Novelist Michael Pogach: Grief, Vengeance, and Vikings

Novelist Michael Pogach: Grief, Vengeance, and Vikings

In his forthcoming historical fantasy novel Valhalla Burning, Michael Pogach explores the lives, landscapes, and lore of Northmen in 9th century Scandinavia. We discuss his talent for writing about vengeance and brutality, his interest in mythology, and why his fiction tends to focus on unhappy people. He also shares the pluses and minuses of life as a college professor, including the role of generative AI.

The Ballad of Thomas G. Waites

Thomas G. Waites has cultivated a long and varied acting career on both stage and screen, probably best known for his roles in some of Hollywood’s best-known films, including The Thing, The Warriors, and The Clan of the Cave Bear. He has since honed his talents as a screenwriter, a director, and an acting instructor, as well as a musician; he’s the front man for the band Heartbreak Waites, which released its debut album earlier this year. In this episode, Waites discusses the things he learned from John Carpenter, his struggles and successes, and what he considers “the most powerful force in the world.”

Candace Nola: Uncomfortably Dark, Unceasingly Kind

“If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” The saying certainly applies to Candace Nola, an award-winning horror writer, editor, and publisher, among other designations. She’s also exceptionally goodhearted, as proven by the time and energy she devotes to building community and otherwise helping her writerly peers through her platform, Uncomfortably Dark Horror. She leaves few stones unturned in this wide-ranging conversation, including the thread that connects all her stories, the pain and power of grief, and how she finds balance amid the chaos of daily life.

The Many Lives of Daemon Manx

Horror author, publisher, musician, influencer, someone who eagerly shares his personal story about his years-long saga of addiction, recovery, and reinvention—the man known as Daemon Manx wears a lot of hats. In this episode, Manx discusses the incident that upended his life—saved his life, he would say—and put him not only on the path to recovery but also toward becoming one of the most prominent voices in indie horror. He also talks about his work, including The Ojanox series and the recently released Abigail: The Terrible Twos, a sequel to his 2021 novel, and why his platform of positivity has resonated with so many people.

Whispers in the Dark With Steve Capone, Jr.

As far as writers go, Steve Capone, Jr. defies easy description. His 2024 novel Max in the Capital of Spies is a YA Cold War thriller, with a side of time travel, though he’s perhaps best known for his work in horror. As the founder of Whisper House Press, he has published anthologies such as Dread Mondays and Costs of Living. In this episode, he details the lessons he learned by running his own press, the benefits of writing across genre lines, and why he doesn’t like to be scared. He also opens up about the perils of being a teacher in 2025, and the importance of doing his part to “repair the world.”