Episode 720 - Hollis Jo McCollum - Epic Dark Fantasy with Inspired Romantic Subplots

In this lively author episode, Dave is joined by dark fantasy writer and podcaster Hollis Jo McCollum for an unscripted, improv flavored conversation about creativity, connection and the realities of podcasting as an author. Hollis broadcasts from Suwanee, in the north metro Atlanta area, where she loves the local community, walking trails and especially the vibrant Korean cafes and markets that have become part of her daily rhythm. Her podcast is called “I Do What I Want!” which she describes as both a catchphrase and a mindset; she is not belligerent, but proudly stubborn about creating on her own terms, using improv skills instead of heavy editing and embracing a live, unedited format on YouTube and Spotify so listeners see the authentic process, cats and all.

Throughout the conversation, Hollis traces how improv, drama club and “yes, and” thinking shaped her confidence and on mic presence, and she and Dave dig into the importance of being fully present in conversations. That leads to a thoughtful tangent on how phones and constant screen time are eroding social skills and problem solving in younger generations, illustrated by a story about a Gen Z teen who is anxious about a simple interaction asking for napkins and by Hollis’s partner’s candid street photography full of “nose to phone” subjects. Both hosts advocate for being more present, talking to actual humans, and deliberately stepping outside comfort zones as a path to growth, creativity and better podcasting.

Hollis then shares the origin of “I Do What I Want!” which began as a single planned episode about the Dungeons and Dragons campaign that inspired her novel “To Save a World,” recorded with her best friend of over thirty years. Unsure how to start, she actually hired a production company to help her set up her mic, hosting and Spotify presence, and discovered she loved the format enough to keep going, mostly solo, with occasional author friends as relaxed guests. That experience taught her how critical scheduling is: she originally aimed for longer, twice monthly episodes but quickly learned that with a full time job, writing, marketing and life responsibilities, she needed a realistic rhythm. Now she anchors the show to one live episode on the last Sunday of each month, built on a simple half page outline with a few milestones, trusting that the format and voice will naturally evolve over time rather than being over planned from the start.

The episode also touches on her voice acting work, where she leans into character voices like the insidious villain Simoom, and on her strong feelings about listeners speeding up audiobooks and performance heavy podcasts. For Hollis, pacing, pauses and breathing are integral to emotional impact, so compressing audio feels like stripping respect from the performer and story, even though she concedes some people prioritize efficiency. As the conversation closes, Hollis talks about why podcasting remains worthwhile even though she is not chasing huge download numbers; it gives readers and potential fans a way to discover her personality, ask questions and connect outside crowded conventions.

https://www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com/

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EPISODE 719 - Alfred Muller - supernatural, occult fiction and traditional fantasy

Alfred Muller shares a personal, long-form reflection on writing, feedback, and growth as an author, framed by his Tennessee roots and a deep love of the craft. The episode weaves practical advice with candid stories—from embracing constructive criticism to the discipline of finishing a manuscript—into a portrait of how dedication, routine, and audience awareness shape a writer’s progress.

In this conversation, Muller emphasizes that criticism should be treated as a tool, not a personal attack. He recalls how classroom feedback helped him rework scenes for better dialogue flow and realism, underscoring the value of real-time critique when you can ask clarifying questions and observe responses. He also highlights the importance of understanding your audience and adjusting language and references to fit their world, which can prevent disconnects between narrator, character, and reader.

The discussion moves into the practical side of developing as a writer. Muller advises new writers to seek feedback in educational settings where instructors and peers can provide strategic, actionable notes. He reflects on the transformation that comes from revising with a cold, analytical eye after a delay, rather than reacting impulsively to criticism. The episode also touches the difference between drafting and publishing: the opportunity to solicit questions and explanations evaporates once a work is released to the public.

On craft and character, Muller discusses the process of building authentic dialogue and motivation. He describes how personal interests—like hockey—can flavor a character’s voice and choices, and how conveying believable speech requires attention to what the audience knows or cares about. The narrative delves into world-building choices, such as naming conventions and religious or mythological elements, to anchor supernatural or fantastical elements in human-scale concerns and emotions.

The episode closes with a candid look at publishing milestones, ongoing projects, and the ongoing balance between daily life and creative work. Muller shares the practicality of maintaining writing momentum during busy periods, using prompts and micro-writing exercises to push through blocks. He reminds listeners that finishing a draft is the gateway to meaningful revision, and that reading widely remains essential to sustain growth and keep perspective in a changing literary landscape.

Key takeaway for listeners: constructive feedback, thoughtfully received and applied, accelerates growth; finish what you start to unlock productive revision, and anchor fiction in relatable human concerns to keep characters and worlds compelling.

https://alfredmuller44.wixsite.com/alfred-muller-books

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EPISODE 718 - V. Maia - Cultural clashes and ordinary moments become intertwined with extraordinary dreams and the destiny of the universe

V. Maia is a Brazilian academic researcher, IT professional, and passionate storyteller. With a Ph.D. in cloud computing privacy and over two decades of experience in the information technology sector, his expertise ranges from data security to cybersecurity.

But V. Maia’s interests extend far beyond the digital realm. A lifelong fascination with astrophysics and science fiction fuels his imagination and shapes his perspective on life. His global travels, from his roots in Brazil to academic and professional pursuits around the world, have sparked deep reflection on cultural differences and the human experience.

In his debut novel, “Under Full Moons: A Tale of Parenting in Paris… and the Fate of the Universe,” V. Maia weaves a unique narrative that blends the mundane realities of parenting with the extraordinary possibilities of lucid dreaming and cosmic events.

When he’s not writing or exploring the mysteries of the universe, V. Maia can be found in his Brasilia home, cooking up delicious meals with his family.

Book: Under Full Moons
Vinícius takes on the challenge of moving from Brasilia to Paris with his family, where his wife will complete a master's degree. He will be responsible for looking after the children and the house. However, along with the cultural conflicts and the intense new family routine in France, Vinícius soon begins to have paranormal encounters, first in his dreams and then in waking life. These beings that contact Vinícius are desperate: they need his help to prevent the universe from being torn apart via a real-life cosmological and cataclysmic phenomenon called the Big Rip, in a faraway future. Although the entities are advanced and can travel through vast swathes of time, they are unable to prevent their own extinction. As Vinícius pieces together the puzzle presented to him, he learns that it all depends on his ability to harness lucid dreams. Unless Vinícius has these dreams, he will be powerless to alter the fabric of spacetime. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

https://vmaiaauthor.com/

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EPISODE 717 - Hal Glatzer - Accidental Detectives, Friends With Benefits and How Music Influences Writing

Hal Glatzer is a novelist who blends mystery with a rich musical background, sharing insights about his creative journey, his fiction’s settings, and the people who populate his work. The interview unfolds in three main threads: the mysteries Glatzer writes, the music he performs, and the biography that informs his storytelling.

Glatzer’s literary path begins in youth with classical training in violin and clarinet, moving through the folk revival and bluegrass, and finally embracing the Great American Songbook. This musical fluency informs his approach to dialogue and rhythm in fiction, where characters banter and move storylines forward through speech. His long-running Katy Green novels anchor his literary voice in historical-recovery and performance, while his current project centers on Herman and Teddy, an older couple who navigate an affair while solving murders. They are “accidental detectives” in a cozy mystery setting, chosen to explore grown-up themes with wit, warmth, and intellectual curiosity.

Grand Lake City, Glatzer’s fictional setting, serves as a crafted backdrop that mirrors real Rust Belt towns gradually reviving their economies. The two primary protagonists—Herman, a late sixties retired magazine editor, and Teddy, a middle sixties former high school math teacher—live a “friendship with benefits” relationship. Their dynamic blends sharp banter, contrasting personalities, and complementary lives, which continually challenge and propel the mysteries they stumble into. The series follows this duo across three novels so far: The Nest, The Office Wife, and The Two Birds, with plans for future installments and possibly revisiting the Katie Green character from his earlier work.

A central theme is how music—whether live performance or the memory of songs—deeply embeds itself in people’s brains and sustains memory, emotion, and identity. Glatzer describes performing for nursing homes and veterans as a powerful reminder that music often outlives other faculties, a belief that resonates with how he builds mood and atmosphere in his stories. He also explains that his storytelling relies on the tension between characters and situations: even a cozy mystery benefits from obstacles that threaten personal relationships and force protagonists to confront difficult choices.

For readers, the appeal lies in dialog-rich, character-driven mysteries where adults face real-life complexities, including marriage, friendship, and moral dilemmas, while the plot unfurls through witty dialogue and engaging puzzles. Glatzer emphasizes that his ideal reader is an adult who appreciates a well-crafted whodunit with authentic relationships and no graphic sexuality, while acknowledging that his work may test readers’ comfort with adultery within a carefully controlled narrative.

Key takeaway: Hal Glatzer’s mysteries thrive on character chemistry and dialogue as the engine of plot, pairing cozy, accessible puzzles with mature, nuanced relationships that keep readers thinking—and listening—for the next twist.

https://halglatzer.com/

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BONUS - Share Your Story, Poem and Writings Here on Living The Next Chapter

Thanks for supporting this podcast! I am putting in place a new way to support authors, writers and poets in their writing journey!

I want to feature your writings here on Living The Next Chapter. Share your poem, a portion of your chapter, something that you are working on - and do so right here on the podcast. The opportunity to share your work in progress with the world!

Go to my website, click on the "Speak Pipe" link right there on the website and record up to 5 minutes of audio (use it multiple times if need be) and read us your poem, snipit or portion of your work in progress for listeners of this show to hear.

If you want to avoid recording audio, then siimply email me what you want to have read and shared on a podcast episode featuring your work and don't forget to include how a fellow listener can connect with you - social media link, website, email - you never know who might hear your work in progress, your poem etc.

I will make an episode just about you, sharing your writings right here!

Looking forward to putting the spotlight on you!

https://poets.org/anthology/poems-your-poetry-project-public-domain

Original Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

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Episode 360 - Bob Young - True Golf - the story of Moe Norman and a new song with Bob's brother Neil Young

Our Guest - Bob Young was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1942. He was a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association for nearly three decades and first met Moe Norman in the early 1960s.

Like Norman, Young has always been intrigued by metaphysics and has had access to the leading trance mediums.

Young’s brother is Neil Young, the internationally recognized singer-songwriter.
Book: Mind Golf: The Troubled Genius of Moe Norman - At one of a series of clinics that former USPGA teacher of the year Craig Shankland staged, he asked Moe Norman in front of about 300 people, “What’s it like to hit perfect shots, Moe?” Moe paused and looked at the audience. Then, in jest, said, “You will never know.”

Mind Golf assembles and ignites the mental energy of the image of the shot-to-be. Moe “Pipeline Moe” Norman was a Canadian professional golfer and the best ball-striker the world has ever known. Author Bob Young met the eccentric golfer and traveled between Canada and Florida from the early 1960s to 2004, where he was able to observe Pipeline Moe for decades.

At the heart of the episode is Bob’s long relationship with legendary Canadian golfer Moe Norman. Drawing from decades spent practicing and playing alongside him, Bob offers rare insight into Moe’s extraordinary ability as a ball striker and his unique mental approach to the game. Moe’s concept of a “quiet mind” becomes a central theme, not as a mystical idea, but as a disciplined way of filtering out distractions and staying fully aligned with intention.

Bob explains how this mindset translates into a practical method for improving performance. By visualizing the full flight of the ball, from launch to apex to landing, and “feeling” the shot before executing it, golfers can create consistency and precision. He connects this process to a broader idea of energy, suggesting that the same creative force behind music, visualization, and peak performance is accessible when focus and awareness align.

The conversation also touches on Bob’s book, his experiences within golf culture, and the evolving ways he is sharing this knowledge through audio, video, and upcoming projects. Along the way, he reflects on Moe Norman’s life, his challenges, and the recognition he eventually received, painting a portrait of a misunderstood genius who stayed true to his path.

This episode ultimately explores the intersection of discipline, creativity, and awareness, showing how mastery in any field often comes from learning how to see clearly, think simply, and trust what you feel.

Key takeaway: Peak performance comes from aligning a clear mental image with a quiet, focused mind, allowing your body to execute naturally without interference.

https://bobyounggolf.com/

Published:

May. 01, 2024

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Episode 352 - Tammy J Cohen - Text Messages to My Sons - How to Connect Deeply with Your Kids in a Digital World

In this episode, Dave sits down with author Tammy J Cohen to explore a deeply relevant question in modern parenting: how do we truly connect with our kids in a world dominated by devices?

Tammy shares the unexpected origin of her book Text Messages to My Sons: Connecting Deeply in a World of Devices. What began as a simple desire to reach her three sons evolved into a powerful daily practice of intentional communication. Living in Manhattan and observing how deeply people are absorbed in their phones, she realized that traditional forms of connection were no longer effective. Instead of resisting technology, she chose to meet her children where they already were by sending meaningful, consistent text messages.

The conversation reveals how this small shift created a profound impact. Tammy’s messages moved away from reminders and discipline and toward encouragement, love, and shared wisdom. Without expecting responses, she focused on expressing what mattered most, reinforcing her sons’ worth, resilience, and value. Over time, this consistency helped reduce tension, strengthen their relationship, and create a lasting emotional connection.

Tammy also emphasizes the importance of accountability as a parent. By acknowledging her own struggles, past reactions, and personal growth, she allowed her children to see her as human. This honesty deepened trust and opened the door for more authentic connection. Her approach models a key shift in modern fatherhood and parenting as a whole: moving from authority alone to vulnerability, presence, and emotional awareness.

The episode also highlights how these messages extend beyond the immediate moment. Tammy reflects on the lasting legacy of words, suggesting that long after we are gone, it is these expressions of love and encouragement that remain. Her sons’ decision to write the foreword of her book speaks to the real impact of her efforts.

For parents listening, Tammy offers a simple but powerful invitation. Start where you are. Keep it natural. Be consistent. Whether it takes ten minutes or less, the act of showing up daily with intention can reshape your relationship over time. The goal is not perfection, but connection.

This conversation ultimately reframes what it means to be a good parent today. It is not about control or constant correction, but about creating a steady, meaningful presence in your child’s life, even through something as simple as a text message.

Key Takeaway:
Consistent, intentional communication rooted in love and honesty can transform your relationship with your children, proving that even small daily actions can leave a lasting emotional legacy.

@textmessagestomysons

FB text messages to my sons

The Book: Text Messages To My Sons - At the start of 2020, I began to immerse myself in a learning journey incorporating good health, spiritual and emotional intelligence, and personal growth. I needed to share this with my three sons, who are everything to me.

https://tammyjcohen.com/

Published: Apr. 12, 2024

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Episode 536 - Julie Riga - Stay on Course The Life and Legacy of Ennio Riga, Chef to the Stars

When Ennio Riga passed away in February 2016, he left behind an incredible legacy. To his many admirers who enjoyed his delicious culinary creations, he was a world-renowned chef.

To Julie Riga, he was a loving father who taught her the importance of leadership, perseverance, and determination.

About the Author

Julie Riga, Ennio’s daughter, continues his legacy as a leadership coach, trainer, speaker, and author. In compiling the stories for the book, Julie carries on Ennio’s tradition by helping others reflect, and then decisively act on, their own calls to greatness.

https://www.stayoncourse.io/
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