Citywide Blackout

Rock bottom. It’s something we hear about, but what does it mean to really be there? In this episode, Christopher McHugh talks about his own personal rock bottom in his book, “Zero to Sixty: From Rock Bottom to Victory.” He shares his own journey, the highs and the lows, and how he went from a place of hopelessness to one of joy. Christopher talks about the writing process, reliving those moments of his life and how his perspective has changed over the years. We discuss the message of the book and Christopher shares an honest and authentic response to how he would respond to someone in his position those many years ago. There’s a lot more, so visit https://rockbottomtovictory.com.

Musician, filmmaker, photographer—Peter Foldy has had an interesting carer to say the least. From 10 years making music (and counting!) to a lengthy list of film credits, Peter has a lot of stories to share, and we dive into some of them in this episode. Peter talks about his 10-years run in the music business, which included touring and several other hit records for labels such as Capitol/EMI, Polydor and RCA Records. He talks about getting into music and some of the highlights of his years on tour. He has a new single out called “In California,” and of course we take a look at what inspired this.  After relocating to Los Angeles, Peter got back to movies, writing and sold a teen comedy that managed to find worldwide success. Peter shares some of the stars he’s met during that time and talks about some recent projects that he has in the works. Peter also offers his advice to aspiring creators on first steps in both music and movies and if going to school for it is the right approach. Wrapping up this episode is the new single, “In California.” Want to learn more? Then visit https://www.peterfoldy.com/. Image Credit: Jonathan Stoddard

Thriller author, J. Lee has been a longtime friend of the show, and in this episode welcome him back to talk about his newest book, “The Social Silence,” now available. Here’s a look at what’s in store:  A prominent lobbyist dead from “natural” causes. An innocent woman seized without warning. A plot that will rewrite the future of the free world. The common denominator—former Marine Ben Siebert.  The hero who dismantled a biological weapons conspiracy and stopped a terrorist attack on American soil is back. But this time, he's not looking for a fight. Freshly exonerated after breaking every rule in the book to save thousands of lives, he just wants to disappear. A quiet life. No emergencies. No agencies. No ghosts.  The world has other plans.  From the moment Cassandra Boyle is seized by authorities without due process, nothing adds up. And after Siebert's mysterious connection to her surfaces, the walls close in fast. Hunted by a formidable CIA officer from his past and facing a foe who’s always a step ahead, he’s caught in the crossfire of a multijurisdictional investigation, racing to uncover a conspiracy that makes his previous missions look like rehearsals. And he’s out of allies, options and time.  J.Lee shares how it felt to reconnect with his main character Ben Siebert for this new book, and getting up to speed on all that has happened in previous books. We talk about the work that goes into crafting a really unique thriller plot, as well as how the writing process has changed for him over the course of six novels. J.Lee also gives his take on important first steps for those who want to get into writing, and the lessons they can learn along the way Like what you hear? Then visit https://www.jleethrillers.com.

This is an interview that has been a long time coming. Now Hear This President Bruce Wawrzyniak joins us to talk about his podcast, Now Hear This Entertainment, which he has been doing for years, interviewing musicians and other artists to share their stories with the world. Bruce goes into the start of the podcast, some of his memorable guests, and the different ways that he connects with them. But there’s more! As president of Now Hear This, Bruce has built a business all about promoting, so of course we need to pick his brain! Bruce talks about some first steps people can take on their artistic journeys, as well as some promoting methods that have fallen by the wayside that need to come back. We also dive into how artists can become more media-savvy and get those memorable interviews. Want to learn more? Then check out www.NowHearThis.net.

Fantasy and romantasy writer Alesha Escobar joins us to talk about her newest (of many) book, “The Queen’s Oath,” the first in the Soulweaver Trilogy. She shares the creation of her protagonist, the soulweaver Lysara Vale and how her quiet village life is transformed into a quest with the fate of a kingdom at stake.  Alesha has been writing for years and talks about how she kicked off this journey and the first book she ever wrote. She also talks about her character development process and what she has in store, including a film adaptation of her title, “The Tower’s Alchemist.” We also talk a little business and Alesha dives into some strategies for promoting your work, how be heard in this age of constant digital noise, and some first steps into the writing world. Check out more at https://www.aleshaescobar.com. And, for authors looking for more concrete, practical steps to sell their books, Alesha has a free three-step guide with actionable strategies to help kickstart their visibility, reach more readers, and boost book sales: Author Growth Kickstart Guide.

Silka Weil has established herself as an emerging voice in Canadian indie music with her self-titled debut EP in 2023. Based in Montreal, she brings a depth to the singer-songwriter genre with a blend of introspective folk-pop and post-grunge edge. In this episode, Silka and I talk about what got her stared in music, as well as how she has grown as an artist with her new EP, “Midnight Blue.” Along with the new music, she has a music video and we take a deep dive into the scenes and imagery throughout. Silka also talks about new music that she has planned, as well as her advice to those just starting out. Want to know more? Then visit https://www.silkaweil.com/, and enjoy the single “Make Me Lose Control,” from the new EP. Photo by Erika Lamon

Hi everyone! Citywide Blackout will be taking a brief hiatus while co-host Max Bowen focuses on a personal matter of some pretty major importance. We're planning to resume with a new episode of Citywide Bytes on Monday, Oct. 19. See you then! 

Wandering Planet Toys has turned heads with their line of collectible action figures that celebrate the pop culture icons of yesteryear. Now, co-founders Gavin Hignight and Chris “Doc” Wyatt are teaming up for an all-new line of retro-style action figures, featuring the coolest, quirkiest space travelers ever known to the universe: The Planetoid Raiders, inspired by Kenner Toys’ 1978 Star Wars action figures, and their off-the-wall competitor Tomland Toys’ Starroid Raiders. Doc joins me to talk about just what the Starroid Raiders are and how this inspired a new line of toys. We learn all about the characters of the Planetoid Raiders, their backstories and Doc shares his favorites. The company has a Kickstarter going now, and we talk about the progress made and what that’s meant for them. BTW, you can still join this crowdfunding effort! Have an idea for a toy line? Well, Doc talks about how to take an idea and make it happen. Learn more at https://wanderingplanettoys.com. Find the Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wanderingplanettoys/planetoid-raiders-retro-style-action-figures?ref=a2329m

Located on the historic Medfield State Hospital campus in the heart of MetroWest, Bellforge is a place for gathering, creativity, and shared experiences, where art is accessible, community-driven, and alive. Executive Director Jean Mineo joined us for a look at the site’s long history and how it went from a state hospital to a center for the arts. She takes us through the recent groundbreaking for the $30 million historic preservation and renovation project, converting the Chapel into a 300-seat flexible performance venue and the Infirmary into 17 practice rooms and classrooms, anchored by a new glass connector serving as the central lobby and gallery. She also introduces us to the team behind Bellforge, the story behind the name and what we can expect in the future. Curious? Check out https://bellforge.org for more!

Novelist, actor, professor, and popular podcast host Jaime Parker Stickle’s new novel “Take Hart” continues her "Corey in Los Angeles" crime series. Here’s a look at what’s in store: Corey Tracey-Lieberman is a former television journalist who’s determined to bring justice to her corner of Los Angeles, while balancing an increasingly challenging modem day-to-day reality: consulting for the LAPD; coping with the anxiety of parenthood; filing stories for an indie news blog; processing the failures of her marriage; meeting with her therapist; and navigating the romantic feelings for her crime-fighting partner, all while solving the mystery of yet another missing woman in the city of angels. Reader, it’s a lot.       Corey is barely keeping it together. And then a mother named Sonja Hart vanishes in her neighborhood, and the case is all but ignored. Sparked by maternal fury, Corey’s investigative instincts come roaring back to life in the second "Corey in Los Angeles" series, following the release of the series debut, Vicious Cycle.  In order to see the truth clearly, Corey must stop taking the meds that keep her anxiety at bay. Strapping her 14-month-old son Jacob to her chest, she follows a trail that leads from a suspicious house fire to the furtive activities of new neighbors. The more Corey digs, the more she uncovers about the secret toll of gentrification—and the closer she comes to the verge of a breakdown. And the horror dawns that the killer she’s been chasing has been watching her all along . . . Jaime and I go back to the beginning when this series got its start and talk about the creation of Corey’s character. She shares her process for crafting her mysteries and how her protagonist handles the investigative part of the job. She also shares some tips for those new to writing and how to break into the mystery genre. Want more? Then head to https://www.jaimeparkerstickle.com.