Citywide Blackout

ComiXology title shows a ride-share from hell

Writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo join me to talk about their five-issue series, “Afterlift,” available in full on ComiXology. The series follows Janice Chen, a ride-share driver who picks up a pair of mysterious passengers who are pursued by otherworldly forces, and realizes that her already-terrible day might be headed straight to hell.

Zdarsky, Loo, and I do a deep dive into the story and its origins, as well as some personal connections to the creators. Loo talks about the different vehicle designs he used, as well as how he gave form to the demons and landscape of hell.

ComiXology. is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

Tia Beale talks about how music and movies come together

Singer-songwriter Tia Beale was all set to host a release party—and then the pandemic put a halt to that. So while we wait for things to open up, she and I talk about her new single “Do It Over,” which speaks of the devastating loss of a close friend to suicide.

She also has a music video for the song and she highlights the team behind the production, and the previous one for her single “Coke and Mentos.” Tia lives in Sydney, Australia, and talks about some of the venues she loves to check out shows at.

Following this, I've got her new single, “Do It Over.”

 

 

Black Ghost co-writer talks about building a hero's world

Alex Segura and I dive into the world of “The Black Ghost” comic which he wrote with Monica Gallagher. We talk about the Lara Dominguez and her path from crime journalist to hero in a city rife with corruption. The world of “The Black Ghost” is one that took some time to make, and Alex goes into the world building process that he and Monica took on, as well as the many characters in it.

“The Black Ghost” is available exclusively on ComiXology. The service is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

The music scenes in Los Angeles and Boston

Singer-songwriter Stephanie James has had quite the journey, going from Boston to Los Angeles a year ago. She talks about the move and what led up to it and some of her favorite times in Beantown. We do a deep dive into each city's respective music scene and how they stand out. She's also putting the finishing touches on her debut album “Unbreakable,” set to be released later this year and talks about some of the new directions she's going in. A single from the album, “Throw Me a Rope,” is set to be released May 8.

Big thanks to Nina Pickell for her help in arranging this interview. If you're an artist looking to take your career to the next level, Nina has the skills and experience to make it happen.

Following this, enjoy the NPR Tiny Desk acoustic version of “Throw Me a Rope.”

 

The world of steampunk dragons

Author Michael Swanwick joins me to talk about his newest books, including “The Iron Dragon's Mother,” which concludes a trilogy that began 25 years ago and “City Under the Stars.” We talk a lot about world-building, how the publishing business has changed since he started writing, and the influence that fellow writer Gardner Dozois had on his life and career.

Mia Asano shares her stories from the stage

In this episode, Boston-based violinist Mia Asano talks about what it was like to perform with the amazing Lindsey Stirling, touring after graduating high school, and how the Denver fashion scene shaped much of her career. Asano is also a student at the Berklee College of Music and shares how things have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools nationwide.

A new take on artificial intelligence

Author Pat McKee takes on how one incorporates morality into artificial intelligence in his new book, “Ariel's Island.” In this book, Paul McDaniel is framed for the murder of a judge. He enlists Ariel, an artificial intelligence to help clear his name. Paul discovers that Ariel's lack of a moral code and his failure to guide her results in disaster as Ariel changes from able assistant and powerful rescuer to jealous mistress and, eventually, to murderous monster. The e-book is currently available for free through April 16, and I highly recommend you grab a copy.

Pat and I talk about how he built the foundation for this book and learned about the science behind the story, as well as going from a career in law to writing a techno-thriller.

What would you give up to stay safe?

Author Michael Bland joins me to talk about his debut novel, “The Price of Safety,” set in a world where an advanced surveillance system has where no crime goes unsolved. But what have we given up to achieve this? It's a question Michael tackles through his character Dray Quintero, who now must battle this system to save his daughter. Bland talks about his intense planning methods, the research that went into this book, and his plans for a trilogy.

Harpist shares her Arthurian-themed music

Classically-trained musician/harpist Jessica Victoria joins me to talk about how the legends of King Arthur have influenced her music, particularly her upcoming new album, set to be released in early May. Jessica has performed all over the world, including for Pope John Paul II, and gives a look at some places she'd love to add to her travel checklist. She also teaches and shares insight into her teaching style and some of the lessons she's learned over the years.

Following this interview, enjoy two of her songs, “Love Charm,” and “Some Songs Are For Crying.”

Breaking the stigma of suicide

In this episode, we learn what it means to lose someone to suicide. My guest, Nancy Caissie, lost her husband Larry on May 28, 2011 to suicide and she talks about the events leading up to this and the aftermath. She talks about the reaction from family and friends and the challenge of speaking about it with other people. She also looks at her life now: remarried, with her young children now grown up, and how she was able to take that step forward.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, know that help is available. The links below will take you to organizations that can offer support and counseling.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

Suicide Prevention Services of America

 

Suicide Prevention Services

 

Crisis Text Line

 

Suicide Prevention Resource Center