Plot Twist Radio

What happens when a lifelong photographer realizes photographers might make the perfect spies? In this entertaining and wildly unpredictable episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with photographer and author Kirk Vo Klain to discuss his journey from nearly 50 years behind the camera to writing the spy thriller Double Exposure. Kirk shares hilarious real-life stories from his phot...

When retired nurse and author Lana Wilhelm’s husband suffered a life-changing stroke, everything she thought she understood about caregiving changed overnight. In this emotional and deeply honest episode of Plot Twist Radio, Lana shares the reality of life after stroke — from caregiver burnout and grief to resilience, healing, and rediscovering purpose. Together, Erin and Lana discuss the emotiona...

Former pro snowboarder Kevin Pearce joins Plot Twist Radio for one of the most powerful conversations yet. Once considered one of the top snowboarders in the world — defeating legends like Shaun White and preparing for Olympic glory — Kevin’s life changed forever after a devastating traumatic brain injury. In this emotional and inspiring interview, Kevin opens up about fame, identity loss, recover...

The Olympics are meant to unite the world—but what happens when global politics, terror threats, and hidden agendas collide beneath the surface of the Games? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with author and former Olympic journalist Joe Battaglia to discuss his gripping thriller Beneath the Rings . Drawing from years covering the Olympics and international sports for...

A must-listen for fans of 80s rock, classic rock history, Jersey Shore music, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and the legendary Asbury Park music scene. Rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Bobby Bandiera joins Plot Twist Radio for a candid conversation about the legendary Jersey Shore music scene, life on the road, and the unforgettable artists he’s worked beside throughout his career. From perfor...

What’s the real story behind the songs that defined the 2000s? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Erin sits down with Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik and his wife, former EMI executive and author Carla Ondrasik, for an intimate conversation about music, fame, creativity, family, and the emotional stories behind iconic songs like “100 Years” and “Superman (It’s Not Easy).” John opens up...

What happens when a lifelong clinical psychologist turns family history into a powerful historical novel? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with author and former clinical psychologist Leslie Schover to discuss her debut novel Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak , inspired by her parents’ experiences living in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. Leslie shares the real stories p...

What happens when a deathcore frontman trades the stage for the world of AI startups and executive leadership? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with Matt Jones — former frontman of Martyr Defiled and newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer at frontier AI startup Corpora — to talk about identity, reinvention, authenticity, and the surprising skills that transfer from music to busine...

What happens when a lawyer walks away from everything to follow the pull of storytelling—and ends up writing about the future of artificial intelligence? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Mark Peres shares his incredible journey from civil litigation to professor of leadership and ethics, and ultimately to author. We dive into his novel The Accord , a philosophical thriller exploring the emoti...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , host Erin Egnatz sits down with author Stuart Jaffe, the creative mind behind the Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries and Pathway Ring series. With over 70 books spanning paranormal mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller genres , Stuart shares how he blends real historical events with supernatural elements like ghosts, magic, and hidden worlds. From disco...

What happens when you finally stop saying “one day” and start writing your story? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , host Erin Egnatz sits down with UK-based thriller author Gemma Denham to talk about her journey from children’s book illustrator to suspense novelist—and how a “before 40” bucket list changed everything. Gemma shares the inspiration behind her debut novel The Storm , a chilling l...

What if making a wish wasn’t just wishful thinking? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with Brownell Landrum to explore the fascinating intersection of storytelling, science, and something a little more… cosmic. Brownell is a writer who blends fiction, metaphysics, and real scientific research to explore what she calls the art and science of wishing . From neuroplasticity and the bra...

What really happens in a moment that becomes baseball history? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , former MLB infielder Geoff Blum takes us inside one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball—the 14th inning of Game 3 of the 2005 World Series. From stepping into the batter’s box after hours of tension… to the swing that helped secure a championship for the Chicago White Sox… Blum shares wha...

What really happens when a first-time author lands a publishing deal… and it turns into a nightmare? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with author Isis Chandler to talk about her debut novel What Draws Us Apart , her love of storytelling, and the unexpected (and shocking) reality she faced in the publishing world. Isis opens up about: Her journey from lifelong storyteller to publish...

In this powerful episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with author and nonprofit founder Helen Aitchison to talk about the journey from a 20-year career in social care to becoming a published author whose stories are changing lives. Helen shares how her work in social services—supporting individuals facing homelessness, addiction, trauma, and loss—deeply shaped her writing, allowing her to crea...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with Teri M. Brown—author, speaker, and storyteller whose journey to becoming a published writer is anything but ordinary. After spending years in an emotionally abusive relationship, Teri made a life-changing decision: she got on a bicycle and rode over 3,000 miles across the United States. What started as a physical challenge became something much...

What if the key to living a fuller life… is realizing it won’t last forever? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Erin sits down with Michael Drake—author, educator, and mindset coach—to explore a powerful shift in perspective that can change everything. After experiencing personal loss, Michael began asking deeper questions about time, purpose, and the way we live day to day. What started as pri...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , host Erin Egnatz sits down with author Robin Leemann Donovan to talk about her unconventional journey from running a successful ad agency to writing bold, laugh-out-loud murder mysteries. Robin shares how a difficult business partnership pushed her toward creativity, why she writes humorous crime fiction, and the story behind her unforgettable book titles—incl...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Erin sits down with journalist and Stuck in the ’80s podcast co-creator Steve Spears to explore the music, memories, and cultural moments that made the 1980s unforgettable. With over 800 episodes and two decades of storytelling, Steve shares how a short-term podcast experiment turned into a global community built on nostalgia and connection. From interviewing...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Erin sits down with April Henry , New York Times bestselling author of over 30 gripping mysteries and thrillers, to dive into the dark—and fascinating—world behind her stories. From a childhood letter to Roald Dahl that helped launch her career, to her latest novel In the Blood , April shares how she crafts fast-paced, suspenseful stories that keep readers hoo...

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Erin sits down with young adult author Grace Ogren to talk about her journey from writing her first novel at sixteen to publishing her dystopian debut, Gilded Evils . Grace shares how the desire to read a story that didn’t yet exist inspired her to start writing—and how that moment shaped her path as a storyteller. We dive into the realities of self-publishing...

What does it really take to break into Hollywood today—and do you actually need permission to do it? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with Jessica Richmond (aka J. Rich)—a Los Angeles-based writer, actor, producer, and founder of Genius Pills Media. With over 15 years in independent production, Jessica has built a career by creating her own opportunities and refusing to wait for tr...

What if a book could bring generations together through music, memory, and storytelling? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with author and TLC Book Design founder Tamara Dever to talk about her uniquely interactive children’s book, The Day We Found Yesterday —a nostalgic, music-filled experience packed with hidden Easter eggs, visual puns, and even real celebrity cameos. Tami shares...

What happens when a crime writer doesn’t know who the killer is… until the very end? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , I sit down with Gregory Sallee , author, veteran, and crime fiction writer, to explore the dark, fascinating world where true crime and storytelling collide. Drawing from his background in law enforcement training and his love of thrillers, Gregory creates suspenseful, psychol...

What happens when you return to a passion you put on hold for decades? In this episode of Plot Twist Radio , Erin sits down with songwriter and musician Tim Tye, who spent 45 years practicing law before fully stepping into his creative life. From writing songs as a teenager to releasing multiple albums and earning award nominations—including recognition tied to the Grand Ole Opry—Tim’s journey is...