Citywide Blackout

Citywide Bytes—John Ward returns with “A Blackened Heart”

Horror author John Ward is back, but instead of killer clowns, we’re talking about dark entities in his new book, “A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul,” now out through Crystal Lake Publishing.

John Tinsley’s life was shattered as a child when he lost his mother in a tragic car accident—but that was only the beginning. From that moment, a dark entity marked him, one intent on destroying everything and everyone he loves. Haunted by visions, hunted by shadows, and carrying the scars of his childhood, John must now confront the darkness as an adult, facing a malevolent force that has followed him into every stage of his life.

John talks about the how his own life and the people in it provided inspiration for the book and the experience of revisiting these moments as he penned the novel. We even go into his career as a paranormal investigator and how this factored into the book. And of course, we talk about the sick cover that he used and get introduced to the brilliant mind behind it!

Like what you’ve heard? Then click on the link below to purchase John’s works. You can also find him on Instragram under john_ward_horror, where he’s always exploring the dark corners of his books.

John Ward on Crystal Lake Publishing— https://www.crystallakepub.com/product-tag/john-ward/

From podcast to publication—the story of “The Second World”

After a decade of working in Hollywood on shows like “Arrested Development” and a project with Danny DeVito and Jeff Goldblum, writer Jake Korell took what started as a “truly awful adult animated TV pilot,” then transformed it to a podcast series and finally into his first novel, “The Second World.”

“Mars has declared its independence from Earth. But building a country takes more than a new flag, an arena-worthy anthem, and naming Pluto the donkey the national animal. As the Red Planet spirals into political upheaval, Flip Buchanan—the irreverent, reluctant son of the most powerful man on Mars—stumbles through two tumultuous decades of alien discoveries, killer clones, and the chaos of a new nation still working out the kinks. 

Always second-best in a family obsessed with being first, Flip must grapple with the absurdity of Martian society and the gravity of legacy to step out of his father’s shadow and define self-worth on his own terms—a feat that can feel as impossible as climbing Olympus Mons.”

In this episode, Jake talks about the origin of this “truly awful” story, how he adapted it to a podcast, and the ‘ah-ha’ moment when he knew he had a book on his hands. He talks about the main character, Flip Buchanan, how he came to be and his role in the story. Jake also shares some parallels between the world he treated on Mars and the one we still live on. 

Sandy Netburn marks a milestone with “Issues”

On her 18th birthday, Sandy Netburn marked the occasion with the release of her 14-track debut album, “Issues.” Soon after, she released the music video for the single “I’ve Got Issues,” she also directed. And that’s just the beginning!

Sandy joined us to talk all about the different themes she takes on in “Issues,” including politics and what it means to be human. She shared the creative process of the album, being in the recording studio for the first time, and what she has planned for the next project.

In addition to her music, Sandy is also a ventriloquist and podcast host. She dives into the origins of these aspects of her creative work and what motivates her to keep going.

Closing out this interview is the single, “I’ve Got Issues,” and we hope you give the rest of the album a listen or three.

Citywide Bytes—Henry Lees released collaborative single with “Smoke”

Welcome to the first Citywide Bytes for 2026! Joining me is Toronto-based singer-songwriter Henry Lees to talk about his new single “Smoke,” which he co-wrote and produced with Sean Thomas, a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. In this interview, Henry talks about the origin of the song, the creative process with Sean, and what he has planned for 2026. 

Closing out this interview is “Smoke,” and I hope you enjoy the funky sound.

Jeff Flaster shares a tale of redemption in “Following Jimmy Valentine”

Over the years, Citywide Blackout has featured music, books, film and comics—but how about a musical audiobook. Join us as we talk with writer Jeff Flaster for his new musical audiobook, “Following Jimmy Valentine,” out on Feb. 2.

Based on the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry, the story blends jazz music, noir comedy and a timeless tale of redemption.

At the heart of the book is reformed jewel thief Jimmy Valentine, a man trying to start anew under the watchful eye of a jaded New Orleans detective. As he falls for Annabel Adams, his hopes of redemption collide with the weight of his past.

Flaster talks about how this story came together and the many years he worked on it. Flaster shares how he blended the story with music, and even gives a few glimpses into the amazing songs that you’ll hear. He also talks about the West End icons that are part of the cast and the way they brought the characters to life. 

Citywide Blackout returns for 2026!

Citywide Blackout is back for 2026! Hosts Max Bowen and Curtis Hughes recap the highlights of 2025 and look forward to a new year with many more stories from artists from around the world. 

Citywide Blackout episodes will return on Friday, Jan. 16, with our talk about the audiobook musical “Finding Jimmy Valentine.”

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