Citywide Blackout

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. 

Citywide Bytes—Never trust a smiling clown

Let’s face it—clowns are downright terrifying and in John Ward’s new book, “Scareville 8: Food to Die For,” we’re introduced to Chunko the Clown and find out just why you never want to mess with them. Here’s why:

Traverse City, Michigan, seems like the perfect small town—until a cheerful jingle and a pudgy clown mascot turn everything upside down. When the new burger joint, Chunko Town, opens its doors, the town can’t wait to meet Chunko the Clown. But the friendly facade hides a sinister secret. 

Middle graders Kira and her friends quickly learn the hard way: whatever you do—don’t anger the clown! With each daring misstep, Chunko’s cheerful grin twists into something far more terrifying, and the kids find themselves trapped in a nightmarish game of wits and courage.

In this episode, John and I talk about clowns in horror, writing for a middle grade audience, and get a glimpse into his soon-to-be-released debut in adult horror.

Citywide Bytes—Whatever you do, stay out of the water

Picture this—It’s 1,000 years into the future, and Earth is a dying world. The ocean itself has become The Caul, a predator that lures in and devours anyone that goes near it. Humanity has fled the planet, and few people dare to return. 

Mae Jameson is an octogenarian former Service agent who arrived on Earth 30 years ago to find her lover. When she encounters Siofra, a mute girl, wandering alone by the shore and returns home, they discover the girl's father, rogue scientist Carl Magellan, hanging from a noose. Unwilling to leave the matter in the hands of the facility Carl abandoned years ago, Mae takes Carl’s journals—which detail his obsession with the Caul and its mysteries—and sets about investigating.

That’s the story of “Exo,” the debut sci-fi novel by Colin Brush, out on Nov. 18. In this episode, Colin talks about what the Caul is and what inspired its creation. He and I discuss protagonist Mae Jameson and the quest before her, and the role tat Siofra plays in the book. We go into his lengthy background in literature and how that helped, and look at the possibility of a second book.

Citywide Bytes—Seeing the sights on Exorcism Island

Hey everyone, let’s take a trip to Exorcism Island! It’s a tropical paradise with sunny skies, pristine beaches…..but with demons. Lotsa demons. But don’t take my word for it, here’s a look at the story:

Following a terrifying confrontation with a possessed woman, Father Gigi Amato finds himself sent to a remote Caribbean Island run by the Vatican to join a group of priests tasked with looking after the most troubled, long-term, demonic possession cases. The group of psychologically and emotionally bruised priests bicker and bond in their attempt to keep the madness of the island under control, but dark forces are working against them from all sides as evil digs its nails into their spiritually poisoned, isolated home.

This new series from Comixology launches Oct. 21 and series writer Jordan Thomas joins me to talk about the origin of the story and what it was like working with artist and longtime fiend Chris Matthews. Jordan goes into the characters and what has led to them calling Exorcism Island home and what we can expect over the next five issues.

A brother’s story and a sister’s journey

At 13 years old, Kristina Amelong's brother predicted his own death with unsettling accuracy. No one believed him – until it happened exactly as he said.

Haunted by this, Jay’s death sent Kristina into a spiral of addiction and recklessness. Decades later, determined to understand the meaning behind his prediction, she embarked on a journey that led to resilience, healing, and a deeper exploration of the mysteries that shape our lives. This led to her writing the memoir, “What My Brother Knew.”

In this episode, Kristina talks about Jay, and the prediction he made to his family. She talks about the journey she took after her brother’s death and who she is today. We look at her decision to write this book and how her family responded to it. Kristina shares the message in “What My Brother Knew” that she hopes to impart to readers.