Have you ever heard of the infamous pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard? Have you ever been interested in the golden age of pirates, privateers, and the truth behind the legends? This week, I interview Samuel Marquis, the author of the new book “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal.” Marquis shares fascinating insights on pirates, storytelling, the way fiction wears with truth in legendary stories, and what it means to be “a villain all nations.” Check it out.
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Ep. 14 -2025: Michael Carson
This week I catch up with Michael Carson, the president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the site of the contemporary storytelling revival. We discuss the power of stories to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring people together. We talk about the dance of audience and teller, how important it is to respond to your listeners even as you tell your story, and why there is no one right way to tell a story. Check it out and learn more about the International Storytelling Center and the amazing programs they offer year round.
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Ep. 13 -2025: Jaclyn Goldis
This week I chat with suspense author Jaclyn Goldis about her writing process, the importance of curiosity, plunging into reality through fiction, writing advice you’ve heard but should never follow, whether or not to write every day, what success as an author truly looks like (it might surprise you) and more. We also discuss her latest book, The Safari. Check it out!
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Ep. 12 -2025: Paulette Kennedy
Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Story Blender as I interview gothic novelist Paulette Kennedy. We talk about everything from cemetery rubbings to creating a sense of dread, to how much we love it when characters question their own sanity and travel on a journey of self-awareness through the narrative. What is it that makes a story gothic? How does isolation and self-questioning fit into that genre? You’ll also love her advice on what to do in regard to chasing your dreams.
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Ep. 11 -2025: David Newton
This week on The Story Blender I sit down with award-winning sports journalist David Newton to talk about when the rubber meets the fans at a NASCAR race, his work at ESPN, writing about Tiger Woods’ early career, and even Cam Newton’s outlandish style choices. From his decades of experience, David shares the importance of tapping into the human drama—including struggles and obstacles—no matter what type of story you might be writing or telling. Listen in for his unique advice on finding the story behind the story when telling your own tales.
South Africa