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

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

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