In this episode, I welcome speculative fiction author Annmarie SanSevero to the show for a lively, wide-ranging conversation that spans New York roots, Southern culture shocks, and the creative spark behind her new short story collection, The Butterfly Stroke and Other Stories. We dig into how hope, courage, and resilience power her science fiction and fantasy—from a former Olympian regaining movement through a brain implant to a detective aided by a wisecracking supernatural sidekick—while exploring the human consequences of fast-moving tech like neural interfaces. Anne Marie shares her journey from single mom squeezing in 15 minutes of writing a day to award-recognized short fiction, the research-first “what if” engine behind her worldbuilding, and the authors who shaped her voice.

We also talk Dickens, Babylon 5, cryptids-as-pen-pals, and why everything in life (even hospital stays and dog antics) becomes creative research. Stick around to hear where to find her work, upcoming projects (including a middle-grade steampunk/fantasy trilogy), and how stories help us face hard things with courage.

Plus, I recap a packed weekend across the show: a great in-studio conversation with Ruben Camarillo, a crypto update with resident “crypto psychic” Marisa Lee, and Sunday’s Bible study series on dispensations. I also preview episode 200 coming up on Wednesday and share ways to connect, comment, and support the show—all while my Frenchies Bean and Charlie remind me who really runs the studio.

Resources and links mentioned (non-sponsored):
- Annmarie SanSevero's website: asansevero.com (find book links and socials)
- The Butterfly Stroke and Other Stories (collection discussed)
- Writers & Illustrators of the Future (contest referenced)
- Show site and contact: joerooz.com

Joe's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-to-cover-mortgage-escrow-shortage

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Special thanks to:

Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski

Sponsored by:
Podhome https://Podhome.fm
TNE Energy

(00:00:45 ) Cold open and studio banter

(00:03:56 ) Show intro from Eagle Pass and weekend recap

(00:06:10 ) Crypto recap with Marissa Lee and set-it-and-forget-it strategy

(00:07:38 ) Sunday Bible study series: dispensations and conscience

(00:08:55 ) Housekeeping and tease for tonight’s guest

(00:12:59 ) Value-for-value and contact info

(00:13:22 ) Guest intro: author Anne Marie Sansevero

(00:14:41 ) Icebreakers: nerd confession, books, trig for relaxation

(00:21:01 ) From Staten Island to the South: culture shock and cryptids

(00:23:46 ) Lifelong writing, single mom hustle, and courage themes

(00:25:56 ) The Butterfly Stroke: title origin and Neuralink premise

(00:28:46 ) Balancing science and heart; memory, blood, and identity

(00:32:00 ) Writers of the Future journey and recognition jitters

(00:35:46 ) Where to start in the collection: SF vs. fantasy picks

(00:43:41 ) Worldbuilding process: what-if loops and Babylon 5 spark

(00:49:37 ) When science catches up to sci‑fi and Star Trek talk

(00:56:16 ) Warnings from sci‑fi: AI, brain chips, and Skynet vibes

(00:57:35 ) Genre tour: steampunk, middle grade mashups, and themes

(01:00:50 ) Influences: Dickens, dignity, and historical courage

(01:05:47 ) Dogs, dinners, and winding toward the close

(01:10:21 ) Takeaways, where to find Anne Marie, and socials

(01:12:51 ) Host close: episode 200, announcements, and sign‑off

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

- Annmarie SanSevero

https://www.joerooz.com/support

https://www.joerooz.com