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Spirit Talk Show blends personal stories, original fiction, and AI-enhanced tales with immersive sound design and voice actors. Each episode features spontaneous cold readings that explore the eerie, hilarious, and heartfelt. From dynamic radio plays to real conversations, we celebrate storytelling in all its forms—amplifying voices and sparking imagination. Discover why thousands are tuning in. Spirit Talk Show: Because every voice holds a universe. Now, go make a story worth telling.
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In a Spirit Talk Show first, we welcome the incomparable Mike Tentis—marketer, storyteller, chorus veteran, and now... impromptu singer! That’s right: this episode features the debut of live singing on the show, and Mike doesn’t hold back.From turfgrass to choral harmonies, Mike shares his rich journey from Midwestern roots to Sacramento's LGBTQ+ stage. Along the way, he treats us to heartfelt reflections, a soulful tribute story (so good he wants it read at his funeral!), a hilarious tale of gopher-infused love on the golf course, and a Minnesota cow named Bessie with opinions about oat milk and sequins.With wit, warmth, and surprise vocals, Mike shows us what it means to live with humor, harmony, and grace. This is an episode full of laughter, insight—and yes, a musical number or two.Don't miss the one where the chorus came alive... and so did the moo.
Spirit Talk Show kicks off Season 5 with a special extended premiere featuring Emmy-winning television writer and licensed therapist David Silverman. From penning episodes of ALF, Newhart, The Wild Thornberrys, and South Park to guiding screenwriters through emotional burnout, David’s career is a testament to both creative brilliance and human depth.In this unforgettable conversation, we dive into:What really went down behind the scenes of ALFHow David accidentally received The Simpsons director’s paychecksWhy rejection stings and how to survive itThe truth about writing rooms, residuals, and rewriting under pressureAnd how a second act in psychotherapy made him a better storyteller — and mentorWe also discuss his must-read book How to Be a Rockstar Screenwriter, praised as “six stars” by Emmy winner Robert Illes and packed with hard-won advice for anyone who dreams of making screenwriting a career — or at least paying the bills.Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran ready to pivot, this episode is your backstage pass to the craft, the chaos, and the care it takes to stay standing in Hollywood.
What happens when science fiction dares to tell stories that feel like home? In the exciting Season 4 finale of Spirit Talk Show, we welcome internationally acclaimed author MD Neu, whose work blends the otherworldly with the deeply personal — from haunted suburbs to underwater civilizations, always with LGBTQ+ characters at the heart of the tale.Neu joins us for a powerful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about why representation matters, how AI is reshaping creative landscapes, and what keeps storytelling sacred in an age of automation. We cold-read AI interpretations of his work (with surprising results), and Neu reflects on the difference between prompt-driven plot and soul-driven narrative.You’ll also hear about his newest book, Golden Hills Haunting, a gripping paranormal novel about a gay couple, their daughter, and the sinister truths buried beneath their picture-perfect neighborhood.📚 Learn more and connect with MD Neu:Website: www.mdneu.comAmazon Author Page: MD Neu on AmazonBlueSky: @authormdneu.bsky.socialInstagram: @authormdneuFacebook: mdneuauthorBecause sometimes the most fantastical stories are the ones that tell the truth.
This Pride Month, Spirit Talk Show dares to walk the often avoided path—right into the heart of the conversation where queerness and faith collide. In this powerful episode, host Doyle confronts the historical, cultural, and theological roots of opposition to LGBTQ+ identity, with courage, clarity, and compassion.Far from attacking belief, this episode lovingly examines the scriptures so often used as weapons, offering scholarly, lived, and spirit-led rebuttals to restore dignity and truth. From Leviticus to Romans, from tradition to translation, we challenge the misreading that have caused real harm—and lift up a vision of faith that affirms, includes, and liberates.This is a truth-telling session for anyone who's been wounded by weaponized religion, who’s questioning, or simply longing for a more expansive theology. It's not just about defending queer lives—it's about reclaiming love as sacred.Because Pride is more than celebration—it's healing, it's resistance, and it's a resurrection of joy.
In this jam-packed episode of Spirit Talk Show, host Doyle welcomes back two fan favorites—master voiceover artist Chris Turek and multi-talented musician Howie—for a wild ride through cold reads, laughter, and the absurdly profound. From a haunted subway to collapsing ceilings, lost lemon bars, and post-apocalyptic bagels, no genre is off limits. Along the way, we tackle Shakespearean Goonies, Douglas Adams-style galactic nonsense, and even a heartfelt Martha Stewart tribute to the gay community.With over 45,000 plays and 4,000 subscribers this season, we’re celebrating our community of listeners, storytellers, and daydreamers. Come for the storytelling, stay for the chemistry, and maybe even send us your own weird and wonderful story idea.Want to be part of the show? Visit spirittalkshow.com to submit a prompt or join us in a future episode.
On this episode of Spirit Talk Show, actor and voice artist Chris Laird steps into the studio—and into the unknown. From background roles in 13 Reasons Why to award-winning performances in indie films, Chris shares the highs and hard truths of building a career in the film industry while staying grounded in Sacramento.But things take a turn when the conversation shifts to the paranormal. Chris recalls a chilling shoot inside Doyle’s own home—rumored to be haunted—and the eerie encounters that followed. Then, the two dive into the surreal and hilarious world of AI storytelling, performing The Emotional Support Demon (a tale of mistaken infernal identity) and Please Don’t Feed the Reflection (a horror script that asks more questions than it answers).It's a night of laughter, shadowy corners, and unexpected wisdom—because in the world of Spirit Talk, anything can happen.
In Part 2 of this soul-stirring conversation, Doyle and returning guest Vinny Masincupp explore what it means to belong—in a body, in a culture, and in a story. From a dark, obsessive tale of twisted love (“Keep You Safe”) to the radiant time-travel narrative “Becoming Ellis Rain,” this episode explores the edges of identity, language, and the power of literature to reshape our world.Vinny shares how his students channel their own cultural complexities into powerful, unexpected fiction, while Doyle opens up about growing up in Ireland, the trauma of silence, and the liberation that can happen when we speak—really speak. Together, they laugh, question, and even tear up a little as they examine how stories help us survive and imagine better futures.Highlights include:– Student-written stories with shocking twists and bold voices– A heartfelt fable about identity, borders, and color called “Colors”– Doyle’s original Dr. Seuss-style tale “The Confused Case of Mr. McGee”– Honest talk about queer liberation, Irish memory, and toxic masculinity– A call to normalize compliments and emotional honesty among menAs always, Spirit Talk Show blends the hilarious, the haunting, and the heartfelt. If you've ever felt caught between boxes—or longed to rewrite your past—this episode is for you.
In this luminous first half of a two-part conversation, Doyle welcomes back the ever-charismatic Vinny Masincupp—teacher, singer, globe-trotter, and heart-on-his-sleeve storyteller. Together, they dive into a dazzling mix of original and student-written poetry, from darkly comic postmodern tales to lyrical AI-generated verse that stirs the soul.Vinny reflects on life in Micronesia, his passion for teaching Asian literature, and the joys and challenges of being an educator in the age of AI. Along the way, we get laughter, Yapese language lessons (and chicken-egg jokes), reflections on love, identity, and the rhythms that make poetry resonate in the bones.This episode is a tapestry of wit, wisdom, and weirdness—and just the beginning.Highlights include:– “Spring: Herald of Doom” and “Is This Title Too Meta?”– A hauntingly beautiful AI poem, “Chrono Song”– Rush ticket tips for Broadway lovers– A cameo by Doyle’s son, Fynn– Poetic breakdowns, teacher truths, and plenty of laughsStay tuned for Part 2, where the stories—and surprises—continue to unfold.
Award-winning actor, producer, and storyteller John DeMakus joins Doyle in the studio for a deep and delightful episode packed with heart, humor, and unexpected time travel. From his acclaimed films Remember and Love Wins to his YouTube sports show and voiceover career, John shares the magic behind his work—and how one short film sparked a creative revival in an emerging actress.We explore:The emotional weight of short films and the art of leaving a lasting impact in 10 minutesThe power and pitfalls of AI in storytellingA haunting AI-generated radio play about a man who walks out of time—and back into a world that moved onA meta-theatrical comedy about unrequited love, the fourth wall, and toastersA hilarious 90s-style movie trailer parody with coffee, drama, and imaginary friendsAnd a moving tribute that reminds us why John’s voice truly resonatesTune in for stories that bend reality, explore loss and rediscovery, and remind us all of the joy in creating, connecting, and occasionally narrating life like a movie trailer.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7596978/ 📍 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and at SpiritTalkShow.com
Tags: #HeartfeltSciFi #CancerStoryline #FatherDaughter #EmotionalAudioDrama #SciFiPodcast #PalliativeCare #AIandGriefIn this deeply emotional chapter of The Invention of Liberation, the stakes shift from the technological to the profoundly personal. Jeff, once the resilient scientist and loving father, now finds himself battling not rogue robots, but his own failing body. As he picks up Ava from her last day of high school, the weight of terminal illness shadows their every word.⚕️ The Second Law of Thermodynamics isn't just a scientific principle—it becomes a metaphor for entropy, loss, and love. The episode unfolds in a raw, intimate space between hospital visits, whispered fears, and a daughter's desperate hope to save her father with code, love, and pure willpower.✨ Narrated with breathtaking honesty, this episode explores grief, mortality, and the enduring energy of connection between parent and child. It’s a meditation on what it means to live—and to say goodbye—on your own terms.Expect tears. Expect science. Expect soul.💔 If you've ever lost someone—or feared you might—this episode will find you, hold you, and stay with you.
In the most emotional and transformative episode of the season, Emergent Properties dives deep into the heart of what it means to be alive. Jeff, Ava, and Sandy return home from a devastating ordeal—haunted by loss, shadowed by killer robots, and fueled by the fragile hope of resurrection. But when Rosie reappears with a wag and a bark, everything changes.With the help of nanobots, neural mimicry, and a father’s unshakable love, Sandy is offered a new life in a mechanical body. Will it work? Can a cloth doll become fully alive? And what does it mean to carry love—and grief—into a new form?This chapter is a masterclass in character-driven sci-fi: tender, thrilling, and unexpectedly hilarious. It blends family bonds, technological wonder, and philosophical inquiry into a single, radiant story arc.🎧 Whether you're here for the high-stakes science fiction, the heartfelt storytelling, or the witty banter between hosts Chris Turek, Doyle, and Emrie (E.S. Oliver), this episode delivers.🔬 Emergent Properties challenges the very concept of consciousness and identity. Don’t miss the episode that redefines the limits of artificial intelligence, human emotion, and the power of connection.Tags: #SciFiPodcast #AIStorytelling #RobotRebirth #FamilyDrama #AudioDrama #ScienceFictionSeries
Jeff's hospital stay ends with a pudding heist, a stolen wheelchair moment, and a reality check no one saw coming. As he and Ava ride home, playful banter turns serious when breaking news reveals a robotics tragedy—one Jeff warned about before walking away from his job. Haunted by the fallout and the lives lost, he opens up about the danger he once tried to prevent. But in the midst of grief and regret, a new mission is born. Can Jeff and Ava find a way to stop history from repeating itself? Also: one dad joke too many.🎙 Featuring: Chris Turek, Doyle, and Emrie (ES Oliver)✨ Themes: AI ethics, grief, generational hope, and pudding puns
Starring Emery Oliver, Chris Turek & the ever-amazing HowieIn this emotionally charged and unexpectedly hilarious chapter, Jeff lies in a hospital bed after a radiation accident, trying to comfort his daughter Eva with terrible dad jokes and hopeful nanobot science. Between pudding mishaps, talking dolls, and fart jokes that refuse to grow old, this episode balances heartbreak and humor like only Spirit Talk Show can.With standout performances by Emery Oliver as the quick-witted Eva, Chris Turek’s vivid narration, and Doyle as the ailing but ever-hopeful Jeff, "Schrödinger’s Radiated Cat" asks what it means to face mortality—with laughter, love, and a little bit of radioactive sass.💥 Is Jeff’s science going to save him?🍫 Will pudding heal emotional wounds?🤖 And what really went wrong with Rosie the robot?Tune in and find out, only on Spirit Talk Show.
Just when things seemed to be settling down, Criticality detonates both literally and emotionally.In Chapter 8 of The Invention of Liberation, we find Ava and Sandy basking in the afterglow of a much-needed gelato run, dissolving schoolyard cruelties with laughter and cartoons. But back at the barn, Jeff has other plans—specifically, installing a plutonium core into Rosie in hopes of finally achieving sentient consciousness. What could go wrong?Cue: a glowing blue explosion, smoke, and the possibility of radiation poisoning.This episode blends slapstick sibling-style bickering with a sobering twist as the stakes skyrocket from tickle fights to emergency protocols. Through witty banter, tender exchanges, and a near-disastrous experiment, we’re reminded just how fragile—and powerful—family bonds can be.💥 Highlights:Unexpected nuclear physics meets heartfelt parentingSandy and Ava’s dynamic shines with comedy and compassionThe sharp edge of scientific failure and the softer side of fearRadiation pills, emergency packing, and an unforgettable line: “Call 911. I may have radiation poisoning.”This chapter escalates both the emotional depth and dramatic tension of the series, all while holding onto the heart and humor that makes Spirit Talk Show sing.🔊 Buckle in for a ride that’s part sitcom, part sci-fi thriller, and all heart.
Time jumps forward in this bittersweet and brilliant new chapter of The Invention of Liberation. Three years have passed—just like that—and Ava is no longer the tutu-wearing little girl from the orphanage, but a middle schooler facing a fresh round of challenges. Kids can be cruel, especially when you bring a beloved doll like Sandy to school. But as always, Ava’s support system—Jeff, Sandy, and a lot of love—rises to the occasion.While Jeff continues his quest to transfer Sandy’s consciousness into a robot body, this episode zooms in on the emotional relativity of growing up, being different, and staying true to yourself. From school bullies to mind control fantasies and spring-loaded boxing gloves, Chapter 7 is full of giggles, wisdom, and just enough sarcasm to sting the status quo.💡 Topics include:The awkward truth about middle schoolStanding tall when you're differentThe ongoing science experiment of Sandy's upgradeEmpowering advice for misfits, dreamers, and robot-loving kids everywhereA quick, heartfelt listen that blends resilience with relativity—and ends with a smile that’s impossible not to return.🔊 Let’s get into it.
In this heartwarming and hilarious new chapter, the Spirit Talk Show crew—Doyle, Emrie (ES Oliver), Chris Turek, and a cameo from the ever-adorable Howie—return for another installment of their AI-generated radio play The Invention of Liberation. This week’s episode dives into Chapter 6, “The Uncertainty Principle,” where science, soul, and surprises collide.Ava, Sandy, and Jeff continue their wild journey through trauma, tea parties, and technology. When a secret door in the barn reveals Jeff’s hidden underground lab, Ava is faced with the reality of possibly transferring Sandy’s consciousness into a robot body. But can memories survive a digital leap? And what happens when your favorite robotic pup becomes part of the experiment?From whirring tools and diodes to a failed consciousness transfer and a few unexpectedly tender moments, this episode blends sci-fi adventure with emotional depth—and a whole lot of giggles.💡 Topics include:DIY robotics and ethical dilemmasThe magic of memory and identityWholesome chaos in a makeshift familySound gaffes, Big Bang Theory jokes, and charming misstepsA story of resilience, love, and the courage to try again—even when the science doesn’t work the first time.🔊 Tune in, wind down, and let your imagination play.
In this immersive episode of Spirit Talk Show, host Doyle is joined by acclaimed author ES Oliver, voice talent Chris Turek, and the ever-insightful Howie for a powerful exploration of storytelling, loss, and resilience. Together, they bring to life The Invention of Liberation, a gripping sci-fi radio play that blends personal grief with the transformative power of creativity.As the story unfolds, a child forms an unexpected bond that challenges the limits of connection, healing, and the meaning of family. With rich character dynamics, emotional depth, and moments of humor, this episode is a journey through friendship, mental health, and the magic of storytelling itself. Tune in and experience a world where loss gives way to liberation.
In part two of my conversation with the kind and insightful Hudson Reyes, we continue exploring AI-generated stories and the emotions they spark. Hudson’s deep empathy and intelligence bring a unique depth to our discussion, as we reflect on storytelling, human connection, and the ways fiction often mirrors real-life experiences.Of course, no conversation with Hudson would be complete without more tales of his incredible dog, Chomps—the loyal companion who brings as much joy as he does mischief. We dive into the special bond between people and their pets, the quiet wisdom animals offer, and how they shape our lives in unexpected ways.With humor, heart, and thoughtful reflection, this episode is a reminder of the power of kindness, understanding, and the stories that bring us all together. Grab a cozy seat, maybe a furry friend, and tune in for another unforgettable chat.
On this episode of Spirit Talk Show, I’m joined by the kind, brilliant, and deeply empathetic Hudson Reyes, a soul who brings warmth and wisdom to every conversation. Calling Yuba City home, Hudson shares his unique perspective on life, emotions, and the beauty of human (and canine!) connection—including stories about his amazing dog, Chomps, who might just steal the show.Together, we read AI-generated stories and reflect on their themes, weaving in Hudson’s thoughts on compassion, intelligence, and the power of understanding others. Whether he’s discussing the quiet strength of empathy or the profound bond between people and their pets, Hudson’s insight makes this episode one of deep reflection and genuine heart.Join us for an evening of storytelling, laughter, and a reminder that kindness is one of the most extraordinary superpowers of all.
In this second part of my conversation with the ever-charming Connor Dean, we continue exploring AI-generated storytelling while diving deeper into the experiences that shaped him. From growing up Mormon in a small farming town to discovering his own path through photography, anime, carpentry, and design, Connor reflects on the moments that defined his journey.We discuss the art of creation—whether it’s building something with his hands, capturing the perfect shot, or finding inspiration in vintage cars and classic aesthetics. Connor also opens up about love, loss, and the joy of sharing life’s little luxuries, from champagne-fueled kitchen experiments to growing plants that bring life into a space.With humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, Connor’s story reminds us that the past is always present in the things we cherish. So, settle in for more AI storytelling, deep conversations, and a celebration of the beauty found in the details of life.
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