Podcast
In Conversation with Terry Shepherd
Hosted by Terry Shepherd · EN
In Conversation with Terry Shepherd, award-winning broadcaster and author of the Jessica Ramirez Thrillers. A deep dive into the people and support systems behind the stories we love.
23episodes
Episodes
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Tori Eldridge - Hawaii Rage
4d ago00:31:38Tap to summarizeUnburying Family Secrets in the Paniolo Country with Tori EldridgeThere is a particular kind of suspense that settles into the land, into families, and into histories that refuse to stay buried. In this episode, award-winning broadcaster, narrator, and author Terry Shepherd takes a deep dive into the writer's craft with one of his favorite authors—and best friends—Tori Eldridge.Tori joins the show to discuss her gripping seventh novel, Hawaii Rage, a multi-layered mystery that trades the typical tourist backdrops for the lush, complicated, and dangerous terrain of the Big Island's North Kohala. The story follows Mekalani, a highly overqualified seasonal interpretive ranger who gets pulled into a seemingly tragic ranching accident involving a grieving family and a deadly bull. But as the breadcrumbs unravel, a single death begins to expose generations of hidden secrets.Terry and Tori explore:The Rich History of the Paniolo: Discover Hawaii’s deep, historic cowboy traditions that pre-date the United States.Writing Place as a Character: How Tori uses visceral details—from trade winds to the sound of horse hooves—to ground her complex plots.The High-Wire Act of Audio Narration: Tori shares her experience stepping back into the studio with Brilliance Audio to personally narrate her diverse cast of characters, dialects, and Olelo Hawaii.Stepping Into the Unknown: A sneak peek into Tori’s next project—a standalone, first-person, present-tense psychological domestic suspense novel.Whether you are a fan of classic thrillers, rich cultural history, or the fine mechanics of storytelling, this deeply personal conversation offers an invigorating look behind the curtain of a master novelist at the height of her craft.About the GuestTori Eldridge is the author of the Ranger Makalani Pahukula mystery series and the Lily Wong series. A former actor, singer, dancer, and martial artist, she has expanded her repertoire to audio narration, bringing her own complex, multi-generational characters to life. She currently lives in Portland, where she balances her writing life with being a proud tutu (grandmother).Connect with Tori: Learn more about her books, background, and upcoming projects at ToriEldridge.com.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Martha Conway - We Meet Apart We Meet Apart
4d ago00:17:30Tap to summarizeWriting Across Realities with Martha ConwayWhat happens when an unsettling, real-life moment completely reshapes a creative journey? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with acclaimed novelist Martha Conway to explore her deeply moving and speculative new novel, We Meet Apart.Set in 1990s Ireland, the book follows two grieving sisters, Gabby and Sabine, navigating a dual reality: one rooted in the world we know, and another shaped by an alternate history where Nazi Germany has invaded Ireland. Separated across these parallel timelines, they are able to meet for a limited time at twilight—a narrative mechanic beautifully inspired by 17th-century Irish folklore. It is a quietly devastating exploration of love, sisterhood, and how we handle loss.In this conversation, Terry and Martha dive deep into the writing process, discussing:The Flight That Changed Everything: How a terrifying emergency landing during a transatlantic flight served as the creative sign Martha needed to write a novel set in her ancestral homeland.Unlocking the Title: The Emily Dickinson poem that provided the perfect, bone-chilling title after endless lists of options fell short.Balancing the Tension: Martha's tactical approach to pacing a dual-timeline narrative, ensuring the emotional weight of grief matches the high stakes of a wartime occupation.The Power of Sisterhood: How growing up in a large family with six sisters shapes Martha's frequent exploration of complex sibling bonds.A Sneak Peek at What's Next: A look into her upcoming novel, which takes place in a dangerous 1820 New Hampshire factory town.Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, magical realism, or powerful family dramas, this episode offers a fascinating look inside a master storyteller's process.About the Guest:Martha Conway is an acclaimed author known for weaving richly detailed historical worlds with deeply human stories. Her work frequently centers on the unbreakable ties, loyalties, and losses that define us. Discover more about her books, research trips, and upcoming projects by visiting her official website at marthaconway.com.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell - SHE WROTE, HE WROTE: A New York Love Story
2w ago00:26:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with authors Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell to discuss their collaborative romantic comedy, She Wrote, He Wrote: A New York Love Story. Set against the "beautifully chaotic" backdrop of New York City, the novel offers a unique split narrative that explores a single romance from two very different perspectives.Inside the StoryThe book follows the parallel journeys of two aspiring New Yorkers:Joanna: An East Village writer navigating a cramped walk-up, eccentric roommates, and a questionable boss.Logan: A Wall Street professional attempting to make his own mark while escaping the heavy expectations of his wealthy Connecticut family.A Partnership Born of "Sparks and Laughter"Ashley and Jordan share the delightful—and often hilarious—true story of their own meeting, which involves years of "near misses" before finally connecting at a multi-day wedding extravaganza in St. Martin. From failed pickup lines on the beach to Jordan’s ill-fated "crush" on a wedding band leader, they reveal how their real-life friendship and "riffing" eventually evolved into a professional writing partnership.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Art of Collaboration: How the duo balances Jordan’s focus on structure and outlines with Ashley’s emphasis on flow, humor, and "nurturing" the narrative.Literary Inspirations: The influence of New York staples like Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, and Wedding Crashers on their work.Writing for Everyone: Why this "chick-lit" inspired story actually skews heavily toward the male perspective, making it a relatable read for "the fellows" as much as the traditional romance audience.Dealing with Rejection: The authors discuss "thickening their skin" and treating rejection as a stepping stone to the finish line.A Sincere Dedication: Why the pair decided to dedicate the book to all of their ex-partners.Whether you are looking for the perfect "tequila-at-the-beach" summer read or an inside look at how two screenwriters tackle their first novel, this conversation is packed with humor, heart, and insight into the "dance" of storytelling."We’re not trying to change the world, but we need more joy. It’s a joyful book." — Jordan Rockwell We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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James Grady - Shadows on Sidewalks
3w ago00:27:48Tap to summarizeSOS: James Grady on Hometown Secrets, "Shadows on Sidewalks," and Reshaping the ThrillerEpisode Summary There are writers who define a genre, and then there are those who quietly reshape it from the inside out. In this episode, host Terry Shepherd is joined by legendary thriller author James Grady, whose breakout novel Six Days of the Condor originally introduced audiences to a world where paranoia, power, and survival collide.Grady discusses his latest novel, Shadows on Sidewalks—also known by its thematic abbreviation SOS—which is set in a small Montana town. The narrative follows protagonist James Trayvin, a man drawn back home by family obligations who quickly becomes entangled in a tightening web of deception, desire, and looming violence. Throughout the conversation, Grady shares his philosophies on storytelling, the profound influence of authors like Elmore Leonard on his relentless narrative pacing, and the absolute necessity of weaving real-world contemporary tensions into modern fiction.Topics Discussed:The Pull of Nostalgia: Grady explores how our hometowns shape us forever and why returning home can serve as both a fascinating refuge and a dangerous, ticking-clock trap.Real-World Horrors: The complex character of Lana LaBuff was crafted to spotlight the tragic reality of murders, disappearances, and discrimination faced by Indigenous women on reservations.Moral Ambiguity: A deep dive into how characters today are rarely inherently good or bad, but are simply humans navigating situations where making the "wrong" choice might be the only way to protect their loved ones.The Craft of Suspense: Grady explains his method for balancing psychological suspense with erotic tension, the importance of stripping away unnecessary adverbs, and why he allows his characters to organically hijack the dialogue and dictate the story's unconventional ending.An Author's Origin: Discover how growing up in a highly isolated Montana town with a movie theater manager father and a librarian mother provided the perfect cultural foundation for Grady’s global writing career.Words to Live By: Grady shares the heartfelt family motto that guides his personal life: "Do Good Walk True, and Be Happy".More about James Grady.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Mario Cartaya - Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints
Apr 2100:29:05Tap to summarizeReclaiming a Faded Past: Mario Cartaya’s Journey Back to CubaIn this episode, host Terry Shepherd speaks with acclaimed architect and author Mario Cartaya about his memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints.Fleeing Cuba at age eight after his father’s life was threatened, Mario suppressed his childhood memories for 56 years. After returning to the island, which he describes as being like a clock that stopped in 1959, he experienced a profound psychological reunion with his past.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Escape: Why his family had to leave Cuba in September of 1960 and the psychological encapsulation that locked away his memories.The Return: The powerful moment on a Havana balcony where his Cuban and American lives finally reunited.Architecture & Identity: How childhood toys, like an erector set and a toy crane, shaped his successful career as an architect.A Message of Peace: The importance of finding inner peace and his hopes for a free, transparent, and democratic Cuba with a capitalist economy.About Our Guest:Mario Cartaya is an author and the founder of an acclaimed architectural firm in Fort Lauderdale. His work and life achievements have been entered into the United States Congressional Record.Connect with Mario Cartaya:Website: MarioCartaya.com We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Ralph DeFalco - The Counterfeit
Apr 1100:24:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when history repeats itself and the global balance of power shifts overnight? In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with Dr. Ralph DeFalco, the "Renaissance man" and author behind the chilling political thriller, The Counterfeit.Ralph discusses the historical patterns and current geopolitical trends that inspired his vision of a fractured, post-conflict America. We explore a world where the United States has been economically crippled and politically compromised, forcing its citizens to navigate a new reality of desperation and foreign influence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Intersection of History and Fiction: How Ralph uses historical cycles to project a plausible and terrifying future for the United States.A Nation Divided: Inside the setting of The Counterfeit, where privilege and desperation live side-by-side under the shadow of a foreign power.The "What If" of Geopolitics: Exploring the logical conclusions of current global trend lines.Character-Driven Stakes: A look at the intense, personal moments of conflict that drive the narrative—where survival often depends on a split-second decision.Writing the "Plausible Future": Ralph’s approach to creating a thriller that feels uncomfortably real to modern readers.About Our Guest:Dr. Ralph DeFalco is an author and scholar often described as a "Renaissance man" for his broad expertise and deep understanding of historical patterns. His work focuses on the intersection of political power, national identity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic collapse.Featured in this Episode:The Counterfeit: The gripping political thriller by Dr. Ralph DeFalco.Enjoyed the conversation? Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more deep dives into the writer's craft with Terry Shepherd.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Mike Papantonio - A Death in Arcadia
Apr 900:25:12Tap to summarizeJustice, Legacy, and "A Death in Arcadia" with Mike PapantonioWhat happens when a legal case cracks open a wound a man has kept sealed his entire life? In this episode, award-winning broadcaster Terry Shepherd dives deep with legendary trial lawyer, radio host, and author Mike Papantonio to discuss his latest legal thriller, A Death in Arcadia.From the brutal reality of Florida’s youth detention centers to the high-stakes world of corporate litigation, Papantonio shares the real-life inspirations behind his fiction. He reveals how a 100-year history of abuse at a North Florida facility and a candid conversation with Paris Hilton led him to write this powerful story.In this episode, you’ll discover:The Personal Connection: Why Papantonio chose his former "cow town" hometown of Arcadia, Florida, as the backdrop for this gripping narrative.Art Imitating Life: The dynamic between the book's protagonist, Deak, and his daughter Kara—inspired by Papantonio's real-life daughter and law partner, Sarah.The Fight Against Bullies: Why Papantonio has spent his career "kicking over rotted logs" to take on corporate psychopaths and pharmaceutical giants.A Broadcasting Legacy: Reflections on the early days of the Air America Radio network alongside figures like Al Franken, Rachel Maddow, and Bobby Kennedy.The Future of the Craft: Why Papantonio isn't worried about AI replacing creative writers and his advice for aspiring authors who have a story to tell."I just hate bullies, Terry. I can’t tolerate a bully... whether I got punched in the face or whatever, I was gonna take the last swing on behalf of that person." — Mike PapantonioAbout Mike PapantonioMike Papantonio is a senior partner with one of the country’s most formidable law firms and a nationally syndicated radio host. A voice for victims of corporate negligence, he has spent his career at the intersection of law, power, and human consequence.Connect with the Author:Website: mikepapantonioauthor.com Latest Book: A Death in Arcadia—available wherever books are sold.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Kirsten Kashock - An Impossibility of Crows
Apr 700:15:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Terry Shepherd dives into the "uneasy space" of literary horror with poet and dancer Kirsten Kashock. They discuss her unsettling new novel, An Impossibility of Crows, a story that examines the haunting boundaries of devotion, inheritance, and control.The Horse-Sized CrowKirsten reveals that the book originated from a single, startling dream of a crow the size of a horse. While the image was jarring, she felt curiosity rather than fear, leading her to create a female "mad scientist" protagonist—a rarity in a genre typically dominated by male figures like Frankenstein.Logic, Longing, and MotherhoodThe conversation explores the character of Agnes, a scientist who begins the novel having lost her parents, her job, and her child. Kirsten explains how Agnes’s scientific mind attempts to "solve" her daughter Mina’s birth defect through a breeding program, inadvertently crossing the line between care and control.Key Discussion Points:Generational Inheritance: How Agnes is shaped by her mother’s poetic journals and her father’s history in the Vietnam War.The Isolation of the Pandemic: How writing during the global lockdown informed the book's themes of solitude and scientific obsession.The Voice of Science: Kirsten describes the effort of developing Agnes’s scientific tone and the use of a journal format to sustain tension.The Art of Revision: Why Kirsten views the first draft as "vomiting the clay" and revision as the essential "sculpting" of a story."The things that we bury do not stay dead." For readers who seek the "pleasurable dread" of the dark and the unsettling, this interview offers a deep dive into the craft of a writer who isn't afraid to get "close to the bone".Connect with Kirsten Kashock:Website: kirstenkashock.com Latest Book: An Impossibility of Crows We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Moderation with Cara Black and Michele Drier
Apr 300:21:11Tap to summarizeSooner of later, if you attend an author conference, you may have the opportunity to moderate a panel. Two ace moderators discuss the key factors that make a great performance.Cara Black best known for the twenty-one novel mystery series featuring Aimée Leduc a female Paris-based private investigator, as well as the thrillers Three Hours in Paris, a national bestseller, and Night Flight to Paris. Her work has been translated into seven languages and she's included the 2nd edition of Great Women Writers curated by Elizabeth Lindsay.Michele Drier writes about strong women who find themselves in precarious situations they couldn't have predicted. Her worlds are filled with fascinating characters and immersive settings that hook your interest and never let go.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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Dennis Palumbo - Panic Attack
Apr 100:32:39Tap to summarizeThe Psychology of Fear and the Art of the ThrillerIn this episode, Terry Shepherd sits down with Dennis Palumbo, a licensed psychotherapist and veteran Hollywood screenwriter whose credits include the Emmy-winning Welcome Back, Kotter and the classic film My Favorite Year. Palumbo discusses his dual life as a therapist for creative minds by day and a mystery novelist by night.Exploring Panic AttackThe conversation focuses on the release of Panic Attack, the sixth installment in Palumbo's Daniel Rinaldi series.The Plot: The story begins with a shocking act of violence—a sniper opening fire during a college football game.The Protagonist: Daniel Rinaldi is a Pittsburgh Police consultant and trauma expert who treats victims of violent crime.The Motivation: Rinaldi's mission is driven by his own "survivor guilt" following a mugging that claimed the life of his wife.The Themes: The novel explores the "Age of Trauma," examining how modern culture, social media, and global instability fuel collective anxiety.Behind the Scenes: The Patient and HollywoodPalumbo shares fascinating insights into his work as a consulting producer on the Hulu series The Patient, starring Steve Carell.Real-Life Inspiration: Carell’s character, a kidnapped therapist, was visually and professionally modeled after Palumbo himself, right down to the salt-and-pepper beard.Clinical Accuracy: Palumbo provided the writers with the specific language and psychological reactions a therapist would use in such an extreme, "arcane" situation.Advice for CreativesDrawing from his experience in therapy and the arts, Palumbo offers wisdom for those trying to create in a "crazy time":Your Voice Matters: He emphasizes that every person has a story worth telling and that "all serious daring starts from within".The Joy of Process: Referencing research on happiness, he notes that fulfillment comes from the "successful pursuit of a goal," rather than just achieving the goal itself.Audio Release InformationThe audiobook for Panic Attack, narrated by Eric Sm, is scheduled for release on April 7th. Listeners can find Dennis Palumbo's work in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats.We all inevitably become the brand. And that's why I wrote, "How to Become a Dynamic Podcast Guest and Sell Stuff." It's a sweet and short primer that teaches you about the gear, the appearance and the messaging that can grab and hold today's micro-attention spans and motivate your listeners to take action. It's Just a dollar ninety nine at Amazon. Grab your copy today and sell mo
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