Award-Winning Journalist Jonathan Alter on Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Julius Caesar, and America's Greatest Presidents

Award-Winning Journalist Jonathan Alter on Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Julius Caesar, and America's Greatest Presidents

Award-winning journalist, historian, and bestselling author Jonathan Alter joins Plot Twist Radio for a wide-ranging conversation about American presidents, the evolving legacy of Jimmy Carter, and why Julius Caesar remains one of history's most fascinating figures. Alter shares stories from his remarkable career at Newsweek, NBC News, and MSNBC—including meeting Martin Luther King Jr. AND watching the Beatles as a child—and discusses how history shapes today's political landscape. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at researching presidential biographies, writing historical nonfiction, and why future historians may judge modern presidents very differently than we do today. You can find Jonathan's work here. Episode Talking Points: Jonathan Alter interview, Jimmy Carter biography, Julius Caesar biography, American presidents, presidential history, presidential leadership, history podcast, political journalism, Plot Twist Radio, American history, Franklin Roosevelt, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Civil War history, historical nonfiction

Richard H. Moon on Ancient Egypt, the Bronze Age Collapse, Horror Fantasy, and Bringing History to Life

What happens when one of history's greatest mysteries becomes the foundation for an epic horror fantasy? On this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with award-winning screenwriter, producer, and novelist Richard H. Moon to discuss his debut novel, To Conquer Death. Inspired by the mysterious Bronze Age Collapse, ancient Egypt, and historical archaeology, Richard explores how little we truly know about one of civilization's greatest turning points—and how fiction can fill in the gaps with unforgettable storytelling. The conversation dives into the differences between writing novels and screenplays, adapting stories across mediums, creating believable fantasy worlds rooted in history, developing complex characters, and balancing historical accuracy with imaginative worldbuilding. Whether you're fascinated by ancient civilizations, historical fiction, fantasy novels, horror writing, or the craft of storytelling itself, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at bringing the distant past to life. In this episode: * Why Richard transitioned from screenwriting to novel writing * The mystery behind the Bronze Age Collapse * Building a horror fantasy set in ancient Egypt * Writing believable historical fiction when history leaves questions unanswered * Creating characters that surprise their own author * The challenges of adapting stories for books versus film * The inspiration behind To Conquer Death * Why history and fantasy make such a compelling combination If you enjoy conversations about writing, archaeology, mythology, filmmaking, and historical mysteries, you'll love this episode. Where to find Richard: Website [https://richardmoonbooks.com/] Episode Tags: Bronze Age Collapse, Ancient Egypt, Historical Fiction, Horror Fantasy, Richard H. Moon, To Conquer Death, Screenwriting, Novel Writing, Fantasy Author, Ancient History, Archaeology, Historical Horror, Writing Process, Plot Twist Radio, Erin Egnatz, Book Interview, Indie Author, Worldbuilding, Egyptian History, Fantasy Books

Chad Boudreaux on Mob Justice, Chicago Organized Crime, and Writing Thrillers with Real DOJ Experience

What happens when a former Department of Justice attorney and Homeland Security investigator turns decades of real-world experience into gripping crime fiction? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with bestselling thriller author Chad Boudreaux to discuss his latest novel, Mob Justice. From resurrecting Chicago's legendary crime families to creating morally complex villains and authentic law enforcement investigations, Chad shares how his career prosecuting organized crime shapes every page of his novels. The conversation explores the balance between realism and storytelling, the challenges of writing cinematic action scenes, the influence of Robert Ludlum, researching hidden tunnels beneath Chicago, and why the best antagonists aren't purely evil. Chad also previews his upcoming thriller Borderfall and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process behind the Scavenger Hunt series. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, legal suspense, organized crime history, and character-driven fiction, this episode is for you. Topics include: * Chad Boudreaux's career with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security * Writing Mob Justice and the modern Chicago Outfit * Real organized crime investigations vs. fiction * Building compelling heroes and morally gray villains * The research behind authentic crime novels * Robert Ludlum's influence on modern thrillers * Writing action scenes that keep readers hooked * A preview of Chad's next novel, Borderfall 🎙️ Subscribe to Plot Twist Radio for conversations with bestselling authors, filmmakers, athletes, musicians, historians, and fascinating storytellers from every walk of life. Find Chad at his website here [https://www.chadboudreaux.com/].

The Power of Story: Ray Hartjen on Fiction, Music, Marketing, and Multiple Myeloma

What do investment banking, marketing, music, espionage thrillers, and cancer advocacy have in common? For author and storyteller Ray Hartjen, they're all part of the same journey. In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with author and musician Ray Hartjen to discuss his transition from a career in finance, consulting, and marketing into the world of writing fiction. Ray shares how storytelling became the common thread throughout his professional and creative life, leading him to publish multiple books, including the espionage thrillers Outflanked and The Iranian Fiasco. The conversation also explores Ray's personal plot twist: his diagnosis with multiple myeloma in 2019. Ray opens up about becoming a patient advocate, the importance of community during difficult health journeys, and why helping others facing serious illnesses has become one of the most meaningful parts of his life. Whether you're a writer, reader, creative professional, cancer survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating life's unexpected turns, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that every person has a story worth telling. In this episode: * Ray Hartjen's journey from finance and marketing to fiction writing * How storytelling connects business, music, and literature * Writing espionage thrillers and creating compelling characters * The challenges of modern publishing and changing reader habits * Living with multiple myeloma and becoming a patient advocate * Why community and connection matter during life's toughest moments Connect with Ray Hartjen: Website: rayhartjen.com Books available wherever books are sold. 🎙️ Subscribe to Plot Twist Radio for conversations with authors, musicians, athletes, entertainers, and people whose lives took unexpected turns. #RayHartjen #PlotTwistRadio #AuthorInterview #EspionageThriller #Outflanked #TheIranianFiasco #Storytelling #MultipleMyeloma #CancerAdvocacy #WritingCommunity #Authors #BookPodcast #CreativeJourney #Marketing #MusicAndWriting

Jason Salmon on Comedy, Joy, and Finding Your Playground

What happens when a comedian's mission is simply to make people happy? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with comedian, actor, and writer Jason Salmon for a thoughtful conversation about comedy, creativity, and finding joy in unexpected places. Jason shares how growing up in Texas shaped his perspective, why curiosity is the foundation of great comedy, and how a childhood habit of making church audiences laugh eventually became a career. The conversation explores the realities of life as a touring stand-up comedian, including rejection, failure, performing for difficult crowds, and learning to thrive under pressure. Jason also reflects on unforgettable experiences entertaining U.S. troops overseas, including performing in Afghanistan during an active war zone and witnessing firsthand the healing power of laughter. Topics include: • Stand-up comedy and joke writing • Finding joy through creativity • The realities of touring life • Performing for military audiences overseas • Comedy, curiosity, and human connection • Navigating rejection and failure • The evolution of comedy after COVID • Politics, laughter, and bringing people together • Why everyone needs to find their "playground" Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy, interested in the creative process, or simply looking for an uplifting conversation about purpose and resilience, this episode delivers both laughs and insight. 🎙️ Guest: Jason Salmon 🌐 Website: JasonSalmon.com 📱 Follow: @JSalmonComedy #JasonSalmon #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #PlotTwistRadio #ComedianInterview #TouringComedian #ComedyLife #CreativeProcess #MilitaryComedyTours #FindingJoy #PodcastInterview #ComedyWriting #TexasComedian #ComedyAndLife #MakeLaughNotWar