Citywide Blackout

The Night Crew returns in Brad Ricks’ new book

On Nov. 14, Crystal Lake Publishing released “The Night Crew 2: Bloodlust” by Brad Ricks, the sequel to “The Night Crew.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

The Night Crew thought they'd seen it all-werewolves, vampires, and things too monstrous to name. Michael and his team are about to face something far deadlier: a supernatural killer with an insatiable thirst for blood and a plan to unleash chaos on New Orleans. This time, the enemy isn't hiding in the dark—they're walking boldly among the living, leaving a trail of corpses in their wake. 

As the Night Crew fights to stop the bloodshed, they also confront their own inner demons: haunting memories, deadly secrets, and the chilling realization that some monsters aren't born—they're made.

Brad talks about how he built on the first book to create his series and some of the elements he plans to include. He shares what challenges the Night Crew will face in the new book and the demons they’ll square off with.

We also go into how Brad came to work with Crystal Lake, as well as the story behind the chilling cover art. There’s audiobooks for all his books [with the one for “Bloodlust” soon to be released] and Brad talks about how he knows a voice actor is the one to work with.    

Citywide Bytes—The hardest part of staying together

Can a loving relationship endure career setbacks, infidelities, and mismatched sexual desires? This is the question psychologist Bonnie Comfort addresses in her book, “Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets and Sacrifice."

In this episode, Bonnie talks about her 30-year marriage to Bob, a Hollywood screenwriter, and the various challenges they faced along the way. She also shares her message to readers and how she faced her own life in the writing process.

Government secrets and reluctant protagonists in debut thriller

M.B. Courtenay joins us to talk about his soon-to-be-released thriller, “A Spy Inside the Castle” (Dec. 9, Castlemartin). The book follows “reluctant” operative Ethan Briar as he explores a secluded government estate as he tries to find a mole leaking secrets to the US’ enemies.

M.B. talks about the inspiration for this book that came about during the pandemic, as well as his writing process. He dives into the creation of Ethan Briar and how he handles a discovery that he is wholly unprepared for. M.B. also shares the creation of his own imprint, Castlemartin and gives some advice for prospective writers on releasing their own debut books.  

Citywide Bytes—Wayward Vine marks music milestone with “The Fall”

For this episode, I’m joined by Valerie Rachel and Greg Lawrence of the Americana/folk band Wayward Vine. They just released their debut album, “The Fall,” and we go into the songs they resonate with and plans for a second album.

We also talk band origins, the band’s name and how they pivoted to the Americana style. They’ve got some cool shows coming up, including one with an old friend of the show.

Closing out the interview is “Hannah,” one of the songs in their debut release.

Photo Credit: Diana Levine Photography

Robert Ellis Orrall’s band returns to the studio after 40 years

The year was 1986, and, perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, Robert Ellis Orrall and his band recorded their final album together. Nearly 40 years later, the boys are back with “Wrong Thing,” a heartfelt collection of music that involves some powerful connections.

In this episode, Robert shares what it was like to reunite with the band and be back in the studio after all these years. We go into the different songs and the stories behind them, including “Crazier,” which Robert co-wrote with the legend Taylor Swift back when she was just starting out.

Robert and the band haven’t just been recording new music. They’ve been on stage as well and he talks about that experience and their plan for some new releases in the future. Around 20 years ago, Robert started Infinity Cat Recordings, and talks about the industry and its many changes over the years.

Closing out this interview is “When I Need To Feel You,” a song that really connected with me. 

Citywide Bytes—The Fool’s Agenda shows a new shine in “Fool’s Gold”

With their sophomore album, “Fool’s Gold,” the Cape Cod-based band The Fool’s Agenda shows a more refined style and sound, and in this episode, vocalist Rhiannon Raine talks about how they got there and the new elements they got to try out.

The band formed in late 2019, and Rhiannon shares what it was like to have to suddenly stop when the pandemic hit, and how they pivoted to remain present at a time when live shows and tours weren’t an option. We talk about new projects for later this year, as well as what else they have in store for 2026.

Closing out this interview is the band’s single Dumb (Take Me Out),” from the new album.

Taking the chance to get it right in "The College Try"

What if you could go back and do it all over again? That’s the premise of Olivia Cuartero-Briggs’ new comic, “The College Try,” out in February 2026 through Maverick, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios.

Rachel, a desperately single Chicago comedian attends her 20-year college reunion in a disastrous attempt to win back the one who got away. But, in a magical twist of fate, she is sent back to 2003 - her sophomore year of college - for one last chance to fix it all. 

Olivia, in her third appearance on the show, talks about the inspiration for the story and how her own college experiences played a role. We examine the protagonist Rachel del Rio, her flaws and how Olivia prefers to work with less-than-perfect characters.

The book takes place in 2003, and Olivia and Max dive into that era and how it felt to relive it through the pages of “The College Try.” Returning artist Roberta Ingranata brings the story to visual life and it’s her second book with Olivia, the first being “Jill and the Killers.” Olivia shares her working relationship with Roberta and what it was Ike to team up once again.

Interview with a vampire (book writer)

Vampires, demons, and a trip to Hell—there’s a lot to discover in author Jonathan Fortin’s Lilitu series, and in this episode, he’s sharing all the details about his recent release, “Bloody Caleb.”

22-year-old Caleb Schwartzenfeld is a vagrant violinist struggling to make ends meet in the cutthroat squalor of Victorian England. But when his hunt for a patron causes him to be sacrificed by an insidious cult, Caleb awakens in Hell: a nightmarish underworld where he cannot die, no matter how brutally the demons there torture him. 

Determined to not let the agony drive him mad, Caleb makes up his mind: he will escape from Hell, reunite with the woman he loves, and get revenge on those responsible for his murder. But it isn’t long before he discovers that the only way he can return to the earth is by becoming a demon, joining the very creatures that torment dead mortals like him.

Jonathan talks about the inspiration for the story and the worldbuilding he did to create the world of Lilitu. We discuss the character of Caleb, how he changes in Hell and the choices he makes afterward. Jonathan also gives some tips about creating the world for a story and his own experience as a voice actor, which ties into the audio release for “Bloody Caleb.”

Citywide Bytes—Origins, new music and milestones with Bess Chew

In July 2024, singer-songwriter Bess Chew released her debut single, “Getaway,” and since then she’s been performing, releasing new music and making plans for her future in the industry. In this episode, we’re talking about what got her into music, her new single “You Are” and what she has in store in 2026.

Closing out this interview is her new single, “You Are,” and we’ll be talking about the inspiration for this song.

The chance encounter that led to "Ordinary Soil"

In Alex Woodard’s book, “Ordinary Soil,” readers are introduced to a young farmer, burdened by a mysterious family legacy and modern-day despair, who attempts to take his own life, and in doing so, sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried secrets.

Alex joins the show to talk about how he met Zach Bush, M.D., and how the unexpected conversation they would have would inspire the story of “Ordinary Soil.” We discuss the different perspectives in this book that are separated by decades and what each has to share. Alex also talks about the message he hopes to impart to readers.

There is an audiobook version of “Ordinary Soil,” voiced by the absolutely amazing team of Scott Brick and George Newbern. Alex shares how he met with Scott and George, the different voices that each brings to the table and how they brought the story to life. Alex also offers some advice for those looking to bring their own stories to the world.