Spirit Talk Show - Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups

Doyle sits down with Jaycee Cames—poet, visionary, and the creative force behind The Ghost Singers. From his acclaimed poetry collection Urban Rhythm and Rhyme: Poetry for the Next Generation to his genre-bending debut album All Mixed Up, Jaycee transforms grief, resilience, and joy into art that refuses to be confined.In this episode, Jaycee opens up about:Growing up in North Hollywood amid challenges that shaped his creative pathHow poetry became both survival and liberationThe birth of The Ghost Singers after the loss of his sister Joanna, and the healing power of songwritingBlurring genres—from heartfelt ballads like Daddy, My Dear Daddy to club anthems like Boom Boom BootyFinding inspiration in his children, and building a legacy of resilience and joy through musicFrom ghostly encounters to glittering club beats, Jaycee reminds us that art is where sorrow and laughter, silence and sound, all collide. This conversation is raw, uplifting, and proof that creativity can be both survival and celebration.Stream All Mixed Up on Spotify, Amazon Music, and iTunes, explore Jaycee’s poetry on Amazon, and watch his music videos on YouTube by searching “The Ghost Singers.”

This week’s episode is raw, unfiltered, and deeply human.Doyle sits down with Noah May, host of Lethal Venom, a podcast known for its honesty, emotional depth, and refusal to sugarcoat the truth. Noah opens up about growing up without a father, navigating the shadows of clinical depression, and discovering the power of storytelling as survival.What begins as a conversation about creative expression becomes something much deeper: a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of voice.In this episode, we explore:The true story behind Noah’s powerful Father’s Day episodeHow he learned to speak openly about depression, trauma, and survivalA deeply personal reading of his original poem, Lonely NightsHis love of dystopian fiction—and a custom Hunger Games-style story written just for himHow Lethal Venom has become a platform for voices that don’t often get heardThis conversation includes an original tribute and poem written in Noah’s honor—because on Spirit Talk Show, we don’t just talk about life stories. We celebrate them.Whether you’re walking through something hard or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a rare kind of connection—raw, real, and unforgettable.Find Noah’s podcast, Lethal Venom, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and moreFollow: @lethalvenompodcast on Instagram and TikTok

Tonight’s episode is a wild ride with artist, author, circus kid, and spiritual wayfarer Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer, a man whose life story is splashed in vivid color across circus tents, chrome bikes, and the pages of five unforgettable books.From performing with dancing horses to pinstriping Harleys across the country, Dave’s journey winds through recovery, reconnection, and relentless reinvention. He shares how writing emerged from his sobriety work, how a childhood shaped by misunderstanding gave way to healing, and why he believes every hardship might just be a divine invitation to grow.We talk about:Life inside the tented circus—and what happens when the tents come downThe evolution from painter-for-hire to spiritual storytellerHealing a broken father-son bond on the road with a carnivalFacing addiction, grief, and estranged family with creativity and graceHis free guidebook Hit the Road and Thrive — a call to chase your dream, even if you never leave homeAlong the way, we hear original stories and poems written as tributes to Dave’s life—including The Painted Road, Letterfly: The Man Who Painted His Way Home, and a Western-style poem The Brush Rider that captures his legacy of artistry and soul.Whether you’re chasing freedom or just trying to make sense of life’s chaos, this episode will leave you inspired to pick up your own brush—and paint a life that’s true.Get Dave’s free book & explore his art at: letterfly.com

On this episode of Spirit Talk Show, we sit down with the extraordinary Bria Rose—an author who turns fairytales inside out and trauma into triumph. A former Disney cast member turned dark romance powerhouse, Bria opens up about the path that led her from Magic Kingdom dreams to publishing spicy reimaginings where the heroines have teeth and the monsters might just be soulmates.In this conversation, we explore:– How her time with Disney inspired bold, rebellious storytelling– Her viral rise on TikTok and the evolution of Her Dark Promise– Writing morally gray characters, monster romances, and why “Beauty is the Beast”– Landing top voice actor Jacob Morgan for her audiobook– Turning grief into a writing superpower– Why the next era of dark fairytales will be written by women who refuse to be savedThis is not a fairytale. It’s a reckoning—and a celebration of authorship, ownership, and creating your own destiny on the page.Bria’s audiobook drops September 3rd, and you’ll catch her live on the news the very next day, September 4th. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.Follow and connect with Bria Rose:Website: authorbriarose.comInstagram: @authorbriaroseTikTok: @authorbriaroseGoodreads: Bria Rose on Goodreads

In Part 2, Doyle and co-host Howie continue their heartfelt conversation with Lizbeth Meredith, shifting from survival to healing. With warmth, wit, and insight, Lizbeth reflects on life after trauma—what it means to parent grown daughters, how humor became a tool for recovery, and why storytelling remains her most powerful form of advocacy.Together, they explore relationship red flags, the nuances of personal growth, and the healing power of persistence. Lizbeth also shares her thoughts on creativity, writing, and the evolving landscape of storytelling—including the role of AI in capturing emotional truth.At once laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly human, Part 2 is a reminder that healing doesn’t always look heroic—and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is share our story out loud.Guest Website: ⁠www.lameredith.com

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, host Doyle welcomes Lizbeth Meredith—author, advocate, and survivor—for a gripping discussion about motherhood, justice, and survival against all odds. Lizbeth opens up about the harrowing experience of having her daughters kidnapped and taken overseas, and the years-long fight to bring them home.Drawing from her memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters, which inspired the Lifetime movie Stolen by Their Father, Lizbeth shares how she navigated a legal system that often failed her, all while rebuilding her life after intimate partner violence. This episode shines a light on the dangers victims face when leaving abusive relationships, the emotional cost of parenting through trauma, and the power of community support in the healing journey.Raw, honest, and deeply moving, Part 1 is a testament to a mother’s fierce love and the resilience that comes from refusing to give up. Guest Website: ⁠www.lameredith.com

This episode contains adult language and themes. Listener discretion is advised.In this explosive second half of our conversation with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and podcast trailblazer Alan Katz, we dive headfirst into the chaos, comedy, and emotional fallout that define a creative life lived out loud.Alan pulls no punches as he recounts the behind-the-scenes saga of Bordello of Blood—a production so wildly mismanaged it birthed its own podcast. From million-dollar egos to miscast villains and backdoor celebrity deals, Alan dishes the kind of unfiltered truth you rarely hear from Hollywood insiders.Then the conversation takes a sharp and stunning turn.We explore the real-life story that inspired The Donor, Alan’s riveting narrative podcast about sperm donation, unexpected fatherhood, and the moral minefield of DNA testing. It's a modern horror story where the monsters aren’t supernatural—they’re hiding in plain sight, wearing lab coats, or logging into ancestry sites.And to top it all off? Alan reads an AI-generated Tales from the Crypt-style short story based on The Donor—complete with a dark twist and a dash of that classic Crypt Keeper humor.In This Episode:The truth behind Bordello of Blood and its infamous casting choicesHow Sylvester Stallone inadvertently shaped a horror movieWhy podcasting is the ultimate tool for creative freedomThe emotional fallout of anonymous sperm donationA hauntingly funny DNA horror story, told in Alan’s unmistakable voiceWhether you're a screenwriter, a podcast junkie, or someone wondering what secrets might be buried in your family tree—this one’s for you. Check out Alans podcast on his production company: https://costardandtouchstone.com/

Please Note: This episode contains some strong language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, Spirit Talk Show host Doyle welcomes Emmy-winning writer, producer, and podcaster Alan Katz for a revealing conversation about creativity, chaos, and the strange turns stories can take.Alan shares how the infamous behind-the-scenes disaster of Bordello of Blood—a vampire movie tangled in studio politics and ego-driven casting—became the origin story of his award-winning show, The How Not to Make a Movie Podcast. We talk about the dysfunction of Hollywood, what it really takes to tell stories honestly, and why podcasting has become the ultimate medium for truth-tellers and rule-breakers.This episode covers everything from unmade movies to creative resilience and the moments that made Alan walk away—and then come back—with something to say.And yes, there’s a horror story coming. But that’s in Part 2.For now, lean in. This is the story before the story.Discover all of Alan’s shows: https://costardandtouchstone.com/ Explore more episodes: www.spirittalkshow.com

When Eddie Ravenscar of the Creepy Coffees Podcast joins Spirit Talk Show, things get paranormally personal. From haunted hats to ghost-infested basements once visited by Al Capone himself, Eddie brews up tales that will rattle your mug and chill your spine. He shares stories of playful spirits, doors that open on their own, and the unforgettable moment a voice told him to "get out"—while no one was there.We dive into Eddie’s life of hauntings, heart surgeries, and haunted houses—with a few laughs, a lot of heart, and some solid advice on why you should never, ever touch a Ouija board. Plus, we learn what it’s like being followed by a ghost boy named Algernon and why some spirits just really, really want your car keys.Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just in it for the coffee—this episode is for you.Stay creepy. Stay caffeinated. And don’t forget to check your closet door.Listen and connect with Creepy Coffees:Website: www.creepycoffees.comInstagram: @creepycoffeesPodcast: Creepy Coffees – streaming on all major platforms

In this gripping episode, I talk with bestselling author and U.S. Marine veteran G. Michael Hopf, whose post-apocalyptic novels—including the massively successful The End and Hard Times Create Strong Men—have captivated millions around the world. With over forty books to his name, Hopf brings a unique and unapologetic voice to fiction shaped by real-world grit and hard-earned wisdom.We explore the philosophy behind his writing, the impact of military service on his worldview, and why stories of collapse and survival continue to resonate. Hopf shares his take on the dangers of comfort, the importance of discipline, and how storytelling can prepare us for uncertain times.You can learn more about his work at gmichaelhopf.com.He’ll return soon for a follow-up conversation on the rise of AI and its role in the shifting future—but for now, dig into this raw and powerful dialogue with a storyteller who writes like the world depends on it.

Back by request, this follow-up to one of our most listened-to episodes — S4-EP16: Quantum Consciousness & Life After Death — reunites us with Howie for another deeply curious dive into what might lie beyond this life... or right alongside it.We explore how quantum theory might explain lingering consciousness, emotional energy, and the echoes of people who’ve passed. Could the hauntings we sense be imprints in spacetime? Could love and loss be particles suspended in quantum limbo?Together we unpack:Residual hauntings and the theory of quantum emotional imprintingSuperposition, memory, and the physics of unfinished businessEntanglement and why your grandmother might still be "visiting"Whether our souls are frequencies vibrating in a multi-dimensional fieldIt’s speculative. It’s strange. It’s very human.For context or a refresher, listen to the original episode that sparked this return: S4-EP16Because the afterlife might just be quantum.

In a Spirit Talk Show first, we welcome the incomparable Mike Tentis—marketer, storyteller, chorus veteran, and now... impromptu singer! That’s right: this episode features the debut of live singing on the show, and Mike doesn’t hold back.From turfgrass to choral harmonies, Mike shares his rich journey from Midwestern roots to Sacramento's LGBTQ+ stage. Along the way, he treats us to heartfelt reflections, a soulful tribute story (so good he wants it read at his funeral!), a hilarious tale of gopher-infused love on the golf course, and a Minnesota cow named Bessie with opinions about oat milk and sequins.With wit, warmth, and surprise vocals, Mike shows us what it means to live with humor, harmony, and grace. This is an episode full of laughter, insight—and yes, a musical number or two.Don't miss the one where the chorus came alive... and so did the moo.

Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:What really went down behind the scenes of ALFHow David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecksWhy rejection stings and how to survive itThe truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressureAnd how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentorWe also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.

What happens when science fiction dares to tell stories that feel like home? In the exciting Season 4 finale of Spirit Talk Show, we welcome internationally acclaimed author MD Neu, whose work blends the otherworldly with the deeply personal — from haunted suburbs to underwater civilizations, always with LGBTQ+ characters at the heart of the tale.Neu joins us for a powerful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about why representation matters, how AI is reshaping creative landscapes, and what keeps storytelling sacred in an age of automation. We cold-read AI interpretations of his work (with surprising results), and Neu reflects on the difference between prompt-driven plot and soul-driven narrative.You’ll also hear about his newest book, Golden Hills Haunting, a gripping paranormal novel about a gay couple, their daughter, and the sinister truths buried beneath their picture-perfect neighborhood.📚 Learn more and connect with MD Neu:Website: www.mdneu.comAmazon Author Page: MD Neu on AmazonBlueSky: @authormdneu.bsky.socialInstagram: @authormdneuFacebook: mdneuauthorBecause sometimes the most fantastical stories are the ones that tell the truth.

This Pride Month, Spirit Talk Show dares to walk the often avoided path—right into the heart of the conversation where queerness and faith collide. In this powerful episode, host Doyle confronts the historical, cultural, and theological roots of opposition to LGBTQ+ identity, with courage, clarity, and compassion.Far from attacking belief, this episode lovingly examines the scriptures so often used as weapons, offering scholarly, lived, and spirit-led rebuttals to restore dignity and truth. From Leviticus to Romans, from tradition to translation, we challenge the misreading that have caused real harm—and lift up a vision of faith that affirms, includes, and liberates.This is a truth-telling session for anyone who's been wounded by weaponized religion, who’s questioning, or simply longing for a more expansive theology. It's not just about defending queer lives—it's about reclaiming love as sacred.Because Pride is more than celebration—it's healing, it's resistance, and it's a resurrection of joy.

In this jam-packed episode of Spirit Talk Show, host Doyle welcomes back two fan favorites—master voiceover artist Chris Turek and multi-talented musician Howie—for a wild ride through cold reads, laughter, and the absurdly profound. From a haunted subway to collapsing ceilings, lost lemon bars, and post-apocalyptic bagels, no genre is off limits. Along the way, we tackle Shakespearean Goonies, Douglas Adams-style galactic nonsense, and even a heartfelt Martha Stewart tribute to the gay community.With over 45,000 plays and 4,000 subscribers this season, we’re celebrating our community of listeners, storytellers, and daydreamers. Come for the storytelling, stay for the chemistry, and maybe even send us your own weird and wonderful story idea.Want to be part of the show? Visit spirittalkshow.com to submit a prompt or join us in a future episode.

On this episode of Spirit Talk Show, actor and voice artist Chris Laird steps into the studio—and into the unknown. From background roles in 13 Reasons Why to award-winning performances in indie films, Chris shares the highs and hard truths of building a career in the film industry while staying grounded in Sacramento.But things take a turn when the conversation shifts to the paranormal. Chris recalls a chilling shoot inside Doyle’s own home—rumored to be haunted—and the eerie encounters that followed. Then, the two dive into the surreal and hilarious world of AI storytelling, performing The Emotional Support Demon (a tale of mistaken infernal identity) and Please Don’t Feed the Reflection (a horror script that asks more questions than it answers).It's a night of laughter, shadowy corners, and unexpected wisdom—because in the world of Spirit Talk, anything can happen.

In Part 2 of this soul-stirring conversation, Doyle and returning guest Vinny Masincupp explore what it means to belong—in a body, in a culture, and in a story. From a dark, obsessive tale of twisted love (“Keep You Safe”) to the radiant time-travel narrative “Becoming Ellis Rain,” this episode explores the edges of identity, language, and the power of literature to reshape our world.Vinny shares how his students channel their own cultural complexities into powerful, unexpected fiction, while Doyle opens up about growing up in Ireland, the trauma of silence, and the liberation that can happen when we speak—really speak. Together, they laugh, question, and even tear up a little as they examine how stories help us survive and imagine better futures.Highlights include:– Student-written stories with shocking twists and bold voices– A heartfelt fable about identity, borders, and color called “Colors”– Doyle’s original Dr. Seuss-style tale “The Confused Case of Mr. McGee”– Honest talk about queer liberation, Irish memory, and toxic masculinity– A call to normalize compliments and emotional honesty among menAs always, Spirit Talk Show blends the hilarious, the haunting, and the heartfelt. If you've ever felt caught between boxes—or longed to rewrite your past—this episode is for you.

In this luminous first half of a two-part conversation, Doyle welcomes back the ever-charismatic Vinny Masincupp—teacher, singer, globe-trotter, and heart-on-his-sleeve storyteller. Together, they dive into a dazzling mix of original and student-written poetry, from darkly comic postmodern tales to lyrical AI-generated verse that stirs the soul.Vinny reflects on life in Micronesia, his passion for teaching Asian literature, and the joys and challenges of being an educator in the age of AI. Along the way, we get laughter, Yapese language lessons (and chicken-egg jokes), reflections on love, identity, and the rhythms that make poetry resonate in the bones.This episode is a tapestry of wit, wisdom, and weirdness—and just the beginning.Highlights include:– “Spring: Herald of Doom” and “Is This Title Too Meta?”– A hauntingly beautiful AI poem, “Chrono Song”– Rush ticket tips for Broadway lovers– A cameo by Doyle’s son, Fynn– Poetic breakdowns, teacher truths, and plenty of laughsStay tuned for Part 2, where the stories—and surprises—continue to unfold.

Award-winning actor, producer, and storyteller John DeMakus joins Doyle in the studio for a deep and delightful episode packed with heart, humor, and unexpected time travel. From his acclaimed films Remember and Love Wins to his YouTube sports show and voiceover career, John shares the magic behind his work—and how one short film sparked a creative revival in an emerging actress.We explore:The emotional weight of short films and the art of leaving a lasting impact in 10 minutesThe power and pitfalls of AI in storytellingA haunting AI-generated radio play about a man who walks out of time—and back into a world that moved onA meta-theatrical comedy about unrequited love, the fourth wall, and toastersA hilarious 90s-style movie trailer parody with coffee, drama, and imaginary friendsAnd a moving tribute that reminds us why John’s voice truly resonatesTune in for stories that bend reality, explore loss and rediscovery, and remind us all of the joy in creating, connecting, and occasionally narrating life like a movie trailer.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7596978/ 📍 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and at SpiritTalkShow.com