From Federal Judge to Novelist: Thomas Cullen on Writing Charlie-Man, 1990s Nostalgia & Coming-of-Age Stories

From Federal Judge to Novelist: Thomas Cullen on Writing Charlie-Man, 1990s Nostalgia & Coming-of-Age Stories

Federal Judge and author Thomas Cullen joins Plot Twist Radio to discuss his debut novel, Charlie-Man, a coming-of-age story set in Richmond, Virginia during the 1990s. In this episode, Thomas shares how his own experiences growing up in Richmond helped shape the novel's setting, characters, and themes. We discuss friendship, first love, betrayal, grief, mental health, the pressures facing teenagers, and why stories about growing up continue to resonate across generations. Thomas also talks about transitioning from a distinguished legal career to fiction writing, the challenges of creating authentic characters, and what it was like to trade legal opinions for storytelling. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age novels, 1990s nostalgia, literary fiction, or stories about resilience and personal growth, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the experiences that shape who we become. Topics include: • Charlie-Man • Writing fiction after a legal career • Growing up in Richmond, Virginia • 1990s nostalgia • Friendship and betrayal • Teen mental health • First love and coming-of-age stories • The creative writing process Find Judge Cullen's Charlie-Man here [https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Man-Thomas-Cullen/dp/1966369344]. #ThomasCullen #CharlieMan #ComingOfAge #AuthorInterview #PlotTwistRadio #90sNostalgia #BookPodcast #RichmondVirginia #LiteraryFiction #WritingCommunity

Andy Haynes on Stand-Up Comedy, Social Media Algorithms, Creative Success & Finding Your Authentic Voice

Stand-up comedian and writer Andy Haynes joins Plot Twist Radio for an honest conversation about the realities of life as a working comedian, the impact of social media on comedy, and what it takes to build a creative career in today's world. Andy shares stories from more than two decades in stand-up comedy, including life on the road, unpredictable audiences, career-defining moments, and the challenges comedians face in the age of algorithms and viral content. We also discuss authenticity in art, comedy's shift from live performance to social media, creative fulfillment, and the advice he would give his younger self. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy, a creator navigating social media, or someone pursuing a creative career, this conversation offers valuable insights into success, persistence, and staying true to yourself. * Andy Haynes' journey into stand-up comedy * The realities of touring and performing live * How social media changed the comedy industry * Viral content vs. long-form creative work * The importance of authenticity in art * Comedy audiences and crowd dynamics * Creative careers, success, and personal fulfillment * Advice for aspiring comedians and artists Where to find Andy: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/imandyhaynes/?hl=en] Website [https://www.imandyhaynes.com/] #AndyHaynes #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #PlotTwistRadio #Comedians #SocialMedia #CreativeCareers #PodcastInterview #ComedyIndustry #ContentCreation #Entertainment #ComedyLife

Lynn Goldsmith on the Magic of the 1980s, Creative Reinvention, Music Icons, and the Legacy of Will Powers

*Be sure to stick around until the end to hear one of our favorite singles from Lynn's Will Powers' days, Smile. [https://open.spotify.com/track/2F23sZeQp5P3nYz0hr1VOc] * In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin Egnatz sits down with legendary photographer, author, musician, and creative visionary Lynn Goldsmith. Known for capturing some of the most iconic images in music history, Lynn reflects on the artists, moments, and cultural shifts that defined the 1980s. From the rise of MTV and the globalization of music to photographing legends like Michael Jackson, Patti Smith, and countless others, Lynn shares why she ultimately came to believe the 1980s may have been the most adventurous decade in music history. She also discusses her groundbreaking musical alter ego, Will Powers, whose positive-message dance music was decades ahead of its time and continues to resonate with listeners today. The conversation also explores creativity, friendship, artistic reinvention, mental health, and Lynn's latest projects, including her new exhibition Shared Light and her work documenting the career of Patti Smith. Topics include: * The true legacy of 1980s music * MTV's influence on artists and culture * Photographing music's biggest legends * The story behind Will Powers * Creativity, identity, and reinvention * Patti Smith and lifelong artistic friendships * Music, photography, and mental health * Lynn Goldsmith's latest books and exhibitions If you love music history, photography, rock and roll, creative storytelling, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most influential photographers of our time, this is an episode you won't want to miss. For more information on her upcoming show and more, head over to her website [https://lynngoldsmith.com/wordpress/]. Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/lynngoldsmith/?hl=en] https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-exhibitions/shared-light-lynn-goldsmith/ Smile: Song by Lynn Goldsmith and Will Powers ‧ 1983 #LynnGoldsmith #MusicPhotography #MTV #1980sMusic #WillPowers #PattiSmith #MichaelJackson #MusicHistory #Photography #PlotTwistRadio #ErinEgnatz #RockAndRoll #CreativeLife #PodcastInterview

How Imagination Strengthens Parent-Child Bonds | Chris Mannino on Storytelling, Bluey & Making It Up

What if the secret to stronger family relationships isn't another parenting hack—but imagination? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with author, TEDx speaker, writing coach, and parenting advocate Chris Mannino to discuss his new book Making It Up and the surprising lessons parents can learn from storytelling, improvisation, and even Bluey. Chris shares how a viral debate about parenting, combined with the challenges of the pandemic, inspired him to develop a practical approach that helps families connect through creativity and shared imagination. From make-believe trips around the world to building stronger communication with children, Chris explains why saying "yes" to a child's ideas can create deeper relationships and lasting memories. The conversation also explores Chris's journey as a fantasy author, his unique writing process, world-building, children's literature, and how imagination continues to shape both his professional and personal life. * The inspiration behind Making It Up * What parents can learn from Bluey * How imagination strengthens family communication * Screen-free ways to connect with children Chris's fantasy writing and world-building process * Creating children's books with input from his own kids * Why storytelling matters more than ever in the digital age Whether you're a parent, writer, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of imagination, this conversation offers practical insights and heartfelt stories that remind us why creativity matters. Where to find Chris: Website [https://www.christophermannino.com/] Episode Tags: Chris Mannino, Making It Up, Parenting Podcast, Bluey Parenting, Family Communication, Storytelling, Imagination, Creative Parenting, Plot Twist Radio, Fantasy Author Interview, Writing Process, Children's Books, Parenting Advice, TEDx Speaker, Parenting Through Play, Author Interview, Creative Families, Raising Creative Kids, Family Connection, Improv Parenting

Kurt Ellenberger on Music, Math, Evolution & Why Our Brains Crave Patterns

What if music is more than art? In this fascinating episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with composer, author, pianist, and former professor Kurt Ellenberger to explore the surprising connections between music, mathematics, evolution, and human perception. From the hidden numerical patterns that shape every melody to the way our brains predict musical outcomes before we consciously hear them, Kurt reveals how music may be deeply connected to the same mathematical principles that power computers, biological growth, and even human cognition. Together, they discuss: 🎵 The relationship between music and mathematics 🧠 Why our brains instinctively recognize musical patterns 📚 How teaching and writing shaped Kurt's understanding of creativity 🎹 The influence of legendary musicians like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett 🔬 The role evolution may play in our musical instincts ✍️ Turning complex ideas into accessible stories for everyday audiences 🎼 Why music creates such powerful emotional responses Whether you're a musician, writer, scientist, educator, or simply curious about how the world works, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of humanity's most universal experiences. Kurt Ellenberger is a composer, pianist, author, and recently retired professor of music from Grand Valley State University. His writing has appeared in the Arts section of HuffPost, and he currently serves as a contributing writer and editor for All About Jazz and Managing Editor of the Journal of Applied Jazz Research. Website: KurtEllenberger.com Subscribe to Plot Twist Radio for conversations with authors, musicians, athletes, historians, entertainers, and extraordinary people whose journeys took unexpected turns. #PlotTwistRadio #KurtEllenberger #MusicTheory #Mathematics #Creativity #Jazz #MusicAndMath #Evolution #PsychologyOfMusic #AllAboutJazz #PodcastInterview #MusicEducation #HumanCreativity About Kurt EllenbergerConnect with Kurt