Stories have power. They shape how we see ourselves, how we love, and how we grow. In this podcast, author John Russell explores why certain characters linger long after the last page and what they reveal about our own journeys. With a mix of literary insight, personal reflection, and faith-driven wisdom, each episode invites you to see characters not just as companions in fiction, but as guides for life. Settle in for a conversation that feels like coffee with a friend thoughtful, honest, and deeply human. 

What if the hardest chapters of your life are actually the turning points of your story?

Hosted by author and storyteller John Russell, the HojoPress Podcast explores how fiction and real life often mirror one another. With literary insight, personal reflection, and honest conversation, each episode invites you to rethink your own narrative, especially in seasons of doubt, transition, or quiet growth. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or simply a human in progress, you'll find encouragement to keep showing up, pay attention to the clues, and trust that your story still matters.

In this week’s episode, John Russell unpacks the power of foreshadowing, not just in fiction, but in real life. Through personal reflection and literary insight, he explores how quiet moments often hold the clues to major turning points. Whether it's a line, you once overlooked or a second chance disguised as an ending, this episode will help you notice what matters most. Listen now and discover the hidden threads already shaping your story.

Life doesn’t come with spoiler alerts. And yet, like a great mystery, our personal stories unfold with twists we never saw coming. In this episode’s final and most powerful segment, we turn the lens from fiction to real life—and ask: What if you’re living your twist right now?

Drawing on narrative psychology and the work of Dr. Dan McAdams, Segment 6 explores how we don’t just live stories—we author them. Those unexpected moments, confusing decisions, and lost chances? They’re not failures. They might be foreshadowing.

Host and mystery writer [Your Name] invites listeners to reflect on their own life plotlines. With warmth and insight, this segment reframes setbacks as red herrings and encourages you to trust the arc you’re living—even if it doesn’t make sense yet. You’ll hear comforting truths: clarity often comes in hindsight, healing happens in the in-between, and you’re allowed to revise your story.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you're off course, this segment is your gentle reminder: maybe you’re just turning the page. Maybe the twist that changes everything is closer than you think.

Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply someone navigating a chapter that feels uncertain, Segment 6 offers perspective, hope, and the empowering reminder that you are the protagonist—and your story is still unfolding.

Tune in. Reflect. And maybe discover the clues hidden in your own journey.

 Why do some characters stay with us long after the last page? In this episode of the HojoPress Podcast, we explore what makes fictional people feel so real. Whether you're a reader who falls for found families or a writer trying to build one, you’ll find something here. We’ll talk about character-driven cozy mysteries, how powerful personalities shape stories, and even influence marketing, and why everyday heroism matters more than high-speed chases. You'll also get behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, plus a few laughs from early self-publishing missteps. Come for the mystery, stay for the heart. 

 John Russell, founder of HojoPress Publishing, shares his company's story, the challenges and triumphs of independent publishing, and the inspiration for the Investigation Series. He also shares dedicated services for indie authors. Tune in to get inspired, sharpen your craft, and join our storytelling community.