Bell Cow Productions: Podcasts

🐮 Welcome to the Bell Cow Book Club, a live monthly podcast from Bell Cow Productions.

This one is a little different from our usual shows. No edits. No safety net. No second take. Just a real-time conversation about a book, shared with readers, writers, and anyone who loves talking about stories after the last page.

Each month, Bell Cow cohosts Rob Jung and Michael MacBride will choose a book connected to the Bell Cow community, including authors from the Bell Cow Cattle-Log, guests from our podcast network, and writers featured through Minnesota Mystery Night. We can’t promise we’ll get to every deserving author, but we can promise to keep spreading the love, the attention, and the conversation around.

📚 This Month’s Book: The Butcher and the Liar by S.L. Woeppel

We’re kicking off the Bell Cow Book Club with S.L. Woeppel’s The Butcher and the Liar, a psychological thriller that moves through memory, trauma, secrets, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

If S.L. Woeppel’s name sounds familiar, it may be because she was featured at Minnesota Mystery Night in March. Now we’re taking a closer look at her book in a live, unedited conversation.

Here’s how to join the herd:

🐮 Read the book ahead of time

🐮 Email us your thoughts and questions at [email protected]

🐮 Join us live and ask questions in real time

🐮 Or just listen along and enjoy the conversation

📅 Live: May 13 at 7 PM Central

⏱️ Length: About 30 minutes

📍 Future episodes: Second Wednesday of each month

Learn more about Bell Cow Productions at:

https://www.bellcowproductions.com

#BellCowBookClub #BellCowProductions #BookTube #BookClub #LivePodcast #AuthorInterview #MinnesotaAuthors #MysteryBooks #ThrillerBooks #SLWoeppel #TheButcherAndTheLiar #ReadersOfYouTube #BellCow

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by author M.B. Panichi, whose science-fiction novel Blood and Roses blends queer romance, political intrigue, and far-future world-building. Panichi writes with a deep sense of character and emotional resonance, crafting stories that explore loyalty, identity, and what it means to fight for the people you love.

Their work features richly imagined worlds and complex, flawed protagonists navigating both external battles and inner transformation. Panichi is also a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ storytelling and a contributor to Bold Strokes Books, where they work with and champion queer authors across genres.

You can learn more about M.B. Panichi at: https://mbpanichi.wordpress.com/

Their books—including Blood and Roses—are available wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Panichi talks about building queer futures, writing character-driven sci-fi, and balancing high-stakes plotting with emotional depth.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

🚨 What do we expect from law enforcement in real life, and why are we so fascinated by fictional officers who bend the rules?

In this episode of Bell Cow Field Notes, hosts Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride are joined by retired police commander and ethics instructor Joseph Moravchik, along with authors Judy M. Kerr, Tracy Clark, Craig Johnson, and Doug Dorow, for a thoughtful conversation about police ethics, fictional law enforcement, moral ambiguity, and the complicated humanity behind the badge.

🗓️ Released during National Police Week, this discussion explores why readers are drawn to characters who operate in the gray, why perfection is such a loaded expectation for law enforcement, and how fiction can open up deeper conversations about judgment, duty, trauma, loyalty, power, and the burden of being human in systems that demand so much.

🐮 Bell Cow Field Notes brings together expert guests and a panel of authors to explore the real-world material behind great fiction. Built from the Bell Cow network of Author Round-Up, StoryLab, the Cattle-log, and the wider literary world, Field Notes is where research meets imagination, and where writers get to ask smarter questions in very good company.

🎙️ Guests featured in this episode:

Joseph Moravchik

Retired City of Racine police commander, former field trainer and major crimes officer, and current instructor in ethics, constitutional law, seizure law, tactics, and criminology for police and state patrol cadets. He also hosts College on the Radio.

https://www.collegeontheradio.com

Judy M. Kerr

Author of the MC McCall mysteries featuring a U.S. Postal Inspector, and a retired investigator with 34 years in the U.S. Postal Service.

https://www.judymkerr.com

Tracy Clark

Award-winning author of the Cass Raines Chicago Mystery series and the Detective Harriet Foster series, featuring Chicago law enforcement characters at the center of the story.

https://tracyclarkbooks.com

Craig Johnson

New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mysteries, the novels that inspired Longmire.

https://www.craigallenjohnson.com

Doug Dorow

Minnesota thriller writer, writing coach, and author of FBI thrillers featuring Special Agent Jack Miller and the Hostage Rescue Team.

https://www.douglasdorow.com

📚 If you enjoy conversations where research, ethics, profession, and fiction all collide, subscribe, like, and follow Bell Cow Productions.

🌐 Learn more about Bell Cow Productions:

https://www.bellcowproductions.com

#BellCowProductions #BellCow #FieldNotes #PoliceEthics #CrimeFiction #MysteryWriters #ThrillerWriters #LawEnforcement #WritingResearch #CraigJohnson #TracyClark #JudyMKerr #DougDorow

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota author Beth M. James, whose newest novel The Orb Lady: Cali’s Story blends women’s fiction, paranormal elements, and emotional drama into a compelling, character-driven tale. Beth writes stories about reinvention, healing, and the unexpected paths life offers when we’re brave enough to listen.

A lifelong Minnesotan and former project manager, Beth brings structure and heart to her writing—her plots are tightly woven, but always anchored in character growth. Her work often explores transformation and second chances, blending realism with touches of the mystical and mysterious.

You can learn more about Beth at: https://www.bethmjames.com/

Her books—including The Orb Lady—are available wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Beth talks about writing reinvention arcs, the role of intuition in storytelling, and how blending the paranormal with everyday life opens emotional doors for readers.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

🚨 Welcome to Fresh Off the Stack, the Bell Cow Productions podcast where Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride sit down with authors to talk about brand-new books just as they arrive in the world. This series is all about new releases, the stories behind them, and the conversations that happen when a book is still fresh in readers’ hands.

🖊️ In each episode, we talk with authors about inspiration, process, research, surprises, and what readers can expect when they open the cover. Some conversations focus on craft, some on publication, and some on the real-world ideas behind the story, but every episode begins with a new book and a chance to give it a proper welcome.

🌲 This episode digs into Backwoods Crossing by Joe Egan, released April 28, 2026. In this conversation, we talk with Joe about the novel, its origins, and what readers can expect from this new Jack Walker thriller. If you’re a fan of suspense, danger, and stories that keep moving, this one is for you.

📖 Buy a copy, and learn more about the book here:

https://www.joeeganbooks.com/shop/p/backwoods-crossing

📍 Joe’s events and appearances can be found here:

https://www.joeeganbooks.com/events

🐮 Learn more about Bell Cow Productions at:

https://www.bellcowproductions.com

#FreshOffTheStack #BellCowProductions #BookTube #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #JoeEgan #BackwoodsCrossing #Thriller #NewBookRelease #ReadersOfYouTube #BellCow

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by author and educator Colleen Baldrica, whose enduring book Tree Spirited Woman has touched thousands of readers with its blend of spirituality, personal reflection, and gentle guidance. Part memoir, part inspiration, part parable, Colleen’s work invites readers to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with meaning in their daily lives.

A longtime Minnesota teacher and administrator, Colleen wrote Tree Spirited Woman as a way to share wisdom across generations—lessons on resilience, authenticity, and the power of living with intention. The book continues to be a favorite among book clubs, spiritual communities, and readers seeking nourishment for both heart and mind.

You can learn more about Colleen at: https://colleenbaldrica.com/

Her book is available wherever books are sold.

In this episode, Colleen talks about the origins of Tree Spirited Woman, the role of storytelling in healing, and the timeless power of women’s wisdom.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

Welcome to Fresh Off the Stack, the Bell Cow Productions podcast where Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride sit down with authors to talk about brand-new books just as they arrive in the world. This series is all about new releases, the stories behind them, and the conversations that happen when a book is still fresh in readers’ hands.

In each episode, we talk with authors about inspiration, process, research, surprises, and what readers can expect when they open the cover. Some conversations focus on craft, some on publication, and some on the real-world ideas behind the story, but every episode begins with a new book and a chance to give it a proper welcome.

This episode digs into Goodbye Demons by JJ Harrigan, released today, April 24, 2026. On Harrigan’s official book page, the novel is described as the story of Angie Fernandez Parnell, whose figure skating career ends after injuries, leading her into the Peace Corps, a romance with U.S. diplomat James Whitcomb, and then the ordeal of the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

Buy a copy, and learn more about the book here:

https://jjharrigan.com/books/goodbye-demons/

Learn more about Bell Cow Productions at: https://www.bellcowproductions.com

#FreshOffTheStack #BellCowProductions #BellCow #JJHarrigan #GoodbyeDemons #NewBookRelease #BookTube #AuthorInterview #ReadersOfYouTube #HistoricalFiction #BookPodcast

The weekly Bell Cow Herd Podcast, hosted by authors, Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride, rounds up the best voices from the Bell Cow Cattle-log and the wider publishing world—publishers, authors, editors and more—to shine a light on the people who compose the remarkable Midwestern literary community. With short, punchy chats, exclusive author readings, and deep dives into their background and craft, you’ll get to know, like never before, the people who embellish our lives via the written word.

The podcast rings the bell loud and clear, guiding you straight to your next favorite author, maybe even one who writes in your own backyard. Join the herd. Give the round-up a listen: subscribe, like, and follow!

Today we’re joined by Minnesota mystery and LGBTQ+ fiction author Jessie Chandler, whose upcoming novel Change of Venue continues her beloved Shay O’Hanlon Caper Series. Jessie’s writing is known for its humor, heart, queer representation, and fast-moving plotlines—books full of lovable mischief makers, hard-won justice, and delightfully tangled situations.

A former police officer, bookseller, and longtime volunteer with writing organizations, Jessie brings an irrepressible energy to everything she does. She’s a past president of the Golden Crown Literary Society, a Lambda Literary Award winner, and an enthusiastic mentor for emerging LGBTQ+ authors. Her novels celebrate community, resilience, and the joy of chosen family.

You can learn more about Jessie at: https://www.jessiechandler.com/

Her books—including Change of Venue—are available wherever books are sold, and Minnesota readers can find her earlier mysteries at Once Upon a Crime: https://onceuponacrimebooks.com/

In this episode, Jessie talks about writing queer capers, balancing comedy with crime, and building a series that keeps readers returning for more chaos and heart.

You can find out more about your hosts: Rob and Michael at their webpages (https://robjungwriter.com/ and https://www.michaelmacbride.com).

And, of course, you can find everything about Bell Cow at the official webpage: https://www.bellcowproductions.com (🐮 -- moo!)

#bellcow #bellcowproductions #interviews #authors #roundup #bellcowroundup

Mystery Conversations: A Bell Cow Podcast brings the best of Minnesota Mystery Night to listeners everywhere. These episodes are recorded live, in front of an audience, at the long-running monthly event that pairs top mystery and thriller writers with smart, engaging interviewers for lively, unscripted conversation. Expect craft talk, publishing stories, crime-fiction gossip of the respectable variety, and the kind of audience energy you only get when book people gather in a room together. Minnesota Mystery Night describes itself as a live, meet-the-author event featuring mystery and thriller writers in conversation with intriguing guests, held on the third Monday of each month in Mendota, Minnesota.

These Bell Cow encore presentations preserve those live conversations and give them a second life beyond the room. They also connect to Masters of Mystery Radio Hour, the broadcast version of Minnesota Mystery Night, which is recorded live at the event and carried on multiple radio stations in Minnesota and South Dakota, including KRWC-AM, AM950/KTNF, KTOE, KLTF, KCCR, KKBJ, and KWNO. Bell Cow Productions, meanwhile, exists to support writers through podcasts, resources, and behind-the-scenes literary conversation, which makes this series a natural fit for the herd.

Originally recorded 1/19/2026: renowned crime writer David Housewright joins motion picture producer, writer, and filmmaker Patrick Coyle for an evening of sharp conversation recorded in front of an audience at Minnesota Mystery Night. Expect stories from the writing life, reflections on crime fiction and storytelling, and the kind of easy back-and-forth that happens when two seasoned narrative minds meet in a room full of mystery fans. This conversation was first presented live at Minnesota Mystery Night and now returns as an encore from Bell Cow Productions. It is also part of the larger Masters of Mystery Radio Hour tradition, which brings these live conversations to regional radio audiences.

David Housewright is an Edgar Award-winning crime novelist and a past president of the Private Eye Writers of America. His work includes the Rushmore McKenzie and Holland Taylor novels, and his books have earned three Minnesota Book Awards.

https://www.davidhousewright.com

Patrick Coyle is a writer, actor, artistic director, and filmmaker. His film Detective Fiction was an official Sundance selection, and Into Temptation played internationally and won awards at the Newport Beach and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festivals. He is also the artistic director of Mariah Theatre Company in St. Paul.

https://newplayexchange.org/users/13681/patrick-coyle

Bell Cow Productions: https://www.bellcowproductions.com

Minnesota Mystery Night: https://www.mnmysterynight.com

Masters of Mystery Radio Hour: https://www.mnmysterynight.com/mmrh

#MysteryConversations #MinnesotaMysteryNight #DavidHousewright

Bell Cow StoryLab is our monthly author panel series, hosted by authors Rob Jung and Michael David MacBride. Each episode brings multiple writers into one craft-focused conversation, spotlighting how books actually get built. Scene by scene, choice by choice.

In The Mystery of the Ordinary, we start with a deceptively hard question: how do you turn everyday life (a grocery store parking lot, a quiet marriage, a small-town lunch counter) into something unputdownable? We talk about mundane sparks that become story engines, “quiet” tension that still grips, emotional stakes that land like explosives, and the craft tools that keep pages turning: subtext, timing, withheld information, micro-twists, secrets, and the ordinary object that becomes a symbol.

Today’s panelists (bios + links)--

Christine Husom: A central Minnesota author known for crime fiction that blends police-procedural realism with cozy-adjacent charm, often filtered through a sharp eye for what people hide in plain sight.https://www.christinehusom.com/

John Heckenlaible: Born and raised in southern Minnesota, he writes contemporary, small-town, character-driven fiction that leans nostalgic, funny, and emotionally honest. He splits his time between Scottsdale, Arizona and New Prague, Minnesota.https://jjheckenlaible.com/

Michael Allan Mallory: A Twin Cities metro crime-fiction writer whose work lives in mystery and thriller territory, often mixing classic detective energy with a playful streak and an eye for the odd corners of human behavior.https://www.snakejones.com/

Marjorie Mathison Hance: Based in Minneapolis, she writes Minnesota-set murder mysteries steeped in lake-country atmosphere, where community history, routine, and relationships create the pressure that drives the story.https://mmhance.com/

Connect with the hosts--

Rob Jung: https://robjungwriter.com/

Michael David MacBride: https://www.michaelmacbride.com/

Everything Bell Cow: https://www.bellcowproductions.com/

#BellCow #BellCowProductions #BellCowStoryLab #StoryLab #AuthorPanel #WritingCraft #AmWriting #MysteryWriters #PageTurners #FictionWriting