skip Heller's Voodoo 5) --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler welcomes back musician Skip Heller to discuss his latest album Mojave After Dark . Skip shares the inspiration behind his latest project, delving into the rich landscapes of the Mojave Desert and how they shape his sound. He reflects on his previous work with the Hollywood Film Noirchestra and the evolution of his band, Skip Heller's Voodoo 5. Skip reveals his creative process, the importance of place in music, and the collaborative dynamics within his band. He also touches on the significance of authenticity in art against the backdrop of today's music landscape, where AI and commercial pressures often dilute creativity. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of passion, artistry, and the timeless quest for connection through music. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to preview one of the tracks from the album ( Tropical Campfire for Michael Nesmith ). Thanks for tuning in! --- Episode Links: PURCHASE Mojave After Dark by Skip Heller's Voodoo 5 SkipHeller.org IG: @voodoo5exotica…

SALT LAKE DIRT with Kyler Bingham: Episode 309 Guest: RAINBLOWCURLIE Album: ANNUAL EP - Extended Edition --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler reconnects with the talented musician RAINBOWCURLIE , diving deep into the emotional landscape of their new music ahead of its release on April 23rd. Rain shares the poignant stories behind their latest tracks, Daisies and Urchin , both of which explore themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. This episode is a raw and honest exploration of the intersection between art and life. Thanks for tuning in! --- Episode Links: LISTEN to RAINBOWCURLIE on Spotify Instagram: @rainbowcurlie Linktree…

Salt Lake Dirt - Episode 308 Guest: Bobby Miller Novel: Situation Nowhere --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler sits down with author and filmmaker Bobby Miller to discuss his debut novel, Situation Nowhere . This darkly comedic tale centers around a dangerously addictive energy drink that causes people to explode, while a CEO's cancellation sends shock-waves through a company desperately seeking a replacement with no social media history. Bobby shares the origins of his unique premise, which blends absurdity with sharp social commentary, and reflects on the journey from initial concept to novel. With humor and insight, Bobby captures the essence of our current cultural landscape. This episode is a must-listen for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone interested in the intersection of literature and film. Thanks for tuning in! --- Episode Links: PURCHASE Situation Nowhere from Maudlin House Bobby Miller's Website Subscribe to Bobby's Substack SituationNowhere.com…

Episode 307 Guest: Dmitry Samarov Books: Moby Dick, The Marvel Universe, Babbitt --- This week on Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler welcomes back the talented artist and author Dmitry Samarov to discuss his latest projects, including the visually stunning reissue of Moby Dick , The Marvel Universe by Bruce Wagner, and Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis. Dmitry shares insights into his creative process and the challenges of illustrating public domain texts, revealing how his artistic vision brings new life to classic literature. The conversation dives into Dmitry's journey of self-publishing and the unique approach he takes to each project, emphasizing the importance of tangible imagery that complements the written word. He discusses the intricacies of formatting and the labor-intensive nature of his work, as well as the excitement surrounding his upcoming release of Moby Dick , which features his illustrations and is set to launch in May through Maudlin House . Listeners will enjoy this episode as it explores themes of artistic expression, the relationship between text and illustration, and the evolving landscape of publishing in the digital age. Dmitry's passion for his craft and his thoughtful reflections on the current state of literature make this a compelling discussion for artists, readers, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and storytelling. Thanks for listening! --- Episode Links: Purchase Moby Dick from Maudlin House DmitrySamarov.com Purchase The Marvel Universe Purchase Babbitt…

Episode 306 Guest: Blake Bailey Book: Canceled Lives --- This week Kyler welcomes acclaimed author Blake Bailey to discuss his new memoir Canceled Lives . Known for his masterful biographies, including the celebrated work on Philip Roth, shares his journey through the complexities of personal scandal and the intricate relationship he had with his father. The conversation delves into the fallout from the controversies surrounding his Roth biography, exploring how public perception can shift dramatically and how it impacted Blake's life and career. He reflects on the profound bond he shared with his father, a celebrated attorney, and how their relationship evolved amidst the turbulence of Blake's own challenges. Listeners will find this episode engaging as it tackles themes of cancel culture, the ethics of biography, and the importance of freedom of speech in literature. Blake's candidness about his experiences and the vulnerability displayed in Canceled Lives make this a compelling discussion for anyone interested in the intersections of personal narrative and public life.Thanks for listening! --- Episode Links: PURCHASE Canceled Lives --- SLD Podcast Info: www.saltlakedirt.com Radio Broadcast every Monday on KPCR 92.9 FM Los Gatos & 101.9FM Santa Cruz - 6PM - 8PM PST Listen on SPOTIFY Listen on APPLE Podcasts Instagram: @saltlakedirt Follow KPCR on Instagram…

Episode 305 Authors: William Cooper & Michael McKinley Book: A Quiet Life --- In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler sits down with author William Cooper to delve into the gripping narrative of his novel A Quiet Life , co-authored with Michael McKinley . William, a cybersecurity attorney, shares insights into how his professional experiences shaped the story's chilling premise, where a simple click on a link spirals into global chaos. As they explore the intricacies of co-writing, William discusses the unique collaboration with Michael and the challenges they faced in maintaining a cohesive voice throughout the narrative. He reflects on the writing process, the importance of creativity, and how their friendship enriched the project. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and storytelling, as well as the dynamics of collaborative writing. Tune in to discover how real-life experiences can fuel fiction and the art of crafting compelling narratives. Thanks for listening! --- Episode Links: PURCHASE A Quiet Life Will's Website Michael's Website…

Episode 304 Guest: Meghan Lamb Book: Mirror Translation --- Join Kyler as he welcomes author Meghan Lamb to discuss her new book Mirror Translation . Meghan shares the intriguing backstory behind her journey into writing horror, stemming from her experiences living in Hungary during the pandemic. The conversation dives deep into the themes of alienation, culture shock, and the uncanny, exploring how Meghan transformed her real-life challenges into a gripping narrative. She reflects on her writing process, the fluidity of editing, and the importance of asking questions that lead to deeper understanding in both writing and teaching. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of personal experience and fiction, as well as the creative process behind writing. Thanks for listening! --- Episode Links: PURCHASE Mirror Translation MeghanLamb.com…

Episode 303 Guest: Christopher Zeischegg Book: The Magician --- In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler welcomes author Christopher Zeischegg to discuss his novel The Magician , which has just been reissued in 2024. Christopher shares the intricate journey behind the book, revealing how it evolved from a multimedia project inspired by his past in the adult industry and the tumultuous relationships that shaped him. Delving into themes of addiction, spirituality, and the complexities of human connection, Christopher reflects on the duality of his protagonist's life—caught between the allure of a dark romance and the search for redemption. The conversation explores the creative process of writing such a raw and personal narrative, and how it reflects his own struggles with identity and belief. Thanks for listening! --- Episode Links: Purchase The Magician Christopher's Website…